Campaign Gives Donors an Easy Way to Help UT Dallas Centers

Charitable Campaign Donors to Help Support 2 UT Dallas Centers
 
The University of Texas at Dallas launched its annual State Employee Charitable Campaign on Monday, Oct. 12. The campaign, which raises funds for a number of local, national and international nonprofit organizations, will run through Nov. 13. Two UT Dallas programs are eligible for support — the Academic Bridge Program and the Callier Center for Communication Disorders.

Over the past 10 years, UT Dallas employees have contributed more than $1.1 million. Gifts of any size by faculty and staff members make a statement about the University’s commitment to helping the community. Learn more about your giving options at a charity fair from noon to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21 in the Visitor Center and University Bookstore atrium. There will be refreshments and door prizes, and representatives from 10 of the top agencies supported by UT Dallas employees will answer questions and provide information.

As in previous years, gifts can be set up online using payroll deduction. Employees will need an ID number to get started. Participants who created a login last year can reuse it or create a new one. Easy-to-follow instructions are available on the SECC website. Cash or check contributions will be accepted at the charity fair on Oct. 21 or can be made by contacting Paula Bratt.

The University’s goal is to engage 250 donors and raise more than $135,000. Contact Jill Arredondo at extension 5380 with any questions.

Renowned Designer to Headline First ATEC Fall 2015 Lecture

Design Innovator to Discuss ‘Turning STEM into STEAM’
Design innovator, computer scientist and educator John Maeda will explore “Turning STEM into STEAM” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, in the Edith O'Donnell Arts and Technology Building Lecture Hall (ATC 1.102).

Employees can use the ATEC2015 promo code for $5 discounts on up to four seats. For tickets and more information, visit the ATEC Distinguished Lecture Series website.

Law Updates Competitive Bidding Requirements for Universities

In approving Senate Bill 20 this year, the Legislature reaffirmed the requirement that Texas universities use competitive bidding for purchases unless a transaction qualifies as a sole source or emergency purchase. The new law introduced several regulations to ensure that the competitive process is followed. The University has adopted a new Exclusive Acquisition Justification Form, required for purchases of $15,000 or more, to provide business reasons why an order should be placed as an exception to the normal competitive bidding rules. Read More

Talk to Explain How Analytics Help Keep American Airlines Flying

Talk to Explain How Analytics Help Keep American Airlines Flying
Dr. Jim Diamond, an analytics expert whose work helps keep American Airlines’ operations in motion, will share his insights in a talk on Wednesday, Oct. 14. The lecture, titled “Operations Research and Advanced Analytics at American Airlines,” starts at 6 p.m. in the Clark Center (CN 1.102).

Diamond, who is the managing director of operations research and advanced analytics at American Airlines, leads teams that deliver analytical insights and develop decision support tools for departments across the company. He received his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and master’s and doctoral degrees from Purdue University. The Naveen Jindal School of Management is hosting his talk in coordination with the INFORMS DFW chapter and the INFORMS UT Dallas student chapter.

New eCAT Online Process Tested as Replacement for CAR Form

Pilot groups are testing the electronic Campus Access Tool (eCAT), an online application to handle campus resource access. The Information Security Office intends the new system to replace the Computer Account Request (CAR) form.

The eCAT system has been designed to allow faster, more accurate access management. The online portal will include an approval workflow to ensure accountability and audit reporting. When a new request is submitted, it will be routed to the appropriate department to be rejected or approved.

Users of eCAT will find the account access process simplified and built in a way that guarantees required data is submitted. The pilot groups are testing the system this month. Information Security plans a wider rollout in November. To begin using eCAT or to provide feedback, email [email protected].

Office Encourages Referrals for Troubled Students

The Office of Undergraduate Education offers the Academic Outreach – Early Alert Program to help students who are struggling or not participating in class. The program seeks to quickly identify and refer students to the appropriate resources on campus for help. The office helps students with managing time, adjusting to college life and finding campus services. Referrals are anonymous. Faculty and staff names are never used.

Contact Angela Scoggins, the associate director of Academic Outreach, for more information or to make a referral. Email her at [email protected] or call 972-883-2288.

HR Urges Supervisors to Plan Ahead for Job Change Requests

Jan. 22 is the deadline for submitting requests to Human Resources for a staff reclassification, promotion, market/equity adjustments or one-time merit adjustments with a March 1, 2016, effective date. The March 1 date is reserved to reward exceptional performance or extraordinary circumstances.

To submit a request, complete a Position Review and Request (PRR) form and include a justification for the action. For promotions, the Staff Promotion Assessment form and all applicable documents must also be attached. Both forms are available from HR. If requesting a reclassification, email Betty Burns or call her at 972-883-4632. The Compensation Standards and Practices page on the HR website offers additional information.

Save the Date: Flu Shots Scheduled for Oct. 29-30 and Nov. 2

Flu shot clinics and health screenings will be held Oct. 29-30 and Nov. 2 at multiple locations on the Richardson campus. View the preliminary schedule, and watch for more details coming soon.

Reminders

Review the Deduction Amounts on Your Oct. 1 Paycheck
The Office of Human Resources encourages faculty and staff members to review the paychecks they received Oct. 1 to make sure the benefit selections and amounts are correct. Discrepancies must be reported to HR by Oct. 31.

Ceremony to Bring the 2015 Corporate Challenge to a Close
The 2015 Corporate Challenge Closing Ceremony will be held 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the Richardson Civic Center. UT Dallas participants are invited to sample the cake contest entries and attend the awards presentation.

Police Offer Free Self-Defense Classes for Women and Men
Officers are offering the Rape Aggression Defense classes for women, and the Resisting Aggression with Defense program for men in October and November. Upcoming classes, which run from 5 to 9 each night, are R.A.D. for Women, Oct. 27-29; and R.A.D. for Men, Nov. 17-19. Email Sgt. Kendra Penny at [email protected] to register.

Office of Research Seminars