University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 06-08-2010

Construction continues: The Engineering Research Building is nearing completion on the exterior and is expected to open in January 2011. The L-shaped ERB is being designed to achieve LEED Silver certification.

Construction on schedule for Engineering Research Building

The building exterior for the Engineering Research Building should be substantially complete by the end of this month. Interior work is under way, and the facility is expected to open in mid-January 2011.

The $126 million structure will house state-of-the-art, multi-disciplinary teaching and research laboratories, support space, and administrative offices.

The ERB is part of the Engineering Research Complex that includes the Engineering Lab Building, Nedderman Hall, and the First and Yates Streets Mall. A bridge will connect the lab building to the research building, and the outdoor mall plaza will unite the three engineering centers.

A green roof installation on the north side of the ERB has started at the second level. The building is designed to meet LEED Silver standards with energy-saving features such as green and light-reflecting roofs, windows designed to make efficient use of available light, rain and condensation capture and storage systems for landscaping uses, and recycled materials.

Baby snout: The infant crocodile snout found at the Arlington Archosaur Site is about one-fifth the size of an adult snout.

Infant crocodile fossils unearthed at Arlington Archosaur Site

Paleontologists have found the partial skull of an infant crocodile at the Arlington Archosaur Site, a prolific fossil site in north Arlington. The skull is a tiny version of the adult skull found at the site last summer.

The juvenile snout is three centimeters long, slightly more than one inch, compared to the adult snout, which was more than 15 centimeters long. The crocodiles lived nearly 100 million years ago.

In addition to the partial snout, crews have found baby scutes—the armored plates that cover the backs of crocodiles—teeth and tiny limb bones, says Derek Main, UT Arlington doctoral student and lecturer who heads the project.

"We haven't found the whole baby yet, but the discovery is really exciting," he says. "It's the first discovery of juvenile crocs from this time frame and this region."

To date, more dinosaur fossils have been recovered from the Arlington Archosaur Site than from any other site in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The site has yielded fossils from various species of animals, including dinosaurs. Crocodile fossils are among the most commonly found.

For more information, visit arlingtonarchosaursite.com.

Good Choice: Michael Choice is the first UT Arlington baseball player to be drafted in the first round.

Michael Choice drafted in baseball's opening round by Oakland Athletics

Selected by the Oakland Athletics, outfielder Michael Choice was the 10th player chosen in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft Monday night.

He is the first UT Arlington player selected in the opening round. Current major leaguers John Lackey and Hunter Pence were both selected in the second round, Lackey by the Los Angeles Angels in 1999 and Pence by the Houston Astros in 2004.

Choice was the Southland Conference Player of the Year and Hitter of the Year as he compiled a .383 batting average and hit 16 home runs. He set the UT Arlington career record for homers with 34 in three years with the Mavericks.

Rounds two through 30 of the draft will be held today, Tuesday, June 8, with subsequent rounds scheduled for Wednesday. Maverick catcher Chad Comer and pitchers Rett Varner and Jason Mitchell are also draft hopefuls.

See more information on UTA players and the MLB draft.

Exercise classes free this week at MAC

The first week of summer group exercise classes is free through Sunday, June 13, at the Maverick Activities Center. Participants must have an activated ID and will be granted access to class up to five minutes after the posted class time.

Classes in BOSU blast, cardio dance craze, cycle, Latin fusion, pilates, yoga, and others continue through Friday, Aug. 13. See the Campus Recreation summer group exercise schedule for details.

First Day of Summer (School) Alfred Ramirez, film senior, left, and Vicky Martine, education junior, prepare for a photography class in the Art and Art History Department at the Fine Arts Building as summer classes began Monday. Ramirez plans to graduate in the spring while Martine is using the summer course to help complete her degree sooner.

Save with Maverick Discount program

Many area businesses offer discounts to students, faculty, and staff through the Maverick Discount program.

The Texas Rangers are making discounted tickets available to 25 games this year for faculty, staff, students, alumni, family, and friends. Access texasrangers.com/uta and use the password rangers to purchase tickets for selected games through Oct. 3.

Help Desk has new phone hours

The Computer Help Desk for the Office of Information Technology has new telephone support hours. The Help Desk will answer phones until 8 p.m. daily. Walk-in help and e-mail assistance at helpdesk@uta.edu will continue during the Central Library's regularly posted hours.

