MavWire 2015 Archive » MavWire — Thursday, July 23, 2015

Web-based nursing programs named among nation's best in value

The College of Nursing and Health Innovation is among the nation’s best values in college education for registered nurses who want to earn an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, according to Value College.com. Value Colleges’ Top 50 Best Value Online RN to BSN list is a guide to the online colleges and universities that find the right balance between quality and price.

UT Arlington’s online program ranked No. 6 on the list of programs that are accredited through either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Association.

Evaluators looked for a common level of quality, integrity, rigor, and value that translates into a marketable degree.

Read more about the nursing value ranking.

New executive Ph.D. in international business established

The College of Business will offer North Texas’ first Executive Delivery Ph.D. with a planned start date of January 2016. Accepted students will complete an initial boot camp in statistics followed by four-day weekend class sessions every six weeks over three years. Students will complete coursework and be in close communication with faculty between each class session.

The Ph.D. curriculum and dissertation research will focus on international business. Class sessions are expected to be offered at DFW Airport for convenient access to those not in the North Texas area, and be consistent with the international business focus.

Several class sessions will take place in other parts of the world to further reinforce this theme. Asia, South America, and Europe are being considered for international class meeting locations.

Read more about the Executive Delivery Ph.D. program.

Dr. Anne Bavier

New partnership offers student nurses clinical experience in community health

Beginning this fall, students from the College of Nursing and Health Innovation can serve as student nurses through an innovative program in Pasadena, a suburb of Houston.

An agreement signed in January established a partnership between the Pasadena Independent School District, UT Arlington, and the UT Health Science Center at Houston for a school-based community health clinical rotation.

“We are pleased to provide our students with the opportunity to both learn and serve in the critical area of public health at this important phase of their young careers,” says Anne Bavier, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Innovation.

Both undergraduate and graduate programs require the nursing students to obtain clinical hours in a variety of rotations such as community health services, surgical/medical, and pediatrics. Pasadena ISD qualifies as a community health services rotation because it is a public school district.

Read more about the nursing community health rotation.

Dr. Ashfaq Adnan

Research could yield more resilient ceramic material to be used on spacecraft, in power plants

Ashfaq Adnan, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, is modifying molecular structures and blending ceramics to create new material that would be less brittle but retain the strength of the original ceramic and could be used on spacecraft, in power plants, and for other applications.

Dr. Adnan was awarded a highly competitive $120,000 Early-concept Grant for Exploratory Research (EAGER) award from the National Science Foundation to advance his work.

“This research will yield a new generation of ceramics that can withstand both extreme heat and collisions,” he says.

Read more about the stronger ceramics development.

Dr. Taryn Ozuna Allen

Educator named Greater Texas Foundation fellow

Taryn Ozuna Allen, assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, is one of only four fellows chosen as a 2015 Greater Texas Foundation Faculty Fellow.

Each fellow receives up to $30,000 per year for three years to support research aligned with the Greater Texas Foundation’s mission to reinforce postsecondary preparation, access, persistence, and completion for Texas students. The program is designed to help build the research and teaching capacity of tenure-track faculty at Texas colleges working in areas related to student success.

Dr. Allen’s research focuses on college readiness and access; science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); and Latino students’ higher education experiences.

Read more about Allen's recognition.

MavOpenPress publishes its first e-book

UT Arlington Libraries has published its first e-book under its MavOpenPress imprint, founded in December. Inquiries into Korean Linguistics V, a collection of conference papers edited by former UTA Vice Provost and Professor David Silva, contains 11 papers from a 2012 conference in Xuzhou, China.

Inquiries represents the University's first use of its ResearchCommons institutional repository as a platform to disseminate an e-book using a Creative Commons license. The ResearchCommons (RC) is a digital archive for UTA that provides open access to research and publications by faculty and students.

Open access publishing is a free service that allows authors to increase the global visibility of their work. Items in the RC are given a permanent URL and are harvested by search engines, increasing the likelihood that the product is discovered and cited. Works are immediately available upon deposit, and authors retain all copyright unless stipulated otherwise by publisher contracts.

For information on MavOpenPress, contact Ramona Holmes at holmes@uta.edu.

Fast times at UTA About a dozen student teams from across North America converged on the UT Arlington campus for the Texas Autocross Weekend. UTA’s award-winning Formula SAE racing team hosted the 15th annual event. See more photos.

New database helps faculty find funding opportunities

SciVal Funding, now available through UT Arlington Libraries, helps researchers and administrators find new funding sources by filtering information from over 9,000 public and private funding bodies. Users can search by keyword and browse by topic and location.

The database comprehensively covers grants from Australia, Canada, the European Commission, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Access SciVal on or off campus from the UTA Libraries’ database website. Video tutorials are available.

Volunteers needed for Maverick Cookout

Faculty and staff are needed to serve as volunteer flippers and servers at the Maverick Cookout Featuring the Activities Fair Day, a Welcome Week tradition. The event is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Volunteers will work one 30-minute shift serving soda or flipping hamburgers on the grill. It’s a great opportunity to spend time with colleagues and students.

