University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 10-10-2011

Focus on integrity: Dr. James Campbell Quick discusses West Point and John Goolsby on Wednesday in the Focus on Faculty series.

'Integrity First' highlights Focus on Faculty

Management Professor James Campbell Quick presents "Integrity First: West Point and John Goolsby" in the Focus on Faculty series at noon Wednesday, Oct. 12, in the sixth floor parlor at the Central Library.

Dr. Quick, the John and Judy Goolsby Distinguished Professor, discusses character as a defining feature of West Point and of Goolsby.

West Point and Goolsby are engaged in joint research with the Center for Character-based Leadership at Kansas State University, using the Character Strength Inventory and its five signature strengths of character. Initial results of two studies, one at UT Arlington and the other at Syracuse University, are promising, says Quick.

Co-sponsored by the Library and the Leadership Center, the program is free and open to all.

Registration is not required. Light refreshments will be served as a reception follows the lecture. Read more about Focus on Faculty.

Submit your nominations for outstanding employees this month

Now is the time to nominate a great employee or team of employees for the Outstanding Maverick Awards.

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.

"It is important to nominate employees who you feel have made extraordinary contributions to the University," says Eunice Currie, assistant vice president for Human Resources Management and Development.

Award categories include (1) professional, para-professional, and technical; (2) administrative support; (3) service and maintenance; (4) administrative and professional; and (5) team with a maximum of 10 members.

The nomination form can be submitted electronically, faxed to 2-3361, or mailed to the Office of Human Resources, Box 19176. Nominations are being accepted through Friday, Oct. 28.

For questions or concerns, contact Currie at 2-7091.

Grant provides continuation of college readiness centers

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has awarded a $300,000 grant to UT Arlington to continue operating and expand high school-based college readiness offices called GO Centers.

Luis Rosado, director of the Center for Bilingual Education, along with Carla Amaro-Jimenez, assistant professor of bilingual/ESL education in the College of Education and Health Professions, worked to obtain the grant.

“We are thrilled about the continuation of these funds, which will help us in our efforts to make sure that more students—especially the traditionally underrepresented—are going to college,” says Dr. Amaro-Jimenez.

GO Centers are physical spaces located in high schools that offer students admission, financial aid, and other information to promote college attendance. With the funds, about 55 UT Arlington students—known as G-Force—will be recruited to help staff the GO Centers and serve as peer mentors, offering their perspectives on college.

Read more about the GO Centers.

International entrepreneur among seven distinguished alumni to be honored at Gala

Mustaque Ahmed ('81) highlights the list of seven honorees for the 46th annual Distinguished Alumni Gala at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom at the E. H. Hereford University Center.

Ahmed, the creator of UT Arlington's Festival of Ideas, will receive the Distinguished International Alumni award, which was created to honor alumni doing exceptional things abroad. Ahmed helped start the International Student Organization at UT Arlington and now serves as managing director of DHL Global Forwarding in his home country of Bangladesh. See the full list of 2011 honorees.

The Distinguished Alumni Award, established in 1965, is the highest honor given by the University and the Alumni Association. The award honors individual achievements, contributions to industry or profession, community service, and demonstrated loyalty to UT Arlington.

The Gala generates significant scholarship funds. See more about The Gala.

SECC fair provides support information

Want to get information about cancer prevention? Have an interest in adopting a pet? Do you want to become a volunteer for an environmental group?

More than 20 health, education, and animal-service charities will be on hand to offer information, referrals, and prizes to employees at the SECC (State Employee Charitable Campaign) Charity Fair 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, in the Palo Duro Lounge at the E.H. Hereford University Center.

The fair provides a great chance to learn about the programs and services supported by SECC donors. Metroplex charities rely on the financial and volunteer support of UT Arlington employees.

Faculty and staff can turn in pledge forms, given to them by their department representatives, or pick up and complete a pledge form on the spot.

Stop by, learn about the campaign, and support one of the more than 500 charities within the SECC.

Submit your nominations for Outstanding Academic Adviser

Nominations are being accepted for Outstanding Academic Adviser in the following categories: professional staff adviser, undergraduate faculty adviser, and graduate faculty adviser. Nominations should be submitted online by Jan. 23, 2012.

