University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 03-31-2011

Oasis on the campus: The Green at College Park offers green space and an inviting oasis where the UT Arlington and downtown Arlington communities can gather and relax.

Dedication welcomes campus to The Green at College Park

Join University and city dignitaries as they turn the first stone in the College Park District by dedicating the The Green at College Park at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 5.

The new green space is at the corner of Mitchell Street and Center Street. It is the first of three major construction projects to be completed in the College Park District.

An inviting oasis for faculty, staff, students, neighbors, downtown visitors, and friends to gather and relax, the Green connects the city's Center Street Trail system and is part of an international pilot project devoted to sustainable landscape design, construction, and maintenance.

The program includes remarks by President James D. Spaniolo, Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck, and Kathryn Wilemon, Arlington city councilwoman and representative from the Regional Transportation Council. There will be a butterfly release at 2:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided and lawn games will follow.

Emergency notification system test April 6; update your contact information

To ensure preparedness for timely communications during an emergency, the MavAlert Emergency Notification System will be activated university-wide at noon Wednesday, April 6.

The system is designed to deliver rapid notification to all faculty, staff, and students in the event of a campus emergency. The multi-tiered communications system sends emergency notifications via email, telephone, mobile devices, etc., when an urgent situation arises.

Note that you will receive a text message only if you have added your cellphone number or other SMS text message device to your contact information in the MavAlert system.

To ensure you receive all emergency communications at your preferred locations and devices, please update your contact information now on the MavAlert registration page at https://www.warnsignup.com/mavalert. Log in with your UT Arlington Net ID and password; then follow the instructions to add your SMS contact number to the MavAlert system.

During the test April 6, faculty, staff, and students will receive the following message via the email addresses, phone numbers, and mobile devices designated in their MavAlert profile: “TEST: This is a test of the UT Arlington MavAlert Emergency Notification System. In an actual emergency, you would be instructed as to what actions to take. Thank you.”

Help make the MavAlert system test a success by confirming and updating your information prior to April 6.

Social media outlets keep you connected

Tweets about Bill Nye sent him "trending" during his appearance on campus last week, and Facebook posts about the glass art show Friday will help ensure brisk sales. These are just two ways the UT Arlington community is using social media to communicate. These and other online options provided an enhancement to official means of communication during February's winter storm when faculty, staff, and students were being advised whether the campus was open.

Departments and individuals across UT Arlington are using social networking platforms—Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn—as a way to connect with specific interest groups of faculty, staff, students, alumni, sports fans, neighbors, prospective students, and friends.

UT Arlington has launched three main channels on Facebook and Twitter that provide the University's top news, events, and conversations: the official UT Arlington fan page, College Town UTA, and UTArlington Magazine.

The UT Arlington Official Facebook fan page and its Twitter counterpart provide subscribers with news, achievements, and information relevant to the University's ascent to national research university status.

College Town UTA on Facebook and Twitter focuses on campus events and buzz, athletics, conversations about downtown Arlington and local events, and opportunities for the community to become engaged with campus activities.

UTArlington Magazine on Facebook keeps alive the feature stories, alumni achievements, and conversations begun in UTArlington Magazine. The magazine is published in print and online three times a year and is mailed to all alumni, donors, and other friends and partners of the University.

To see a list of some University-hosted social media pages and groups—including Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter—and to learn more about how your department, program, or campus organization can utilize social networking platforms, see UT Arlington’s social media guidelines.

Financial aid notification will be delayed; file FAFSA early

News of financial aid awards will come to students a little late this year because of potential changes in state and federal funding.

UT Arlington has traditionally notified students of their financial aid awards beginning in late March. This year, however, it will be more challenging to make financial aid award information available at that time.

Significant changes are expected at both the federal and state levels. As a result, decisions have not yet been made about funding levels for Federal Pell Grants, TEXAS Grants, Texas B-On-Time Loans, and other programs.

