Aug. 17, 2020

• Welcome back! I hope you were able to relax a little this summer. As I mentioned in our division meeting, I am so proud of the efforts you've put forth this summer in preparation for fall. There are so many individuals to recognize, but in fear of leaving someone out, I'll simply say THANK YOU to all of you! One day, we'll be able to gather as a group where I can appropriately express my gratitude. Remember, the only way we will get through this semester is by practicing social distancing and wearing face masks. Please do the responsible thing and lead by example. I'll be on and off-campus throughout the fall and will keep you updated about developments. Until then, stay healthy and safe. WHOOSH!
  

• Welcome to Da'Keonna Herring, assistant athletic trainer. Da'Keonna comes to UTD after spending five years at Viterbo University in Wisconsin.
• The Comets will not compete in fall sports in 2020. The NCAA has cancelled all fall championships for Division III, which includes men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer and volleyball.
• The ASC has delayed fall sports until the spring semester.
• Those sports affected by the NCAA's decision will still have the opportunity to compete for conference championships at this time.

Community Standards and Conduct

• Referrals for the week of Aug. 3-7: BAIT cases (2), academic dishonesty cases (7), hearings (1), student/staff meetings (3), dean certifications (1).

Health & Wellness Initiatives

Counseling Center

• Clinical services/sessions for the week of Aug. 3-7: Counseling/consultations/referrals (32), initial evaluations/follow ups (7), crisis (3), psychiatric evaluation (1), psychiatric follow ups (17), group/skills-based workshops/screenings (7), professional consultations (12).
• Center for Students in Recovery sessions for the week of Aug. 3-7: Recovery planning (2), Nourish (3), Bullet Journaling (1).

Student Engagement Initiatives

Intercultural Programs

• iFriend registration is now open.
• Aug. 18: Interview with Comet Cents for education and training about student loan options, 1 p.m., Instagram Live.
• Aug. 19: Interview with ISSO about services, resources and immigration updates, Facebook Live.

Student Development

• Weeks of Welcome takes place now through Aug. 28. View the schedule online.
• Follow Temoc on his newest social media platform, TikTok.
• To follow the reveal of the 2020-21 Power Dancers, follow them on Instagram.
• Contact Jeremiah Stinnett to discuss virtual leadership training/seminar opportunities, including: StrengthsQuest, Student Leadership Crash Course, Leadership & Social Change, Civic Engagement & Advocacy, Advocating for You and Others, Overcoming Rejection, and Student Leadership Challenge Certification sessions.
• Student Government elections take place Aug. 26-28. Visit the SG website for details.
• Attorney services are available to students. They should email Student Government to schedule an appointment.

Student Transition Initiatives

Student Transition Programs

• Aug. 1-31: Freshman Orientation and Transfer Orientation will be completed individually by students via eLearning.

University Career Center

• Aug. 19: Student Employee Orientation, 10 a.m., via Teams.
• Aug. 19: How the UCC Can Help You, 12 p.m., via Teams.

Student Media

• Aug. 17: New issue of The Mercury on newsstands.
• The Mercury will publish four issues this semester, with limited print runs primarily for residential students. Content will continue to be published online.
• AMP will publish one issue this semester, in mid-October. Content also will continue to be published online.
• Radio UTD programming resumes in early September.

• Aug. 20: M.A.R.S. Initiative: Men Arriving Ready for Success press conference, 5-6 p.m., via Teams.
• Aug. 27: W.I.S.E: Women of Color Discussion Group: Careers with a Cause, 12 p.m., RSVP required.