University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 06-22-2010

Center Street Green, Special Events Center chosen for pilot sustainable landscape program

Designed with sustainability in mind, the University's new Special Events Center will have a landscape and adjacent park that is certifiably green, too.

The nine-acre site that includes the events center and the Center Street Green under construction at Center and Mitchell streets is among 150 sites worldwide that will test the first-ever rating system for green landscape design, construction, and maintenance.

The rating system is a project of the Sustainable Sites Initiative, a partnership created to promote sustainable land development and management practices. SITES partners include the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at UT Austin, and the United States Botanic Garden. SITES selected the UT Arlington campus landscape project based on its extensive environmentally friendly elements, according to the organization.

The Center Street Green was designed by Schrickel, Rollins and Associates and is a joint project between the city of Arlington and UT Arlington. Construction of the $2.1 million green space is funded through a grant from the North Central Texas Council of Governments.

The park will feature native grasses and adaptive plants that consume less water and a dry creek bed that will help manage rainwater and storm water runoff that drains into Johnson Creek. It also features a large lawn, a curved stone wall that offers seating, and paving materials made from recycled bottles that will allow water to permeate. The Center Street Green is expected to be complete this fall.

More information is available at sustainablesites.org.

Special orientation sessions geared toward military veterans

For the first time, UT Arlington has scheduled one-day orientation sessions specifically geared toward military veterans who have been accepted to attend the University this fall. The sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, June 23, and Monday, July 26. Student veterans can register online.

Student veterans will meet with financial aid representatives who will provide detailed information about tuition, housing, and other benefits available through the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other veterans' programs. They also will receive information about registering for classes and support services, such as counseling, career placement, and tutoring.

A panel of student veterans will answer questions 1-2 p.m.. For more information, call 817-272-3373 or e-mail va@uta.edu.

Poore's iWin: Amanda Poore, art senior, won first prize at the New Media Film Festival for an iPod video.

Student's iPhone video takes New Media Film Festival first prize

A one-minute video created on a professor's iPhone has won first prize in its category at the New Media Film Festival in Los Angeles.

Amanda Poore, an art senior, produced the video as an assignment in a mobile video class taught by Bart Weiss, an associate professor of art in the film studies division.

The New Media Film Festival, held June 11-13 in Los Angeles, showcased innovative ideas and technology in visual media. Videos made with a cell phone were a new category this year.

In the first 30 seconds of Poore's video, a variety of people are asked to say the first word that pops into their minds. Poole edited their responses to form sentences, with speakers combining to produce results like, "I swim in blue biopsy." For the next 30-second segment, Poore supplied the words.

Read more about Poore's video award or watch her prize-winning video online.

Watch parking video, order fall permits now

Students enrolled for the fall semester can purchase parking permits now at uta.edu/mymav.

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 un-expired confirmation receipt will need to be posted on vehicle by 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 www.uta.edu/parking.

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

Follow the bouncing ball Sabreena Denure, business sophomore, shows girls' basketball campers a dribbling exercise. The camp is one of many summer programs on campus for elementary to high school students.

Fracing process begins on campus for additional natural gas wells

Fracturing for eight new natural gas wells began Friday at the southeast corner of campus.

Carrizo Oil & Gas Inc., the Houston-based company that is developing the University's natural gas resources, has drilled 16 new wells at the site since January 2009. Carrizo completed the fracturing, or "fracing," of eight wells in April 2010. Those wells are online and producing gas.

Fracing of the other eight wells is expected to take about six weeks, with completion anticipated in late July or early August. At that point, 22 gas wells are expected to be operating from the site.

Truck traffic and equipment noise at the site may increase temporarily during the fracing process. To mitigate any additional noise, Carrizo has installed a 32-foot, high-tech acoustic sound curtain around the site.

The University requires that sound from the site not exceed the levels of ambient sound measured in the area before the facility's installation. The requirement is more restrictive than City of Arlington noise ordinance standards.

