University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 07-20-2010

University welcome: The entry of University College in Ransom Hall welcomes students to a bevy of information, services, and support systems to help them through their first year on campus. Departments moved to Ransom Hall last week.

University College offices move to Ransom Hall

Departments that make up University College have moved to their new locations in Ransom Hall. The new University College brings together the resources students need in their first year and beyond as they explore their options, feel more connected, become smarter learners, and find academic success.

Departments in University College and their old and new locations are:

• Counseling Services, from Davis Hall to Suite 305

• McNair Scholars program, from Hammond Hall to Suite 202

• Student Support Services, from Hammond Hall to Suite 206

• University Advising Center, from Davis Hall to Suite 105

• University College Programs (formerly Student Success Programs), from University Hall to Suite 301

• University Studies, from Davis Hall to Suite 101

• University Tutorial and Supplemental Instruction, from Hammond Hall to Suite 205

The Ransom Hall first-floor receptionist will check in students for the University Advising Center and University Studies as well as direct walk-in and phone traffic for the building.

Dawn Remmers, executive director for University College, and Leigh Young, administrative assistant, will be in Suite 102 in Ransom Hall.

Two films explain how bottled water, garbage create a big mess

Water and garbage have a big impact on the world, and two free movies tell how.

"The Story of Bottled Water" runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 21, in the Guadalupe Room of the E.H. Hereford University Center. "Garbage: The Movie" is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4, in Room 100 of Nedderman Hall.

The animated "The Story of Bottled Water, by Annie Leonard, creator of "The Story of Stuff," tells how bottled water is a sign of a much larger problem: too much needless consumption, too much unnecessary waste, and too much advertising to convince us we will be happier or better off drinking bottled water.

"Garbage: The Movie" shows how the family household has become one of the most ferocious environmental predators of our time. Writer and director Andrew Nisker takes an average urban family and asks them to keep every scrap of garbage they create for three months. Then he takes them on a journey to find out where it all goes and what it's doing to the world.

Bring a sack lunch; dessert and drinks provided.

The Office of Sustainability hosts the programs. Contact Becky Valentich at becky@uta.edu or 817-272-0199 with questions. 

Welcome home Mo Awadalla cheers to a welcoming crowd on his arrival with Journey of Hope teammates Friday. Awadalla, a psychology senior, is president of Pi Kappa Phi, which sponsors the Push America's Journey of Hope, a cross-country cycling trek to raise awareness and support for people with disabilities. Friday night, the cyclists played against the Movin' Mavs wheelchair basketball team, which receives support from Push America, before continuing their ride to Washington, D.C. Marty Sedtal, a biochemistry junior, is a support crew member for another team. Read more about Push America or track the cycling teams online.

UTA Boulevard closed near Cooper Street for two to three weeks

UTA Boulevard will be closed east of Cooper Street to Lampe Street for the next two to three weeks, depending on the weather.

The closing of the street, which is adjacent to the Engineering Research Building under construction, is to allow a lighted crossway to be installed. The street will remain closed until the paving and lighting system is completed.

For more information, see Blazin' Construction.

Mavericks can ‘Win it in a Minute'

Take a break from summer school studies with a "Win It in a Minute" contest at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, on the Central Library mall.

Unlike the NBC television game show, this "win it in a minute" challenges players to novelty games such as the bean-bag toss. Play as many games as you'd like in hopes of winning T-shirts and candy.

The fun includes free food, drinks, and frozen treats and is presented by EXCEL Campus Activities.

New book club formed at library

The Mavs Book Club is a monthly book discussion group open to all Mavericks—students, staff, and faculty.

The club meets at 5:30 p.m. the second Thursday of every month in the Central Library and is sponsored by the UT Arlington Library.

The book for the Thursday, Aug. 12, meeting is "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot.

The fall lineup of books has been chosen, but ideas for spring readings are welcome. Send the title, author, description, and reason you are recommending it to Evelyn Barker, Diane Shepelwich, or C.D. Walter.

For more details, go to the Mavs Book Club blog or contact Shepelwich at dianec@uta.edu or 817-272-7521.

Watch parking video, order fall permits now

After signing in on the opening MyMav page, click on "Parking Permit-Garage Request." indicated by the big blue and white P, and follow directions. Parking fees can be charged to your University account.

Print the confirmation receipt and post on the front right-hand, passenger side of the vehicle window. This receipt is good for two weeks from the date of order while the decal is mailed within two weeks from the printing company. The permit or unexpired confirmation receipt will need to be posted on the vehicle by the first day of class, Aug. 26. There will not be a grace period.

Watch a video about UT Arlington Maverick Shuttles, Mav Ride escort, and security escort offered on campus. Become familiar with parking rules and regulations on campus by visiting uta.edu/parking.

