University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 10-05-2010

Rollin', rollin', rollin': After 30 years, the annual Bed Races keep on rolling. The event includes a 1980s theme when the competition begins Thursday night at Maverick Stadium.

Put on your PJs and head to the 30th annual Bed Races

Wake up and smell the deadline for this week's 30th annual Bed Races. Deadline to enter is today, Tuesday, Oct. 5. Register online.

Then on Thursday, Oct. 7, get ready for bed early because the Bed Races start at 7 p.m. at Maverick Stadium.

The races rewind to their early days in the 1980s, with Punk, Preppy, and New Wave styles for costumes and carriages. The four-poster beds are manned by five students—four pushing and one on the bed—competing in three categories: women's, men's, and co-ed. Costumes are encouraged. Entry fees go to the Student Life Fund.

EXCEL Campus Activities and the Department of Campus Recreation sponsor the event. For more details, call Student Activities at 817-272-2963 or Campus Recreation at 817-272-3277.

B.o.B., Bobby Ray Simmons

B.o.B headlines at Fall Concert Oct. 18

Tickets are going fast for the Fall Concert featuring hip-hop artist B.o.B. (aka Bobby Ray Simmons). The concert is set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18, at Texas Hall.

Currently signed under Atlantic Records, B.o.B's debut single Nothin' on You reached No. 1 in the United States and United Kingdom. His second single, Airplanes, emulated this success, peaking at No. 1 and No. 2 two in the U.K. and the U.S., respectively. His third single, Magic recently became B.o.B's third consecutive top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Hip-hop group Cali Swag District also performs at the concert. The group's single, Teach Me How to Dougie, was ranked No. 1 on Billboard charts.

The concert is hosted by Student Affairs, University Events, and EXCEL Campus Activities.

Student tickets are $12, with a limit of two tickets per student. Tickets are $25 for the general public and $15 for faculty and staff. Go to utatickets.com to buy online.

Routine test of Outdoor Warning System set for Wednesday

UT Arlington conducts the monthly test of its Outdoor Warning System at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6. The test, held the first Wednesday of every month, will not be conducted in the event of bad weather.

Heard campus-wide through strategically placed loudspeakers, the test includes electronic chimes and is followed by the test announcement. At the conclusion of the test, an announcement will be broadcast to resume normal operations.

The City of Arlington's outdoor weather warning system has 51 sirens that alert people who are outdoors to seek shelter. Weather permitting, the city's system is tested on the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m.

Rising up: The College Park District spans 20 acres on the UT Arlington campus and will help create a true college town environment in downtown Arlington.

College Park groundbreaking Monday on campus' east side

UT Arlington joins the City of Arlington and First Baptist Church-Arlington at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 11, to formally launch the new College Park District, 20 acres on the UT Arlington campus—from UTA Boulevard to Mitchell Street.

The district includes a broad range of amenities including College Park, central Arlington's first true mixed-use, residential and retail development, and the 6,500-seat College Park Center, which is already under construction.

To the south, The Green at College Park is expected to be complete late this fall. The Green will be an urban oasis where students, neighbors and friends can gather and relax.

College Park District represents a unique collaboration between the University, the city and the church to create a new hub of activity that complements redevelopment now being realized in downtown Arlington.

Chemistry at the fair Chemistry at the State Fair of Texas is more than fried beer, as Doug Carlton, chemistry graduate student, explains an experiment to observers last week in the UT Arlington booth. Dr. Kevin Schug, assistant professor of chemistry, and his students gave out thousands of goodie bags of take-home experiments for all ages to fairgoers. The booth was provided through a National Science Foundation grant for Diversity in Science in the United States or DISCUS. Click on the photo for a demonstration.

Mental health screenings confidential, free today in Palo Duro

Stress, anxiety, and depression can be expected with college classes, but sometimes these issues go beyond exam time. Take a free, confidential screening for those issues as well as eating and sleeping problems, ADHD, and alcohol and relationship concerns at the Mind/Emotion Wellness Day event 10 a.m.-4 p.m. today, Tuesday, Oct. 5, Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center.

