University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 07-15-2010

In the bag: Doris Davies, left, assistant building leader in the Office of Facilities Management, looks at a shoulder bag displayed by Claudia Perkins ('75 BA) of Wild Horse Custom Threads at Wednesday's HUB Vendor Fair.

Fair connects campus with underutilized businesses

The Historically Underutilized Business Vendor Fair provided faculty and staff a preview of firms available to do business on campus Wednesday in the Bluebonnet Ballroom at the E.H. Hereford University Center.

"Vendors had items that were innovative and definitely usable," says Jean Carlton, director of the HUB program at UT Arlington. "We had an excellent turnout, both from vendors and from staff members."

A total of 35 HUBs, businesses that are run by minorities or women, showed off their products as door prizes and other giveaways were handed out.

Offices received free Green Team credits for attending, and at the University Sustainability table, participants registered for Office Green Educational Credit and picked up free eco-friendly lunch bags.

For information on any of the HUB businesses, contact Carlton at 2-2140 or carlton@uta.edu.

Parking permits must be ordered online

All faculty and staff parking permits for the 2010-11 academic year (except those for reserved spaces) must be ordered online at uta.edu/mymav. Faculty and staff must have their permits no later than Aug. 31.

Reduced pricing and additional shuttle routes on remote parking are available to all faculty and staff because of construction on campus.

Only permits for reserved space owners and upgrades will be issued in person at the Parking Office, 1225 W. Mitchell, Suite 112, in the Wetsel Service Center.

Call the Parking Office at 2-3907 or e-mail mabry@uta.edu for more details.

Forum presentation Assistant Police Chief Rick Gomez provided a presentation on parking improvements and shuttle routes during the Staff Advisory Council's annual Staff Forum last week. Rusty Ward, vice president for business affairs and controller, and Bill Poole, assistant vice president for facilities management and campus operations, also made presentations while other administrators participated in a question-and-answer session.

UTA Boulevard closed near Cooper Street for two to three weeks

UTA Boulevard will be closed east of Cooper Street to Lampe Street for the next two to three weeks, depending on the weather.

The closing of the street, which is adjacent to the Engineering Research Building under construction, is to allow a new lighted crossway to be installed. The street will remain closed until the paving and lighting system is completed.

For more information, see Blazin' Construction.

Trade in your old computers for updated versions from OIT

Does your current work computer qualify as a museum showpiece? If you are in the market for something with more zip without breaking the departmental budget, then check out the bulk purchase selections listed by the Office of Information Technology.

Dell desktop computers are available from $472 to $911 and Dell notebooks/laptops from $392 to $1,651. There also are offerings for Apple computers and Hewlett-Packard printers. With prepared request to purchase forms ready for an account number and signature, it has never been easier to order new computers and peripherals for your department.

Start your engines Cars line up for the start at the 10th Annual Texas Autocross on Saturday on parking lot 49 at Cooper and Mitchell streets. UT Arlington—the blue car in front—came in first among 14 universities from across the nation. Cars are designed, built, and driven by college students as participants in the Society of Automotive Engineers' Formula SAE program.

Routine OIT security update set

The Office of Information Technology is preparing to initiate a required security update for Java Runtime Environment. This application exists on almost every office and classroom computer on campus.

The update will take place the night of Monday, July 26, which was selected based on the lowest impact to the campus. You do not need to do anything to prepare for the update other than leave your computer connected to the network overnight.

If you know of any current applications on your computer that require the old version of Java or have any other concerns, contact the HelpDesk at helpdesk@uta.edu.

Friday is the deadline to volunteer for Maverick Cookout

There's still time for faculty and staff to volunteer for the annual Maverick Cookout and Activities Fair Day. Sign up online by Friday, July 16, as a hamburger flipper, soda server, or other needed position.

The cookout and activities fair are 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, on the E.H. Hereford University Center mall. The event draws more than 3,000 students and allows faculty and staff a chance to interact with them.

More details are available from Molly Albart at molly@uta.edu or 2-1104.

Deadline extended for grants

The deadline for submitting a proposal for the I Engage Community Engagement (ICE) and I Engage Sustainability in the Curriculum (ISC) grant programs has been extended. The Office of Graduate Studies is accepting proposals for the fall term until Wednesday, July 21. Individual awards up to $5,000 are available. See ICE and ISC for more information, including the request for proposal and the application template. Contact Joslyn Krismer at krismer@uta.edu or 2-0298 with questions about the program.

Fair trade From left, Thanh Bui of the Nanotechnology Research and Teaching Facility and Lanie Gordon and Kathy Priester, both of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, check out supplies at the College of Engineering's office supply swap meet in Nedderman Hall. The event not only helped clear storage areas but also saved money by redistributing unused and excess office supplies and equipment.

Surplus property available online

Looking for some carpet pieces or a treadmill? Check out University surplus property sold online at slapsale.com. Surplus items are available from UT Arlington and other universities. Generally, items are listed for a two-week auction. A valid credit card is required to complete registration.

The current sale on UT Arlington items ends Thursday, July 22, while sales on other items have various end dates. For more information, contact Basil DeMars at surplus@uta.edu or 2-3012.

Deadline approaching to enter golf tournament

Faculty and staff are invited to enter the fifth annual Caddyshack Golf Classic on Monday, Aug. 2, at Sky Creek Ranch in Keller.

Campus Recreation will host the event alongside UNT Recreational Sports and TCU Campus Recreation. Enter individually or as a team for the two-person scramble format.

The entry fee is $65 per person and includes green fee, cart, range balls, lunch, and door prizes. Entry deadline is Monday, July 26.

