University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 10-26-2010

Early voting under way, on-campus location available through Oct. 28

Early voting for the Nov. 2 election is on campus Tuesday-Thursday, Oct. 26-28, in the Palo Duro Lounge of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

The polling station, sponsored by Student Congress, will be open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free parking will be available along the 300 block of West First Street.

Voters must be registered in Tarrant County and should present a valid driver's license or voter registration card.

Off-campus early voting continues through Friday, Oct. 29. More about the Nov. 2 ballot is available through the Texas Secretary of State office. Local election issues are available online for Tarrant County and Dallas County.

Morning mojo: Earlier this semester, Meagan Deal, left, university studies senior, picked up her morning cup of joe at a Commuter Appreciation Breakfast staffed by Meighan Burke, special programs coordinator for student affairs. Thursday's breakfast is in front of the Maverick Activities Center.

Off-Campus Mavericks dish up breakfast, lunch-and-learn talk

Students driving to campus can look forward to a Commuter Appreciation Breakfast and the first of a lunch-and-learn series, courtesy of the Off-Campus Mavericks Center.

Grab a free morning meal, a cup of coffee, and a couple of giveaways on the way to class 7:30-9:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, in front of the Maverick Activities Center.

The lunch-and-learn series about issues of concern to commuter students starts noon-2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3, at the Off-Campus Mavericks Center in the Maverick Activities Center. Dietitian Brie Woods presents an interactive presentation about eating on the go and covers how to eat healthy, eat on a budget, and plan ahead. Lunch is provided, so RSVP to offcampus@uta.edu to reserve a meal.

Find out more about the Off-Campus Mavericks Center online, by e-mailing offcampus@uta.edu, or calling 817-272-3213.

Bet you'll have fun at Thursday's Halloween Casino Night

Get a head start on Halloween with Halloween Casino Night 8 p.m.-midnight Thursday, Oct. 28, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Try some tricks at the casino tables—blackjack, poker, bingo, or roulette—for a few treats, such as an iPad, the evening's grand prize. Dress up in your favorite costume and enjoy music, food, dancing, and a variety of games. The night includes costume contests, mocktails, "drunk" goggles games, a mock field sobriety test, other alcohol awareness activities, and more.

The night is free. Sponsors are Campus Recreation, Apartment and Residence Life, Housing and University Center, and EXCEL Campus Activities.

For more details, contact Campus Recreation at 817-272-3277.

Family affair Kevin Mashhadizadeh, center, an electrical engineering major, and his parents Dorothy and Abdol of Arlington, were among the 770 students, their family members and friends taking part in Parent-Family Weekend. Click on the photo to see a slideshow of visitors and events.

Gothic lit specialist explains latest vampire mania on KERA's 'Think'

Rechelle Christie, a gothic literature specialist in the English Department of the College of Liberal Arts, will discuss the popularity of vampires with Krys Boyd at noon Thursday, Oct. 28, on Think on KERA 90.1 FM. Christie and Rick Worland of SMU will discuss why vampires are making such a comeback in current literature, film, and television.

Alternative Spring Break interest session seeks student input on volunteering

Need some ideas for Spring Break? Learn about volunteer opportunities 11 a.m.-noon today, Tuesday, Oct. 26, in the San Jacinto Room of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Possible trips include Pensacola, Fla., for Gulf Coast restoration and Mandeville, La., for work with Habitat for Humanity.

UTA Volunteers and the Department of Student Activities sponsor the Alternative Spring Break program. Spring Break is set for March 14-18, 2011.

For more information, e-mail utavolunteers@uta.edu or call 817-272-2963.

Making it official Juana Rodriguez, Spanish senior, takes a closer look at the official Maverick Ring while deciding on her order. Balfour ring representatives were on campus last week at the E.H. Hereford University Center. Rodriguez plans to graduate in December.

Free registration for Connect by Hertz club has Sunday deadline

Students have until Sunday, Oct. 31, to sign up for free registration in the Connect by Hertz club. After that, there is a $25 registration fee.

