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Communication for the staff and faculty of
The University of Texas at Dallas |
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Wednesday, August 26, 2020 |
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COVID-19 Information, Resources
During the disruption of regular services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Communications is maintaining a collection of information and resources for staff, faculty and students. For the latest information, visit the COVID-19 website, which will be updated frequently with FAQs and the latest information.
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HR Forum Scheduled for Sept. 2
The Office of Human Resources will host its next HR Forum from 10-11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 2, as a Microsoft Teams live event. Please install Microsoft Teams prior to joining. If you need assistance, contact the Help Desk.
Unlike a traditional Teams meeting, you are not able to “dial in” to a live event. Audio will stream from your computer. Please ensure your speakers are on or use a headset connected to your device. Closed captioning is available, and there will be a moderated Q-and-A forum.
Join the HR Forum and share this link with your colleagues. Please refer to the agenda:
- Welcome and general announcements: Colleen Dutton, chief human resources officer
- Standing Items for HR Forum
- You Asked, We Answered
- Updates:, Return to campus, Living Our Values Task Force
- Guest Presentations
- Sexual Misconduct and Changes in Title IX: Marco Mendoza, senior director of Institutional Compliance, Equity, and Title IX Initiatives
- Safe Zone Training: Matt Winser-Johns, assistant director with the Galerstein Gender Center
- Telecommuting guidelines for fall 2020 and beyond: Colleen Dutton
- Taking Care of Ourselves - Resources for our well-being: Colleen Dutton
- Benefits: Marita Yancey, senior director with the Office of Human Resources
- Changes in faculty cancellation of coverage
- Benefits processing reminders
- Benefits and wellness
- Employment and Compensation
- Find Out Fridays employment forum, 10 a.m., Friday, Sept. 11: Nancy Joseph, Employment and Compensation Manager –
- Talent Development
- Fall Update: Jillian McNally, talent development specialist
- Closing comments
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Faculty Survey: Students and Safety Measures
The University of Texas at Dallas seeks feedback about students’ use of face coverings and practicing social distancing. Faculty who are teaching in-person classes are invited to fill out the Qualtrics survey.
For more information about what is expected of students on campus, please visit Comets Return to Campus Students Guide.
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Newly Promoted Faculty Members
As a result of the 2019-2020 review of faculty, The University of Texas at Dallas recognized the promotions of the following tenure and tenure-track faculty:
Promoted to Full Professor
- Dr. Matthew Brown, School of Arts and Humanities (AH)
- Dr. Amy Pinkham, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences (BBS)
- Dr. Carlos Busso-Recabarren, Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS)
- Dr. Neeraj Mittal, ECS
- Dr. Sriraam Natarajan, ECS
- Dr. Tien Nguyen, ECS
- Dr. Haim Schweitzer, ECS
- Dr. Meghna Sabharwal, School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (EPPS)
- Dr. Jianqing Chen, Jindal School of Management (JSOM)
- Dr. Orlando Richard, JSOM
- Dr. Jun Xia, JSOM
- Dr. Ying Xie, JSOM
- Dr. David Lary, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM)
- Dr. Anton Malko, NSM
Promoted to Associate Professor and Granted Tenure
- Dr. Olivia Banner, School of Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication (ATEC)
- Dr. Angela Lee, ATEC
- Sean McComber MFA’14, ATEC
- Dr. Seth Hays, ECS
- Dr. Giacomo Iungo, ECS
- Dr. Lingming Zhang, ECS
- Dr. Anthony Cummings, EPPS
- Dr. Evgenia Gorina, EPPS
- Dr. Maria Loumioti, JSOM
- Dr. Anyan Qi, JSOM
- Dr. Shaojie Tang, JSOM
- Dr. Maxim Arnold, NSM
- Dr. Nikki Delk, NSM
- Dr. Yifei Lou, NSM
- Dr. Lloyd Lumata, NSM
- Dr. Tomoki Ohsawa, NSM
- Dr. Anh Tran, NSM
- Dr. Fan Zhang, NSM
Reappointed as Associate Professor and Granted Tenure
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Economic Research Results for August
The number of Texas public high school seniors who choose UT Dallas for college has grown tremendously in the past eight years. Find out which districts create the most new Comets in Economic Development’s new report, DFW’s Future Freshmen: How UT Dallas Can Capitalize on Local Students, Part II.
Regional job postings grew slightly this past June, but were still below what was experienced 12 months earlier. Get employment figures for the Dallas-Fort Worth area’s most demanded jobs in the latest DFW Labor Market Update.
