Intercom: Aviation History Lecture; UT Dallas Golf Day; Fat Straws Fundraiser
News for the staff and faculty of The University of Texas at Dallas
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Wednesday, April 3, 2024

News for the staff and faculty of The University of Texas at Dallas

Jalonick Lecture To Feature Strategic Air Command

Dr. Robert S. Hopkins will be the featured speaker for the George W. Jalonick III and Dorothy Cockrell Jalonick Memorial Distinguished Lecture, Saturday, April 20, at 2 p.m., in ECSW 1.315. Hopkins will discuss the Strategic Air Command — a key part of the U.S. Air Force from 1947 to 1992.

The lecture series was established to enlighten and inform the community about aviation history by bringing in notable aviation historians and personalities. It is part of the History of Aviation Archives at the Eugene McDermott Library. For more information, email Thomas Allen PhD’09, the University archivist.

Golfers practicing their swings at a driving range.

UT Dallas Day at Golf Ranch Richardson

Enjoy some free pizza while practicing your golf game at UT Dallas Day at Golf Ranch Richardson on Wednesday, April 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. Bring your clubs or borrow some at the Golf Ranch Richardson, located at 3570 Waterview Pkwy, just north of the UTD Eco Hub and Northside at UT Dallas. All UT Dallas students, faculty and staff are invited. For more information, email Brett Roby.

Fat Straws Boba & Mochi Donuts graphic

Staff Council Fat Straws Fundraiser

Support staff scholarships and enjoy an afternoon treat at Fat Straws Richardson. A portion of all purchases between 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16 will be donated to staff scholarships. Please make sure to mention UTD Staff Council when purchasing. For more information, visit the Staff Council fundraiser listing or email Krystyna Swindle.

Philosophy finger-painting sign

Philosophy Honor Society Making Event

Join the UT Dallas chapter of Phi Sigma Tau, the Philosophy Honor Society, March 28, from 4 to 6 p.m., for an outdoor making event between the Erik Jonsson Academic Center and the Sciences Building. Community members are invited to contribute visual representations of a curation of philosophical concepts to large-scale collaborative paintings. Regardless of your philosophy knowledge, you are welcome to paint what comes to mind as you are introduced to philosophical ideas. For more information, email Jeff Edwards.

Expert To Speak on Hearing Loss and Brain Health

Dr. Frank R. Lin, an otologic surgeon from Johns Hopkins University, is the featured speaker at the Center for Vital Longevity’s Annual Spring Lecture, Wednesday, April 17, from 4:30 to 7 p.m., at the Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center. Lin will present Hearing Loss & Brain Health: From Epidemiological Findings to the ACHIEVE Trial & Public Policy. He will share evidence for how hearing and hearing interventions are related to brain health, and how this evidence has led to national hearing policy and awareness initiatives. Registration for the lecture is free but is required.

Economics of Information Security Workshop

You are invited to attend the 23rd annual Workshop on the Economics of Information Security on April 8-10 in the SSA Auditorium (SSA 13.330). The workshop is the leading forum for interdisciplinary scholarship on information security and privacy, combining expertise from the fields of economics, social science, business, law, policy and computer science. This year, it is co-hosted by UT Dallas and the economic program in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences. Student registration is $300, academic registration is $500, industry registration is $750 and guest registration is $100. For more information, email Dr. Daniel Arce.

Office of Research and Innovation Events

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Development Series Spring 2024, noon to 1 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursday, April 2 to 25, Microsoft Teams — This multisession series engages the UT Dallas research community in contemporary issues in research ethics and scientific integrity. Workshops provide instruction commensurate with grant funding requirements for NIH and NSF. For more information, email Arietha Lafayette.

Hanover Research: Keys to Competitive NSF CAREER, noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 3 — Michelle Frank, a Hanover Research grants consultant, will share how to develop a competitive proposal that includes a compelling research agenda as well as a meaningful outreach and education plan. She will discuss NSF merit review criteria and processes, and how to engage your program officer before you submit your proposal. For more information, email Arietha Lafayette.

Office of Post Award Management Series: Can I Buy That? 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 10, Microsoft Teams — Presenters will engage attendees in a discussion on allowability and allocability and play a game of “Can I Buy That.” For more information, email Arietha Lafayette.

