University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 08-21-2012

Mavs meeting: MavsMeet Convocation is the traditional beginning of the fall semester when University leaders as well as the Student Congress president welcome students.

MavsMeet Convocation welcomes students to fall semester

An outstanding academic year starts with an outstanding event to welcome new and returning students to campus.

The MavsMeet Convocation has become the traditional springboard for the new academic year, as University leaders share with students their hopes and visions for all Mavericks. The event starts at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, in College Park Center. Hear remarks from President James D. Spaniolo, Vice President for Student Affairs Frank Lamas, and Student Congress President Jennifer Fox. Guest speaker is Vice Provost for Academic Affairs David Silva, a professor of linguistics in the College of Liberal Arts. The kickoff ceremony also includes a spirited performance by the UT Arlington Marching Band and the UT Arlington World Percussion Ensemble.

A lively afterparty begins at 5 p.m. on the Green at College Park, just south of College Park Center. Mingle with fellow students while enjoying flipbooks, big chair photos, a zipline, and The Wild One obstacle course. Free food and music are planned, too.

The rest of Welcome Week includes traditional gatherings and events such as MavSwap, Waffleopolis, Pajama Jam, the Maverick Cookout, and more. Read about what else is happening on the Welcome Week website or in the Going Out section below.

Welcome to campus: The Dan Dipert University Welcome Center anchors the southeast corner of the College Park District. The center features state-of-the-art electronic displays and exhibits that tell the UT Arlington story.

College Park District debuts new student living, parking, retail

Move-in day will be exponentially more exciting this year as students take up residence at Vandergriff Hall and The Lofts at College Park and take advantage of spacious new parking garages in the College Park District development.

The residential and retail development includes 1,800 parking spaces in three garages to serve faculty, staff, and students; patrons of restaurants and retail outlets; and visitors to the 7,000-seat College Park Center.

“It’s thrilling to see Arlington’s first urban village take root on the UT Arlington campus,” President James D. Spaniolo says. “Our students now have a destination where they can live, study, dine, and catch a show or a game. The College Park District is a beacon for everyone who wants to experience the excitement of a thriving college town.”

The College Park District also features the new, 7,000-square-foot Dan Dipert University Welcome Center, which was made possible in part by support from Dan Dipert, chief executive officer of Arlington-based Dan Dipert Travel & Transportation Ltd., and his wife Linda.

Classes begin Thursday, Aug. 23. A grand opening event for the College Park District is planned later this fall.

Read more about the College Park District development.

Electric shuttle: A 14-passenger, electric shuttle cart known as the Mav Mobile will serve riders between the College Park District and the E.H. Hereford University Center. Read about campus transportation and shuttle services.

Parking, transportation options expand with opening of new College Park District

Students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the UT Arlington campus this fall will have new parking options with access to 1,800 spaces in three College Park District garages and enhanced shuttle services to the E.H. Hereford University Center.

The Park North, Park Central, and Park South garages serve 600 students living in the new Vandergriff Hall and The Lofts at College Park apartments, patrons of College Park District restaurants and shops, and visitors to the University Center and the new, 7,000-square-foot Dan Dipert University Welcome Center at South Center and West Second streets.

Also new this fall is Mav Mobile, a 14-passenger, electric shuttle cart that will serve riders during peak traffic periods between the College Park District and the E.H. Hereford University Center shuttle stop on East First Street. University shuttle services are free and run every 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the routes.

There is no charge for parking in the College Park District garages if you have a parking permit. Order a parking permit for the 2012-13 academic year by Thursday, Aug. 23, the first day of fall classes. To order, sign on to MyMav. Click on the Main Menu drop-down menu on the upper left, then Self Service, then Parking Request.

Read more about parking and transportation options.

Movin' on up Campus walkways filled with family, friends, boxes, and belongings as students moved into residence halls for the Move-In Event. About 500 volunteers—including UT Arlington President James D. Spaniolo and Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck—lent a hand to help Mavericks settle into their new homes. See more photos.

Meningitis vaccination required for new students, returning former students

New and transfer students 30 years old or younger must submit proof of meningitis immunization or be dropped from classes. The new law—which went into effect Jan. 1—also includes students returning after an absence of at least one fall or spring semester. Students who audit a course also must comply. Limited exemptions are specified in state law.

Students required to submit this documentation have been notified through their UT Arlington email address.

Important deadlines this week are:

• 5 p.m. today, Tuesday, Aug. 21—Deadline to submit meningitis vaccination documentation

• 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22—Dropped from classes if documentation is not submitted

• 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23—Final deadline to receive meningitis vaccination or submit waiver

Meningitis vaccinations are available 8:30 a.m.-noon and 1-6 p.m. through Friday Aug. 24, at the UT Arlington Health Center. The cost of the meningitis immunization at Health Services is $100 and can be charged to the student's MyMav account. The immunization is covered at 100 percent for students with insurance coverage through Academic Health Plans.

