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Communication for the staff and faculty of
The University of Texas at Dallas |
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Wednesday, September 9, 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.
Fill Out COVID-19 Self-Report Form
Please fill out the COVID-19 self-report form immediately if at any time you have symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive for COVID-19, or had close contact with someone who has tested positive or is symptomatic for COVID-19. The form is available in both English and Spanish.
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Newly Promoted Nontenure Faculty Members
As a result of the 2019-2020 review of faculty, The University of Texas at Dallas recognized the promotions of the following nontenure faculty (see the Aug. 26 edition for tenure and tenure-track promotions):
Promoted to Full Professor of Instruction
- Dr. Lorena Camacho Guardado, School of Arts and Humanities (AH)
- Dr. Van Miller, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences (BBS)
- Dr. Maria Hasenhuttl, Jindal School of Management (JSOM)
- Dr. Amandeep Sra, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM)
Promoted to Associate Professor of Instruction
- Dr. Meridith Grant, BBS
- Dr. Sridhar Alagar, Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS)
- Dr. Mohammad Ali, ECS
- Dr. Tariq Ali, ECS
- Dr. Gordon Arnold, ECS
- Dr. Mehra Borazjany, ECS
- Dr. Neeraj Gupta, ECS
- Dr. Soudeh Khoubrouy, ECS
- Dr. Khiem Le, ECS
- Dr. Hui Ouyang, ECS
- Dr. Stephen Perkins, ECS
- Dr. Neal Skinner, ECS
- Dr. James Willson, ECS
- Dr. Nurcan Yuruk, ECS
- Luba Ketsler, School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (EPPS)
- Dr. Eva LaDow, Wildenthal Honors College
- Dr. Christina Thompson, Wildenthal Honors College
- Dr. Patricia Leek, School of Interdisciplinary Studies
- Vivek Arora, JSOM
- Hubert Zydorek, JSOM
- Dr. Kelly Aman, NSM
- Dr. Mehmet Candas, NSM
- Dr. Derege Mussa, NSM
- Dr. Elizabeth Pickett, NSM
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Register for Training Opportunities
The UT Dallas Human Resources Talent Development team has released its September training schedule. Opportunities include the popular Emotional Intelligence series, the return of Admin-U and new training options like Beat the ‘Tigue.
Talent Development is partnering with various campus departments to offer additional trainings — from Internal Audit, Procurement and more. For more information on course offerings, visit the Talent Development website.
The virtual Admin-U is an eight-class professional development series that provides additional training and support for administrative staff, and includes topics such as UTD organizational structure, business communication, event planning, and much more.
Supervisor approval is required for enrollment in Admin-U. If you are interested in joining Admin-U, ask your supervisor to email [email protected] and provide your name and their approval for the semester-long series. Previous Admin-U cohort members seeking to complete their series are also invited to participate in virtual classes.
Registration for these classes can be found in Galaxy, under LEO (Learning & Education Organizer.) From LEO, click “Find Available Training” and search by department. For Admin-U courses, choose Human Resources as the department. For all other talent development courses, choose Live Online Training. Please register early. Individuals who register the day of the training may not receive notification to join the meeting. More information will be sent via email once registered.
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Webinars Offer Support for Mental Health, Handling Stress
Deer Oaks Employee Assistance Program is offering live webinars to help support UT Dallas staff and faculty. Employees can participate anonymously and submit questions during a live Q-and-A session after the presentation. Sessions will be recorded and available to watch afterward.
Click on the links for more information and to register.
- How to Cope with Anxiety During Difficult Times, 9 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 10.
- Preventing & Overcoming Burnout, 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 18.
- How to Cope with Change and Uncertainty, 1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24.
- Stress & Its Impact on Your Health, 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 1.
Additional dates and topics are being planned. For more information, email [email protected].
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Staff Council To Meet Virtually Today
The next Staff Council meeting will be online at 9 a.m., today.
To attend the meeting, visit the Staff Council meeting page. All are welcome to join the meeting.
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Webinar To Address Helping DACA Undocumented Students
The Office of Diversity and Community Engagement, Office of Undergraduate Education and Center for Teaching and Learning will host a webinar for faculty and staff on how to support students in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and share strategies for creating inclusive classrooms and spaces.
The webinar will be from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 via Microsoft Teams. Register for the DACA webinar.
The online session will provide an overview of immigration issues students face, updates based on the recent Supreme Court decision and general tips on addressing the unique needs of students with this status. |
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Faculty, Staff Encouraged to Volunteer with Comet Cupboard
Since campus closure in March, the Comet Cupboard has made over 9,500 distributions of food and personal care items to members of the UT Dallas community experiencing food insecurity.
Although student volunteers will not be able to assist in serving their peers this fall, the good news is that the Comet Cupboard will continue its weekly distributions with the help of faculty and staff volunteers. Consider volunteering your time and efforts during a weekly distribution this semester. Volunteering is a fantastic way for staff and faculty to make a significant difference in the lives of students while following social distancing protocols.
