University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 02-04-2013

Spring enrollment hits all-time high with more than 33,800

UT Arlington enrolled an all-time record 33,806 students for the spring 2013 semester with continued growth driven by gains in business, nursing, engineering, science, and social work compared with the same period last year.

Overall, UT Arlington enrollment has increased almost 35 percent over the past five years, preliminary spring census day reports show. Spring enrollment in recent years has been larger than in the fall, spurred largely by staggered enrollment dates for the University’s popular online degree programs.

“Our University has experienced a period of sustained growth as the reputation of our academic and research programs has increased,” says Ronald L. Elsenbaumer, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Students are choosing UT Arlington based on the quality of the education they will achieve here, and they know we are committed to helping them succeed in a dynamic environment.”

Read more about spring enrollment.

Catch the excitement of Maverick basketball at College Park Center

Help fill College Park Center when the men’s basketball team takes on Texas State in a Western Athletic Conference game Thursday, Feb. 7. Game time is 7 p.m. Get tickets at utatickets.com.

Thursday is Military Appreciation Night and military personnel are admitted free by presenting their military ID at the box office. It is also $1 hot dog night. Halftime includes a military swearing-in ceremony and introduction of the 2013 baseball team.

The Mavericks host UT San Antonio at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. Blaze’s Kids Club members receive a UT Arlington bag. Free men’s schedule posters also are available. The Rocking Ropers, a youth jump rope group, perform at halftime.

UT Arlington was victorious at both Texas State and UT San Antonio last month. The Mavericks have a 4-1 record in the WAC away from home, but the confines of College Park Center have not been as friendly with coach Scott Cross's squad going 1-4 in conference games on Petsche Court.

Grab tickets for the 2013 WAC Tournament March 12-16 in Las Vegas. All-session tickets, which are good for both men's and women's games, are $165 and are available at utatickets.com, by calling 2-9595, or at the College Park Center box office. All WAC men’s and women’s teams qualify for the postseason event.

Aerial art: The Reach sculpture will be installed this spring in the Janet and Michael Greene Research Quadrangle of the Engineering Research Building.

Da Vinci-inspired sculpture to symbolize University

A 20-foot sculpture to be installed this spring will symbolize the University’s bold commitment to research, science, and the arts.

Reach, a work by art Assistant Professor Darryl Lauster, is based on Helical Aerial Screw, Leonardo da Vinci’s 15th century sketch for a gyroscopic flying machine, often referred to today as one of the first helicopter prototypes.

Lauster developed the concept to celebrate the significant growth and change that has occurred at UT Arlington during President James D. Spaniolo’s tenure after the president announced plans to retire last year.

“I came up with the design after considering the relationship between our students and our University, the relationship between the University and our community, and the mission of our University,” says Lauster, who joined the Department of Art and Art History in 2008.

Read more about the Reach sculpture.

Next MavAlert test is Wednesday

The next monthly test of the MavAlert Emergency Notification System is at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6. 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.

New interdisciplinary center to focus on homeland security

The new Center for Security Advances Via Applied Nanotechnology, or SAVANT, will focus on using nanotechnology to strengthen and enhance security in the United States through collaborative research across disciplines.

The center will be home to projects already under way, including using nanoparticles to detect threats such as nuclear dirty bombs. It also will be a place to explore new concepts, such as using luminescent nanoparticles to prevent “friendly-fire” incidents in combat.

The collaboration will be primarily between the College of Engineering and College of Science. The colleges of Liberal Arts, Business, and Education and Health Professions also are involved in planning future projects.

“Federal funding agencies have clearly indicated the need for increased innovation to address U.S. security issues at home and abroad," says Ronald Elsenbaumer, provost and vice president for academic affairs. "Research universities, especially like UT Arlington, have a significant and unique role to play.”

Read more about the SAVANT Center.

Nursing honors: Mary Cazzell, left, is the first recipient of the Carolyn R. Cason Research Fellowship. Judy LeFlore was named the Samuel T. Hughes Jr. Professor.

Nursing awards first Cason Research Fellowship, Hughes Professorship

Two College of Nursing faculty members received research honors recently, including the first Carolyn L. Cason Research Fellowship award.

