University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 02-14-2012

Festive celebration: The Maverick Dance Team, Cheerleaders, and Wranglers lead a pep rally outside College Park Center prior to the Homecoming game on Saturday. See a slideshow of Homecoming events.

Homecoming festivities provide something for everyone

Mavericks showed their pride at the annual Homecoming festivities Saturday by combining new traditions with long-held ones.

"Homecoming this year was a real success bringing together our University community, alumni, and friends in a host of wonderful activities and events," said Frank Lamas, vice president for student affairs. "It was so great to see present and past Mavericks reconnecting on campus, enjoying our spirit-filled traditions, and visiting our new College Park Center."

A Festival on the Plaza, a new Homecoming event, featured live music, food, midway-type games, and barkers who energized the crowd.

The street fair preceded the expanded Homecoming Parade with 74 entries that wound down Pecan Street from UTA Boulevard to College Park Center, then back across campus to the University Center mall. Previously limited to golf carts, the parade included three full-sized floats carrying Maverick athletes, the Homecoming Court, and alumni. BMWs and Mini-Coopers provided by the Moritz Dealership, and modified golf cart floats carried dignitaries and spirit groups.

Jeff Hazelrigs, marketing junior, and Ify Okonkwo, nursing junior, were crowned Homecoming King and Queen at halftime of the men's basketball game, which saw the Mavericks extend their winning streak to 15 with a 73-53 victory over Texas State on Petsche Court in College Park Center.

"Homecoming was a huge improvement over previous years," said Joel Palacios, pre-med senior. "There was more community involvement and things were done on a lot larger scale. The Bash was fantastic. A lot of people that I talked to were really impressed."

William Roe ('63 BS), Mark Stevens ('72 BS), and Barbara Williams Vogl ('62 BA) were inducted into the Military Science Hall of Honor, while former Mr. and Ms. UTAs, and the classes of 1962 and 1987 celebrated reunions.

Leading up to Saturday's events were old favorites such as the step show Thursday night and Friday's chili cook-off and The Bash celebration.

Spring enrollment approaches 33,500 students

UT Arlington continues to post strong enrollment with 33,491 students for the spring 2012 semester.

That figure is up slightly from fall, but down 297 students from the previous spring. Administrators note that recent legislative funding changes eliminated subsidies for dual credit courses, which allow high school students to simultaneously earn college credit for certain advanced courses. The funding change is the major factor affecting spring enrollment compared with the spring 2011 semester.

“Overall, our enrollment continues to be very strong,” says Ron Elsenbaumer, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “The message is getting out through our recruiting and marketing efforts that a degree from UT Arlington is a valuable asset.”

UT Arlington continues to be a top-rated institution for student diversity, a trend noted by U.S. News & World Report. Nineteen percent of students are Hispanic, while 15 percent are African American.

Tickets now available online to see oceanographer Robert Ballard

Oceanographer Robert Ballard discusses "Adventures in Deep Sea Exploration" in the Maverick Speakers Series presentation Tuesday, March 6, at Texas Hall.

Tickets, which are free but required, are available starting this week at utatickets.com. Preferred seating can be purchased for $25.

Best known for finding the wreck of the Titanic, Dr. Ballard has made startling undersea discoveries in recent years, both natural and man-made. He has designed deep-diving submersibles, is the pioneer of the JASON Project that allows schoolchildren to virtually explore the oceans, and has written 16 books.

Most recently he discovered the wreck of John F. Kennedy’s PT-109 and visited Biuku Gasa and Eroni Kumana, indigenous people of the Solomon Islands who saved the PT boat's crew.

Tickets also are available online to see CNN correspondent Soledad O'Brien in the Maverick Speakers Series on Friday, Feb. 24.

Be aware of parking lot closings for College Park Center events

Events at College Park Center will result in partial closings for some parking lots this month.

Beginning at noon Wednesday Feb. 15, Wednesday, Feb. 22, Saturday, Feb. 25, and Wednesday, Feb. 29, one-third of Lot 47—east of Pickard Hall and south of the Business Building—will close for event parking.

On Thursday, Feb. 16, the partial closure of Lot 39—on Pecan Street near the UTA Bookstore—begins at 7 a.m., and starting at 7 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17, Lot 39 will be open only for event parking.