Call the Parking Office at 817-272-3907 or e-mail mabry@uta.edu for more details.

Start your engines Cars line up for the start at the 10th Annual Texas Autocross earlier this month on parking lot 49 at Cooper and Mitchell streets. UT Arlington—the blue car in front—came in first among 14 universities from across the nation. Cars are designed, built, and driven by college students as participants in the Society of Automotive Engineers' Formula SAE program.

Ride share helps you, the environment

Every day the commuting choices you make have an impact on our air. It is our responsibility to ensure the air is safe for all.

Register on tryparkingit.com to find others at UT Arlington who would like to share a ride for the 2010 Commuter Challenge, sponsored by the North Central Texas Council of Governments.

The Office of Sustainability will track the new registration, number of registrants logging rideshare, number of vehicle trips reduced, number of vehicle miles travel reduced, and an emissions breakdown by vehicle type. Those numbers will be used to calculate the amount of air quality emission reduced and the number of miles saved by faculty and staff.

As an added incentive, sign up before Sept. 1 and your alternative commute choices give you a chance to win a $250 gift card and two round-trip coach tickets to any city, sponsored by American Airlines.

Commuter Challenge winners will be announced at the North Texas Clean Air Coalition Working for Clean Air award events in October.

Surplus property available online

Looking for some carpet pieces or a treadmill? Check out University surplus property sold online at slapsale.com. Surplus items are available from UT Arlington and other universities. Generally, items are listed for a two-week auction. A valid credit card is required to complete registration.

The current sale on UT Arlington items ends Thursday, July 22, while sales on other items have various end dates. For more information, contact Basil DeMars at surplus@uta.edu or 817-272-3012.

Deadline approaching to enter Caddyshack golf tournament

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to enter the fifth annual Caddyshack Golf Classic on Monday, Aug. 2, at Sky Creek Ranch in Keller.

Campus Recreation will host the event alongside UNT Recreational Sports and TCU Campus Recreation. Enter individually or as a team for the two-person scramble format.

The entry fee is $65 per person and includes green fee, cart, range balls, lunch, and door prizes. Entry deadline is Monday, July 26.

Contact Chris Muller at cmuller@uta.edu or 817-272-3277.

Winning game

New center focuses on healthier, longer lives

Convincing people to make changes in their lifestyle that can lead to healthier, longer lives isn't always easy. Researchers at the new Center for Healthy Living and Longevity think they can help.

The center will be led by the College of Education and Health Professions' Department of Kinesiology. Faculty and graduate researchers from the Department of Kinesiology, the School of Social Work, and the College of Nursing will take part in center activities initially, with more areas likely to be added.

Studies are planned for keeping senior citizens active, reducing childhood obesity, and decreasing incidence of sometimes-deadly conditions such as hypertension.

Read more about the Center for Healthy Living and Longevity.

Summer I five-week final exams and grades

Grades are available for the summer I five-week term. View grades by logging in at uta.edu/mymav. Click on Student Center and then click on the drop-down box under Other Academic. Grades will be the sixth item in the drop-down list.

Don't drop a class until you read this

The last day to drop 11-week summer classes is Thursday, July 22, and for five-week summer II is Tuesday, Aug. 3. Be sure you've checked to see what the impact of dropping classes will be on financial aid or your ability to drop classes in the future.

Students who entered a Texas public college or university in August 2007 or later are limited to dropping six courses during their undergraduate career. UT Arlington's implementation of the limitation of dropped courses and academic regulations are online.

Grade exclusion request site closes

UT Arlington will process grade exclusion requests for summer terms if submitted online by 5 p.m. Thursday, July 22.

Order official transcripts now

You can order transcripts online and request to hold for grades or, if you are graduating this summer, request to hold for degree posting.

Registration for fall 2010 continues

Registration for fall terms continues. Check the registration timetables online.

To determine if you need adviser clearance, check your portal page at uta.edu/mymav and click on Student Center. On the right is a section titled Holds. Click the details link for specific hold information. If your academic department requires advising, you will see an academic department service indicator (hold). A list of advising offices is online.

Students who want to register only for fall must have their summer and fall academic department service indicators released by their adviser.

The undergraduate catalog and graduate catalog for summer II and fall are online.

Archivist offers tour of labor exhibit July 28 A library archivist will lead a tour of the exhibit "For All Workers: The Legacy of the Texas Labor Movement, 1838-2010" at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 28, in Special Collections on the sixth floor of the Central Library. The exhibit features the personal papers of labor and political activist John "J.W." Jackson, as well as numerous items from the library's Texas Labor Archives. Jackson's generous donations of labor archive records and personal papers explain the labor movement through Jackson's life and its impact on Texas history. The exhibit, open through Aug. 7, is free and open to the public. Summer hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Call 817-272-7511 for more information.

