University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 10-01-2012

MavAlert Emergency Notification System test Wednesday; update your contact information

To ensure timely communications in the event of an emergency, UT Arlington plans a system-wide test of the MavAlert Emergency Notification System at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3.

The MavAlert system is designed to rapidly notify faculty, staff, and students in the event of a campus emergency. The system sends emergency notifications via registered email addresses and text message devices when a life-threatening situation arises.

To enable MavAlert text messages, you must add your mobile phone number or other SMS text message device to your UT Arlington emergency contact information. To add or verify your mobile phone, log in to MyMav at uta.edu/mymav, then click on the "Sign up for MavAlerts" link in the right column.

During the Oct. 3 test, faculty, staff, and students will receive the following message via the email addresses and mobile devices designated in their MavAlert profile: “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.”

The MavAlert test will coincide with the regular monthly test of the Outdoor Warning System, also at 12:30 p.m. The University’s voice annunciation system will be activated inside campus buildings. The City of Arlington's monthly weather warning test will follow at 1 p.m.

Help make the MavAlert system test a success by confirming and updating your information prior to Oct. 3.

Third of four business dean candidates makes presentation today

Faculty and staff are invited to attend an open forum for College of Business dean candidate Rachel Croson 2-3:30 p.m. today, Monday, Oct. 1, in Room 245W of the Business Building. Dr. Croson is professor of economics and director of the Negotiations Center at UT Dallas. She also serves as director for the Division of Social and Economic Sciences at the National Science Foundation.

The final forum is Thursday, Oct. 4. After each candidate's visit, faculty and staff are invited to complete a feedback survey.

Establish endowment: Shirlee and Taylor Gandy established a first-generation scholarship program that will benefit sophomores on the basis of merit and financial need.

Gandy family endows scholarship to aid first-generation students

A $1 million endowment established through a Fort Worth couple’s gift will provide scholarships to sophomores who excel academically and who are the first in their families to attend college.

The Shirlee J. and Taylor Gandy First-Generation Scholarship Program will benefit UT Arlington sophomores on the basis of merit and financial need. The endowment is being established through a $500,000 commitment from the Gandys that will double in value through the Maverick Match program, which leverages the University’s natural gas royalties to encourage new philanthropic commitments.

Shirlee Gandy ('70 BA), president of RPM Commercial in Fort Worth, serves in a leadership role on the University’s Development Board and will be honored as a Distinguished Alumna at this year's Gala.

Taylor Gandy has been an owner and investor in commercial real estate in Fort Worth as a partner in Baron Investments and Ron Investments for the past 20 years. He practiced law in Fort Worth for 30 years prior to that.

Read more about the endowment.

Professors emeriti honored at Tuesday's fall faculty meeting

Professors emeriti will be announced, new members of the faculty will be introduced, and comments on the state of the University will be delivered by President James D. Spaniolo at the Fall Meeting of University Faculty and Associates on Tuesday, Oct. 2.

Provost Ron Elsenbaumer presides over the meeting, which begins at 4 p.m. in the Rio Grande Ballroom of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

For more information, contact Vice Provost David Silva at djsilva@uta.edu or 2-2103.

Cokie Roberts brings 'Insider's View' to Maverick Speakers Series Thursday

ABC News political commentator Cokie Roberts presents an "Insider's View of Washington, D.C." in the Maverick Speakers Series at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, in Texas Hall. A question-and-answer session and book signing follow the lecture.

Roberts provides analysis for all network news programming at ABC. She also serves as a contributing senior news analyst for NPR and a regular roundtable analyst for This Week With George Stephanopoulos. She has been inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame, and American Women in Radio and Television has cited her as one of the 50 greatest women in the history of broadcasting.

General admission tickets are free. A premium seating package is available for $25. The package includes a front-of-the-house seat, reserved parking near the venue, front-of-the-line access to the book signing, and more. All tickets are available at utatickets.com.

Dr. Lonny Harrison

Focus on Faculty talk addresses censorship

Lonny Harrison, assistant professor of modern languages, discusses "When Books Go Underground: Censorship and Media Control in Russia" in the year's first Focus on Faculty presentation at noon Wednesday, Oct. 3, in the sixth floor parlor of the Central Library.

In conjunction with Banned Books Week, Dr. Harrison, head of the Russian section in the Department of Modern Languages, offers a look at the subject of government repression of reading and examines the practice of and results surrounding state banning of books in Russia and the former Soviet Union.

The lecture focuses on censorship in Russian cultural life from Catherine the Great to today and some of the great works of political and artistic expression that flourished in spite of it.

A reception follows the lecture, which is co-sponsored by the Library and Friends of the Library.

