University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 09-17-2012

UT Arlington among top 20 national universities for diversity

UT Arlington remains one of the nation’s top universities for providing a racially and ethnically diverse campus, according to rankings released last week by U.S. News & World Report.

The magazine evaluated undergraduate enrollment based on a school’s proportion of minority students and the overall mix of ethnic groups. Each school was assigned an index from 0.0 to 1.0, with 1.0 being the most diverse. UT Arlington’s index was 0.69, the seventh highest in the diversity rankings for national universities.

“We have always known that a great strength of UT Arlington is the diversity of its students,” President James D. Spaniolo says. “Our diverse population of students has created a vibrant campus environment that helps make our University a welcoming place where others want to be.”

According to preliminary fall 2012 enrollment figures, almost 54 percent of UT Arlington’s undergraduates identified themselves as African American, Hispanic, Asian, American Indian/Alaska Native, Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian, or multiracial. The most current enrollment figures show that Hispanic students account for 23 percent of undergraduate enrollment, while African-American students account for 15 percent.

YWCA childcare center open for business on campus

The YWCA Arlington Child Development Center has moved into its new home on the west side of campus, with plans for an October celebration of the $2 million project.

A ribbon-cutting and grand opening is planned for 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22. Among those expected to attend are UT Arlington President James D. Spaniolo, Carrizo Oil & Gas President S.P. “Chip” Johnson, and Carol Klocek, executive director of YWCA Fort Worth and Tarrant County, which operates child development centers in Arlington and Fort Worth.

The 10,400-square-foot facility at the corner of Davis Drive and UTA Boulevard replaces the YWCA’s former location, a 20-year-old building on the opposite corner of the campus.

Read more about the YWCA Arlington Child Development Center.

Dr. Jonathan Campbell

Biology professor receives herpetology award

Jonathan Campbell, a biology professor known for traveling into the remotest regions of Central and South America to catalog biodiversity, has received the 2012 Henry S. Fitch Award for Excellence in Herpetology, a national honor given by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists.

Dr. Campbell received the award last month at the 7th World Congress of Herpetology in Vancouver, Canada. The prize is awarded to an individual for long-term excellence in the study of amphibian and/or reptile biology, based principally on the quality of the awardee's research. Consideration is given to educational and service impacts of the individual's career.

"It is no surprise to see Dr. Campbell honored by his peers,” says Pamela Jansma, dean of the College of Science. “Here at UT Arlington he has been instrumental in building the Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center into a nationally known resource and providing valuable field experiences and mentoring for biology faculty members, graduate students, and undergraduates."

Read more about the award for excellence.

Campus Fire and Safety Report provides annual crime statistics

The 2012 Annual Campus Fire and Safety Report, which includes crime statistics for the previous three years, is available from the UT Arlington Police Department.

The report includes crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by UT Arlington, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies about campus security.

Fire data for the past three years from the Environmental Health and Safety office is also part of the report.

The 2012 Annual Campus Fire and Safety Report is available online or by emailing campus_safety_report@uta.edu.

Pizza pie Pie Five Pizza Co. is the first restaurant to open in the College Park District. Several more eateries will open in the coming months.

Enjoy a 'Night on the Town' Friday

Enjoy an evening of fun, good food, and great music while exploring downtown Arlington's businesses and destinations during UT Arlington Night on the Town on Friday, Sept. 21.

The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. with a mixer and wraps up with specials at local restaurants. Browse the Information Fair booths to learn more about events and dining options in College Town UTA.

The highlight is a free concert at Levitt Pavilion. The music begins at 6:30 p.m. with American Creatures, followed by Stars Go Dim at 8 p.m.

In the event of inclement weather, activities will be held at Arlington Music Hall. The event is sponsored by EXCEL Campus Activities, the UT Arlington Alumni Association, and College Town UTA.

Rodriguez represents UT Arlington on insurance committee

Yvette Rodriguez, human resources specialist, was elected to serve as UT Arlington's voting representative on the UT System-Wide Insurance Advisory Committee.

Eunice Currie, assistant vice president for human resources management, was appointed to serve as the non-voting/alternate representative.

Their two-year terms begin Oct. 1. To offer suggestions and ideas, call 2-5554 or email yvette@uta.edu or currie@uta.edu.

Energy savings The photovoltaic panels atop the parking garage in the College Park District have already paid off, bringing a $393,410 incentive check from Oncor’s Educational Facilities Program. From left are Bill Poole, assistant vice president for facilities management; John Hall, vice president for administration and campus operations; Nick Schroeder, director of energy and mechanical operations for facilities management; Brenda Pulis, Oncor's senior vice president of asset management and engineering; and Mark Bringhurst, Oncor's director of Fort Worth Region Business Operations. More than 540,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity have been generated since installation was completed in September 2011.

