University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 08-23-2011

Moving experience: Mavericks lent a hand or two during Monday's Residence Hall Move-in Event, an annual activity to help students settle into their on-campus homes for the semester. See who moved in and who helped them in the Move-in Day slideshow.

Maverick Stampede launches fall semester with welcome events

Maverick Country issues a big Texas welcome to new and returning students this week.

Noted filmmaker Ya'Ke Smith, associate professor in art and art history, shares a few thoughts as the keynote speaker at the MavsMeet Convocation at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, in Texas Hall. Widely regarded as one of this generation's next film directors to watch, Smith is known for a veracious style of storytelling that takes an unflinching look at issues facing today's society. His film Katrina's Son is predicted to be on the Academy Awards nomination list in 2012. The UT Arlington Marching Band and strings ensemble 440 Alliance round out the convocation.

The Big Daddy Band cranks out the music at the Afterparty, which starts at 5 p.m on the Central Library mall. Comedian Aaron Aryanpur serves as emcee, while artist Richard Hight creates artwork choreographed to selected music. Students also will find games, activities, free food, and more.

See what’s new on campus during the Maverick Stampede, through Saturday, Sept. 10. The lineup includes campus traditions such as the Maverick Cookout and Activities Fair Day; Welcome Back Splash; Wings, Wieners, and Water; and more. Check the events schedule.

Emmitt Smith kicks off Maverick Speakers Series in October

The fourth season of the Maverick Speakers Series will include a football hall-of famer, entrepreneurs, a CNN anchor, an oceanographer, and a former governor and education activist.

The 2011-12 season kicks off Oct. 20 with Emmitt Smith, the National Football League's all-time leading rusher. All lectures begin at 7:30 p.m. The events are free and open to the public. Tickets are required and may be obtained at utatickets.com at a date to be announced.

The Maverick Speakers Series also includes:

• Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield—founders of Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc. Nov. 17 in Texas Hall.

• Soledad O’Brien—CNN anchor and special correspondent for CNN. Feb. 7 in Texas Hall.

• Robert Ballard—underwater explorer, best known for finding the wreck of the Titanic. March 6 in Texas Hall.

• Jeb Bush—former Florida govenor and head of the Foundation for Excellence in Education. March 23 in College Park Center.

Read more about the 2011-12 Maverick Speakers Series.

Excellence in teaching: English Professor Stacy Alaimo is one of eight UT Arlington faculty members to receive the Outstanding Teaching Award from the UT System Board of Regents.

UT System honors eight top faculty for teaching success

Four members of the Department of English are among eight UT Arlington faculty members who have been honored by the UT System Board of Regents with Outstanding Teaching Awards.

Professors Stacy Alaimo and Kenneth Roemer and senior lecturers Laura Kopchick and Peggy Kulesz are English faculty receiving the honor.

Also receiving the award are Bill Corley, professor of industrial engineering; Don Granvold, professor of social work; Douglas Grisaffe, assistant professor of marketing; and Lee Ann Frederick, lecturer in biology.

In its third year, the program rewards faculty members who deliver the highest quality of undergraduate instruction through a demonstrated commitment to teaching. Awardees also are recognized for showing a promising future of excellence in all aspects of instruction.

President James D. Spaniolo nominated the honorees based on recommendations from department chairs, deans, and a committee established by Provost Donald Bobbitt.

"UT Arlington appreciates the Regents' investment in recognizing faculty committed to actively engaging students and making the University a place of exciting intellectual exploration," Dr. Bobbitt says.

For more information, see teaching excellence.

University's redesigned website goes live with new features

The University’s central website has been redesigned and is now live. The rollout, which is the result of a comprehensive planning and development process spearheaded by the Office of Communications and Marketing, began Friday and continued through last weekend.

The redesigned site reflects major changes to navigation and site architecture, as well as numerous new features and functionality that make full use of the University’s content management system. The site includes a lively editorial style, as well as compelling photos and videos that are now being utilized and integrated strategically throughout the site.

