News & Announcements
UT TeleCampus Celebrates 10th Anniversary
The University of Texas System marks a milestone this month as the UT TeleCampus (UTTC) celebrates its 10th anniversary of online education.
The UT TeleCampus was launched in May 1998 to serve as the centralized support system for online education across UT System institutions. Originally offering two master’s degrees and general education undergraduate curriculum, the UT TeleCampus now offers more than 20 online programs with dozens of certificate options, in addition to professional development and continuing education. To date, UTTC has served more than 60,000 online enrollments for UT institutions. Learn more about online education from UT System at the TeleCampus website: www.uttc.org
A special Web site designed to commemorate the TeleCampus’ 10th anniversary can be viewed at www.uttcturns10.org. The site contains student profiles, a trivia quiz, lessons learned from faculty, fast facts and more.
On Friday, May 16th, from 2 – 4:30 the UT TeleCampus invites System employees and UTTC friends to join us for an open house. Representatives from each area of the TeleCampus will staff tables in the Ashbel Smith Hall 9th floor Board Room, and will provide information about how we facilitate online education. Feel free to wander in, have a slice of cake and chat.
Leiden Joins Office of Research and Technology Transfer
The Office of Research and Technology Transfer is pleased to welcome Lisa I. Leiden as associate vice chancellor for research & sponsored programs. Dr. Leiden will be principally responsible for policy development and proactive identification of research administration and compliance issues.
Dr. Leiden has years of extensive experience in the research compliance arena and is currently a member of the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs’ (AAHRPP) Council on Accreditation and the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Human Research Protections (SACHRP). For the last seven years she has served as UT Austin’s Director of the Office of Research Support and Compliance, an office which is responsible for oversight of research compliance for the university’s Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Biosafety Committee (IACUC) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IBC). Dr. Leiden has served as IRB chair at UT Austin (2005-2007) and the University of Florida (2001). During her tenure at UT Austin, she was responsible for the university’s successful efforts in obtaining AAHRPP accreditation for the institution’s human research protection program. Dr. Leiden has held professional positions in medical education and research at the University of Florida, University of Nevada and the University of Arizona colleges of medicine.
UT System Staff Spend Hundreds and Save Thousands!
The University of Texas System has made a commitment to do our part to save energy and help protect the environment. Join us and take the ENERGY STAR Change a Light Pledge to change at least one light at home to an energy-efficient one, and help us reach our goal!
Goal: Replace 500 incandescent lamps with Compact Flourescent Lamps
Electricity Saved: 141,000 kWh
Reduced Greenhouse Emissions: 2,045 tons
Dollars Spent: between $1,000 and $2,000
Dollars Saved: $12, 690
Take the pledge now by clicking HERE to sign up and demonstrate how UT System employees are doing their part to save energy.
Take the ENERGY STAR Change a Light Pledge
Change just one light and see how a small step can make a big difference!
New Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday
During the 2008 Memorial Day weekend, Texas shoppers get a break from state and local sales and use taxes on purchases of certain energy-efficient products. The new Energy Star sales tax holiday is scheduled for every Memorial Day weekend, and this year the holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 26.
The products qualifying for the exemption are:
- air conditioners priced under $6000 (room and central units)
- clothes washers (but not clothes dryers)
- ceiling fans
- dehumidifiers
- dishwashers
- light bulbs (incandescent and fluorescent)
- programmable thermostats
- refrigerators priced under $2000
Qualifying products will display the Energy Star logo on the appliance, the packaging or the Energy Guide label. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Earning the Energy Star means a product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and the DOE. Only the items specifically identified in the above list qualify for the exemption. Other items (i.e., computers, freezers and hot water heaters) are not eligible for the exemption even if designated an Energy Star Program.
For additional information, see Texas Comptroller publication 98-836, Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday.
Professional Development Opportunities
"Powerful Communication Skills for Women" with National Seminars Training
$139 per person
Workshop Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Texas Class Options:
Addison - July 3
Austin - June 19
Corpus Christi - June 17
Dallas - June 11
Ft. Worth - June 10
Harlingen - June 16
Houston - May 30 and June 20
San Antonio - June 18
The Woodlands - June 12
In just one day, you'll gain incredible techniques and tactics that'll help you
- Communicate with greater confidence and build your professional credibility.
- Handle conflict and confrontation more effectively.
- Communicate with incredible tact when a situation calls for finesse.
- Think on your feet and speak with greater ease and more susccess.
- Keep your composure when the pressure's on high.
- And Much Much More!
To learn more and to register go to http://www.nationalseminarstraining.com/events/eventsHP.cfm?tc=pcw - and use the VIP number when registering (VIP # 469-900689-410-0000).
"How To Get More Organized" with National Seminars Training
$169 per person
Workshop Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Texas Class Options:
Amarillo - June 24
Austin - June 24
Corpus Christi - June 12
Dallas - June 19
Ft. Worth - June 20
Houston - June 5 and June 26
Lubbock - June 26
AcAllen - June 10
Midland - June 17
San Antonio - June 3
Attend this powerful new one-day program and you'll not only learn how to eliminate time-waters and productivity killers that drag you down... but you'll also master invaluable time-savers that'll put you in full control of your day.
To learn more and to register go to http://www.nationalseminarstraining.com/SeminarSearchResults/Get_Organized/PGMO/index.html - and use the VIP number when registering (VIP # 370-071615-420-7966).
"The Indispensable Assistant " with SkillPath Seminars
$149 per person
Workshop Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Texas Class Options:
Austin - June 23
College Station - May 22
Houston - May 19
San Antonio - May 21
An empowering one-day seminar for Secretaries, Administrative Assistants and Support Staff.
In this seminar you'll learn:
- How perforing two easy tasks at the end of each day will save hours (and headaches) the next day.
- How the "80/20" rule will help you identify your most important tasks.
- How to organize your work area for improved efficiency.
- 7 strategies for successful delegation - even if you think there's no one to delegate to.
- And more!
To learn more and to register go to http://www.skillpath.com/seminfo.html/st/SEC- and use the VIP number when registering (VIP # 26760-AD7018-0A41-2).
Looking for On-site Training for your department? See what we offer right here at UT System: http://www.utsystem.edu/ohr/pro/
Coming Soon! - America On the Move: UT System Ultimate Challenge
Get ready to take simple steps to better health. On May 28th, 2008, UT System will launch a new healthy eating and active living program — America On the Move: UT System Ultimate Challenge! Getting on the move is simple:
- Get an extra 2000 steps a day
- Eat 100 fewer calories a day
You’ll be amazed how motivating it is to track your steps and eat fewer calories using your America On the Move online step counter and Quick Start Guide and/or the fun, interactive online tools. Also, you will be competing against all UT System Institutions. The Institutions with the greatest participation (based on % of total headcount) and improvement (based on % of improvement) will win the “America On the Move UT System Ultimate Challenge Traveling Trophy”. Look for more details soon…
Healthy Regards,
Your America On the Move: UT System Ultimate Challenge Team
Six Flags and Schlotzsky's Coupons Available to UT System Employees
Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio), Six Flags Hurricane Harbor (Arlington), Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington) and Schlotzsky's on 218 S. Lamar Blvd. are available on a first-come-first-served basis in the Employee Services Center (CLB 1.104).
Questions? Contact Sarah Hart at shart@utsystem.edu.
Also This Month... |
| May 14 - 15 |
BOR Meeting (UT Tyler) |
| May 26 |
Memorial Day (Closed) |
| May 28 |
America on the Move: UT System Ultimate Challenge starts |
UT System Events Calendar
Downtown Austin Events in May || Events held at the Austin Convention Center
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