University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 12-06-2010

Faculty and Staff Holiday Reception features food, music, festivities

Ring in the holiday season by joining your UT Arlington family at the annual Faculty and Staff Holiday Reception 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, at the Bluebonnet Ballroom in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

President James D. Spaniolo is the host and featured speaker, delivering his Maverick interpretation of a traditional holiday reading.

Enjoy the festive sounds of the UT Arlington Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Tim Ishii, associate professor of music.

Hors d'oeuvres will be served. The reception is sponsored in part by UT Arlington Dining Services.

Dr. Maurice Leatherbury

Maurice Leatherbury named interim vice president for information technology, starts Dec. 13

President James D. Spaniolo announced to vice presidents and deans last week that Maurice Leatherbury has been named interim vice president for information technology.

Dr. Leatherbury, who has served as senior adviser for technology for the past six weeks, will replace Suzanne Montague, who will retire at the end of January after 28 years of service to the University.

"Maurice is a seasoned information technology professional and possesses a wealth of experience in higher education," President Spaniolo said.

Leatherbury will assume day-to-day management of the Office of Information Technology on Monday, Dec. 13. He will serve in the interim role until the search for a vice president for information technology is complete.

Prior to joining UT Arlington, Leatherbury served 17 years in senior positions at the University of North Texas, most recently as vice president for information technology and chief information officer.

Is the University open today?

Texas weather can change drastically in just a few minutes and at the most inconvenient times. In severe weather, such as ice or snow, will classes be held? Will events and activities take place as scheduled? Will offices be open?

The University closely monitors severe weather forecasts to ensure the safety and security of the campus community.

Faculty, staff, and students will be notified as soon as possible should local conditions affect the status of the University, including classes, business operations, events, and activities.

There are numerous ways for faculty, staff, and students to access official information about the status of the University. All announcements will be communicated via University e-mail in MavWire EXTRA (faculty and staff) and TrailBlazer EXTRA (students).

Additionally, notices will be posted on the University's home page, recorded information will be available on the University's Emergency Information Hotline at 1-866-258-4913, and announcements will be sent to local media outlets. Information also will be available on the University’s Twitter and Facebook pages.

Popular sustainability master's program branching to Dallas

UT Arlington is expanding its popular master's degree program in sustainability issues into downtown Dallas with the start of the new year.

Beginning Jan. 4, the University will offer an Interdisciplinary Studies Master of Science in Sustainability program through The Universities Center at Dallas, 1901 Main St. The 36-hour program is designed to be completed within a year. Courses address sustainability across a variety of academic and professional disciplines.

An information forum is 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at The Universities Center at Dallas. To register, contact Jana Prew at 2-5956 or jprew@uta.edu. Call 877-587-SUST (7878) or e-mail sust@uta.edu for more information.

Texas Rangers to premiere DVD in Rosebud

A highlight DVD of the Texas Rangers' run to the 2010 World Series will premiere in the Rosebud Theatre at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14.

It's Time: The Incredible Season of the 2010 American League Champion Texas Rangers will be shown for the first time that evening. The event features appearances by current and former Rangers players.

Admission is $40. Each person will receive a complimentary copy of the DVD. Seating is limited. For tickets, call 817-273-5207 or visit texasrangers.com.

Today is last chance to nominate for Outstanding Maverick Awards

Deadline for nominations for the Outstanding Maverick Awards—formerly known as the Outstanding Employee Awards—is 5 p.m. today, Monday, Dec. 6.

More information, frequently asked questions, and the nomination criteria are on the Outstanding Maverick Awards website, as well as a nomination form. The form may be submitted electronically, mailed to Box 19176, or faxed to 2-3361.

For questions or comments, call Linda Snowden or Ligia Munoz in Human Resources at 2-7091 or e-mail askhr@uta.edu.

Memorial service today for psychology Professor Andrew Baum

A memorial service for Andrew Baum is set for 2 p.m. today, Monday, Dec. 6, in the Planetarium at the Chemistry and Physics Building. A reception and visitation will follow.

Dr. Baum died Nov. 22. He joined UT Arlington in 2006 as the Jenkins Garrett Professor of Psychology in the College of Science and director of UT Arlington's Center for the Study of Health and Illness. His research on stress was featured in the 2010 issue of Inquiry magazine.

