University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 12-17-2012

Winter 'UTArlington Magazine' features President Spaniolo

With a clear vision and collaborative spirit, James D. Spaniolo has helped the University reach unprecedented heights during his nearly nine years as president. The cover story of the winter 2012 issue of UTArlington Magazine takes an in-depth look at the Spaniolo administration and includes an interactive timeline of major milestones during his tenure.

You’ll also find an article about how sharing too much information when communicating electronically can have consequences both personally and professionally. Other stories highlight the University’s esteemed Athletic Training Education Program and introduce you to a 12-year-old math prodigy who is following in the footsteps of previous UT Arlington wunderkinds.

Every article includes a link for posting comments. You also can “like” the magazine’s Facebook page and get updates in your newsfeed.

UTArlington Magazine is published three times a year and distributed to about 150,000 UT Arlington constituents, including all alumni, major donors, elected officials, civic leaders, faculty, senior staff, and other friends of the University.

Send comments to utamagazine@uta.edu.

Badge of honor: Police Chief Robert Hayes has announced plans to retire in the spring.

Police Chief Robert Hayes to retire

Police Chief Robert Hayes, who has led the University’s fully accredited campus police department since 2001, has announced plans to retire in the spring.

Hayes has directed a staff of 138, including 38 sworn officers, and managed a budget of more than $5 million. After a distinguished, 45-year law enforcement career, he will retire effective March 31. A search for his successor will follow.

Under his leadership, the department achieved accreditation in 2006 through the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators and the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, and maintained that status.

“Chief Hayes has elevated the UT Arlington Police Department to new levels of professionalism and excellence and has earned the respect of law enforcement colleagues across the nation,” says John Hall, vice president for administration and campus operations. “We all have benefited from his commitment to ensuring a safe campus environment and providing professional development opportunities to his staff.”

Read more about Hayes' retirement.

Next MavAlert test is Wednesday, Jan. 2

The next monthly test of the MavAlert Emergency Notification System is at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2. Verify your emergency contact information at uta.edu/mymav.

The MavAlert system rapidly notifies faculty, staff, and students in the event of a campus emergency via registered email addresses and text message devices.

To enable MavAlert text messages, add your mobile phone number or other SMS text message device to your UT Arlington emergency contact information and label it "mobile phone" via the drop-down menu or log in to MyMav, then click on the "Sign up for MavAlerts" link in the right column.

Sign of the times: This letter art plaque is one of many items for sale online through the new website uta.edu/shoponline. The plaque is for sale through the UTA Bookstore for $39.

Maverick gear makes perfect gift

Whether it's for a gift or for yourself, Maverick gear and gadgets are must-have items this holiday season.

Shop online for stores that carry licensed UT Arlington merchandise.

Shop for gifts through Athletics, the Alumni Association, UTA Bookstore, and the Planetarium. Buy a commemorative brick, a Maverick license plate, a tumbler, or photos from your favorite Maverick sports.

Or shop in person at Dixie's, Gene Allen's, and Rally House in Arlington or Anything Goes in Pantego for your Maverick gifts.

Save this season by taking advantage of the Maverick Discount Program, too. Local businesses offer bargains just for flashing your UT Arlington ID.

Degrees of excellence Provost Ronald Elsenbaumer addresses degree candidates in Commencement ceremonies Friday through Sunday at College Park Center. Commencement for summer and fall terms totaled 3,000 undergraduate, 1,800 master's, and 49 doctoral candidates. See more commencement photos.

Plan for electrical outages

Electricity goes off in some buildings for upgrades during the winter break.

Although generators will support the buildings during that time, turn off all equipment and plan to clean out the refrigerators in break rooms, labs, or offices before leaving for the holidays. Anyone doing research should contact Facilities Management about assuring their project is supported.

Electrical upgrades are planned for Hammond and Trimble halls Saturday, Dec. 22-Sunday, Dec. 30, and Nedderman Hall Thursday-Friday, Dec. 27-28. No one will be allowed in the buildings during these projects. Contact Facilities Management or the Police Department for an escort into the building, if necessary.

Fire pumps will be installed in Davis Hall and Texas Hall on Thursday, Dec. 27.

For more campus projects, see the Facilities Management blog.

Celebrate 'Not the End of the World'

Celebrate the end of the Mayan calendar, not the end of the world, at the "Not the End of the World" party 7 p.m.-midnight Friday, Dec. 21, at the Planetarium.

Take part in space-related arts and crafts, enjoy a lecture from astronomy professors, see the latest shows, and warm up with hot chocolate or apple cider. Planetarium shows cover topics on the end of the world, the Mayan civilization, and the winter solstice. Also, enjoy the real sights in the night sky with telescopes, weather permitting.

Save by purchasing a $15 pass for all shows and lectures. Individual tickets for shows are $6 for adults, $4 for children and seniors. Lectures are $2 per person.

Planetarium continues toy drive

The Planetarium will collect toys for Cook Children’s Medical Center through Sunday, Dec. 30. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Planetarium ticket booth in the Chemistry and Physics Building. In return, receive a $2 discount on any adult ticket.

Need ideas on what to donate? See the Cook Children's wish list.

A merry Maverick holiday President James D. Spaniolo gives a Maverick twist to his annual reading at the Faculty and Staff Holiday Reception Wednesday in College Park Center. Watch the video of him reading a Maverick holiday story.

Mileage reimbursement changes Jan. 1

The standard reimbursement rate for mileage will change to 56.5 cents per mile for travel occurring on or after Jan. 1, 2013.

