University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 11-22-2010

University shows savings by reducing energy usage through renovations, upgrades

UT Arlington has saved nearly $3 million in energy and maintenance costs through a recently completed program aimed at upgrading equipment to make the campus more environmentally friendly. Other changes are expected to net another million dollars annually when completed next year.

UT System officials recently announced that the 15-institution system has cut energy use by 16 percent since 2001, resulting in a savings of $196 million and surpassing a goal to reduce energy consumption by 15 percent by fiscal year 2011. UT Arlington has played a significant role in those efforts.

“The University takes seriously its commitment to reducing energy use on campus,” says John Hall, vice president for administration and campus operations. “Most recently, energy performance contracts with Siemens Building Technologies and TDIndustries will allow the University to further enhance operational efficiencies and create a better living, working, and sustainable environment for students, faculty, and staff.”

Savings over the past year-and-a-half come primarily from improvements made as part of an energy conservation project UT Arlington initiated with Siemens Industry Inc. The project was funded through an $18 million loan from the UT System.

See more on reducing energy on campus.

Dr. Beth Mancini

Nursing associate dean gains national attention as part of defibrillation research team

Beth Mancini, associate dean in the College of Nursing, is part of a research team that raises questions about the effectiveness of in-hospital use of automated external defibrillators, or AEDs.

The researchers found that while AEDs improve survival for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, similar use in a hospital setting does not lead to an improved rate of survival. The work is published in the Nov. 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association and is available online.

While the use of AEDs in community settings has been demonstrated to increase survival, researchers wanted to determine whether using AEDs in a hospital setting yielded better outcomes than not using the devices. The finding that AED use did not translate into increased or even the same survival rates surprised researchers, says Dr. Mancini, who oversees UT Arlington’s undergraduate nursing programs and serves as chair of the Science Advisory Board for the National Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

“We need to better understand the effect of using an AED for patients in the hospital setting,” she says. “This is not to say that AEDs don’t work. There are other factors that impact patient survival, such as the interruption in chest compressions necessary to assess a patient and to attach equipment to the patient.”

Read more on the defibrillation research.

Active journalist: Lisa Ling, host of National Geographic Explorer, is featured Tuesday at Texas Hall as part of the Maverick Speakers Series.

Tickets still available for Lisa Ling

Tickets are still available for journalist, TV host, and activist Lisa Ling for the Maverick Speakers Series lecture "Open Heart, Open Mind" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, in Texas Hall. A book signing will follow.

Since joining the National Geographic Explorer series as host in December 2002, she has covered the looting of antiquities in war-torn Iraq, investigated the increasingly deadly drug war in Colombia, and examined the complex issues surrounding China’s one-child policy. She serves as a contributing editor for USA Weekend and has produced several award-winning documentaries for PBS.

The versatile journalist has co-written the books, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Bride: Rituals of Womanhood, and Somewhere Inside.

Tickets are free, but required for admission. They are available at utatickets.com.

ERB nearing completion: The quadrangle of the Engineering Research Complex opens next Monday, and the Engineering Research Building will open in January.

Engineering Research Complex quadrangle to open next Monday

Construction fences around the Engineering Research Complex will be adjusted so that faculty, staff, and students will be able to enter the quadrangle area on Monday, Nov. 29.

A lighted walkway safely ushers pedestrians across UTA Boulevard as they walk from parking lot 36 on the north and into the paved area, which was formerly Yates Street. Pass through the Engineering Research Building’s stone arch, cross over the creek bed—fed by the LEED rainwater harvesting system—to the tree-lined mall, and sit under the 80-year-old oak tree.

Even though some fencing will be removed, pedestrians are asked to remain on the walkways to protect the new sod and landscape.

The Engineering Research Building will remain closed to the public while furniture and lab equipment are installed during the next six weeks. Occupancy is scheduled for January, and a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for March.

International delight Ping Lu, mathematics doctoral student, prepares a grilled delicacy at the Chinese Student Association table during the International Food Fair on Thursday. The fair featured tasty treats from different countries along the E.H. Hereford University Center mall and was part of International Education Week.

Outstanding Maverick Awards seek nominations of top employees

Nominate a great employee or team of employees for the Outstanding Maverick Awards, formerly known as the Outstanding Employee Awards.

This year's nominations and awards are based on criteria representative of the University’s mission and reflect characteristics of outstanding service and performance by individuals and teams.

Regular full-time and part-time employees who have been employed for a minimum of two years are eligible for nomination. Each Outstanding Maverick selected will receive $1,000 and a plaque at a dinner honoring the recipients.

More information, frequently asked questions, and the nomination criteria are on the Outstanding Maverick Awards website, as well as a nomination form.

Deadline for nominations is Monday, Dec. 6. 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.

MyMav system upgrade postponed

The MyMav system upgrade, scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 23, has been postponed until Friday, Dec. 3. The system will be unavailable from 5 p.m. Dec. 3 until 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 6.

Holiday Office Decoration Contest set for Friday, Dec. 10

Time to get out the lights, trees, menorahs, kinaras, giant snowflakes, and other holiday items 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.

