University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 09-06-2011

Parking available: The College Park north garage has entrances on UTA Boulevard and South Center Street.

Covered parking is free at new College Park north garage

Protect your vehicle from the hot Texas sun with covered parking at the College Park north garage.

The garage is open with 1,100 parking spots and is free to students, faculty, and staff with a University parking permit.

Look for signs designating spots for the campus community, Arlington and Brazos hall residents, and members of the First Baptist Church, which donated the land.

The garage is divided into two sections. Enter Park North from UTA Boulevard and Park Central from South Center Street.

Catch the free campus shuttle to get from the garage to other parts of campus. A shuttle arrives every 15 to 20 minutes.

Jesus J. Martinez

Music student pays tribute to 9/11 with concert

Music senior Jesus J. Martinez pays tribute to the victims of 9/11 through music and song when his composition Threnody for 9/11 for Mixed Chamber Ensemble premieres at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Admission is free.

Concert patrons will experience the history of 9/11 through abstract rhythms and will be able to hear history in a unique way, Martinez says.

“There are no visuals, but the music and choir will tell the story of the terrifying emotions of 9/11,” he says. “It is dark in the beginning, but the light shines through at the end.”

Martinez will conduct the UTA Symphony Orchestra and the Arlington Boys and Girls Choir. Music major Anne Marie Boeding performs as soprano soloist with narration by Allan Saxe, associate professor of political science.

Read more about Martinez and his music.

Dry times: Texas' severe drought has resulted in delaying the annual Oozeball mud volleyball tournament until spring.

University taking measures to conserve water; Oozeball delayed until spring

North Texas drought conditions and severe water restrictions have prompted the University to take several steps to help conserve water, such as postponing the annual Oozeball event until the spring.

The Maverick-style mud volleyball tournament was scheduled to take place Friday, Sept. 16. It will now be held Friday, April 27. Read more about Oozeball.

The University installed about 1,600 low-flow showerheads donated by the City of Arlington in residence halls, campus apartments, and other UT Arlington housing during the summer. UT Arlington’s thermal plant also has been modified to use less water. Campus irrigation systems are set to water twice a week and updated with better controls to regulate use.

Some new landscaping may be watered more frequently if necessary to allow plants to establish root systems. Landscaping in the Janet and Michael Greene Research Quadrangle near the Engineering Research Building and The Green at College Park feature native and adaptive plants that consume less water.

Students, faculty, and staff can help conserve water by reporting water leaks, leaky faucets or toilets, and running drinking fountains to the Office of Facilities Management call center at 817-272-2000.

Students, alumni find job search help during Career Month, fair

Career Month is filled with workshops for job-seeking students and alumni and wraps up with the fall Job Fair Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the Maverick Activities Center.

Check the Career Center website for details on workshops and the Job Fair.

Volunteers are needed for one-hour shifts 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Student groups are encouraged to assist. 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.

Check, mate A game of chess drew some strategic attention at Wednesday's Maverick Cookout and Activities Fair. More than 150 campus departments and organizations provided displays as faculty, staff, and students enjoyed food and fun while collecting information about the campus. See the slideshow and watch the video.

Rent a bicycle this semester

Cruise across campus on a bicycle this semester by renting one. Semester packages are offered at $20, $30, $40, and $80.

The Maverick Bike Shop is open to all bike-riders, with free maintenance for those who rent a bike. The shop is at apartment 109 in the Cooper Chase apartments, 402 S. Cooper St., on the west side of Cooper Street. The bike shop has tubes, tires, slime, locks, light sets, helmets, bike racks, bells, and bottle cages.

Learn more about the Maverick Bike Program.

Register your cellphone for MavAlert

It is critical that you keep your UT Arlington contact information current at all times to ensure that you may be reached quickly during an emergency.

Students should update their contact information by signing in to MyMav and clicking on Student Center under the left Enterprise Menu. From there, fill in the emergency contact form.

You must enter a cellphone number to receive MavAlert emergency notification system alerts via text message. MavAlert notifications are sent by text, email, and voice messages only in the event of a life-threatening emergency.

For more information, see emergency communication.

OneBook program starts with bioethics talk today

Is your body your own? That's one of the ethical questions raised in this year's OneBook program and "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot.

OneBook kicks off this year's program at 12:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, Sept. 6, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom of the E.H. Hereford University Center with "Henrietta Lacks' Immortal Cells: Bioethics & Injustice." In this multimedia presentation, biology lecturer Tim Henry explores the intersection between bioethics, prejudice, and science through the fascinating life and experiences of Henrietta Lacks. Dr. Henry also is assistant dean of the Honors College.

The next OneBook program focuses on “Escaping Melodrama: Rethinking the Tuskegee and Guatemala Experiments” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, in the Rosebud Theatre of the University Center. Guest speaker is Susan M. Reverby, the Marion Butler McLean Professor in the History of Ideas and Professor of Women's and Gender Studies at Wellesley College.

