Prof Stepping Down After 12 Years as Academic Senate Leader

Dr. Murray J. Leaf
After a total 12 years of service, Dr. Murray J. Leaf is stepping down from his role as speaker of the faculty.

In May, UT Dallas President David E. Daniel presented Leaf with a certificate of appreciation, recognizing his service and devotion to improving the academic experience at UT Dallas.

The associate professor of anthropology and political economy, who has been active in the Academic Senate since 1975 and will now serve as one of its vice speakers, called his service "an honor and privilege." Read more

Sustainability Efforts Grow with UT System and Campus

Thea Junt
It's not always easy being green, but sustainability programs have made a difference at UT Dallas and throughout the UT System, thanks in part to policies that support green initiatives and encourage students, faculty and staff to engage in environmentally responsible practices.

"It has been exciting and extremely rewarding to see the increase in environmental initiatives on campus," said Thea Junt, UT Dallas energy conservation and sustainability manager.

"The University's sustainability program started through Facilities Management and our green building projects," Junt said. Read more

UT Dallas Officer Excels in Marathon

Detective Stacey Rotunno
UT Dallas Police Detective Stacey Rotunno finished in second place in the women's division in her first marathon, held recently to raise funds for multiple sclerosis research.

Her time of 4:48:27 earned her second place in the women's division and 10th overall in Running the Distance's MS Marathon on May 24. Her results were even more surprising because she had trained only three weeks before this race, running 12 miles on a consecutive Saturday and Sunday. She had been sidetracked last fall with a foot injury while training for the MetroPCS Dallas Marathon, which was canceled due to the ice storm in December.

"I was kind of shocked. I know it's a small marathon, but it's still pretty cool. I cried a little bit," Rotunno said.

The race, held at Bachman Lake, required runners to cover the 3-mile loop eight times. Fifty-one runners did the full marathon; eight ran the half-marathon.

"During the seventh lap, I was ready for it to be done," Rotunno said.

Author to Tell Story of Yale Students Who Became WWI Heroes

In 1916, an elite group of Yale undergrads set out to start an aeronautics club at their school. They knew nothing about aviation, but their interest and love of motorized flying bonded them. A year later, they would become the nucleus of the U.S. Naval Air Reserve in World War I.

Award-winning writer Marc Wortman will discuss the significant role of these men, who later became known as the "Millionaire's Unit," during the 2014 George W. Jalonick III and Dorothy Cockrell Jalonick Memorial Distinguished Lecture at 4 p.m., July 12, in the Clark Center Auditorium. A book signing and reception will follow.

The lecture is free, but registration is required.

Revamped Bookstore Site Offers New Online Tools

The newly redesigned UT Dallas bookstore website offers new tools designed to ease the ordering process for students as well as faculty members. Customers can now search for textbooks using the author, keywords or ISBN to find the books they need. Faculty members who need to make online text adoptions can sign in at www.utd-shop.com, hover the mouse cursor over the "Books" link in the upper left, then click Online Adoptions.

Volunteers Needed to Welcome Back Students Aug. 25-26

The Office of Administration needs staff and faculty members to help pass out giveaway items and welcome students back to campus on Aug. 25 and 26. To volunteer for a two-hour shift between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on either day, contact Richard Arduengo via email, or call 972-883-2213.

Do You Know Your Facilities Management Building Liaison?

Facilities Management Building Liaisons are staff and faculty volunteers who serve as points of contact for general maintenance issues in their assigned buildings. To find your liaison and report a problem, visit the Facilities Management website and download the full list of building contacts.

Office of Sponsored Projects: Seminars and Certificate Series

Registration is required. Call Rebecca Everett at 972-883-2313 for more information.

  • Reporting/Closeouts — July 8, 10 to 11 a.m. (FO 1.202)
    The Office of Sponsored Projects will outline common reporting requirements of a sponsored project.
  • Update on the Office of Sponsored Projects — July 8, noon (FO 2.106)
    The Office of Sponsored Projects will discuss how its operations have changed recently to meet the growing needs of the University.
  • Decoding Administrative Forms — July 22, noon (FO 2.106)
    The Office of Sponsored Projects will outline common reporting requirements of a sponsored project.

Reminders

UT Dallas Annual Benefits Fair Scheduled for July 11
The Office of Human Resources will host an Employee Benefits Fair on July 11 to help faculty and staff members learn more about their benefit options before the annual enrollment period starts. The fair will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Student Union Galaxy Rooms (SU 2.602). The annual benefits enrollment period begins July 15 and ends at midnight on July 31. Consult the Benefits Services pages for more information.

UT Southwestern Benefit Pilot Program Ends Sept. 1
The UT Southwestern Network benefit pilot program ends Sept. 1, and traditional UT Select benefits will resume for care received through UT Southwestern physicians and facilities. Consult the notice from UT System Office of Employee Benefits for details.

Fiscal 2015 Holidays Announced
The University employee holiday schedule for the 2015 fiscal year is now available on the Office of Human Resources website. Refer to the University holiday policy or contact Human Resources with any questions.