Campus printers to get 'sleep'

As part of the University's ongoing energy-saving initiatives, capable network printers will receive an automated energy-saving setting Monday, June 14. Printers will be set to sleep after 30 minutes of inactivity. Printers will still be available after they have gone to sleep but will have a short delay for warm-up as they wake up for use. Warm-up times will vary depending on model. Printers will be set to automatically awaken at 7:45 a.m. on weekdays to facilitate quicker printer response.

If you have questions regarding these changes, notify the Help Desk at helpdesk@uta.edu or 817-272-2208.

Renovation of library's third floor among summer construction projects

Various campus construction projects have begun, including renovation on the third floor of the Central Library, work on a utility line near Hammond and Trimble halls, and preparation for work on the Special Events Center in parking lot 40.

For the latest updates on campus construction projects, go to Blazin' Construction, a blog of Facilities Management construction and maintenance news.

On the go The UT Arlington Formula SAE racing team finished sixth among 120 entries from colleges and universities around the world in the 2010 International Collegiate Design Series at Michigan International Speedway in May. The contest is sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers. From left are mechanical engineering Professor Bob Woods, who serves as team adviser, Kevin Colwick, Tim Patek, Matt Sims, Lena Gerry, chief engineer Eric Leichtle, team captain Blake Hinsey, and Harlan Hoang.

University partners with Texas Health Resources, Good Shepherd Health System to expand nursing education

The College of Nursing is partnering with Good Shepherd Health System in East Texas and Arlington-based Texas Health Resources in two grants designed to increase the number of registered nurses in Texas and faculty who teach them.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has named the UT Arlington College of Nursing in two of the eight awards given through the 2010 Hospital-Based Nursing Education Partnership Grant Program. State lawmakers created the competitive, peer-reviewed program in 2007 to increase the number of students in professional nursing education programs and to promote collaboration between hospitals and nursing education programs.

Read more about the UT Arlington and the Hospital-Based Nursing Education Partnership Grant Program.

University faculty members earn eight advanced research awards

UT Arlington faculty members have received eight Norman Hackerman Advanced Research Program awards totaling $975,874 from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The awards came in the fields of biology, psychology, computer science engineering, chemistry, mechanical and aerospace engineering, biochemistry, and mathematics.

The competitive peer-reviewed grant program encourages and provides support to faculty members and students in Texas institutions of higher education, both public and independent, to conduct basic research.

A list of the UT Arlington winners, their grant amounts, and their research projects is online.

Amaro-Jimenez, Howard receive sustainability fellowships

Faculty members Carla Amaro-Jimenez and Jeff Howard received fellowships for sustainability in the curriculum, presented by the University Sustainability Committee's curriculum, research, and community engagement group. The fellowships are presented to faculty who best show the use of sustainability within their course curriculum.

Dr. Amaro-Jimenez's award will help pre-service teachers in bilingual education increase their knowledge of sustainability and develop ways to include the topic in their teaching. She is a visiting assistant professor of bilingual education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education and Health Professions.

Dr. Howard, assistant professor in the School of Urban and Public Affairs, will use his award to develop a course titled Introduction to Environmental and Sustainability Issues, which will be required for all students taking the new minor program in sustainability.

Summer camps available for youth

A wide variety of camps and programs for youth will be available on campus this summer. Some are free while others charge a fee. Day and residential camps are offered.

Summer camps and courses on campus include athletics, adaptive sports, engineering, music, nursing, SAT prep, science, and spirit/cheer. Go online to uta.edu/summercamps for more information.

Take a break with Mindful Moments

Take a break from stress with Mindful Moments each Wednesday this summer. Mindfulness draws on one's internal resources to cultivate awareness and practice being present in each moment of our lives. The summer session continues through Aug. 11. Free. 12:15-12:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Room 235, Business Building. Marie Bannister, 817-272-2771.

Summer intersession grades

Summer intersession grades are scheduled to be available after noon, Thursday, June 10. 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.

Six-course drop limit on undergraduates

Undergraduate students who entered college for the first time in fall 2007 are limited to a total of six dropped courses during their undergraduate career. Read more about this state law. This is an important factor to know as you plan your summer and fall enrollment, and it is strongly recommended that you work with your academic adviser before you drop or withdraw. A list of advising offices is online.