Note that the rate of reimbursement is affected by the travel date, not the reimbursement date.

For assistance with mileage reimbursement or any other travel-related question, call Travel Support Services at 2-2194.

Renew or clean out MAC lockers

If you rent a locker at the Maverick Activities Center on a semester basis, you can renew it at the MAC Services and Information Desk.

If you do not want to renew your locker, clean out the locker and secure it with the MAC-issued lock you received when rented.

All lockers must be either cleaned out or renewed no later than Monday, Jan. 7, 2013. Items left in the locker will be stored for 90 days. New lockers are available Monday, Jan. 14.

Advisers needed for spring break

Staff or faculty advisers are needed for alternative spring break trips March 10-15, planned by the Alternative Breaks program in the Department of University Events. Alternative spring break allows students to serve as volunteers for issues such as the environment, urban poverty, and homelessness.

Advisers would work with groups of eight to 17 students. All trip fees are waived for advisers. Applications are online and available in the Student Activities office, Room B140 in the E.H. Hereford University Center. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Jan. 8.

For more information, see Alternative Breaks, or contact PK Kelly at 2-2963 or pk@uta.edu.

Railroad crossings closed in January

Railroad crossings between Division and Abram streets at Bowen, Davis, Cooper, Center, Mesquite, and Collins will all be closed at the same time Jan. 16-24.

Available north-south routes within the city limits are Green Oaks, Fielder, West, Stadium, and Texas Highway 360. West Street starts behind the E.H. Hereford University Center and runs north through downtown Arlington, connecting to Division. Fielder is west of campus.

Union Pacific is improving tracks through Arlington. See the track renewal video and the city of Arlington website.

Winter intersession schedule

Monday, Dec. 17—Late registration and first day of class
Tuesday, Dec. 18—Census date
Dec. 17-21, Jan. 2-4, 7-9—Classes meet
Thursday, Jan. 3—Last day to drop classes
Thursday, Jan. 10—Final exams

Literary limbs Librarians at the Central Library created a book tree to make the last days of the semester merry and bright.

Winter break schedules

Campus Recreation—The Maverick Activities Center, climbing wall, and pool are open during the winter break. Check Campus Recreation schedule for hours.

Libraries—Libraries will be open during the winter break. Check the library schedule for hours.

Planetarium—The Planetarium has shows throughout the winter break. Planetarium schedule.

Dining Services—The POD Market in the E.H. Hereford University Center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. each day that the University is open. The University Club in Davis Hall is closed and will reopen Monday, Jan. 14. Dining Services schedule.

Bookstore—Hours vary. Closed Sunday-Tuesday, Dec. 23-25; 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, Dec. 26-28; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29; closed Sunday, Dec. 30; 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31; closed Tuesday, Jan. 1.

MavWire will return in January

Today's MavWire is the last issue until Thursday, Jan. 3. Most campus offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 24-Tuesday, Jan. 1.

Send your stories or pictures for MavWire to mavwire@uta.edu to be considered for publication.

Find previous issues of MavWire in the archives at uta.edu/mavwire.

Tobacco Cessation: Fresh Start from Tobacco

Four one-hour sessions cover steps to understanding addiction, quitting and coping strategies, and receiving help. It is important to attend all four sessions. Register. Free. Tuesday-Wednesday, Dec. 18-19. Room B03, Health Services Center. Human Resources training classes.

Winter Break Group Exercise

Classes are available in cycle, group strength, kickboxing, pilates, ultimate conditioning, yoga, and zumba. Participants must have an activated ID. Participation is limited to space and equipment availability. All classes must have a minimum of two participants. Through Friday, Dec. 21, and Wednesday, Jan. 2-Friday, Jan. 11. See the group exercise schedule. Maverick Activities Center, Campus Recreation, 2-3277.

Mindful Moments

Take a break from stress with Mindful Moments. Free. 12:15-12:45 p.m., Wednesdays, Room 219, Health Services Center. Health Services.

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.

Friday, Dec. 21

Not the End of the World Party Lectures, planetarium shows, arts and crafts, telescopic observations, and more. $2-$15. 7 p.m.-midnight, Planetarium.

Saturday, Dec. 22

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. Oklahoma State. Blaze's Kids Club Night, all members receive a UT Arlington bag. Free Santa hats and candy canes to first 50 fans. Jet Blaq will perform at halftime. Tickets $6. 2 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Saturday, Dec. 29

Men's Basketball Men's Basketball 7 p.m. vs. New Mexico State. Also, 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, vs. Denver; 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, vs. Boise State; and 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, vs. Louisiana Tech. Tickets $3-$15. College Park Center. Athletics.

Ongoing

African Art Collection Includes works collected by Jonathan Campbell, professor and chair of the Department of Biology, and his wife, Tanya Dowdey. Free. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Room 2109, Visual Resources Commons, Fine Arts Building. Through Friday, Dec. 21. African Art Collection.

Planetarium Enjoy the holiday schedule through Sunday, Dec. 30. Holiday shows include Holiday Music Magic and Season of Light. Planetarium.

India Unveiled: The Photography of Robert Arnett A collection of images highlighting the diversity of India and its various regions. Free. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, through Jan. 5, sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Special Collections.

Pearls of the Antilles: Printed Maps of Caribbean Islands A look at maps and how they reflect and shape the history of Caribbean islands. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, through Feb. 9, Special Collections, sixth floor, Central Library.

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