MavWire 2016 Archive » MavWire — Thursday, June 16, 2016

Dr. Robert Magnusson

Professor to develop lasers, amplifiers for integrated photonics technology

Robert Magnusson, UTA’s Texas Instruments Distinguished University Chair in Nanoelectronics and professor of electrical engineering, will explore the possibility of using a novel optical resonance effect in nanostructured silicon films to generate light, which could lead to more efficient and compact integrated photonic-electric circuits.

The new technology will greatly enhance transmission speeds by easing the limitations inherent in current electrical technology and make cameras and infrared technology less expensive.

Read more.

Verbal communication helps strangers reach mutual understanding

Psychologists at UTA have discovered that when two strangers meet and interact for the first time, the extent to which they develop mutual understanding depends more on how much they talk and ask questions than on non-verbal cues such as gestures or exchanging glances.

The UTA researchers used a specialized linguistic program to measure the extent that two strangers “get in sync” linguistically, providing new insight into the processes that underlie how people come to understand each other when they meet for the first time.

Study authors are William Ickes, UTA Distinguished Professor of Psychology, and psychology doctoral students Vivian Ta and Meghan Babcock.

Read more.

New mall: Part of South Nedderman Drive east of Cooper Street will be used for a pedestrian mall in front of the future Science and Engineering Innovation and Research Building.

South Nedderman section closed

South Nedderman Drive has closed permanently between Cooper Street and Planetarium Drive. The space will become part of an open mall near the Science and Engineering Innovation and Research building, which will break ground later this year.

Starting Monday, June 20, in Lot F10, six rows and the Mitchell Street exit will be closed. The west entrance also will become an exit.

For news on parking lot expansions, lot striping and resurfacing, and other parking-related projects, go to uta.edu/progress.

Visit the Have Your Say website to share your thoughts, cheers, and suggestions about UTA’s growth.

For routine construction and maintenance news, read the Blazing Construction blog.

New calendar to debut June 28

The University events calendar will receive a long-awaited and much-needed makeover this summer.

University Communications will upgrade UTA’s event calendar to a cloud-based system on Tuesday, June 28. The new calendar brings an array of features including a fresh, modern, mobile-friendly interface, social media integration, personalized calendar views, embedded maps, and more.

Preview the new calendar and its features by visiting the introductory page.

Please direct any questions or concerns to Daniel Evilsizor, director of online communications, at daniel.e@uta.edu.

Parking for Dallas Wings games to affect student, resident lots

Four parking areas will be used on game days when the Dallas Wings play at College Park Center. Upcoming games are today, Thursday, June 16; Tuesday, June 21; Thursday, June 23; Saturday, June 25; and Saturday, July 2. Read more.

Igniting change The U.S. Department of State chose UTA as the host site for two international delegates who want to bring adaptive sports to the deaf population in Ethiopia. Watch the video.

Pathways between Carlisle, Preston, Ransom halls temporarily closed

To facilitate a construction project at Carlisle Hall, fencing and scaffolding has been installed around the perimeter of the building and the current pedestrian pathways have been closed between Carlisle Hall, Preston Hall, and Ransom Hall for 30-60 days. Signs will be placed around the area to identify the modified pathways.

For questions or concerns, contact Nick Myers at nmyers@uta.edu or Don Lange at donlange@uta.edu.

Hammond Hall roof replacement begins Monday

A new roofing system will be installed on Hammond Hall beginning Monday, June 20. The roof should be complete by Monday, July 10, but could be delayed because of weather conditions.

For questions or concerns, e-mail Jeff Johnson at jljohnson@uta.edu.

Beware of tech scammers

The FBI recently issued an advisory on increased complaints for technical support scams.

The scammer claims to be an employee of a major computer software, security, cable, or internet company offering technical support to the victim. The scammer will try to get the victim to give remote access to the computer or financial accounts to pay fees for removing viruses from the victim’s computer.

Read more on how to protect your computer and accounts.

Cheer on UTA in Arlington 4th of July Parade

Members of the UTA community are invited to cheer on the University’s two floats in the annual Arlington 4th of July Parade in the College Park District. The parade begins at 9 a.m. Monday, July 4.

Free public parking will be available in campus parking lots and College Park garages. Parking lots and garages will open at 6 a.m.

Campus police wants your feedback

The UTA Police Department seeks your opinion regarding its performance in serving the community. Take the survey to give your input to enhance UTA PD's professionalism and the services provided to faculty, staff, students, and visitors. The survey ends Thursday, June 30.

