IR Sheds Old Name to Become Office of Information Technology

IR Sheds Old Name to Become Office of Information Technology
Information Resources — the department that runs the University’s data networks, telecommunications, email systems, Wi-Fi and much more — is changing its name to the Office of Information Technology (OIT). The new name is intended to better reflect the operations of OIT and align its identity with similar offices at other universities.

“While seemingly minor on the surface, the name change represents a new path forward,” said Scott Willett, associate vice president of OIT. “With the new services that we are rolling out on several tech fronts, this rebranding is the perfect timing for 2016 and beyond.” The name change will be implemented over the next several months. As email and Web addresses are updated, the existing addresses will be redirected automatically.

OIT is reviewing its operations to align itself best with the strategic priorities of UT Dallas. The office encourages feedback; email any questions to David Jackson or call 972-883-3548.

WebEx Tools Bring Meetings as Close as Your Computer Screen

WebEx Tools Bring Meetings as Close as Your Computer Screen
An electronic platform recently made available by the Office of Information Technology simplifies online collaboration among faculty and staff at UT Dallas. The Cisco application, called WebEx, makes it possible to conduct virtual meetings and share content across campus or even around the world.

The Naveen Jindal School of Management has used WebEx as a training tool for two years in a variety of classes. Faculty can also use WebEx to hold virtual office hours when inclement weather and scheduling conflicts intervene.

This application makes it possible to share slides during face-to-face video feeds. You can upgrade to larger meetings or a town hall. WebEx can also be used to train personnel online, offer a webinar or share screens. Managers can bring their teams together online to brainstorm, edit and chat and record it all as well. Users can download an app that lets them invite people to a virtual conference directly from Outlook. You can also download the mobile app for your iPhone or Android device.

Guides, how-to’s, log-in instructions and other information can be found on the OIT WebEx page.

Sign Up to Receive the Revamped Alumni Link Newsletter

Alumni Link
The Link newsletter has a new look, layout and name. The newsletter is now the Alumni Link in recognition of the 87,000 UT Dallas graduates whom the electronic publication serves.

In addition, the Alumni Link is changing to subscription-only delivery. Faculty and staff will no longer receive the newsletter automatically, so please take a moment to sign up by sending an email to [email protected] with “Subscribe to the Alumni Link” in the subject line.

Faculty and Staff Green Zone Class Rescheduled for April 8

Green Zone
The Veteran Services Center plans another Green Zone training session for staff and faculty members on Friday, April 8. The session is 9 a.m.-noon in JSOM 12.402. Space is limited, and registration is required.

The Green Zone program is designed to establish a University network of staff and faculty members to encourage a military-friendly campus culture. Email Archie Nettles or call the Veteran Services Center at 972-883-4916 for more information.

Officers Honored for Outstanding Service in the Line of Duty

Police Class 1
Police Class 2
Police officers and staff members were recognized at the recent annual Police Awards Banquet for their service to the UT Dallas community.

Life Saving awards were presented to (from left) Officer Kelly Reynolds, Officer David Rue, Cpl. Stacey Rotunno and Officer Preston Robinson for their actions to protect students in dangerous circumstances.

In addition, (from left) Officer Mike Rains was selected as Officer of the Year; Marisa Wood was honored as Telecommunicator of the Year; Sgt. Karl Zuber was named Supervisor of the Year; Brice Wade received Public Safety Officer of the Year; and Cindy Percival was recognized as Civilian of the Year.

Dining Services Earns Innovation Honor from Magazine

Dining Services Recognized for Innovation
UT Dallas Dining Services was recently recognized as a 2016 Innovator of the Year by Food Management magazine.

The University was selected for its LEED-certified Dining Hall West (at right), newly renovated Student Union Food Court and separate retail units, such as IHOP Express, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Papa John’s Pizza. Read more

TAs Invited to Presentation on 'Crafting a Teaching Philosophy'

Teaching assistants are invited to a workshop on “Crafting a Teaching Philosophy” given by science and math education lecturer Laurel Dingrando at noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17. The workshop will be held in the Faculty Staff Dining Room (SU 2.905), and lunch will be provided. Register by Friday, Feb. 12 to attend. For further information, email [email protected] or call 972-883-2247.

Shelf Stars Sought to Collect Food Donations for Needy Students

Comet Cupboard
The Shelf Star Sponsorship Program is asking UT Dallas departments and student organizations to gather specific donations for the Comet Cupboard, a food pantry initiative dedicated to helping students in need. Different departments and student organizations sign up each month to be Shelf Stars, donating specific items for their themed month.

February is for rice or canned mixed vegetables, March is for vegetarian soups or personal care items, and April is for vegetarian beans or peanut butter and jelly. All food and personal care item donations are welcome at any time during the semester.

Last year, more than 1,000 items were collected through this initiative. To sign up, call Amber Brown at 972-883-2950 or email [email protected]

Reminders

Heart Walk
There will be a UT System Heart Walk at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, to recognize the importance of heart health. The main meeting spot on the UT Dallas campus will be the Plinth. Groups also will meet at the Synergy Park North building, outside the Wellness Center and at the Research and Operations Center (ROC) on the first floor by the mailbox.

Heart Health Lunch and Learn
The UT Dallas Wellness Committee will host a heart health “lunch and learn” session on Wednesday, Feb. 17 in Galaxy Rooms A and B (SU 2.602). Ray Fowler with the American Heart Association will discuss how to recognize the signs of a heart attack. A light lunch will be served. Please RSVP to [email protected] by Thursday, Feb. 11.

Naturally Slim Program
The UT System Office of Employee Benefits is offering a health program called Naturally Slim for employees enrolled in the UT Select medical health plan. Participants in the 10-week program will learn how to lose weight and improve their health. To register for the program, complete the online application by Friday, Feb. 12 at www.naturallyslim.com/LivingWell. The program begins Monday, Feb. 29.

Mobile Mammography Unit to Visit Campus Feb. 26
The UT Southwestern Mobile Mammography Unit will visit UT Dallas 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26. Faculty, staff and spouses may schedule mammogram appointments by calling 214-645-2560 or 866-277-0710

Police Offer Free Self-Defense Classes for Men and Women
The UT Dallas Police Department will continue its two-day Rape Aggression Defense classes for women and Resisting Aggression with Defense classes for men this semester. The schedule is as follows:

  • Women’s classes: Feb. 19-20, April 8-9 and June 10-11.
  • Men’s classes: March 11-12 and May 6-7.
The classes are 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday. For more information and to register, email Sgt. Kendra Penny at [email protected].

Deadline for Discount DART Passes is Friday
Employees can purchase discount annual DART passes for $300 until Friday, Feb. 12. Visit the UT Dallas DART Web page or call 972-883-2344 for more information.

Office of Research Seminars and Events