The unique nationwide car-sharing program is provided by the Office of Sustainability and Hertz. Students can pay as little as $8 an hour or $62 a day to use one of two cars parked at conveniently located lots on campus. The cost includes gas, insurance, 24-hour roadside assistance, GPS navigation, and other features.

To register, go to connectbyhertz.com and click on UT Arlington's name on the lower left hand side. Follow the steps for free registration. Membership options start with a $50 annual membership fee to a $125 monthly fee for frequent users. Go online or call 1-877-654-4400 to reserve a vehicle.

Exploitation topic of two films this week

Two films shown this week on campus explore exploitation of young women and girls.

Virginity is by Russian documentary filmmaker Vitaly Mansky, who shows his latest project and answers questions 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, in Room 108 of University Hall. The film's tagline is “In Russian capitalism, women have a sought-after commodity—virginity.”

Mansky is a contemporary Russian filmmaker and a founder and director of the Russian festival of independent documentaries, Artdocfest. He is known for his 2003 film The Anatomy of Tatu, which follows the pop duo on a tour around the United States.

The free program is sponsored by the Charles McDowell Center for Critical Languages and the Russian Culture Society. For details, call 817-272-2388.

The Day My God Died, a feature-length documentary, presents the stories of young girls whose lives have been shattered by the child sex trade. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, at the Rosebud Theatre in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Tickets are $5, with proceeds benefiting Maiti Nepal, an organization that works to prevent human trafficking. The film is presented by the Nepalese Students Association.

Speaking from experience: Karen Borta, Channel 11 news anchor and UT Arlington alumna, will deliver the keynote address for Communication Day.

Communication Day features alumna Karen Borta

Karen Borta ('87 BA), anchor for KTVT Channel 11, is the keynote speaker for the second annual Communication Day, which expands to two days, Wednesday-Thursday, Oct. 27-28.

Communication Day offers an opportunity for faculty and students to network with top communication professionals and distinguished alumni and to explore the field of communication, including advertising, broadcast, communication studies, communication technology, journalism, and public relations.

This year's theme is "Carpe Opportunity/Communication Diem" and offers two days of expert panels, practical workshops, training sessions, student organization activities, free T-shirts, and one-on-one networking with alumni.

Borta, a broadcast communication major, will deliver the keynote address 9:30-10:20 a.m. Wednesday in the Rosebud Theatre of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Other speakers include many UT Arlington alumni.

The event is presented by the Department of Communication in the College of Liberal Arts. For more information, see Communication Day.

Asian Heritage Month starts with a dance step Monday

Step into Asian Heritage Month with the colorful Lion Dance Parade noon-1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1, in the Palo Duro Lounge of the E.H. Hereford University Center. The Cho Chin Woo Lion Dance Academy leads the parade and performance. Play a few games—such as paper stars, ninja, and trivia—and take a chance on a raffle.

Other events for the month include:

• Diversity Lecture Series, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3, Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Kip Fulbeck, an author and filmmaker, presents his unique monologues and multimedia shows, which combine comedy with a politically charged edge, leading audiences to honestly consider "Who Am I?" A book signing follows. This event is free, but tickets are required. Tickets are available at utatickets.com.

• One night in Asia, 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. Celebrate Asia’s traditions with performances by the Filipino Student Association, Pakistan Student Association, Dallas Kiyari Daiko Japanese war drummers, and Fusion Flow.

• Most Awesome Extreme Challenge, 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Form a team and compete in an obstacle course, sumo wrestling, and jousting.

More details are available at the Office of Multicultural Affairs at multicultural@uta.edu or 817-272-2099.

"The Kayan" by Seiji Ikeda

Three art faculty members show works in new exhibit at The Gallery at UTA

"Introductions," the newest exhibit at The Gallery at UTA, introduces the work of three assistant professors of art, Seiji Ikeda, Ya'Ke Smith, and Tore Terrasi, who are active exhibiting artists, designers, and filmmakers. The exhibit runs through Saturday, Nov. 20.

Ikeda works in digital prints and the emerging field of web art. Smith has received worldwide acclaim for his films, which have been screened and won awards at more than 40 film festivals. Terrasi draws from new and traditional media, including writing, sound, and music.