Read more about the Texas meningitis vaccination law at uta.edu/meningitis or the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board website. Submission guidelines and frequently asked questions are at uta.edu/meningitis.

Students living in University Housing should also review information specific to housing contract requirements at uta.edu/housing.

For questions contact:

• Undergraduate Students: Office of Admissions, Records and Registration, Room 129, Davis Hall, 817-272-3372, records@uta.edu.

• Graduate Students: Office of Graduate Studies, Room 333, Davis Hall, 817-272-2688, graduate.school@uta.edu.

UTA Choirs recruiting for fall

Auditions for the UTA A Cappella Choir and the University Singers for the fall semester are Wednesday-Friday, Aug. 22-24.

You do not have to be a music major to be in choir. Singers with previous choral experience or music reading ability, especially tenors and basses, are desired. The choirs require course enrollment for one hour elective credit.

Schedule your audition and find more information online.

Take a chance on free wheels with the bike raffle

Have a free-wheelin' semester with the bike raffle offered by the Maverick Bike Shop. Submit your name by Wednesday, Aug. 22, to enjoy a free bicycle for the fall semester.

The Maverick Bike Shop offers bike rentals for the semester starting Thursday, Aug. 23. Rental packages include a bike, helmet, light set, lock, bell, maintenance, repairs, and adjustments. The rental fee is $30 for the semester.

You also can find bicycle services such as maintenance, parts, and bikes for sale at the bike shop.

The Maverick Bike Shop is located in apartment 109 at Cooper Chase apartments at the corner of UTA Boulevard and Cooper Street. Contact the Bike Shop at 817-228-9778.

Be a Multicultural Maverick

Energetic and creative students are needed to design activities that celebrate diversity at UT Arlington. Have a voice in shaping Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian Heritage Month, and Black History Month on campus.

Apply online to be part of the cohort of 20-30 students. Application deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 5.

Register for fall 2012

Registration for the fall term is continuing through Wednesday, Aug. 22. Late registration for fall is Aug. 23-29.

Registration timetables are online. 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.

Know how to add, swap, and drop classes

Undergraduate students may add, swap, and drop courses, or withdraw from all courses before the first class day, Thursday, Aug. 23. No charges will be incurred and no transactions will be recorded on the student’s transcript.

From the first day of classes through the late registration period, students can add, drop, and swap classes through self-service.

To drop all classes, students must see their undergraduate adviser in their major department. See a list of advising offices.

Check the Academic Calendar for specific term dates.

Graduation information

Summer graduates have until Friday, Aug. 24, to submit transfer coursework for summer conferral.

Fall undergraduates must apply for graduation by Friday, Sept. 7. A $40 filing fee is billed each semester that you file and is non-refundable and non-transferable. Read more about undergraduate graduation procedures.

Make sure you're included in the campus directory, if you want to be

Monday, Sept. 10, is the deadline to specify whether you want to be included in the Maverick Connection campus directory. All enrolled students will receive an email at their UT Arlington email address Friday-Sunday, Aug. 24-26, with procedures for setting your privacy preferences in MyMav, as well as the notification of your rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Order your transcript online

Order your transcripts online. You can order transcripts online and request to hold for grades or for your degree posting if you are graduating this summer.

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.

University closed for Labor Day

UT Arlington will be closed Monday, Sept. 3, in observance of Labor Day.

Tuesday, Aug. 21

Are You Smarter than a Librarian? Join in the pub-style team trivia challenge and match your wits against the UT Arlington librarians. Rock out on Rock Band III, score goals in FIFA 12, play board and card games, and have a snack. Free. 6-11 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. UT Arlington Libraries.

Waffelopolis Meet your new friends at an event filled with Belgian waffles, topped with items of your choice including ice cream. Music and dancing, too. Free. 8-10 p.m., Centennial Mall outside of Arlington Hall and Brazos House. Apartment and Residence Life.

Stampede Through Downtown Arlington An old school scavenger hunt has a new twist. Use your mobile devices to find clues and locate landmarks in downtown Arlington. Take your picture with the item, and upload it to the event page. Everyone who locates all of the landmarks will receive a prize and is entered to win a $500 Visa gift card. Through Thursday, Aug. 30. Stampede on Facebook.

