Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024 News for the staff and faculty of The University of Texas at Dallas

UT Dallas Honors Top Staff Members at CARE Awards

The CARE Awards — Celebrate Achievement, Reward Excellence — recognize staff who have demonstrated superior performance, offered outstanding customer service, and performed acts that have enhanced the image of the University.

Recipients of the Fall 2023 CARE Awards are:

• Aurora Becerra, honors program specialist, Hobson Wildenthal Honors College
• Brad Davis, HVAC technician lead, Facilities Management
• Kathryn Harwood, director of residential life, University Housing
• Lori Jacobsen, financial analyst, Bursar Office
• Silvia Perez, HR specialist, Human Resources
• Tiffany Willoughby, assistant director for research education programs, Office of Research

Watch a recording of the Fall 2023 CARE Awards ceremony.

Reserve Your Spot at The Big Dinner

Reservations are now available for The Big Dinner, the annual Black History Month celebration hosted by The Office of Campus Resources and Support. The celebration will take place Thursday, Feb. 22 from 5 to 7 p.m., in the Student Union Galaxy Rooms.

Guest speaker Dr. Nikki Delk, Fellow, Cecil H. and Ida Green Professor in Systems Biology Science, will provide a keynote address centered on the importance of embracing African American culture and definitions of what it means to be Black today. A traditional soul food dinner will be served.

For more information about the event, please email Alexander Leyva.

Sign up for Comets Giving Days 2024

Mark your calendars for April 3-4 as the UT Dallas community launches its 8th annual Comets Giving Days.

Any new or returning campus groups interested in fundraising and/or learning more about UTD’s largest giving celebration should sign up by answering four short questions.

All groups must meet with a Comets Giving Days staff member to be eligible to fundraise on Comets Giving Days. Please email Brennae Wright for more information.

My Total Rewards Statements for 2023

My Total Rewards Statements for 2023 are now available through Galaxy-Gemini Self-Service. The personalized statement is an annualized amount of your total compensation and benefits package as a UT Dallas employee. The statement reflects the total estimated annualized value of your base and other applicable pay (e.g., longevity) and other state and UT Dallas benefits. It is an essential tool to help you plan for your future by understanding the value of your compensation package. See the recent My Total Rewards email.

IRS Form 1095-C for 2023 Now Available Online

The IRS 1095-C forms (Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage) for 2023 are available through Galaxy to those who provided online consent by the Jan. 15 deadline. All full-time employees, employees who averaged 30 or more hours per week and others enrolled in the UT Medical Plan will have a form. It includes information about health insurance coverage offered to employees, retirees and their dependents. See the IRS Form 1095-C email.

Preview of New Teams App Available for UTD Users

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) has enabled the option to preview new Teams so that users can preview the product. The new version includes the benefits of launching the app and joining meetings faster.

To try new Teams, toggle the switch next to “Try the new Teams” in the upper-left corner of the classic Teams app. You can switch back to the classic version any time before the official update by Microsoft. Previewing the app will allow OIT to send feedback to Microsoft.

If UTD users experience any issues, they should open a ticket with OIT, which helps the office identify any improvements needed before the update. Users can get more detailed information on how to preview New Teams by watching a demonstration video.

CBO To Offer Business Services Training Sessions

The Central Business Office (CBO) will host the Business Services Training series in February for new University employees and those who want to brush up on their skillset. The basics of The Reporting Console, Budget Transfers, Inter-Departmental Transfers, eProcurement and ePARs will be covered.

• Introduction to eProcurement, 2 to 4 p.m., Feb. 21
• Introduction to ePAR and ePUR, 2 to 4 p.m., Feb. 22
• Introduction to Interdepartmental Transfer (IDT) and Budget Transfers, 2 to 4 p.m., Feb. 27
• Introduction to the Reporting Console, 2 to 4 p.m., Feb. 29

Sign up for Business Services Training.

For more information, visit the CBO live training site or email CBOTraining@utdallas.edu.

Wellness News and Events

Join the UT System Living Well Heart Walk

Raise awareness about heart health by participating in the UT System-wide walk for heart health Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. The 10-minute walk can be done on campus or wherever you are. To participate in the campus walk, meet at the south entrance of the Administration Building. Wear red or a “groovy” outfit for fun and to be eligible for the best outfit prize. Share your heart walk pics or videos by tagging #utheartwalk and email them at EmployeeWellness@utdallas.edu to receive the 2024 Heart Walk pin.

Join your colleagues to raise awareness to adopt healthy lifestyles to prevent heart disease. Let’s Move Together!

Cardiovascular Screenings

UT Dallas is offering cardiovascular screenings that can help identify potential risk that could lead to a stroke or heart attack. The testing includes a carotid ultrasound, which screens for plaque in the carotid arteries to detect and help prevent strokes, and a duplex ultrasound of extremities, which screens for narrowing or blockage in the lower extremities. Screenings are covered with no out-of-pocket cost for employees on the UTD insurance plan.

Screenings details:

• Main Campus: Feb. 15, 16 and 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Live Oak Conference Room (AD 3.418Q).
• Center for BrainHealth: Feb. 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Losinger Conference Room (1.504).

To secure an appointment time, email Cathey Cosey with Premier Corporate Wellness. For more information, download the screenings flyer (pdf)

BCBSTX Fitness Program: New Member Special

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) Fitness Program is offering a new member special. UT SELECT and UT CONNECT members can join the program in February and March without paying the usual $19 enrollment fee.

