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UT DallasInterCom
Dec. 13, 2013
Energy-Efficiency Initiatives Earn Rewards
The University of Texas at Dallas covered in snow

The University’s first parking garage opened in the fall with an energy-saving bonus: Solar panels on the roof help power the lights inside the structure.

For the second consecutive year, Oncor has rewarded UT Dallas for its efforts toward building a more energy-efficient campus. The company recently presented UT Dallas with a $302,094 check for the University's participation in its Educational Facilities Program. The program saluted the University's push to make a number of campus energy enhancements, including projects to refurbish lighting, improve water metering, and incorporate energy-efficient design elements into new construction. The money will be added to a revolving fund to help further campus sustainability.

Volunteers Needed to Welcome Students Back

The Office of Administration and the Customer Service Committee are seeking staff and faculty volunteers to help pass out giveaways and welcome students back to campus after the winter holiday break on Jan. 13. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Student Union and Student Services Building. To volunteer for a two-hour shift, please contact Richard Arduengo via email at [email protected], or call 972-883-2213 by Dec. 20.

Development and Alumni Relations
Open for Business in New Home

The Office of Development and Alumni Relations has moved into its new offices in the Synergy Park North building and invites the UT Dallas community to drop by for a visit. The office has scheduled an Open House for 3 to 5 p.m. on Jan. 16. The building also houses the UTDesign program.

Winter Break Reminders

• The University will be closed Monday, Dec. 23, through Friday, Jan. 3. Faculty and staff not taking extra vacation days return to work Monday, Jan. 6.

• The north mall, which stretches from the Administration Building to the Trellis, will be closed for renovations beginning Dec. 20. Expect high noise levels, increased construction traffic and altered access points to affected buildings and areas of campus during this project. Pedestrians will be able to use skywalks and perimeter entrances to access affected buildings during the project. READ MORE

• Several UT Dallas entities will have reduced hours of operation in the weeks before and after winter break. Central Receiving and Mail Services will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 27 and Jan. 13 only. Holiday hours for dining, the McDermott Library and the Activity Center are available on their respective websites.

Don't Forget

• The UT Southwestern Mobile Mammography Unit will be on campus from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16. UT Dallas faculty, staff and spouses may schedule mammogram appointments by calling 214-645-2560 or 866-277-0710.

• UT Dallas employees can purchase discounted Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) annual passes through Feb. 15 at the Parking and Transportation Service window in the Bursar's Office (SSB 2.300). The cost is $300. READ MORE

W-2 Forms Coming to Galaxy

Employees can print their W-2 forms directly from Galaxy this year. Benefits include earlier access to the forms and retrieval from anywhere that has Internet access. Sign in to the Galaxy site, and under Staff Tools, follow the link to Payroll and Compensation. Click on "W-2/W-2c Consent Form" to arrange for your form to be available electronically instead of delivered by mail. Full directions are on the Budget and Finance website.

Events Honor Employees
for Service Milestones
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

Dr. Rod Heelis celebrates 40 years of service to UT Dallas.

In two recognition events last month, UT Dallas saluted 306 employees for a combined 4,710 years of service to the University. The 27th Annual Employee Service Awards presentation and reception honored faculty and staff members who had reached service milestones of five, 10, 20, 30 and 40 years with the University last fiscal year. Prior to the presentation, a luncheon honored a new group: the Quarter Century Club. READ MORE

Employee Performance Appraisal Process Update

The employee appraisal process plays a key role in the growth and development of staff and faculty. The UT System now requires that all employees have an annual appraisal completed during the fiscal year. The Office of Human Resources offers a list of guidelines to help departments follow the process. READ MORE

HR Sessions Offer Guidance on Changes in Hiring Process

To help managers and administrative staff prepare for upcoming changes related to the hiring process, the Office of Human Resources is offering a series of learning sessions through mid-February. Attendees may choose the sessions and dates that work best for them. There will be space for 45 attendees at each session; no RSVP is required. READ MORE

Shopping Online? Be Safe
This Holiday Season

The Texas Department of Information Resources has prepared guidelines to help state employees stay safe while shopping online during the holiday season. "Cyber Monday and the Online Shopping Season: What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself" is available on the department's website.

Encryption Required for New Desktop PCs Before Use

UT System guidelines require desktop computers purchased by UT Dallas to be encrypted before the machines are placed in service. This security step is necessary to help ensure University data are protected from unauthorized use, damage or loss. If you have questions or concerns, read the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Fire Extinguisher Training Offered to Departments

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety offers fire extinguisher training for departments requesting instruction. The training helps users know what kind of fire extinguisher to have ready for a specific situation. Contact Rey Salinas at [email protected].