Wednesday, Aug. 22

MavsMeet Convocation The tradition includes spirited performances by the UT Arlington Marching Band and the UT Arlington World Percussion Ensemble. Speakers include President James Spaniolo, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs David Silva, Vice President for Student Affairs Frank Lamas, and Student Congress President Jennifer Fox. Free. 4-5 p.m., College Park Center. MavsMeet Convocation.

MavsMeet AfterParty Activities include big chair photos, flipbooks, a zipline, The Wild One obstacle course, free food, and DJs. Free. 5-8 p.m., The Green at College Park. University Events.

Thursday, Aug. 23

Ambassador Ask Me Days UTA Ambassadors answer questions about the campus, resources, involvement opportunities, services, and more. Free. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., various locations on campus. Student Governance and Organizations.

Movin' Mavs Back-to-School Game Blue vs. White intrasquad wheelchair basketball game. Movin' Mavs alumni will coach. Free. 3:30 p.m., Maverick Activities Center. Movin' Mavs.

Wet 'n Wild Stop by to cool off and enjoy this water-themed event comprised of three of Welcome Week events: Welcome Back Splash; Wings, Wieners, and Water; and Greek Splash. Food, activities, giveaways, swimming, sports. Free. 5-9 p.m., Maverick Activities Center, MAC outdoor courts, PE Building outdoor pool. Campus Recreation, Student Governance and Organizations, and Fraternity and Sorority Life.

MAC Extravaganza Try out the MAC and the Campus Recreation programs and services, including group exercise classes, MAC tours, weight room tours, blood pressure testing, Sport Club Fair, raffles, and more. Sign up at the MAC Services and Information Desk. Free. Maverick Activities Center. Through Thursday, Sept. 6. Campus Recreation.

Friday-Saturday, Aug. 24-25

Hilton Invitational Volleyball season-opening tournament for the Mavericks. Friday, vs. Savannah State, 7 p.m.; Saturday, vs. UT Pan American, 1:30 p.m., and vs. Stephen F. Austin, 7 p.m. See tournament schedule. Tickets $3 with ID. Saturday tickets at the door $2 with ID. First 100 attendees for each Maverick match Saturday receive a UT Arlington Mavs frisbee. College Park Center, Athletics.

Friday, Aug. 24

MavSwap Bring another college's shirt or a high school shirt to exchange for a free UT Arlington shirt. Noon-1:30 p.m., University Center mall. Student Governanace and Organizations.

Outdoor Movie: The Avengers Rated PG-13. Enjoy free popcorn or buy soft drinks and snacks at the concession stand. Bring a blanket or chair for the lawn seating. Children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free. 9 p.m., west lawn, Maverick Activities Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Saturday, Aug. 25

Super Service Saturday Join fellow Mavericks for a morning of community service at Mission Arlington, the Community Gardens, historic cemetery at Doug Russell Park, the Arlington Public Library, and more. Pizza at the University Center afterwards. Sign up for the event of your choice. Free. 7:30 a.m.-noon, check-in Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. UTA Volunteers.

Pajama Jam Come out in your pajamas while enjoying crafts, face painting, food, refreshments, music, free glow-in-the-dark bowling, billiards, and more. Free. 9 p.m.-1 a.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom and Bowling & Billiards, E.H. Hereford University Center.

Sunday, Aug. 26

UT Arlington Day At Six Flags Discount tickets for students are $25 each with a limit of 10 tickets per person. Get tickets at utatickets.com. After purchasing tickets online, print receipt and bring to the College Park Center Box Office to pick up tickets and parking pass by 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24. No refunds. Tickets valid through UT Arlington only and not at the Six Flags Over Texas main gate. The CPC Box Office hours are 10 a.m-6 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays. Enjoy the fun at the park starting at 10:30 a.m. or come 6-9 p.m. when it's the UT Arlington-only crowd. Division of Student Affairs.

Monday, Aug. 27

Commuter Breakfast: Car Safety Clinic A free on-the-go breakfast and tips on car care and safety. Free. 8-10 a.m., in front of Maverick Activities Center. Off-Campus Mavericks Center.

Blood Drive and Bone Marrow Donor Program Donate blood to the Carter BloodCare center or register to become a possible bone marrow donor. Free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Library Mall, University Center Mall, Maverick Activities Center. Through Friday, Aug. 31. UTA Volunteers, University Events.

Student Affairs Open House Receive information on becoming involved in programs and enjoy refreshments, snacks, and giveaways. Free. Noon-2 p.m., lower level of E.H. Hereford University Center. Division of Student Affairs.

