|
Communication for the staff and faculty of
The University of Texas at Dallas |
|
|
Wednesday, October 7, 2020 |
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Learn the Secret to Work-Life Balance in Online Seminar
It can be difficult to meet the demands of work without compromising your personal life. Deer Oaks EAP’s online session will share the secret to securing a healthy work-life balance.
To watch the online seminar, visit the Deer Oaks website and enter utdallas for the username and password.
|
|
|
President To Share Outlook at State of the University
You are invited to join President Richard C. Benson along with representatives from the Academic Senate, Staff Council and Student Government at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, for the 2020 State of the University Address.
The virtual event will be on the State of the University website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
DiversAbility Summit Topics Include COVID-19, Social Change
The Office of Diversity and Community Engagement and its partners will host a virtual DiversAbility Summit from noon-2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15 on Microsoft Teams. The annual event will raise awareness of disability employment issues and celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities.
The event is held during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year’s theme is “Increasing Access and Opportunity While Facing a COVID-19 Pandemic and Social Change.” Keynote speaker will be Robert Mollard, director of Dallas Bridges from School to Work.
The summit will include a panel discussion with Sonia Quirino Canales, diversity and inclusion manager at H-E-B and a member of the Diversity Advisory Council at UT Dallas; Dr. Karen Huxtable-Jester, professor of instruction in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences; Kerry Tate, director of Student AccessAbility; Danny Dunn, psychology senior; Janette Bell, employee relations manager in Human Resources; and Heather Dragoo, director, institutional equity, EEO and ADA coordinator in the Office of Institutional Compliance, Equity and Title IX Initiatives.
“Our annual DiversAbility Summit aims to address the training needs and diversity challenges of college students with disabilities transitioning to the workforce,” said Rosie Peterson, director of Institutional Diversity Initiatives. ”Our goal is to help all students be successful.”
The event is sponsored by Nordstrom and 4imprint. Summit partners include the Universal Access Employee Resource Group, University Career Center, Student AccessAbility, Naveen Jindal School of Management Career Management Center, Military and Veteran Center, For Autistic Empowerment student group, the Office of Institutional Compliance, Equity and Title IX Initiatives, and Human Resources.
Persons with disabilities may submit a request for accommodations to participate in the event at 972-883-5331 or email [email protected] at least two business days before the event.
|
|
|
Staff Member Earns Award for STEM Efforts
Raul Hinojosa Jr., director of community engagement, received the 2020 STEMpact Award from High-Tech High Heels, a Dallas nonprofit working to close the gender gap in STEM professions.
The nonprofit recognized Hinojosa at a Sept. 16 virtual ceremony for his work that includes overseeing UT Dallas’ Young Women in Science and Engineering Investigators (YWISEI) program, which provides the opportunity for high school students to participate in STEM research and engineering projects mentored by science teachers, college students, faculty and industry volunteers and compete for scholarships.
“I’m honored by this recognition from High-Tech High Heels for our department’s work to inspire and affirm the next generation of women in science and engineering,” Hinojosa said. “In order to solve the country’s most pressing problems, the STEM workforce must reflect the rich diversity of this country, and programs like the Young Women In Science and Engineering Investigators Program center the focus on how engineers and scientists change lives and create new technologies. In particular, our programs work hard to make sure that our middle- and high-school students meet women who look like them that are working in these fields.”
For more information about YWISEI and other programs, visit the Community Engagement site or email [email protected].
|
|
|
|
Register for October Training Development Classes
The Human Resources Talent Development team this month is offering its Emotional Intelligence series, the return of Admin-U, and new training options like Beat the ‘Tigue.
In addition, Talent Development is partnering with campus departments to offer additional trainings from Internal Audit, Procurement, and more.
For more information on course offerings, visit the Talent Development website.
|
|
|
Research Shines Light on Employment Trends by City
Did you know that 6% of residents across Dallas-Fort Worth work in transportation, warehousing and utilities, and that Euless residents are 14% of the workforce? Did you know that 14% of Denton residents work in leisure and hospitality while the rest of the Metroplex only employs 9% of its workers in those industries?
In the third part of their research into the region’s evolving labor market, the Economic Development team analyzed employment differences across Dallas-Fort Worth.
For information on how UT Dallas and the local economy affect each other, please contact Rachel Brasier in the Economic Development team.
|
|
|
Learn Accessibility Tips from Microsoft Specialists
Join the Office of Information Technology and the Center for Teaching and Learning for Know and Grow: Accessibility in Action at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 8 on Microsoft Teams.
During the live event, Microsoft specialists will walk through techniques to facilitate the access of education to all including how to accommodate vision, hearing or neurodiversity differences.
