To better view this newsletter, visit http://www.utsa.edu/atutsa/.

July 30, 2008

Giant Voice technology demonstration is July 31

Between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m., Thursday, July 31 there be will a demonstration of the Giant Voice mass notification system technology near the Biotechnology, Sciences and Engineering Building on the 1604 Campus. Please be aware that during the demonstration there may be loud music or vocal messages.

Giant Voice will be launched in September to augment UTSA's emergency notification system. The Giant Voice system will feature four outdoor speaker arrays that will deliver recorded or live announcements that optimally can be heard within 1,600 feet of each speaker array.

Read more about the UTSA Giant Voice notification system on UTSA Today.

 

July 31 is last day for annual benefits enrollment

All benefits changes must be made online using UT Touch by midnight (CDT), Thursday, July 31.

  • If changes that you have made require evidence of insurability, download the form on UT Touch, complete and mail it to the insurance company listed on the form by Aug. 15. No other updates will be allowed.
  • Remember to review your Oct. 1 paycheck. If you made changes during annual enrollment, be sure these changes are reflected on this check. If changes made during annual enrollment are not reflected on your Oct. 1 paycheck, notify HR by Oct. 10.

For more information on annual enrollment or plan options, visit the Employee Benefits Web site.

To meet with a Benefits representative, call 458-4648 and make an appointment to ensure availability.

 

View annual benefits enrollment presentation videos

 

UT Select participants receive enhanced colonoscopy benefit

Effective Sept. 1, the University of Texas System will expand wellness and prevention benefits to increase colonoscopy coverage to 100 percent under the UT Select Preventive Care Program. A colonoscopy performed by a network physician at a network facility now will be available at no cost to plan participants.

The improved colonoscopy benefit allows members to better plan their expected out-of-pocket expenditures for the 2008-2009 plan year. Those who have already made the 2008-2009 Annual Enrollment UT Flex Medical Expense Reimbursement election based on the current colonoscopy benefit's estimated out-of-pocket cost (typically $400-$800) may want to review or change their election to account for the new cost savings. All annual enrollment elections (including revised Flex elections) must be completed by midnight (CDT), Thursday, July 31.

Download a brochure on UT Select wellness and prevention benefits.

 

OIT to add iPhone support next spring

The Office of Information Technology is making changes to the Exchange e-mail server in order to support the Apple iPhone. The changes will be completed in the Spring 2009 semester. The modification will allow support for ActiveSync for Exchange, also known as "push" mail. More information will be provided as it becomes available. For more information, e-mail the Office of Information Technology or call the Help Desk at 458-5538.

 

UTSA acquires MessageOne e-mail manager

UTSA has acquired MessageOne E-mail Management Services, an e-mail continuity program that will allow faculty and staff to access their UTSA e-mail in the event of an outage or network failure. To set up your MessageOne profile, visit the MessageOne Web site. Your UTSA e-mail address is your username, and your network password is your MessageOne password.

More information: Information Technology Web site

 

Irene Maldonado is new HUB program manager

Irene Maldonado recently joined UTSA as the HUB (Historically Underutilized Businesses) program manager. Maldonado previously worked for the San Antonio State Hospital as community relations director. She will lead the university's efforts to expand the HUB Program, which helps minority- and women-owned businesses gain access to UTSA projects and bidding opportunities. Maldonado replaces Lacy Hampton who resigned in March. Contact Irene Maldonado at 458-4068.

 

Conversation Partner Program helps make UTSA a friendly place

ESL (English As a Second Language) Services hosts the Conversation Partner Program, which pairs native English speakers with international students for the purpose of helping students practice their English while also giving native speakers the opportunity to meet people from different parts of the world.

UTSA students, faculty and staff are invited to apply to be conversation partners. Partners are arranged for a semester and meet one hour per week at times and places of their convenience. Partners may choose to meet at a coffee shop, take a walk at a park or go to a movie. To sign up, download a form at the Conversation Partner Program Web site and return it to Multidisciplinary Studies Building Room 3.02.05, 1604 Campus, or fax it to 458-7679. Forms also are available at the program office.

More information: ESL Services, 458-7898

 

UTSA employees can save on gas by vanpooling

UTSA employees are organizing two vanpools that will be provided and maintained by VIA Metropolitan Transit. At least six people share the ride to work, while splitting the cost of van rental and fuel -- and the more who participate, the cheaper it is. The benefits of vanpooling are eliminating driving and greatly reducing gasoline and parking costs, traffic hassles and vehicle emissions -- and vanpoolers arrive at work or home more rested and relaxed.

One proposed UTSA vanpool would start in Bandera with stops at Pipe Creek and Boerne (Interstate 10 and Highway 46 at the park-and-ride lot) with the final destination at the UTSA 1604 Campus. For more information on this vanpool, contact Nancy Miller at 458-6773. A second proposed vanpool would go from Schertz on Interstate 35 to the UTSA 1604 Campus. For more information on this vanpool, contact Brenda Stevens at 458-6200.

Read more on UTSA Today.

 

Enter Alumni Gala Power Drawing to support scholarships

Join UTSA alumni for the UTSA Alumni Gala at 6:15 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Westin La Cantera Resort and Hotel -- a glittering night honoring the Alumnus of the Year and Distinguished Service award winners. The Power Drawing is a great way to contribute to the UTSA Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. Purchase one ticket for $20 or 3 for $50 and have a chance to win one of these prizes: vacation for two to St. Maarten, $2,500 Valero pre-paid gas card, four-hour sailing tour of Lake Travis in Austin, trip for two to Breckenridge, Colo., trip for two to Savannah, Ga., or a Samsung 40-inch flat panel HDTV. The prize drawings will be during the gala, but you need not be present to win.

For more information, visit the Power Drawing Web site, the UTSA Alumni Web site or call 458-4133.

 

Reminder: Fiscal year-end purchasing dates

The purchasing office revised year-end purchasing dates to allow sufficient time to make important last-minute purchases. The important dates are:

  • Aug. 13: Last day to create a PBO using fiscal year 2008 funds
  • Aug. 15: Last day for final approval of a PBO using fiscal year 2008 funds
  • The deadline for ProCard use for the fiscal year will be in August; a date is to be announced.

More information: Deby Bailey, Disbursements and Travel Services, 458-5915

 

Student travel authorization policy updated in HOP

Policy 5.18, "Travel for University Organized or Sponsored Activities or Events That Involve Students and other Participants," has been updated in the UTSA Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOP). The policy was updated and revised to reflect proper guidelines related to the requirement of student requests for travel authorization by all departments and to clarify and define appropriate procedures. Periodic HOP updates will be announced in @UTSA. Access the HOP online.

More information: Office of Legal Affairs, 458-4105

 

 

FY 2009 UTSA Holiday Schedule

Training and Development Classes

UTSA Handbook of Operating Procedures

UTSA Calendar

Payroll Calendar

 

 

@UTSA is published on the 15th and 30th each month. Occasionally, publication dates may vary in consideration of timely news items. E-mail news items to news@utsa.edu. Submit items at least seven business days before publication as a text message without attachments including contact name, e-mail and phone. Items may be edited for clarity and format.

Supervisors should print @UTSA for employees without e-mail access.

Read more at UTSA Today, the official UTSA news source.

 

 

Editor: Tim Brownlee, Assistant Director of Public Affairs