For 25 years, UT Arlington has recognized academic advisers who have made a difference in the lives of their students. Many advisers have been recognized nationally by the National Academic Advising Association for their commitment to helping students succeed. See the complete list of award winners.

For information about the nomination process, contact Delene Remmers in the Office of the Provost at 2-2737.

UTA Radio wins national award

UTA Radio was named a student entry winner of a Radio Mercury Award for a public service announcement, the organization's website reported.

"Get Tested" encourages listeners to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases. In addition to an award plaque, the Department of Communication received a $2,500 prize.

Bedrock races The Flintstones cartoon show was the theme for the 31st annual Bed Races at Maverick Stadium on Thursday. About 100 teams, sporting a variety of Flintstones costumes, participated in the annual event.

Book Club reviews 'Cutting for Stone'

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese is the October selection for Mavs Book Club, which meets at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, at Starbucks in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

The story is a riveting saga of twin brothers, Marion and Shiva Stone, born of a tragic union between a beautiful Indian nun and a brash British surgeon at a mission hospital in Addis Ababa.

The club meets the second Tuesday of every month. All faculty and staff are invited to attend. For more information, contact Diane Shepelwich at dianec@uta.edu.

Fair highlights GradFest activities

A graduate and professional school fair highlight GradFest, a free, one-day event for anyone considering graduate and professional school, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

The Office of Graduate Studies hosts the event. For more information, see GradFest.

SAC changes meeting location

The next two Staff Advisory Council general meetings will change locations.

SAC will meet Tuesday, Oct. 11, in Room 253 of the Business Building. The meeting Tuesday, Nov. 8, will be in Room 315A of the Central Library.

Meetings for the remainder of the academic year will be in the Student Congress chambers on the lower level of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

All staff members are welcome to attend the SAC general meetings, held at 3 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month.

$0 Preventive Care and Services Includes Your Flu Shot

Preventive services are covered without you having to pay a copayment when these services are delivered by a network provider. Be aware that you may incur some cost if the preventive service is not the primary purpose of the visit or if the doctor bills for services that are not preventive. Find more information about the covered preventive services at healthcare.gov. UT System Benefits.

Confirm Your Annual Enrollment Elections

Check your first earnings statement of the new academic year—Sept. 22 for hourly employees and Oct. 1 for monthly employees—to ensure your Annual Enrollment elections are accurate. If there is an error in your benefit elections, contact the Benefits Office within 31 days of receipt of the first paycheck that contains the error in coverage. Call 2-5558 or email benefits@uta.edu. Review your benefits year-round at MyUTBenefits.

Mindful Moments

There will be no Mindful Moments meeting Wednesday, Oct. 12. Next meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 19. 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 email employment@uta.edu. The University of Texas at Arlington is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Thursday, Oct. 13

Social Networking Second in a series for National Cyber Security Awareness Month lunch and learn for faculty and staff. Free. Register for lunch. Noon, Concho Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. Information Security Office, security@uta.edu.

Friday, Oct. 14

Active Learning Workshop and Conference Therese Huston, right, founding director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Seattle University, speaks on “Active learning as a benefit for faculty: Strategies for teaching material you've only just learned." She is the author of Teaching What You Don't Know. The workshop is part of a one-day conference on "Engaging Students: The Process and Product of Effective Active Learning." Register. Conference begins at 8 a.m. Dr. Huston's talk begins at 1 p.m., followed by an open discussion at 2:45 p.m. See full schedule. Carlisle Suite, E.H. Hereford University Center. David Silva, 2-2103.

Tuesday, Oct. 18

Ethical Fitness: Young Adult Decision Making Judy Browne, head of the Shelton Upper School in Dallas, covers a variety of ethical topics of relevance to young adults, including how to end a relationship, individual vs. community, justice vs. mercy, and short-term vs. long-term decisions. Free. 7 p.m., Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Freshmen Leaders on Campus, Molly Alfers, mollyalfers@uta.edu.