Campus police encourage visitors and members of the UT Arlington community to park in the Park North and Park Central garages at Center Street and UTA Boulevard or in the large lots south of Mitchell Street and east of South Cooper Street.

An additional 700 spaces will open in the southern College Park garage this summer to help accommodate event traffic.

Citizen Police Academy seeks members for second class

Members of the campus community can better understand the everyday operation of the UT Arlington Police Department through the Citizen Police Academy, which begins its second year.

The academy is 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays for nine weeks Feb. 21-April 24, at Maverick Stadium and includes class lectures, ride-alongs with officers, hands-on demonstrations, and a chance to investigate a mock crime scene.

Registration closes Friday, Feb. 17. Applications are online.

Bookstore to close Saturday for annual inventory

Plan ahead for your school supply and Maverick gear shopping. The UT Arlington Bookstore will be closed Saturday, Feb. 18, for annual inventory.

Block Party survey needs your thoughts on entertainment

Take the Block Party survey, which ends today, and pick entertainment for the Block Party, a free outdoor event featuring food, games, activities, and live music. University Events and the Residence Hall Advisory Board host the party.

Trash to Treasure design contest seeks entries

Make your "green" ideas pay off by entering the Trash to Treasure sustainable design competition hosted by the UT Arlington Fort Worth Center.

Students must restore or repurpose an existing object using sustainable principles. Projects will be judged on creativity, resourcefulness, technical difficulty, its relation to sustainability, and its practicality.

Prizes include an Amazon Kindle Fire, an iPod nano, and a $50 gift certificate.

Registration deadline is Thursday, March 1. For more details, email utatrashtotreasure@gmail.com.

Pink night Senior Bianca Sauls and other members of the women's basketball team donned pink warmup shirts and wore pink socks and shoelaces for their cancer awareness game Wednesday. Online donations can be made to the Kay Yow Foundation.

Pick up a Library LiNK card for use at Arlington public libraries

Trade your TexShare card—used for materials at the Arlington Public Library—for a new card.

The Arlington Public Library no longer participates in the TexShare program, but has an agreement for UT Arlington patrons. The Library LiNK's borrowing privileges provide access to online learning services, the freedom to download e-books and audiobooks, the right to place holds on items, and the ability to check out up to five items.

Stop by any UT Arlington Library branch and pick up the Library LiNK card. For more information, contact Heather Scalf at 817-272-7436 or scalf@uta.edu.

Alumni Association scholarships deadline this week

Applications for the UT Arlington Alumni Association scholarships are due by Wednesday, Feb. 15. Scholarships are awarded to students from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds.

I-Engage adds mentoring networks

The Office of Graduate Studies has created a new program, I-Engage Mentoring Networks, to go with the popular I-Engage Mentoring Program.

The new IM Networks program provides small grants to support projects that build mentoring networks. The I-Engage Mentoring Program is beginning its third year of providing doctoral and doctoral-bound students an opportunity to gain teaching and mentoring experience by serving as a research mentor to a UT Arlington undergraduate.

I-Engage Mentoring Network sessions are noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 15 and 22, in Room B-17 of Davis Hall.

For the I-Engage Mentoring Program, an info session is noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29, in Room B-17 of Davis Hall.

An online information session for both programs is 5-6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17. Log in as a guest anytime during the session.

A "Meet Your Mentor Match” information session is 5-6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, in Room 303 of the Chemistry and Physics Building.

Visit the I-Engage website for more details or email Lisa Berry at lberry@uta.edu.

Career Month workshops continue; volunteers needed

Career Month is filled with workshops for job-seeking students and alumni and wraps up with the spring Job Fair Wednesday, Feb. 22, 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. The deadline to volunteer is 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16.

Graduate, grief counseling groups have openings

Two counseling groups have openings for spring sessions that start Thursday, Feb. 23.

A small coed group for graduate students will meet 3:30-5 p.m. Thursdays. The Grief Process group is a small coed group for students who have experienced a personal loss through death. The group will meet 12:30-2 p.m. Thursdays.

