University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 03-01-2010

Diversity Week features comedy, lectures, plus human resource workshop for faculty/staff

Featuring everything from a comedy night to a human resource workshop for faculty and staff to a 3-on-3 wheelchair basketball tournament, Diversity Week runs Monday-Friday, March 1-5.

Festivities begin at noon today, Monday, March 1, as the Tarrant County College Northwest Dance Company performs in the Rosebud Theatre at the E.H. Hereford University Center. Enjoy a few laughs at Comedy Night with Tissa Hami at 7 p.m., also at the Rosebud Theatre. She is one of world's few female Muslim stand-up comics.

A Welcoming Diversity Human Resource workshop for faculty and staff is scheduled from 8:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday, March 2, in the San Jacinto Room of the University Center. "Maversity: Why GI Joe Enlisted Barbie" at 12:30 p.m. in the San Saba Room at the UC is a workshop for students.

MavFest features the Movin' Mavs wheelchair basketball team obstacle course at noon Wednesday, March 3, on the UC mall, as you are invited to challenge your strength and participate in cultural games. International lecturer Maura Cullen reveals "Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say" at 7 p.m. at the Rosebud Theatre.

Thursday events include Safe Zone Ally Training, the 3-on-3 wheelchair basketball tournament, with the week's activities winding up Friday with "Maversity: Disability is Part of Diversity."

For the complete schedule, see Diversity Week, sponsored by Multicultural Affairs, the Office for Students with Disabilities, and the Division of Student Affairs.

Groundbreaking Friday for Special Events Center

Groundbreaking for the Special Events Center is set for Friday, March 5, on the eastern edge of the campus. A reception is at 2 p.m. with the groundbreaking program at 2:30 p.m.

The center will open onto a new pedestrian mall on what is now Second Street between Center and Pecan streets. A four-story, mixed-use residence hall and parking garage will be built immediately north of the events center. UT Arlington is partnering with the city of Arlington to develop a pedestrian trail along Center Street and a green space on the building's south side.

Collectively, the projects will reframe what is rapidly becoming known as "East Campus," UT Arlington's growing corridor east of Cooper Street. The multi-purpose venue will contribute significantly to the goal of making downtown Arlington into a college town.

The final design for the center emphasizes energy efficiency, natural light and materials, and flexible seating in a new venue for convocations, concerts and athletics. The center is expected to open by December 2011.

"This events center will be an instant landmark on the UT Arlington campus," says John Hall, the University's vice president for administration and campus operations. "It will provide a strong connection to the redevelopment of downtown Arlington and the University."

Women's History Month boasts top lecturers

"Women and Contemporary Issues" is the theme for the 24th Annual Women's History Month lecture series, sponsored by the Women's Studies Program. All lectures will be at noon in the sixth floor parlor at the Central Library, and are free and open to the public.

The schedule is:

March 3 - Marjorie J. Spruill, "Women's Rights, Family Values, and the Polarization of American Politics." Spruill is writing a book on the rise of the women's rights movements in the late 1960s and 1970s, the reactionary mobilization of social conservatives as the "Pro-Family Movement," and the conflicts between these two movements, which contributed to the transformation of American political culture.

March 24 - Aida Harvey Wingfield, "Doing Business with Beauty: Black Women, Hair Salons, and the Racial Enclave Economy." Harvey Wingfield will discuss her recent book in which she argues that, while an increasing number of small business owners are black women, the existing theoretical paradigms fail to sufficiently explain why this is so.

March 31 - Mary Ellen Curtin, "Barbara Jordan and the Paradox of Female Ambition." Curtin is a historian who specializes in African-American political and social history. Her forthcoming book on Texas Congresswoman Barbara Jordan will be published in 2011.

Read more about the Women's History Month speakers online.

Posing with a celebrity Dallas Cowboys head football coach Wade Phillips, center, shared a few moments with some Mavericks at the "Hoop It Up with SAC" reception in the Texas Hall foyer Wednesday prior to the UT Arlington men's basketball game with Lamar. Staff and faculty members at the reception, sponsored by the Staff Advisory Council and the Athletics Department, include, front row from left, Erica Jones, SAC chair Amber Zuckerman, Jeanette Hood and Ragenna Price; back row, Yvette Rodriguez, Kevin Schuck, Rhonda Hudson and Craig Prince. Approximately 60 staff and faculty members attended the pre-homecoming reception.

Flexible work arrangements program available

With the growing demands on employees who have both professional and personal responsibilities, flexible work arrangements such as telecommuting, compressed workweek, flextime and job sharing can be highly beneficial for the University and employees. Flexible work arrangements may promote productivity, enhance job satisfaction, and enable recruitment and retention of valuable staff.