Professional e-Learning Community members named

Classroom Support Services has announced members of its Professional e-Learning Community (PLC) for 2012-13. The new program supports the teaching and learning culture of UT Arlington faculty.

Members, nominated by their respective deans, include Dana Arrowood, educational technology; Rebecca Deen, political science; Rick Hoefer, social work; Qihong "Max" Hu, earth and environmental sciences; Ernest Johnson, educational leadership and policy studies; Peggy Semingson, literacy studies; Johanna Smith, English; Pat Thomas, nursing; Cathy Unite, supplemental instruction; and Nila Veerabathina, physics.

The group will pursue the theme "Connected to Learning: Technology for Engagement and Retention" through experimentation with technology tools, interaction with national and international leaders in educational technology, and participation in national conferences.

The group will travel to Traverse City, Mich., to participate in the Lilly Conference on College and University Teaching Sept. 20-23. PLC members will share their findings with their university colleagues throughout the program.

Staff Advisory Council elects officers

Ashley Smith, a project coordinator in internal audit, will serve as chair of the Staff Advisory Council for 2012-13.

Other officers include vice chair, Carla Monk, information technology; secretary, Melinda Long, communication; treasurer, Jennifer Baker, veterans affairs; parliamentarian, Marjorie Dick, urban and public affairs; webmaster, Jessica Lunce, education and health professions; and historian, Kathleen Houston, library.

Community partner breakfast matches projects and people

The Center for Community Service Learning will host its eighth annual partner breakfast 8:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, in the Carlisle Suite of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Faculty, staff, and students can visit with nonprofit directors interested in possible collaborative projects with the University. Many faculty members have begun incorporating service learning as a result of these breakfast events.

Guest speaker is Wright Lassiter, chancellor of the Dallas County Community College District and longtime service-learning practitioner, administrator, businessman, and community leader.

Breakfast is provided, and there will be designated time to network with faculty and numerous nonprofit agencies.

RSVP online or call at 2-2124 for more details.

Across the ocean Karl Petruso, right, dean of the Honors College, discusses studying in Scotland with Kaylee Grubbs, biology freshman, during the Study Abroad Fair last week on the library mall.

Register now for nonstop action at Cyclethon for World Heart Day

Put the pedal to the metal—and the mettle—for the Cyclethon for World Heart Day. Together with your teammates you must keep your bike pedaling noon-midnight Monday, Sept. 24, at the Maverick Activities Center.

Teams of five to 20 members must have someone riding the entire 12 hours. Don't have a team? Sign up as a free agent. Cost is $25 per team with funds donated to the American Heart Association.

Registration packets are available at the MAC services and information desk. For more information, call 2-3277 or email lindsay@uta.edu.

Job Fair volunteers needed

Volunteers are needed for the Fall Job Fair Wednesday, Sept. 19, at the Maverick Activities Center. The fair, hosted by the Career Center, has shifts available in one-hour increments 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Faculty and staff are needed most 7-9 a.m. during set up, and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. to allow a lunch break for the Career Center staff while ensuring the job fair is still supervised. Volunteer duties include set up, clean up, loading dock, and check-in tables.

Organizations also may volunteer. Contact the Career Center at 2-2932 or careers@uta.edu.

Laptop encryption software upgrade Wednesday

An upgrade to the SecureDoc encryption management server will be performed 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, by the Information Security Office and the Office of Information Technology.

During this time, the SecureDoc installation packages will be unavailable for download. New installation packages will be available as soon as the upgrade has completed.

Do not initiate any new encryptions during this maintenance window. Laptops for which encryption was initiated before this maintenance window will not be affected. For more information, contact the OIT Help Desk at 2-2208.

Survey invites sustainability feedback

Want to have a say in UT Arlington’s sustainability efforts? Take a brief, nine-question sustainability survey and provide feedback on economic, cultural, and environmental topics.

Food for Thought: Managing Your Time and Your Life

Learn techniques for using time effectively and increase your awareness of how you may sabotage your personal time management. Register. Free. Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, Room 213, Maverick Activities Center.

Registered Tax Return Preparer Information Session

Examine information regarding the RTRP Test Prep Course and the RTRP Exam. Free. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, Continuing Education Workforce Building. Continuing Education.

Cooking Around the World

Cook up some culture by exploring the cuisines of Greece, New Mexico, the Philippines, and China, and enjoy a meal you created. Call 2-2581 for faculty, staff discount fee of $75. 2-5 p.m., Saturdays, Sept. 22-Oct. 13, Continuing Education Workforce Building. Continuing Education.

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.

Wednesday, Sept. 19

Fall 2012 Job Fair For UT Arlington students and graduates seeking full-time positions, as well as underclassmen exploring future career possibilities through internships, part-time jobs, and field placements. Faculty and staff are welcome. Free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Maverick Activities Center. Career Center.