For more information on mental health issues, contact Counseling Services or Mental Health Services.

Paper airplane contest, movie celebrate International Space Week

International Space Week gets down to basics with a paper airplane contest 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, on the Central Library mall. Prizes go to the flighty-est contestants.

The classic and true space movie Apollo 13 is free at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, in Room 100 of Nedderman Hall.

The student chapter of the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics hosts the week's activities.

Student veterans share stories of their transition to college Monday

Student veterans share their stories of the challenges and adjustments required to transition from military service to civilian life at noon Monday, Oct. 11, at the Rosebud Theatre of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

A panel discussion covers veterans' experiences in the all-volunteer military and their role in overseas conflicts, their return to American communities and civilian life, and their experiences as college students. The event will be moderated by Alexa Smith-Osborne, assistant professor of social work and adviser to the UT Arlington Student Veterans Project.

The presentation is sponsored by UT Arlington's OneBook Program. The 2010-2011 Onebook selection is A Journal for Jordan.

For more information, go online to uta.edu/onebook or e-mail onebook@uta.edu.

'Tapped' looks at bottled water's effect on community, business, and the planet

In conjunction with the Kick the Bottle project, the documentary Tapped aims to convince the public to switch from bottled water to tap water. The free screening is at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, in the Lone Star Auditorium of the Maverick Activities Center.

This timely documentary is a behind-the-scenes look into the unregulated and unseen world of an industry that aims to privatize and sell back the one resource that should never become a commodity: water. From the plastic production to the ocean in which so many of these bottles end up, the film trails the path of the bottled water industry and the communities that were unwitting chips on the table. A powerful portrait of the lives affected by the bottled water industry, the film features those caught at the intersection of big business and the public's right to water.

The program is hosted by the Environmental Society of UT Arlington and the League of Women Voters. E-mail sarahste@uta.edu for more details.

Banned book browsing Biology major Carolyn Lorenzo checks out a display for Banned Book Week last week at the Central Library.

Artist brings view of war, world to campus for Festival of Ideas

Internationally renowned artist Alfredo Jaar will offer insight into his award-winning work during a special presentation at 6 p.m. today, Tuesday, Oct. 5, in Room 204 of the Architecture Building.

Jaar's appearance is a Festival of Ideas' event supported by the College of Liberal Arts. Support also comes from the Department of Art and Art History and the School of Architecture. During his visit, Jaar will meet with undergraduate and graduate students from art and architecture programs.

"Alfredo's work reaches beyond aesthetics and other formal concerns of art or the art market," says Stephen Lapthisophon, visiting assistant professor of art and art history. "He addresses issues of conscience, our shared social responsibility, and culture. His role as a public intellectual asks viewers and our students to examine the role of artists in society and to see why and how we make culture today."

Jaar has created more than 60 "public interventions" around the world, art installations that often incorporate photography and cover socio-political issues and regional wars. His work has been showcased in Venice, São Paulo, Sydney, Istanbul, Johannesburg, and Moscow.

Tickets are limited. Contact the Department of Art and Art History at 817-272-2891 for information.

Flu vaccine easy, cheap at Health Services

Who wants the flu? Not Mavericks. Avoid this downright awful disease this year with an influenza immunization at Health Services. Cost is $15 for students, faculty, and staff.

The all-in-one shot includes vaccine for two type A influenza strains, including H1N1, and one type B influenza, or seasonal flu, says Bob Blum, Health Services director.

Hours are 8:30 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Health Services Center. Walk-ins are welcome.

Immunizations are available on the following dates at these locations:

• 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center

• 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, Central Library mall

• 9-11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 18, Human Resources, Wetsel Service Building

• 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, Bursar lobby, Davis Hall

For more information, contact Health Services online or at 817-272-2771.

Dining Services seeking feedback through online survey

Dining Services is conducting a survey to better understand the University community's dining preferences and satisfaction level. All students, faculty, and staff are eligible to take the survey.

At the end of the survey, you can choose to participate in a drawing for a Sony blu-ray disc player with wi-fi or a $50 Visa gift card. The drawing is optional, so you may choose to withhold your personal information and remain anonymous. All responses will remain confidential.

