Two University leaders have been appointed to Cabinet positions this fall.

Brian Dourty will serve as interim vice president and chief information officer for the Office of Information Technology. He will continue shaping the office to better execute its core mission of providing technology leadership, expertise and services in support of UT Dallas' mission of research, learning, teaching and public service.

John Walls will serve as interim vice president for communications. The Office of Communications oversees marketing, news and media relations, periodicals and web services for the University. Read More

One of America's best-known political couples, Mary Matalin and James Carville, will share their insights into contemporary political issues at the 2016 Distinguished Lecture at 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, in the Edith O’Donnell Arts and Technology Building Lecture Hall. As of press time, a limited number of tickets are available.

Their talk, “All’s Fair: Love, War and Politics,” will give audiences a look at today’s most pressing issues including the 2016 presidential campaign and a behind-the-scenes peek inside Washington. The event will be moderated by Dallas journalist and host of KERA's CEO series Lee Cullum. Read More

Human Resources urges employees to compare the deductions on their Oct. 3 paychecks with the benefits confirmation statement previously emailed by the UT System Office of Employee Benefits. Employees can also view a summary of their benefits online through My UT Benefits.

You must report any discrepancies to the UT Dallas Office of Human Resources Benefits team by Monday, Oct. 31. Discrepancies due to clerical error that are reported by Oct. 31 will be changed in accordance with the UT System administrative policy and requirements. Discrepancies reported after Oct. 31 will require a review and approval from the UT System Office of Employee Benefits.

Please note that this year's Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) member contribution rate of 7.7 percent also will be reflected on the Oct. 3 paychecks.

President Richard C. Benson hosted a reception Sept. 8 to honor faculty members who were promoted recently.

The event honored 20 professors. Increasing the University's ranks of tenured professors is one of the goals outlined in the UT Dallas Strategic Plan. See Promotions

Flu shot clinics for faculty and staff will be held Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at several locations around campus. View the schedule and sign up for an appointment online.

Surplus will hold a bike sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the Surplus Warehouse, near the Facilities Management, Police and Service buildings. The event is open to students, faculty and staff, and will feature 150 bicycles priced between $20 and $60. Cash or check only, please. First come, first served.

UT Dallas Dining Services will host its next Pop Up Farmers’ Market from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at the Plinth.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to learn about sustainable and healthy food options and shop the market's produce, spices and prepared foods.

The Corporate Challenge Closing Ceremony will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, at the Richardson Civic Center. UT Dallas participants are invited to enjoy an awards ceremony and celebration dinner. Special Olympics raffle ticket purchases and donations are still being accepted. Visit the UT Dallas Corporate Challenge website to learn more.

The Center for Vital Longevity will present the 2017 Dallas Aging and Cognition Conference on Jan. 28-30 at the Dallas Marriott City Center. Researchers will share their latest discoveries and insights on the cognitive neuroscience of aging through talks and poster presentations. Registration is not required to submit a talk or poster, but submissions are due by Oct. 15. Visit the conference website for more information.

President Benson to Deliver State of the University on Oct. 13
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. The event will be held in the Edith O’Donnell Arts and Technology Building Lecture Hall (ATC 1.102).

Join the Walktober UT System Physical 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. All employees, spouses and dependents age 18 and older covered in the UT SELECT Medical Plan are eligible to participate. Register here.

Human Resources to Host Informational Forum
Human Resources will host its next HR Forum from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, in TI Auditorium (ECSS 2.102) to share policy and procedure changes, and provide updates. Information on future and past forums also is available online.

The Office of Budget and Finance will be hosting training sessions in the Brazos Lab (FO 1.206C) to assist cost center owners and administrative support with the annual certification process. Register here for these upcoming sessions:

• 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.

• Lunch and Learn: Collaborating with the Air Force Research Laboratory, noon to 1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 29 (JSOM 1.606)
• Graduate Professional Week: Funding Funds, noon to 1:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 3 (SU 2.602B)
• IRB Protocol Assistance Workshop, 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Oct. 4 (ATC 1.201)
• Graduate Professional Week: Dissertation Formatting and RefWorks, 3 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 4 (ECSS 3.503)

• Employee Transition — FLSA Toolkit, 10 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Sept. 29 (RL 3.204)
• Managers and Supervisors Certificate Series — Session 1 — Communication, 2 to 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 29 (SPN 1.121)
• Graduate Professional Week: Dignity and Respect in the Workplace, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 3 (ECSS 3.503)
• Emotional Intelligence Practicum: Part I — Know Yourself, 10 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Oct. 6 (SPN 1.121)
• Employee Transition - FLSA Toolkit, 10 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Oct. 6 (RL 3.204)