Dining right Sondra Showels, health care administration senior, engages in some dinner conversation Tuesday at the Leadership Center Etiquette Dinner in the Carlisle Suite at the E.H. Hereford University Center. Representatives from the Career Center offer guidance on proper dining etiquette at the dinner.

University College Galleries opens Wednesday featuring student artists

A reception to mark the opening of the University College Galleries is set for 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, in Ransom Hall. Refreshments will be served in the third floor study lounge.

The University College Galleries brings together 30 pieces of art from a variety of media on a wide range of subjects. The galleries will house a rotating series of work created by students in the Department of Art and Art History in the College of Liberal Arts.

The galleries are located on the second and third floors of Ransom Hall. The artists will be available noon-12:30 p.m. Wednesday.

For more information, see University College and the Department of Art and Art History.

Holiday office decoration contest entry deadline is Wednesday

Your office is decorated. Now, you just need to register for the Holiday Office Decoration Contest. Sign-up deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 8, and the judging is Friday, Dec. 10.

Awards will be announced for overall winner, top tree, best theme, most creative, tastiest treats, and best residence hall at a holiday reception at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, in the Maverick Activities Center. To register your office, contact Drew Barfield at drewb@uta.edu or 2-3277.

Fall commencement ceremonies scheduled to begin Dec. 16

Fall 2010 commencement ceremonies are Dec. 16-19. Commencement information can be found at uta.edu/commencement.

Volunteers are needed to help with the ceremonies. For more information, contact Susann Asebedo susann@uta.edu or 2-9234.

MyMav maintenance scheduled early Tuesday

Network maintenance on MyMav is scheduled between 7:45 and 8 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 7. There is no downtime expected. If you experience any problems accessing MyMav, contact helpdesk@uta.edu or 2-2208.

Advisers needed for alternative spring break trips

Staff or faculty advisers have until Friday, Dec. 10, to sign up as advisers for alternative spring break trips planned by UTA Volunteers for March 13-19, 2011. Alternative spring break is an opportunity for students to serve as volunteers for issues such as sustainability, education, and disaster relief.

UTA Volunteers has planned trips to Pensacola, Fla., to aid in Gulf Coast restoration and to New Orleans to volunteer with local Head Start and after-school programs.

Advisers work with groups of 10-15 students. Advisers must be approved to drive a University vehicle or be willing to participate in the process to do so. All trip fees are waived for advisers. Applications are available in the Student Activities office, Room B140 in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

For more information, see UTA Volunteers, Community Collaborations, or call Veronica Rendon or P.K. Kelly at 2-2963.

University Club special menu features holiday flair

The monthly buffet special at the University Club is Tuesday, Dec. 7, as Executive Chef Steve Vincent prepares a holiday meal. The menu features a winter salad blend, stuffed cowboy flank steak, a vegetarian chili bread bowl, potato pancakes with applesauce, southern green beans, calabacitas, apple cranberry walnut streusel, and assorted holiday cookies.

Lunch is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is $8 per person plus tax. The regular menu will not be available Tuesday.

Make a change with your change

Make a difference this holiday season by donating your spare change.

The Leadership Center's MavsACT SAVES (Students Against Victimization Exposing Slavery) Committee is collecting donations from noon to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday, Dec. 6-10, in Booth 5 at the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Faculty and staff also may drop off change at the Leadership Center, Room B140 in the University Center. Proceeds benefit Mosaic Family Services, Inc. of Dallas, a nonprofit community-based organization that provides free services to North Texas refugees and immigrants who are victims of human trafficking and domestic violence.

Fresh Start from Tobacco: Sessions 1-4

The Fresh Start from Tobacco program is a four-part seminar series designed to educate and assist individuals who are ready to make a fresh start from tobacco use. Facilitated by Health Services, the four one-hour educational sessions address tobacco addiction and cessation topics. It is important to attend all four sessions. UT Arlington becomes a tobacco-free campus in August 2011. Free. Session 1: Understanding Addiction, 11:30 a.m., and Session 2: Steps to Quitting, 3 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 7; Session 3: How to Cope, 10:30 a.m., and Session 4: There Is Help, 3 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 8, Room B03, Health Center. See a complete listing of HR training classes.

Outlook 2007

Cover the basic and advanced features of Microsoft Outlook that uses the Exchange connection to connect to the University e-mail system. You will learn how to manage your e-mails, quota, appointments, and scheduling more effectively using Outlook 2007. Register. Free. 2-4 p.m., Monday, Dec. 13, or 9-11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 14, Room 123, Hammond Hall. See more OIT training classes.

