Staff Senate Newsletter • Dec. 18, 2020

UNT Virtual Day at the Capitol 2021

The UNT Alumni Association is launching UNT Virtual Day at the Capitol 2021, a legislative letter-writing campaign, and staff members are encouraged to join in! UNT staff, many of whom are also alumni, see firsthand the incredible research and life-changing educational opportunities that set UNT apart. With this campaign, they can bring attention to the extraordinary work UNT is doing among Texas lawmakers who will make important funding decisions. Sign up today to be added to the list of volunteers! Volunteers will receive more information via email, and in January, they’ll receive a box filled with everything they need to write their letters (plus a gift of thanks from the UNT Alumni Association). Have questions? Email Claudia.Taylor@unt.edu.

UNT CoLab Shopping

The UNT CoLab is offering holiday gift promotions with its "12 Days of Cheer." Hours are 11 a.m.—6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday until Dec. 23, when it closes at 2 p.m. for the break. Proceeds from sales at its retail boutique help to fund the operation of the CoLab, which supports College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism students and promotes the university within the community. 

Federal Leave Options to Expire: Coronavirus relief likely not extended

The options that became available on April 20, 2020 as part of a relief package related to COVID-19 are set to expire on Dec. 31. Currently, there is no signed legislation that would extend the use of these types of leaves. Read more to understand which emergency leave options these are and what it means.

Health insurance deductibles restart Jan. 1

With the new year comes the resetting of both medical and prescription drug insurance coverage deductibles. That means you might pay more the next time you fill a prescription, or visit the doctor. Read more about the health insurance deductibles!

Staff Senate Spotlight

Cindy Ford

Senior Administrative Assistant, Athletics

Learn more about Cindy!

Purchase a Fan Cutout for Mean Green Basketball

UNT Athletics wants to see you in the stands cheering on the Mean Green! Show your support by purchasing a Fan Cut Out for either Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, and Softball! You can get a cutout of yourself, a friend, a family member or even your pet placed in an open seat in the Super Pit, Mean Green Volleyball Center, Lovelace Stadium, or the Mean Green Soccer Complex. Take a photo in your best Mean Green gear to let your spirit show! The earlier you purchase, the closer to the field, court, floor your cutout will be. For $50, you can receive the standard fan cutout placed in the venue of your choice.

Take advantage of your HSA

If you have the Consumer Directed Health Select plan—that's the high deductible plan—you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) that provides funds for medical expenses well beyond standard deductibles and copays. Use your HSA for dental, vision, chiropractic care and more.

Unemployment Fraud Attempts Continue to Target UNT World

UNT World employees continue to be targets for fraudulent unemployment claims by criminals outside our universities and System. HR Records has been carefully responding to receipt of fraudulent unemployment claims and immediately notifying Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), which initiates an investigation. A major concern is the fraudulent use of social security numbers. If you should receive a fraudulent unemployment claim, please immediately contact HR Records at hrrecords@untsystem.edu. HR Records can also send you information including actions you can take as well as recommendations.

Join Us at Our Next Meeting!

Meetings are open to all UNT staff members. The next meeting will be held on Feb. 9, 2021 at 3 p.m. Please check back for meeting details.  

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, email staffsenate@unt.edu to have it included.