University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 12-06-2011

New Center for African American Studies announced

UT Arlington has announced plans for a new Center for African American Studies that will build on the University’s reputation as one of the nation’s most diverse institutions.

The center will be the only one of its kind in North Texas and the third in the state.

The center will launch in August 2012 and is a collaboration between the School of Social Work and the College of Liberal Arts. The program will initially offer an introductory course and a rigorous minor in African American Studies.

Read more about the Center for African American Studies.

Is the University open today?

Texas weather can change drastically in just a few minutes and at the most inconvenient times. In severe weather cases, such as ice or snow, will classes continue?

The University closely monitors severe weather forecasts and will notify students, faculty, and staff should local conditions affect the status of the University, including classes, programs, events, and activities.

There are numerous ways for students to access official information about the status of the University. All announcements will be communicated via University email in TrailBlazer EXTRA. Notices will be posted on the University's home page, recorded information will be available on the University's Emergency Information Hotline at 1-866-258-4913, and announcements will be sent to local media outlets. Information also will be available on the University’s Twitter and Facebook pages.

Tuition Review Committee endorses no-increase plan

UT Arlington’s student-led Tuition Review Committee has unanimously approved the University’s proposal to hold the line on tuition and fees for the 2012-13 academic year while preserving the option of a minimal increase the following year.

The proposal will be forwarded to the UT System Board of Regents this month for consideration. Under the plan, UT Arlington also will avoid rate increases for University-owned residence halls, apartments, and dining plans.

“We are on track and resolved to maintain our momentum,” says Ronald L. Elsenbaumer, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “It is significant that our students have examined the tuition proposal, debated it, and voiced their support for the plan. It is a strong endorsement of the University's commitment to include students in the tuition review process.”

Read more about the Tuition Review Committee recommendations.

Hit the books: Study time is a priority during final exams, but students have a few options for taking a relaxing break.

Get ready for finals with relaxation, nutrition, and study help

Break the study cycle with some exercise and relaxation during the final days before finals.

Blow off some stress and come ready to sweat for the Pre-Exam Jam 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, in Room 135 of the Maverick Activities Center. This high-energy, stress-relieving exercise class includes water and healthy snacks.

Unwind with the Spa Retreat 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, in the Palo Duro Lounge of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Professional technicians help you relax with haircuts, massages, and more. Games, food, and study space are offered, too.

Late Night Breakfast provides students with a study break 9:30-11 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 12-13. A full breakfast menu is offered at the Connection Café for only $3, and cash, credit, MavMoney, Dining Dollars, or the meal plan are accepted.

Enjoy some quiet time at Mindful Moments 12:15-12:45 p.m. Wednesdays in Room 235 of the Business Building.

When you're back to the books, find help at college-based clinics and labs, such as the Math Clinic and the Writing Center, and supplemental instruction and tutoring through University College.

Spirit of giving Nursing junior Ify Okonkwo, left, and marketing junior Kelsey Lemons load up a box during the canned food drive coordinated by the Staff Advisory Council and Golden Key International Honour Society. The donations help the Tarrant Area Food Bank and Mission Arlington. The SAC of Joy toy and clothing drive continues through Friday, Dec. 16, to benefit Arlington Charities, Arlington Life Shelter, and Friends of the Family Women's Shelter. Bring children's toys and books, packaged children's socks and underwear, and new/lightly used winter clothing, pillows, blankets, and twin sheets to drop-off locations in the Central Library, the E.H. Hereford University Center, and Davis Hall.

Nursing commencement activities divided into two ceremonies

Because of a large number of degree candidates, the College of Nursing will have separate undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies.

Both will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, with the undergraduate ceremony in Texas Hall and the graduate ceremony for MSN, DNP, and Ph.D. candidates in the Bluebonnet Ballroom of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Commencement for all schools and colleges is set for Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 15-18.

Vote for spring concert performer

Cast your vote for the spring concert performer and the concert date. University Events and EXCEL Campus Activities sponsor the event at Texas Hall.

Performer options are Miguel, Neon Tress/AWOLNation, J. Cole, Jason Derulo, Far East Movement, Cobra Starship, The Fray, Gym Class Heroes, Drake, Wiz Khalifa, and Kesha.

