University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 12-04-2012

Canine comfort: Pet this pooch and tell him your concerns about finals at the Paws for Finals events at the Library. Therapy dogs offer stress-busting support 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m. daily through Sunday, Dec. 9. Therapy sessions are free.

Finals are coming, but don't stress out

Stress therapists Chloe, Duke, Max, Michelle, Winston, and Ziva join UT Arlington's efforts to make finals as stress-free as possible.

These registered therapy dogs are available 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 9, at the research desk on the north end of the second floor of the Central Library.

Studies have shown that petting a friendly dog lowers blood pressure and stress-related hormones in the blood, slows the heart rate, aids breathing, and releases tension from muscles. These effects can be achieved after only five to 24 minutes of interaction with a cheerful pup.

The Paws for Finals program is sponsored by the UT Arlington Library in partnership with Paws With Partners, a registered therapy dog volunteer group. Check for daily schedule updates.

Another study break is Late Night Breakfast 9:30-11 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, Dec. 5-6. 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.

The Central Library will stay open 24 hours during the week. Student ID is needed to enter the library between midnight and 7 a.m. Check for other campus library hours.

Find study help at college-based clinics and labs, such as the Math Clinic and the Writing Center.

MavAlert Emergency Notification System test Wednesday; update your contact information

The monthly test of the MavAlert Emergency Notification System is at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5. Verify your emergency contact information at uta.edu/mymav.

The MavAlert system rapidly notifies faculty, staff, and students in the event of a campus emergency via registered email addresses and text message devices.

To enable MavAlert text messages, add your mobile phone number or other SMS text message device to your UT Arlington emergency contact information and label it "mobile phone" via the drop-down menu or log in to MyMav, then click on the "Sign up for MavAlerts" link in the right column.

During the Wednesday test, faculty, staff, and students will receive the following message via the email addresses and mobile devices designated in their MavAlert profile: “Attention: This is a test of the UT Arlington MavAlert Emergency Notification System. Update your emergency contact information at uta.edu/mymav.”

The MavAlert test will coincide with the regular monthly test of the Outdoor Warning System, also at 12:30 p.m. The University’s voice annunciation system will be activated inside campus buildings. The City of Arlington's monthly weather warning test will follow at 1 p.m.

The next test will be Wednesday, Jan. 2.

Alma mater ornaments available

Add some Maverick blue and orange to your holiday decorations with ornaments from the UTA Bookstore.

The orange glass ball ornament is screen-printed with a finely detailed school graphic.

Handcrafted solid pewter is color-dipped blue with a matching cord and the mascot engraved on the front.

Both are $9.95.

Bookstore BuyBack events start Thursday

The UTA Bookstore brings its BuyBack events to you Thursday, Dec. 6-Wednesday, Dec. 12, at two locations on campus.

At the Palo Duro Lounge in the E.H. Hereford University Center, bookstore reps will take textbooks 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Or try the spot near the pedestrian bridge to the south parking lot for convenience. That location's times are 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Lions and dragons, oh my! Lions and dragons entertained students, faculty, and staff during the Lantern Festival on Thursday. The lion and dragon dance was a highlight of the Silk Road market, which featured interactive booths and games. Hosted by the Multicultural Mavericks, the festival was the closing event of Asian Heritage Month.

ACES symposium now accepting abstract submissions

Abstracts are now being accepted for the Annual Celebration of Excellence by Students, or ACES. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6.

The ACES symposium is a university-wide, daylong event that showcases the best of student research and creativity with cash prizes for winning oral presentations and posters. Undergraduate and graduate students work with faculty mentors in their disciplines to write and submit abstracts for the competition.

ACES 2013 is Wednesday, March 27, in the E.H. Hereford University Center. For details, email aces@uta.edu or call 817-272-2315.

Take online feedback surveys by Wednesday

End-of-term Student Feedback Surveys are being conducted online for all organized sections designated as lecture, seminar, or lab.

Students will receive an email message inviting them to complete an online survey for each course in which they are enrolled. Access to this semester's surveys will end at 11 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5.

For more information, see Student Feedback Surveys.

Night lights Holiday lights illuminated the campus at the fourth annual Deck the Mall celebration Tuesday night on the Library mall. Approximately 30,000 lights will continue to brighten the campus until the beginning of the new year.

Spend 'An Evening with Authors'

Faculty members Myrtle Bell, Robert Bing, Marvin Dulaney, Cedrick May, and Jason Shelton provide brief narratives of books they have written in An Evening with Authors at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, in the University Club at Davis Hall.

Books will be available for purchase and refreshments will be served at the free event.

For more information, contact Carter Bedford, special programs coordinator for the Center for African American Studies, at cbedford@uta.edu.

Landscape architecture program climbs in national rankings

The landscape architecture program in the School of Architecture moved up two spots to 13th in the nation for 2013, according to Design Intelligence. The program previously was ranked 15th in 2011.

Tied with UT Arlington for 13th were Auburn University, UT Austin, and the University of Washington. To be ranked, all schools must be accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accredited Board. UT Arlington received its fifth consecutive re-accreditation in 2011 with its next review scheduled for 2017.

The program is one of four accredited in Texas and one of 48 graduate programs in the nation. Read more about landscape architecture.

Dr. Jean-Pierre Bardet

Engineering dean named to UT System task force

Engineering Dean Jean-Pierre Bardet was among those named to the Task Force on Engineering Education for Texas in the 21st Century last week.

