UT System Connect Newsletter

October 03, 2023

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

LATEST NEWS

Annual Enrollment has begun and will run through Friday, Oct. 13. This is your opportunity to make changes to your benefit elections for the 2024 plan year.

The fall edition of "For Your Benefit" magazine outlines key information employees need to know before making decisions on benefit elections.

UT System Chief Human Resources Officer Brian Dickens explains key enhancements and changes to next year’s benefits.

Should you have any questions regarding open enrollment, please contact your HR representative or check out ALEX, the virtual benefits counselor which provides personalized guidance and education during annual enrollment.

The flexible benefits plan is an important part of employees' overall benefits package. This plan permits the University to exclude, from both Federal Income and Social Security taxes, amounts employees contribute to a medical and/or dependent care reimbursement account.

The flexible benefits open enrollment period is from Oct. 1-31. Please note that this is different from the insurance open enrollment period.

Don't miss out on this exclusive "Be One UT" design!

This design brings together the values and icons of UT’s presence across the state together to Be One UT. Order your super soft t-shirt or cozy heathered sweatshirt today at utsystemshop.com.

Deadline for pre-orders is Friday, Oct. 13.

The second DASH Town Hall was held on Sept. 13 - thank you to the presenters and attendees for participating in this successful and well-attended event. The session was focused on human resources activities, including demonstrations of employee onboarding, absence request and time entry. 

Looking for additional tech support information?

Visit the UT_UT System Tech Support Teams folder for relevant files and information.  This Teams site is also where the new hire tech, offboarding and the UTT move request forms are located. 

It takes a team effort to ensure our cybersecurity. Below are a few reminders to be extra observant and cautious while using technology.  

Report suspicious activity to the OIT HelpDesk online or by calling 865-974-9900.  Also, please send an email to security@tennessee.edu. 

If the unexpected happens, keep yourself and other safe by knowing what to do.

The"Be Ready in the Moment" campaign seeks to raise awareness on when individuals should evacuate (get out), shelter (stay put) or determine your best action if there is an active shooter situation (decide). 

To learn more, please visit https://safety.tennessee.edu/emergency/.

UPCOMING EVENTS OF INTEREST

The NEXT “Non-Exempt Employees Excelling Together” Conference is an exciting learning opportunity presented by UT System Administration Human Resources, Employee & Organizational Development. NEXT is designed to meet the specific needs of non-exempt staff on all campuses. This conference is an investment in the growth and development of non-exempt staff who serve and support our campuses. NEXT will provide opportunities for rigorous learning, professional community building, and connection to the Be One UT values.

The keynote speaker for the conference is Robert Clark, who has been with the UT Knoxville since 2007 as a painter. As a leader, Clark always aims for the best in himself and shows kindness to everyone around him. He understands the importance of leading from where you are, and that leadership does not equate with a title.

Non-exempt employees from across the state are welcome to register for this conference to be held in Tullahoma, Tennessee. The event will include small-group sessions, networking opportunities, and large-group sessions.

Registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 6.

The Administrative Professionals Summit is a system-wide event designed for rigorous learning for administrative professionals from across the state.

Held in Knoxville, this conference will provide professional growth and leadership development relative to the roles and responsibilities of administrative professionals. 

Registration deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 25.

On Thursday, Oct. 19, UT System Administration will participate in the annual International ShakOut Day, day set as aside for organizations across the globe to practice earthquake safety.

Stay tuned for more details in your email inbox.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Senior Enterprise System Project Manager, Department of Technology Solutions

Marc Albers joined the UT System on Sept. 1 and is from Lawrence, Kansas. He has a bachelor's degree in business, majoring in computer information systems. Albers has more than 12 years experience in leading enterprise system implementations, optimization and upgrades within higher education and healthcare industries. He specializes in managing complex projects, with a focus on delivering innovative solutions, organizational development and promoting team collaboration. For the past three years at Oracle, Albers led the Enterprise System Program at Children's National Hospital, a top-five ranked pediatric hospital in the United States. Prior to Oracle, he was a project manager at Huron Consulting Group where he spent more than six years working with several university systems. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids. His hobbies include coaching his son's baseball team, watching his daughter play soccer and playing golf with his wife.

Business Analyst, Department of Technology Solutions

Elijah Beard joined the UT System on Sept. 25 and is from Tampa, Florida.  He has a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, and has worked as an engineer for almost three years. Beard previously worked for WebstaurantStore as a data analyst for two years before coming to join the UT System. When not at work, he likes to spend time with his fiancé Maryse and his dog Laser. He also enjoys cooking, hiking and taking day trips to random small towns.

Workers' Compensation Coordinator, Department of Risk Management

Angie Robinette joined the UT System on Oct. 1 and is from Knoxville.  She has a bachelor's degree from Austin Peay State University and is a seasoned workers' compensation expert with 18 years experience in program administration.  Robinette previously served 14 years as the corporate risk management coordinator for Clayton Homes. She is skilled in establishing procedures and facilitating decisions that balance employee coverage and cost effectiveness for the organization, as well as proficient in all matters of workers' compensation program administration, including third party administrator oversight, claim investigation, return to work coordination, settlement strategy and litigation avoidance. When not working, Robinette is a devoted dog mom and professional pianist. Her college career began when she was chosen by Don Neuen to receive a full music scholarship for serving as the accompanist for UT Singers (1981-1983). She now plays professionally at weddings, funerals and special events, plus serves as staff church pianist at 1st Sevierville United Methodist Church.

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.