Your students should file the 2011-2012 Free Application for Federal Student Aid as early as possible this spring and investigate all potential sources of funds to pay for college. Information on all available financial aid programs and links to private scholarship opportunities are at uta.edu/fao. Details on installment payment options are available through the Office of Financial Services.

Contact the Office of Financial Aid at fao@uta.edu or 2-3561 for more information.

Top glass: Choose from a great selection of glass art items on sale Friday at the Studio Arts Center.

Colors glow in sparkling creations at annual glass art show and sale

Exquisitely designed works of glass art will go on sale Friday, April 1, at the annual World-Class Glass Art Show and Sale at the Studio Arts Center, 810 S. Davis.

The sale runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with silent auction bids accepted 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

The show includes display creations, paperweights, platters, vases, vessels, and other functional items delicately crafted by faculty, students, and visiting artists through the University’s internationally known glass program. Glass blowing demonstrations will be part of the show.

UT Arlington’s glass art program is widely acknowledged to be one of the premier programs in the country, and the annual sale has been a major factor in the program’s development.

Half of the proceeds from student work go to the student artists; the rest is used to purchase materials for new equipment. Faculty and staff build and maintain all of the program’s state-of-the art equipment.

See more about the World-Class Glass Art Show and Sale and view video from KDFW/FOX4.

UT Arlington iPhone app now available

UTA Mobile gives you access to the latest information about UT Arlington wherever you are. Use UTA Mobile to browse news and events, find your way across campus, and stay updated on all your Maverick teams.

Athletics — Get Maverick sports news, schedules, and up-to-the-minute scores.
Events — Check out listings from the UT Arlington calendar, including academics, arts and culture, special events, and more.
Map — Search for UT Arlington buildings by name, pinpoint them on the map and see your relative location, and zoom or pan across the map using the multi-touch interface.
Videos — Access UT Arlington’s YouTube channel and watch videos on student life, academics, and events.
News — Find out what’s happening on campus by browsing UT Arlington news releases.
Images — Scroll through extensive photo galleries, including athletics, buildings, student life, and events such as Welcome Week, Oozeball, and Homecoming.

Download the free app from iTunes for your iPhone or iPod Touch.

The Big Event needs your help

Almost 150 volunteer positions are still available for The Big Event, a day of community service Saturday, April 16.

There are still plenty of choices on The Big Event project list even though more than 900 student, staff, faculty, and community volunteers have signed up. Register by Friday, April 8, and register early to guarantee your free Big Event T-shirt.

Firmly planted John Hall, vice president for administration and campus operations, adds a cucumber plant to the Community Garden at UTA at the garden's dedication Saturday by the SWEET Center. Volunteer gardeners can grow vegetables with a portion going to a local food bank. The Community Garden at UT Arlington is a combined effort of the Office of Sustainability and the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department.

Sign up for Mini Relay for Life

Help raise money for the American Cancer Society by participating in the spring UT Arlington Mini Relay for Life 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, April 5.

The relay begins at the Health Services Center, goes to the Maverick Activities Center, and back to the Health Center. Last year 20 teams walked and raised money, and organizers are hoping more teams will participate this year.

As the American Cancer Society’s signature activity, Relay For Life is a major player in every facet of the society’s mission. The event serves to increase awareness, recognize and celebrate survivors and caregivers, remember those who lost the cancer battle, and encourage grassroots involvement in the fight against cancer. The funds raised have played a significant role in many of the society’s recent accomplishments.

Sign up for the Mini Relay for Life. For more information, see Health Services.

'UTA Begins With U' campaign debuts with cookout Friday, April 8

Have lunch, win door prizes, and learn more about the UTA Begins With U campaign at the annual cookout for faculty and staff 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday, April 8, at the Central Library mall. In case of rain, the cookout will be in the atrium at Nedderman Hall.