The home page, which is primarily targeted to important external audiences such as prospective students and parents, has undergone a complete overhaul and now features a dynamic virtual tour that incorporates real-time Google Maps technology as a way to serve up information about events, research, and campus facts. Other new key areas include a robust “about” section and resource portal areas for faculty and staff, students, and visitors.

“This is a huge step forward for the University,” says Jerry Lewis, vice president for communications. “Every decision we have made was predicated on the quality of the user experience. Navigation is much easier and more intuitive, information is much better organized, and visitors no longer have to navigate pages and pages of links to find relevant content. This is a Tier One effort through and through.”

Lighting the way The new Gateway Tower at the north entrance to campus shone for the first time at dusk Monday evening. The brick and cast stone tower, located at the corner of UTA Boulevard and Cooper Street, welcomes visitors to campus and incorporates materials and architectural themes reflected in the College Park District.

Parking options expand this fall

A new garage on the east side of campus and a reduced-priced remote site on the west side provide numerous options to park this fall.

More than 1,100 spaces are available in the new College Park garage at UTA Boulevard between Pecan and Center streets. A free electric vehicle charging station is part of the new garage.

Reduced pricing on remote parking is available, allowing students to park at Maverick Stadium and ride the University shuttles to all parts of the campus.

Students must have their permits no later than Thursday, Aug. 25, the first day of fall classes. Order your parking permit for the 2011-12 academic year online by signing in on the MyMav page, then click on Self Service, and then Parking Request.

Call the Parking Office at 817-272-3907 for details.

Buy a Maverick license plate online, receive a free tumbler

Get ready for the fall semester by purchasing a 10-year personalized license plate from myplates.com during August and receive a My Plates tumbler.

Go to myplates.com/go/uta and enter the promo code tumbler during checkout.

For more information, call 1-888-7MY-PLATES.

Non-credit self-defense courses offered

Sign up now for non-credit courses in martial arts and women’s self defense offered through Campus Recreation. Both 16-week courses are limited to 40 participants and meet in room 135 of the Maverick Activities Center.

Martial arts meets 4:30-5:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Cost is $150.

Self-defense for women meets 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Cost is $80.

For more details, contact Jeremy Roden at jroden@uta.edu.

High-tech class: Dr. Eric Bolsterli, assistant dean of the College of Liberal Arts and a senior lecturer in history, demonstrates the interactive whiteboard in the updated Room 108 in University Hall.

Summer renovations range from paint to high-tech classroom equipment

The big reveal for this summer's makeover is under way at buildings, offices, and classrooms across campus.

Improvements to Room 108 in University Hall changes the lecture hall into a high-tech classroom. Equipped with advanced audio-visual tools, the 250-seat room will be a model of lecture halls for the future, says Bryan Sims, director of institutional construction. A large screen connects to the whiteboard and document projector as well as the lecturer's computer or iPad. The 250-seat lecture room includes a theater-style sound system, wi-fi capability, padded seating, electrical outlets on some tables, and more. Geoscience Room 100 will be equipped with similar amenities by January.

Hammond Hall and Trimble Hall join the University's Green Roof Project with certified green roofs replacing their old tops. A "green roof" is one that uses "green" technology, such as those that use solar thermal collectors or roofs where plants are cultivated.

Top-to-bottom facelifts greet new visitors to the Central Library’s second floor and the POD Market on the lower level of the E.H. Hereford University Center. New ceilings, lights, flooring, and paint have spruced up those areas.

New carpet is being installed in three classrooms in Trimble Hall and all three floors of Social Work Building A.

For more information on construction, upgrades, and renovations, see the Blazing Construction blog.

Charge ahead Austin Kennedy, left, a GE representative, explains to Jaclyn Cooper, branch manager for City Electric Supply, how an electric charging station refuels an electric car. City Electric Supply donated the station for the new College Park parking garage, which opened Monday.

