|
Communication for the staff and faculty of
The University of Texas at Dallas |
|
|
|
|
COVID-19 Information, Resources
During the disruption of regular services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Communications is maintaining a collection of information and resources for staff, faculty and students. For the latest information, visit the COVID-19 website, which will be updated frequently with FAQs and the latest information.
|
|
|
Requesting Supplies for Your Department’s Return to Campus
Facilities Management has secured limited amounts of hand sanitizer, disinfectant, reusable masks and other supplies to help departments in their efforts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus as employees return to campus.
Supplies are being dispensed to groups according to their UTD Mail Stop to ensure that everyone has enough.
In order to limit everyone’s exposure, please have your group’s authorized representative submit an online Department Custodial Supplies Request at least two business days before you return to campus. Then, have only the authorized representative pick up your group’s supplies. Further details about available supplies, pick-up times and the pick-up location are available through that online form.
For more information, contact Dee Lambert.
|
|
|
Contacts for COVID-19 Questions, Concerns
Karlynda Poage, lead COVID-19 health screening and training program coordinator, will serve as the University’s first point of contact for faculty and staff. Poage will manage the daily health screening process, coordinate the UT Dallas contact of those who have been exposed to or have tested positive for COVID-19, and will serve as a campus resource for training and education.
The University’s COVID-19 coordinators will work closely with various groups across campus, including the Office of Research, the Office of Emergency Management & Continuity Planning, the Student Health Center, and University Housing, as well as local and state health authorities, to manage the health screening and assessment process for faculty, staff and students. They also will manage any follow up and notifications necessary to employees and/or students.
If you have questions or concerns related to COVID-19, email [email protected] or call 972-883-5327.
In addition, students (including teaching assistants, research assistants, graduate assistants and doctoral students) with questions or concerns related to COVID-19 can email the Dean of Students Office at [email protected].
|
|
|
Comets Return to Campus Supervisor Guide
UT Dallas has developed guidelines for supervisors to follow if direct reports are diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19. These guidelines also include details on the return to campus process for Administrative and Research units, such as mandatory training and health checks.
Please refer to the Supervisor Guide for the Return to Campus Process Summary and the following scenarios.
My direct report is:
Also refer to flow chart diagrams (PDF) of the steps for each scenario.
|
|
|
Save the Date: Annual Benefits Enrollment Is July 15-31
The UT Dallas Annual Benefits Enrollment will be July 15-31. During this time period, you can:
- Make changes to your benefits.
- Enroll or re-enroll in UT FLEX (employees only; enrollment does not automatically renew).
- Add or remove dependents from your coverage plan. Please review your dependents.
- Add/change your beneficiaries for your life and AD&D coverage. If this year’s annual enrollment is your first time to log in to the new My UT Benefits website, please know that beneficiaries posted on the old My UT Benefits website are not visible on the new My UT Benefits website, but are recorded at Blue Cross Blue Shield (formerly Dearborn National).
An email announcing the opening of the Annual Benefits Enrollment will be sent to all benefits-eligible employees by Wednesday, July 15. After you receive the email, log into My UT Benefits and follow the on-screen instructions to make your selections or changes. Make sure to print your confirmation statement after you make any changes. Enrollment must be completed before midnight on Friday, July 31.
The UT System Office of Employee Benefits will announce any changes to the FY2020-2021 benefits plans in the “A Matter of Health” newsletter prior to the annual enrollment period. Please monitor your University email account for this information and for campus-specific details from UT Dallas.
Benefits-eligible employees may also attend the UT Dallas Virtual Benefits & Wellness Fair from July 20-31. Don’t miss out on the educational opportunities and fun activities such as the Magic Parlour during the kickoff day.
For assistance or more information, contact the UT Dallas Office of Human Resources – Benefits Services via email at [email protected] or contact us via Microsoft Teams.
|
|
|
Virtual Benefits, Wellness Fair Is July 20-31
UT Dallas will host a Virtual Benefits and Wellness Fair from July 20-31. This year’s theme is Smart Benefits Shopping — featuring games, presentations, interactive experiences, prizes and 24/7 access to information. Kickoff events will be from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday, July 20.
Visit the virtual benefits fair mall, where you can shop and find the best benefits for you and your family. To enter the mall, please visit the Virtual Benefits Fair website website, download the UTD Benefits Fair App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or download the interactive PDF.
Prizes will be awarded throughout the day and announced via the benefits fair app. Enjoy your benefits shopping!
The UT Dallas Annual Benefits Enrollment will be July 15-31. For more information, read the article above.
|
|
|
|
Updates to Records Management Program
In September 2019, University attorney Tim Shaw was named the Records Management officer for the University.
