TrailBlazer 2014 Archive » TrailBlazer — Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Cybersecurity topic of next Maverick Speakers Series lecture

Retired Navy Adm. James Stavridis will examine cybersecurity for the United States and the world in the next Maverick Speakers Series event.

Dr. Stavridis will present "Sailing the Cyber Sea: The New Realities of 21st Century Security" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Texas Hall. An autograph signing follows the lecture.

As the 12th dean of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, Stavridis has maintained a strategic emphasis on topics such as the role of women in international relations, synthetic biology and its impact on foreign affairs, and the function of online media and social networks in public diplomacy. He served as head of the U.S. European Command and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe for 2009-2013.

He is the author of Partnership for the Americas: Western Hemisphere Strategy and U.S. Southern Command. His latest book, The Accidental Admiral: A Soldier Takes Command at NATO, debuted this month.

Season and preferred packages and free general admission tickets are available at utatickets.com. For VIP tickets, contact Mark LaVelle at mlavelle@uta.edu or 817-272-5235.

Meet the teams, mingle with players at Maverick Madness; Tip-Off Reception planned

Maverick Madness, the official tip-off of the basketball season, starts at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, at College Park Center.

Meet the UT Arlington men's and women's intercollegiate basketball teams, as well as the men's and women's Movin' Mavs wheelchair teams. 

The evening features contests, free food and T-shirts, promotions, and performances by the cheer and dance squads and the Wranglers.

An exclusive one-hour Maverick Club Tip-Off Reception is at 5:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Suite of College Park Center. Admission is $10 for Maverick Club members and season ticket holders and $20 for guests. Admission includes a light meal. Head coaches Scott Cross and Krista Gerlich will preview their teams. Photo opportunities with players are available. RSVP for Tip-Off Reception.

Traffic apps: Zedd Shmais, James Staud, and Nhat Tran, all computer science and engineering seniors, won an NTx Apps Challenge contest and the $10,000 prize for building a program that eases traffic congestion.

Computer science students win challenge for real-time traffic app

Three computer science and engineering students won a $10,000 prize in the NTx Apps Challenge for a smart traffic light network that adjusts traffic light schedules to make traffic flow more efficient.

GridLock was developed by seniors Zedd Shmais, James Staud, and Nhat Tran. The team created a real-time monitoring system that analyzes traffic conditions and enables better vehicular flow.

The NTx Apps Challenge was a 10-week innovation competition to develop Web and mobile apps that solve regional challenges in four major subject areas: water conservation, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and transportation. 

Read more about the real-time traffic app.

Early voting on campus this week

UT Arlington is a polling place for early voting for the November general election. The polling site is open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. through, Thursday, Oct. 30, at the Maverick Activities Center.

Photo ID is now required to cast your ballot. Acceptable forms of photo ID are Texas driver's license, Texas Election Identification Certificate, Texas personal identification card, Texas concealed handgun license, military identification card, U.S. citizenship certificate or naturalization certificate, and passport.

For more information regarding elections and voter registration, go to the Tarrant County Elections Department and Texas Secretary of State websites.

Free influenza vaccinations offered

Avoid influenza season by getting the flu vaccine for free from Health Services. Students must present their student ID card to receive the vaccination.

For the vaccine, stop by one of these outreach clinics:

• 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, Maverick Activities Center

• 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, Vandergriff Hall

• 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, Arlington Hall

• 4-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, Kalpana Chawla Hall 

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, Palo Duro Lounge, University Center

Pumpkins for parents Pumpkin painting was one of numerous activities during Parent and Family Weekend. See more photos from the annual event.

Parking spots reserved for events

Some of the parking spaces in Lot S33 north of the Maverick Activities Center will be reserved Wednesday, Oct. 29, for a special event at the MAC. 

Portions in the Park Central Garage north of College Park Center will be reserved Thursday, Oct. 30, for a special event at the E.H. Hereford University Center. 

Contact Parking and Transportation Services at parking@uta.edu or 817-272-3907.

