University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 01-06-2011

Mind boggling: Dr. Marc Schwartz, right, director of the Southwest Center for Mind, Brain, and Education, will oversee the new master's degree program in Mind, Brain, and Education.

New master's degree program explores mind, brain, education

The process of learning is taking on a new dimension in the College of Education and Health Professions, which this fall will begin offering the first two-year master's degree program in Mind, Brain, and Education in the United States.

"The MBE program promises current, cutting-edge research about how we learn, how we think, and how we survive as human beings,” says Jeanne Gerlach, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions. “This is the kind of information teachers need to have as they work with students at all levels.”

The program is offered through the Southwest Center for Mind, Brain, and Education. Marc Schwartz, center director and professor of curriculum and instruction, says professors and students will explore the connections between brain anatomy and physiology, cognitive neuroscience, educational philosophy, learning processes, and specific learning issues, such as dyslexia and attention deficits.

“The program will support new teacher development, influence practices and leadership, train new researchers, and improve mentorship programs,” Dr. Schwartz says.

The MBE program is modeled after the Harvard University's one-year Mind, Brain, and Education program, but UT Arlington’s two-year program is designed for the working professional with late afternoon and evening classes. No background in biology or neuroscience is required.

See more information on Mind, Brain, and Education.

University booster: The late Tom Vandergriff supported UT Arlington in many ways. In 1982 Vandergriff, right, helped President Wendell Nedderman and nursing Dean Myrna Pickard open the Nursing Building, now Pickard Hall.

University hosts memorial service for Arlington's Tom Vandergriff

A public memorial service for Arlington icon Tom Vandergriff is planned from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, at Texas Hall. He died Dec. 30 at age 84.

Vandergriff, who was a longtime mayor of Arlington and a Tarrant County judge, is credited with helping UT Arlington earn four-year status in 1959, which he considered his greatest achievement, according to a WFAA news report. Vandergriff also helped the University become part of the UT System and was a key supporter in creating the School of Urban and Public Affairs.

He also helped the city secure a General Motors assembly plant and open Six Flags Over Texas before bringing major league baseball to town with the Texas Rangers. Read more about Vandergriff's achievements online.

Public visitation is 10 a.m.-7 p.m. today, Thursday, Jan. 6, at the Tarrant County Subcourthouse, 700 E. Abram St. in Arlington.

Texas Hall will open at 11:30 a.m. Friday for the memorial service. The western half of the Davis Hall parking lot (F9) may be closed all day Friday. Davis Hall employees are encouraged where possible to park in Lot F10 at the corner of Cooper Street and Nedderman Drive south of University Hall. Lot T at Greek Row and Nedderman drives adjacent to Trinity House will be reserved for VIP parking.

Cal Ripken Jr.

Cal Ripken Jr. next in Maverick Speakers Series

Baseball hall-of-famer Cal Ripken Jr. will discuss "The Keys to Perseverance" in the Maverick Speakers Series on Thursday, Feb. 17, in Texas Hall.

Ripken played 21 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. His career includes being one of only eight players to have 400 home runs and 3,000 hits. In 1995 he broke Lou Gehrig’s record for consecutive games played (2,130), and he voluntarily ended the streak in 1998 after playing 2,632 consecutive games.

In 2001 he and his family established the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, in memory of his father. The foundation helps teach life lessons through baseball to disadvantaged youth. Most recently, Ripken was named a special envoy for the U.S. State Department, promoting teamwork and cross-cultural communication.

Free tickets will be available beginning Tuesday, Jan. 18, at utatickets.com.

Green Teams can compete in RecycleMania

This year Green Teams can participate in RecycleMania, but they must sign up by Friday, Jan. 7.

RecycleMania is a competition among universities around the country Jan. 23-April 1. UT Arlington residence halls and apartments compete, and now Green Teams can join in the friendly, and Earth-friendly, contest.

Green Teams will aim to collect the most recyclables (paper, plastic, and aluminum) during the 10-week competition. If your office is not a Green Team member, sign up at uta.edu/greenteam.

The Office of Sustainability will provide the necessary resources, including containers and scales. There's a prize for the winning team, and all participating teams receive credit for one bonus initiative toward their next level designation (silver, gold, platinum).

E-mail Becky Valentich at becky@uta.edu with your Green Team department name and a contact person. Read more about the Green Team RecycleMania competition.

Recycle your e-waste today at MAC

Today is the day to recycle computer monitors, televisions, and other e-waste from home.

Techway Services, an electronics recycler, has a truck outside the Maverick Activities Center 8:30 a.m.-noon, today, Thursday, Jan. 6, and will accept personal items. No UT Arlington materials will be accepted. The service is in connection with the Green Jobs Summit at the MAC.

Getting green Landscaping, walkways, and lighting are nearing completion at The Green at College Park on the southeastern edge of the campus. More plants and springtime weather will bring the green. Construction continues on College Park Center in the background.

