University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 08-28-2012

Sportswriter Frank Deford kicks off Maverick Speakers Series

The fifth season of the Maverick Speakers Series includes a nationally known sportswriter, a political commentator, an actor and comedian, an astronaut, and a nature conservationist and TV host.

The 2012-13 season kicks off Tuesday, Sept. 25, with a lecture by legendary sportswriter and novelist Frank Deford at Texas Hall. Tickets are available starting today, Tuesday, Aug. 28. General admission tickets are free, and the lectures are open to the public.

A Premium Seating package is available for $25 for any of the lectures. The package includes a front-of-the-house seat, reserved parking near the venue, front-of-the-line access to book signings, and more. Premium Seating packages are available exclusively at utatickets.com. As in previous seasons, free general admission tickets also may be obtained through the website. All lectures begin at 7:30 p.m. in either College Park Center or Texas Hall.

With a 50-year tenure at Sports Illustrated, Deford is a senior contributing writer. As a commentator, he appears regularly on National Public Radio and HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. He has authored 17 novels, and his latest is Over Time: My Life as a Sportswriter.

The 2012-13 series also includes ABC News political commentator Cokie Roberts, Saturday Night Live fan favorite Seth Meyers, astronaut and best-selling author Mark Kelly, and Animal Planet host Jeff Corwin.

See more information on the 2012-13 Maverick Speakers Series schedule.

Social media outlets keep you connected

UT Arlington has three main channels on Facebook and Twitter that provide the University's top news, events, and conversations: the official UT Arlington fan page, College Town UTA, and UTArlington Magazine.

The UT Arlington Official Facebook fan page and its Twitter counterpart provide subscribers with news, achievements, and information relevant to the University's ascent to national research university status.

College Town UTA on Facebook and Twitter focuses on campus events and buzz, athletics, conversations about downtown Arlington and local events, and opportunities for the community to become engaged with campus activities.

UTArlington Magazine on Facebook further explores the feature stories, alumni achievements, and conversations begun in the print edition. The magazine is published in print and online three times a year and is mailed to all alumni, donors, and other friends and partners of the University.

To see a list of some University-hosted social media pages and groups—including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Flickr—and to learn more about how your program or campus organization can utilize social networking platforms, see UT Arlington’s social media index and social media guidelines.

Presidential search advisory committee named

Members of a presidential search advisory committee charged with identifying candidates for president of UT Arlington were named Tuesday by UT System Regents’ Chairman Gene Powell.

The advisory committee will recommend a list of potential candidates—unranked—for the Board of Regents to consider. The next president of the University will succeed President James D. Spaniolo, who announced in June his intention to retire from the top post once his successor is in place.

Read more about the advisory committee.

Princeton Review ranks UT Arlington among 'Best of the West'

The Princeton Review has chosen UT Arlington as one of 122 schools featured in the “Best of the West” section of its “2013 Best Colleges: Region by Region.”

College ratings are based on academics, admissions selectivity, financial aid, and quality-of-life factors. The service also surveys students online and by mail.

The Best Regional Colleges section of The Princeton Review’s website features 633 colleges divided into four geographic areas. The chosen schools represent 25 percent of the four-year colleges in the U.S. The site says the schools “stand out as academically excellent institutions of higher learning.”

The review lists biology, business administration, and management as some of the most popular majors at UT Arlington. The site features a “Students Say” section that lauds the University’s individualized attention from professors and says, “The professors will tell a student from day one to feel free to contact them if they need help with anything; this is very beneficial and shows that they want to help the students succeed.”

Welcome back Guest faculty speaker Dr. David Silva enlightened new and returning students last Wednesday in the first MavsMeet Convocation in College Park Center, which kicked off the fall semester. The following AfterParty on The Green at College Park started a flurry of events for Welcome Week 2012 including traditions such as Waffleopolis and Pajama Jam.

All-Sports Pass a bargain for Maverick fans and home games

With a Maverick All-Sports Pass, students are admitted to Western Athletic Conference games as fast as a Maverick athlete on the court or field.

Only $50, the pass includes admission to all home sports events and a T-shirt, too.

"The All-Sports Pass is a great way for UT Arlington students to see Maverick Athletics," says Gregg Elkin, senior associate athletic director. "We have close to 100 events a season, and that breaks down to 50 cents per event. That is a great value for students to enjoy all the action in College Park Center and our other sports as well."

Without the pass, individual student tickets are $3 each to all athletic events.

Purchase a pass through your MyMav account by following this online map: Student Center>Finance Section>purchase items>Athletics>Maverick All-Sport Pass.

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

Find schedules and news about Maverick sports online at utamavs.com.

Dining Services locations extend hours

Dining Services has extended hours for two of its locations on campus.