Each state and local government entity has a records management officer, who is responsible for administering the agency’s records management program and providing agency employees with information on state laws, administrative rules, and agency policies and procedures relating to the management, preservation, and destruction of state records.
Mariah Phipps, director of Emergency Management and Continuity Planning, previously supervised the records management program before the Environmental Health and Safety department was dissolved in early September.
Components of the Records Management Program
The Records Management Program includes:
- Maintaining the University Records Retention Schedule.
- Approving requests to dispose of state records.
- Educating University employees on maintenance of state records.
- Long-term storage of state records.
The University’s monthly document shredding service is managed by Facilities Management. If you need assistance with secure shredding or obtaining a shredding bin, contact [email protected].
Changes to the Records Retention Schedule
Shortly after the reorganization, the University Record Retention Schedule was recertified by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Recertification is a lengthy and detailed process that was mainly undertaken by Environmental Health and Safety. As part of that process, improvements were made to the Records Retention Schedule to make it easier for the campus community to use, including renumbering the record series, adding additional series for records previously not listed on the schedule, and adding details and examples of records that fall in each series. Please note that disposal requests must use the new Records Retention Schedule and Record Series Item Numbers. Disposal requests using the old item numbers will be returned for correction.
For more information, including the new Records Retention Schedule and updated forms, visit the Records Management website or email [email protected].
|
|
|
|
Sips & Science to Offer Tips for Interacting During a Pandemic
How do you create a sense of community and closeness when your get-togethers are virtual? How do we get past the weird discomfort of not shaking hands? What can all those huggers do with all that love? When all of our cues for closeness are getting scrambled, we need to learn new ways to create community, show empathy and help others feel a sense of belonging.
Join the Center for BrainHealth and Brain Performance Institute for Virtual Sips & Science: Creating Community in a Socially Distant World from 7- 8 p.m., Thursday, July 23. Andy Eninger, a comedian, improviser and learning consultant with Fairplay Communications, will lead this humorous, interactive session. Eninger will break down interpersonal discomfort and offer a roadmap for new practices (and old ones, too) that can help you close the gap and become a community builder once again.
For more information and to register, visit the Virtual Sips & Science event page.
|
|
|
Watch Recording of HR Forum
The Office of Human Resources invites you to watch a recording of the July 1 HR Forum on Microsoft Teams. The approximately 90-minute forum includes updates from various departments across campus including HR, Police Department, and Benefits and Wellness
For more information, visit the HR Forum webpage.
|
|
|
Library Resources Include Sessions with Librarians, Workshops, Language Courses
The Eugene McDermott Library continues to be available online for students, staff and faculty. Need assistance in using the library’s research resources or eBooks in Overdrive? Complete this form to schedule a session with a librarian.
Throughout summer, McDermott Library will continue to offer Chat services on the library’s website. The librarians welcome questions and there is always an answer to be found in the library’s millions of resources.
The library also continues its workshop series and reminds staff and faculty that they can learn new skills and polish existing ones on LinkedIn Learning.
Summer is also a perfect time to learn a new language. McDermott Library encourages you to set up a free Mango Languages subscription. The language tool also can be used on your phone or device.
For more information, email Loreen Henry or Chris Edwards.
|
|
|
|
Schedule Mammogram Appointment for Aug. 14 on Campus
The UT Southwestern mobile mammography unit will visit the Loading Zone North of the Activity Center from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 14. Call 214-645-2560 or 866-277-0710 with your health insurance information to schedule an appointment. Most insurance plans are accepted.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention safety precautions will be followed. Only one patient will be allowed at a time in the mobile unit. Temperature checks will be done and masks are required.
For more information, contact [email protected].
|
|
|
Gain Techniques for Stress Management, Coping During Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic is stressful. Fear and anxiety about a new disease and all the unknowns can be overwhelming for everyone. Sheltering and working from home and social distancing can make people feel isolated and lonely which in turn, can increase stress and anxiety.
Join the UT Dallas Wellness Committee and Student Counseling Center for Stress Management & Coping During the COVID-19 Pandemic, a lunch and learn from 11 a.m.-noon, this Thursday on Microsoft Teams.
You are encouraged to share the Microsoft Teams link with colleagues and friends in the campus community.
|
|
|
Connect with Colleagues at Watercooler Wednesday
It’s important to take breaks and stay in touch with colleagues as many staff and faculty work remotely. You are invited to virtually connect with colleagues on Watercooler Wednesday through a Microsoft Teams live event at 10-10:15 a.m. and 3-3:15 p.m. Each session will include a wellness activity. Join early or hang around after and visit with colleagues and meet new folks.