An opening reception begins at 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 29, with a brief talk by the artists at 6:30 p.m. Artist discussions include Terrasi at noon Thursday, Oct. 28, and Smith at noon, Wednesday, Nov. 10, both in The Gallery at UTA. Ikeda speaks at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, in Room 148 of the Fine Arts Building.

Read more about the "Introductions" exhibit and artists online.

AT&T gift to help UTeach Arlington address shortage of math, science teachers

A new UT Arlington program committed to bolstering the ranks of math and science teachers has received $150,000 in support from AT&T.

UTeach Arlington began this fall as a joint project of the College of Science and the College of Education and Health Professions. The aim is to address the state’s ongoing shortage of secondary school math and science teachers by recruiting and inspiring UT Arlington science majors who are also interested in earning their teaching certifications.

When they participate in UTeach, students are exposed to education-related courses, classroom experience, and mentoring from area teachers earlier than in past programs. Freshmen and sophomores are offered scholarships of $125 for each of two introductory courses they complete.

Read more about UTeach Arlington.

Supreme donors: Carrizo Oil & Gas President and Chief Executive Officer S.P. "Chip" Johnson IV, left, and Chairman of the Board Steven A. Webster, announced a $5 million gift from their company to the University last month.

University reports record year in philanthropic support with $15.2 million

UT Arlington has set records in annual philanthropic support, a reflection of the University’s renewed focus on private giving as a means of accelerating its progress toward becoming a major national research university. The University generated an unprecedented $15.2 million in new gifts and pledges in the 2009-10 fiscal year ending Aug. 31, up from $5.9 million the previous year.

The record year includes numerous milestones in UT Arlington’s maturing development program, including the largest cash gift in the University’s history. The $5 million gift from Houston-based Carrizo Oil & Gas Inc. of Houston will support College Park Center, which is under construction.

UT Arlington President James D. Spaniolo credits alumni, individual, and corporate donors for strengthening the University’s philanthropy portfolio.

“Great universities, and great state universities more than ever, depend on the support of generous alumni and friends to enhance their academic and research profiles,” Spaniolo says. “UT Arlington’s star is rising in direct relation to increasing private support from our partners.”

Read more about philanthropic support.

Fed agency awards TMAC $850,000 to move technology toward production

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has awarded TMAC at UT Arlington an $850,000 grant to improve the competitiveness of industries in an eight-state region by accelerating the transition of technology from research and development to efficient and affordable production.

TMAC, formerly the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center, is the Texas affiliate of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership. UT Arlington holds the cooperative agreement with NIST to operate TMAC, a partnership that also includes UT El Paso, UT Pan American, the University of Houston, Texas Tech University, the Texas Engineering Extension Service of the Texas A&M System, and Southwest Research Institute.

Read more about TMAC's NIST grant.

Hot diggity dog Tomas Lobo, engineering sophomore, looks for potential customers for the UTA Volunteers hot dog stand Thursday on the E.H. Hereford University Center mall. The volunteers continue the food sale noon-2 p.m. today, Tuesday, Oct. 26, and Thursday, Oct. 28. Proceeds benefit Honor Flight DFW, which provides expense-paid trips for World War II veterans to the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Hungry for more chef Rick Bayless?

Get a second helping of chef Rick Bayless, the Oct. 14 Maverick Speakers Series guest. Watch this clip where Bayless talks of finding his culinary "home."

Been to Health Services? Take a survey

Take a few moments to complete the quick and anonymous patient satisfaction survey for Health Services through Nov. 19. Health Services is committed to meeting and exceeding your expectations. Feedback on your impressions of the facility and experiences of care, service, and staff are important and encouraged.

Volunteer for Super Bowl by Oct. 31

Don't miss a chance to register as a Super Bowl volunteer. The deadline to sign up is Sunday, Oct. 31, to be one of the faces of North Texas during the weeks leading up to Super Bowl XLV on Feb. 6, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.