MavWire takes a holiday

MavWire takes a Thanksgiving break while campus offices are closed Thursday-Friday, Nov. 25-26. MavWire returns Monday, Nov. 29.

Thanksgiving holiday schedules

Donors and Partners: Why Give to UT Arlington?

UT Arlington relies on the generous support of alumni, friends, corporate partners, and foundations to help meet the needs of a growing student population. Learn about current initiatives, giving opportunities, and how you can show your support. Lunch will be served. Register online. Free. Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, Carlisle Suite, E.H. Hereford University Center. compliance@uta.edu, 2-5100.

Food for Thought: Healthy Eating through the Holidays

Many people complain of holiday weight gain. With all the food and parties, the average American gains 5-10 pounds. Avoid the New Year's resolution to lose weight by keeping off those holiday pounds. Presented by dietitian Brie Woods. Noon-1 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 1, Room 213, Maverick Activities Center. See a complete listing of HR training classes.

Introduction to Adobe Photoshop

Bring an image into Photoshop and be amazed at how you turned a dull photo into a masterpiece by scaling, adding text, saturating it, and more. Register. Free. 10 a.m.-noon, Thursday, Dec. 2, Digital Media Studio, Room B 29, Central Library. See more OIT training classes.

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.

Wednesday, Nov. 24

MAE Brown Bag Series Hakki Erhan Sevil and Wendy Okolo speak on "False Fault Detection Due to Non-uniform Wind Field in Aerial Refueling" and "Aircraft Lateral Trim Using Internal Fuel Transfer and Differential Thrust in Formation Flight." Free. Noon, Room 402, Woolf Hall. Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, 2-2561.

Monday, Nov. 29

Middle Level Research Conference Session themes include behavioral interventions, digital pedagogies, and family and community outreach. Sponsored by Middle Level Education, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education and Health Professions. Free. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., E.H. Hereford University Center. Middle Level Research Conference, Kim Ruebel, kruebel@uta.edu.

Design Practice Academy "The Architect as Professional: The Purpose and Value of Professional Organizations" is presented by AIA Dallas, Urban Land Institute, and the Construction Specifications Institute. Free. 7 p.m., Room 204, Architecture Building. School of Architecture, 2-2801.

Wednesday, Dec. 1

Seismic Hazards and Commercial Nuclear Power Christie Denissen, a reactor inspector with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, describes how nuclear facilities are protected against seismic activities and the technologies employed to ensure a safe shutdown. Hosted by the College of Engineering and the Arlington Technology Association. Light breakfast provided. Free to ATA members and first-time guests. Reservations. 7-8 a.m., Room 601, Nedderman Hall. Roger Tuttle, 2-3682.

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

Monday, Nov. 22

Men's Basketball Mavericks vs. Hardin-Simmons. Courtside Countdown social, sponsored by Maverick Club, begins at 6 p.m. in the east lobby. Hors d'oeuvres served. Coach Scott Cross will drop by to give a pre-game chalk talk. Tickets $8. Game time is 7 p.m. Texas Hall. Athletics, 2-2261.

Opera Workshop Performance Students perform songs and scenes from various operas and plays. Free. 3 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Monday. Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

Tuesday, Nov. 23

Maverick Speakers Series International journalist and TV show host Lisa Ling is the speaker. Free, but tickets required. Book signing follows. 7:30 p.m., Texas Hall. Maverick Speakers Series.

Wednesday, Nov. 24

$2 Movie: Toy Story 3 Woody, Buzz, and the gang prepare for a day-care adventure. Rated G. 5:30 p.m.; also 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Planetarium, 2-1183.

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. Arkansas State. Tickets $8. 7 p.m. Texas Hall. Athletics, 2-2261.

Saturday, Nov. 27

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. Southeast Missouri State. Tickets $8. 5 p.m. Texas Hall. Athletics, 2-2261.

Men's Basketball Mavericks vs. St. Edward's. Tickets $8. 7:30 p.m. Texas Hall. Athletics, 2-2261.

Wednesday, Dec. 1

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. Arkansas. Tickets $8. 7:30 p.m. Texas Hall. Athletics, 2-2261.

Trombone Choir Concert Features trombone students. Free. 7:30 p.m. Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

Thursday, Dec. 2

Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band Concert The Wind Symphony and Symphonic Bands present their final concert of the semester featuring the music of Philip Sparke, Alfred Reed, David Stanhope, and Jean Francaix. $5 adults, $3 students, seniors. Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

Ongoing

Gallery 76102: flats and rounds Nicholas Wood, associate professor of clay in the Department of Art and Art History, works in hybrid forms of painting, drawing, and sculpture. Through Nov. 30. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays; 2-6 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center, 1401 Jones St., Fort Worth.

Charting Chartered Companies The exhibition "Concessions to Companies as Mirrored in Maps, 1600-1900" focuses on maps and how they shaped the histories of chartered companies. Through Jan. 8. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mondays-Saturdays, Special Collections, sixth floor, Central Library. 2-2179.

Planetarium programs Spacepark 360 is an out-of-this-world entertainment experience. Get transported to surreal vistas and experience the most thrilling amusement park rides the solar system has to offer. Planetarium schedule, 2-1183.

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.

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