Because of UT Arlington's diverse environment, flexible work arrangements will not apply in all situations. Therefore, all flexible work arrangements must have prior, written approval from the employee's supervisor.

Complete information for the flexible work arrangements program can be found on the Human Resources Web site. Inquiries regarding flexible working arrangements should be directed to Employee Relations at 2-5554.

Learn to relax, screen for anxiety and more at Mind/Emotion Wellness Day

Mav Talk: Mind/Emotion Wellness Day lets faculty, staff and students take part in activities to support their emotional health and wellness. The free event is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, in the Palo Duro Lounge of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Participate in a relaxation exercise, create your own stress ball and learn about campus and community resources. Complete anonymous screenings for stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, alcohol, relationship concerns, and eating and sleeping problems.

Counseling Services and Mental Health Services host the event.

Volunteers needed for health fair Wednesday

Volunteers are needed for the Health Fair sponsored by Health Services from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, in the Palo Duro Lounge at the E.H. Hereford University Center. Some events also will be held at the E.H. Hereford University Center and Central Library malls.

If you are interested in volunteering, fill out the form online and return it to Health Services. Volunteers are needed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and those working the entire event will receive a free T-shirt.

University Club features monthly lunch special Thursday

Try the monthly lunch special Thursday, March 4, at the University Club, located on the ground floor of Davis Hall. Executive chef Steve Vincent will prepare chicken and beef fajitas, homemade cheese enchiladas, Spanish rice, borracho beans, tortilla soup, black bean and corn salad, sopapillas and flan with fresh berries.

Lunch is served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost is $8 per person plus tax. The regular menu is not available during the special, which is on the first Thursday of each month. Check out with the host or hostess instead of waiting for the server if you are in a hurry. See the regular menu at uta.edu/universityclub. For more information, call Dining Services at 2-2793.

Take a break with Mindful Moments

Health Services offers a break from stress with Mindful Moments at 12:15 p.m. each Wednesday in Room 235 of the Business Building. The program is free.

Safe Zone Ally Training

Participants in Ally Training will learn about heterosexual privilege, campus and community resources, and how to be supportive to members of the LGBT community. At the conclusion of training, participants have the option to display a Safe Zone symbol as a signal to the campus community, and especially LGBT individuals, that they maintain a safe and affirming environment. See more information about Safe Zone. Seating is limited. Contact Adria Villarreal at adriav@uta.edu or 2-3671 to reserve a spot. 1-3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 4, Room 601, Nedderman Hall.

Performance Management Forms and Procedures

Join us for an overview of the forms and procedures for Performance Management as well as tips and techniques for effective reviews. Forms can be found online. 2-4 p.m. Thursday, March 4, Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. See the complete list of HR training classes.

Attitude: It Colors Everything

Maintaining a positive attitude in the face of difficulty as well as success makes a world of difference in how you function in the workplace and how people interact with you. This class is designed to help you explore the tools necessary to having and maintaining the right attitude. You'll also learn how to deal with difficult attitudes. 9‑11 a.m. Tuesday, March 9, Room 200, Wetsel Service Center.

Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say: Essential Communication Skills

Do you struggle to find the right words in a conversation or get your point across? Learn the skills that can empower you to speak clearly and effectively. Participants will learn about communication styles, assertiveness, non-verbal communication, and additional keys to communication that will educate and empower. 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, Room 200, Wetsel Service Center.

Employment information

Check out UT Arlington 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, March 1

Advanced High-temperature Liquid-salt and Helium Power Systems Philippe Bardet, a postgraduate fellow at Cal Tech's Graduate Aerospace Labs, describes examples of test facilities for fusion and fission applications. 2:30 p.m., Room 200, Woolf Hall. 2-1500.

Wednesday, March 3

Long-life, Self-recharging Batteries Larry Gadeken, president of BetaBatt, producer of the BetaBattery, a porous-silicon diode that converts low levels of beta radiation into electricity, discusses the development of the BetaBatt and its potential uses. Arlington Technology Association members, students, first-time guests free; others $5. Light breakfast provided. Reservations required. Sponsored by the College of Engineering and the ATA. 7 a.m., Room 601, Nedderman Hall. 2-3682.

Calibration in Mobile Sensor Networks Chao Wang of the University of Wisconsin-Madison describes the need to know the relationship between measurements and true measured values for each sensor device and how to achieve them. Sponsored by the Department of Electrical Engineering and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Fort Worth Section. 11 a.m., Room 515, Nedderman Hall. 2-1339.