Faculty and staff who give to any area or program on campus are a part of the Nedderman Society, a special recognition organization named for Dr. and Mrs. Wendell Nedderman to honor their spirit and dedication to the University and its students.

You can contribute to UT Arlington by check or cash, by credit/debit card at uta.edu/giving, or use payroll deduction. Visit the site to learn more about giving and the difference you can make.

In the 2009-10 fiscal year:

• 412 faculty and staff members gave more than $373,000 in support of programs at UT Arlington.

• Nedderman Society members gave to more than 250 different funds.

• More than 250 gifts were made each month through payroll deduction.

The cookout, presented by the Office of Development, honors society members and provides information for future members.

Get your tickets for UT Arlington Night at the Ballpark

Tickets are now available for UT Arlington Night at the Ballpark when the Texas Rangers play the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, April 25.

Sit in the UT Arlington block, wear your Maverick blue, and come for the pre-game fun featuring the UT Arlington color guard, performance of the national anthem, first pitch, and special appearance by Blaze. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

A block of seats for UT Arlington is available for $5 per ticket, half the regular price.

Tickets can be reserved at utatickets.com, then picked up at the Department of Student Activities on the lower level of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Or you can buy your tickets in person at Student Activities.

Pioneer spirit: Art professor and filmmaker Andy Anderson will receive the Indie Pioneer Award at the Kansas City FilmFest.

Anderson lauded as indie pioneer at Kansas City FilmFest

UT Arlington professor and filmmaker Andy Anderson will receive the Indie Pioneer Award at the Kansas City FilmFest.

“Andy is long overdue to receive our recognition of his work as a filmmaker and educator,” says Fred Andrews, festival director. “He has influenced and inspired two generations of filmmakers.”

Anderson, a film professor and writer-in-residence, spent much of his career producing, writing, and directing independent films, as well as writing and directing commercials for television. He is the 2011 recipient of the Morgan Woodward Distinguished Professorship in Film and Video.

Read more about Anderson and the Indie Pioneer Award.

Group exercise passes are now half price

Campus Recreation group exercise passes are prorated at the mid-semester mark. That means you can attend unlimited classes for the rest of the spring semester for only $15.

For more information on group exercise, go to the Services and Information Desk at the Maverick Activities Center or call 2-3277.

Hula Hoop Fitness Dance

Even if you've never been able to hoop on your waist, this informative class will show you how to do just that, the no-to-low impact way, plus offer other options to get your heart pumping while keeping those joints gently in motion. Fee includes cost of customized hoop. Faculty, staff discount fee $62. Call 2-2581 for discount. 7-8 p.m., Fridays, April 8-29, Maverick Activities Center. Continuing Education.

Publisher 2010

Learn to create brochures, flyers, and newsletters, and learn to customize templates. Free. 2-4 p.m. Monday, April 4, Room 123, Hammond Hall. See more information on OIT Training.

Food for Thought: Vitamins, Minerals, Bee Pollen?

A registered dietitian will help you decipher what you need to know about supplements, what you should and should not be taking, and what brands to buy. Free. Noon, Wednesday, April 6, Room 213, Maverick Activities Center. See a complete listing of HR 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 email employment@uta.edu. The University of Texas at Arlington is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Net rewards: Daiana Negreanu has won nine of her last 10 matches in the No. 1 singles position for the women's tennis team.

Women's tennis unbeaten in conference

Improving its record to 6-0 in the Southland Conference, the women's tennis team notched wins over Texas State and UT San Antonio at the UTA Tennis Center last weekend.

The Mavericks are on the road this weekend with matches at Sam Houston State and Stephen F. Austin on Saturday-Sunday, April 2-3.

Track teams host meet after wins in Denton

Competition in the Bobby Lane Invitational for the men’s and women’s track teams begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 2, at Maverick Stadium.

Cordero Gray won the 200-meter dash at the North Texas Classic last weekend in Denton. The Mavericks had five men’s winners and one for the women.