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

Competitive Ranger Jon Daniels, general manager of the Texas Rangers, discussed "Creating a Competitive Advantage" at a packed Lone Star Auditorium last Wednesday. Daniels' talk was part of the Anderson Sport Performance Lecture program, presented by the Department of Kinesiology.

National Science Foundation award helps with master's degrees

The National Science Foundation has awarded UT Arlington a five-year, $600,000 grant to encourage undergraduates to earn a degree in science or engineering, complete a master’s degree in earth and environmental science, and enter the workforce or pursue doctoral study.

The project provides scholarships for economically disadvantaged, academically talented undergraduates who want to earn a master’s degree in geology or environmental science. The grant will help 22 students pay for college in their senior year and for two years of graduate study.

The scholarship is titled “Advancing Undergraduate to Geo-environmental Master's for Engaged Needs-based Talented Students.” The application deadline is Monday, March 5.

For more information, see uta.edu/augments or contact Michael Saenz at 817-272-2315.

UT Arlington wins AT&T Coding Challenge

UT Arlington's team won the AT&T Coding Challenge. The Mavericks competed against Rutgers and Georgia Tech in a 10-week challenge for the best application for AT&T's real estate department.

Students on the Maverick team will split the $8,000 first prize. David Levine, senior lecturer of computer science and engineering, was the faculty mentor for the project.

Entries needed for philosophy essay contest

Students of all majors are encouraged to compete in an essay contest hosted by the Department of Philosophy and Humanities for the conference "19th-20th Century Austrian Thought. A Chapter in Academic Freedom." The department will host the event in fall 2012 on campus.

The top essay winners will receive either $200, $100, or $50.

Information on the contest, references, reading and discussion groups, and other assistance are available in the department's office, Room 305 in Carlisle Hall.

Deadline to register is Wednesday, Feb. 29, and for submissions is June 18.

Freshman progress reports

Freshman progress report grades are available through Thursday, Feb. 23. Freshmen should check their grades in MyMav and seek guidance from an academic adviser with any concerns about academic performance. A list of academic advising offices is online.

Fall 2011 diplomas available Feb. 21

Undergraduates who graduated in December can pick up their diplomas beginning Tuesday, Feb. 21, in the Office of Admissions, Records and Registration, Room 129, Davis Hall. For students who selected the mail option, diplomas will be mailed to you Feb. 21.

Late spring undergraduate graduation applications accepted through Feb. 27

Undergraduates can still apply for spring graduation through Monday, Feb. 27, but the candidate’s name may not appear in the program and the candidate may not receive commencement ceremony tickets from the respective college or school. The late graduation fee is $60. The undergraduate application for graduation is available online.

'India Unveiled' revealed in Library parlor Images by photographer and author Robert Arnett create the India Unveiled exhibit in the Central Library sixth floor parlor. The collection of 35 photos were taken throughout India by Arnett, who lived with several Indian families for more than 19 months to study Indian art, culture, and religion. His resulting book, India Unveiled, is the source material for the photos and the slide program. Arnett's images were donated to UT Arlington by the author in early 2008 thanks to Sathya and Nandini Rangaswamy of Frisco, Texas, and the Indian American Education Foundation in Seattle. The exhibit continues through May 26. Sixth floor parlor hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. For more information, contact Erin O'Malley at 817-272-2179 or omalley@uta.edu.

Tuesday, Feb. 14

A Night of Soul Performance by the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Part of Black History Month. Free. 6 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. Multicultural Affairs.

Wednesday, Feb.15

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. Stephen F. Austin. Free with student ID. 7 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics, 817-272-2261.

$1 Movie: Immortals Rated R. Free fresh-popped popcorn with admission; other concessions for sale. 8 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities, 817-272-2963 or excel-traditions@uta.edu.

Thursday, Feb. 16

Symphony Orchestra Concert Conducted by Clifton Evans, the UTA Symphony Orchestra performs. Winners of the UTA concerto competition also featured. Student tickets $3. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 817-272-3471.

Friday, Feb. 17

Bassoon Week Recital Guest artist recital with Saxton Rose, professor of music at the University of North Carolina and principal bassoonist of the Winston-Salem Symphony. See music calendar for more information on Bassoon Week, Feb. 17-22. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 817-272-3471.