Einstein Bros. Bagels in the Fine Arts Building now is open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays.

New hours for the Connection Café in the E.H. Hereford University Center are:

• Monday-Friday
             Breakfast: 7-9:30 a.m.
             Continental Breakfast: 9:30-11 a.m.
             Lunch: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
             Midday meal: 2-5 p.m.
             Dinner: 5-9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Fridays)

• Saturday-Sunday
             Lunch: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
             Dinner: 5:30-8 p.m.

Meal plans offered for commuting students

Three new commuter meal plans for students are offered by Dining Services.

The meal plans offer cost savings and convenience for those who frequently eat in the Connection Café, the all-you-care-to-eat dining hall in the E.H. Hereford University Center. The Connection Café offers home-style entrees, a full salad bar, vegetarian selections, freshly made wraps and sandwiches, and more.

A meal plan consists of two parts: meal card swipes in the Connection Café, and Dining Dollars that are used like a debit system at any dining location on campus. Only one meal card swipe may be used per meal period (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) in the Connection Café.

To sign up for a meal plan, visit the Housing Office in the University Center.

Future so bright Maverick blue shades were the fashionable eyewear at Pajama Jam, part of Welcome Week, which kicked off the fall semester. See more photos from Welcome Week.

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.

Survey invites sustainability feedback

Want to have a say in UT Arlington’s sustainability efforts? Take a brief, nine-question sustainability survey and provide feedback on economic, cultural, and environmental topics.

MAC offers non-credit classes

Interested in taking a non-credit instructional class? Bootcamp, Walking to a 5K, Women on Weights, weight training, CPR, and more are offered at the Maverick Activities Center this fall. Check the schedule. Sign up at the MAC Services and Information desk or email at Jroden@uta.edu with questions.

NSF grant to support undergraduate research

UT Arlington has received a $222,320 grant from the National Science Foundation to continue supporting undergraduate research activities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The UT Arlington share is part of a $1.66 million, two-year award to The University of Texas System Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, which was established in 1995. The overall grant is worth $4 million and covers five years.

The 20 UT Arlington students in the program this year make the program here the largest in the alliance.

Read more about the undergraduate research grant.

Meningitis requirement and late registration

Texas requires students in their first semester at UT Arlington and students returning after an absence of at least one fall or spring semester who are under 30 years old to submit documentation of immunization against bacterial meningitis or evidence of an exemption. Students who have not submitted this documentation may still do so through the late registration period. Read more about late registration and meningitis immunization documentation.

Know how to add, swap, and drop classes

Late registration and the add/drop period for fall continues through Wednesday, Aug. 29. 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.

Students can also register for fall classes through Wednesday, Aug. 29. Registration timetables the fall schedule of classes 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).

Graduation information for fall graduates

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.

Graduate students must apply for graduation by Monday, Sept. 10.

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 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).

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.

Levitt Pavilion season features homegrown talent Arlington's own a cappella sensations and winners of NBC's The Sing-Off—Penatonix—wraps up the opening weekend for Levitt Pavilion's fall season of free concerts in downtown Arlington. The group performs at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2. Brave Combo, everyone's favorite mosh-pit polka band, kicks off the season Thursday, Aug. 30. Also this week are Ruby Jane on Friday, Aug. 31, with mind-blowing fiddle and haunting vocals, and Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis, the master of countrypolitan and alternative country's golden goddess, Saturday, Sept. 1. Byron Stripling and the UTA Jazz Orchestra perform Sunday, Sept. 23. Other concerts feature reggae, Tex-Mex, alt-pop, island rhythms, and more with artists such as Blaine Gray, Band of Heathens, King Joe Carrasco, The Killdares, The Quebe Sisters Band, and more. The free concerts start at 7:30 p.m. at Abram and Pecan streets. Read more about the Levitt Pavilion.

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.

Volleyball Mavericks vs. North Texas. First 50 fans receive a "Beat UNT" T-shirt, sponsored by the UTA Bookstore. Come early and meet the UT Arlington men's basketball team on the concourse. Tickets $3 with student ID. 6 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Wednesday, Aug. 29

Maverick Cookout featuring the Activities Fair Day Learn what 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.

Thursday, Aug. 30

Health Services Open House Free health screenings and free hot dog lunch. Enter to win a Kindle Fire, gift cards, and more. Free. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Health Services Center.

Global Grounds International Coffee Hour Stop by this coffee hour for information on many of the student nationality organizations at UT Arlington. Advisers from the Office of International Education are available to answer questions. Free food and drinks provided. 4-5:30 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. International Education.