Mary Cazzell, assistant professor of nursing, received the fellowship, which is named for the former nursing professor and associate dean of research and director of the Center for Nursing Research. Dr. Cason is now the University's vice president for research.

Dr. Cazzell's research into critical thinking, cognitive function, and risk decisions contribute to nursing education, the effective use of simulation in nursing education, the science of aging, and the assessment of executive cognitive function in older adults as well as critical thinking in nursing students.

Professor Judy LeFlore was named to the Samuel T. Hughes Jr. Professorship in Nursing. Dr. LeFlore is director of the Pediatric, Acute Care Pediatric, and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program. As the Hughes Professor, she will collaborate with faculty in engineering, computer science, and art to develop a virtual airway trainer and explore different approaches to distance clinical education.

Dr. Hughes was a professor and assistant dean for the School of Nursing Graduate Nursing Program from 1981‐86. The professorship was created in 1984.

Remembering Columbia Alumna and astronaut Kalpana Chawla ('84 MS) and other members of the space shuttle Columbia were remembered with a balloon release Friday morning outside KC Hall. The date marked the 10th anniversary of the shuttle disaster.

Help Desk opens in University Center

Bring your computer questions to the new Help Desk site at the Campus Information Center on the main level of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

The Office of Information Technology operates the new locale 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays.

You also can reach the Help Desk by phone at 2-2208 and email at helpdesk@uta.edu.

Drive seeks donations for shelter

Golden Key International Honour Society is collecting toiletries and more Tuesday, Feb. 5-Thursday, Feb. 28, for Southside Community Center in San Marcos, which supports a homeless center.

The center needs hand soap, toothbrushes, towels, shampoo, travel-sized toiletries, cloths, blankets, socks, and other essentials.

Look for donation boxes at the Maverick Activities Center, the E.H. Hereford University Center, Central Library, and the Health Services Center.

For more information, contact Kevin Schuck at keschuck@uta.edu or 2-3313.

Applications available for Faculty Fellowships for Sustainability in Curriculum

The University Sustainability Committee is accepting applications for Faculty Fellowships on Sustainability in the Curriculum for the 2013-14 academic year.

Fellowships range from $2,000 to $5,000 for one semester. Applications are due April 15.

Read more about the faculty fellowships.

Breaking the mold Nichole Sheridan, biology freshman, checks out the "Shattering Stereotypes" exhibit last week in the University Center Gallery as part of the University's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Ally program.

Take a Maverick Ride after dark with police escort service

Be safe when heading home after a night-time class or event on campus by using the UT Arlington Police Department escort service.

Maverick Ride is available to faculty, staff, and students from 7 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays until 3 a.m. and is operated by students working with the campus police.

UT Arlington Police provide escort service at any time requested. To request a security escort, call 2-3381.

The Green/South shuttle route runs through 10:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, including faculty/staff lots 13 and 17.

ACES abstracts due Wednesday

Faculty should remind students that abstracts are being accepted for the Annual Celebration of Excellence by Students, or ACES, until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6.

ACES 2013 is Wednesday, March 27, in the E.H. Hereford University Center. For details, email aces@uta.edu or call 2-2315.

University Club seeks feedback at tasting buffet

A two-part tasting special replaces this month's first-Thursday buffet at the University Club in Davis Hall. The tasting will be consecutive Thursdays, Feb. 7 and 14.

New items—sandwiches, wraps, and salads—will be chosen for the menu based on guests’ scores. Choose from 15 food items divided between the two tasting days.

Served buffet style, the tasting is $8 per person. The University Club hours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Performance Review Training for Supervisors

Training on conducting the performance review conversation is scheduled for February and March. Performance Management Forms and Procedures is a class for supervisors on the review process. Evaluation forms can be accessed online. If you are unable to attend on these dates, call 2-5554 for details.

Annual Performance Reviews for all employees—except faculty, GTAs, and GRAs—must be completed by Friday, March 29.

For questions, call 2-5554.

Digital Media Studio Workshops

Free introductory software workshops for Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere, and more are offered throughout the semester to faculty, staff, and students. See the list of Digital Media Studio Workshops.