Job Fair volunteers needed; groups and individuals can sign up for shifts

Volunteers are needed for the Fall Job Fair Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the Maverick Activities Center. The fair, hosted by the Career Center, has shifts available in one-hour increments 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Helpers are needed most 11 a.m.-2 p.m. This will allow a lunch break for the Career Center staff, while ensuring the job fair is still supervised.

Volunteer duties include set up, clean up, loading dock, and check-in tables.

Organizations may volunteer, also. To volunteer, visit the Career Center in Room 216 of Davis Hall and fill out a form or contact the Career Center at 817-272-2932 or careers@uta.edu.

Free group exercise classes at MAC

Group exercise classes are free for one week at the Maverick Activities Center.

Find a class that fits your needs for free Thursday, Aug. 25-Thursday, Sept. 1. More than 40 classes are offered weekly.

All fee-paying students are automatically members and are eligible to participate in all Campus Recreation programs and services.

Find more information on the Campus Recreation website.

Lt. Col. Lora A. Rimmer

Gulf War veteran takes command as ROTC chief

A veteran of the first Gulf War as well as the more recent Operation Iraqi Freedom is the new chair of the Department of Military Science and oversees the ROTC program.

Lt. Col. Lora A. Rimmer began her new role as professor of military science in July. She transferred from the Combined Arms Center in Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

During her 21 years of service, Rimmer has served in command and staff positions at both the tactical and operational levels across the U.S. Army.

Her awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. She earned a bachelor's degree in history and a master's in business administration from the University of Kansas.

Read more about Rimmer.

Enrollment loans available

Enrollment loans for the fall 2011 term are now available at the Bursar's Office. More information on enrollment loans is online.

Registration for fall semester continues

Registration for the fall semester continues through Wednesday, Aug. 31.

To determine if you need adviser clearance, check your portal page at 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. Check the fall schedule of classes and the graduate catalog.

Print your own enrollment verification

Enrollment verification for the fall semester is available online. To print your verification, log on to MyMav, go to Student Center, and click on Request Enrollment Verification to access the National Student Loan Clearinghouse.

Summer grades are online

Grades for summer II and 11-week terms are available in the MyMav Student Center when official.

University closed for Labor Day

UT Arlington will be closed Monday, Sept. 5, in observance of Labor Day.

Power, family mix in free show by Theatre Arts A classic power struggle comes with free admission this week, courtesy of the Department of Theatre Arts. The Lion in Winter by James Goldman is set during Christmas 1183, when King Henry II plans a reunion where he hopes to name his successor. He summons his imprisoned wife, his mistress, his three sons, and the crafty King Philip of France. Treachery and deception are at every turn, with the empire at stake. Dennis Maher, associate professor of theatre arts, directs the production, which features students, faculty, alumni, and special guests. No reservations are needed. Curtain time is 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 25-27, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, in the Studio Theatre of Fine Arts Building-North.

Wednesday, Aug. 24

$2 Movie: Source Code A soldier wakes up in the body of an unknown man and discovers he's part of a mission to find a commuter train bomber. Rated PG-13. 5:30 p.m. Also 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

MavsMeet Convocation Celebrate the start of the new academic year. Free. 4 p.m., Texas Hall. MavsMeet Convocation.

MavsMeet Afterparty Meet with fellow Mavericks in a variety of free activities and games, live music, and plenty of free food. Free. 5 p.m., Central Library mall. MavsMeet Afterparty.

Thursday, Aug. 25

Greek Life Welcome Back BBQ Meet new and returning Greeks for a hearty meal. 7-9 p.m., Greek Row. Greek Life, 817-272-9234.

Free Movie: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Captain Jack Sparrow crosses paths with an old love, but should he fear her or Blackbeard? Rated PG-13. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Refreshments at the concession stand. Free admission. Beginning after dusk, approximately 9 p.m., lawn west of Maverick Activities Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Saturday, Aug. 27

Movin' Mavs Blue/White Game Movin' Mavs alumni will coach the Blue/White instrasquad wheelchair basketball game. Jerseys will be thrown to the crowd. Free. 1 p.m., Texas Hall. utamovinmavs.com.