Softball sweeps Nicholls State; travels to UTSA

The softball team swept Nicholls State last weekend and remained in second place in the Southland Conference with a 10-2 league record.

The Mavericks, 23-12 overall, play at UT-San Antonio on Saturday-Sunday, April 2-3.

Baseballers fall to Aggies; travel to Nicholls State

Following a 7-4 loss in 10 innings to No. 5 Texas A&M on Wednesday, the Maverick baseball team is now 14-11 on the season and 6-3 in Southland Conference play.

The Mavericks are at Nicholls State for SLC games Friday-Sunday, April 1-3.

Movin' Mavs roll to three wheelchair tennis wins

Movin’ Mavs wheelchair tennis brought home three championships from the Bayou Classic Wheelchair Tennis Tournament in Baton Rouge, La., last weekend.

Grad student Jeff Sale won the A Division championship, senior James Patin won the B Division title, and the two teamed up to win the doubles crown.

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

Thursday, March 31

Hike-and-Bike Master Plan Meeting Learn details and offer input about the proposed Hike-and-Bike Master Plan, which affects UT Arlington and is under consideration by the City Council. 6:30 p.m., Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center St. City of Arlington, 817-459-6122.

Faculty Trombone Recital Features Dennis Bubert, right, visiting assistant professor of trombone. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

Friday, April 1

LIGO Exhibit Dennis Ugolini, assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Trinity University, will talk about his research with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), bringing a traveling display, which will be exhibited at the Planetarium through July 26. Free. 1:30 p.m. Planetarium, 2-1183.

$2 Movie: Megamind A supervillain finally conquers his nemesis but finds his life pointless without a hero to fight. Rated PG. 5:30 p.m. Also 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 2. Planetarium, 2-1183.

Friday-Sunday, April 1-3

Great Plains Honors Council Students from UT Arlington present research to peers from six states during the annual meeting. Events at Planetarium, Bluebonnet Ballroom, and Hilton Arlington. See schedule. Honors College.

Saturday, April 2

Bobby Lane Invitational Men's and women's track and field competition. Schedule of events. Free with UT Arlington ID. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Maverick Stadium. Athletics, 2-2261.

Indoor Soccer Tournament Campus organizations compete as part of International Week. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Maverick Activities Center. International Education.

Sunday, April 3

Faculty Flute Recital Features Sarah Frisof, assistant professor of flute. Free. 5:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

Monday, April 4

Parade of Banners Begins at Nedderman Hall and proceeds to the library mall where International Week officially begins. Opening Ceremony continues in the Bluebonnet Ballroom where there will be international performances and refreshments. 11:45 a.m. International Education.

Guest Flute Recital Features Christina Guenther, assistant professor of music from Stephen F. Austin State University. Free. 5 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

Ongoing

Planetarium Enjoy a '60s style laser light show set to the music of Pink Floyd. 7 p.m. Saturdays. See the complete Planetarium schedule, 2-1183.

Photo Exhibit UT Arlington photography students exhibit their work in "davis/bishop2011.doc," which documents an Oak Cliff neighborhood. Hours are 6-11 p.m. Thursdays and 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Through April 7. Reception 6-9 p.m., Wednesday, April 6, Kessler Theater, Dallas. Kenda North, kenda@uta.edu.

Combat Narratives: Stories and Artifacts from UT Arlington Veterans Artifacts, memorabilia, and gear on loan from UT Arlington military veterans and objects carried, used, or found by U.S. servicemen and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. Free. Through May 21. Sixth floor atrium, Central Library. Library and OneBook.

Exposure: Photos from the Second Battle of Fallujah Photographs from the Second Battle of Fallujah taken by UT Arlington student and Marine Corps veteran Joel Chaverri. Free. Through May 21. Sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Library and OneBook.

Six Flags Over Texas Exhibit Celebrate 50 years of an Arlington landmark. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Through Aug. 13. Special Collections, sixth floor, Central Library.

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