TrailBlazer 2016 Archive » TrailBlazer — Tuesday, January 26, 2016

One week until Ron Paul appearance for Maverick Speakers Series

Tickets are available online to see former congressman and physician Ron Paul in the next Maverick Speakers Series event.

Dr. Paul will speak on "Liberty Defined: The Future of Freedom" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, at Texas Hall. A question-and-answer session and a book signing will follow the lecture.

Since his retirement from Congress, Paul has continued to work for limited constitutional government through organizations he founded, including the Foundation for Rational Economics and Education (FREE), Campaign for Liberty, and the Ron Paul Institute for Peace and Prosperity. Paul is the author of several best-selling books, including the recently released Swords Into Plowshares.

General admission is free, but tickets are required. Preferred ticket packages are available and include reserved seating, parking, and more. For these ticket options, go to utatickets.com.

For VIP packages, contact Mark LaVelle at mlavelle@uta.edu or 2-5235.

Tickets also are available to see political strategist and commentator Donna Brazile on Thursday, Feb. 25.

City survey needs input for transportation planning

The City of Arlington wants your input to make sure its transit service is best meeting your travel needs.

Topics covered in the survey include how you currently get to campus, UTA's shuttle service, the MetroArlington Xpress (the MAX), and other transportation subjects.

Take a few minutes to complete a transportation survey.

A Cappella Choir at Meyerson UTA’s A Cappella Choir earned accolades for its weekend performances of Gershwin’s Greatest Hits with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra at the Meyerson Symphony Center. "The collegiate singers dispatched choral duties with polish and pizzazz,” The Dallas Morning News said. A Fort Worth Star-Telegram review said, “A surprising standout was The University of Texas at Arlington A Cappella Choir, directed by Karen Kenaston-French. They were terrific.” Watch the video and see more photos.

Cross-disciplinary teams compete for business in Studio CreaTec Challenge

More than $10,000 in prizes and start-up resources will be provided to student teams that successfully address the intersection of culture, business, and technology in the 2016 Studio CreaTec Challenge.

The challenge is a cross-disciplinary team idea pitch competition with the objective of creating University-wide student opportunities through the development, expansion, and implementation of ideas and possibilities.

Matt Clark, coordinator of the Entrepreneurship in the Arts program, oversees the project.

An information session is noon-2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, in the Start-up Lounge, across the street from the Maverick Activities Center.

Workshops begin Feb. 2. Finalists will be announced March 25, with presentations April 29.

Clark, who has spent the last several years helping UTA student artists lay the foundation for a career after graduation, noted the diversity of talent among the student population as he worked on public art and entrepreneur projects on campus. But he did not see much collaboration across disciplines.

For more information, visit the Studio CreaTec Challenge webpage.

Points of Transition series begins at noon today

The new Points of Transition series begins today addressing the how, what, and why of transition and change.

The Maverick Transfer Connection, which started in the fall, hosts three speakers who have a connection to social change.

Broadcast alumna Nada Atieh opens the series at noon today, Tuesday, Jan. 26, in the lobby of Ransom Hall.

Upcoming speakers are Ya’Ke Smith, associate professor of film and video, on Tuesday, March 8, and Scott Ingram, senior lecturer of anthropology, on Tuesday, April 19.

Three selfies could win you free food

How would you like to win free food for the semester?

Start by taking three selfies at the College Park District's restaurants through Sunday, Jan. 31. Enjoy great dining at Pie Five, Texadelphia, Coolberry Frozen Yogurt, and Starbucks at the UTA Bookstore.

Then post a collage of the photos on social media pages—Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter—using the hashtag #inthedistrict.

Treat the family at Family Valentine’s Day Breakfast

The Parents and Family Center hosts a Valentine's Day breakfast for the family at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. Students can bring up to three guests to the event on the second floor of the Maverick Activities Center.

RSVP by Friday, Jan. 29.

Women in Leadership applications accepted

The Women in Leadership program is accepting students for the spring semester. The program offers an opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and network with women who strive to make a positive difference in the community.

The program is open to all UTA students. Space is limited, and preference will be given to students entering UTA for the first time in spring.

Update your contact information for MavAlert system

The next system-wide test of the MavAlert Emergency Notification System is at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3. Verify your contact information at uta.edu/mymav.