Visit the Campus Wellness Committee site for more information about Watercooler Wednesday and other virtual resources related to wellness.
|
|
|
The UT Dallas Job Pipeline
A new interactive report (MS Excel format) by the Economic Development team in the Office of Facilities and Economic Development allows employers to see how many UT Dallas students are preparing to enter different in-demand occupations. Students and potential students can also use the report to choose a major and see a snapshot of its job market.
For more information, contact Rachel Brasier.
|
|
|
|
Attend Virtual Parents’ Day Event
The Galerstein Gender Center will host a National Parents’ Day discussion/check-in with the parent and caretaker community from noon-1 p.m., Wednesday, July 22 on Microsoft Teams.
Learn about the challenges, triumphs and strategies that have impacted these communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
|
|
|
|
Resources Available Through Employee Assistance Program
The Deer Oaks Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free service provided for benefits-eligible employees.
This program offers a wide variety of counseling, referral and consultation services. These services are confidential and can be accessed 24/7.
If you or your family need help in managing stress, anxiety or other issues, call 888-993-7650 or email [email protected].
|
|
|
Office of Research Events
Comet Corner Series: Susan P. Bratton PhD’97, noon, Tuesday, July 21 — Join the Office of Research in partnership with schools across campus for chats with notable alumni. Hear how their research has made an impact in the world. Dr. Susan P. Bratton, who earned her PhD in humanities at UT Dallas, is a professor of environmental studies at Baylor University. Registration is required. For more information, email Anricka Ziller.
July Blood Drive, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, July 24 — Join the Office of Research and the Office of Student Volunteerism as they partner with Carter BloodCare for a blood drive in parking lot J. Roll up your sleeves and give! Registration is required. For more information, email [email protected].
Lab to Launch Series: Product Development Considerations, noon, Monday, July 27 — Connie Manz, CEO of Qualia Inc., will discuss various considerations taken when translating a technology from the lab to a commercial product. The Lab to Launch online seminar series is sponsored by the Office of Research in partnership with the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Blackstone Launchpad. Registration is required. For more information, email Anricka Ziller.
|
|
|
Reminders
Upgrade Your VPN to Global Protect
The Office of Information Technology has upgraded the University’s supported Virtual Private Network (VPN) to the Palo Alto Global Protect client. This will replace the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client. If you are still utilizing AnyConnect, please begin using Global Protect as soon as possible. Cisco AnyConnect will stop working at UT Dallas today. Learn more about Global Protect
University Upgrading Its Wireless Network
The Office of Information Technology has launched a multiyear project of upgrading the University’s wireless network solution from Cisco Systems to Mist by Juniper Networks.
Mist combines artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data science with the latest wireless technologies to deliver a smart, agile and scalable solution that optimizes the wireless experience and brings insight into the network.
Most users should experience improved performance and coverage with the upgrade to Mist. However, some older devices may no longer connect to the new wireless network. With this in mind, OIT is broadcasting a second wireless network, called Cometnet_Legacy. OIT recommends using this network only if your device cannot connect to CometNet as most of the benefits of Mist are not enabled on this network. Learn more about Mist
Exploring Innovation in the Learning Landscape
Grab your lunch from noon-1 p.m., on Thursday, July 16, and join a virtual meeting, Leadership & Talent Strategies to Drive Innovation, with Laurie Burruss, LinkedIn Learning's education innovation advisor. Register online using Microsoft Forms to receive the link to the Teams Live event.
As educators, how can we identify and foster the key tenants of innovation? If we focus on producing innovators, not subject matter experts, how might we shift our teaching approach? What lessons can we learn from real world leaders who possess the traits of risk-taking, curiosity, and creativity?
This session will provide practical examples of how to incorporate questioning, experimentation, observation, association, and sharing into our curriculums. Join us as we provide and compare examples.
The session is hosted by the Office of Information Technology, Center for Teaching and Learning, and Eugene McDermott Library.
Register for Free Virtual Fitness Classes
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas has partnered with Tivity Health to provide UT System employees with free virtual fitness classes.
Tivity Health, which administers the Well onTarget Fitness program, is introducing Prime Live Virtual Classes, made available through Tivity's Prime Network. Participants can enjoy a variety of live, full-length fitness classes hosted through Zoom from the comfort of home and at no additional cost.
The classes are open to all employees; you don't have to be Well onTarget Fitness program members. Classes include, boot camp, yoga, dance, strength training, cardio-interval workouts and more.
To register, visit this registration link and provide your name and email address. Once enrolled, you can RSVP for classes and will receive an email confirmation with a Zoom link to access the class shortly after registering.
|
|
|
|
About This Newsletter
InterCom is the official University-wide newsletter for UT Dallas faculty and staff members. This periodic publication is designed to provide University employees with important information necessary for the workplace, as well as community news that supports the University's mission. Guidelines about content and submissions can be found here or contact Robert Tracy at [email protected] or ext. 3521. |
|