Vote in the Spring Concert Performance survey.

TheShorthorn.com wins national award

TheShorthorn.com, The Shorthorn's online edition, has been named the best-designed college media website in the U.S. by College Media Association, the largest national organization for college media.

The results of the Best of Collegiate Design competition were announced last week.

A Shorthorn sports page won first place in the contest's Sports Page Design category.

MAC lockers should be renewed or cleaned out

If you rent a locker at the Maverick Activities Center on a semester basis, you can renew it at the MAC Services and Information Desk.

If you do not want to renew your locker, clean out the locker and secure it with the MAC-issued lock you received when rented.

All lockers must be either cleaned out or renewed no later than Jan. 6, 2012.

New students required to get meningitis vaccination

As of Jan. 1, 2012, incoming Texas college students under 30 years old must be immunized against bacterial meningitis before they enroll in an institution of higher education.

First-time college students, students transferring from another institution, and students who are re-enrolling following a break of at least one fall or spring semester must be inoculated against the illness. The new law expands a previous requirement that applied only to college students new to campus housing.

New UT Arlington students who plan to enroll for spring 2012 need to be vaccinated as soon as possible. Under the law, new college students must have received the vaccine within the past five years. Proof of inoculation is required 10 days before the Jan. 17 start of the spring semester. Limited exemptions are specified in state law.

Submit proof of vaccination by Jan. 2, 2012, to ensure that documents are processed in time to comply with the law.

Students will not be allowed to enroll or move in to campus housing without proof that they have complied with the meningitis vaccination law.

Learn about bacterial meningitis and find answers to other frequently asked questions online.

FLOC featured in video about Uganda orphanage

The Freshmen Leaders On Campus (FLOC) student group was honored in a video about a Uganda orphanage that benefited from the UT Arlington group's donations.

The video was made by The Giving Circle, a not-for-profit volunteer organization working with the people of Uganda to construct The Koi Koi house, an orphanage for the country's poorest and AIDS-stricken children.

FLOC partnered with The Giving Circle for its 2010-2011 community service project by providing playground equipment, which is shown in the video.

Watch the video featuring the Koi Koi children playing and saying thank you to UT Arlington.

Looking for perfect gift for a grad?

Take part in one of UT Arlington’s traditions by giving a graduate a flower bouquet or lei during Commencement Dec. 15-18.

Flowers and leis are available for pre-order through Friday, Dec. 9, and can be purchased at the tents outside Texas Hall before and after each ceremony. Pre-order and your gift will be waiting for you at the ceremony. Proceeds benefit the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.

For more information, contact the Alumni Association at 817-272-2594.

Gifts for angels Checking out the Angel Tree at the Leadership Center are, from left, Cody Paul, psychology senior; Esperanza Trujillo, management junior; and Dakota Keyser, interdisciplinary studies junior. All of the angels were adopted this year.

School supply drive continues

Donate school supplies to assist low-income youth in grades 7-12 as part of the TRiO pre-college programs.

The federally funded educational programs help students in their pursuit of a college education. Many participants cannot afford the school supplies necessary each semester.

Notebook paper, pencils, pens, spiral notebooks, note cards, backpacks, calculators, and three-ring binders are items that could benefit students.

Donations will be accepted through Thursday, Dec. 22, at the TRiO office in Room 706 of Carlisle Hall.

For more information about the TRiO pre-college programs, visit the websites at uta.edu/upward, uta.edu/ubmathsci, and uta.edu/ts.

C-SPAN films history professor

David Narrett, associate professor of history, will appear on C-SPAN’s American History TV series. A production crew recently filmed Dr. Narrett’s class and lecture on the Seven Years’ War.

Narrett’s lecture on precolonial America is slated to air at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, and at noon Sunday, Jan. 29. The American History TV series airs every weekend on C-SPAN3 and features professors and writers lecturing about the people and events that make up the American story.

Go online for details and a schedule of Narrett’s lecture.

Library seeks feedback on mobile site

Mobile device users can tell how they access the Library’s mobile website and traditional web-based services via a short survey. The goal of the survey is to better identify the needs of the Library’s mobile users.