Comet Cupboard Volunteering FAQs
When are the Comet Cupboard distributions?
10 a.m.- 3 p.m. every Thursday.
What times can I volunteer?
There are two three-hour shifts: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Where are the Comet Cupboard distributions?
In the Comet Cupboard (MC 1.604), first-floor basement of the McDermott Library.
What does a volunteer do?
Volunteers are physically active. Duties include unloading, counting and shelving food and personal care items.
Additionally, volunteers receive students and fill their orders for food and personal care items.
What are the safety protocols?
All volunteers undergo a quick health screening and temperature check upon arrival. Masks and gloves are available for volunteers, although you are encouraged to wear your own masks, which are required for building entrance.
What sort of perks come with working a Comet Cupboard volunteer shift? Bottled water and T-shirts, getting to know staff and faculty from other departments, lots of laughs, as well as a guarantee that the gratitude and smiles (which are evident, even beneath the masks) of students will keep you going for a long time.
How can I volunteer? Fill out the Comet Cupboard Fall 2020 volunteer form. |
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UT FLEX Extended Deadline
The IRS recently released new guidance around COVID-19 (Notice 2020-29) for Section 125 Cafeteria Plans, including the UT Benefits program. In accordance with this guidance, UT FLEX participants will have some additional flexibility with using their UT FLEX Health Care Reimbursement (HCRA) and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts (DCRA).
Extended Deadline to Use 2019-2020 UT FLEX HCRA and DCRA Funds
- Expands the time in which participants may incur new eligible expenses for the 2019-2020 plan year through Dec. 31.
- Previously, the deadline to use DCRA funds was Aug. 31.
- Previously, the deadline to use HCRA funds was Nov. 15.
- Effective December 31, 2020, any unclaimed HCRA or DCRA funds from the 2019-2020 plan year will be forfeited.
- The claims filing deadline for 2019-2020 HCRA and DCRA claims will be Jan. 15.
- Contribution amounts elected for 2020-2021 can be used throughout next plan year, with the regular deadlines for eligible expenses of Aug. 31, 2021 (DCRA) and Nov. 15, 2021 (HCRA).
For more details, please visit the UT System Office of Employee Benefits website.
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Eco Reps Add Recycle Boxes for Disposable Masks
Wearing a face mask is one of the campus mandates for returning safely to UT Dallas during the COVID-19 pandemic. But all that extra personal protective equipment can mean more trash on campus.
Eco Representatives in the Office of Sustainability came up with a solution to provide recycling boxes on campus for disposable masks.
Recycled masks are used as a raw material for composite lumber products such as decking, railroad ties or outdoor furniture, said Gary Cocke, director of sustainability.
“Eco Reps are peer educators and sustainability leaders who are always looking for ways that UTD can be a better steward of the environment. When Eco Rep alum Aleks Adamopoulos BS’19 reached out to the team to share the new recycling solution, our current Eco Reps took the idea and ran with it,” Cocke said.
Used masks can be dropped off at six campus locations, including Dining Hall West and the Student Union.
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Gender Center To Lead Virtual Training Sessions
The Galerstein Gender Center is holding SAFE ZONE Ally Training and Culture of Equity Training virtually during the fall semester.
SAFE ZONE Ally Training participants will learn more about LGBT+ terminology and ally skills. Culture of Equity Training participants will learn more about gender equity terminology and champion skills.
Contact [email protected] if you have questions. For more information and to RSVP for both trainings, visit the Galerstein Gender Center website.
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Frontiers of BrainHealth Lectures Kick Off Sept. 18
Learn from the world's leading brain scientists at the Frontiers of BrainHealth Lunchtime Lectures. The virtual fall schedule starts Friday, Sept. 18. Registration is free.
The first lectures are:
Cognitive Performance and the Environment, Dr. David Lary, noon, Friday, Sept. 18 — Lary will discuss the use of machine learning and holistic biometrics for examining the impact of the environment on cognitive performance. Register to attend Lary’s talk.
Advancing Brain Capital as a New Approach to the COVID Economic Challenge, Dr. Harris Eyre, noon, Friday, Sept. 25 — Eyre is cofounder of the PRODEO Institute, which seeks radical advances in brain health, driven by a closer integration of diverse disciplines and sectors. It empowers brain health leaders with the facts, insights and frameworks necessary to make informed and effective management, policy and funding decisions. Register for Eyre’s talk.
See the full lineup at the Center for BrainHealth site.
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Register To Attend Virtual Sips & Science on Sept. 17
How do our brains accomplish compassion? What effects does compassion have on others and on ourselves? Join the Center for BrainHealth for Sips & Science: Compassion in Action at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17.
The special joint presentation will feature Dr. Daniel Krawczyk, Debbie and Jim Francis Chair in Behavioral Brain Sciences, and Bonnie Pitman, distinguished scholar in residence.
Krawczyk will discuss the biology and psychology of compassion. Pitman will explain the benefits of leading a compassionate lifestyle and share methods to refine our practices and become more compassionate individuals.
