April 1, 2025

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

LATEST NEWS

The UT System has begun developing a five-year strategic plan for 2025-30 through a collaborative planning process. In partnership with the Division of Academic Affairs, Research and Student Success—and with input from colleagues across the system—Deloitte will help engage stakeholders through interviews, focus groups and a systemwide survey. Your participation is essential, and we encourage you to take part. More details will be shared in the coming weeks. If you have questions, please contact systemstrategicplan@tennessee.edu

The Peer Comparisons Dashboard has been updated with the latest 2023-24 data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), offering insights into how UT System campuses measure up against peer institutions. Highlights include:

Want to stay informed? Opt-in here to receive future dashboard updates in your inbox.

Beginning May 7, 2025, everyone must have a REAL ID or another approved federally issued ID, such as a passport, to enter federal buildings. This includes the UT Tower and applies to all visitors.

Please ensure that any visitors you are hosting are informed of this requirement in advance of their arrival. Note, current employees only need to use their employee badge. Unless an employee has forgotten or lost their badge, they will not need to show their REAL ID upon entering the UT Tower. 

The REAL ID Act of 2005 established minimum security standards for license issuance and production. These standards provide an additional level of security to protect your identity. The act also prohibits federal agencies from accepting driver’s licenses and ID cards from states that do not meet its minimum standards.

Spring is here, and while spring weather can be beautiful in East Tennessee, it can also be severe. One way to stay alert for emergency updates, including weather-related events, is by downloading the UT System safety app, hosted by Rave Guardian, and opting in for text message alerts.

The UT System uses Planon to streamline key organizational processes, including space management and key access. This platform helps track space usage, process key and card access requests and provides floor plans for spatial planning. To support users, new guides and instructional videos are now available on the DASH Training Opportunities page.

From prestigious awards to the first signs of spring, this month’s photo recap captured some of the most fun and notable moments from around the UT System last month.

This month's incredible perk: Save an additional 20% on TurboTax and get your maximum refund guaranteed. 

TurboTax is available for both federal and state income tax returns. The software is designed to guide users through their tax returns step-by-step and provides taxpayers additional support for their self-prepared returns by offering Audit Defense from TaxResources, Inc. TurboTax calculations are 100% accurate so users can rest assured their taxes will be done right, guaranteed.

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

UPCOMING EVENTS OF INTEREST

Tuesday, April 8, 2025
1 p.m. EDT
Plaza level, UT Tower

The next UT System Administration staff meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday, April 8. The meeting will cover a variety of topics and major updates from the UT System, such as results of the recent McLean survey, information regarding annual performance reviews, updates from institutional effectiveness and more. 

To guide our conversation, please submit any specific questions or topics you would like addressed in the survey below.

For those unable to attend the staff meeting in person, a Zoom link has been created to do so virtually. The passcode is: 647208

Retirement plan advisors with Empower Retirement (Retire Ready Tennessee), the UT System's 401(k) and 457 provider, will be at the UT Tower on April 9 and April 16 for in-person retirement planning meetings.

Scheduled meetings with the advisors will include:

Meeting times are limited, but if you fail to secure an appointment, don't worry— additional appointments are already being planned for June 4 and 20. 

The UT System's Week of Service is April 28-May 2, 2025. During this week, employees are encouraged to use some or all of the eight paid hours of volunteer leave they are eligible for under UT System policy HR0446-K.

We've compiled a list of currently available opportunities benefiting causes and organizations across the region, but feel free to choose any cause that resonates with you or your team.

The 2025 Conference for Women’s Leadership (CWL), hosted by the UT System Human Resources Office of Employee Engagement & Organizational Development, is set for May 21-22 at the Hilton in Knoxville. Staff and faculty at all leadership and experience levels are welcome to register—whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned professional.

Know someone outside the UT System who might be interested? Invite them to attend!

This year’s theme, "You Are the Author," highlights leading with resilience, empowerment and growth. CWL will feature engaging sessions, a dynamic leadership panel and intentional connection opportunities, with four leadership tracks to choose from:

Registration is open now through May 7.  

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.