Abby Kratz to Lead New Office of Institutional Scholarships

Associate Provost Dr. Abby Kratz
UT Dallas Provost and Executive Vice President Hobson Wildenthal has appointed Dr. Abby Kratz to lead the University’s newly formed Office of Institutional Scholarship Administration.

In response to the significant increase of donations for endowed scholarships at UT Dallas, the University created the office to provide oversight and accountability for scholarship awards, to ensure compliance with donor intentions, and to make current and potential students aware of scholarship opportunities. Read More

NetIDplus Initiative to Give a Security Boost to Online Accounts

The Information Security Office has announced an initiative to increase the protection of computer user accounts. Through NetIDplus, an additional layer of security will be available for high-risk systems.

Tools that give employees remote access to the campus network or that will let them change their direct deposit preferences in Galaxy will be the first applications protected by the improved authentication. Throughout the summer, the Information Security Office will be coordinating tests of Duo software, which powers NetIDplus. Read More

Green Zone Classes Seek Friendly Campus for Veterans

The Green Zone program is designed to establish a University-wide network of staff and faculty members to encourage a military-friendly campus culture. The name originates in the military and indicates a safe zone for soldiers. UT Dallas Green Zone training topics include military terminology and culture, transition challenges, classroom considerations, and campus and community resources.

At this time, the Veteran Services Center is limiting Green Zone training to staff and faculty. Upon completion, participants are given a certificate and a Green Zone decal for their offices. Classes are as follows: Space is limited, and registration is required. Email Lisa McNeme or call the Veteran Services Center at 972-883-4913 for more information.

TCS Can Help Departments with New Computer Purchases

Technology Customer Services (TCS) is available to help departments with new computer purchases. The Desktop Support Group answers questions and offers advice on topics ranging from computer upgrades to desktop needs.

Sometimes the cheapest option isn’t the best, and there are unique considerations when purchasing a computer for UT Dallas, TCS says. For example, hard drive encryption works best if your computer has a TPM chip. Wondering how your files will get transferred or your email set up? TCS can explain the whole process. Call 972-883-2911 and ask for a “Computer Purchase Consultation.”

Here are a few more quick tips from TCS. When configuring memory, start at 8GB and go up from there. If you’re planning to keep your old monitor, make sure you purchase or have the right cable or adaptors. If you’re purchasing a laptop, do you want a docking station? Only certain laptops support specific docking stations, and universal docking stations are rarely ideal.

Benefits Fair Gives Employees Chance to Shop for Options

The Office of Human Resources will host a Benefits Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, July 13, in the Student Union Galaxy Rooms (SU 2.602) to help faculty and staff members learn more about employee benefit options before the enrollment period starts. The annual benefits enrollment period for eligible employees begins July 15 and ends at midnight CDT on July 31. For assistance or more information, contact the UT Dallas — Benefits Services staff at [email protected], or 972-883-2221.

HR to Host Forum on Policy and Procedure Changes

The Office of Human Resources will host an HR Forum to share important information on policy and procedure changes and provide updates from all areas of HR, including Employee Services, Employee Relations, Institutional Equity, and Organizational Development and Training. Attendees can learn about new programs, ask questions, share feedback and network with colleagues. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, in JSOM 2.115.

Import and Export Training Urged for International Shippers

Auxiliary Services has organized a compliance training class for anyone on the UT Dallas campus who ships or receives items internationally. The import and export class is set for 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, June 19, in the Brazos Room in the Founders Building (FO 1.206C).

Reminders

  • Carter BloodCareOn-Campus Blood Drive
    Make an appointment to donate blood from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, when the Carter Blood Care bus stops at UT Dallas outside the Activity Center (AB). Participants will receive a Texas Rangers buy-one-get-one-free game voucher and a pair of sunglasses. The blood drive is organized by the Office of Student Volunteerism.
  • Free Self-Defense Class for Women
    The UT Dallas Police Department teaches women how to protect themselves with a system of self-defense tactics called the Rape Aggression Defense program. This course, which is open to all female faculty and staff members, will be offered 5 to 8:30 p.m., June 16-18. Participants should plan to attend all three nights. For more information or to register, email Sgt. Kendra Penny.
  • Free Fitness Class for Faculty and Staff
    The Wellness Center is offering free group exercise classes and nutrition education to faculty and staff members every Tuesday and Thursday in June at the Activity Center. Upcoming classes include:
    • Kettlebell — noon, June 11, Multipurpose Green Room.
    • Zumba — 5:30 p.m., June 16, Multipurpose Orange Room.
    • Body Shred — noon, June 18, Auxiliary Gym.
    • Cardio Kickboxing — 5:30 p.m., June 23, Multipurpose Orange Room.
    • Aqua Boot Camp — noon, June 25, Pool.
    Participants will also have the chance to win shirts, water bottles, resistance bands and a Fitbit. For more information, call 972-883-4275.
  • Summer Dining Hall Spirit Fridays Extended
    The dining hall “Spirit Friday” program has been extended through the summer. Faculty and staff members who wear orange, green or UT Dallas-branded clothing on Fridays can eat lunch at Dining Hall West for $5. A special Comet Cab service will pick up diners at the Administration Building’s Lot R and at the Trellis from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The carts will run about every 10 minutes. Visit the dining website for more information.

Office of Research Seminars

The Office of Research Compliance is offering Institutional Review Board workshops for researchers involved in research projects with human participants. For additional information visit the Upcoming Training Classes page or call the Office of Research Compliance at 972-883-4575.
  • Thursday, June 18, 2 p.m. — 4 p.m. (GR 4.208).
  • Tuesday, June 23, 10 a.m. — noon (FO 2.702).
  • Monday, June 29, 2 p.m. — 4 p.m. (FO 2.702).
  • Thursday, July 9, 10 a.m. — noon (FO 2.208).
  • Tuesday, July 14, 2 p.m. — 4 p.m. (GR 4.204).
  • Tuesday, July 21, 2 p.m. — 4 p.m. (FO 2.404).
  • Wednesday, July 29, 10 .am. — noon (GR 4.208).
The Office of Research also will present the following workshop: