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Engineering professor receives Fulbright Scholar grant

Pranesh B. Aswath, associate chair of materials science and engineering in the College of Engineering, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant to lecture and conduct research at the University of Trento in Italy during the 2009-10 academic year.

Dr. Aswath, also a professor in MSE and mechanical and aerospace engineering, will focus on tribology and biomaterials at the University of Trento. He is one of about 1,100 U.S. faculty and professionals who will travel abroad through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program.

The Fulbright Program, America's flagship international educational exchange program, has provided approximately 286,500 people with the opportunity to observe each others' political, economic, educational and cultural institutions, to exchange ideas and to embark on joint ventures of importance to the general welfare of the world's inhabitants. The program operates in more than 155 countries worldwide.

Creative thinker: Urban theorist Richard Florida kicks off the 2009-10 Maverick Speakers Series on Friday in Texas Hall.

Tickets still available for Richard Florida on Friday

Tickets are still available as Richard Florida, author of the global best-seller The Rise of the Creative Class, opens the 2009-10 Maverick Speakers Series at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, in Texas Hall. Admission is free, but tickets are required.

Dr. Florida is one of the world's leading theorists on economic competitiveness, demographic trends and cultural and technological innovation. The lecture will have a local focus with commentary on the economy of Arlington and North Texas and factors including the Barnett Shale natural gas field, the new Cowboys Stadium and transportation.

Florida's ideas on the "creative class," commercial innovation and regional development have been featured in major ad campaigns and are being used globally to change the way regions and nations do business and transform their economies. His latest book, Who's Your City?, is also a national and international best-seller and was an Amazon.com book of the month.

MyMav 9.0 upgrade preview day Wednesday

MyMav is undergoing an upgrade from version 8.9 to 9.0 and will have a preview day Wednesday, Sept. 30 in Nedderman Hall, Room 100.

Looking for a career Sebastian Fuentes (left), admissions counselor in the Office of Graduate Studies, provides information for Angel Mayorga ('07 BA) during the Fall 2009 Job Fair on Wednesday at the Maverick Activities Center. The fair, sponsored by Career Services, featured more than 100 employers supplying guidance to seniors, graduate students and alumni, as well as underclassmen exploring internships and part-time jobs.

All administrative staff (non-adviser) are invited to attend one of five sessions scheduled Wednesday. Sessions begin at 9, 10 and 11 a.m., and 1:30 and 3 p.m. They will last approximately 45 minutes each.

Most basic administrative functionality in MyMav has not changed. For the majority of users, the transition from version 8.9 to 9.0 will be seamless. However, there are some minor changes and enhancements. Preview sessions will include a demonstration of basic administrative support fundamentals as well as address some minor areas of change. Scheduled completion date for the upgrade is Oct. 26.

For more information, contact Darrell Littleberry, senior project manager in the Office of Information Technology, 2-9192, darrell@uta.edu.

Teaching Circles open to faculty

Teaching Circles are small groups of faculty who meet at pre-scheduled times throughout the academic year for informal discussions on a common theme or issue related to teaching and learning. Sponsored by the Office of the Provost, the circles allow faculty to share experiences and offer support to each other. Both full- and part-time faculty are invited to participate.

Circle topics this year include:

• Effective Teaching in the Undergraduate Classroom

• Teaching and Learning in a Diverse Academic Community

• Exploring Active Learning Techniques

• Incorporating Service Learning into Your Curriculum

• New Faculty Discussion Group (for tenure-track faculty who started at UT Arlington in fall 2007 or more recently)

All faculty should have received information in their faculty mailboxes, plus information by e-mail. If you would like to join a Teaching Circle, please complete and return the Teaching Circle form to Linda Wilson, assistant provost, by Friday, Sept. 25. If you have questions about the Teaching Circles, contact Wilson at 2-3838 or l.wilson@uta.edu.

Collaborative Web site simplifies transfer process from community colleges

The UT System (which includes UT Arlington), the Texas A&M University System and the 50 community college districts across the state Tuesday announced the launch of a new Web site "Transfer 101: From Community College to University" devoted to simplifying the transfer process from Texas' community colleges to public four-year universities.

The Web site, www.transfer101.org, is packed with user-friendly information and step-by-step instructions on how to successfully transition from community colleges to universities. It will be prominently featured as a link on community college Web portals from all public community college districts.

The interactive site includes direct links to specific departments within universities, such as student advising, financial aid and transferring. Links to other higher education resources, including checklists for applying for admission, transfer and financial aid, are also included as are links to stories from students who successfully transferred to four-year institutions from community colleges.

Oozeball back on 'muddy' track

After last week's weather delay, the 20th annual Oozeball Tournament is ready for game time from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at the corner of Summit Avenue and Fourth Street. About 130 teams compete in mud volleyball to benefit the Student Alumni Association's sophomore scholarship fund.

Fiesta time at Health Services Robert Blum, director of Health Services, watches as support specialist Ophelia Jackson sings during the open house at the Health Services Center on Wednesday. Faculty, staff and students received a tour of the facility along with information about the services provided. In line with the fiesta theme, guests also enjoyed nachos, entertainment and door prizes.

Mudstomp volunteers will stomp the five courts starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, when 143 tons of dirt mingle with water courtesy of Arlington Fire Department trucks.

Friday's forecast is for mud with free water, free food for contestants, and concessions and event shirts for sale. The Arlington water department will provide precipitation to keep the courts wet and participants clean after their games. See Oozeball for more details.

Planetarium closes Monday
to add latest technology

The Planetarium will close from Sept. 28 through Oct. 11 to install the new Digistar 4 system and will re-open Monday, Oct. 12, with a new fall schedule.

New shows include Unseen Universe: The Vision of SOFIA, Two Small Pieces of Glass, IBEX: The Search for the Edge of the Solar System, and Microcosm.

Visit www.utaplanetarium.com for more information.

Cowboys Stadium employees to use campus parking lots Monday

The University is allowing Cowboys Stadium employees to park in lots 25, 26, 27 and other open lot parking lots on campus Monday, Sept. 28 for the Dallas Cowboys' game against the Carolina Panthers that night. See campus map for locations. Parking for faculty, staff and students should not be affected.

Lifestyle Improvement Programs

The Living Well Health Manager, powered by WebMD Lifestyle Improvement Programs, gives you access to a variety of personalized, self-paced health improvement programs. They include managing your weight, quitting smoking and reducing stress. See Wellness Wise.

Real Talk/Real Issues: Conflicts of Interest

This presentation provides a basic overview of Conflicts of Interest, the top things you should do to avoid them, and when and how to disclose them. Free, 12-1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, Carlisle Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. Amber Zuckerman, 2-5100, zuckerman@uta.edu. See the complete list of training classes.

Introduction to Office 2008

Don't get left behind! Learn what's new in Office 2008. This course features a quick overview of the differences in Word, Excel, Power Point and Entourage. You will also get to ask questions in an extensive class-driven Q&A session. Free. 2-4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30, Room 404, Fine Arts Building. Register to attend. See the complete list of OIT training classes.

Employment information

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

Kill leader: Tara Frantz led the Mavericks, averaging 2.91 kills per set during the UT Arlington Hilton Invitational.

Volleyballers open conference play Thursday

After winning two of three in last weekend's UT Arlington Hilton Invitational, the Mavericks will open Southland Conference volleyball action Thursday when they host UT San Antonio at 7 p.m. in Texas Hall.

The Mavericks defeated Arkansas State and Texas Southern last weekend, but lost to TCU in the final match of the tournament. Junior Bianca Sauls and sophomore Tara Frantz were named to the all-tournament team.

Thursday's match will be the conference opener for both the Mavericks and UT San Antonio. UT Arlington is 4-8 coming into the match while the Roadrunners are 4-9. The Mavericks also will play at home Saturday night, hosting Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in another SLC match. See athletics.

Cross country runners finish second at UNT meet

The men's cross country team finished second at the Ken Garland Invitational in Denton last weekend, narrowly losing to North Texas. UNT finished with 51 points, and the Mavericks finished with 54.

Freshman Eric Montou led the way, finishing 10th overall. Junior Zach Zura was right behind in the 11th spot, followed by freshman Ken Wallace, who was 12th.

The women were fourth with a score of 89. The Maverick teams travel to Corpus Christi for the Islander Splash on Friday.

Golfers fall short at UTA/Waterchase Invitational

The golf team finished second at the UTA/Waterchase Invitational on Tuesday, losing by two shots to Rice. The Mavericks and Rice were the only two teams under par for the tournament in the 17-team field.

Junior Zack Fischer was the top individual for the Mavericks, finishing in a tie for third with a three-under par 213. He shot a one-under par 71 in Tuesday's final round.

Thursday, Sept. 24 Volleyball Mavericks vs. UT San Antonio. Faculty and staff, $2. 7 p.m., Texas Hall.

Thursday, Sept. 24 Brave Combo Mosh-pit polka favorites. Free. 7:30 p.m., Levitt Pavilion, 100 W. Abram St., corner of Abram and Center streets. www.levittpavilionarlington.org.

Friday, Sept. 25 Oozeball Tournament Rescheduled after bad weather forced postponement last week, Campus Recreation and the Student Alumni Association host the 20th annual Oozeball Tournament. Money raised helps fund the Student Alumni Association Sophomore Scholarship. Pepsi-Cola will provide free water, and Chipotle will provide free chips and guacamole for participants. The SAA will sell concessions and event shirts. Noon-5 p.m., corner of Summit Avenue and Fourth Street. See Oozeball.

Friday, Sept. 25 Alex Cuba Smooth, sultry sounds that sail across cultural borders. Free. 7:30 p.m., Levitt Pavilion, 100 W. Abram St., corner of Abram and Center streets. www.levittpavilionarlington.org.

Saturday, Sept. 26 Front Street Festival Head downtown for a fun-filled day of family entertainment at the sixth annual Front Street Festival at Front and Center streets. Enjoy the historical demonstrations, log cabin tours, juried art show, classic car show, artisan and carnival food booths and live entertainment. And don't forget to stop by the UT Arlington booth. Sponsored by the Arlington Historical Society. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 201 W. Front St.

Saturday, Sept. 26 Book Signing Join Kenneth E. Ingle for a signing event for his book, First Contact: Escape to 55 Cancri. Ingle acknowledges the contributions of UT Arlington physics faculty Zdzislaw Musielak and Manfred Cuntz. Free. 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., UTA Bookstore, 400 S. Pecan St.

Saturday, Sept. 26 Eddie Coker Kid-friendly songs about life, happiness and purple ducks. Free. 2 p.m., Levitt Pavilion, 100 W. Abram St., corner of Abram and Center streets. www.levittpavilionarlington.org.

Saturday, Sept. 26 Volleyball Mavericks vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Faculty and staff, $2. 7 p.m., Texas Hall.

Saturday, Sept. 26 Ray Wylie Hubbard A legendary Texas troubadour performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Levitt Pavilion, 100 W. Abram St., corner of Abram and Center streets. www.levittpavilionarlington.org.

Sunday, Sept. 27 Terell Stafford and the UT Arlington Jazz Orchestra One of the great jazz trumpet players of our time performs with the University's own jazz musicians. Free. 7:30 p.m., Levitt Pavilion, 100 W. Abram St., corner of Abram and Center streets. www.levittpavilionarlington.org.

Through Sept. 27 UT Arlington Planetarium programs The summer schedule will continue through Sept. 27. Shows include Texas Stargazing, Stars of the Pharaohs, Black Holes, Secret of the Cardboard Rocket, Stars at Night are Big and Bright, Bad Astronomy, matinees and $2 movies. 2-1183, planetarium@uta.edu, www.utaplanetarium.com.

Monday, Sept. 28 World Heart Day Nutrition and health education on maintaining a healthy heart are part of this day with hand-outs, snacks and give-aways. Free. 10 a.m. Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Donielle Smith, 2-2771, dnsmith@uta.edu.

Monday, Sept. 28 World Heart Day Cyclethon Together with your teammates, you must keep your bike pedaling from noon to midnight to receive a World Heart Day T-shirt. Registration packets are at the MAC. Free. Noon-midnight, Maverick Activities Center. Donielle Smith, 2-2771, dnsmith@uta.edu.

Monday, Sept. 28 Latino Comedy Night Ernie G. leads the laughs for this feature of Hispanic Heritage Month. Free. 7 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. 2-2099, multicultural_affairs@uta.edu.

Through Sept. 30 Fort Worth: A Vision in Glass The Fort Worth Center Gallery 76102 hosts an exhibit in glass art. Free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays by appointment only. Christina Graves, 2-5988.

Through Oct. 10 Art Exhibition: Geometry in Reflection Two internationally recognized artists address architectonic forms and color relationships through their work. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. Patricia Healy, 2-5658, phealy@uta.edu.

(For an expanded list of events, see the UT Arlington Calendar)

Editors: Jim Patterson, Teresa Newton Web Developer: James Barberousse Photographers: Beth McHenry, Robert Crosby Executive Director for University Publications: Mark Permenter Associate Vice President for Communications and Marketing: David Johnson Vice President for Communications: Jerry Lewis Published by University Communications © 2009 The University of Texas at Arlington

MavWire is published by the Department of University Communications on Mondays and Thursdays (except for holidays) during the fall and spring semesters, and on Wednesdays during the summer. To submit items for possible inclusion in MavWire, e-mail mavwire@uta.edu. Items must be received three working days before distribution. Inclusion of events and activities in MavWire does not necessarily constitute an endorsement by the University. Read the MavWire Guidelines. MavWire welcomes any non-employees of UT Arlington who would like to subscribe.