Designing a Robust Microprocessor Xin Fu, an innovation fellow in computer science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, examines several failure mechanisms and describes three processor vulnerability-mitigation methodologies. Sponsored by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. 11:30 a.m., Room 202, Nedderman Hall. 2-3627.

The Interplay of Orality and Literacy in the Exeter Book of Riddles Thomas Tutt of the Department of English lectures on "Eating Our Words and Having Them Too: The Interplay of Orality and Literacy in the Exeter Book Riddles." Noon, Room 211, Preston Hall. 2-1329.

Mock Trial Faculty, staff and students are invited toobserve the students of the Continuing Education and Dispute Resolution Program. Refreshments will be provided. 6 p.m., Room E200F, Continuing Education, 140 W. Mitchell. 2-2581.

Friday, March 5

Risk-adjusted Performance Monitoring in Complex Systems Li Zeng of the University of Wisconsin-Madison presents methodologies for risk-adjusted performance monitoring in health care delivery systems and complex manufacturing systems. Sponsored by the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering. 1:30 p.m., Room 404, Woolf Hall. 2-5787.

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

Diversity lecture features author Maura Cullen Author Maura Cullen reveals 35 Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say That Widen the Diversity Gap, the title of her book, for Diversity Week at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, in the Rosebud Theatre at the E.H. Hereford University Center. Dr. Cullen simplifies the complex issues of diversity in an entertaining and educational manner. With a doctorate in social justice and diversity education and more than 25 years of experience, she is considered one of the foremost authorities on issues of social justice and has worked with more than 400 organizations. She shares her knowledge and inspires her audience through her practical examples, humor, and storytelling. The lecture is a featured event of Diversity Week, hosted by Multicultural Affairs, Office for Students with Disabilities and the Division of Student Affairs. A complete schedule of events is online.

Monday, March 1

Oxfam Hunger Banquet This free meal will either fill you up or leave you wanting more while learning about worldwide hunger. Pre-registration is required and will close 48 hours prior to the event. 6-9 p.m. 2‑2963, utavolunteers@uta.edu, UTA Volunteers.

Movies Without Borders: Pan's Labyrinth A fairy tale set in 1940s Spain. Free admission, free popcorn. Rated R. 7 p.m., Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center. 2‑2963.

Tuesday, March 2

Percussion Ensemble Recital UT Arlington Percussion Ensemble performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. music@uta.edu. 2‑3471.

Wednesday, March 3

Fun in the Sun Health Fair Health Services is sponsoring a day of fun, food, prizes and education on the effects of the sun on our skin. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center mall, Library mall. 2‑2716.

$2 Movie: Casablanca Bogie, Bergman and the Resistance. 5:30 p.m., Planetarium. 2‑1183.

Men's Basketball UT Arlington vs. Nicholls State. Track team honored at halftime, while the UT Arlington Dance Team and Hooters' halfcourt shot will be featured. $4 faculty, staff. 7 p.m., Texas Hall. 2‑2261.

Thursday, March 4

Symphony Orchestra Concert The UT Arlington Symphony Orchestra performs. $5 adults, $3 students and seniors. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. 2-3471.

Thursday-Sunday, March 4-7

Dead Man Walking Final week of the play, which is part of the national Death Penalty Play Project and a first-ever collaboration among the departments of criminology and criminal justice, political science, art and art history, communication and theatre arts. Read more about "Dead Man Walking" at UT Arlington. $7 faculty, staff. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Mainstage Theatre, Fine Arts Building.

Friday, March 5

Faculty Flute Recital Featuring Sarah Frisof of the UT Arlington music faculty. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. 2-3471.

Saturday, March 6

Women's Basketball UT Arlington vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. $4 faculty, staff. 1 p.m., Texas Hall. 2-2261.

Through March 6

Prime Perception Visual communication professors and active designers and artists Robert Grame and Robert Hower exhibit their work. Free. 10 a.m-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday. The Gallery at UTA, Room 169, Fine Arts Building. 2‑5658.

Through March 31

The Mexican Revolution and Beyond A collection of 52 works by renowned photographer Agustin Vicente Casasola. On loan from the Mexican government's General Directorate for Academic and Cultural Co-operation, the exhibit provides a unique and compelling visual chronicle of Mexican life in the early decades of the 20th century. Sixth floor parlor, Central Library. 2-3997.

Creativity Test Artists Marilyn Jolly and Maraya Lopez bring a new perspective to paint-by-the-numbers. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center. 2‑5988.

Ongoing

UT Arlington Planetarium programs See the complete Planetarium schedule. $3 faculty, staff. 2‑1183, planetarium@uta.edu.

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