Grad advice: Sebastian Fuentes, a Graduate Studies counselor, talks to Arlyssa Jaquez-an, industrial engineering senior, at the Graduate Admissions and Financial Resources Workshop last Wednesday at the E.H. Hereford Unversity Center. Next week's GradFest '10 is the largest event on campus for exploring Graduate School opportunities.

GradFest '10 features fair, discussions, free practice GRE, even a mixer

Thinking about Graduate School? Find information, answers, and firsthand accounts at GradFest '10, a free, one-day event designed for those considering graduate and professional school. GradFest '10 is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

A graduate and professional school fair is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Palo Duro Lounge, and a roundtable discussion about admissions, financial assistance opportunities, and test preparation is 11-11:45 a.m. Alumni and current grad students form a discussion panel noon-1:30 p.m. on making the most of the graduate school experience. Take a practice GRE for free 3-5 p.m. in Room 004 of University Hall. A faculty/graduate student mixer is 5-7 p.m. in the University Club at Davis Hall.

The Office of Graduate Studies hosts the event. Find more GradFest '10 information and register online.

Mavs Book Club discusses 'The Known World'

The Known World by Edward P. Jones is the Mavs Book Club selection of the month. The club will meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, in the basement of the Central Library. Meet and greet begins at 5 p.m.

This fictional story looks at a real phenomenon—African Americans owning other African Americans as slaves.

The book club is open to students, faculty, and staff. For more information, contact Diane Shepelwich at dianec@uta.edu.

Voter registration Chazne Huckabee, left, a photojournalism and psychology freshman, encouraged Connor Kelley, center, education sophomore, and Joseph Noyons, kinesiology junior, to register to vote last week. UT Arlington hosts early voting Oct. 25-28 for the Nov. 2 election. Voter registration ended Monday.

McNair Scholars program is looking for a few good undergrads

Applications for the McNair Scholars program are available now, and an open house is set for 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18, in Room 202 of Ransom Hall for students interested in learning more.

The program works with talented undergraduates who want to attend graduate school, earn a Ph.D., and have an interest in teaching at the university level. Program activities are geared to help participants gain entry to the graduate program of their choice and make a successful transition to advanced study.

Learn more about the McNairs Scholars program at www.uta.edu/mcnair, by e-mail mcnair@uta.edu, or by calling 817-272-3715.

LSAMP Bridge to Doctorate fellowship application deadline Oct. 29

Deadline for applications for the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Bridge to Doctorate (LSAMP-BD) fellowship is Oct. 29. The UT Arlington LSAMP-BD program, with generous funding from the National Science Foundation, aims to recruit, retain, and graduate increased numbers of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) professionals, especially those among women and under-represented minorities, including African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans.

Fill out an LSAMP-BD fellowship application or e-mail lsampbd@uta.edu for more information.

Tickets sold out for Rick Bayless presentation

Tickets are sold out for an "An Evening with a Celebrity Chef," which features award-winning chef-restaurateur, cookbook author, and television personality Rick Bayless on Thursday, Oct. 14.

Bayless' appearance is the second installment of the 2010-11 Maverick Speakers Series. The event in the Lone Star Auditorium at the Maverick Activities Center is free, but tickets are required.

UT Arlington astronomers take a fresh look at previously suggested planet

Work by a team of UT Arlington astronomers could significantly broaden astrophysicists' search for planets in other solar systems by changing the way they think about the orbiting bodies. If correct, the findings could increase the opportunities for the discovery of new planets in candidate systems.

"On the reality of the suggested planet in the ν Octantis System" by Manfred Cuntz, associate professor of physics, and Jason Eberle, a doctoral candidate, was published Friday in the American Astronomical Society's Astrophysical Journal Letters. In the article, the two scientists explore the possible existence of a proposed planet in a binary star system 69 light years, or 400 trillion miles, from Earth.