When the Crowd Stops Cheering: Life After Sports Krystal Beamon, assistant professor of sociology, discusses the sociology of sport, offering insight into the challenges faced by retired superstars like Emmitt Smith as well as former athletes whose careers never take off. Enter to win VIP passes to see Emmitt Smith in the Maverick Speakers Series. 7 p.m., George W. Hawkes Central Library, downtown Arlington, 101 E. Abram St.

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

'The Mousetrap' opens Friday A blinding snowstorm traps a group of eccentric travelers in a boarding house outside of London in the Agatha Christie mystery, The Mousetrap, presented by the Department of Theatre Arts on Friday-Saturday, Oct. 14-15, and Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 20-23. Directed by theatre arts Professor Andrew Gaupp, The Mousetrap features, clockwise from left, junior Bridie Corbett as Mollie Ralston, sophomore Jonathan Crawford as Major Metcalf, junior Robert Bell as Giles Ralston, and freshman Hannah Kashmar as Mrs. Boyle. The Mousetrap originally opened in London's West End in 1952. Initially performed as a radio play, it was broadcast by the BBC with the title Three Blind Mice. A surprise ending will have audiences on the edge of their seats. Performances are in the Mainstage Theatre in the Fine Arts Building. Show times are 8 p.m. Oct. 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22, and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 23. Ticket prices are $7 for faculty and staff and $10 for the general public. For tickets or more information, contact the Theatre Arts box office at 2-2669.

Tuesday, Oct. 11

Music Honors Recital Features performances by music faculty members and outstanding students in solo and chamber music settings. Free, 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

One Mic Stand Comedy Series Mike E. Winfield brings his own brand of comedy to campus. He was a semifinalist on Last Comic Standing and has appeared on Comics Without Borders, Comics Unleashed, and Comicview. He can be seen on The Office as Wes, the new warehouse worker. Free. 7:30 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities, 2-2963.

Wednesday, Oct. 12

$2 Movie: The Addams Family Con artists plan to fleece the eccentric family using an accomplice who claims to be their long lost Uncle Fester. Rated PG-13. 5:30 p.m. Also 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. Planetarium, 2-1183.

Dancing with Mavericks Dance the night away at a Carnaval street festival for Hispanic Heritage Month. Free. 6:30 p.m., University Center mall. Rain site is court 133, Maverick Activities Center. Multicultural Affairs.

Thursday, Oct. 13

Gallery 76102 Opening Reception Opening night for the photography exhibit "Searching From Memory" features artists Caleb Dulock and Jessica Fuentes. Exhibit continues through Nov. 30. Free. 6-8 p.m., Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center.

Choir Festival Concert Features the UT Arlington A Cappella Choir and University Singers with guest choirs from Arlington High School, Trinity High School and Flower Mound High School. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

Friday, Oct. 14

Alumni and Friends Recital Features solo and ensemble performances. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

Friday Night Movie Friends with Benefits stars Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis. Rated R. Free. 7 p.m., west lawn, Maverick Activities Center. EXCEL Campus Activities, 2-2963.

Maverick Madness Celebrate the first official night of basketball practice. Meet the men's, women's, and Movin' Mavs teams. Get pumped up by the cheer and dance teams, receive free T-shirts, giveaways, and participate in free throw contests. Free. 9 p.m., Maverick Activities Center. Athletics, Student Affairs, 2-6080.

Saturday, Oct. 15

The Gallery at UTA 25th Anniversary Gala Celebration Wrapping up a six-week run of "Silver: A 25th Anniversary Exhibition," the Gala honors artists, curators, and directors who have contributed to the exhibition, catalogue, and associated events. Free. 7-10:30 p.m., The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building, 2-5658.

Ongoing

Life and Death in the Northern Pass Photojournalist Dominic Bracco II ('08 BA) provides a view of drug violence in Ciudad Juarez. Free. Through Jan. 14. Sixth floor parlor, Central Library.

Impressions of the West: Works of Art from Special Collections The American West comes alive in more than 30 paintings, sculptures, and prints. Free. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Through Jan. 14. Special Collections, sixth floor, Central Library, 2-3393.

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

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