The North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee is looking to recruit and train volunteers who will welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to North Texas to enjoy the Super Bowl experience. Volunteers will staff numerous activities and venues throughout the region, including the area's airports, major hotels, and the NFL Experience.

All volunteers will be issued a limited edition and official volunteer uniform and will be invited to a volunteer appreciation event in the weeks following Super Bowl XLV.

Register to be a Super Bowl XLV volunteer, or visit northtexassuperbowl.com.

Progress report grades available

Mid-term progress report grades are available for many undergraduate students this week.Check your UT Arlington e-mail account to see if you are in the group to receive progress reports. Unlike final grades, you can see progress report grades as soon as they are entered.

Check your MyMav Student Center to see how you are doing in each course. If you aren’t doing as well as you’d like, seek the counsel of your academic adviser or talk with your instructor.

Registration now open for winter intersession, spring term

View the registration timetable for your priority registration date for the winter intersession and spring term. To determine if you need adviser clearance, check your portal page at uta.edu/mymav and click on Student Center, then Holds and Details. If your academic department requires advising, you will see an academic department services indicator, or hold. Check the list of academic advising offices. The schedules of classes are online.

Last day to drop is Nov. 5

The last day to drop courses for both undergraduate and graduate students is 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5. 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 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 and procedures for its implementation at UT Arlington.

• 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.

LSAMP Bridge to Doctorate fellowship application deadline Friday

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, funded by 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.

Drug Free Schools and Communities Act annual notification

UT Arlington seeks to provide its students, faculty, and staff with a drug-free environment. In accordance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, the University is required to annually notify students, faculty, and staff about:

Health risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse

• Alcohol and Drug Awareness

• Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Abuse (Brochures are at UT Arlington Police Department and Health Services)

University policies related to the illegal possession, use, or distribution of drugs or alcohol

• Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy

• Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace Policy

• Drug-Free University Community and Workplace Policy

• Drugs and Alcohol Policy

Availability of treatment for drug or alcohol problems

• Drug and alcohol counseling and referral services are available through UT Arlington Health Services at 817-272-2771 or visit uta.edu/healthservices.

Internal sanctions and federal, state, and local legal penalties that may result from the illegal sale, possession, consumption, or distribution of drugs or alcohol.

• Disciplinary Penalties

• Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Abuse (Brochures are at UT Arlington Police Department and Health Services)

For more information, contact UT Arlington's Health Services at 817-272-2771 or visit uta.edu/healthservices.

Humorist Steve Hofstetter performs Thursday Steve Hofstetter, one of the top college tour humorists, performs at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, in the Lone Star Auditorium at the Maverick Activities Center. The event is presented by the UT Arlington chapter of the Golden Key International Honour Society. CollegeHumor.com's original columnist, Hofstetter was named one of Two Drink Minimum magazine's best new faces of 2004. He has written for Maxim, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated for Kids. Hofstetter's television appearances include ESPN's Quite Frankly, Showtime's White Boyz in the Hood, VH1's Countdown, and CBS' Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Discount tickets are available for $10 at picksteve.com. Use the promo code GOLDENKEY10. Tickets at the door are $17. For more information, contact Kevin Schuck at keschuck@uta.edu.

Tuesday, Oct. 26

Faculty and Friends Chamber Orchestra Concert This concert features performances by both students and faculty. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, music@uta.edu, 817-272-3471.

Thursday, Oct. 28

Halloween Casino Night Try some tricks at the casino tables for a few treats, such as an iPad, the evening's grand prize. A costume contest, mocktails, and food are planned. Free. 8 p.m.-midnight, Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Campus Recreation, 817-272-3277.

UTA Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band Concerts Works of the 20th and 21st centuries performed by music students and faculty. Featured performers are senior Adam Hanna and Professor Elizabeth Morrow. $3 with student ID, $5 adults. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, music@uta.edu, 817-272-2533.

Friday, Oct. 29

Guest Trombonist Recital Brian Hecht, bass trombonist with the U.S. Navy Band, performs. Free. 4 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, music@uta.edu, 817-272-3471.