Film looks at blood donations as income

Filmmaker Alina Rudnitskaya will discuss her award-winning documentary, Blood, today, Tuesday, Oct. 28. The free screening is 5-7 p.m. in Room 200 of Trimble Hall.

For many Russians—old, young, unemployed, retirees—their blood donations are their only source of income.

Rudnitskaya is a film directing graduate of the University of Culture and Arts in St. Petersburg. She has worked at the St. Petersburg Documentary Film Studio since 2002. 

The screening is part of the Eighth Annual Russian Documentary Film Showcase organized by the Russian Cultural Center in Houston. UTA's Russian Culture Society and the McDowell Center for Critical Languages sponsor the screening. 

Disability Studies shares info on minor, classes Wednesday

Learn more about the disability studies minor and classes at a meet-and-greet noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, in Room 25 of University Hall.

Meet faculty members teaching in the minor and students minoring in disability studies, then enjoy a free lunch.

Check out the Disability Studies website and Facebook page. For questions or disability-related accommodations, contact Sarah Rose at srose@uta.edu or 817-272-2861.

Political redux The Maverick Speakers Series event with Mary Matalin, left, and James Carville on Oct. 20 was so good, you should take another look. Watch the video.

Register to attend Innovation Symposium, NAI chapter launch

See some of the inventions by UT Arlington faculty members at the Innovation Symposium 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, at College Park Center.

At 4:45 p.m., the UTA chapter of the National Academy of Inventors becomes official with an induction ceremony and reception.

The symposium, ceremony, and reception are free. Register online. Read more about the Innovation Symposium and UTA's NAI fellows.

Native American rights focus of attorney's lecture Nov. 4-5

The attorney instrumental in the passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (1990) and the American Indian Religious Freedom Act Amendments (1994) will speak on campus in November.

For 35 years, Walter Echo-Hawk (Pawnee) served as staff attorney for the Native American Rights Fund. His latest books are In the Courts of the Conqueror: The 10 Worst Indian Law Cases Ever Decided and In the Light of Justice.

Echo-Hawk will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, in Room 108 of University Hall. A reception and book signing follow. He also will speak at noon Wednesday, Nov. 5, in Room 100 of College Hall.

The lectures are part of A Festival of Ideas Global Research Institute and are sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts Dean's Office, the Pre-Law Center, the Native American Student Association, the Honors College, and the English Department.

For more details, go to uta.edu/NASA.

Full plate Ehsan Shafiee of the Persian Academic and Cultural Society serves potato salad to Kim van Noort at last Tuesday's International Food Fair. The lunchtime event was part of International Education Week. Shafiee is a linguistics doctoral student. Dr. van Noort is associate vice provost for undergraduate studies and director of University College.

Bowman to speak at Goolsby Leadership Academy event

Public service and leadership are the topics for a presentation by Theron Bowman, Arlington's deputy city manager and former chief of police, for the Goolsby Leadership Academy's Distinguished Speakers Series.

The free event is 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Dr. Bowman began his law enforcement career with the Arlington Police Department, becoming police chief in 1999. He retired from that position and later became deputy city manager.  

At UTA, he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, a Master of Public Administration degree, and a doctorate in urban and public administration. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the FBI National Executive Institute, and the Senior Management Institute for Police. In 2006, he was named a UTA Distinguished Alumnus.

Bowman also is a professor in the Criminology and Criminal Justice Department in the College of Liberal Arts.

Register by Friday, Oct. 31, for a meal and door prizes.

Questions? Email stefan.williams@mavs.uta.edu for details.

Bring old electronics to recycling event

The Office of Sustainability hosts an electronic recycling event 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, near the southwest corner of Woolf Hall on the University Center mall.

Departments are responsible for bringing their items for recycling. Items with a UT Arlington sticker will not be accepted.

Bring computers/CPUs, monitors, computer peripherals, printers, fax machines, keyboards, photocopiers, televisions, VCRs, microwaves, stereos, home and office phones, cellphones, consumer electronics, printer cartridges, and rechargeable alkaline batteries.

