The Office of Human Resources will host its next HR Forum from 10-11:30 a.m., on Wednesday, Aug. 3, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., as a Microsoft Teams live event. Please install Microsoft Teams prior to joining. If you need assistance, visit the OIT Help Desk. Unlike a traditional Teams meeting, you are not able to “dial in” to a live event. Audio will stream from your computer. Please ensure your speakers are on or use a headset connected to your device. Closed captioning is available, and there will be a moderated Q&A forum. If you have questions for the HR Forum, send them to [email protected].

The UT Dallas Annual Benefits Enrollment is July 15-31. Save the date and be sure you have access to the internet and your UT Dallas email so you can participate in the annual benefits enrollment period.

• Details for staff and faculty about annual enrollment.
• Details for RAs, TAs, GAs about annual enrollment.

An email announcing the opening of the Annual Benefits Enrollment will be sent to all benefits-eligible employees on or before July 15. After you receive the email, log into My UT Benefits and follow the on-screen instructions to make your selections or changes. Make sure to print your confirmation statement after you make any changes.

Enrollment must be completed before midnight Central Time on Sunday, July 31.

For assistance or more information, contact the UT Dallas Office of Human Resources — Benefits Services via email at [email protected] or on Microsoft Teams.

The Benefits Department at UT Dallas is hosting a Virtual Benefits and Wellness Fair from July 18-31, with live events on July 18 and 19. This year's theme is GROW Your Benefits@UTD — featuring presentations, interactive experiences, prizes, games and 24/7 access to information to help you grow your benefits and cultivate a healthier life. Attend the fair to find out which benefits and wellness programs best suit you and your family.

To start growing your benefits, visit the Virtual Benefits Fair website or download the UTD Benefits Fair App at Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Prizes will be awarded throughout the day and announced via the benefits fair app.

The following events will be available at the on-site fair:

• 10-Minute Chair Massages, 9 a.m. -4 p.m., July 18-19, AD 3.108 — Schedule an appointment for a 10-minute chair massage to relieve stress.
• Cardiovascular Screenings, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., July 18-19, AD 3.418Q: Cardiovascular screenings can help identify potential risk that could lead to a stroke or heart attack. Each screening includes carotid ultrasound (screens for plaque in the carotid arteries to detect and help prevent strokes) and duplex ultrasound of extremities (screens for narrowing or blockage in the lower extremities). Register for an appointment or email [email protected]. Screenings are covered for employees on the UTD insurance plan.

Invest in Yourself & July EAP Newsletter

For a better future and a better present, invest in yourself. Make a commitment to personal and professional growth, better health, stronger relationships and a more fulfilling life.

• Invest in your skills and knowledge.
• Invest in your health.
• Invest in your emotional well-being.
• Invest in your creativity.
• Invest in healthy relationships.

Deer Oaks EAP provides information on a variety of topics such as stress management, health and wellness. These 24/7 services offer assistance for life's challenges and self-investments.

Check out the headlines in the July 2022 edition of the EAP Newsletter:

• On-Demand Seminar — Unplugged: Digital Detoxing
  • Learn why people do a digital detox and how to incorporate it into your schedule.
  • Available on-demand starting July 19. Enter utdallas for the username and password to access the online seminar.
• Coworkers Facing Grief Together
• Invest in Yourself
• Gather and Share Your Family Health History

The UT Southwestern mobile mammography unit will visit the loading zone north of the Activity Center, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday, Aug. 12. Call 214-645-2560 or 866-277-0710 with your health insurance information to schedule an appointment. 3D scans will be available and most insurance plans are accepted. CDC safety precautions will be followed.

The ASPIRE² mentoring grant program at UT Dallas is accepting applications. The program is designed to provide mentoring support activities for women, women of color and underrepresented minority (URM) women STEM faculty at all career stages.

Each faculty member is eligible to receive up to $1,500 to implement a project of their own design that engages at least one mentor external to UTD and represents a career development opportunity not otherwise possible without this funding.

Full-time tenure-track/tenured women, women of color and URM women faculty members from an NSF-defined STEM field or research area are eligible to apply. Faculty are not eligible to apply if they received a grant in the previous cycle. If you have questions about your eligibility, please email Dr. Sheryl Skaggs.

The deadline to submit your ASPIRE² application and your proposal is Wednesday, Aug. 31. For more information, email [email protected] and read recipients testimonials (pdf).

The latest edition of The Connection describes the changes in enrollment at UT Dallas and wider trends observed in the local workforce over the last decade. The report shows how our University has grown over the years and where that growth is occurring the fastest. For more information or to have a custom report for your organization, email [email protected].

For more information on how UT Dallas and the local economy affect each other, please contact the Economic Development team. You also can subscribe to biweekly updates with the latest analysis and news from the Economic Development team.

OBF Summer Workshop, 10 a.m.-noon, Thursday and Friday, July 21-22, Microsoft Teams — The Office of Budget and Finance will host a free, two-day professional development workshop with two speakers each day.

Thursday July 21

• 10 a.m.: “How to Stay Sane When You Work with ‘Difficult’ Personalities,” Dr. Ramani Durvasula, professor of psychology at California State University, Los Angeles.
• 11 a.m.: “The Crow Athenaeum — A New Era for UTD Arts,” Amy Hoffland, senior director, and Abraham Carrillo, director of operations, at the Crow Museum of Asian Art.

Register for Day 1: OBF Summer Workshop.

Friday, July 22

• 10 a.m.: “Balancing Life Today and Dreams of Tomorrow,” Amanda Hill, financial advisor with LaunchPoint Wealth Advisors.
• 11 a.m.: “Release Your Brilliance — Forget Your Title and Transform Your Job,” Simon T. Bailey, motivational speaker and author.

Register for Day 2: OBF Summer Workshop.

For more information, email Katie Johnson, call 972-400-9048 or visit the Comet Calendar listings.

University Announces Employee Climate Survey Results

The results of the Employee Climate Survey conducted this spring are now available. As President Richard C. Benson stated in his June 16 announcement, the survey is a crucial component in our Strategic Plan initiative to attract and retain the best and brightest employees.

The 1,883 employees (53%) who participated provided more than 7,500 comments on a variety of topics. The overall engagement/employee satisfaction score was 70 out of 100. There are many responses that identified community strengths. Other responses revealed areas where work is needed.

A summary of the survey findings will be presented at the Staff Council meeting on July 13 and the Academic Senate meeting on July 20.

Read President Benson’s full announcement.