October 2, 2024

In This Email:
1. Latest News
2. Upcoming Events of Interest
3. Employee Spotlight

Due to unforeseen issues with our email software system, some individuals may not have received yesterday's communication.

LATEST NEWS

Tennessee and much of the Southeast is working to recover from the disastrous flooding resulting from Hurricane Helene. As the waters recede across the region, victims are beginning to ask, “What do I do now?”

University of Tennessee Extension can connect you with information and entities that provide recovery resources for those struggling with rebuilding from this disaster. Topics range from livestock handling and property repair to family mental health. The resources are available to help victims – and the volunteers giving assistance.

United Way of Greater Knoxville is also working with state and local emergency response groups and local United Ways in affected areas to ensure the most urgent needs of our neighbors in Northeast Tennessee and Western North Carolina are met. They have a comprehensive list of ways you can help flood victims through monetary donations, needed items and volunteering opportunities. 

Annual enrollment for 2025 benefits opens today and runs through Friday, Oct. 18. This is the time to choose or make changes to your insurance and other benefit elections for 2025. There are a few changes taking place this coming year and we want to ensure you have access to the information vital to making the best decisions for you and your family. These changes, along with other important and useful information, are outlined in the current issue of For Your Benefit. Haven't received your copy yet? You can access the digital version below. 

An additional resource to take advantage of during open enrollment is ALEX—UT System's virtual benefits counselor. Available anytime through a computer, tablet or smartphone, ALEX can assist in helping you choose the benefits that best suit you and your family, providing personalized guidance and education throughout the year.

The next DASH town hall will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 1:30 p.m.  EDT (note the change from the originally scheduled Oct. 1 session). This session will focus on cutover plans as we prepare to go live in January. This particular town hall will be broken down into three mini sessions: 

Participation is easy and accessible! No registration is needed, and more details will be available soon on the Friends of DASH website.

Did you miss last month's town hall regarding DASH training opportunities and the online Introduction to DASH? The town hall recording is now available on the Friends of DASH site.

As an added resource, an Introduction to DASH online class has been added in the K@TE Learning Management System. This is a self-paced online class that will provide an overview of the DASH implementation, explain how the transition will impact you as a UT employee, and share resources to help you prepare for go live. This online class is estimated to take 15 minutes to complete, and you may complete it at one time or return to the content to complete it at a later time. Deadline to complete the class in K@TE is Dec. 31.

The Division of Communications and Marketing (DOCM) has launched a new PhotoShelter library available for use by all UT employees. Browse and download photos for enhancing work-related materials, such as presentations, reports, meeting materials, intranet sites and more. The photos are a collection of UT System-specific images, as well as a wide selection of assets representative of UT campuses and institutes.

To get started, click on Login at the top right of the PhotoShelter landing page, and then click the Internal Login button to access the library with your UT single sign-on credentials. Questions can be directed to Michael Folkerth, DOCM's graphic and web design manager.

Have you ever wanted to try to create something using a 3-D printer? Or maybe you have wanted to try your hand at woodworking? At the Min H. and Yu Fan Kao Innovation and Collaboration Studio, inside the Zeanah Engineering Complex, you can! Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the lab supports metal Computer Numerical Control work, welding, 3-D printing, laser cutting, embroidery and sewing, and so much more. If you can imagine it, they have it and/or can support it. And best of all, it is free for staff.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a tour, please contact Dr. Keith Stanfill.

There were a lot of fun and incredible things happening across the UT System last month, including UTC Founders Week, Ag Day in Knoxville, and UTHSC's Benefits Fair. Relive the moments and many more via our photo recap album.

There are countless perks to being an employee of the UT System. So many in fact, that it's probably difficult to keep track. That’s why we're highlighting a few perks you might enjoy every month.  

This month's incredible perks: up to 40% off Samsung TVs, mobile devices, home appliances and more!  

Samsung, a world leader in the consumer electronics market, is offering exclusive discounts and special purchase opportunities on televisions, tablets, PCs, digital imaging and audio video products directly to State of Tennessee employees. 

To learn more about discounts available for UT System employees, visit  Employee Discounts.  

Follow the University of Tennessee System social media accounts to stay informed. The UT System accounts provide updates on news related to the system and all UT campuses. UT System President Randy Boyd’s accounts cover his work within the system and across the state. Our Tennessee, the system’s alumni magazine, posts about the work and lives of faculty, staff, students and alumni. The Grow Your Own Center, Tennessee’s program to provide resources and assistance for those looking to become teachers, shares the journey of those in the program on its account. 

UPCOMING EVENTS OF INTEREST

Wednesday, Oct. 9
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
UT Tower, 12th floor lobby

In an effort to help you protect yourself and your loved ones against the flu, the UT System will be offering a flu vaccination clinic for staff in the UT Tower. Vaccines will be administered by the UTHSC College of Pharmacy.

Two professional headshot sessions have been scheduled for UT System Administration employees. The first session will take place Oct. 15, and the second session will take place Oct. 24. Both sessions will offer time slots in six-minute increments beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing through Noon. Sign-ups are now open for those interested.

Wednesday, Oct. 16
8-10 a.m.
12th floor lobby area (by the café)

The Division of Academic Affairs, Research and Student Success invites you to a meet-and-greet with its new leadership. This informal event is come-and-go, so feel free to stop by as your schedule permits. Enjoy a variety of breakfast items and coffee as you connect with colleagues and get to know Jeff Danso, Kari Babski-Reeves and Matt Matthews. Please RSVP by Oct. 11 if you plan to attend the event. We look forward to a morning of great conversation and connection!

Thursday, Oct. 31
Noon-2 p.m.
UT Tower Plaza

We hope you are ready for an EERIE-sistible picnic! Trick-or-treat yourself to free Petro's Chili & Chips™, baked potatoes and hot dogs as well as fun games, a costume contest and more. It’s sure to be a fa-BOO-lous time!

Please contact Natalie Keener if you would like to bring additional outdoor games or have questions. 

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

IT Software Developer, Department of Technology Solutions

Matthew Lynn joined the UT System team on Sept. 16. Lynn, originally from Fort Mill, South Carolina, has a Bachelor of Science in business and an MBA with a concentration in human resources management, both from Winthrop University. He has eight years of experience working as an HR business partner in various industries and began specializing in the technological side of HR last year, specifically HCM  systems like Workday and Oracle Cloud HCM. Outside of work, Lynn enjoys playing and listening to music, and photography.

Software Developer, Department of Technology Solutions

Nicholas Frame joined the UT System team on Sept. 16. Frame, who has a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Georgia College and State University, has professional experience in cross-reality application development and full stack web application development. He is from Milledgeville, Georgia and enjoys running, lifting weights and playing chess in his free time.

The University of Tennessee is a statewide system of higher education with campuses in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, Martin and Memphis; the UT Institute of Agriculture with a presence in every Tennessee county; and the statewide Institute for Public Service.