University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 11-22-2011

Celebrate College Park: A new era on campus is about to begin

In February 2012, one of the most anticipated chapters in UT Arlington history will unfold with the opening of College Park Center, the University’s new $78 million, 218,000-square-foot events showpiece. A series of activities will celebrate the occasion.

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, a basketball double-header will highlight the evening, as both the women’s and men’s squads play their first games on the University’s new home court. The festivities start at 5 p.m., when the doors to the center officially open. Between basketball games against UT San Antonio are a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring fireworks, video shows, and more. Admission to the games is free. Tickets are required and will be available starting Monday, Jan. 2, at utatickets.com. Spirit garb, face paint, and wildly enthusiastic cheering are encouraged.

Forge new traditions during Homecoming Weekend. The festivities kick off Friday, Feb. 10, with the Homecoming Bash, featuring a nightclub theme inside the arena. On Saturday, Feb. 11, get ready for a Festival on the Plaza featuring live music, DJs, food, beverages, and the new and improved Golf Cart Parade. The weekend culminates Saturday night with a basketball game at 7 p.m., when the Maverick men take on Texas State.

If you enjoyed seeing superstars such as Rihanna, Maroon 5, Ludacris, B.o.B, and others at Texas Hall, just wait until you hear them in the new arena. An impressive slate of musical acts will soon take their turn testing out College Park Center’s acoustics. The building can accommodate up to 6,750 guests for a concert, making for a truly rocking show. Look for the announcement of the center’s first performer soon.

Pete Carlon

Leadership transition announced for Intercollegiate Athletics

President James D. Spaniolo announced Wednesday that there will be a transition in leadership in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. He and Pete Carlon have agreed that Carlon will step down as athletics director to assume a new senior leadership role.

“Pete is a great asset and resource for the University, and his contributions have been many,” says President Spaniolo. “Under his leadership, our student-athletes have enjoyed outstanding academic achievement, and our athletics program has been typified by impeccable NCAA compliance.”

Carlon joined UT Arlington in 1981 as the head athletics trainer. He served as assistant and associate athletics director from 1984 until being named director of intercollegiate athletics in 1996. Most recently, he played a crucial role in the University’s decision to move to the Western Athletic Conference.

“The timing is right for a change in leadership in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics,” says Carlon. “I will be forever grateful for the opportunity, the privilege, and the honor of leading our athletics department for the past 16 years. I want to thank President Spaniolo for his support of our department and for me personally.”

The search for a new director of intercollegiate athletics will begin immediately. President Spaniolo expects to have the position filled before the end of December in advance of the first basketball games in College Park Center on Feb. 1.

Carlon will continue to serve as athletics director until a successor is appointed.

Color me Maverick: Communcation major Harrison Stanley has the Maverick spirit.

Apply to be a Maverick Wrangler

When the Mavericks play in College Park Center, the teams need a special group of students to cheer them on.

The Wranglers are the select student spirit group that will cheer for the Mavericks at the first basketball game in College Park Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, and at the Homecoming game Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012.

Incentives include free reserved priority game seating, apparel and spirit items, food vouchers, and more.

To be considered for one of 50 Maverick Wrangler positions, apply online by Thursday, Dec. 1.

For more information, visit uta.edu/studentaffairs/vpsa.

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.

The new law mandates that 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 be inoculated against the illness. SB 1107 passed during the 82nd Legislative Session expands a previous requirement that applied only to college students new to campus housing.

It is imperative that new UT Arlington students who plan to enroll for Spring 2012 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 as the vaccine is considered effective several days after it is administered. Limited exemptions are specified in state law.

UT Arlington asks students to submit proof of vaccination by Jan. 2, 2012, to ensure that their documents are processed in time to comply with the law.

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

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

Invites coming for Student Feedback Surveys

Invitations to fill out Student Feedback Surveys will be sent to student MyMav email accounts starting this Saturday, Nov. 26. Your voice is essential in UT Arlington's ongoing mission to bring the best possible academic experience to students.