Truck traffic is required to follow surface road routes approved by the City of Arlington for this specific purpose and is not allowed to take other routes through residential neighborhoods surrounding campus.

For more information on the University's natural gas program, visit uta.edu/naturalgas.

Summer movies at MAC, Planetarium

Budget-friendly movies are shown this summer on the west lawn of the Maverick Activities Center and at the Planetarium.

Free movies are Thursdays on the MAC's west lawn, sponsored by EXCEL Campus Activities. Free popcorn and concession drinks and candy are available. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Films include Clash of the Titans, June 24, PG-13; The Last Song, July 1, PG; Kick-Ass, July 8, R; The Back-Up Plan, July 15, PG-13; How to Train Your Dragon, July 22, PG; A Nightmare on Elm Street, July 29, R; Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Aug. 5, G.

The $2 Movies at the Planetarium this summer include Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (this week's show), Alice in Wonderland, Fly Me to the Moon, Toy Story, and Where the Wild Things Are. The shows are at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays. Check the schedule at utaplanetarium.com.

Exterior design Rebecca Boles, right, assistant professor of architecture and director of the interior design program, helps Skyline High School student Stephanie Cedillo with her SEED (Strategies, Events, Episodes + Devices) project in the Architecture Building courtyard. The School of Architecture's two-week program allowed students to design constructions.

Lot 47 south closed starting Monday

The south portion of Parking Lot 47, located west of Kalpana Chawla Hall, will be closed for restriping and other upgrades for approximately three weeks, which started June 21.

The north portion of Lot 47 will remain open for student parking. For more information, see the Blazin' Construction blog.

Surplus property available online

Looking for a vintage barber chair or a road bike? Check out University surplus property sold online at slapsale.com. Surplus items are available from UT Arlington and other universities. Generally, the items are listed to be sold through an online auction over 14 days. A valid credit card is required to complete registration.

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

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.

Research lighting: Dr. Jian Yang, right, works with Richard Tran, left, and Samira Usman in studying fluorescent polymers.

Bioengineering professor to help high school teachers

Jian Yang, assistant professor of bioengineering, wants to take his message about a university education and research to high schools.

He's getting started this summer, as Samira Usman, the Advanced Placement chemistry teacher at Martin High School, and some of her students have started working in Dr. Yang's lab as he develops a new education model for introducing college-level fundamentals to high schools.

Read more about Yang's program online.

Last day to drop for summer I (5-weeks) is Monday, June 28

The last day to drop courses for both undergraduate and graduate students for Summer I (5-week) is 5 p.m. Monday, June 28. After this date, students may not drop a course except with special permission. All students must meet with their academic adviser or designated representative in the major academic unit in order to drop one or more courses or to withdraw (resign) from all courses. A list of advising offices is online.

Impact of dropping on freshmen and sophomores: 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.

Impact of dropping if you receive financial aid: Financial aid recipients should meet with a financial aid officer to see how dropping will affect their financial aid package. For details, call 817-272-3561 or go to Room 252 in Davis Hall. Read about the federal regulations.

Three Dog Night to appear at Levitt Pavilion An appearance by Three Dog Night will highlight the Levitt Pavilion Summer Concert Series at 9 p.m. Saturday, June 26. The concert series is co-sponsored by UT Arlington. From 1969 to 1974, Three Dog Night was one of the most popular bands in America with 21 consecutive Top 40 hits and 12 straight gold LPs. Some of the group's top songs include "Mama Told Me (Not To Come)," "Joy to the World," "Black and White," "Shambala," "One," and "Old-Fashioned Love Song." Ticket sales for the benefit concert help raise funds for the Levitt Pavilion to produce 50 free concerts a year. The Three Dog Night concert is the only summer concert that requires a ticket purchase. Concert-only tickets are $25. A VIP dinner complete with wine, a live luxury auction, and cash bar is available from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Sheraton Arlington, 1500 Convention Center Drive. VIP tickets include dinner and the concert and are $150 each. Tables for 10 people are available for $1,500. After dinner, VIP ticket holders will go to the Levitt Pavilion, 100 W. Abram, where they will park in the VIP parking area and enjoy the concert in a reserved seating area near the stage. Find more details at www.levittpavilionarlington.org.