The MavAlert system rapidly notifies faculty, staff, and students in the event of a campus emergency via registered email addresses and text message devices.

To enable MavAlert text messages, add your mobile phone number or other SMS text message device to your UT Arlington contact information and label it "mobile phone" via the drop-down menu. Log in to MyMav, then click on the Sign up for MavAlerts link in the right column.

During the Wednesday test, faculty, staff, and students will receive the following message via the email addresses and mobile devices designated in their MavAlert profile: “Attention: This is a test of the UT Arlington MavAlert Emergency Notification System. Update your emergency contact information at uta.edu/mymav.”

The MavAlert test will coincide with the regular monthly test of the Outdoor Warning System, also at 12:30 p.m. The University’s voice announcement system will be activated inside campus buildings. The City of Arlington's monthly weather warning test will follow at 1 p.m.

Tax help available at Central Library

Representatives of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) are available to help with figuring out your taxes. The free service runs through Tuesday, April 12, in Room B20 of the Central Library.

Hours are 5 -9 p.m. Mondays-Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays, and noon-6 p.m. Sundays.

Coffee update Starbucks in the E.H. Hereford University Center received a makeover for the spring semester. The contemporary design features stained and unstained wood and white subway tiles.

St. Louis destination for Alternative Spring Break program

The Alternative Spring Break participants will travel March 13-18 to St. Louis, Mo., to focus on social issues affecting the community, such as homelessness, poverty, community development, and disaster relief.

Applications are due by Thursday, Jan. 28.

Sign up for Dallas Festival of Ideas

Register now for the Dallas Festival of Ideas on Friday-Saturday, Feb. 19-20, at Fair Park in Dallas.

The free program focuses on Dallas in the next century with thought-provoking programs, interactive discussions, live music, visual art, and stage performances. See the schedule.

Architecture professor in residence Mark Lamster will moderate a panel discussion with five nationally prominent speakers on “The Physical City.” He also is the architecture critic for The Dallas Morning News.

The first 500 people who register by Monday, Feb. 1, are guaranteed seating along with the exclusive opportunity to submit questions to the moderators for each panel.

Admission is free, but registration is required. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $195.

ACES symposium now accepting abstract submission

Abstracts are now being accepted for the Annual Celebration of Excellence by Students (ACES), a University-wide symposium highlighting the best in student research and creativity. Undergraduate and graduate students work with faculty mentors in their disciplines to write and submit abstracts for the competition.

ACES 2016 is Wednesday, March 23, in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Submissions deadline is Friday, Feb. 5. Email questions to aces@uta.edu.

Show your artistic talents in MavsArt exhibit

Whether you paint, take photos, sculpt, or merely doodle, show your artistic side in UTA Libraries' MavsArt spring exhibit.

Artwork in two- and three-dimensional forms will be accepted. Submission deadline is Monday, Feb. 15.

Questions? Email janeth.colmenero@uta.edu or visit the MavsArt website.

Apply now for Black Leadership Institute

Register for the annual Black Leadership Institute, set for Saturday, Feb. 20. The program is free and open to all UTA students. Register online by 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8.

The program includes leadership development, networking, a keynote address, and more.

Student receive discount on exam prep courses

Students receive a 10 percent discount on many continuing education courses offered at UTA.

Upcoming exam prep courses include GMAT and GRE math and verbal; Professional Engineering Exam Review; and Project Management Professional, SHRM-CP, and SHRM-SCP certification.

Register online. For questions, call 817-272-2581.

Do you still need housing?

Spaces are available in the residence halls to move into immediately. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to live on campus.

Space is available at The Heights on Pecan and in all residence halls except Brazos.

Read more about housing options. Submit a free application at uta.edu/housing. For questions, call University Housing at 817-272-2791.

Stay connected with UTA social media

Stay up-to-date with the latest events and innovations at UTA on our official social media channels. Engage with students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the UTA community on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Vine, Pinterest, and Snapchat (utarlington).

To see a list of some University-hosted social media pages and groups—including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Flickr—and to learn more about how your department, program, or campus organization can utilize social networking platforms, see UTA’s social media index and social media guidelines.