Rainbow Reception Kickoff event for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Ally Program. Remarks by David Mack Henderson ('89 BM), founder of the first university-sanctioned LGBT student organization in Texas. Free refreshments, giveaways, door prizes. Free. 6-7 p.m., Palo Pinto Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. LGBTQA Program, Multicultural Affairs, Division of Student Affairs.

Multicultural Mavericks Kick-Off Connect with the Multicultural Mavericks, Women in Leadership, Women's History Month, the Black Leadership Institute, Maversity Social Justice workshops, and the LGBTQA Program. Free. 7-8:30 p.m., Rio Grande Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Multicultural Affairs.

Through Friday, Aug. 31

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.

Monday, Sept. 3

Volleyball Mavericks vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Free posters and "Semester of Books" giveaway contest. Tickets $3 with student ID. 1 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Tuesday, Sept. 4

Truck Smash Fundraising event. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Library Mall. Through Thursday, Sept. 6. Delta Upsilon.

Poster Sale A diverse assortment of stylish options for your walls. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Library Mall; Rainsite is University Center Gallery. Through Friday, Sept. 7. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Wednesday, Sept. 5

Explore The Shorthorn's News Frontier Enjoy live music, snacks, and giveaways while learning about The Shorthorn's new publishing strategy and digital options. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., University Center Mall. Student Publications.

Open Mic Coffeehouse with Mike Guinn Share anything on the mic you desire, whether that be a song, a poem, an instrumental piece, or any other unique talent. Sign up for mic time. Enjoy free refreshments. Emcee is alumnus Mike Guinn, a spoken word artist, founder of the Fort Worth Poetry Slam Team, and author. Free. 7:30-9:30 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

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 205, 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. 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 For seven months in the Arctic Circle, crews captured timelapse images of the Aurora Borealis with high-resolution digital SLR cameras outfitted with fisheye lenses. The results are spectacular in Experience the Aurora, which opens the fall season at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31. Also, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1. Planetarium.

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

Tuesday, Sept. 4	Encouraging Youth Participation in Elections Texas Secretary of State Esperanza "Hope" Andrade, right, is guest speaker for this event. Free student tickets at Women's and Gender Studies in Room 223 of University Hall, 817-272-3131, or WomensStudies@uta.edu. Or $10 with student ID. 12:30 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. League of Women Voters-Arlington Area, Women's and Gender Studies. Major Exploration Information and resources to help you select a major. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 303, Ransom Hall. University College, Success Series.
Wednesday, Sept. 5	Reforming STEM Education in the U.S. Engineering students Andrew Maddox and Joshua Sidin have created a mentoring/tutoring program they believe will stop the downward trend in math and science education in the United States. Helping high school students gain early successes in math and science subjects should increase interests in pursuing STEM-related degrees and careers. Reservation 817-924-1850 or tuttle@uta.edu. Light breakfast provided. Free. 7 a.m., Room 601, Nedderman Hall. College of Engineering. Study Abroad for Sophomores Hear from experts on how study abroad can broaden your education and life. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 303, Ransom Hall. University College, Success Series. How to Find a Federal Job Workshop Learn from federal agency reps on how to get jobs in 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.
(For an expanded list of events, see the UT Arlington Calendar.)

Jump start: Junior outside hitter Shelby Dickson was named to the Hilton Invitational All-Tournament Team last weekend for the Mavericks.

Volleyball hosts North Texas tonight

After opening the season with two wins in their own tournament this past weekend, the Maverick volleyball team hosts North Texas at 6 p.m. today, Tuesday, Aug. 28, in College Park Center.

The first 50 fans receive a “Beat UNT” T-shirt, sponsored by the UTA Bookstore. Come early and meet the men’s basketball team on the concourse.

The Mavericks opened the season in the Hilton Invitational with wins over Savannah State and UT Pan American before losing to Stephen F. Austin.

After playing in the University of Illinois at Chicago Invitational this weekend, the Mavericks host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in a special Labor Day match at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 3.

Beer, wine available at College Park Center games; tailgating approved

Students and other spectators 21 years of age and older will be able to purchase beer or wine at sporting events in College Park Center this year.

"Allowing alcohol sales at athletic events is another added value to our customers," Athletic Director Jim Baker says. "We are committed to the well-being of our students and fans, and believe the guidelines in place promote safety and responsibility."

Tailgating on campus also has been approved for sporting events at College Park Center and for baseball and softball games. Approved locations for tailgating include The Green at College Park and parking lots adjacent to Clay Gould Ballpark and Allan Saxe Field.

Read more.

Intramural entries due this week

Intramural entries for the Madden NFL ’12 Tournament and for Fantasy Football are due Thursday, Aug. 30.

Entries are being accepted for intramural flag football, 4-on-4 outdoor basketball, and 3-on-3 wheelchair basketball. Deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 4.

For more information, see Intramural Sports.

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