Program assists freshmen with first year, life, studies

Two offerings by University College aim to help freshmen make the most of their first year and, of course, their studies.

The Success Series covers a variety of topics. This month topics are moving away from home, note-taking skills, campus safety and awareness, getting connected on campus, student organizations and campus involvement, and being the first college student in the family.

Start Strong Freshman Tutoring provides up to six hours of free tutoring in selected courses for all first-time freshmen. Students must register for and complete their first hour of tutoring by Friday, Sept. 16. To register, visit the University Tutorial and Supplemental Instruction office in Room 205 in Ransom Hall.

Read more about the Success Series and the Start Strong Freshman Tutoring or stop by University College in Ransom Hall for more details.

Full plate Ryan Kasper, biology sophomore, started his Wednesday at the Commuter Appreciation Breakfast in front of the Maverick Activities Center. The Off-Campus Mavericks Center hosted the morning meal.

Interpersonal therapy groups begin

Let’s Talk Interpersonal Therapy groups are organizing for the fall semester.

These small co-ed groups of six to 10 students meet weekly to enhance interpersonal skills and general well-being. The group experience provides opportunities to gain self-awareness, explore personal and relationship issues, give and receive feedback in a safe environment, and practice new skills.

All students can attend classes set for 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, led by Claudia Thompson, and 1-2:30 p.m. Fridays, led by Cindy Manzano.

A group for graduate students meets 4-5:30 p.m. Thursdays with Amy Zavada.

Space is limited. For more information or to schedule a pre-group meeting, contact Counseling Services at 817-272-3671.

Engineering prof named 'tech titan'

The Metroplex Technology Business Council has named J.C. Chiao, electrical engineering professor, a 2011 Tech Titan in the Technology Innovator category.

The council has about 300 members and serves as an innovation hub and network for the North Texas technology community. The Tech Titans awards are in their 11th year of recognizing outstanding technology companies and North Texas individuals who have made significant contributions to their industries during the past year.

“It is a tremendous honor to have our research recognized, especially because all of the finalists were so deserving and prestigious,” Dr. Chiao says.

Read more about Chiao and his research.

Signing on: Dr. Vassilis Athitsos has secured more than $1.15 million for research on gesture recognition.

Researcher acquires grants to help create online sign language dictionary

Vassilis Athitsos, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, has won two new National Science Foundation grants to further his work in developing a computer recognition system that eventually will yield a visual, online American Sign Language dictionary.

Dr. Athitsos has secured more than $1.15 million for research on gesture recognition since joining UT Arlington in 2007.

One of the new grants will fund collaborative work to organize large collections of sign language video and make them easy to search and download from the web. Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. is the world's only university in which all programs and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students.

“UT Arlington’s specific part in this project is coming up with a system that allows people to submit videos of signs online,” Athitsos says. “We then identify if and where those signs appear in our videos.”

Read more about sign language recognition software.

Dr. George Low

Fellowship brings TCU marketing chair to campus

George Low, associate professor and chair of the Marketing Department at Texas Christian University’s Neeley School of Business, is serving as an ACE fellow at UT Arlington for the 2011-12 academic year.

His fellowship focuses on strengthening the relationship between higher education institutions and students upon receipt of their degrees/certificates.

Dr. Low has been a member of the TCU marketing faculty since 1996 and has served as chair of the department since 2007. Previously, he was a member of the faculty at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada.

“Working with UT Arlington President James Spaniolo and through a series of campus visits to other leading institutions, I hope to learn more about leadership in higher education,” Low says.

The ACE Fellows Program, established in 1965, is designed to strengthen institutional capacity and build leadership in American higher education by identifying and preparing promising senior faculty and administrators for responsible positions in college and university administration.

Routine warning system test Wednesday

UT Arlington conducts the monthly test of its Outdoor Warning System at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7. 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.

Fall graduation deadlines approaching

The deadline for undergraduate students for fall graduation is Friday, Sept. 9. Download the undergraduate application for graduation.

For graduate students, the deadline is Monday, Sept. 12. Download the graduate application for graduation.

While the graduation application may be accepted after this date, the candidate’s name will not appear in the program nor will the candidate receive commencement ceremony tickets from the respective college or school.

Deadline approaches for inclusion in campus directory, Commencement booklet

To be included in Maverick Connection, UT Arlington’s printed directory, students must set or change their privacy settings in MyMav by the Census Date, Monday, Sept. 12. Make the privacy elections in the MyMav Student Center.

Your name will be included if you select the “release all restrictions” setting on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) restrictions page. Follow directions on Inclusion in Maverick Connection.

Unless you indicate that you want your name included in the Maverick Connection, it will not be included.

