• As classes begin today, it's bound to feel exciting to be (back) on campus, for students and professional staff alike. Even though it might seem like things are "back to normal," there also is a sense of uncertainty and caution about the future. I encourage you to look out for students and your colleagues; take care of yourselves, too. I look forward to catching up with you as we head into fall. Let's have a safe, healthy and engaging semester!
• The Comet Vaccine Incentive Program (Comet VIP) is a voluntary program for currently enrolled students that incentivizes them to become vaccinated against COVID-19 and report their vaccination status to the University. All students who participate receive $125 direct deposited to their personal account between Aug. 27 and Sept. 27. In addition, randomly selected students will be eligible for additional prizes. The program runs through Sept. 27. Please encourage your students to participate.

Community Standards and Conduct

• Students referred during the week of Aug. 9: BAIT (1), academic dishonesty (10). Hearings (3).

Health & Wellness Initiatives

Counseling Center

• Center for Students in Recovery Services for the week of Aug. 9: Nourish (2), ARM (2).

Health Center

• In partnership with Walmart, the SHC is offering three COVID-19 vaccine clinics that are open to the UTD community and the public. The Pfizer vaccines are free and no appointment is necessary. Dates: Aug. 22 (during Convocation), VCB Atrium, 2-6 p.m.; Aug. 25 (during Cometville), Student Union Lower Level, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Sept. 15, Student Union Lower Level, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

University Recreation

• Aug. 23: Group Fitness classes begin. Classes are in-person (one virtual class offered on Mondays) and free to members. Spots are reserved via IM Leagues.

Student Engagement Initiatives

Intercultural Programs

• Aug. 27: UTD Campus Lingo, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Instagram.

Student Development

• Aug. 23-Sept. 3: Weeks of Welcome.
• Student Development is now the sponsoring department for the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA).
• Students interested in leadership programming for the 2021-2022 school year should subscribe to the Student Leadership Program mailing list to learn about upcoming events and activities.
• Sept. 6-8: Student Government elections. Filings close Aug. 30.

Student Volunteerism

• Aug. 24: Virtual Info Booth, 12:30-1 p.m., Instagram.

Student Transition Initiatives

Military and Veteran Center

• Aug. 24: PAVE peer advisor team training, 12-2 p.m.
• Aug. 30: MVC Welcome Event, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sept. 2: Veteran Resource Fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Student Transition Programs

• Aug. 25: Senior Breakfast, 9-10:30 a.m.
• Aug. 30: Commuter Cool Down, 11:30 a.m.
• Aug. 31: Sophomore Advance, 4-6 p.m.
• Family Day registration is now open. The event is planned for Oct. 16.

University Career Center

• Aug 25: New student employee orientation, 11 a.m., SSB 3.107.

Student Media

• Aug. 23: New UTD Mercury on newsstands.

• Aug. 23: Student Care Package pickup. Students must register to claim their package.
• Aug. 25: GGC Virtual Office Tour, YouTube.