You will be emailed separate invitations for every course you are enrolled in. All surveys must be completed during the time frame specified in the invitation emails. Surveys are brief and are kept anonymous. Professors will not receive SFS results until after final grades have been posted.

For more information, visit the Student Feedback Survey website.

Getting the scoop Ben Cohen, left, and Jerry Greenfield, founders of Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc., discussed "Entrepreneurial Spirit, Social Responsibility, and Radical Business Philosophy" as part of the Maverick Speakers Series on Thursday at Texas Hall. The ice cream magnates gave free cold treats to members of the packed house.

Share your input on Block Party

The Departments of Residence Life and University Events are seeking input from students regarding activities for this year's Block Party.

The Block Party is an outdoor music festival with activities, games, and food traditionally held for the entire campus in the spring.

Share your Block Party ideas online.

Help students by ordering a MavPack

Order a MavPack for your favorite students and give them a boost prior to final exams.

MavPacks are packed with school supplies, spirit items, and study tips. The packs are $25 and should be ordered by Sunday, Nov. 27, at utaalumni.org/mavpack. Upgrade the MavPack for a graduating senior for $50 to include a one-year membership in the Alumni Association and an alumni T-shirt.

A portion of the proceeds benefits Apartment and Residence Life community events and the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.

For more information, contact the Student Alumni Association at saa@uta.edu or call at 2-2594.

Vote for me Gabe Escobedo promoted himself as "Honest Gabe" while running for Liberal Arts senator during student elections last week for Student Congress, UTA Ambassadors, and Homecoming court. See the election results.

Donations help Tarrant Area Food Bank and Mission Arlington

Donate non-perishable food items and help those in need through the Tarrant Area Food Bank and Mission Arlington.

Collection boxes are located in the Central Library, Davis Hall, E.H. Hereford University Center, Engineering Research Building, Fort Worth Center, Health Center, Maverick Activities Center, University Hall, Watson Building, Wetsel Service Center, and Arlington Regional Distribution Center.

The food drive runs through Monday, Nov. 28, and is coordinated by the Staff Advisory Council and Golden Key International Honour Society. For more information, contact Angela Ezell at ezell@uta.edu or 817-272-5667.

Volunteers needed for work day in Community Garden

Volunteers are needed for a work day in the Community Garden 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2.

Help is needed in clearing beds of plant material, spreading mulch and crushed granite, updating bed numbers, and general cleanup. Gloves and lunch will be provided.

To volunteer, contact Becky Valentich in the Sustainability Office at becky@uta.edu.

Mindful Moments takes a break for Thanksgiving holiday

Mindful Moments will not meet Wednesday, Nov. 23. Meetings resume Wednesday, Nov. 30. The free program meets 12:15-12:45 p.m. Wednesdays in Room 236 of the Business Building.

Cold awakening Ruby Paintsil, biology freshman, awoke to frigid temperatures Thursday morning after spending the night on the Central Library mall for One Night Without a Home. The annual event promotes awareness of homelessness and is sponsored by the UTA Volunteers.

Become a Maverick Orientation leader

Are you a student with great communication skills and a passion for UT Arlington? New Maverick Orientation is accepting applications for the 2012 Maverick Orientation Leader positions.

Maverick Orientation Leaders are the first to welcome new students and parents during the summer orientation program in June, July, and August. They develop valuable leadership skills, including public speaking, problem solving, and conflict management.

Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students, have at least a 2.5 GPA, and be in good standing with the University. Go to uta.edu/orientation for applications and information.

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.

Apply for Black Leadership Institute

Sign up for the annual Black Leadership Institute by Wednesday, Nov. 23.

The institute on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, strengthens students' leadership skills while connecting them with peers and UT Arlington faculty, staff, and alumni. All UT Arlington students are eligible to apply. Space is limited.

For more information about BLI, visit www.uta.edu/multicultural.

