Campus Rallies to Help Those Affected by Downtown Dallas Attack

Campus Rallies to Help Those Affected by Downtown Dallas Attack
Sgt. Misty Boyd and Officer Kendrick Johnson were among several UT Dallas Police officers who helped protect the crime scene in Dallas.

Back the Blue BBQ
UT Dallas Police officers Somer Fernandez, Mickey Figueroa, David Rue, Tad Palmer, Kendrick Johnson, Trey Kiser, Hunter Landry and Sgt. Misty Boyd provided six days of support last month at the scene of the attack on police in downtown Dallas.

On July 21, more than 340 members of the campus community attended a Back the Blue BBQ hosted by Auxiliary Services and Chartwells. The event raised more than $4,000 to benefit the Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation.

Comet Cupboard Seeks Food Donations

Comet Cupboard

The Comet Cupboard, a food pantry initiative dedicated to helping students in need, is asking UT Dallas departments and organizations to gather specific donations each month.

Departments and student organizations may sign up to be Shelf Stars, donating specific items for their themed month:

  • September — Hormel Compleats (any brand/vegetarian) and/or pasta and pasta sauce.
  • October — vegetarian soups and/or personal care items.
  • November — cereal and/or peanut butter and jelly.

All food and personal care item donations are welcome any time during the semester.

To sign up, please visit the Comet Cupboard website, email Amber Brown or call ext. 2950.

Fair Labor Standards Act: Transition Is in Progress

UT Dallas is preparing for the new Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations that go into effect Dec. 1. FLSA will increase the number of employees eligible for overtime and will change the way eligible employees record their time. The Office of Human Resources will be guiding employees through the transition. For more information, visit the Human Resources website or contact the Employment Services team.

Corporate Challenge Begins Aug. 12

The 2016 Richardson Corporate Challenge will begin with an Opening Ceremony and the Great Walk at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, at Galatyn Plaza in Richardson. Join us for a celebratory tailgate at the UT Dallas tent, meet our Special Olympian, Justin Hoover, and help our team earn participation points in the Great Walk. Food and refreshments will be provided, and family and friends are welcome.

This year, Comet Cruiser bus service will be available to and from the Opening Ceremony. The bus will depart the UT Dallas traffic circle at 5:15 p.m. for the event. Return service will be from Galatyn Park in front of the Renaissance Hotel at 6:40, 7:20 and 8 p.m. Please RSVP to [email protected] if you plan to ride.

Register by downloading the sign-up sheet and schedule of events online. All benefits-eligible employees and their spouses can participate. Participants are asked to contribute a minimum of $5 per T-shirt. Payment can be made in person at the Office of Administration (AD 2.410), or online through the UT Dallas Corporate Challenge donation page. For the online option, select the “Support UT Dallas” link in the top center of the page, and list your name rather than “anonymous” so your T-shirt payment can be recorded. One-time donations also can be made through the same link. All proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Texas.

New Yoga Class Available at SPN Wellness Center

The SPN Wellness Center has expanded its schedule of fitness classes to include yoga from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays in SPN 1.720. The center also offers yoga on Mondays, U-Jam on Tuesdays, Zumba on Wednesdays and cardio-boxing on Thursdays each week from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The center is open Monday through Friday from 5:30-7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. for faculty, staff and RA workout hours.

Learn How to Prevent Back Pain at Lunch-and-Learn

The UT Dallas Benefits team will host a back pain prevention lunch-and-learn from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 17, in Galaxy Room A (SU 2.602). Learn simple techniques to improve your flexibility, strengthen your back and core, and help prevent future injuries. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. Wear comfortable clothing to practice recommended stretching exercises. Lunch will be provided. RSVP online.

Volunteers Needed to Welcome Students on Aug. 22, 23

The Office of Administration is seeking staff and faculty to volunteer at the annual Student Welcome on the first days of the fall semester — Aug. 22-23. Volunteers will be stationed around campus to interact with students, hand out giveaways and answer questions. To volunteer, email [email protected] or call 972-883-2213 by Tuesday, Aug. 16.

Reminders

Staff Have More Online Learning Opportunities
UT Dallas has partnered with Skillsoft to provide online courses, videos, digitized books, simulations and job aids that can help staff answer on-the-job questions, or be a part of a personal development plan.

To access the content, go to the Skillsoft portal and log in with your NetID and password. More information is also available on the Human Resources Organizational Development and Training site.

Mobile Mammography Unit to Visit Campus Aug. 4
The UT Southwestern Mobile Mammography Unit will be on campus from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4, at the Visual Art Studio (AS) loading zone, off Rutford Avenue and Drive D.

Faculty, staff and spouses may schedule mammogram appointments by calling 214-645-2560 or 866-277-0710. Have your health insurance information available when you call. Sponsored mammograms are available for patients without health care coverage. For question or concerns, email Nora Pena.

Staff Council to Meet Aug. 10
The Staff Council holds its regular meetings on the second Wednesday of each month. The next meeting will be at 9 a.m. Aug. 10 in JSOM 1.517.

Office of Research Seminars and Events

Organizational Development & Training

ELearning Open Labs and Workshops