Monday, Feb. 20

State of the Black College Student Watch the film and stay for a talk by its director, Darryl Scriven. Part of Black History Month. Free. 6:30 p.m., Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center. Multicultural Affairs.

Tuesday, Feb. 21

Mardi Gras Madness Enjoy Fat Tuesday fun. Live music by the Zydeco Stingrays. 7 p.m., Bowling and Billiards, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities, 817-272-2963.

Glow-in-the-Dark Ping Pong Pallooza A black-light party with ping pong in the dark. Fee includes glow-in-the-dark T-shirt. Register online. Open to all students, faculty, and staff. Part of Engineering Week. $10. 9 p.m., atrium, Nedderman Hall. Engineering.

Wednesday, Feb. 22

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. McNeese State. Free with student ID. 7 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics, 817-272-2261.

Student Alumni Association Patio Talk Meet with other students and alumni. Free. 7:30 p.m., UTA Alumni Association, 841 W. Mitchell St. Alumni Association.

$2 Movie: I Don't Know How She Does It Rated PG-13. 5:30 p.m.; also 5:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

Polar Bear Plunge A cold-weather tradition that's hot in Texas. T-shirt and hot chocolate. Register at MAC info desk. Free. 9 p.m., Maverick Activities Center's outdoor pool. Campus Recreation.

Ongoing

Planetarium Bring your sweetheart to the Planetarium for a Valentine's couples-only show, Romancing the Stars. 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

There's No Sun Shining Through Exhibit by graduate student Corey Gossett ('06 BFA), whose works explore personal disappointment, fear, dread, and despair. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays; 2-6 p.m., Wednesdays, Fridays. Through Saturday, March 31. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center.

Impressions of the West: Works of Art from Special Collections The American West comes alive in more than 30 paintings, sculptures, and prints. Free. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Through Saturday, April 28. Special Collections, sixth floor, Central Library. 817-272-3393.

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

Tuesday, Feb. 14	Safer Sex in the City: Part 1 Sexual health information. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center; 1-3 p.m. near Starbucks, University Center. Health Services. Resume Critique Free. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Room 216, Davis Hall. Through Friday, Feb. 17. Career Center. Dress for Success Workshop Free. 3-4 p.m., second floor lounge, Maverick Activities Center. Career Center.
Wednesday, Feb. 15	Job Fair Survival 101 Free. 5:30-7 p.m., second floor lounge, Maverick Activities Center. Career Center. Student Veterans Workshop Note-Taking and Reading Techniques. Free. 6-7 p.m., Room 303, Ransom Hall. University College. Managing Study Time Free. Noon, Room 101, College Hall. University College, Success Series. Physics Colloquium Series Haiying Huang, right, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, is guest speaker. Free. 4 p.m., Room 101, Science Hall. Physics. The Big Payback: Understanding Your Student Loans Free. 2-3 p.m., Rio Grande Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. University College, Success Series. GIS Workshop This workshop will lead participants through an exercise to determine the best locations in the DFW Metroplex to open a new pizzeria. No GIS experience required. No registration. Open to the public. Free. 3:30-5 p.m., Room B20, Central Library. UT Arlington Library, TechnoScholars. 'Lives Worth Living' Documentary on the disability rights movement and the fight for the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The film is followed by a discussion. Light refreshments served. Free. 5 p.m., Room 108, University Hall. Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society, Department of History, Office for Students with Disabilities, srose@uta.edu.
Thursday, Feb. 16	Speed Networking Learn from real company recruiters how to put your best foot forward. Free. 12:30-2 p.m., Concho/Red River Rooms, E.H. Hereford University Center. Career Center. Graduate School Walk-in Session Learn about Graduate School requirements and resources. Free. 4-5 p.m., Room 333, Davis Hall. Graduate Studies. Sex Monologues: Part 2 Sexual health information. Free. 7-9 p.m., second floor lounge, Maverick Activities Center. Health Services, Relationship and Sexual Assault Prevention. That's Not What I Mean: Learn How to Engage Other Cultures Effectively Free. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Room 331, Science Hall. University College, Success Series.
Saturday, Feb. 18	Rape Aggression Defense Female students can learn prevention, risk reduction, and risk avoidance while progressing to the basics of hands-on self-defense training. Register online. Free. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Room 135, Maverick Activities Center. UT Arlington Police.
Monday, Feb. 20	Job Fair Survival 101 Free. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., second floor lounge, Maverick Activities Center. Career Center.
Tuesday, Feb. 21	Mastering MavOrg Student organizations can learn the basics of this new program. All attendees entered in drawing for $100 of free pizza for their organization. Free. 6-7 p.m., Sabine Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. Student Governance and Organizations.
Wednesday, Feb. 22	Mind/Emotion Wellness Day Mental health for stress, anxiety, depression, eating and sleeping problems, ADHD, and alcohol and relationship concerns. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Counseling Services, Health Services. Volunteer Fair Local non-profit agency representatives share volunteer opportunities. Free. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. UTA Volunteers, utavolunteers@uta.edu. History Brownbag Series Professor Sarah Davis-Secord, right, speaks on "Creating a Permeable Boundary: The Norman Conquest of Sicily, 1061-1091." Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 321, University Hall. History. Physics Colloquium Series Greg Fiete of UT Austin is guest speaker. Free. 4 p.m., Room 101, Science Hall. Physics. Major Exploration Seminar Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 303, Ransom Hall. University College. Ethics and the Future of Public Health Three experts in biomedical ethics, research ethics, and the history of medicine discuss the moral and political issues surrounding the future of health care, the role of human subjects in medical research, and the very concept of health. Free. Noon-1 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. OneBook, Philosophy and Humanities.
(For an expanded list of events, see the UT Arlington Calendar.)