Saturday, Oct. 30

Sally Ride Science Festival For upper elementary and middle school girls, this street fair is filled with hands-on exhibits, workshops with local scientists, and an appearance by astronaut Barbara Morgan. $20. Online registration ends Wednesday, Oct. 27. 11 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Central Library mall, Texas Hall. Sally Ride Science, Lori Norris, lnorris@uta.edu.

Tuesday, Nov. 2

Open Mic Night Do you have something to say, sing, or shout out? Sign up for performance time through EXCEL Student Activities. Walk-up performances accepted as time permits. Free. 7 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Student Activities, excel-entertainment@uta.edu, 817-272-2963.

Thursday, Nov. 4

Guest Pianist Recital Andrey Ponochevny, bronze medal winner of the 2002 International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition and silver medal winner of the 2010 New Orleans Piano Competition, performs. Free. Noon, Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, music@uta.edu, 817-272-3471.

Ongoing

Charting Chartered Companies The exhibition Concessions to Companies as Mirrored in Maps, 1600-1900 focuses on maps and how they shaped the histories of chartered companies. Through Jan. 8. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mondays-Saturdays, Special Collections, sixth floor, Central Library. 817-272-2179.

Gallery 76102: flats and rounds Artist Nicholas Wood works in hybrid forms of painting, drawing, and sculpture. Through Nov. 30. Gallery hours 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays; 2-6 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center, 1401 Jones St., Fort Worth.

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.)

Title run: Senior Amanda McMahon and the rest of the Maverick cross country team members head to Beaumont Thursday for the Southland Conference's cross country championship meet.

Cross country Mavs seek SLC title Thursday

Freshman Emily Koenig and senior Amanda McMahon spearhead the UT Arlington hopes for the women’s title at the Southland Conference Cross Country Championships on Thursday, Oct. 28, in Beaumont.

Koenig has won three meets this season for the Mavericks and twice earned SLC Cross Country Athlete of the Week honors, while McMahon has a pair of top 10 finishes.

Senior Heinz Schwartzkopf and sophomore Eric Montou have been the leaders for the men’s team this season as they also compete for a conference title.

Movin' Mavs to host national tournament in March

UT Arlington will host the National Wheelchair Basketball Association college division national tournament March 10-12, 2011, at Texas Hall.

The nation’s top seven men’s teams and the top four women’s teams will compete in the single elimination tournament. Games will begin the morning of Thursday, March 10, and lead up to the men’s and women’s championship games Saturday, March 12.

UT Arlington, which has won seven national championships, last hosted the tournament in 2005.

The Movin’ Mavs will open the regular season Friday-Saturday, Nov. 12-13, with games against Illinois and Alabama at the Physical Education Building.

Volleyball Mavericks win at Northwestern, face two road matches this week

Alicia Shaffer set a career high by notching 37 digs, guiding UT Arlington past Northwestern State for a 3-1 volleyball victory Saturday at Natchitoches, La.

The Mavericks have two matches on the road this week, traveling to Stephen F. Austin on Wednesday, Oct. 27, before going to Sam Houston State on Saturday, Oct. 30.

Next home match is Thursday, Nov. 4, against Southeastern Louisiana.

SLC commissioner Burnett speaks at Anderson Lecture

Thomas E. Burnett II, commissioner of the Southland Conference, discusses the NCAA conference realignment Monday, Nov. 8, for the 29th Anderson Sport Performance Lecture. The free event is at noon in the Lone Star Auditorium in the Maverick Activities Center.

Burnett will explain how the NCAA's change will affect UT Arlington and the Southland Conference, which includes 11 other member institutions.

The event is sponsored by the Department of Kinesiology in the College of Education and Health Professions. For details, call 817-272-3288.

Five intramural events round out fall semester

Upcoming intramural sports offered through Campus Recreation and entry periods or deadlines are:

• 3-on-3 Wheelchair Basketball, Nov. 3-18

• Poker, Nov. 10

• Table Tennis, Nov. 18

• NCAA College Football '10 Tournament, Dec. 1

• College Football Bowl Pick 'Em, Dec. 17

Go online to learn more about intramural sports events, rules, and deadlines.

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