Volunteer online. For more details, email Molly Albart at molly@uta.edu.

Adobe FormsCentral to be discontinued

Adobe FormsCentral, a drag-and-drop online form builder, will be retired Tuesday, July 28.

The Office of Information Technology asks University employees to save any FormsCentral data to a PDF or another type of file.

After July 28, you will no longer be able to create, distribute, or collect new or existing responses through online forms.

The FormsCentral desktop app will be available temporarily for creating PDF forms until the new upgrade to the Acrobat software. However, any online FormsCentral functionality will be disabled. 

The Office of Information Technology recommends using an alternate solution in place of Adobe FormsCentral to avoid any service interruptions.

For assistance in finding an alternate solution to this program, contact the Help Desk at 2-2208 or helpdesk@uta.edu. For more information about Adobe FormsCentral, visit Adobe’s frequently asked questions.

Construction causes temporary closures

• The UTA FabLab and Starbucks Coffee stand will close Saturday-Tuesday, July 25-28, for construction on the first floor of the Central Library.

• The UTA Bookstore will be closed Saturday, July 25, for electrical upgrades.

• Poster printing in the Central Library is unavailable because of ongoing construction on the first floor. Poster printing is available in Rooms 319 and 324 of the Architecture Building.

Beneficial visit Kermit Beird, machine shop supervisor for mechanical and aerospace engineering, talks with Marilyn Galambush, an enrollment specialist with PayFlex, at the Benefits Fair on Friday at the Maverick Activities Center. Open enrollment for benefits runs through Friday, July 31. Read more about the benefits overview, premium rates, and other topics for the 2015-16 year. For details, contact Employee Benefits Services, call 2-5554, or email benefits@uta.edu.

Purchasing year-end deadlines Friday

The deadline for purchase orders with the 2014-15 fiscal year is Friday, July 24, for all departments and all requirements.

All Requisitions and associated UTAFlow approval forms received in the Office of Procurement after 5 p.m. July 24 will be processed and encumbered against fiscal year 2015-16 funds.

Parking regulations change Aug. 1

Changes in parking permits and regulations begin Saturday, Aug. 1.

Faculty and staff parking permits will be $200 per year. Reserved parking will be $600 and limited to those who qualify.

The hourly meter rate will be set at $2.50.

Read more about the 2015-16 parking permits and regulations.

Apply for Professional Learning Community groups

Faculty and staff can apply to participate in the 2015-16 Professional Learning Community (PLC), sponsored by the divisions of Digital Teaching and Learning and Faculty Affairs.

The PLC includes software experimentation, course redesign, group conference attendance, informal learning, and a project based on the theme of the group. Collaboration will take place through on-campus and online sessions among the group members and with national and international leaders in educational technology.

Groups for 2015-16 are Blended Learning and Synchronous Learning in a Digital Environment.

Applications are due Monday, Aug. 3.

Give feedback on University Club

The University Club is seeking feedback regarding its summer menu. Take the five-minute survey on the menu, say what items you'd like added, and rate your satisfaction of food and service.

Fulbright program seeks faculty for SubSahara program

Faculty members can apply for the Fulbright SubSahara program by Monday, Aug. 3.

Scholars can teach and conduct research at educational institutions and nonprofit organizations in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Madagascar, Rwanda, and Zambia.

All disciplines are needed in some areas, while others focus on business administration, economics, and finance; journalism and broadcasting; engineering and environmental sciences; and AIDS and AIDS-related research.

For more details, contact the Office of International Education at 2-2355.

Presenters needed for student leadership retreat

Share your insight on leadership and resilience at the student Fall Leadership Retreat on Friday, Sept. 11. The annual program is sponsored by the Leadership Center and Student Affairs.

More than 200 UT Arlington students participate in leadership development through educational sessions and experiential learning activities.

Apply online by Friday, July 31.

Law enforcement competition to include real-life scenarios

More than 600 participants, judges, and law enforcement officers from around Texas will be on campus Thursday-Sunday, July 30-Aug. 2. 

The Texas Law Enforcement Explorer Advisors Association's State Explorer Competition features teams of youth and adults competing in 20 different “real-life” law enforcement scenarios over a two-day period.

The scenarios will take place in various campus locations including parking lots, classroom buildings, the University Center, and residence halls.

Questions? Contact the UTA Police Department at 2-3381.

Thursday, July 23

Dealing Effectively with Conflict and Confrontation Register online. 9-11 a.m., Room 200, J.D. Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Travel and Expenses Learn how to process travel authorizations, cash advances, and expense reports. Register online. 1:30-4:30 p.m., Room E200C, Continuing Education Building. Business Affairs.

Tuesday, July 28

Research and Strategic Plan 2020 Learn about the guiding themes of the Strategic Plan 2020 and how UTA can be more competitive for major research awards and grants. Health and the Human Condition. 2-4:30 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Also, Global Environmental Impact, 9-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, Rio Grande Ballroom. Research Administration.

Requisitions Find out how to search for a vendor, how to receive items, and how to create and manage a requisition. Register online. 8:30-11 a.m., Room E200C, Continuing Education Building. Business Affairs.