For more information on UT Dallas, our local economy and how each affects the other, please contact Rachel Brasier in the F&ED Economic Development team.
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Comet Cents Offers Finance Education Courses
UT Dallas provides financial literacy programming for classes and programs. The Comet Cents Money Management Center offers free education to currently enrolled students on personal financial topics such as saving/budgeting, credit management, student loans, identity theft and financial responsibilities after college.
Students can virtually meet one-on-one with a peer advisor certified in personal finance, attend online drop-in workshops, and engage in certification programs. Students who complete one of this fall's Smart About Money workshop series will receive a personal finance certificate by registering at Smart About Money Fall 2020.
Faculty, staff or student groups can request a fall online presentation. Comet Cents even has a podcast, called Change Matters! Follow Comet Cents on Instagram for more information on workshops and other events. |
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High-Performance Computing Systems Move to Regional Data Center
The Cyber-Infrastructure Research Computing (CIRC) team in the Office of Information Technology (OIT) recently completed the move of its high-performance computing systems, Europa and Ganymede, to the Arlington Regional Data Center (ARDC). The ARDC is one of three UT System data centers governed by the UT Shared Data Center (SDC) group on behalf of the UT System.
The growth of the new system, Europa, will allow researchers to increase their scientific calculations. The service is provided free to UTD researchers.
“The CIRC team is excited to offer a new state-of-the-art data center to host UTD Cyber infrastructure for both CIRC and the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics to help UTD researchers complete world-class research,” said Dr. Jerry Perez, director of CI operations. “The move to the ARDC will give UTD researchers more room to grow and more opportunities to collaborate with other University of Texas System universities. CIRC high-performance computing is moving at the Speed of Bright!
For more information, contact Jerry Perez or email [email protected].
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Employee Resource Group Virtual Annual Meeting
The Office of Diversity and Community Engagement invites staff and faculty to attend the Employee Resource Group Virtual Annual Meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Thursday, Sept. 10. The theme of the meeting is How to Relaunch Back to Work: During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Social Change. The event will be held on Microsoft Teams.
For more information, visit the Comet Calendar entry. |
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Rescheduled: Mammogram Mobile Unit Will Visit on Sept. 11
The UT Southwestern mobile mammography unit will visit the Loading Zone North of the Activity Center from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., on Friday, Sept. 11. Call 214-645-2560 or 866-277-0710 with your health insurance information to schedule an appointment. Most insurance plans are accepted.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention safety precautions will be followed. Only one patient will be allowed at a time in the mobile unit. Temperature checks will be done and masks are required.
For more information, contact [email protected].
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Sign Up for Naturally Slim Fall Session
UT Benefits is partnering again with Naturally Slim to offer you the secret sauce to losing weight and feeling great in times of adversity — at no cost to you.
Application period is Monday, Aug. 31 through Saturday, Sept. 11. The Naturally Slim program starts on Monday, Sept. 28.
No gimmicks. No food you need to buy. Naturally Slim simply helps you change the way you think about food. Space is limited. Visit naturallyslim.com/livingwell to apply and learn more.
The Naturally Slim program is available to all UT Select and UT Connect medical plan members age 18 and above, including employees, retirees, spouses and dependents who have not started a class within the last 12 months. |
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BrainHealth Conference Scheduled for Sept. 11
The Center for BrainHealth is partnering with Inova Neuroscience and Spine Institute to present a comprehensive overview of the emerging field of enhancing brain health. The 4th Annual Art and Science of BrainHealth Conference will be from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Central, Friday, Sept. 11.
The conference will offer evidence-based practices to address neurocognitive disorders and healthy aging of the brain, while exploring concussions and headaches, treatment options for youths with brain injuries, and education of patients on lifestyle changes and interventions necessary to optimize brain health. Speakers include Center for BrainHealth researchers.
The conference is free to attend, but registration is required. |
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Office of Research Events
Comet Corner Series: Dr. Stacey Boland, noon, Wednesday, Aug. 26 — Join the Office of Research in partnership with the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics as they welcome UTD alumna Dr. Stacey Boland BS'00, principal systems engineer for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and project systems engineer for the Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols Earth Venture Instrument. Boland is also the operations lead for the JPL Ventilator Intervention Technology Accessible Locally (VITAL) project, which resulted in two ventilator designs being granted Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Registration for the Aug. 26 event is required. For more information, email Anricka Ziller.
