University of Texas Arlington

Promoting academic integrity

WFAA/Channel 8 reported on efforts by UT Arlington to curb what appears to be a rising trend in college cheating nationwide. The University is hiring an assistant director for academic integrity and intends to ask students to sign new honor codes. “It reminds them to be a student of character and I think that translates into positive ways in our community,” said Frank Lamas, vice president of student affairs.

Faculty evaluations

The Austin American-Statesman reported that University of Texas System Regents are expected to tighten rules on faculty evaluations. The Faculty Advisory Council for the system approved a revision of the post-tenure review rules in December that was more in line with current rules. But Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa and Pedro Reyes, interim executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, met with the panel last month and sought consideration of a version developed by a task force of faculty members and system officials. The advisory council voted overwhelmingly to rescind its December vote and approve the task force version, which is the one the regents will consider, said Dan Formanowicz, a biology professor at UT Arlington, past chairman of the council and a member of the council's executive committee. "In my opinion, this proposal gives the faculty sufficient control of the process in cases where remediation or termination may result," he said.

Budget cuts impact on teacher morale

In a story about the impact of Texas budget cuts on teachers’ morale, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram noted that this fall, The University of Texas at Arlington saw a slight decrease in the number of people who want to become teachers. Overall undergraduate enrollment in the College of Education and Health Professions was down about 500 students from a year earlier, although enrollment in graduate programs rose

Is 'Amasia' the next big supercontinent?

An animation by Christopher Scotese, recently retired professor of earth and environmental sciences at UT Arlington, was featured on the National Public Radio website. The animation accompanied a story about a Yale researcher's theory about the next big supercontinent, Amasia. Scotese's illustration demonstrates 850 million years of continent movement in just over one minute.

The Green at College Park

The Sustainable Sites Initiative has certified the first three projects under its new rating system that evaluates the sustainable design, construction and maintenance of built landscapes, Green Building News.com reported. The Green at College Park of The University of Texas at Arlington is among the three projects honored.

New 'home' a good fit for basketball team

WFAA sports anchor Dale Hansen noted the now 14-game winning streak by the UT Arlington men’s basketball team and speculated that the new College Park Center is boosting team confidence. The team is 18-5 heading in to Saturday’s homecoming game vs. Texas State.