UT System Board of Regents Chairman Gene Powell and Chancellor Francisco G. Cigarroa announced the creation of the task force.

The task force's goal is to determine the current state of engineering degree programs in Texas, study current and future demand for engineers, and identify strategies for the Texas Legislature and higher education leaders that will foster student success in engineering while supporting economic growth across the state.

Read more about the engineering task force.

First Street closed

East First Street, from Mesquite Street to Center Street, will be closed for reconstruction through Saturday, Dec. 15.

Just the facts Latoya Oduniyi, left, health promotion and substance abuse educator for Health Services, talks with James Magazzino, undeclared freshman, at the World AIDS Day event last week in the Palo Duro Lounge of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Psychology survey seeks your feedback

Students employed for six months or more are eligible to participate in a corporate social responsibility survey.

The data collected will be used to determine which items are most appropriate for a corporate social responsibility scale. Upon completing the survey, you will be entered into a drawing for an Amazon, Starbucks, or iTunes gift card.

For more information, contact Shannon Scielzo, assistant professor of psychology, at scielzo@uta.edu.

Toy drive includes Planetarium discount

The Planetarium is collecting toys for Cook Children’s Medical Center. Help make the holidays a little brighter by donating a new, unwrapped toy. Starting Thursday, Dec. 6, bring donations to the Planetarium ticket booth in the Chemistry and Physics Building.

In return, receive a $2 discount on any adult ticket through Sunday, Dec. 30.

Need ideas on what to donate? See the Cook Children’s wish list.

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.

MyEdu new aid for planning class schedule

MyEdu has partnered with UT Arlington to help you plan your schedule for the spring 2013 term. From the University College website, click on Plan My Schedule to get started.

Fall final exam schedule available

The final exam schedule for the fall term is available online. Finals are scheduled Thursday-Wednesday, Dec. 6-12.

Spring registration is open; see your adviser now

Make plans to register for winter intersession and spring 2013 terms. The schedule of classes and the registration timetable are available on the MyMav portal page.

Check your Student Center in MyMav to see if you need to meet with your academic adviser before registering. A list of advising offices is online. Call to schedule an appointment or check walk-in hours.

Order final transcript now

Order your end-of-term transcripts now. Place orders in MyMav or through the alternative order form site.

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.

Tuesday, Dec. 4

Guest Artist Violin Recital Features Juliana Athayde, associate professor of violin at the Eastman School of Music. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Women's Basketball 7 p.m. vs. UT Pan American. Also 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22 vs. Oklahoma State. Tickets $3 with student ID. College Park Center. Athletics.

Wednesday, Dec. 5

Evening with Authors Faculty members Myrtle Bell, Robert Bing, Marvin Dulaney, Cedrick May, and Jason Shelton provide brief narratives of books they have written. Books available for purchase. Refreshments served. Free. 5 p.m., University Club, Davis Hall. Center for African American Studies.

Friday, Dec. 7

Happy Holidays Gift Market Meet artisans and collectors while visiting DIY craft tables and shopping. Noon-7 p.m., also 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, Maverick Activities Center.

BFA Exhibit Opening Reception Artists' reception and awards ceremony for the graduating seniors exhibiting their work in the Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibit. Free. 5-7 p.m., The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History.

Friends of the Library Holiday concert features the Texas Tradition Chorus. RSVP to 817-272-1413 or LibraryFriends@uta.edu. Free. 7:30 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Friends of the Library.

Coming up

Men's Basketball 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, vs. Houston Baptist; 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, vs. New Mexico State; 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, vs. Denver. Tickets $3 with student ID. College Park Center. Athletics.

Commencement December and summer graduates. See schedule. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 14-16, College Park Center.

Ongoing

African Art Collection Includes works collected by Jonathan Campbell, professor and chair of the Department of Biology, and his wife, Tanya Dowdey. Free. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Room 2109, Visual Resources Commons, Fine Arts Building. Through Friday, Dec. 21. African Art Collection.

India Unveiled: The Photography of Robert Arnett A collection of images highlighting the diversity of India and its various regions. Free. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Through Jan. 5, 2013. Special Collections.

Pearls of the Antilles: Printed Maps of Caribbean Islands A look at maps and how they reflect and shaped the histories of Caribbean islands. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, sixth floor, Central Library. Through Feb. 9, 2013. Special Collections.

Planetarium Enjoy the holiday schedule through Sunday, Dec. 30. Holiday shows include Holiday Music Magic and Season of Light. Planetarium.

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

On the move: Laila Suleiman scored 19 points to lead the women’s basketball team past Houston Baptist last week. The Mavericks host UT Pan American tonight.

Women host UT Pan American tonight

Looking for its second win of the season, the women’s basketball team hosts UT Pan American at 7 p.m. today, Tuesday, Dec. 4, in College Park Center.

In the opener of a three-game road trip last week, the Mavericks picked up their first win of the season over Houston Baptist, but then lost at Nebraska-Omaha and Fresno State.

Men take two of three on the road

The men’s basketball team posted wins over North Texas and UT Pan American in the past week, while losing at UT Austin.

Next action for the Mavericks is Thursday, Dec. 13, when they host Houston Baptist in College Park Center.

Movin' Mavs notch tourney wins

The Movin’ Mavs wheelchair basketball team picked up wins over Houston and Austin before losing in overtime to the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks in a community tournament this past weekend.

The Movin’ Mavs return to action Jan. 11-13 with a tournament at Birmingham, Ala., and then will host a college division tournament Jan. 18-19 in College Park Center.

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