Citizen Police Academy

Applications are due today, Monday, Feb. 4, for the UT Arlington Police Department's Citizen Police Academy. For faculty, staff, and students, the free academy meets Mondays, Feb. 18-April 22, except during Spring Break.

For more details, contact Cpt. Nan Rhodes at 2-3901.

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, Feb. 4

Solving the Bisexual Equation Understand the bisexual equation. Noon, Concho Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. LGBTQA program.

Mike Moses K-16 Leadership Speaker Series Mark Milliron, right, chancellor of WGU Texas, speaks at the Mike Moses K-16 Leadership Speaker Series. Free. RSVP to jwlunce@uta.edu. 5:30 p.m., sixth floor atrium, Central Library. College of Education and Health Professions.

Wednesday, Feb. 6

Food for Thought: Affirming the Life You Want Discover a strengthening tool to achieve that inner peace with Janet Ellis, an impassioned speaker, life coach, interfaith minister, and training consultant specializing in personal resilience, emotional and spiritual wellness, leadership, and organizational renewal. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 213, Maverick Activities Center.

Center for African American Studies Faculty Lecture Sonja Watson, right, assistant professor of Spanish, speaks on "Racial Identity Through a Global Lens: A Glimpse at the First Generation of Panamanian Reggaeseros." Free. Noon, Guadalupe Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. Center for African American Studies.

Thursday, Feb. 7

Ally Training Learn about heterosexual privilege, campus and community resources, and how to be supportive to members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. Register. Free. 1-4 p.m., Concho Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. University College, Counseling Services.

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

Legacy exhibit starts Black History Month Discover the impact made by African Americans through cultural, social, and educational events during Black History Month. All events are in the E.H. Hereford University Center. The month starts with an opening reception for A Legacy Worth Living, an art exhibit featuring artwork by and images of famous African Americans. The reception is at noon Monday, Feb. 4, in the University Center Gallery. One wall is designated for you to write your own legacy. Yaba Blay of Drexel University's Africana Studies presents his One Drop project at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, in the Red River/Concho rooms. The Center for African American Studies hosts a film screening and discussion at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, in the Rosebud Theatre. Ya'Ke Smith, assistant professor of film, shows his movie "Wolf," followed by a discussion at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom. Journey through the different paths of famous Africans and African Americans and learn how they defined success at "A Tunnel of History" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom. Stay for an open discussion facilitated by Schnavia Hatcher, director of the Center for African American Studies. The Bandan Koro African Drum and Dance Ensemble performs diaspora-related dance, music, and specialized presentations at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, in the Rosebud Theatre. The month's activities are sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Center for African American Studies.

Monday, Feb. 4

Duo Trombone Concert Dennis Bubert, visiting assistant professor of music, and guest artist Dave Begnoche of Texas Christian University perform. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Thursday, Feb. 7

Opening Reception: self-congratulatory nonsense Opening reception for self-congratulatory nonsense, a solo installation by Joshua Elliott. Gallery hours 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays; 4-8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays. Exhibit continues through March 31. Reception 6-8 p.m., Fort Worth Center. Gallery 76102.

UTA Symphony Orchestra Concert Clifton Evans conducts the UTA Symphony Orchestra. $5; $3 seniors/students. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Coming up

Maverick Speakers Series Mark Kelly, retired astronaut and naval aviator, discusses "Endeavoring to Build a Better America." Free, but tickets required. Premium seating $25. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, Texas Hall. Maverick Speakers Series.

Ongoing

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, sixth floor, Central Library. Through Saturday, Feb. 9. Special Collections.

Flight Deck Showcases public art at Love Field and DFW International Airport. Free. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and noon-5 p.m. Saturdays, Fine Arts Building. Through Saturday, Feb. 16. The Gallery at UTA.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Samara: A Mid-Century Dream Home Experience the process of building and living in a home designed by one of America’s greatest architects, Frank Lloyd Wright. $8. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. Sundays, Arlington Museum of Art, 201 W. Main St., downtown Arlington. Through Sunday, Feb. 17. Architecture.

Planetarium Be transported to surreal vistas and experience the most thrilling amusement park rides the solar system has to offer in Spacepark 360. 2:30 p.m., Sundays. Planetarium.

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