Based on six years of data, observers have suggested a planet may exist in the ν Octantis system, a star system visible only from the southern half of the globe, particularly from Antarctica. The observing technique is based on radial velocity variations or RV readings of the orbiting planet's effect on its host star—a slight wobble created by the planet's pull.

"If our theoretical studies turn out to be applicable to the ν Octantis system, they will provide evidence for the first case of a planet in a retrograde orbit in a stellar binary system," Dr. Cuntz says. Previously, retrograde planetary orbits have been detected for planets around single stars in regard to the stellar rotational axis.

Advising for spring 2011 term under way

Advising for the spring 2011 term has begun. The MyMav portal is your gateway to the schedule of classes and the registration timetable as you make your registration plans for the spring term. Priority registration opens Monday, Oct. 25. Check your Student Center in MyMav to see if you need to meet with your academic adviser before registering.

Application deadline nears for spring study abroad

Students interested in studying abroad during the spring term should submit their applications by Monday, Oct. 11, to the Office of International Studies. Learn more at the Study Abroad website. Contact the office at studyabroad@uta.edu or 817-272-1120.

Still time for undergrads to apply for fall graduation

If you missed the undergraduate deadline to apply for fall graduation, you can still submit an application through Friday, Oct. 8. The late application fee is $50. Read more about undergraduate graduation requirements.

Six-course-drop alert, check out the implications before you drop a class

All students who entered a Texas public college or university in fall 2007 or later are limited to dropping six courses in the span of their undergraduate career. Link to policies and procedures for UT Arlington's implementation of this statute. You will need to meet with an academic adviser in your major department to drop or withdraw from classes. The last drop day this fall is Friday, Nov. 5.

Jarrod Harris offers down-home humor Oct. 12 Southern boy Jarrod Harris pokes fun at himself and life in general for One Mic Standing at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, in the Rosebud Theater of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Admission is free. Harris determined that being raised as poor Southern trash left him with two options: jail or make comedy out of his misfortunes by complaining about it to rooms full of strangers nationwide. Harris is best described as an atypical Southern comic. His comedy is autobiographical, silly, dark, and oftentimes absurd. His stand-up has been seen on the We Channel, Tru TV, Comcast Comedy on Demand, and in comedy clubs all over the country. Stephen Colbert says, "Jarrod Harris is a charming and energetic performer, but more importantly, he is down right funny!" One Mic Standing is sponsored by EXCEL Campus Activities. Dustin Ybarra takes the mic on Nov. 9.

Tuesday, Oct. 5

National Night Out Join the UT Arlington Police Department for "Let's Give Campus Crime a Going-Away Party." Activities include free hot dogs and soft drinks to the first 200 attendees, Randy Reynolds and the RAD self-defense team with a demo booth, Peggy Morales and the emergency management, crime prevention, police department sky tower, police cars. Free. 6-9 p.m. Central Library mall. Ron Cook, 817-272-3902.

Wednesday, Oct. 6

$2 Movie: Robin Hood Russell Crowe dispenses justice in Nottingham. Rated PG-13. 5:30 p.m.; also 5:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Planetarium. 817-272-1183.

Flamenco Showcase Daniel de Cordoba Bailes Espanoles perform as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. Free. 7 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. Multicultural Affairs, multicultural@uta.edu, 817-272-2099.

Volleyball Mavericks vs. Texas State. Free with student ID. 7 p.m., Texas Hall. Athletics. 817-272-2261.

Don't Get Busted BBQ Student Legal Services provides tips on how to handle police encounters. The video Busted: The Citizen's Guide to Surviving Police Encounters is followed by a Q&A session with Keisha A. Ware, attorney for students, and a UT Arlington Police representative. The first 30 guests to RSVP receive a prize. Free. Reservations online. 7 p.m., Room 133, Maverick Activities Center. Legal Services, legalservices@uta.edu, 817-272-4191.

Thursday, Oct. 7

Gallery 76102: flats and rounds Opening reception for artist Nicholas Wood, who works in painting, drawing, and sculpture. 6-8 p.m. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center, 1401 Jones St., Fort Worth.

