President to Deliver State of the University Address on Oct. 13

State of the University

Join President Richard C. Benson, along with the speaker of the faculty, Staff Council president and Student Government president, for the 2016 State of the University Address at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13.

President Benson will discuss the University's progress and current outlook.

The event will be held in the Edith O’Donnell Arts and Technology Building Lecture Hall (ATC 1.102).

Support University, Programs on North Texas Giving Day

North Texas Giving Day

Staff and faculty members looking for an easy way to support UT Dallas can do so on Thursday, Sept. 22, when North Texas Giving Day returns. The online philanthropy campaign will accept gifts from 6 a.m. to midnight.

The North Texas Giving Day website will list UT Dallas, the Callier Center for Communication Disorders and the Center for BrainHealth as featured charities. Donors to the University also can specify that their gifts go to a certain campus program, department or school in the “notes” section of the UT Dallas giving page. Gifts of $25 or more may be eligible for bonus funds.

Questions? Contact Jill Arredondo at [email protected] or ext. 5380.

Help Boost Sustainability by Recycling Printer Cartridges, Toners

Help Boost Sustainability by Recycling Printer Cartridges, Toners

Recycle your empty printer cartridges and toners by placing them in the designated inkjet collection bins available across campus. Facilities Management, in partnership with the Staff Council, has already recycled 3,171 pounds, or 1.59 tons, of inkjet cartridges this year.

By placing your empty cartridges in these designated bins, you are supporting UT Dallas sustainability initiatives and helping to raise funds for staff scholarships.

Please do not use deskside bins to recycle these items as ink can leak from the cartridges and contaminate the rest of the recyclable items in the bin. If you cannot find a designated inkjet collection bin in your area, email the recycling team at [email protected].

Month Is Made for Walking in UT System Activity Challenge

From Oct. 3 through Nov. 3, challenge yourself to walk between 6,000 and 10,000 steps or 30 to 60 minutes a day as part of Walktober, the 2016 UT System Physical Activity Challenge. Track your activity using a paper chart, mobile app or fitness tracker and earn challenge rewards. All employees, spouses and dependents age 18 and older covered in the UT SELECT Medical Plan are eligible to participate. Registration begins Monday, Sept. 19.

Ability Exhibit Coming to Campus in October

“Allies for Inclusion: The Ability Exhibit” will make a campus visit during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The multimedia exhibit, designed to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities, features learning stations including computer quizzes, exercises and educational materials. The exhibit will be at the Visitor Center and University Bookstore from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19. It is sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Community Engagement and Student AccessAbility.

Show Your Comet Spirit on Fridays, Eat for $5 at Dining Hall West

Faculty or staff members who wear orange, green or UT Dallas-branded clothing on Fridays can eat lunch at Dining Hall West (DHW) for just $5 plus tax from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Spirit shuttles are available from Lot R to DHW during these times.

Human Resources to Host Informational Forum

Human Resources will host its next HR Forum on Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in TI Auditorium (ECSS 2.102) to share policy and procedure changes, and provide updates. Attendees can learn about new programs, ask questions, share feedback and network with colleagues. Information on future and past forums is also available online.

Reminders

Get Computer Security, Technology Help
It is important to be aware of online security risks, including phishing scams, which typically involve emails that try to trick the user into giving away personal information. If a suspicious email makes it into your inbox, report it to the Information Security Office (ISO) by forwarding the email to [email protected].

If you have CometNet WiFi or NetID/password issues, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) can help with its walk-in labs. The labs also provide Windows and Mac computers with printing services, including poster printing. The labs are in the Founders Building (FO 1.206) and the McDermott Library (MC 1.314). Check its website for hours of operations. For campus technology questions, email the OIT Help Desk or call ext. 2911.

Registration Open for Fair Labor Standards Act Training
Human Resources is helping prepare employees affected by the new Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations that go into effect Dec. 1. Managers and employees may register for training through LEO on the Galaxy portal by searching for the following classes:

  • Managing Non-Exempt Employees (Thursday, Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to noon, RL 3.204)
  • Employee Transition to FLSA (Thursdays, Sept. 22, 29 and Oct. 6, 10 a.m. to noon, RL 3.204)

Visit the Human Resources website or contact the Employment Services team for more information.

Corporate Challenge Signups
There is still time to sign up for the Corporate Challenge games, which benefit Special Olympics Texas. Visit the Wellness website to download the sign-up sheet and schedule of events.

Office of Budget and Finance Training Sessions

The Office of Budget and Finance will be hosting training sessions to assist cost center owners and administrative support with the annual certification process. The sessions, which will be held in the Brazos Lab (FO 1.206C), will focus on how to use the Letters of Representation pages in PeopleSoft. Letters of Representation are due Sept. 30. Register here for these upcoming sessions:

  • Friday, Sept. 16 (10 - 11 a.m.)
  • Tuesday, Sept. 20 (10 - 11 a.m.)
  • Wednesday, Sept. 21 (2:30 - 3:30 p.m.)
  • Thursday, Sept. 22 (1:30 - 2:30 p.m.)
  • Tuesday, Sept. 27 (2:30 - 3:30 p.m.)
  • Wednesday, Sept. 28 (10 - 11 a.m.)
  • Thursday, Sept. 29 (1:30 - 2:30 p.m.)
  • Friday, Sept. 30 (10 -11 a.m.)

If you have questions, contact Jennifer Mayes at [email protected]. or ext. 4788.

Office of Research Seminars and Events

Organizational Development & Training