Center Stage Seminar Series, 3 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26 — Dr. Michael Rugg, professor in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and director of the Center for Vital Longevity, will showcase research taking place at the center. Registration for Rugg's talk is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
Idea Pop: Fall Kickoff Event during Weeks of Welcome, 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26 — Students, staff, faculty and alumni are invited to join the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Idea Pop. Meet the team, learn about the resources and programs, and hear from inspiring speakers. Claudia Reuter, general manager of Techstars, will present “How to Validate Your Business Idea,” and Daron K. Roberts, former NFL coach and Harvard Law graduate, will present “The Art of Risk-Taking.” Registration for Idea Pop is required. For more information, email Dresden Goldberg.
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training, noon, Thursday, Aug. 27 — The Student Wellness Center will share important information on how to detect when someone may be considering suicide and acquire the skills to help prevent it. Information about resources and suicide among college students will be included. Registration for QPR is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
Lab to Launch: Early Stage Deal Structures, noon-12:45 p.m., Monday, Aug. 31 — Bryan Chambers, vice president of Capital Factory's Accelerator and general partner in Capital Factory's Venture Capital fund, will give a crash course on the most common investment structures used by founders and startups to raise angel and venture capital. The Lab to Launch series is sponsored by the Office of Research at the University of Texas at Dallas, in partnership with the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Blackstone LaunchPad. Registration for Lab to Launch is required. For more information, email Anricka Ziller.
Research 411 Talk Show: Federal Requirements for Reporting Research Support, 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 1 — Federal agencies are increasing their expectations for transparency from funding recipients about the details of their research support and relationships; however, funding agencies have not agreed on a unified approach for researchers to report funding, collaborations and other relationships related to their funded activities. This discussion will offer details about federal requirements for reporting research support and best practices researchers can use to ensure they are meeting agency expectations. You can also visit the Office of Research webpage or email [email protected] for more information. Registration for Sept. 1’s Research 411 is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
Research 411 Talk Show: Bacterial Infections and Vaccinations, 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 8 — Dr. Nicole De Nisco and Dr. Jeremiah Gassensmith will discuss their research on bacterial infections and the development of a whole-cell bacterial vaccination. Registration for Sept. 8’s Research 411 is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
Lake Pharma COVID Vaccine Development, noon, Tuesday, Sept. 8 — Dr. Hua Tu, founder and CEO of LakePharma, will present LakePharma's SARS-CoV2 vaccine program and cover various aspects of product development. LakePharma is a U.S.-based Biologics contract research, development and manufacturing services organization (CRDMO) that provides integrated solutions ranging from discovery to engineering, development and good manufacturing practice. The company specializes in the production and evaluation of proteins, antibodies, DNA vectors, viral vectors and cell lines. Registration for the Lake Pharma session is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
Center Stage Seminar Series, 3 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 9 — Dr. Monica Rankin, associate professor in the School of Arts and Humanities and director of the Center for U.S.-Latin America Initiatives, will showcase research taking place at the center. Registration for the seminar series is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
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Reminders
Return to Campus Process Summary
UT Dallas is committed to ensuring a healthy environment for work, study and research. As the University resumes onsite operations, please see the Return to Campus Process Summary. Note that this page reflects the current status of the campus, which, at this time, is “expanded essential personnel.“
- Vice presidents or deans will submit their unit return plans to the Office of Emergency Management and Continuity Planning (OEMCP) for review and approval. Deans will submit their plans through the Provost's Office.
- Once approved, supervisors will need to elect employees who are returning to campus by using an online form. All employees who will report to UT Dallas facilities to perform work duties must be elected, even if they will be reporting for limited times.
- Individual employees will be notified to complete online training through eLearning, regarding safe return to campus operations.
- All individuals who are elected to report to campus will receive daily health check emails. Employees who are not elected to work on campus will not participate in daily health screenings.
Employees should follow the guidelines and protocols detailed in the Comets Return to Campus workplace guide and delivered in the training program, as well as the directions of their supervisor for returning to work on campus. Supervisors are responsible and accountable for ensuring protocols are followed.
Faculty or staff members who are currently reporting to campus — either intermittently or regularly — and are not currently receiving the daily health screening survey should work with their supervisor to be added to the email list.
Important Information About Absences for Fiscal Year End
For the purposes of Fiscal Year End, the Office of Human Resources asks that all employees submit absence occurrences (sick/vacation) as they occur during August. Enter and submit all outstanding absence entries immediately if you have any outstanding entries from previous months.