Bed Races One of the oldest traditions on campus, the Bed Races teams four bed pushers and one rider. The annual pillow fight happens, too. Free admission. 7 p.m. Maverick Stadium. EXCEL Campus Activities and Campus Recreation, John Hillas, hillas@uta.edu, 817-272-2963.

Symphony Orchestra Concert The UTA Symphony Orchestra performs Brahms, Dvorak, and Haydn's Trumpet Concerto with Rick Bogard of the UTA music faculty as the trumpet soloist. $5. 7:30 p.m. Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 817-272-3471.

Friday, Oct. 8

Vista Wind Quintet Recital The Vista Wind Quintet, a group of local musicians, performs Brazilian music. Free. 7:30 p.m. Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 817-272-3471.

Saturday, Oct. 9

Volleyball Mavericks vs. Central Arkansas. Free with student ID. 2 p.m., Texas Hall. Athletics, 817-272-2261.

Monday, Oct. 11

Guest Piano Recital Pianist Sohyoung Park from Rice University performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 817-272-3471.

Tuesday, Oct. 12

Music Honors Recital Music faculty members and outstanding students perform in solo and chamber music settings. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 817-272-3471.

Wednesday, Oct. 13

$2 Movie: Iron Man 2 Robert Downey Jr., saves the day again. Rated PG-13. 5:30 p.m.; also 5:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

Dancing with Mavericks Sign up your organization or team with another for this annual dance-a-thon. 6:30 p.m., Court 133, Maverick Activities Center. Multicultural Affairs, 817-272-2099.

Thursday, Oct. 14

Choir Concert The University Singers and A Cappella Choir perform. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall. Music, 817-272-3471.

Friday, Oct. 15

Free Movie: Despicable Me Free. 5 and 8 p.m., Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center. EXCEL Campus Activities, 817-272-2963.

Guest Clarinet Recital Michael Dean of Southeast Missouri State University performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 817-272-3471.

'Cabaret' Set in 1929 Berlin as the Nazis are rising to power, this musical shows nightlife at the provocative Kit Kat Klub. $8 with student ID. $11 general public. 8 p.m., Mainstage Theatre, Fine Arts Building. Theatre Arts, 817-272-2669.

Maverick Madness Contests, giveaways, and food are part of the first official night of basketball practice and the introduction of the men's and women's teams. Free. 10:30 p.m., Maverick Activities Center. Athletics, 817-272-2261.

Ongoing

Planetarium programs SpacePark 360 joins the fall schedule with out-of-this-world amusement rides. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

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.

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

Texas Hall reunion: Volleyball returns to Texas Hall on Wednesday night after four straight Southland Conference matches on the road.

Volleyball Mavericks host Texas State on Wednesday

After getting off to a 2-2 start on the road in Southland Conference play, the UT Arlington volleyball team will host Texas State at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, at Texas Hall.

Senior Bianca Sauls led the Mavericks with 12 kills in a 3-0 romp past McNeese State on Thursday. Junior Alicia Shaffer had 24 digs in that match.

Junior Amanda Aguilera recorded 17 kills and 15 digs at Lamar on Saturday, but the Mavericks dropped a 3-1 decision.

Intramural soccer entries due Wednesday

Intramural soccer entries are due at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, with a managers' meeting scheduled in the Lone Star Auditorium at the Maverick Activities Center. Soccer leagues are available for men, women, co-rec, fraternity, sorority, and freshmen. Free agents also will be accepted and assigned to a team.

Entries open for volleyball on Wednesday, but teams have until Wednesday, Oct. 20, to have entries completed.

Other intramural entry deadlines this month include Fantasy Basketball due Monday, Oct. 11, and doubles badminton on Sunday, Oct. 17.

For information on adapted intramurals for badminton, contact Doug Garner at dgarner@uta.edu.

Sports shorts

• Women's and men's cross country teams compete in the McNeese Cowboy Stampede on Saturday, Oct. 9, in Lake Charles, La.

• The golf team competes in the Brickyard Intercollegiate this weekend in Atlanta, Ga. The Mavericks finished seventh in the Cabo Intercollegiate completed Monday in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

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