Tuesday, Aug. 28

Library Information Faire: Become a Research Jedi Defeat the Dark Side by gaining knowledge of the Force through the Library's array of resources and services. Jedi Masters of the Library answer students' questions and demonstrate available services. Successfully collect 5 of 11 tickets to get a free lunch and access to the Game Room, which includes XBOX, Wii, and PS3 gaming. Have your photo taken in one of several themed costumes. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Central Library. UT Arlington Libraries.

Wednesday, Aug. 29

Maverick Cookout featuring the Activities Fair Day Learn what 150 of UT Arlington's student organizations and campus departments have to offer and enjoy a $3 hamburger or vegetarian lunch. Free. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., University Center mall. Campus Recreation, Student Governance and Organizations.

Coming up

Passion Pit Electropop band. Tickets $21.50-$29.50, with limited number of $5 discounts for UT Arlington students. 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 14, College Park Center. College Park Center, 817-272-9595.

TobyMac Christian recording artist with special guests Chris August and Jamie Grace, along with the Diverse City Band. Tickets $15-$40. 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 4, College Park Center. College Park Center, 817-272-9595.

Ongoing

Mindful Moments Take a break with Mindful Moments. Free. 12:15-12:45 p.m., Wednesdays, Room 219, Health Services Center. Health Services.

Texas Rangers Baseball Get discount tickets for students, faculty, staff, alumni, family, and friends. Access texasrangers.com/uta and use the password MAVS12 for designated games through Wednesday, Sept. 26.

Gallery 76102: Power Grid Greg Bahr and Josh Fletcher offer critical scrutiny of power structures in their art exhibit, right. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays; 4-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, Gallery 76102. Through Sept. 29. Fort Worth Center.

India Unveiled: The Photography of Robert Arnett A collection of images highlighting the diversity of India and its various regions. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Through Jan. 5, 2013. Special Collections.

Planetarium Follow two students as they interact with an astronomer at a local star party in Two Small Pieces of Glass. 1:30 p.m. Sundays, 2 p.m. Wednesdays. Planetarium.

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

Saturday, Aug. 25	Professional Lecture Series for Evaluating Sustainability Guest speaker is Susie Marshall, right, executive director of The Gleaning Network of Texas and president of the Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Register; seating is limited. Free. Noon-1:30 p.m., Fort Worth Center, 1401 Jones St., Fort Worth. Fort Worth Center Sustainability Institute, University Sustainability Committee.
(For an expanded list of events, see the UT Arlington Calendar.)

Drill team: Juan Soto, right, shows a few blocking tips to Sgt. 1st Class Leon Fletcher, one of 200 military veterans from a five-state area at a Wounded Warriors Muster earlier this month on campus. The veterans also learned about sitting volleyball, archery, and the opportunities and benefits of participation in disability sports. The event was co-hosted by the Movin' Mavs, U.S. Paralympics, Paralympic Sport Arlington, and Wounded Warriors. Soto is a senior on the Movin Mavs wheelchair basketball team and captain of the Army's Wounded Warriors team.

Volleyball opener Friday starts play at College Park Center

The Mavericks open their first volleyball season in College Park Center with the Hilton Invitational Friday, Aug. 24.

The first match for UT Arlington is against Savannah State at 7 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, Aug. 25, the Mavericks face UT Pan American at 1:30 p.m. and Stephen F. Austin at 7 p.m.

See the tournament schedule. Tickets are $3 with student ID.

Former Movin' Mavs compete in Paralympic Games

Ten former Movin’ Mavs athletes will be participating in the Paralympic Games Aug. 29-Sept. 9 in London.

Competing in wheelchair basketball for the USA are Paul Schulte and Jason Nelms while Danny Fik and Mike Paye are alternates. Also in wheelchair basketball, Jaco Velloen is on the South Africa team, David Eng is playing for Canada, and John McPhail is an alternate for Australia.

Steve Welch and Jon Rydberg are on the USA wheelchair tennis team, while Brent Lakatos is competing for Canada in wheelchair track.

Intramural entries open Thursday

Entries will be accepted for flag football, bowling, 4-on-4 outdoor basketball, and 3-on-3 wheelchair basketball beginning Thursday, Aug. 23, at the services and information desk at the Maverick Activities Center.

Maverick All-Sports Pass available now

Students can purchase a Maverick All-Sports Pass for admission to all home sports events and a get free T-shirt, too. The Sports Pass is $50.

To purchase through your MyMav account, follow this map: Student Center>Finance Section>purchase items>Athletics>Maverick All-Sport Pass.

Or write a check to UT Arlington Athletics and note that it is for the Maverick Sports Pass. Send to Box 19950, Arlington, TX 76019-9950 or drop by Suite 1102 of College Park Center. To purchase over the phone, contact Leigh Coggiola at 817-272-0694.

Individual student tickets are $3 each to all athletic events.

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