Learn what's up for 2016-17 at Benefits Fair

Mark your calendar for the UTA Benefits Fair 9 a.m.-noon Monday, July 25, in the second floor lounge at the Maverick Activities Center. Benefit highlights for the new 2016-2017 benefit year will be discussed. Insurance and financial vendors and representatives from the Office of Employee Benefits in Austin will be there to answer questions. Door prizes will be awarded. For questions, contact the Office of Human Resources at benefits@uta.edu or 2-5554.

Annual Enrollment for benefits begins July 15

Watch for an Annual Enrollment newsletter via email by Wednesday, July 6. The retiree edition print version should arrive by mail by July 15. Annual Enrollment runs Friday, July 15-Sunday, July 31.

Employment information

Check out employment opportunities at uta.edu/jobs. Have questions? Call Human Resources/Employment Services at 2-3461 or TDD 2-8139, or email employment@uta.edu. The University of Texas at Arlington is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Coming Up

Business Affairs Training Register online. Travel and Expenses, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday, June 16; Financial Statements and the Reconciliation Process, 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, June 21; and Position and Workforce Management, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 23. All in Room E200C, Continuing Education Building. Business Affairs.

Human Resources Training Register online. Leading My Career Forward, 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, June 22; Partnering with Your Boss, 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, June 28; Professional Telephone Techniques, 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, June 29; Team Building for Supervisors, 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, July 13; Leadership Skills for Supervisors, 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, July 19; Managing Stress in the Workplace, 2-4 p.m. Thursday, July 21; Motivating Your Employees, 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, July 26; Fundamental Skills for Supervisors and Managers, 9-11 p.m. Thursday, July 28; Dealing with Difficult Employees and People, 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2; Effective Delegation, 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9; and Coaching Skills for Supervisors, 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10. All in Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

UTARI Lunch and Learn Robert Taylor, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, "Physics-First Design for Advanced Manufacture of Structural Components." Register online. Shuttle available. Lunch provided. Noon Friday, June 24, UTA Research Institute, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S., Fort Worth. UTA Research Institute.

(For an expanded list of events, see the Events Calendar.)

Intramural deadline for sand volleyball and racquetball

Upcoming intramural sport deadlines are sand volleyball and racquetball, June 22; billiards, June 30; badminton, July 12; basketball, July 13; poker, July 21; and MavStrong, Aug. 11.

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, June 16

Dallas Wings Dallas Wings vs. Seattle Storm. Tickets $15-$50. 7:30 p.m., College Park Center. Also, 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, vs. Phoenix Mercury; 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 23, vs. San Antonio Stars; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25, vs. Indiana Fever; and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 2, vs. Connecticut Sun. All at College Park Center.

Free Outdoor Movie: 'Finding Nemo' Bring a chair or a blanket, a picnic, and friends for outdoor movies each Thursday. Free popcorn. Upcoming movies are Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (PG-13), June 23; Barbershop: The Next Cut (PG-13), June 30; Space Jam (PG), July 14; The Boss (R), July 21; and The Jungle Book (PG), July 28. Free. 9 p.m., lawn behind the Maverick Activities Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Saturday, July 2

Native-American All-Star Football Classic UTA hosts games sponsored by Native Re-vision, a 501c3 non-profit organization that utilizes competitive sports to support and challenge Native American student-athletes. Tickets and details at nativerevision.org. Maverick Stadium.

Ongoing

Visual Resources Gallery: 'Ritual and Animism: Visual Investigations of the Soul and Supernatural in African Art and Artifacts' See artwork and artifacts from the Campbell-Dowdey and Brodie African Art collections. Gallery hours 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Through Aug. 26. Visual Resources Gallery, Suite 2109, Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History.

Planetarium The summer schedule includes Dynamic Earth; One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure; Pink Floyd; Secret of the Cardboard Rocket; Spacepark 360: Infinity; Texas Stargazing; and We Are Astronomers. Through Aug. 28. Planetarium.

CAPPA Gallery: 'End of Year Show' A selection of student works from the architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design programs. Gallery hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Second floor gallery. Through Aug. 31. Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs.

UTA Libraries: 'Academic Evolution: The University of Texas at Arlington' An exhibition of UTA's academic history. Through Aug. 31. Sixth floor, Central Library. UTA Libraries.

UTA Libraries: 'Building a Barrier-Free Campus' Explore how UTA began to become a model accessible campus for students with disabilities. Sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Through Sept. 16. UTA Libraries, History, College of Liberal Arts’ Festival of Global Ideas, Office for Students with Disabilities.

(For an expanded list of events, see the Events Calendar.)