Artistic decision Mikael Hiestand, nursing junior, tries to decide which photo wins his vote during the Study Abroad photo contest last week in the University Gallery in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Volunteer for Reading with Mavericks

Help Arlington elementary and middle school students experience the wonder of stepping onto a college campus at the Reading with Mavericks on Saturday, Dec. 3, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Volunteers will interact and read with children while encouraging lifelong reading and academic achievement. Shifts are 8-11:30 a.m. Register at uta.edu/leadership.

The event is sponsored by the Office of the President, the Leadership Center, UTA Volunteers, and Score a Goal in the Classroom School Incentive Program. For more information, contact the Leadership Center at 817-272-9220 or email utavolunteers@uta.edu.

Brighten holidays with Angel Tree

Help a child from infant to 14 years old have a brighter holiday season through the annual Angel Tree drive.

Angels are available at the Leadership Center office in Room B160 of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Interested participants will be given age, gender, size information, and wish list for a child in need.

Bring purchased items to the Leadership Center by Friday, Dec. 2.

Clearing the smoke Danica Womack, psychology freshman, checks out information at the Great American Smokeout exhibit last week in the Palo Duro Lounge of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Health Services offers the free Fresh Start from Tobacco program for anyone wanting to quit tobacco use.

College, professor gain national honors for teacher preparation excellence

The National Professors of Middle Level Education has named the College of Education and Health Professions as an Outstanding Middle Level Education program. NaPOMLE is an affiliate of the Association for Middle Level Education, formerly the National Middle School Association.

The organization designated Kim Ruebel, associate professor and associate chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, as its sole Outstanding Professor of Middle Level Education for 2011.

Read more about College of Education and Health Professions honors.

Health Services achieves accreditation

UT Arlington Health Services has achieved accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.

Status as an accredited organization means Health Services has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care set by AAAHC. Health Services now joins the list of only nine accredited student health centers in Texas.

“Our patients deserve the best,” says Robert Blum, Health Services director. “When you see our certificate of accreditation, you will know that AAAHC, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has closely examined our facility and procedures. It means that our organization cares enough about our patients to strive for the highest level of care possible.”

Read more about the Health Services accreditation.

Giving back Stephen Mattingly, associate professor and graduate adviser in civil engineering, recycles electronic items Wednesday during America Recycles Day activities, sponsored by the Office of Sustainability.

Sustainability recognized for educating campus about clean air

The Office of Sustainability was recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Advertising by Air North Texas.

Information about Air North Texas, the regional clean air public awareness campaign, was included in campus communications and used in the classroom as students wrote, filmed, and produced 30-second public service announcements about air quality, including one in Spanish.

Researcher finds differences in African Americans' blood pressure control

Kinesiology Assistant Professor David Keller's recent work may hold clues as to why hypertension is more severe and strikes earlier in the African-American population.

Dr. Keller, associate director of the Center for Healthy Living and Longevity, is studying arterial baroreflex function in African Americans at rest and during exercise as part of a project funded by the National Institutes of Health National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Results of the first phase of his work were published in the American Journal of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology. Read more about Dr. Keller's research.

Open registration starts for winter intersession, spring terms

Open registration has started for the winter intersession and spring terms. Open registration is when all new and returning students will be able to register. 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.

Fall final exam schedule available

The final exam schedule for the fall term is available online. Finals are scheduled Saturday-Friday, Dec. 10-16.

Fill your calendar with holiday entertainment Get in the mood for the holidays with concerts, a parade with Santa, and some unique shopping. Enjoy musical talent by students and guests at concerts in Irons Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Building. The concerts are free unless otherwise noted. Purchase tickets online. • Guest Pianist Recital with Andrew Le of Hope College in Michigan, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22. • Symphonic Band Concert, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29. • UTA Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1. Tickets are $3 for students, $5 for general public. • UTA Wind Symphony Concert, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Tickets are $3 for students, $5 for general public. • UTA Choirs Concert, 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. Tickets are $3 for students, $5 for general public. Look for UT Arlington entries in Arlington's annual Holiday Lights Parade, which starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 in downtown Arlington. The pageantry ends with the lighting of the tree at City Hall. Take a picture with Santa and enjoy caroling at the Levitt Pavilion in Founders Plaza, 100 W. Abram St. Do some holiday shopping at the first Christkindl Market, north of Rangers Ballpark at Arlington, or at Etsy's Handmade Holidays marketplace at the Maverick Activities Center. Find more holiday happenings online.