All absence requests (sick/vacation) up to and including Aug. 31 must be submitted and approved by midnight, Aug. 31. All remaining saved and unapproved absences in the system as of Aug. 31 will be deemed as approved and will be processed by Human Resources and deducted from employees' balances to ensure accuracy of the carry over balances for year-end financial reporting purposes.
When you submit your absence entries, please make sure the status reads “Needs Approval.” If the status reads “Saved,” then the time has not been submitted for approval.
Please contact Susan Lerry, Leave Analyst in Benefits at [email protected], with any questions or assistance with submitting or approving absence time (sick/vacation).
Review Oct. 1 Paycheck for Correct Benefits Selections
Your Oct. 1 paycheck will reflect benefit deductions for the coverage you selected during the 2020-21 annual benefits enrollment. New hires and newly benefits-eligible employees' benefits enrollments or changes made after Monday, Sept. 14 may not be reflected on your October paycheck. As applicable, you will have retroactive contributions on your November paycheck. The Office of Human Resources strongly recommends that you compare your paycheck deductions with the benefits confirmation available to be printed or viewed through My UT Benefits.
You must report any discrepancies to the Office of Human Resources – Employee Benefits Services by Saturday, Oct. 31. Discrepancies due to clerical/administrative errors that are reported by this date will be reviewed and may be changed in accordance with the UT System administrative policy and requirements. The UT institution benefits offices are not permitted to approve any error reported beyond 31 days. All error correction requests beyond the 31-day period will be forwarded to the UT System Office of Employee Benefits (OEB) with appropriate explanation and documentation from the employee. If approved, OEB will determine the effective date based on the specific circumstances. All OEB decisions are final.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please email [email protected] or contact a Benefits Administrator.
Connect with Colleagues at Watercooler Wednesday
It's important to take breaks and stay in touch with colleagues as many staff and faculty work remotely. You are invited to virtually connect with colleagues on Watercooler Wednesday through a Microsoft Teams live event at 10-10:15 a.m. and 3-3:15 p.m. Each session will include a wellness activity. Join early or hang around after and visit with colleagues and meet new folks.
Visit the Campus Wellness Committee site for more information about Watercooler Wednesday and other virtual resources related to wellness.
Sips & Science Reveals Ways to Make Friends With Your Mind
Join the Center for BrainHealth for the next edition of Virtual Sips & Science: Making Friends With Your Mind - The Modern Day Superpower, from 7- 8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 27. Happiness specialist Monique Rhodes will share practical advice to increase happiness, decrease stress levels and positively transform your life. Watch a short message from Rhodes.
The virtual event is free, but registration for Sips & Science is encouraged, as is sharing the event with a friend.
Comets United Posters and Flyers
The Office of Communications has created posters and flyers for campus units to download and print for use in their office spaces.
Messages include general safety recommendations such as “Wash Your Hands Frequently” and “Stay Six Feet Apart” and notifications such as “Space Unavailable” and “We're Closed.”
Access the COVID Signs for Faculty and Staff with your NetID credentials on Box. For assistance or more information, contact [email protected].
McDermott Library Offers Curbside Delivery
Eugene McDermott Library is taking a phased approach to reopening the building with new contactless service that allows customers to check out materials from its collection during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the first phase, the library building will remain closed to customers, but curbside delivery of materials from the main stacks and DVDs will be available.
UT Dallas students, faculty and staff with a valid Comet Card may request titles electronically through Discover, the library's online system.
Read the full story about curbside delivery.
Fitness Program Options Offer More Flexibility for Members
Well On Target, the gym discount program offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, has revamped its Fitness Program.
There are now several tiers and price points that members can choose from and a studio discount program. The enrollment fee is now $19. Current members are grandfathered in at the Power tier at $25 per month until they cancel or change tiers. Please see the Fitness Program flyer for detailed information.
If current members wish to change plan options, or if new members would like to enroll, they can do so by going to their Blue Access for Members page and accessing the Fitness Program portal. If you prefer to sign up by phone or have questions about the Fitness Program, call the toll-free number 888-762-BLUE (2583) Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Central. |
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About This Newsletter
InterCom is the official University-wide newsletter for UT Dallas faculty and staff members. This periodic publication is designed to provide University employees with important information necessary for the workplace, as well as community news that supports the University's mission. Guidelines about content and submissions can be found here or contact Robert Tracy at [email protected] or ext. 3521. |
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