The survey takes less than five minutes to complete and is available until Friday, Dec. 16.

Nearly ready College Park Center's exterior has only a little more work due before the opening Feb. 1, 2012. Watch the construction webcam for updates on the center.

Regional science and engineering fair set for College Park Center

Hundreds of North Texas' most talended middle and high school students will gather Feb. 26-27 at College Park Center for the Fort Worth Regional Fair, the longest running science and engineering fair in Texas.

College Park Center, the University’s new 7,000-seat special events venue, opens Feb. 1, 2012.

Read more about the Fort Worth Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

Use Maverick discounts to save money

Watch your budget this holiday season by taking advantage of the Maverick Discount Program.

Students, faculty, staff, and parents can utilize the discounts by simply showing their Maverick ID to local business participants or by using a unique UT Arlington discount code to shop online. Participating businesses provide a minimum 10 percent discount.

Preorder final transcript

Start thinking about pre-ordering end-of-term transcripts. Order your transcripts in MyMav or through the alternative order form site.

Last day of class is Friday, final exams begin Saturday

Classes end Friday, Dec. 9, and finals are Saturday-Friday, Dec. 10-16. Check the final exam schedule for details.

Open registration continues for winter intersession, spring terms

Open registration continues for the winter intersession and spring term for all new and returning students. Register early. The schedules of classes are online.

To determine if you need adviser clearance, check your portal page at 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.

BFA exhibit showcases 40 artists' talents See the work of 40 graduating seniors of the Department of Art and Art History in the Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition Showcase through Saturday, Dec. 17, at The Gallery at UTA. The students' art includes painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, glass, printmaking, film/video, photography, and visual communication. The exhibit's opening reception and awards ceremony is 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at The Gallery at UTA. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and noon-5 p.m. Saturdays.

Wednesday, Dec. 7

$2 Movie: A Christmas Carol Jim Carrey is Ebeneezer Scrooge in this animated version of the holiday classic. 5:30 p.m.; also 5:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

Thursday, Dec. 8

Mavs Book Club Passing Strange: A Gilded Age Tale of Love and Deception Across the Color Line by Martha A. Sandweiss is the monthly selection. Free. 5 p.m. Starbucks, E.H. Hereford University Center. Mavs Book Club.

Friday, Dec. 9-Saturday, Dec. 10

Handmade Holidays Vendors display handmade arts and crafts. Free admission. Noon-7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Maverick Activities Center. Etsy 817, Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Ongoing

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

Impressions of the West: Works of Art from Special Collections More than 30 paintings, sculptures, and prints of the southwest and west. Free. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, sixth floor, Central Library. Through Jan. 14. UT Arlington Library, 817-272-3393.

Planetarium Holiday Music Magic features a variety of holiday songs from Mannheim Steamroller and Burl Ives to Brenda Lee and Kurt Bestor. 6 p.m. Thursdays, 1:30 p.m. Sundays. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

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

Men's basketball at UT Austin tonight

Off to a 4-2 start, the men's basketball team travels to UT Austin for a 7 p.m. game today, Tuesday, Dec. 6. Follow the action on KVCE 1160 AM.

After a break for finals, the Mavericks resume action at Tulsa on Saturday, Dec. 17, then go to the Athletes in Action Classic Tuesday-Thursday, Dec. 20-22, at Logan, Utah.

Next home game is Wednesday, Jan. 4, against Southeastern Louisiana in the Southland Conference opener.

Texas Tech next for women's basketball

A trip to Lubbock is next for the women's basketball team as they face Texas Tech at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Following finals, the Mavericks participate in the Beach Classic Sunday-Monday, Dec. 18-19, at Long Beach, Calif.

Next home game is Saturday, Dec. 31, against Houston Baptist.

Movin' Mavs 3-1 at Missouri tournament

The Movin’ Mavs won three out of four games at Friday and Saturday's tournament at the University of Missouri, bringing the team's overall record to 5-2.

A strong offense led the Movin' Mavs to three easy wins over Southwest Minnesota State, Illinois, and Missouri, but wasn't enough in the second game against Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Next on the team's agenda is a tournament Friday-Sunday, Dec. 16-18, at the University of Kansas.

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