Butler does it: Kevin Butler scored 17 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as the Mavericks outscored Texas State 73-53 Saturday.

Mav Men win 15th straight

The school-record winning streak for the men's basketball team is up to 15 games after the Mavericks ran past Texas State 73-53 Saturday at College Park Center. It is nation's second longest winning streak, behind No. 1-ranked Kentucky's 17 consecutive wins.

The Mavs play at Stephen F. Austin on Wednesday, Feb. 15, and at Weber State during Sears Bracketbusters weekend, Saturday, Feb. 18. Coach Scott Cross's team is 19-5 overall and 11-0 in the Southland Conference.

Six former Movin' Mavs named to all-star teams

Six former Movin' Mavs players have been named to the all-star teams for the 14th annual NBA/NWBA All-Star Wheelchair Classic set for 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, in Orlando, Fla., during the NBA All-Star Jam Session.

Jason Van Beek ('95 BA), Paul Schulte ('05 BS), and Jeremy Day are members of the Orlando Magic Wheels and will play for the East team. Jay Nelms ('07 BA), Danny Fik ('08 BA), and David Wilkes are members of the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks and will play for the West team.

Women topple Texas State; host SFA Wednesday

Malaika Green and Briana Walker each scored 14 points as the women's basketball team downed Texas State 61-46 Saturday at San Marcos.

The Mavericks host Stephen F. Austin at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, at College Park Center, before traveling to Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday, Feb. 18.

Intramural entries due for foosball, tennis, soccer this week

Intramural entries for foosball are due today, Tuesday, Feb. 14, while tennis singles and doubles, and outdoor soccer entries are due Wednesday, Feb. 15.

Other upcoming sports and entry dates include four-on-four flag football, Wednesday, Feb. 22; table tennis singles and doubles, Tuesday, Feb. 28; and softball, Wednesday, Feb. 29.

Sports Briefs

Softball—won three and lost two in season-opening tournament at Baylor. Play in tournament at Texas State this weekend.

Baseball—open season with three-game series at Louisiana Tech beginning Friday, Feb. 17, and play at UT Austin on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

Men's Tennis—defeated Centenary and Cameron on Friday. Play Baylor in Las Colinas at 6 p.m. today, Tuesday, Feb. 14, and host Wichita State at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, and TCU at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, at UTA Tennis Center.

Track and Field—men's and women's teams participate in the Oklahoma Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Norman, Okla.

Movin' Mavs—won four out of five games during Homecoming weekend. Play in tournament at Alabama Feb. 24-25.

Women's Tennis—lost to Kansas State and Tulsa this past weekend. Next match is 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, against Nicholls State at the UTA Tennis Center.

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