SECC Fair Offers Chance to Learn More About Giving Options

SECC Charity Fair Offers Chance to Learn More About Giving Options
Employees can learn more about State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) giving options at a charity fair, set for noon-2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21, in the Visitor Center atrium.

Representatives from 10 of the top agencies previously supported by UT Dallas employees through the SECC — including the UT Dallas Academic Bridge and the Callier Center for Communication Disorders — will be present. There also will be refreshments and door prizes. Faculty and staff members can make one-time gifts via cash or checks at the fair or make gifts through payroll deduction online through Nov. 13. Visit the SECC website for details.

Groundbreaking to Kick Off Celebration of Founders

Faculty and staff members are invited to celebrate Founders Day on Thursday, Oct. 29. The campuswide events begin at 8:45 a.m. with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center.

The next event, at 12:45 p.m. will be a ribbon-cutting for the recently renovated North Mall. After that, staff and faculty are invited to participate in the world's largest Whoosh, which will be photographed in honor of the University's founders. Free food, giveaways and entertainment are also on the bill.

Free Shots Offered to Protect Employees Ahead of Flu Season

UT Dallas has scheduled flu shot clinics and health screenings for faculty and staff members on the UT Select medical plan Oct. 29 through Nov. 2 at multiple campus locations.

Visit the Wellness website for times and room numbers. Register online, and remember to take your insurance card to your appointment.

Mechanical Engineering Head Serving Term as an NSF Director

Mechanical Engineering Head Serving Term as an NSF Director
Dr. Mario A. Rotea, head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and holder of the Erik Jonsson Chair, recently began a term as director of the National Science Foundation's Engineering Education and Centers Division.

Rotea joined the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science in 2009 as inaugural leader of the department, which has since become one of the University’s fast-growing.

Dr. S.M. You, professor and associate department head, will become the acting department head while Rotea is at the NSF. Read more

Recently Renovated Library Updates Study Spaces

Recently Renovated Library Updates Study Spaces
Renovation work earlier this year made study areas more user-friendly at Eugene McDermott Library. After new carpet and lighting went in, the library installed new furniture with updated features.

At left: Accounting graduate student Mayiyang Zhang charges his mobile devices while catching up on work.

Interactive Sessions to Evaluate Retirement Savings Plans

Learn how much to save for retirement at a Retirement Expressway Interactive Session organized by Human Resources. Attendees will find out how to use the online My Retirement Outlook tool to measure their savings progress and identify potential gaps. Register for one of four sessions: All sessions take place in the UT Dallas Arlington Lab (GR 3.206). Remember to bring an estimate of your savings and years of TRS service.

Galerstein Center and Gender Studies to Screen ‘All About Ann’

Galerstein Center and Gender Studies to Screen ‘All About Ann’
The Gender Studies Program and the Galerstein Women’s Center will screen All About Ann: Governor Richards of the Lone Star State 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, in the Faculty/Staff Dining Room (SU 2.905A).

The movie chronicles Richards’ life, tracing her origins growing up poor in rural Texas, to her life as a suburban housewife and mother, to her rise from schoolteacher to politician.

Austin poet and author Debra Winegarten will lead a discussion after the screening. Staff and faculty are invited.

Pop Up Farmers’ Market to Set Up for Business on Nov. 10

UT Dallas Dining Services will host a “Pop Up Farmers’ Market” from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Plinth. Students, faculty and staff are invited to shop the market’s produce, spices and prepared foods.

Reminders

Review the Deduction Amounts on Your Oct. 1 Paycheck
The Office of Human Resources encourages faculty and staff members to review the paychecks they received Oct. 1 to make sure the benefit selections and amounts are correct. Discrepancies must be reported to HR by Oct. 31.

Police Offer Free Self-Defense Classes for Women and Men
Officers are offering the Rape Aggression Defense classes for women, and the Resisting Aggression with Defense program for men in October and November. Upcoming classes, which run from 5 to 9 each night, are R.A.D. for Women, Oct. 27-29; and R.A.D. for Men, Nov. 17-19. Email Sgt. Kendra Penny at [email protected] to register.

HR Urges Supervisors to Plan Ahead for Job Change Requests
Jan. 22 is the deadline for submitting requests to Office of Human Resources for a staff reclassification, promotion, market/equity adjustments or one-time merit adjustments with a March 1, 2016, effective date. The Compensation Standards and Practices page on the HR website offers additional information.

Office of Research Seminars

Sponsored Projects and Post-Award Management Plan Open House
Tour the Offices of Sponsored Projects and Post-Award Management during the OSP/OPM Research Open House 2-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, in AD 3.204. In recognition of Halloween, treats will be available and costumes will be welcome.