Construction Projects Add Parking, New Research Space

Parking Structure 4
Parking Structure 4, on the west side of campus, opened on the first day of fall classes.

The University’s largest parking structure opened and two new major research buildings are in full operation after several construction projects on campus were completed at the start of the fall semester.

Parking Structure 4 adds 1,150 parking spaces on the west side of campus. In addition, several lots have been resurfaced and restriped to improve parking conditions.

The Bioengineering and Sciences Building and the addition to the Callier Center for Communication Disorders both opened and feature new laboratories and research space.

Work continues on the Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center, the addition to the Student Services Building and new housing on the southwest corner of campus. For a map and full details, read the recent News Center article.

UT Dallas Police Adopt New Body Cameras

Starting this semester, UT Dallas Police officers will be equipped with a new tool: body cameras.

Body cameras capture video and audio recordings of police and civilian interactions to help protect officers from being wrongly accused of violations and, at the same time, protect the community by promoting officer accountability and transparency. The cameras will be used to document what patrol officers encounter in the line of duty, further enhancing security and safety on campus.

Office of Information and Technology Offers Tips to Avoid Scams

Stop Email Scams

With the fall semester underway, it is important for faculty, staff and students to be aware of online security risks. Phishing scams typically involve emails that try to trick the user into giving away personal information such as usernames and passwords, along with financial information or a home address. While email phishing is often the most talked-about tactic, criminals also may call you on the phone, text, or use website links or pop-up ads.

About 90 percent of the phishing emails sent to UT Dallas addresses are never received by users. However, if a suspicious email makes it into your inbox, report it to the Information Security Office (ISO) by forwarding the email to [email protected]. ISO can block the sender and make others aware of the scam. Stephenie Edwards, awareness and outreach manager for ISO, also is available to train your office or department on security awareness, such as email encryption and sensitive file storage. To schedule a training session, email [email protected].

The Office of Information Technology also offers help with CometNet WiFi and NetID issues, and provides Windows and Mac computers with printing services, including poster printing, at its walk-in labs. The labs are in the Founders Building (FO 1.206) and the McDermott Library (MC 1.314). Check its website for hours of operations.

Center for Teaching and Learning Event Focuses on Diversity

The Center for Teaching and Learning will host “Creating Our Future: Teaching and Learning for a Diverse Classroom,” featuring keynote speaker Dr. Christine A. Stanley, vice president and associate provost for diversity and professor at Texas A&M University. The presentation will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8, in the Davidson Auditorium (JSOM 1.118). RSVP by Wednesday, Sept. 7. For more information or special accommodations, email the center.

Payroll Staff to Hold Open House on Sept. 9

National Payroll Week

Payroll and Data Management will celebrate National Payroll Week with an open house at its office (AD 2.224) from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9.

Payroll staff will be on hand to answer questions regarding your paycheck and other payroll-related issues. Even if you don’t have any questions, please stop by to meet the payroll team.

Registration Open for Fair Labor Standards Act Training

Human Resources is helping prepare employees affected by the new Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations that go into effect Dec. 1, 2016. The new rules will increase the number of employees eligible for overtime and change how eligible employees record their time. Managers and employees may register for training through LEO on the Galaxy portal by searching for the following classes:

  • Managing Non-Exempt Employees (Thursdays, Sept. 1, 8 and 15, 10 a.m. to noon, RL 3.204)
  • Employee Transition to FLSA (Thursdays, Sept. 22, 29 and Oct. 6, 10 a.m. to noon, RL 3.204)

For more information, visit the Human Resources website or contact the Employment Services team.

Billing Changes for Long Term Care Begin in September

On Aug. 15, CNA notified employees enrolled in the Long Term Care (LTC) insurance plan that their premium payment will move to direct billing in September. Please be sure to review the notice, which includes additional details about billing options and changes. If you have questions, call CNA’s Customer Service Center at 888-825-0353.

Reminders

Parking Permits Available Online, at PS3 Office
Parking permits are still available for purchase online and at the Parking Office in Parking Structure 3 (PS3 1.200). Students, faculty and staff who have not purchased their permits may park in green parking areas without a permit until Census Day on Wednesday, Sept. 7. All other parking areas will be enforced. For more information or assistance with permit purchases, call Parking and Transportation at 972-883-2344, or email [email protected].

Dual Benefits Enrollment
Dual benefits enrollment may be required for employees who experienced a life event change (i.e. marriage, divorce, birth of a child, etc.), are new hires or became newly eligible for benefits between Aug. 1 and Aug. 31. If you are in one of these categories, please contact a Benefits Administrator for assistance in completing your enrollment. Life event changes must be reported to a Benefits Administrator within 31 days from the date of the event to make changes to your benefits. A list of required forms and documentation is available here.

Key Requests Now Online
Key requests can now be submitted through eCAT’s online process, eliminating paper forms and making the process faster and easier for employees. To request a key, log on to eCAT and follow the submission and approval process. For questions or feedback, please email [email protected]. For questions regarding key details or policies, contact the Key Shop directly at ext. 4093.

Corporate Challenge Signups
There is still time to sign up for the Corporate Challenge games, which benefit Special Olympics Texas. Visit the Wellness website to download the sign-up sheet and schedule of events, which include the Great Ride on Saturday, Sept. 3.

Office of Research Seminars and Events

Organizational Development & Training