For more information, contact Maggie Dwyer at dwyer@uta.edu or 2-5366.

Chamber award President James D. Spaniolo, center, received the Arlington Chamber of Commerce 2012 Star Award at the chamber's annual awards dinner Thursday. With him are Wes Jurey, left, chamber president and CEO, and Steve Martindale ('81 BBA), chamber board president and president of Six Flags Over Texas.

Fellowships, grants available from University Sustainability Committee

The University Sustainability Committee offers faculty fellowships on sustainability in the curriculum along with two grants for faculty, staff, and student projects related to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Faculty fellowships ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for one semester support development of modules on sustainability for existing courses, laboratory exercises, service learning exercises, field trips, development of new courses, or development of other curriculum products. Application deadline is April 15, 2013.

Travel Support Grants of up to $500 for one event will be awarded to faculty, staff, or students for conferences, seminars, or workshops that take place Sept. 1-Oct. 15, 2012. Application deadline is Monday, Oct. 15.

Sustainability Speaker Grants of up to $500 for one speaker support speakers who address sustainability and environmental stewardship. Applications must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to the event.

For more information, see Campus Sustainability or contact Chris Morris at morris@uta.edu.

Use payroll deduction for SECC donation

Donations to the annual State Employee Charitable Campaign can be made through Wednesday, Oct. 31. Contact your department's SECC representative to receive a guidebook and pledge form for payroll deduction or a one-time donation.

For more information, visit the UT Arlington SECC webpage or contact the Human Resources Training team at 2-5554 or at HRTraining@uta.edu.

Sustaining energy Jean-Pierre Bardet, left, dean of the College of Engineering, and Shelly Hamedi, administrative assistant in the dean's office, admire the mountain bike that Hamedi donated to the dean's office, for use by students. She won the bike in the Green Team audit program, sponsored by Campus Sustainability.

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. 28, 2013.

Since 1984, 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.

Access policy goes into effect today

Effective today, Monday, Oct. 1, Mav Express will automatically remove electronic access privileges to campus doors and parking gates based on various conditions that affect a cardholder’s status with the University.

Access privileges will be automatically removed 10 days after an employee no longer has an active employment assignment.

While departments will continue to be responsible for immediately requesting removal of electronic access privileges when an individual is no longer eligible, this automatic removal of privileges is an important safeguard to enhance campus safety and security.

See more details and examples. Send questions or concerns to mavexpress@uta.edu.

The Art of Listening

Learn the basics of good listening as well as tips for identifying listening style and how to get the most out of a face-to-face conversation. Register. Free. 9-11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 2, Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources training classes.

Introduction to Adobe Illustrator

Learn the basics of the toolbox, canvas, layers, lines, and fills. Focus on manipulating shapes, text, and images to create advertisements and handouts for high quality printing. Register. Free. 2-4 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 4, Room B29, Digital Media Studio, Central Library. Library.

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.

Monday, Oct. 1

American College of Sports Medicine Lecture Claude Bouchard speaks on "Physical Activity Attenuates the Influence of a Genetic Predisposition to Obesity." Dr. Bouchard is the John W. Barton, Sr. Endowed Chair in Genetics and Nutrition and professor of human genomics at Louisiana State University. Free. Noon, Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center. Kinesiology.

Wednesday, Oct. 3

The Next Generation Science Standards: What are they? Ramon Lopez, right, physics professor and a member of the leadership team developing the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), will provide an overview of their development. He provides insights into how engineering content and practices are being addressed. Light breakfast provided. Register. $5 donation. 7 a.m., Room 601, Nedderman Hall. Engineering.

Debate Watch Enjoy the presidential debate from the University of Denver on the jumbo screen. Also hear from Victoria Farrar-Myers, professor of political science, and student representatives who attended both national conventions. Voter registration and resources available. Live text polling and text surveys. Free refreshments. 7 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Honors College, Honors College Council.

Thursday, Oct. 4

Mobility Public Policy Forum Featured speaker is Janet Kavinoky, vice president of the U.S. Chamber-led Americans for Transportation Mobility Coalition. Sponsored in part by UT Arlington. Registration required. $35. 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

Biology Colloquium Series Jeff Johnson, assistant professor of biology at the University of North Texas, discusses "Living in the Arctic: The Role of Plumage Color in Gyrfalcon Adaptation." Free. 4 p.m., Room 119, Life Science Building. Biology, Phi Sigma Honor Society.