Wings , Wieners, & Water Mingle with your fellow Mavericks and while enjoying free buffalo wings, hot dogs, water slides, water balloons, snow cones, and more. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., by Arlington Hall. Student Governance and Organizations, 817-272-2293.

International Big Howdy All new international students are invited for music, line dancing, free food, and a raffle. Free. 6-9 p.m., Rio Grande Ballroom, Red River and Concho rooms, E.H. Hereford University Center. Free. International Education, 817-272-2355.

Pajama Jam Come in your pajamas and watch glow-in-the-dark dancers while enjoying crafts, face painting, food, refreshments, music, glow-in-the-dark bowling, billiards, and much more. Open to all UT Arlington students. Free. 9 p.m.-1 a.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, Bowling and Billiards, E.H. Hereford University Center. Student Affairs, 817-272-6080.

Sunday, Aug. 28

Welcome Back Splash Enjoy food, music, swimming, sports, and more. Free. 5-8 p.m., outdoor pool, Maverick Activities Center, Campus Recreation, 817-272-3277.

Tuesday, Aug. 30

Commuter Appreciation Breakfast A special breakfast for student commuters with free donuts, bananas, juice, coffee, and more. Free. 7:30-9:30 a.m., in front of the Maverick Activities Center. Off Campus Mavericks Center, 817-272-3213.

Dance Ensemble Auditions Try your hand at contemporary and modern choreography. 6 p.m., dance studio, Swift Center. Also 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1. Director Liza Grove, lizagrove@hotmail.com; Assistant Director Danielle Georgiou, georgiou@uta.edu.

Wednesday, Aug. 31

Maverick Cookout Featuring the Activities Fair Day Learn what student organizations and campus departments have to offer and enjoy a discounted hamburger lunch (vegetarian option available). Pep rally at 12:15 p.m. Free; $2 lunch. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., University Center mall. Campus Recreation, Student Governance and Organizations, 817-272-3277.

$2 Movie: Pirates of the Caribbean Blacksmith Will Turner teams up with eccentric pirate Captain Jack Sparrow to save his love, the governor's daughter, from Jack's former pirate allies, who are now undead. Rated PG-13. 5:30 p.m. Also 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

Ongoing

Influence Exhibit Three members of the Department of Art and Art History faculty—Marilyn Jolly, Sedrick Huckaby, and Carlos Donjuan—combine their talents for this painting exhibit. 3-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays. Free. Through Friday, Sept. 9. Oak Cliff Cultural Center, 223 W. Jefferson Blvd., Dallas.

Texas Rangers Baseball Get tickets for students, faculty, staff, alumni, family, and friends. Access texasrangers.com/uta and use the password rangers for designated games through Wednesday, Sept. 14.

Broken Sugar Exhibit An exhibition of 22 mixed-media sculpture and two-dimensional works by Melba Northum. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays; 2-6 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center.

Life and Death in the Northern Passage Photojournalist Dominic Bracco II ('08 BA) provides a view of drug violence in Ciudad Juarez. Free. Through Jan. 14. Sixth floor parlor, Central Library.

Planetarium Summer schedule continues through Aug. 28. Fall schedule begins Aug. 30. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

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

Volleyball opener Friday at El Paso

Five seniors provide plenty of experience as the Maverick volleyball team gets set to open the season at the El Paso Sports Commission Volleyball Invitational Friday, Aug. 26.

The first match for UT Arlington is against Southern University at 5 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, Aug. 27, the Mavericks face Portland State at noon and UT El Paso at 7:30 p.m.

Men's basketball wins five in Canada

UT Arlington won all five games on its tour of Canada during the past week, defeating teams from Trinity Western University, Quest University, the University of British Columbia, Douglas College, and the University of Fraser Valley.

This was the first international summer tour for the men’s basketball team, with all games played in the Vancouver, B.C., area.

Intramural entries open Thursday

Entries will be accepted for flag football, bowling, 3-on-3 basketball, and the pre-season flag football tournament beginning Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Services and Information desk at the Maverick Activities Center.

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