Attendees will learn how to set up and navigate the settings within Microsoft 365 desktop applications, including Microsoft Teams, to advance the inclusion and engagement for the entire UT Dallas community.
To register for the event, fill out the OIT registration form. To learn more about Microsoft Teams, attend Teams Tips at Two every Friday.
|
|
|
Sign Up for Comet Cupboard’s Shelf Stars Competition
The Comet Cupboard team announces the return of the Shelf Stars program for this academic year.
UT Dallas departments and student groups/organizations compete against each other in a monthly race to gather the most items for UT Dallas students experiencing food insecurity.
All participating teams will receive a shoutout on Comet Cupboard’s social media. Winning Shelf Stars will receive a framed certificate, an additional mention on the Comet Cupboard website, and, of course, bragging rights!
If your department is game for some healthy competition, sign up today.
|
|
|
|
Learn Safety Tips from Cybersecurity Experts
Every day the campus community works together to stop cybercriminals. As we become accustomed to remote work and study, it is even more important that we take steps to protect devices and the information they access.
During National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Information Security Office (ISO) is promoting safe computing habits and sharing information about the latest defenses. ISO will offer weekly emails, blog posts, and live events on these important topics:
- Week one: Identifying fake job opportunities
- Week two: Staying safe while working and studying remotely
- Week three: Smarter Password Management
- Week four: Patching every device
- Week five: Identifying email scams
Additionally, Nate Howe, chief information security officer, will conduct a live Ask Me [Almost] Anything session on Reddit, and ISO analysts will visit student organizations to answer questions and discuss career opportunities in cybersecurity.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to share this information and check the ISO website regularly for updates.
For more information, visit the ISO website or email [email protected].
|
|
|
Gender Center To Host LGBT+ History Month Events
LGBT+ History Month is an annual month-long observance of all LGBT+ identities and historical LGBT+ figures that have made significant contributions to further inclusivity. The Galerstein Gender Center will honor LGBT+ History Month with events and educational opportunities to provide updated terminology, knowledge and tips on becoming an ally to the LGBT+ community.
The events include:
For more information, visit the Gender Center website.
|
|
|
Sign Up for Frontiers of BrainHealth Lectures
Learn from the world's leading brain scientists at the Frontiers of BrainHealth Lunchtime Lectures. Registration is free.
The next lectures are:
Homelessness in the Veteran Population, Dr. Dina Hooshyar, noon, Friday, Oct. 16 — Hooshyar is director of the National Center on Homelessness among Veterans and associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She has a background in internal medicine, psychiatry, and public health. Register for Hooshyar's talk.
Do Dogs Make Us Physically and Mentally Healthier? Dr. Nancy Gee, noon, Friday, Oct. 30 — Gee is the Bill Balaban Chair in Human-Animal Interaction, professor of psychiatry and director of the Center for Human-Animal Interaction at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. Her primary research focus has examined the fundamental question of how and under what circumstances the presence or involvement of a companion animal may impact cognitive functioning in humans across their developmental lifespan. Register for Gee's talk.
See the full lineup at the Center for BrainHealth site.
|
|
|
Fall BBS Events Cover Array of Topics
Join the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences for an engaging series of events covering topics relevant to each of the three BBS departments. Don't miss out on graduate program tips, stress management, a Halloween contest, and more.
|
|
|
Office of Research Events
Strategic Thinking for Achieving Broader Impacts, noon-1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7 — Are you currently funded or seeking funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF)? The Office of Research and Dr. Pramod P. Khargonekar, vice chancellor for research and distinguished professor of electrical engineering and computer science at the University of California, Irvine, will discuss broader impacts, one of two independent merit review criterion for evaluation of research proposals at the National Science Foundation. Registration for Strategic Thinking is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
Center Stage Seminar Series, 3-4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7 — Dr. Dennis Kratz, senior associate provost and director of the Center for Asian Studies, will showcase research taking place at the center. Registration for Center Stage is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
Responsible Conduct of Research – Summative, noon-1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 8 — Office of Research professional staff and guest speakers will share information to support your efforts in conducting research at our University in a responsible fashion. Registration for RCR is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
Cayuse IRB Training, 2-3 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 8 — The IRB Team will walk principal investigators, faculty sponsors, students and study personnel through the platform. Registration for Cayuse IRB Training is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
IRB Book Study: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, 4-5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 8 — This book study will cover the harm and controversies humans face historically and today in the name of research. Chapters 13-16: Benefits of Research, Publication and Authorship will be covered. Registration for the Oct. 8 book study is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
Research 101 Series: How to Write a Re-Submission, noon-1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9 — In this webinar, Hanover’s Grants Consultant team will discuss the best approach to proposal resubmission and share key strategies for success. Registration for Research 101 is required. For more information, email Anricka Ziller.