Eyewitness to King's death is featured speaker for MLK banquet Jan. 14

Samuel Billy Kyles is the featured speaker at the Sharing the Dream Banquet at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14, at the Bluebonnet Ballroom in the E.H. Hereford University Center. The banquet kicks off the Arlington Martin Luther King Celebration Jan. 14-17.

The Rev. Kyles is pastor of Monumental Baptist Church in Memphis. He was an eyewitness to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and is the only person still living who shared the last hour of Dr. King's life with him. His account of this tragic event is captured in the documentary film The Witness: From the Balcony of Room 306.

Tickets to the banquet are available at utatickets.com. See the MLK Celebration schedule of events.

Look for weather news in MavWire, on home page, Twitter, Facebook

When the winter weather threatens travel, look for announcements on whether the University will close or stay open.

All announcements will be communicated via University e-mail in MavWire EXTRA (faculty and staff) and TrailBlazer EXTRA (students).

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.

Flu vaccine available at Health Services

Influenza immunizations are still available at Health Services. Cost is $15 for faculty, staff, and students. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Health Services Center. Walk-ins are welcome.

For more information, contact Health Services online or at 2-2771.

Connect by Hertz offers discount for vehicles on campus through Monday, Jan. 17

Connect by Hertz currently has cars available at a discount on campus if you need one.

Through Monday, Jan. 17, rent any vehicle on campus for only $5 per hour. No promotion code is necessary.

Call 877-654-4400 or click connectbyhertz.com to rent a car.

University College closed one morning each month for planning

University College offices will be closed one morning each month during the spring semester for planning and meetings. The first morning closure is Monday, Jan. 10.

All offices will be closed from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. During this time, offices will not schedule appointments or see students. Offices include the University Advising Center, Counseling Services, University Studies, University Tutorial and Supplemental Instruction, the McNair Scholars Program, Student Support Services, and University College Programs.

Other spring semester closure dates are Feb. 14, March 14, April 11, and May 9.

Winter Continuing Education catalog features new classes

The Winter 2011 Continuing Education catalog features new classes and programs in creative writing, leadership, sustainability, health care, technology, dance, gardening, and more.

View the catalog online and sign up for classes at uta.edu/ced.

Customer Service 101

Learn the techniques of outstanding customer service including handling difficult customers, making customers the first priority, and improving listening skills. 9-11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 11, Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. See a complete listing of HR training classes.

Introduction to Office 2010

Learn what's new in Office 2010 with Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access. 2-4 p.m., Monday, Jan. 24, Room 123, Hammond Hall. See more OIT training classes.

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.

Thursday, Jan. 6

Green Jobs Summit Create jobs, grow jobs, and find jobs. The summit will highlight ways to start a green business and how to grow a business by adding green. Hosted by the Office of Sustainability and TMAC. $30 for general attendees, $15 for veterans, $100 for exhibitors. 8 a.m.-noon. Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center.

Wednesday, Jan. 12

Improving the Quality of Life for Older Adults Christopher Ray, director of the Center for Healthy Living and Longevity in the Department of Kinesiology, reviews research at the center and some of his findings. Light breakfast provided. Free for students and first-time guests; $5 others. Register online. 7-8 a.m., Room 601, Nedderman Hall. College of Engineering and the Arlington Technology Association. 2-3682.

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

Christy Driscoll

Volleyball players earn academic honors

Christy Driscoll and Bianca Sauls earned first-team Southland Conference All-Academic Volleyball Team honors, while Alicia Shaffer and Tara Frantz were named to the second team.

Driscoll, an exercise science major, led the Maverick contingent with a 3.95 GPA, while Sauls, a broadcast communication major, has a 3.69 GPA.

Women at home to open conference basketball slate Saturday

Playing its first home game in more than a month, the women's basketball team will open Southland Conference play, hosting Nicholls State at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, in Texas Hall.

The Mavericks will try to halt a four-game losing streak. Tamara Simmons leads the team scoring with a 16.2 average, while Shalyn Martin is the top rebounder with 7.3 per game.

The women also will be at home Wednesday, Jan. 12, when Sam Houston State comes to Texas Hall for a 7 p.m. game.

Mav Men end losing streak, open SLC play on the road

Hoping to use Wednesday night's win over Houston Baptist as a springboard, the men's basketball team opens Southland Conference play Saturday, Jan. 8, at Nicholls State in Thibodaux, La.

Five players scored in double figures to lead the Mavericks to a 72-57 win over Houston Baptist last night at Texas Hall, halting a six-game losing skid.

The men play at Sam Houston State on Wednesday, Jan. 12, before returning home to face Lamar at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15.

(For more sports news, go to utamavs.com, uta.edu/movinmavs, or uta.edu/campusrec.)

Saturday, Jan. 8

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

Wednesday, Jan. 12

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

Ongoing

Planetarium programs See the $2 Movie, Shrek Forever After. Planetarium, 2-1183.

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 Saturday, Jan. 8. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mondays-Saturdays, Special Collections, sixth floor, Central Library. 2-2179.

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