Coaching Skills for Supervisors Register online. 9-11 a.m., Room 200, J.D. Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Wednesday, July 29

Peer Observation of Teaching Training Learn about this powerful tool for professional growth, documenting great teaching, and sharing new ideas. Register online. 1-4 p.m. Also 9 a.m.-noon Monday, Aug. 17, and 1-4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11. All in Room 415, Central Library. Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, Faculty Affairs.

Copyright and Blackboard Part of a series of workshops to assist faculty with grants, publishing, impact analysis, and curriculum building. 2 p.m., Room 315A, Central Library. UT Arlington Libraries, Faculty Affairs.

Thursday, July 30

Payment Vouchers Learn how to search for a vendor, create a non-purchase order voucher, and create a purchase order voucher. Register online. 8:30-10:30 a.m., Room E200C, Continuing Education Building. Business Affairs.

Friday, July 31

UTARI Seminar Susan Juarez, right, UTARI grant writer, discusses Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer funding mechanics. Register online. Shuttle available. Lunch provided. Noon, UTARI, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S. UT Arlington Research Institute.

Wednesday, Aug. 5

Arlington Technology Association Robert Edamala, director of information security at UT Arlington, presents "The Internet of Things: How Your Toaster May Be a Threat in Cyber Warfare." Light breakfast provided. RSVP. Free. 7-8 a.m., Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Arlington Technology Association.

(For an expanded list of events, see the UTA calendar.)

Mavericks recognized for classroom success

The Sun Belt Conference recently honored 86 UTA student-athletes for their academic success during the 2014-15 school year.

Thirty-eight Mavericks were named to the Sun Belt Commissioner’s list for posting a GPA of 3.50 or higher, while 48 made the Academic Honor Roll for having GPAs between 3.00 and 3.49.

UTA athletes compiled a 3.055 cumulative GPA in 2014-15. Women’s tennis led the way with a 3.537 GPA, while women’s basketball was second with a 3.177.

Sports Shorts

• The women’s basketball team has added transfer guard Kamy Cole for the 2015-16 season. She previously played at TCU, where she averaged 9.8 points per game, fourth in the Big 12 among freshmen.

• The men's and women's 2015 cross country schedule kicks off Tuesday, Sept. 1, at the Baylor Twilight Invitational in Waco. UTA will host the annual Gerald Richey High School and University Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 19. The meet will be held at Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie and will begin with university races at 8 a.m. 

• The Maverick Open, formerly the Chip-N-Classic, will take place Thursday, Sept. 10, at Texas Star Golf Course in Euless. To reserve your place, contact Kris Wood at kriswood@uta.edu or 2-9613.

Summer intramural sports available

Upcoming deadlines are poker, today, Thursday, July 23, and MavStrong competition, Thursday, Aug. 6.

See the intramural sports schedule. Pick up entry forms at the Services and Information Desk of the Maverick Activities Center. For questions, call 2-3277 or email imsports@uta.edu.

(For more sports news, go to utamavs.com, uta.edu/movinmavs, or uta.edu/campusrec.)

Thursday, July 23

Free Outdoor Movie: 'Pitch Perfect 2' Bring a chair or a blanket, a picnic, and friends for outdoor movies each Thursday. Free popcorn. Upcoming movies are Dirty Dancing (1987), July 30; and Tomorrowland, Aug. 6. Free. 9 p.m., lawn behind the Maverick Activities Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Monday-Thursday, July 27-30

Discount Rangers Tickets Texas Rangers vs. New York Yankees. Visit texasrangers.com/grouptickets, click on University of Texas at Arlington, and use the password GOMAVS to get your discounted tickets. Various times, Globe Life Park. Upcoming games are Houston Astros, Aug. 3-5; Tampa Bay Rays, Aug. 14-16; Seattle Mariners, Aug. 17-18; Toronto Blue Jays, Aug. 25-27; Baltimore Orioles, Aug. 28-30. Texas Rangers.

Ongoing

Special Collections: !Viva Mexico! A Comic Book History of Mexico A rare look inside the rise of comic books in 20th century Mexico, their literary, cultural, and entertainment value, and influence by the Mexican government. Hours 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, sixth floor, Central Library. Through Aug. 8. UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections.

Juneteenth in Texas: 150 Years of Freedom More than 60 photographs explore issues of Texas African-Americans from Emancipation to the Civil Rights era. Hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Through Aug. 9. Sixth floor, Central Library. Center for Greater Southwestern Studies.

Ornament and Adornment: The Decoration and Application Techniques of African Masks Examine the design and style of decorations on African masks from the Dowdey-Campbell and Brodie African Art Collections. Gallery hours 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Through Aug. 31. Visual Resources Commons, Room 2109 of the Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History.

Planetarium The summer schedule includes Texas Stargazing; Stars of the Pharaohs; One World, One Sky; Cosmic Color; Dynamic Earth; Pink Floyd; Secret of the Cardboard Rocket; and Spacepark 360: Infinity. Planetarium.

(For an expanded list of events, see the UTA calendar.)