Thursday, Sept. 20

Biology Colloquium Series Laura Mydlarz, right, assistant professor of biology, discusses "Understanding the Natural Variability in Coral Immunity and Disease." Free. 4 p.m., Room 119, Life Science Building. Biology.

Saturday, Sept. 22

Observe the Moon Night Join the Planetarium and the Texas Astronomical Society for International Observe the Moon Night, weather permitting. Free. 7-10 p.m., Planetarium.

Monday, Sept. 24

Lambda Arts and Education Series Douglas Klahr, associate professor of architecture, discusses “History of Homosexual Persecution in the Holocaust.” Free. Noon-1 p.m., Carlisle Suite, E.H. Hereford University Center. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Ally Program, Multicultural Affairs.

Friday, Sept. 28

Responsible Conduct of Research Workshop Series Michael Roner, associate professor of biology, discusses “The Ethics of Animal Research.” Lunch provided. Register. Free. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Room 303, Chemistry and Physics Building. Responsible Conduct of Research.

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

Monday, Sept. 17

Barbecue Fundraiser 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Library mall. National Society of Leadership and Success.

Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff Fiesta Sing along with the mariachi band and enjoy poetry readings and a Latin art exhibition. Free. Noon-1 p.m. Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Multicultural Affairs.

Tuesday, Sept. 18

MAC's 5th Birthday Celebrate the fifth year of the Maverick Activities Center. Free. 4 p.m., Maverick Activities Center. Student Affairs, Campus Recreation.

Clavier Series Piano Recital Features UT Arlington piano students. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Wednesday, Sept. 19

Pre-Law Center and Legal Studies Center Open House Features members of AT&T legal staff, which is partnering with UT Arlington to help prepare students for law school and the practice of law. Free. Noon, Room 002, University Hall. Pre-Law Center.

Thursday, Sept. 20

Annual Partner Breakfast Guest speaker is Wright Lassiter, chancellor of the Dallas County Community College District. Faculty, staff, students, and local community groups are invited. Register. Free. 8:30-10:30 a.m., Carlisle Suite, E.H. Hereford University Center. Center for Community Service Learning.

Faculty Trumpet Recital Features Rick Bogard, right, associate professor of music. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Levitt Pavilion The Kildares, 7:30 p.m. Also Stars Go Dim, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 21; Cas Haley, 6:30 p.m., and Josh Weathers and the True Endeavors, 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 22; Byron Stripling and the UTA Jazz Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23. Free. Abram at Pecan streets, downtown Arlington. Levitt Pavilion.

Friday, Sept. 21

Oozeball Mud volleyball competition in the 23rd Annual Oozeball Tournament. Free. 12:30 p.m., corner of Summit Avenue and West Fourth Street, just south of Greek Row. Benefits the Student Alumni Association Sophomore Scholarship. Sponsored by the Alumni Association’s Maverick Marauders and Campus Recreation.

UT Arlington Night on the Town Explore downtown Arlington at the second annual UT Arlington Night on the Town. Start the evening at a mixer, then head to the Levitt Pavilion for performances by American Creatures and Stars Go Dim while getting to know your college town at the Information Fair. Wrap up the night enjoying specials in participating downtown restaurants. College Town UTA, EXCEL Campus Activities, UT Arlington Alumni Association.

Coming up

Maverick Speakers Series Sportswriter and commentator Frank Deford, right, speaks on “Journalism: Sports and Beyond.” Free, but tickets required. Premium seating $25. 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 25, Texas Hall. Also, Cokie Roberts, "An Insider's View of Washington, D.C.," 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 4, Texas Hall. Maverick Speakers Series.

Toby Mac Christian recording artist Toby Mac with special guests Chris August and Jamie Grace, along with the Diverse City Band. Tickets $15-$40. 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 4, College Park Center, 2-9595.

Flo Rida Tickets available to UT Arlington students, faculty, and staff only through Wednesday, Sept. 19; to public 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 20. Tickets $35-$80; four ticket limit. 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 19, College Park Center, 2-9595.

Ongoing

Texas Rangers Baseball Get tickets for faculty, staff, students, alumni, family, and friends. Access texasrangers.com/uta and use the password MAVS12 for designated games through Wednesday, Sept. 26.

Gallery 76102: Power Grid Greg Bahr and Josh Fletcher offer critical scrutiny of power structures in their art exhibit. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays; 4-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, Gallery 76012. Through Saturday, Sept. 29. Fort Worth Center.

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 through Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. Through Saturday, Oct. 6. The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building.

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 Spacepark 360 is an out-of-this-world entertainment experience. Get transported to surreal vistas and experience the most thrilling amusement park rides the solar system has to offer. 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Planetarium.

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