UT System Connect Newsletter

August 6, 2024

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

LATEST NEWS

The mental health and well-being of students within the University of Tennessee System is important. It's essential to student success and dedicated mental health professionals from across the UT System - from counseling centers to student affairs, and everywhere in between - to lead the way in making a difference for all associated with the University. Last month, UT System Chief Wellness Officer Dr. Jessi Gold and members of the Division of Academic Affairs, Research and Student Success brought some of these experts from across the UT System together to support their vital work.

Two-thirds of Tennessee students are now eligible for free tuition and mandatory fees at the UT campus of their choice, thanks to the expansion of the UT Promise scholarship program. As part of the scholarship, students are matched with a mentor that provides crucial support and guidance to help them succeed and thrive. That's where we need your help.  

To support the growing number of students, we need more mentors now than ever before. The time commitment is minimal—just two to three hours per semester—but the impact is immeasurable.  

UT Promise mentors come from all backgrounds and anyone who meets the requirements can make a difference. If you're interested in this opportunity to help shape the lives of Tennessee students this fall, sign up and become a mentor for a University of Tennessee student by Aug. 15. 

Join the DASH team for the summer DASH Town Hall this Thursday, Aug. 8, at 3 p.m. EDT. There have been many questions during the last few months regarding reports and as a result, the team will highlight some of DASH’s reporting features. During the session, participants will have the opportunity to see several popular reports in DASH for finance and human resources, get a glimpse of the UT reporting dashboard and learn more about report navigation. Participation is easy and accessible and there is no registration needed.

Last month, Young Professionals of System (YPS) met for an ice cream social at Cruze Farm Dairy. The event, the first for the virtual support group, was a success, bringing nearly a dozen UT System Administration professionals together to network.  

"I liked meeting other young professionals [from UTSA]," said one event attendee. "I feel there aren't many opportunities like this for different departments to connect with one another in a casual environment. This was great!" 

YPS aims to create an environment for young professionals to build relationships, share learning opportunities and explore what the UT System has to offer through meetups and online communication. Want to join YPS? Sign up today. 

The Compliment a Colleague program allows employees to acknowledge the contributions and efforts of their peers. This gesture of appreciation, which can be shared anonymously or with attribution, has already had a significant impact within the DASH working groups where it originated, with employees experiencing a greater sense of connection with their colleagues.  

"The Compliment a Colleague program is more than just an initiative; it's a catalyst for creating a vibrant, supportive workplace culture," said Brian Dickens, chief human resources officer. "We've seen firsthand how recognizing colleagues' efforts and achievements fosters a sense of belonging and community." 

If you know of a colleague who is doing an extraordinary job, or an unsung hero in your department, take advantage of Compliment a Colleague! 

To maintain the cleanliness of our cafes/breakrooms, a monthly refrigerator clean-out will be implemented beginning this month. Each floor's refrigerators within UT Tower will be cleaned out on the third Friday of every month. Any out-of-date items will be thrown away and reusable containers placed in the dishwasher. 

Our refrigerators are a convenience for all, as they allow staff the opportunity to bring their lunch and snacks from home as well as store leftover items should they choose to go out for lunch. Lend a hand by ensuring your stored items have not expired and discarding items accordingly prior to our monthly clean-out.  

UPCOMING EVENTS OF INTEREST

The next UT System Administration staff meeting is taking place Wednesday, Aug. 14, at 9 a.m. EDT. Join UT System President Randy Boyd at the Square Room located in historic Market Square. The meeting will cover major updates from across the UT System. 

Have a topic you'd like to be discussed or a specific question you'd like to ask? Submit them ahead of time via the survey below to best guide the conversation.  

Unable to make it in person? Save the link below and use password 869888 to join remotely via Zoom. 

Friday, Aug. 23, 2024 
Smokies Stadium
3540 Line Drive, Kodak

Join UT System President Randy Boyd for a baseball game on Friday, Aug. 23 when the Tennessee Smokies take on the Pensacola Blue Wahoo. Every UT System Administration employee can reserve up to five tickets (including themselves).  But hurry - there are very few tickets remaining! 

The Non-exempt Employees Excelling Together (NEXT) Conference is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 18 at the UT Conference Center in Knoxville, TN from 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. EDT. Registration is currently open in K@TE, and all non-exempt employees are eligible to have the Career Development Fund cover the $125 registration fee. 

An investment in the growth and development of non-exempt staff, the NEXT Conference is open to non-exempt staff from across the state. Between the general session, networking opportunities, and the breakout sessions focused on speaking with confidence and clarity, mastering Microsoft tools, financial 'fitness' and fostering impactful relationships in the workplace, the NEXT Conference is sure to inspire, motivate and champion attendees. 

"I felt extremely appreciated and truly felt a part of the UT family," said one UTC staff member who attended last year's NEXT Conference. 

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Technical Writer, Department of Technology Solutions

Tate Mobley joined the UT System on July 1. Mobley has a bachelor's degree in English literature and technical communications from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. While she is a new employee here at UT System Administration, she's no stranger to UTSA; she had an internship in the Department of Technology Solutions as an IT writer.  When not working Mobley, who is originally from Denison,Texas, enjoys spending time with friends and cooking new recipes for her family. 

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.