For more information, contact Becky Valentich at becky@uta.edu or 817-272-0199.

Special thanks President Vistasp Karbhari presented a gift to Texas Rep. Diane Patrick last week for her support of education at her eighth annual Education Summit. Patrick has represented District 94, which includes UT Arlington, since 2006.

Students needed for UT System Regents, Coordinating Board nominations

Student Congress is searching for students who wish to make an impact and represent the voice of college students on a state level.

Every year the governor's office asks for student candidates to the UT System Board of Regents and to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Coordinating Board Advisory Committee. These positions provide a valuable student voice to education policy decisions affecting the UT System and the state’s higher education system.

Apply online or at the Student Congress offices in Suite B150 of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Applications are due to the Student Congress offices by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Questions? Email sc-extr@uta.edu.

Be a Maverick Orientation leader

Introduce potential and transfer students to UT Arlington by becoming a Maverick Orientation leader. Learn more about the position at an interest session  12:30-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, in the San Saba Room of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Apply online by Wednesday, Nov. 5.

Alternative Spring Break goes to Gulf Coast

The Alternative Spring Break heads to the coast of Mississippi on March 8-13, 2015, to help the community with various social issues such as environmental sustainability, disaster relief, early childhood education, homelessness, and poverty.

Applications are accepted through Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Chili weather will be here soon with Homecoming competition

Warm up to Homecoming 2014 with a tasty tradition—the Chili Cook-Off.

Chili chefs will serve up hot stuff noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, on the University Center mall. Register online by Friday, Nov. 14, to compete.

Call Student Affairs for details at 2-6080.

Survey asks about drug, alcohol use

Share your experiences, observations, and opinions about drug and alcohol use in a confidential online survey. Go to coresurvey.com and use code 18898.

At the end of the survey, enter the drawing for a $25 gift card, one awarded weekly for three weeks, and two $500 gift cards awarded after the survey closes Friday, Oct. 31.

Six-course-drop alert, check implications before you drop

The last day to drop courses for both undergraduate and graduate students is 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29. A grade of W will appear on your transcript.

Undergraduate students who entered college for the first time in fall 2007 are limited to a total of six dropped courses during their undergraduate career. Discuss the impact of this when you meet with your adviser about dropping a course. Read more about this six-course-drop limit. A list of academic advising offices is online.

Check on the impact of dropping if you receive financial aid by going to uta.edu/fao or emailing fao@uta.edu.

Grade exclusion, grade forgiveness are options for undergraduates

Grade exclusion and grade forgiveness requests can be made for fall term processing through Wednesday, Oct. 29. Contact your academic adviser for eligibility information.

Advising begins for winter intersession and spring term

Advising for the winter intersession and spring term has begun. Check your Student Center in MyMav to see if you need to meet with your academic adviser before registering.

A list of academic advising offices is online. Call to schedule an appointment or check walk-in hours.

The schedule of classes is not final. Plan to validate your course selections when registration opens. Priority registration begins Monday, Nov. 3.

Transcripts now available in PDF format

UT Arlington now offers transcripts in PDF format. Students can send PDF transcripts by email to another university, a potential employer, or themselves. Read more about ordering transcripts.

Tuesday, Oct. 28

Flute Choir Concert The Maverick Flute Choir performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Thursday, Oct. 30

Halloween Casino Night Enjoy Halloween casino-style games, refreshments, giveaways, music, and a costume contest. Free. 7-10 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Faculty Piano Recital Young-Hyun Cho, associate professor of piano, performs Beethoven and Bach. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Ongoing

The Gallery at UTA: Philip Van Keuren and Liz Ward Philip Van Keuren presents atmospheric black and white photogravures. Liz Ward's work includes colorful watercolors and meticulous silverpoint drawings. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building North. Through Nov. 15. The Gallery at UTA.

Gallery 76102: Above & Beyond Kalee Appleton's series is inspired by time and time’s tendency to both transform and preserve. Gallery hours noon-6 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, Gallery 76102, 1401 Jones St., Fort Worth. Through Nov. 30. Fort Worth Center, Gallery 76102.