Recycling Training

Want to know more about how UT Arlington recycling works? Becky Valentich, recycling coordinator from the Office of Sustainability, discusses the recycling program and how material is processed. Register to becky@uta.edu. Free. 9:30-11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 7, Guadalupe Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. 2-0199.

Mindful Moments

Take a break from stress with Mindful Moments. Mindfulness draws on one's internal resources to cultivate awareness and to practice being present in each moment of our lives. Free. 12:15-12:45 p.m., Wednesdays, Room 235, Business Building. Health Services, Marie Bannister, 2-2771.

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 e-mail employment@uta.edu. The University of Texas at Arlington is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Monday, Dec. 6

Visiting Artist Armin Vit, graphic designer and writer from Austin, is the visiting artist. He is co-founder of UnderConsideration, a graphic design firm and publishing enterprise. 12:30 p.m., Room 148, Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History, 2-2891.

Thursday, Dec. 9

Engineering Lecture Series Demetri Terzopoulos, the Chancellor's Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Los Angeles, describes how biomimetic agents in their virtual worlds foster deeper computationally oriented insights into natural living systems. Register online. Free. 5 p.m. reception, Room 601; 6 p.m. lecture, Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Engineering, 2-2571.

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

Pink Floyd lights up the Planetarium The music of Pink Floyd fills the Planetarium this holiday season with songs from the band's top albums choreographed to stunning digital imagery. Showing at 7 p.m. are The Wall, Saturday, Dec. 11; Wish You Were Here, Saturday, Dec. 18, and Thursday, Dec. 30; and Dark Side Of The Moon, Thursday, Dec. 23. The Wall features "Another Brick in the Wall," "Comfortably Numb," "Hey You," and "Run Like Hell." Besides the title song, Wish You Were Here top songs are "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" and "Welcome to the Machine." Dark Side of the Moon includes classics such as "Breathe," "Money," and "Us and Them." Also showing in December are Season of Light, Holiday Music Magic, and Spacepark 360. The $2 movies are Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, A Christmas Carol, and Polar Express. Go online for the complete schedule.

Monday, Dec. 6

The Oresteia of Aeschylus Classic A stage production by the Leonidas Loizides Theatrical Group adapted from the trilogy by Aeschylus. The tragedy tells of the House of Atreus through the plays Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, and The Eumenides. Reception follows. $15. 7 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. Hellenic Students Association.

Monday, Dec. 6-Saturday, Dec. 18

Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition Showcase for work by graduating seniors of the Department of Art and Art History. Includes painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, glass, printmaking, film/video, photography/digital imaging, and visual communication. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday. The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building, 2-5658.

Wednesday, Dec. 8

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World Scott Pilgrim must defeat his new girlfriend's seven evil exes in order to win her heart. Rated PG-13. 5:30; also 5:30 Friday, 2:30 Saturday. Planetarium, 2-1183.

Women's Basketball Mavericks at TCU. $5-8. 6:30 p.m. Daniel-Meyer Coliseum, Fort Worth. Athletics, 2-2261.

Thursday, Dec. 9

Mavs Book Club This month's book is Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. Free. 5:30 p.m., basement, Central Library. Mavs Book Club, Diane Shepelwich, dianec@uta.edu, 2-7521.

Magnificent Sun Premiere of the third production funded by NASA in conjunction with ongoing solar physics research on campus. Free. 6 p.m. Planetarium, 2-1183.

Friday, Dec. 10

Spa Retreat Join the Student Health Advisory Council for a day of relaxation as professional technicians help you unwind. Yoga lessons, massages, snacks. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Health Services, 2-2771.

Opening Reception for BFA Exhibition Reception and awards ceremony honors the graduating seniors whose work is on display in the "Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition." Free. 5 p.m., The Gallery of UTA, Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History, 2-3110.

Friends of the Library Author Joyce Gibson Roach discusses her book Texas and Christmas. 7:30 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Betty Wood, bwood@uta.edu, 2-7421.

Friday, Dec. 10-Sunday, Dec. 12

The Nutcracker Faculty, staff, and students receive a 50 percent discount on tickets, which are available at utatickets.com. Presented by the Metropolitan Classical Ballet. 1 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Saturday, Dec. 11

Holiday Lights Parade Bring the family and friends. Free. 6 p.m., Founders Plaza at the Levitt Pavilion, downtown Arlington. Holiday Lights Parade.

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