Staff Senate masthead, photo of the UNT University Union with the words UNT Staff Senate Newsletter across the photo

Staff Senate Newsletter • June 18, 2020

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UNT Closes for Juneteenth

In light of the national conversation regarding racism in our country and to honor a uniquely Texas celebration, President Smatresk has decided to commemorate Juneteenth on Friday by closing UNT. For his full message, read Celebrating Juneteenth - An Official Notice from the President.

Reopening and Safety Town Hall

President Smatresk will hold a Reopening and Safety Town Hall via Zoom on June 22, 2020, at 3 p.m. where he will report on the progress made toward reopening our campus safely and answer questions from faculty and staff. You can ask questions during the event or email them in advance to untpresident@unt.edu.

Staff Senate AHA!

At Home Academy banner

Join the Staff Senate At Home Academy for the presentation Elections, Dollars, and Votes on June 25, 2020, at 2 p.m.

James Meernick, Director of the Castleberry Peace Institute will give you a crash course in the rules and funding of presidential elections, how the electoral college works, how campaign dollars are spent, and common problems in voting.

Register at UNT Bridge, UNT's online learning management system.

Visit the Staff Senate Staff Development Committee web page to access recordings and documents from some of their past presentations.

Project Estimating Updates

Due to COVID-19's potential impacts on UNT, for the remainder of the fiscal year, any new project requests for estimating require your vice president's approval prior to acceptance by Facilities Services. We encourage you to visit the UNT Facilities Estimating website.

Resources will help answer the following.

  • What is an opinion of cost estimate and what can it do for me?
  • Do I need an estimate or should I request a project?
  • I requested an estimate. What happens next?
  • What step in the process is my opinion of cost?

Built-in tools

  • Create your own basic estimate using commonly requested services
  • Use average higher education construction costs from around the state to create a square foot-based estimate

Questions? Send an email to Dallas Hogue, senior design manager, UNT Facilities Services.

UNT System COVID-19 Updates

The University of North Texas System and its member institutions are committed to the well-being and safety of our students, faculty and staff. In responsibly planning the immediate future, UNT System leadership teams have spent significant hours preparing to safely begin reopening aspects of our campuses and office facilities. See the links below for more information.

UNT COVID-19 Updates

Join Us at Our Next Meeting!

Meetings are open to all UNT staff members. The next meeting will be held via Zoom on July 14, 2020, at 3 p.m. Meeting link will be available soon.

Important note for newly elected senators: This meeting will include orientation for new staff senators. Please plan to attend.

For meeting agendas, minutes, and recordings, please visit the Agendas and Minutes page.

Contact Us!

If you have an article, announcement or suggestion relating to this newsletter, contact Lisa Cuevas or staffsenate@unt.edu to have it included.