MavsArt The semi-annual UTA community art show features 67 works by 25 artists who are UTA students, faculty, and staff. Through Dec. 3. UT Arlington Libraries, MavsArt.

Special Collections: The Price of Manifest Destiny Discover how maps and war interlock in the 19th century in a new exhibit. Hours 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Sixth floor, Central Library. Through Feb. 7, 2015. UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections.

Visual Resource Commons and Gallery The African Art Collection is a multi-dimensional collection of 11th-20th century art and artifacts. Free. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, Suite 2109, Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History.

Planetarium Open House Night free shows each Tuesday: Stars of the Pharaohs, Oct. 28. The fall schedule includes Astronaut; One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure; Pink Floyd; Spacepark 360 Infinity; Two Small Pieces of Glass; and We Are Astronomers. Planetarium.

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

Volleyball Mavs 20-5 for season

The volleyball team picked up its 10th straight home win Friday at College Park Center and the program’s first 20-win season since 2006 on the road Sunday.

The Mavericks took down Georgia Southern in four sets on their home court Friday. The team tallied a three-set sweep at Louisiana-Monroe on Sunday. The Mavs are 20-5 for the season with a 10-3 record in Sun Belt Conference play.

The team travels to Atlanta to take on Georgia State at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31.

Cross country teams in poll's top 10

The men’s cross country team rose two spots to fifth and the women’s team remained at ninth in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Regional Team Rankings for the South Central Regional.

The defending league men’s champion team and the women’s team are the highest rated teams in the Sun Belt.

The Sun Belt Conference Championships are Sunday, Nov. 2, in Mobile, Ala. The NCAA South Central Regional is Friday, Nov. 14, in Fayetteville, Ark.

Movin' Mavs host tournament this weekend

The Movin’ Mavs program hosts a wheelchair basketball tournament Friday-Saturday, Oct. 31-Nov. 1.

On Friday, the Movin’ Mavs and Lady Movin’ Mavs play the University of Alabama at College Park Center. Tip-off time for the women’s teams is 1 and 5 p.m., while the men’s teams play at 3 and 7 p.m.

Saturday’s games are at the Physical Education Building and the Maverick Activities Center.

Other competitors include the Dallas Mavericks and Lady Mavericks wheelchair teams and teams from Austin, Dallas, and Oklahoma City.

Sports shorts

• The men's golf team concludes its fall schedule with the 2014 Royal Oaks Intercollegiate in Dallas. The 6-count-5 event opened with two rounds Monday and wraps up with a single round Tuesday.

• On the men's basketball team, senior guards Lonnie McClanahan and Jamel Outler earned All-Sun Belt honors, while the Mavericks were picked to finish fourth in the conference in the men's preseason poll. McClanahan was named to the preseason first team, and Outler was picked as a third teamer. The Mavs' season begins Nov. 14 against Bradley in Peoria, Ill.

• The women's basketball team was picked ninth in the Sun Belt Conference Preseason Poll. The team’s season begins Nov. 14 against Missouri Valley College at College Park Center.

• The women's tennis team competes in the Wild West Shootout in Denton on Friday-Sunday, Oct. 31-Nov. 2. The men are in the Florida Gulf Coast Invitational on Friday-Sunday, Oct. 31-Nov. 2.

• The Athletics Department and the Follett Higher Education Group have partnered to launch the Mavericks' official online store.

• Women's wheelchair basketball players Morgan Wood, Josie Aslakson, and Rose Hollermann have been invited to the Team USA Women’s Paralympic Camp in Birmingham, Ala. The camp is part of a selection process for the 2016 Paralympic Games.

Intramural entries due for badminton

Upcoming entry deadlines for intramural sports include badminton, Sunday, Nov. 2, and poker, Monday, Nov. 17.     

See the intramural sports schedule. Pick up entry forms at the Services and Information Desk of the Maverick Activities Center. For questions, call 817-272-3277 or email imsports@uta.edu.

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