Center for Brain Health Events

A Psychneurobiological Approach to Mental Health, noon to 1 p.m., Friday, April 5, Brain Performance Institute — Dr. Caroline Leaf, a neuroscientist and author, and Charles Wasserman, an audiology doctoral student at the University of Connecticut, will discuss how a nonpharmacological intervention can help relieve mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and intrusive thoughts. To join virtually, register for the season and receive access to the full virtual season. To attend in person, no registration is required. Lunch will be provided at 11:30 a.m.

Learned Excellence: Mental Disciplines for Leading and Winning from the World’s Top Performers, 7 to 8:15 p.m., Thursday, April 11, Brain Performance InstituteClinical psychologist Dr. Eric Potterat, a retired U.S. Navy commander, brings the mental disciplines, principles and tactics of high performance together into a clear and practical guidebook. Potterat developed and implemented a mental toughness curriculum for the U.S. Navy SEALs and embedded it into their training pipeline. You can register to participate virtually and receive access to the full virtual season, or register to attend in person, which includes a reception at 6:15 p.m.

The Science and Practice of Lifestyle Medicine, noon to 1 p.m., Friday, April 19, Brain Performance InstituteDr. Jane Wiggington will share insights into the connection between lifestyle medicine and brain health. Can lifestyle prevent, treat or even cure disease? Wiggington, the Center for Brain Health’s medical science research director, looks at more than 30 years of experience in clinical trials, research protocols, client evaluations and recommendations for care to advancing lifestyle medicine and brain health. To join virtually, register for the event and receive access to the full virtual season. To attend in person, no registration is required. Lunch will be provided at 11:30a.m.

Human Resources Posts 2024 Drug-Free Workplace Notice

Human Resources has posted the 2024 notice for a drug-free workplace in accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. The notice is an annual reminder to all employees that the unauthorized purchase, manufacture, distribution, possession, sale, storage or use of an illegal drug or controlled substance while on duty, while in or on premises or property owned or controlled by the University, or while in vehicles used for University business, is prohibited.

Explore Technology at the IT Forum on May 2

Want to learn more about the exciting technology being utilized at UT Dallas? The Office of Information Technology will provide a free virtual IT Forum, Thursday, May 2, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Learn about OIT’s award-winning network refresh, tour OIT facilities and hear updates on generative artificial intelligence. Register for the forum.

Center for Teaching and Learning Events

UT Austin Provost Teaching Fellows Showcase, 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 11, Zoom — The UT System Academy of Distinguished Teachers is offering an event that examines the success of the Provost Teaching Fellows program that has been a success at UT Austin for 10 years. UT Austin faculty members Karen Landolt, Dr. Kristie Loescher, and Dr. Natalie Czimskey will discuss the impact of UT’s faculty-led teaching innovation program through their own stories and experiences. Register for the showcase.

Virtual Exchange/COIL Faculty Showcase, 4 to 5 p.m., Thursday, April 11, CTL Classroom (MC 2.404) — Virtual exchange is an innovative pedagogy that allows professors and students to use technology to engage with their peers at universities around the globe. Faculty will showcase their collaborative online international learning (COIL) projects at this event. Students will also share their experiences. The event is open to all faculty, staff, graduate teaching assistants and post-doctoral researchers. Please RSVP by April 9.

CTL Webinar Wednesday: Teaching for a Changing World: Helping Students Navigate Complexity, Thrive with Change, and Promote Well-Being – Session III, 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Wednesday, April 10, Microsoft Teams — Facilitated by Dr. Doug Kiel, professor emeritus, participants will discuss the nine cognitive competencies that will help students successfully navigate a turbulent future. The session will present targeted competencies, their benefits, resources that offer access and scoring for the assessment, and evidence-based methods for improving each competency. Each participant will receive Kiel’s instructor’s manual for the competencies. Register by April 8.

Celebration of Teaching Excellence, 3:30 to 5 p.m., Friday April 26, Ann and Jack Graves Ballroom (DGA 1.102A-C) — Join President Richard C. Benson in celebrating great teaching at UT Dallas. Faculty members also will be honored for their commitment to teaching. Please RSVP by noon, April 17.