Friday, Oct. 5-Saturday, Oct. 6

Eighth Biennial Virginia Garrett Lectures “Pearls of the Antilles: Maps of Caribbean Islands” is the theme for the Eighth Biennial Virginia Garrett Lectures on the History of Cartography and the accompanying exhibit in the Central Library’s Special Collections. The Friday, Oct. 5, event focuses on how maps shaped the histories of Caribbean islands. Also, the Texas Map Society’s fall meeting, Saturday, Oct. 6. Register. $100 each day. Lectures 9:30 a.m. both days, sixth floor atrium, Central Library.

Tuesday, Oct. 9

Faculty/Staff Professional Development Seminar Shane Windmeyer, author and executive director of Campus Pride, discusses "State of Higher Ed for LGBTQA People" The program surveys stereotypes, understanding, and coming out as visible allies and leaders for all people. Part of Pride Week activities. Free. 1:30-3 p.m., Room 133, Maverick Activities Center. Multicultural Affairs.

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

Exhibit focusing on Caribbean maps opens today From Columbus' discoveries to the U.S. Guantanamo Bay prison debate, events on islands of the West Indies have impacted American history. Old printed maps of the Caribbean islands depict not only the geography of the islands but also reflect many of the themes of Caribbean and American history as well as cartographic history. Pearls of the Antilles: Printed Maps of Caribbean Islands shows how maps of the Caribbean incorporate many of the themes of cartographic history found in maps of other geographical areas, from technical developments to increasing diversification in types of maps, and from leading "national schools" to the growth of a tourist map industry. The free exhibit opens today, Monday, Oct. 1, in Special Collections on the sixth floor of the Central Library and runs through Feb. 9, 2013. Hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. For more information, call 2-3393.

Through Saturday, Oct. 6

Banned Books Week Exhibits focus on books suppressed/banned in other countries, comic books, and more. Read an excerpt from your favorite challenged or banned book 10 a.m.-4 p.m. by the Welcome Desk. Exhibits, first and second floors, Central Library. UT Arlington Library, Friends of the Library. Banned Books Week.

Monday, Oct. 1

Voice Division Recital Features vocal students. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Hispanic Heritage Movie: Stand and Deliver True-life story of East Los Angeles calculus high school teacher Jaime Escalante who surmounted overwhelming odds to inspire and educate. Part of Hispanic Heritage Month. Free popcorn. Free. 6:30 p.m., Concho Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. Multicultural Affairs.

Tuesday, Oct. 2

DUI Simulator Virtual motion simulator provides reality education for drivers on the dangers of drinking and driving. Free. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Health Services.

National Night Out Join the UT Arlington Police for information and free food, T-shirts, and more. Free. 6-7:30 p.m., University Center mall; rainsite is Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center.

Guest Piano Recital Features Gustavo Romero, professor of piano at the University of North Texas. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Thursday, Oct. 4

Maverick Speakers Series ABC News political commentator Cokie Roberts speaks on "An Insider's View of Washington, D.C." Free, but tickets required. Premium seating $25. 7:30 p.m., Texas Hall. Maverick Speakers Series.

UTA Symphony Orchestra Concert Features music of Dvorak and solo by baritone David Grogan, assistant professor of voice. Conductor is Clifton Evans, assistant professor of music. Tickets $5. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Toby Mac Christian recording artist Toby Mac, right, with special guests Chris August and Jamie Grace, along with the Diverse City Band. Tickets $15-$40. 7:30 p.m., College Park Center, 2-9595.

Coming up

Maverick Madness The official tipoff to the 2012-13 season lets fans meet the men's, women's and Movin' Mavs wheelchair basketball teams. There will be contests to win season tickets and the opportunity to travel to a select road game. Free. 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 12, College Park Center. Maverick Madness.

Lunafest Festival of short films by, for, and about women. The nine films celebrate the unique roles of women in local, national, and international communities. Tickets. $10. 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center. Women's and Gender Studies, Lunafest.

Flo Rida Tramar Dillard, better known by his stage name Flo Rida, is an American rapper and singer-songwriter. Tickets $35-$80; four ticket limit. 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 19, College Park Center, 2-9595.

Ongoing

The Gallery at UTA: The State of Drawing Group exhibition showcasing drawing by artists living and working in Texas. Free. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. Through Saturday, Oct. 6. The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building.

Art of Sport A collection of Movin' Mavs photography by Jeremy Schack and other Movin' Mavs athletes. Exhibit open through Friday, Oct. 12, with closing reception 6-8 p.m., Oct. 12. Free. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., University Center Art Gallery, E.H. Hereford University Center. Movin' Mavs.

India Unveiled: The Photography of Robert Arnett A collection of images highlighting the diversity of India and its various regions. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Through Jan. 5, 2013. Special Collections.

Planetarium Learn how mammoth stars make a black hole and help figure out where they might lead in Black Holes. 6 p.m. Thursdays, 2:30 p.m. Saturdays. Planetarium.

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