Tuesday, Nov. 22

LAN Party, Tournament Compete in a variety of computer games, such as League of Legends, Star Craft2, Battle Field 3, console games, and more. Concessions available. Free. 6-8 p.m., Room 228, Engineering Research Building. Association for Computing Machinery.

Men's Basketball Mavericks vs. North Texas. Free with student ID. 7 p.m., Texas Hall. Athletics, 817-272-2261.

Tuesday-Wednesday, Nov. 22-23

Student Art Show and Sale Artwork by UT Arlington art students for sale. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Gallery West, 801 S. Davis St. 817-542-5123, christine.hoang@mavs.uta.edu.

Wednesday, Nov. 23

$2 Movie: Transformers: Dark of the Moon The Autobots learn of a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the Moon and race against the Decepticons to reach it and learn its secrets. Rated PG-13. 5:30 p.m.; also 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26; Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. McMurry. Free with student ID. 6:30 p.m., Texas Hall. Athletics, 817-272-2261.

Saturday, Nov. 26

Men's Basketball Mavericks vs. Samford. Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day with games and face painting. Free with student ID. 7 p.m., Texas Hall. Athletics, 817-272-2261.

Monday, Nov. 28

Men's Basketball Mavericks vs. UT Pan American. Free with student ID. 7 p.m., Texas Hall. Athletics, 817-272-2261.

Tuesday, Nov. 29

Interfraternity Council Social Greeks are invited to a holiday extravaganza with dinner, Santa, a white elephant gift exchange, and a tacky sweater contest. Free. 7:30 p.m., Room 133, Maverick Activities Center. Interfraternity Council, Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Wednesday, Nov. 30

Silk Road Wind through interactive booths hosted by student organizations. Pick up a passport for a drawing for a free iPod. Enjoy live shows by local performers highlighting Asian music, dance, and culture. Closing extravaganza for Asian Heritage Month. Free. 6:30 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Multicultural Affairs, Student Affairs.

Ongoing

Searching from Memory Photography exhibit features artists Caleb Dulock and Jessica Fuentes. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays; 2-6 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays. Through Nov. 30. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center.

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 We Are Astronomers reveals the global collaboration, technology, and dedication required to answer the unresolved questions of the universe. 6 p.m. Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. Sundays. The holiday schedule begins Tuesday, Nov. 29. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

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

Up and in: Junior Kevin Butler scored 17 points and collected eight rebounds in Saturday's win over Louisiana Tech.

Men's basketball hosts North Texas

Looking for its third straight win, the men's basketball team hosts North Texas at 7 p.m. today, Tuesday, Nov. 22, at Texas Hall.

The Mavericks face Baylor on Wednesday, Nov. 23, in Waco and return home to meet Samford on Saturday, Nov. 26, and UT Pan American on Monday, Nov. 28, in Texas Hall. All games start at 7 p.m.

Coach Scott Cross's team downed Louisiana Tech 68-61 on Saturday as junior Kevin Butler led the scoring with 17 points while junior Jordan Reves topped the rebounding with 13.

McMurry next for women's basketball

Seeking to turn things around after losses in the first three games, the women’s basketball team hosts McMurry at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, in Texas Hall.

The Mavericks then play Memphis on the road at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27.

Shaffer, Frantz earn volleyball honors

Senior Alicia Shaffer was named Southland Conference Libero of the Year last week prior to the conference volleyball tournament in Conway, Ark. She and fellow senior Tara Frantz were named first-team all-conference while senior Amanda Aguilera earned honorable mention.

The volleyball season ended Friday as the Mavericks lost 3-2 to Sam Houston State in the first round of the conference tournament.

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