Students who graduated in summer or will graduate this fall who want to be included in the printed souvenir Commencement booklet must set or change their privacy settings by Saturday, Oct. 1. Follow instructions on Inclusion in Commencement Booklet.

FERPA specifies your rights and limitations regarding the release of information in your educational record and the procedures for review of your record.

Dropping and withdrawing options

The deadline to drop courses for the fall term is 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12. 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.

If you drop or withdraw on or before Census Date, no grade will be recorded on your transcript to reflect the drop. Courses dropped by the Census Date also will not be counted toward the six-course drop limit that affects students who entered a Texas public college or university in fall 2007 or later or the excessive hours tuition law that affects students who have more than 45 hours in excess of the hours required for a degree plan. Read more about this state law and procedures for its implementation at UT Arlington.

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.

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.

The Gallery at UTA celebrates 25 artistic years The Gallery at UTA celebrates a milestone with “Silver: 25th Anniversary Exhibition,” a group show of 25 artists who have shown works from its 1986 beginning as the Center for Research in Contemporary Art to the present. Benito Huerta, exhibit curator and gallery director since 1997 says, “We examined the list of artists who had exhibited here and selected ones who were included in multiple exhibitions under different directors. Others were selected because they were fairly new on the art scene when they were originally shown here, but are now making an impact on a national level." Now open, the exhibit has an opening reception at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, with an exhibit talk by Huerta. Former directors Jeff Kelley (1986-90) and Al Harris-Fernandez (1991-1994) join Huerta in a panel discussion 12:30-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, in the Architecture Building auditorium. The show ends with a celebration 7-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. The exhibit and all events are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. The gallery is located in room 169 at the north end of the Fine Arts Building, 502 S. Cooper St. For more information, contact Huerta or Patricia Healy at 817-272-5658 or visit www.uta.edu/gallery.

Wednesday, Sept. 7

$2 Movie: Tron A hacker is literally abducted into the world of a computer and forced to participate in gladiatorial games. Rated PG. 5:30 p.m. Also 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

Thursday. Sept. 8

Mavs Book Club This month's book is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. The club meets the second Thursday of each month. Free. 5 p.m., Starbucks, E.H. Hereford University Center. See the current reading list.

Back-to-School Poetry Slam Mike Guinn and his team of poetry and spoken word artists perform. Free. 6:30-9 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. African American Faculty and Staff Association, UTA Black Alumni Association, 817-272-0102.

Friday, Sept. 9

Free Movie: X-Men: First Class Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr were young friends discovering their powers. 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.

Sunday, Sept. 11

Threnody for 9/11 Concert The world premiere of Threnody for 9/11 for Mixed Chamber Ensemble, a musical depiction and reenactment of the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, music@uta.edu, 817-272-3471.

Tuesday, Sept. 13

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

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.

Levitt Pavilion Concert Series The fall Levitt Pavilion Arlington concert series includes UT Arlington Night on the Town on Friday, Sept. 16, and the UTA Jazz Orchestra performing Sunday, Sept. 25. The month-long series continues through Saturday, Oct. 1. Free. Levitt Pavilion Arlington, 100 W. Abram St.

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. Through Friday, Sept. 30. 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 Enjoy a '60s style laser light show set to the music of Pink Floyd. 7 p.m. Saturdays. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