Wednesday, June 23

$2 Movie: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Rated PG. 5:30 p.m.; also 5:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

Thursday, June 24

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 Summer Movie: Clash of the Titans Rated PG-13. 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, excel-entertainment@uta.edu.

Wednesday, June 30

$2 Movie: Fly Me to the Moon Rated G. 5:30 p.m.; also 5:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

Thursday, July 1

Free Summer Movie: The Last Song 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, excel-entertainment@uta.edu.

Saturday, July 3

Independence Day Parade See the College of Engineering float depicting research activities and the Formula SAE racing car, just two of the 100-plus floats and groups participating in this Arlington tradition. The parade route is in and around downtown Arlington. Free. 9 a.m.-noon, downtown Arlington, Center, Abram, and Pecan streets.

Through July 3

Summer Concert Series Concerts each Wednesday through Sunday. All concerts are free except for the special benefit concert featuring Three Dog Night on Saturday, June 26. Co-sponsored by UT Arlington. Levitt Pavilion, 100 W. Abram. levittpavilionarlington.org, 817-543-4301.

Leading Ladies Anne Healy, adjunct lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts, directs this comedy. The show includes work from alums Chase Mitchell ('09 BFA), Casey Hines ('10 BFA), and Jack Hardaway ('76 BA), plus students Stephen Howell and Miguel Marin. Thursdays-Sundays through July 3, Theatre Arlington, 305 W. Main St. theatrearlington.org.

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.

Through Aug. 7

For All Workers: The Legacy of the Texas Labor Movement, 1838-2010 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. Free. Summer hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. Special Collections, sixth floor, Central Library. 817-272-7511.

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 more about the Planetarium in The Starry Messenger. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

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

Top scholar-athletes: Volleyball setter Raegan Daniel, left, and baseball pitcher Jason Mitchell were selected as Southland Conference Scholar-Athletes of the Year for the Mavericks.

Mitchell, Daniel receive conference scholar-athlete honor

Senior baseball pitcher Jason Mitchell and junior volleyball setter Raegan Daniel were selected as the UT Arlington representatives for 2009-10 Southland Conference Scholar-Athletes of the Year.

The conference annually recognizes the outstanding male and female student-athletes from each of the league's member institutions. Student-athletes must be a letter winner with a minimum 3.2 cumulative grade-point average and have completed at least two years of intercollegiate competition at the school from which he or she was nominated.

Mitchell set school game and season records for strikeouts, and was named second team all-conference and second team academic all-district.

Daniel led the volleyball team in hitting percentage and assists while being named to two all-tournament teams.

Sports shorts

Three more Maverick players were selected in the Major League Baseball draft. Drafted were pitchers Rett Varner, Florida Marlins, sixth round; Jason Mitchell, Kansas City Royals, 15th round; and Logan Bawcom, Los Angeles Dodgers, 17th round. Outfielder Michael Choice was picked by the Oakland Athletics in the first round. ... Outfielder Michael Choice was named to four All-American teams last week. He was selected to the first team by Baseball America and Yahoo! Sports, second team by Ping, and third team by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. He also was named to the first team All-South Central Region team by the American Baseball Coaches Association. ... Outfielder Preston Beck was named a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball. ...Cordero Gray advanced to the semifinals in both the 100- and 200-meter events in the men's division of the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships earlier this month in Eugene, Ore. In the women's division, Jasmine Walls advanced to the semifinals in the 200. ... Intramural entries for sand volleyball teams are due Thursday, June 24.

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