E-waste recycle bins around campus

The Office of Sustainability provides recycle bins for electronic items.

Cell phone bins are available at the north entrance to Davis Hall, the entrance to the Maverick Activities Center, and beside Starbucks in the E.H. Hereford University Center. The bins are for cell phones and cell phone batteries, accessories, and charging units.

E-waste bins are blue at various locations, and large black ones are at the Chemistry Physics Building, Central Library, and the Wetsel Service Center.

Acceptable e-waste items include batteries, ink and toner cartridges, copier fusing units and replacement parts, cameras, cell phones, personal computers, hard drives, monitors, TVs, printers/copiers, wires/cables, microwaves, electronic kitchen appliances, mice, keyboards, extensions, memory sticks/cards/discs, VHS tapes and cassettes, DVD players, and other electronics.

Unacceptable items include light bulbs and UTA assets and computers.

Read more about recycling and e-waste bin locations.

Be aware of tax-related phishing attacks or social engineering

Tax season is in full swing, so expect to see related phishing emails and attempts to lure you into inadvertently installing computer viruses.

Use caution when clicking Web or email links or opening attachments related to tax returns. The IRS does not initiate any contact with taxpayers by email, text, or social media.

Many of the messages will have an urgent tone in the subject line and content. Examples of subject lines from last year:

• Final reminder: Tax Refund Notification

• Your 2013 - IRS Tax Refund Payment

• Your IRS tax bank transfer is not approved

• Income Tax Refund REJECTED

If you receive an email that appears suspicious, send it to the Information Security Office at security@uta.edu. Do not click on the links or open attachments.

Always be cautious about providing your personal information over the phone, especially to individuals who initiate the call. In such cases, always offer to hang up, verify the nature of call, and to call them back at a number they provide. Seek out the organization's official number and contact them directly. If you suspect attempted fraud or fall victim to a scam, contact your local law enforcement.

Deadline to apply for spring 2016 graduation

To be considered for spring 2016 graduation, the deadline to have your application submitted to the graduation desk is Monday, Feb. 1. See the graduation deadlines.

Add, swap, drop, or withdraw from spring classes

To withdraw from classes once the term has begun, undergraduate students must meet with an academic adviser in their major department.

If you drop or withdraw on or before the Census date, Wednesday, Feb. 3, no grade will be recorded on your transcript to reflect the drop.

Courses dropped by the Census date also will not be counted toward the six-course drop limit that affects students who entered a Texas public college or university in fall 2007 or later or the excessive hours tuition law that affects students who have more than 45 hours in excess of the hours required for a degree plan. Read more about this state law and its implementation at UTA.

Print your own enrollment verification

Enrollment verification is available online. To print your verification, log on to MyMav, go to the

Student Center, and click on Request Enrollment Verification to access the National Student Loan Clearinghouse.

Transcripts available in PDF format

UTA 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.

Concert looks at the maddening side of life David Grogan, assistant professor of music, leads a faculty recital that reflects a slightly less-than-sane view of the world. Performers get a little crazy in song and recitations in Mad Songs at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, in the Irons Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Building. Grogan and Anne Healy, assistant professor of theatre arts, are joined by Charlene Sutton, Laura Warriner Bray, Anne Marie Boeding, Nicholas Garza, and Clinton Bray. The concert is free.

Wednesday, Jan. 27

Spring Activity Fair University departments and programs, plus students organizations share info. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Student Affairs.

Friday, Jan. 29

Opening Reception: 'Whew…That’s a Relief! The Madcap World of John Hernandez' Opening Reception for exhibit of works by John Hernandez, 1978-2015. 5:30-8 p.m., The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History, The Gallery at UTA.

Wednesday, Feb. 3

Tail-Waggin' Wednesday Students, faculty, and staff can take a break filled with unconditional love from registered therapy dogs. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., sixth floor, Central Library. UTA Libraries.

Friday, Feb. 5

Friday Night Film: 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2' Rated PG. Free popcorn. Concessions for sale. $1, $1.50 with credit card. 8 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. Also, The Good Dinosaur, Friday, Feb. 19. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Coming Up

Maverick Musical Student teams perform Broadway-style productions with singing, dancing, stepping, strolling, instrumental, and other performance aspects in this unique competition. Cash awards for top three acts. 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Ongoing

The Gallery at UTA: 'Whew…That’s a Relief! The Madcap World of John Hernandez' A retrospective exhibition by San Antonio artist John Hernandez that spans four decades. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. Through March 30. The Gallery at UTA.