Lab to Launch Series: From Discovery to Drug Development - The Path from Academia to Biotech, noon-12:45 p.m., Monday, Oct. 12 — Join host Bryan Chambers as he sits down with Dr. Eric Olson, the founding chair of the Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. They will discuss the differences between research in academia and biotech and some lessons learned regarding commercialization of discoveries. Registration for Lab to Launch is required. For more information, email Anricka Ziller.
Research 411 Talk Show: The Search to Stop Alzheimer's Disease, 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 13 — Dr. Denise Park will share her Alzheimer’s research. The importance of early detection, national cost and impact of the disease and cutting-edge research techniques will be discussed. Institutional Review Board director Amanda Boone will represent the Office of Research during the conversation. Registration for Research 411 is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
The Keys to Understanding Subawards, 10-11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14 — Join the Office of Post Award Management (OPM) for a discussion on the processes for preparing a subaward. Topics will include budgeting, accounting codes, requisitions and invoicing. Registration for this talk is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
Virtual New Faculty Research Symposium, noon-1:30 p.m., Thursday, October 15 — Meet new faculty, learn about their areas of research and collaborate for an internal funding opportunity. Faculty who attend the symposium are encouraged to collaborate and apply for the New Faculty Research Symposium Grant. Virtual breakout rooms will be available after the main event. Registration for new faculty to present has closed. Established faculty may register for the symposium. For more information, email Anricka Ziller.
IRB Book Study: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, 4-5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15 — Chapters 17-20: Protecting Vulnerable Populations, Public Trust will be covered at the session. Registration for the Oct. 15 book study is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
Research Compass Series: Industry Contracts, Office of Tech Commercialization, and Innovation & Startups, noon-1 p.m., Monday, Oct. 19 — Meet subject matter experts from the Office of Research as they share tips and tricks to guide you through everything from contracts and grants to commercialization. They will touch on contracting with industry, protecting intellectual property, and forming and funding startups. Registration for the Compass series is required. For more information, email Tiffany Willoughby.
UT Dallas Women’s Summit, noon-1:30 p.m., Oct. 20-22 — The Women’s Summit will encourage women to chart their course in business. The summit will foster innovation, support aspiring entrepreneurs and inspire the next leaders in business. The first 200 attendees will receive a copy of Kara Goldin's book, Undaunted. Registration for the Women’s Summit is required. For more information, email Dresden Goldberg.
|
|
|
Reminders
Lace Up for Fall Wellness Challenge
Walktober is a fun way to take advantage of fall’s cooler temperatures as you step out and step up to better health.
During October, log your steps or exercise minutes through the mobile app or manually and earn colorful leaves. The goal is to get at least 6,000 steps or 30 minutes of exercise daily and earn at least 20 leaves. There will be the option of earning an extra point on Thrive Thursdays for those participating on a team. The top three UT Dallas employees will win prizes. The UT System institution that earns the most leaves will win the system-wide Traveling Trophy.
Important dates:
- Registration: Now through Oct. 9.
- Walktober: Oct. 1-31.
- Last day to log steps: Nov. 3.
Register today by logging on at utlivingwell.com and clicking “opt in.”
Register for Sips & Science Sessions
Join the Center for BrainHealth for its upcoming Sips & Science sessions this semester:
Each session will start at 7 p.m. and is free to attend.
OIT Presents Tips for Microsoft Teams
The Office of Information Technology is continuing its Teams Tips sessions, offering a variety of sessions to suit your needs. A team of trainers from Microsoft will virtually host live demonstrations. To register, you will need to log in using your NetID and password.
Teams Tips: Teams Refresher, 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9 — Teams is built for the different ways people work today, fostering a new level of creativity and collaboration. Join OIT and Microsoft trainers for an hour of dialog and questions and answers as they refresh your knowledge of Teams and share new updates.
Teams Tips: Teams Quick Start Guides — If you need a boost in Teams learning, want to review previous content, or get quick guides for help with Teams live, the OIT Training site is a warehouse of information meant to empower and support you.
Did You Attend the Benefits Fair? Take HR’s Survey
The Office of Human Resources would like to thank everyone who attended the 2020 UT Dallas Virtual Benefits & Wellness Fair. The team invites participants to provide feedback by filling out a short survey. Your input will help HR enhance its service.
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.
UT Dallas To Host Virtual Economic Development Summit
UT Dallas will be inviting regional business, political and economic development leaders to attend its second Economic Development Summit on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
This year’s virtual conference will focus on strategies for how the region can move forward under unprecedented circumstances. Robert Kaplan, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, will be the keynote speaker.
For more information, please contact Jenny Mizutowicz.
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.
|
|
|
|
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. |
|