Contact Chris Muller at cmuller@uta.edu or 2-3277.

Customer Service 101

Learn the techniques of outstanding customer service. This class will cover basic customer service skills, including handling difficult customers, making customers the first priority, and improving listening skills. This class is for anyone who wishes to serve their department's customers with excellence. 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, July 20, Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. See a complete listing of HR training classes.

Organizing Your Digital Pictures

Is your photo album still empty because you haven't figured out how to edit and print all those digital photos you took with your digital camera? This course will help you sort through all your options and guide you to getting great digital prints and more. Now you can quickly and easily organize and archive your pictures into digital albums, create beautiful photo books, and edit and order prints and gifts. $115. Register. 6-9 p.m. Monday, July 19, and Wednesday, July 21. Room E200C, Continuing Education Workforce Center, 140 W. Mitchell. See more about Continuing Education.

Take a break with Mindful Moments

Take a break from stress with Mindful Moments each Wednesday this summer. Mindfulness draws on one's internal resources to cultivate awareness and practice being present in each moment of our lives. The summer session continues through Aug. 11. Free. 12:15-12:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Room 235, Business Building. 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, July 19

Poster Presentation Skills How do you create a poster presentation for a conference? Joe Jackson, associate dean in the Office of Graduate Studies, unlocks the mystery and provides practical advice for creating effective posters. 3-5 p.m., Room B17, Davis Hall. Contact Michael Saenz at saenz@uta.edu.

Wednesday, July 21

The Story of Bottled Water Bottled water is a sign of a much larger problem: too much needless consumption, too much unnecessary waste, and too much advertising to convince us we will be happier or better off drinking bottled water. Bring a sack lunch; dessert and drinks provided. Registration required by Tuesday, July 20. RSVP to Becky Valentich, becky@uta.edu. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Guadalupe Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. 2-0199.

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

Ballet features world premiere, discount tickets The Metropolitan Classical Ballet presents "Summer Repertory" at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 17, in Texas Hall. Faculty and staff receive a 50 percent discount on tickets, which are available at utatickets.com. The mixed repertory program consists of four works, one of which is a world premiere. "Brahms Waltzes" opens the evening, followed by "Valse-Sherzo," a world premiere set to the music of Tchaikovsky. The program concludes with "Cafe Victoria" and "Walpurgis Night." Providing the music for the evening are pianist Gleb Ivanov, violinist Eric Grossman, and bandoneonist Hector Tito Castroy. Guest dancers are Lithuanian-born Vilia Putruis and Mindaugas Bauzys. UT Arlington sponsors the production along with American Airlines and the law firm of Hill Gilstrap.

Thursday, July 15

Free Summer Movie: The Back-Up Plan A funny thing happens on the way to life. Rated PG-13. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Concession for drinks, candy. Free popcorn. Free. 8:45 p.m., west lawn, Maverick Activities Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Friday, July 16

Jim Hayes Memorial Peer Challenge Wheelchair Basketball Game The Movin' Mavs will play the Journey of Hope cyclists in the Jim Hayes Memorial Peer Challenge Wheelchair Basketball Game. Admission is free. Donations accepted at the door for Push America. 7 p.m., Maverick Activities Center.

Friday-Saturday, July 16-17

$2 Movie: Alice in Wonderland Alice chills with White Rabbit and Mad Hatter. Rated PG. 5:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Planetarium, 2-1183.

Wednesday, July 21

$2 Movie: Where the Wild Things Are Max's imagination gets wild. Rated PG. 5:30 p.m. Also 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 23, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 24. Planetarium. 2-1183.

Thursday, July 22

Free Summer Movie: How to Train Your Dragon Explore the mythical world of burly vikings and wild dragons. Rated PG. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Concession for drinks, candy. Free popcorn. Free. 8:45 p.m., west lawn, Maverick Activities Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Friday, July 23

Alumni Mixer Alumni, faculty, staff, and friends are invited. Limited complimentary appetizers, drinks, and alumni giveaways. There will be a special toast to the class of 2010. Dress is business casual. Parking is available in the Fort Worth Center parking lots. RSVP to uta_alumni@uta.edu by Tuesday, July 20. 5:30-7:30 p.m., Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center.

Ongoing

New Works: UTA Photography Faculty The work of photography faculty members Kenda North, Andrew Ortiz, Leighton McWilliams, Bryan Florentin, and Scott Hilton. Free. Hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and 2-6 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Through July 31. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center.

For All Workers: The Legacy of the Texas Labor Movement, 1838-2010 The personal papers of labor and political activist John "J.W." Jackson, as well as numerous items from the Texas Labor Archives at UT Arlington. Free. Summer hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. Through Aug. 7. Special Collections, sixth floor, Central Library. 2-7511.

MFA Summer Exhibition The third annual summer exhibition by 16 Master of Fine Arts students represents the Department of Art and Art History graduate program in intermedia studio, glass, visual communication, and film and video. Free. Summer hours 1:30-3:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays. Through Aug. 31. The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building. 2-2891.

Downtown Farmers Market Arlington's downtown farmers market features locally grown produce and locally made baked goods, arts, and crafts. Co-sponsored by UT Arlington Dining Services. 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Fridays-Saturdays, 215 E. Front St.

Planetarium Programs Discover the night sky with Big Bird, Elmo, and their friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu. Planetarium, 2-1183.

Texas Rangers Baseball The Texas Rangers offer discounted tickets to selected games for faculty, staff, students, alumni, family, and friends. Access texasrangers.com/uta and use the password rangers to purchase tickets for designated games through Oct. 3.

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