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Convocation to Welcome University’s Next Class of Scholars


	President ad interim Hobson Wildenthal will welcome new students at the University Convocation on Sunday, Aug. 23.

Staff and faculty are invited to attend University Convocation at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, in the Activity Center Main Gym.

To participate in the processional, gather outside the racquetball courts at 3:30 p.m. The convocation is the first step in a student's academic journey at UT Dallas and the official welcome for all incoming freshmen and transfer students.

Faculty should dress in business casual attire or formal regalia. Staff should dress in business casual attire. Please fill out the Office of Undergraduate Education’s University Convocation RSVP Form if you plan to attend. Read more

The Games Begin: Corporate Challenge to Start Aug. 14

The Opening Ceremony and Great Walk for the 2015 Richardson Corporate Challenge will start at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, in Galatyn Plaza (2351 Performance Drive in Richardson). Meet at the UT Dallas tent by 5:45 p.m. to walk with the group, or come when you can. Refreshments will be provided, and team shirts will be available at the UT Dallas tent.

Corporate Challenge is an annual Olympic-style competition that raises money for Special Olympics Texas. All benefits-eligible employees and their spouses may participate in events ranging from soccer and softball to darts and bowling. Visit the Wellness website to download the sign-up sheet and schedule of events.

Benefits Express to Outline Options for New Employees

Employees hired in July or August are invited to the UT Dallas Benefits Express to learn more about the employee benefits program. The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Aug. 20, in the McDermott Suite. The session includes a benefits presentation, followed by a Q-and-A session and enrollment assistance. Retirement vendors will also be on-site to answer questions. For more information, email [email protected].

Deadline for Evidence of Insurability Forms is Aug. 15

In certain circumstances that involve life insurance and long-term care coverage, carriers may require Evidence of Insurability (EOI). The deadline for submitting EOI forms is Saturday, Aug. 15. Review the annual enrollment FAQ for more information. For assistance, email [email protected] or call the UT Dallas Employee Benefits Team at 972-883-2221.

Menu of Campus Dining Choices Set to Expand This Fall

Fall dining hours will begin on Monday, Aug. 24, when a host of new food options will open on campus. New retail dining locations in the Student Union will include a Panda Express, Moe's Southwest Grill, a larger Chick-fil-A and 2Mato, which will feature pizza and pasta. There will also be a Ben’s & Jerry’s ice cream shop. Other additions will include an IHOP Express in Parking Structure 3 and a Breakfast Burrito Cart to be located on the walkway between the Administration Building and Green Hall. Food oulets will continue to operate on intersession dining hours through Sunday, Aug. 23. Read more

Catering Options Broaden for Staff and Faculty Meetings

The UT Dallas catering program is expanding to include options from some of the on-campus retail venues. Employees can order Einstein Bros. bagels and coffee or a Subway platter for office meetings. Other options include Papa John’s Pizza and the ability to rent the food truck or hot dog cart for an event. All retail food orders require pickup. In addition, retail food and Dining Hall West passes are available in any denomination. Email [email protected] or call 972-883-2269 with any questions.

Parking permits for Fiscal Year 2016 are available for purchase. Employees should carefully review the new parking map before selecting a permit, as there have been significant changes in parking specifications and campus circulation patterns over the summer. You may purchase your permit online by selecting payroll deduction or using a credit or debit card. Payroll deduction is available online through Friday, Aug. 21, only for UT Dallas employees who are not classified as students (RAs, TAs and temporary employees are not eligible).

Transactions may be completed in person at either the Parking Structure 3 (PS3) Parking Office via credit or debit card, or the Bursar Office (SSB 2.300) via credit, debit, check or cash during regular business hours. If you need a handicap parking permit, please review the University’s requirements for handicap registration. For more information or assistance with permit purchases, call Parking and Transportation at 972-883-2344, or email [email protected].

Water Bottle Filling Stations a Success

Since installing its first water bottle filling station in the Naveen Jindal School of Management building in fall 2013, UT Dallas now has stations in eight buildings across campus, which have saved more than 205,000 bottles of water. If your department is interested in investing in this green upgrade to benefit faculty, staff, students and the environment, please contact Thea Junt, assistant director of energy conservation and sustainability.

Reminder

Volunteers Needed to Welcome Students Back Aug. 24-25
The Office of Administration needs employee volunteers Aug. 24-25 to help with the annual fall Student Welcome. Volunteers will connect with colleagues, interact with students, pass out giveaway items and share their knowledge of campus. To volunteer, email the Office of Administration or call 972-883-2213 by Monday, Aug. 17.