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

Tuesday, Sept. 6	How to Find a Federal Job Learn from federal agency reps on how to get jobs in the many different types of government agencies, as well as how to write a federal resume. Free. 12:30-2 p.m., Red River and Concho rooms, E.H. Hereford University Center. Career Center, careers@uta.edu, 817-272-2932. Women's Self-Defense Non-Credit Class Learn measures to keep from being targeted for an attack. Class meets for 16 weeks. $80. 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Room 135, Maverick Activities Center. Jeremy Roden, jroden@uta.edu.
Wednesday, Sept. 7	The Big Muddy: Engineering the Lower Mississippi in the 19th Century History Associate Professor Christopher Morris reveals how intensified human meddling led to drought, disease, and severe flooding. Light breakfast provided. Reservations. Arlington Technology Association members, students, and first-time guests free. Others $5. 7 a.m. Room 601, Nedderman Hall. Engineering, 817-924-1850. Writing in Graduate School: An Introduction Discover the general graduate school writing expectations and review basic tenets of good academic writing and editing. Free. Noon-1:30 p.m., Room 411, Writing Center, Central Library. Also 5:30-7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 8. Graduate Studies, Michael Saenz, 817-272-2688. Study Abroad Info Session Learn more about programs and scholarships available for studying abroad. Noon, Sabine Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. International Education, studyabroad@uta.edu, 817-272-1120. Transition from Undergraduate to Graduate Student Status Receive valuable insight into graduate school expectations and gain strategies for successfully managing the transition to graduate school. Free. 12:30-2 p.m., Room B17, Davis Hall. Graduate Studies, Michael Saenz, 817-272-2688. Martial Arts Non-Credit Class This 16-week martial arts class meets three times per week. $150. 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Room 135, Maverick Activities Center. Jeremy Roden, jroden@uta.edu. Become an Alumni Ambassador Info Session Learn about joining the Maverick Marauders, the governing body of the Student Alumni Association that raises scholarship funds and serves as hosts at Alumni Association events. Free. 6 p.m., Alumni Association, 841 W. Mitchell St. Student Alumni Association, utaalumni.org. Getting Real Change Done with Social Media Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist.org, discusses his latest project: craigconnects.org. RSVP online. Free. 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. lecture, Lonestar Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center. College of Engineering Distinguished Speaker Series.
Thursday, Sept. 8	Put Your Best Facebook Forward Learn how to polish your online image and how to use social networking to your advantage during your job search. Free. 11 a.m.-noon, Red River/Concho rooms, E.H. Hereford University Center. Career Center, careers@uta.edu, 817-272-2932. Internship Workshop Hear from actual recruiters about their internship programs and how you can benefit from them. Bring a friend and some questions. Free. 2-3:30 p.m., Palo Pinto/San Saba rooms, E.H. Hereford University Center. Career Center, careers@uta.edu, 817-272-2932. Transition from Employee to Graduate Student Make a successful transition to graduate student. Typical issues include loss of professional identity, re-establishing good study habits, changed financial status, and changes in personal relationships that are associated with status change. Free. 4-5:30 p.m., Room B17, Davis Hall. Graduate Studies, Michael Saenz, 817-272-2688. Biology Colloquium Series Mohamed Noor, professor of biology at Duke University, presents "Recombination, Speciation, and Nucleotide Diversity in the Drosophila Pseudoobscura Species Group." Free. 4 p.m., Room 124, Life Science Building. Biology, Jeff Demuth, 817-272-2653.
Friday, Sept. 9	Freshman Day Discover information on the vast history and campus traditions of UT Arlington in a fun environment while meeting new friends, playing spirit games, and more. Free. 4-6 p.m., E.H. Hereford University Center. Student Governance and Organizations, 817-272-2293. Business Week: Surviving This Economy Keynote speaker Los Ellis discusses the three reasons businesses fail. Other speakers include Bron Austin Deal, The Image owner; comedian Justin Foster; and David Mosby, management lecturer in the College of Business and director of the Small Business Institute. Free. 6 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Business, Delta Sigma Pi, 214-537-5287.
Saturday, Sept. 10	Mavs on a Mission Join UTA Volunteers for their first volunteer event of the season. Free. 8 a.m.-1 p.m., call for location. UTA Volunteers, utavolunteers@uta.edu, 817-272-2963.
Wednesday, Sept. 14	Study Abroad Fair Discover study abroad options. Free. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. International Education, studyabroad@uta.edu, 817-272-1120.
Tuesday, Sept. 20-Wednesday, Sept. 21	Fresh Start from Tobacco Four one-hour sessions are designed to educate and assist individuals who are ready to make a fresh start from tobacco use. The sessions cover understanding addiction, quitting and coping strategies, and receiving help. Free. See the schedule for times. Room B03, Health Services Center. Health Services.
Saturday, Sept. 24	Rape Aggression Defense System Learn the 10 basic principles of self-defense, risk avoidance, and more. Free for female students, faculty, and staff. Register online. Free. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Room 135, Maverick Activities Center. UTA Police, Officer Randy Reynolds, reynolds@uta.edu.
(For an expanded list of events, see the UT Arlington Calendar.)

Returning champ: Emily Koenig leads the women’s cross country team after winning the Southland Conference title last year.

Cross country teams open season with home meet

Defending Southland Conference champion Emily Koenig heads the list of cross country returnees as the women’s and men’s teams prepare for the UT Arlington Season Opener meet at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at Vandergriff Park.

Koenig cruised to the SLC title last year as a freshman and is back along with four other letter winners on the women’s team. Ten lettermen return for the men’s team.

Volleyballers fall at Tulsa; Cal tourney next

After losing three of four matches at the Hurricane Invitational in Tulsa over the weekend, the Maverick volleyball team competes in the California Classic at Berkeley this week.

The Mavericks defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff, but lost to Tulsa, UC Davis, and North Dakota State in the Hurricane Invitational. Tara Frantz was named to the All-Tournament team.

The Mavericks play three matches in the California Classic, meeting UC Berkeley on Friday before taking on Georgetown and Nevada on Saturday.

Intramural entries due for basketball, foosball, tennis

Intramural entries for 3-on-3 basketball are due Wednesday, Sept. 7. Other entry deadlines this week include foosball Thursday, Sept. 8, and tennis Friday, Sept. 9.

Entries for flag football and racquetball are due next week. For more information, see intramural sports.

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