A group of people sitting on the floor with a dog.

Wellness

Spring Forward Fitness Challenge, April 1 to May 5 — Would you like to maintain or increase your fitness goals while encouraging others to do the same? The UT Living Well Spring Forward Team Challenge (pdf) is your chance to achieve that. This year’s Spring Forward team challenge channels that energy and encourages your team to keep the momentum going for five weeks. Participants can form a new team or join an existing one with three to five members. For each team member to earn 200 Living Well points, teams must collectively log 4,000 minutes of activities that exercise body or mind. Check out My Updates for weekly tips and ideas to earn minutes toward your team goal. Learn more and register at UT Living Well.

Stress Awareness Month — April is National Stress Awareness Month and the focus is to raise awareness of the negative impact of stress. There is no single definition for stress, but the most common explanation is physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension. While not all stress is bad, long-term stress can have harmful impacts on physical and mental health. Resources to help employees manage stress are available from Deer Oaks EAP (enter utdallas for the username and password) and the UT Employee Benefits & Living Well Initiatives.

Learn To Identify Emotions, 11 a.m. to noon, Friday, April 5, Microsoft Teams — Join the Student Counseling Center for a relaxing virtual session. You’ll explore drawing your emotions with experienced facilitators. No artistic talent required; just bring an open mind and willingness to express yourself. For questions regarding programming and accessibility, please email the Student Counseling Center.

Paws for Finals, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 23, VCB Atrium — There will be therapy dogs (see photo above), snacks, raffles, crafts and self-care activities at this event hosted by the Student Counseling Center.

Setting New Healthy Habits and April EAP Newsletter — It takes approximately 66 days to form a habit. If you can make it through the first push, then you are settled in for the rest of the year. However, to effectively set and maintain these habits, you need to prioritize them. Overcoming setbacks and maintaining motivation can help you consistently strive to achieve your goals. But before you deal with these setbacks, you need to ensure the building blocks are stable. Deer Oaks EAP is here to support you 24/7/365 and can help you prioritize good habits so that you can embark on a journey of progress and achieve your goals.

In this month’s EAP Newsletter (pdf), the following topics are discussed:

  • Food for Thought Seminar: Explore the connection between your plate and your physical health and how eating mindfully can nurture your mental well-being. Available on-demand starting Tuesday, April 16.
  • The 66-Day Reset: Setting New Healthy Habits
  • Flow and the Self: Have You Lost Your Own Mojo?
  • Helping Your Child Build Positive Self-Esteem

Visit Deer Oaks EAP and enter utdallas for the username and password to access the online seminar.

Holistic Wellness Panel Discussion, noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 24, CTL Classroom (MC 2.404) — The Campus Wellness Committee will host a panel of experts who will dive deep into every dimension of wellness, from physical and mental health to emotional and environmental education. Discover the keys to a balanced, fulfilling life and gain insights. Reserve your seat today and embark on a journey to holistic wellness. Registration is required and seating is limited.

Reminders

Sleep Seminar

The School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences will host a seminar called “Sleep, and Its [Technology] Future.” Dr. Matthew Walker will speak about sleep and its fundamental influence on every aspect of brain and body health. Walker is the author of Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams, a New York Times bestseller. He will present technology innovations for augmenting and enhancing human sleep, along with his vision for future technology innovation targets. The event will be Thursday, April 4, from 1 to 2 p.m., in the Ann and Jack Graves Ballroom (DGA 1.102C). Reservations are requested.

Faculty Mentoring Workshop

The Faculty Mentoring Program, operated by the Office of the Provost, will host Promotion Strategies for Non-Tenure Track Faculty, Friday, April 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., in the CTL Classroom (MC 2.404). Lunch will be provided. For more information, email Provost Faculty Mentoring or join Faculty Mentoring on Microsoft Teams. Please RSVP by April 8.

About this Newsletter

Intercom is the official University-wide newsletter for UT Dallas faculty and staff members. This periodic publication is designed to provide University employees with valuable information necessary for the workplace, as well as community news that supports the University’s mission. Visit the Intercom website for guidelines about content and submissions.

The University of Texas at Dallas

800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas 75080-3021
972 883-2111

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