Wednesday, July 21

$2 Movie: Where the Wild Things Are Max's imagination goes digital. Rated PG. 5:30 p.m.; also 5:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

Thursday, July 22

Free Summer Movie: How to Train Your Dragon Who doesn't love a little fire-breather? Rated PG. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Concession for drinks, candy. Free popcorn. Free. 8:45 p.m., west lawn, Maverick Activities Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Tuesday, July 27

Win it in a Minute with EXCEL Take a break from summer school with some games, free food, drinks, and popsicles. Free. 12:30 p.m., Library Mall, Sondra Showels, 817-272-2963, excel@uta.edu.

Wednesday, July 28

$2 Movie: Toy Story Woody, Buzz, and the gang. Rated G. 5:30 p.m.; also 5:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

Thursday, July 29

Lemonade Thursdays Join in for lemonade and refreshing conversation, sponsored by the Office of International Education. 3-4:30 p.m., Swift Center. Lauren Cutcher, lcutcher@uta.edu.

Free Movie: A Nightmare on Elm Street Freddie Kruger has a 2010 makeover. Rated R. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Concession for drinks, candy. Free popcorn. Free. 8:45 p.m., west lawn, Maverick Activities Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Through July 31

New Works: UTA Photography Faculty The work of photography faculty members Kenda North, Andrew Ortiz, Leighton McWilliams, Bryan Florentin, and Scott Hilton. Hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and 2-6 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center.

Wednesday, Aug. 4

$2 Movie: Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs If wishes were fishes, or meatballs. Rated G. 5:30 p.m.; also 5:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

Thursday, Aug. 5

Free Drive-in Movie: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Drive up to the MAC's west side and enjoy this 1971 classic. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Concession for drinks, candy. Free popcorn. Free. 8:45 p.m., west lawn, Maverick Activities Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Saturday, Aug. 7

Vintage Computer Festival First showing in the southern U.S. of the Vintage Computer Festival, an international event celebrating the history of computing. See early models of computers and experience the technologies, people, and stories that embody the remarkable tale of the computer revolution. Sponsored by the College of Engineering and the Museum of Information Technology at Arlington. $10 adults; free age 17 and younger. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., atrium, Nedderman Hall. Gil Carrick, gilcarrick@gmail.com, 817-994-9213.

Through Aug. 31

MFA Summer Exhibition The third annual summer exhibition by 16 Master of Fine Arts students represents the Department of Art and Art History graduate program in intermedia studio, glass, visual communication, and film and video. Free. Summer hours 1:30-3:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays. The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building. 817-272-2891.

Ongoing

Downtown Farmers Market Arlington's downtown farmers market features locally grown produce and locally made baked goods, arts, and crafts. Co-sponsored by UT Arlington Dining Services. 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Fridays-Saturdays, 215 E. Front St.

Planetarium programs Learn about stars, planets, space, and fun. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

Texas Rangers Baseball The Texas Rangers offer discounted tickets to selected games for students, faculty, staff, alumni, family, and friends. Access texasrangers.com/uta and use the password rangers to purchase tickets for designated games through Oct. 3.

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

Movin' Mavs add two sports for 2010-11

The Movin' Mavs are adding  tennis and swimming to their list of adaptive sports for students with disabilities.

The wheelchair tennis team, coming off of its 2009 Doubles National Championship, will include grad student Jeff Sale and senior James Patin along with newcomers Blake McMinn, Malcolm Wright, and Ruben Mauricio.

Grad student Tyler Garner and Mauricio will represent the University in swim events during the 2010-2011 school year. Garner, a former National Junior Swim Champion and Mauricio, who has been swimming for five years since his accident, will train with the local Mid-Cities Arlington Swimming program and compete in designated USA swimming competitions for swimmers with disabilities.

Contact coach Doug Garner at 817-272-3410, or go to utamovinmavs.com.

Trivia, lawn games, and poker line up for summer intramurals

Summer sports come indoors for two of three intramural programs offered by Campus Recreation.

Sports trivia competition is Friday, July 30. Call the Maverick Activities Center at 817-272-3277 for details.

Backyard/lawn games include horseshoes, washers, and bean bag toss Thursday, Aug. 5, on the outdoor courts. Registration starts at 6 p.m. with the singles and doubles competition at 7 p.m. The games are free and include free burgers and hotdogs.

A poker tournament Tuesday, Aug. 10, gives players 5,000 tournament chips for the no-limit, Texas Hold 'Em play, starting at 7 p.m. in the MAC game lounge. The competition is free. The champion receives a $50 UT Arlington Bookstore gift card and T-shirt, and the runner-up a $25 gift card.

(For more sports news, go to utamavs.com, utamovinmavs.com, or uta.edu/campusrec.)