The fitness program offers flexibility, convenience and ease for a low monthly fee. Members have access to a nationwide network of more than 10,000 participating facilities so they can work out whether traveling, at home or at work.

Other features of the Fitness Program include:

• Online enrollment and tracking.
• Automatic monthly payment withdrawal.
• A choice of gym networks and studio classes to fit your budget and preferences.
• Access to thousands of digital fitness videos, live classes and fitness programs.
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) discounts through the WholeHealth Living Choices Program.

To enroll, eligible employees can log in to Blue Access for Members at bcbstx.com/ut or bcbstx.com/utconnect and search for the Fitness Program under Wellness. To avoid the enrollment fee, enter the code WOTENROLL4FREE. You also can enroll by calling 888-762-BLUE (2583), Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT. The special ends on March 31. Download the BCBSTX Fitness Program flyer (pdf) for additional information.

Fidelity Investments Financial Support

Fidelity Investments is offering several webinars for UT Dallas employees, as well as ongoing one-on-one consultations.

Black History Month Webinar: How To Shift Your Money Mindset, Feb. 15, 2 p.m.

UT Fidelity Seminars

• Feb. 8: Manage Unexpected Events and Expenses, 11 a.m.
• Feb. 16: Resetting Your Financial Foundation, 11 a.m.
• March 6 : Organize, Plan and Own Your Future, noon.
• Make an appointment with a Fidelity advisor.

Maintaining Healthy Relationships and February EAP Newsletter

Having supportive people in your life, whether they are friends, family, a spouse, or a significant other, can be a lifeline during challenging times.

Recognizing their value may leave some to wonder how to maintain those relationships. Healthy, long-term relationships can help create the foundation for a solid emotional base. Deer Oaks EAP is here to support you 24/7/365 and can provide tips that can aid in maintaining healthy relationships.

This month’s EAP Newsletter (pdf) covers a number of topics that might provide assistance:

• Online seminar: Positive Impact – Become the Influence. Learn the art of being a positive influencer and how to inspire those around you, whether at work, at home, or in community. Available on-demand starting Feb. 20.
• Be a positive influence at work.
• Maintaining healthy relationships.
• Improving your memory: an overview.

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

Office of Research and Innovation Events

Guide to Cruising through Human Subject Research, 10 a.m. to noon, Feb. 7 — Ahoy researchers! Come aboard for a guided cruise through human subjects research. You will learn useful tips to get you started, including how to submit your study and what to expect after approval. You also will receive a travel guide filled with resources. All hands on deck as we help you improve your chances of smooth sailing. Registration is required. For more information, email Arietha Lafayette.

Research Days 2024: NSF I-Corps Hub, noon to 1 p.m., Feb. 9 — Delve into the world of innovation and entrepreneurship with Weston Waldo from UT Austin’s National Science Foundation (NSF) Southwest I-Corps Hub. In this NSF I-Corps workshop, you will gain invaluable insights into the process of taking cutting-edge research from the lab to the market. Discover how to transform your innovative ideas into successful ventures, guided by Weston’s expertise in bridging academia and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a faculty member, graduate student, or simply intrigued by the intersection of science and business, this workshop promises to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary for a successful entrepreneurial journey. Don’t miss this chance to unlock your potential and turn your ideas into reality. After the lunch-and-learn presentation, participants can take a guided tour of UTD IQ centers from 1 to 2 p.m. Participants in the workshop will receive a raffle ticket for an opportunity to win one of five prizes. Each prize includes a book from a well-known author, an ApPeel notebook and a pen. Registration closes soon. For more information, email Arietha Lafayette.

Love Data Week Conference, 8 a.m. to noon, Feb. 14 — The Office of Research and Innovation is offering its first-ever Love Data Week Conference. This celebration of data will highlight the importance of data management. Attendees will hear essential information from prominent UT Dallas researchers as they discuss contemporary issues affecting data management, privacy, data science and share available tools. ​For more information and to register, visit the conference registration page.

Center for Teaching and Learning Series

Teaching for a Changing World: Helping Students Navigate Complexity, Thrive with Change, and Promote Well-Being facilitated by Dr. Doug Kiel, professor emeritus — The increasing complexity and incessant change of our world challenge the cognitive and emotional assets of our students. If they are to be successful professionals and leaders, they will need a set of competencies that will allow them to navigate this complexity and thrive with change while supporting their own well-being and the well-being of others.

This webinar series will acquaint you with Dr. Doug Kiel’s 3C Model of Cognitive Competencies that includes nine cognitive competencies that will help students successfully navigate a turbulent future.

Sessions will be Feb. 14, March 20 and April 10. All sessions will be from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Microsoft Teams. Each of the three sessions will provide you with knowledge of each competency, the benefits of each competency, websites or articles that offer access and scoring for the assessment questionnaires, and evidence-based methods for improving each competency.

You may attend all three webinars or those that are of most interest to you as an instructor. Each participant in the webinar will receive Kiel’s copyrighted instructors’ manual for the competencies.

Register for Teaching for a Changing World by Feb. 12 to receive a calendar invite.

Reminder

HR Forum Scheduled for Feb. 7

The Office of Human Resources will host its next HR Forum, Feb. 7, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., as a Microsoft Teams live event. Closed captioning will be available, and there will be a moderated Q&A forum. If you have questions for the HR Forum, send them to hrforum@utdallas.edu.

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.

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