The virtual event is free. For more information and to register, visit the Compassion in Action page.
Additional Sips & Science sessions this semester include:
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UT Dallas Joins Microsoft Tech Adoption Program
The University of Texas at Dallas has accepted an invitation from Microsoft to participate in the Technology Adoption Program (TAP). As part of the program, UTD users will be able to test early Microsoft Teams client builds to provide feedback on new products and product updates ahead of their release.
How Does the TAP Program Work?
Microsoft goes through a rigorous internal testing and validation process for critical updates to its products prior to deploying them. Once Microsoft internal testing is done, then it is rolled out to TAP users for feedback before going to all other users.
Benefits of Joining TAP
Participation in the TAP program will allow users to gain important experience using products ahead of their general release. It will also allow UTD to take advantage of new and enhanced features available in the next version of Exchange Server. TAP participants are critical in the testing of pre-release building of Exchange in production.
A Change to Your Profile Photo
As a participating member of the TAP program, users will now see the label “TAP” next to their Microsoft Teams profile photo. IT administrative team members will now see the label “IT” next to their icon.
If you have questions about the TAP program or Microsoft Teams, please contact the OIT Help Desk at 972-883-2911 or email [email protected].
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Public, Nonprofit Management Program Event Is Open to Staff
The Public and Nonprofit Management program (PNM) in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences is holding an information meeting for UT Dallas staff members who are interested in expanding their knowledge and earning an undergraduate or graduate degree.
The virtual event will be at 1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 14, on Microsoft Teams.
The PNM program provides practical knowledge in areas that will help many staff members do their jobs better — in areas such as human resources, budgeting, program evaluation, and public management.
To register for the virtual event, email Teodoro “Ted” Benavides, director of the Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program, at [email protected].
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Office of Research Events
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 Rankin’s talk is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
Cayuse IRB Training, noon-1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 10 — Cayuse IRB is an online submission portal that will manage IRB protocols from initial submission to closeout. In this training, the IRB Team will guide UT Dallas principal investigators, faculty sponsors, students and study personnel through the Cayuse platform. Registration for Cayuse IRB Training is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
Research 101: How to Unlock Research Funding, noon-12:45 p.m., Friday, Sept. 11 — Emily Lacy, associate director, Office of Sponsored Programs Administration, and Beth Keithly, faculty grant and distinguished fellowship advisor at the Office of Graduate Education, will share tips and tricks on finding research funding. Topics will include PIVOT, OAR and corporate and foundation relations. Registration for Research 101 is required. For more information, email [email protected].
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Development Series, noon-1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15, Thursday, Sept. 17 and Tuesday, Sept. 22 — Join Office of Research professional staff and guest speakers as they share valuable information to support your efforts in conducting research in a responsible fashion. Completion of the eight, one-hour sessions, in addition to the online RCR foundations training, is required to satisfy NSF and select NIH grant funding requirements. Registration for RCR is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
Lab to Launch: Rocket Fuel for Your Fundraising Strategy, noon-12:45 p.m., Monday, Sept. 14 — Join host Bryan Chambers, adjunct professor in entrepreneurship, for an informal chat with Dr. Walter Voit, assistant professor of materials science and engineering and mechanical engineering, as they discuss lessons learned and provide best practice advice on fundraising strategies. Lab to Launch is an online series for researchers interested in pursuing entrepreneurship, sponsored by the Office of Research, in partnership with the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Blackstone LaunchPad & Techstars. Registration for Lab to Launch is required. For more information, email [email protected].
IRB Training Series: Consent Language, noon-1 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 16 — Researchers should do their best to confirm participants are well-informed about the purpose, procedures and what is required of them when enrolling in a research study. In order to anticipate the needs of research participants during the informed consent process, investigators need to be able to step back and look at the study from a participant's point of view. Learn about consent documents and procedures, the "reasonable person" standard, and how to write a consent form to most effectively communicate information about the study. Registration for Consent Language is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
IRB Book Study: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, 4-5 p.m., Thursdays, Sept. 17-Nov. 19 — This book study will cover the harm and controversies humans face historically and today in the name of research. Participants will read and discuss The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, and examine racism, vulnerable populations, research ethics, patient rights and more. Registration for the book study is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
Research Compass Series: Office of Sponsored Programs Administration, noon- 1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 21 — Emily Lacy and Cindy Sutton with the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration (OSPA) will share tips and tricks to guide you through everything from contracts and grants to commercialization. Registration for the OSPA session is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
Center Stage Seminar Series, 3- 4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23 — Dr. Nils Roemer, interim dean in the School of Arts and Humanities and director of the Ackerman Center for Holocaust Studies, will showcase research taking place at the center. Registration for Roemer’s talk is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
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Reminders
Employee Resource Groups Virtual Annual Meeting
The Office of Diversity and Community Engagement invites staff and faculty to attend you to the Employee Resource Groups Virtual Annual Meeting from 11:30 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.
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].
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.
The application period runs 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.
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. 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 youth 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.
Review Oct. 1 Paycheck for Correct Benefit 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.
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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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