Changes Abound After Summer of Campus Construction Progress

The campus’ North Mall reopened recently after an extensive enhancement project.
Summer construction projects enhanced the UT Dallas campus and also changed traffic flow and some parking areas. Faculty and staff members may need to plan accordingly to reach their destinations.

The University’s North Mall reopened with new trees and expanses of turf. Parking Lots A, B, C and D were also renovated and restriped.

Drivers will need to be mindful of new one-way traffic lanes in some of the lots, however. Other routes have also changed since the spring. For maps and full details, check the recent News Center articles on construction and parking.

President to Deliver State of the University Address Sept. 16

You are invited to join President ad interim Hobson Wildenthal along with the speaker of the faculty, Staff Council president and Student Government president at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, for the 2015 State of the University Address. The event will be held in the Edith O’Donnell Arts and Technology Building Lecture Hall (ATC 1.102).

The president will discuss the University's current outlook and plans for the future. Remarks will be followed by a question-and-answer discussion.

Green Zone Classes Support Friendly Environment for Veterans

By University tradition, graduating veterans receive a special red, white and blue cord to wear at commencement.
The Green Zone program works to establish a University-wide network of staff and faculty who can help shape a military-friendly campus culture. The name originates in the military and indicates a safe zone in a combat area.

UT Dallas Green Zone training topics include military terminology/culture, transition challenges, classroom considerations and campus/community resources. Upcoming classes are as follows: Participants who complete the Veteran Services Center course receive a certificate and a Green Zone office decal. Register online. Email Lisa McNeme or call the center at 972-883-4914 for details.

Corporate Challenge Opens; Employees Can Still Sign Up

Staffers participated in the Corporate Challenge opening ceremonies recently with Justin Hoover (front right), whom UT Dallas sponsors in the Special Olympics.
After participating in the opening festivities on Aug. 14, The University of Texas at Dallas is hosting tennis and basketball games this week as part of the annual Corporate Challenge.

There is still time to sign up for the games. All benefits-eligible employees and their spouses may participate. Download and fill out the sign-up sheet, and check out the schedule of events. T-shirts are available in the Office of Administration (AD 2.410).

Corporate Challenge is an annual 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 for more information.

Health and Safety Fair to Help Campus Be Prepared

In observance of National Preparedness Month, UT Dallas Environmental Health and Safety will host its ninth annual Preparedness Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Plinth outside the Student Union. The event will feature safety, emergency and health information booths and demonstrations. Attendees also can participate in a blood drive, co-sponsored by the Student Wellness Center. There also will be light refreshments and giveaways.

Go Green or Orange – and Dine for $5 on Fridays This Fall

Spirit Fridays will continue at Dining Hall West with $5 lunches for employees who wear green, orange or UT Dallas clothing. Complimentary shuttle service to and from Dining Hall West will run from Lot R and the Activity Center between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. each Friday throughout the semester. Read more

Reminders

Policy Restricts Tobacco Use on Campus
UT Dallas is committed to promoting a healthy work, research and education environment. To help accomplish this goal and to ensure compliance with external cancer research grant requirements, the University’s Tobacco Free Building Policy prohibits the use of all tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, inside University buildings or vehicles, or within 33 feet of a building entry, air intake or window. For more information about the policy or cessation resources, visit utdallas.edu/tobaccofree.

Office of Research Seminars

Consult the class links for program and registration details.