Planetarium Explore the secrets of the universe in the new show Dark. The spring schedule includes Astronaut, Cosmic Colors, From the Earth to the Universe, Pink Floyd, and SpacePark 360: Infinity. Through May 29. UTA Planetarium.

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

Keep it moving: Junior forward Faith Pope, top, takes to the air in Saturday's game against Arkansas-Little Rock. Junior guard Breck Clark encounters a traffic jam of Arkansas State players in last Thursday's game.

Hervey out for season with knee injury

Sophomore forward Kevin Hervey is out for the rest of the season with a torn left knee he suffered prior to Thursday's game against Arkansas State.

Hervey was among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in scoring (18.1) and rebounding (9.8). Ranked 26th nationally, he had eight double-doubles this season.

The Mavs claimed a 91-64 victory over Arkansas State on Thursday night at College Park Center, but fell 68-62 against Arkansas-Little Rock on Saturday.

The men’s basketball team is 14-4 overall and 5-2 in conference.

The Mavericks open a two-game road trip Thursday at Louisiana-Monroe before facing Louisiana–Lafayette on Saturday.

Lady Mavs on road trip

The Lady Mavs basketball team starts a five-game road trip against Louisiana-Monroe on Thursday, after two losses at home.

The team is 7-10 overall and 2-5 in the Sun Belt Conference after falling 78-71 to Arkansas State and 59-55 to Arkansas-Little Rock.

Other games on the road include Louisiana-Lafayette Sunday, Jan. 30; Georgia Southern Wednesday, Feb. 3; Georgia State Saturday, Feb. 6; and Texas State Tuesday, Feb. 9.

Baseball alumni game brings former Mavs back to ballpark

The baseball alumni game will give fans a chance to get a first look at this year's players, while also taking a look back. A number of former Mavs such as Michael Choice, Adam Moore, Preston Beck and Dillon Gee are expected to attend.

Festivities are set to kick off at noon Saturday, Feb. 6, at Clay Gould Ballpark with warmups and batting practice, during which the hitters' home runs will be tracked as part of a pregame home run derby. First pitch for the game is tentatively set for 2 p.m.

The First Pitch Fundraiser follows the game. For details on ticket sales for the game or the fundraiser, contact Kris Wood at kriswood@uta.edu at 817-272-9613.

Former players who are interested in taking part in the alumni game are encouraged to contact coach Darin Thomas.

Fifth annual First Pitch Fundraiser set for Feb. 6

Tickets are on sale for the fifth annual First Pitch Fundraiser. The event benefits the UTA baseball and softball programs and is set for 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Justin D. Wilson Batting Facility at Clay Gould Ballpark.

UTA baseball coach Darin Thomas and softball coach Kristie Fox will look back on their 2015 seasons and preview the 2016 squads. Members of the 2015 baseball and softball teams and former UTA players also will attend.

Tickets are $25 and available at utatickets.com.

Sports Shorts

• Softball players Sandra Mendoza and Mya Anderson were named to the College Sports Madness Preseason Sun Belt Second Team. The team opens its season with the Maverick Classic Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 11-14, at Allan Saxe Field.

• The Maverick men's tennis team opened the season with a pair of defeats against Arkansas and Michigan State. The team plays a make-up match against Rice at 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, in Houston. The Mavs play at home Saturday, Jan. 30, against Dallas Baptist at 10 a.m. and DePaul at 2 p.m.

• Season tickets for UTA baseball and softball are now on sale at utatickets.com, with single-game tickets available Tuesday, Feb. 2. Baseball season tickets for 30 home games are $75. Softball season tickets for 28 games are $75 for reserved seating and $40 for general admission.

Intramural deadline for 4-on-4 flag football

Upcoming intramural sports deadlines are 4-on-4 flag football, Wednesday, Jan. 27; billiards tournament, Thursday, Jan. 28; basketball, Wednesday, Feb. 3; and rock climbing, Wednesday, Feb. 9.

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.)