Likewise, it's a good idea to meet with a financial aid officer to see how dropping will affect your financial aid package. The Office of Financial Aid is at 817-272-3561 and in Room 252 of Davis Hall.

Registration for summer II and fall 2010 continues

Priority registration for summer II and 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. You will see a section on the right 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 Schedule of Classes for summer II and fall is accessible at uta.edu/catalog. The Graduate Catalog is available at grad.uta.edu/catalog.

Special Collections exhibit spotlights labor "For All Workers: The Legacy of the Texas Labor Movement, 1838-2010" is the Special Collections summer exhibit 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 Texas Labor Archives at UT Arlington. Inspired by Jackson's generous donations of labor archive records and personal papers, the exhibit explains what labor unions are and why they are important, shows the importance of the labor movement as seen through Jackson's life, and concludes with accounts of labor events that have impacted Texas history. The labor movement is a little-known aspect of Texas history, but is inextricably intertwined with the legacy of what it means to be a Texan. The exhibit runs through Aug. 7 and is free and open to the public. Summer hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. For more information, call 817-272-7511.

Wednesday, June 9

$2 Movie: AstroBoy Rated PG. 5:30 p.m., Planetarium. Also, 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 11, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 12. 817-272-1183, planetarium@uta.edu, www.utaplanetarium.com.

Thursday, June 10

Opening Reception for 'New Works: UTA Photography Faculty' The UTA photography faculty represent varied ages, genders, ethnicities, and artistic viewpoints. "New Works" features the work of Bryan Florentin, Scott Hilton, Leighton McWilliams, Kenda North, and Andrew Ortiz. Through July 31. Summer hours noon-2 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays. Free. 6-8 p.m., Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center.

Summer Movie: Shutter Island Rated R. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Concession for drinks, candy. Free popcorn. Free. 8 p.m., West lawn, Maverick Activities Center. EXCEL Campus Activities, excel-entertainment@uta.edu.

Wednesday, June 16

$2 Movie: Planet 51 Rated PG. 5:30 p.m., Planetarium. Also, 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 18, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 19. 817-272-1183, planetarium@uta.edu, www.utaplanetarium.com.

Thursday, June 17

Summer Movie: Brooklyn's Finest Rated R. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Concession for drinks, candy. Free popcorn. Free. 8 p.m., West lawn, Maverick Activities Center. EXCEL Campus Activities, excel-entertainment@uta.edu.

Wednesday, June 23

$2 Movie: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Rated PG. 5:30 p.m., Planetarium. Also, 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 25, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 26. 817-272-1183, planetarium@uta.edu, www.utaplanetarium.com.

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. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building.

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 See the complete Planetarium schedule. $3 students with ID. planetarium@uta.edu, 817-272-1183.

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

Sprinting to nationals: Cordero Gray, left, and Jasmine Walls will represent UT Arlington in the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, which begin Wednesday.

On your mark: Gray, Walls to run in national track championships

Junior Cordero Gray and senior Jasmine Walls will compete in the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships Wednesday-Saturday, June 9-12, in Eugene, Ore.

Gray will run in the men's 100- and 200-meter dash events while Walls is entered in the women's 200-meter event. Gray and Walls are no strangers to the NCAA championships, as both advanced last year and earned All-America status.

Choose your intramural sport; entries due this week

Intramural entries for indoor soccer, softball, and the FIFA World Cup group stage pick 'em are due Thursday, June 10, while entries for tennis and racquetball are due Friday, June 11. Sand volleyball registration begins Thursday, June 10, and ends Thursday, June 24.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members are eligible to participate as long as they have an active Campus Recreation membership. Enrolled students are automatically eligible.

See the intramural sports summer calendar for more details.

Sports shorts

Outfielder Michael Choice and first baseman Jordan Vaughn were named to the Southland Conference Baseball All-Tournament Team. The Mavericks won their first two games in the tournament May 26-29, but then lost two straight to Texas State and were eliminated. ... Four UT Arlington tennis players were named to the 2010 Southland Conference All-Academic Team. Men's team members named to the first team were senior Dmitry Minkin and sophomore Adam Srkala. Women's players named to the second team were senior Klara Jagosova and sophomore Maria Martinez-Romero.

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