University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 03-20-2012

Diverse group of restaurants announced for College Park District

Five restaurants will be among the first retail tenants in the 20-acre College Park District development, scheduled for completion this summer.

The restaurants reflect the diversity of UT Arlington as they include a pizza franchise, a Vietnamese-style noodle house, a Mediterranean grill, and a frozen yogurt shop. Work on the retail space will continue through the spring, and additional tenant announcements are expected soon. A grand opening is set for Sept. 1.

College Park restaurants will include:

MAVS Sports Grill is a new, sports-themed concept that will occupy about 4,500 square feet on the north side of Moritz Plaza, directly across from the College Park Center entrance.

Pho Xpress, also owned by the MAVS Sports Grill group, will occupy an adjacent 3,500 square feet just west of the new Dan Dipert University Welcome Center.

GRIP Mediterranean Grill, a new, fast casual concept from the owners of Terra Mediterranean Grill and Ali Baba restaurants, offers pita sandwiches, salads, and sides. GRIP will occupy 2,000 square feet at 115 W. Second St.

Pie Five Pizza Co., a concept from Pizza Inn Holdings Inc., specializes in personal-size pizzas. The outlet will operate from 2,200 square feet at 501 S. Pecan St.

Coolberry Frozen Yogurt offers more than 90 flavors of frozen yogurt and more than 20 smoothie varieties. The franchise will occupy 1,600 square feet at 439 S. Pecan St.

Read more about the College Park District development.

White House LGBT conference on campus today

The White House LGBT conference on safe schools and communities is 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, March 20, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom at the E.H. Hereford University Center. The event will feature remarks from U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Valerie Jarrett, senior adviser to President Barack Obama.

The conference is one of a series of events the White House is coordinating this year to raise awareness of issues of interest to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

“UT Arlington is pleased to be a partner in presenting this important conference focused on what educators, law enforcement officials, and others can do to curb bullying, harassment, and violence in our schools, neighborhoods, and communities,” President James D. Spaniolo says. “These issues relate to critical research and academic studies under way within our University, and we look forward to the awareness this event will help foster.”

The conference is in partnership with the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, a division of the College of Liberal Arts, and the College of Education and Health Professions.

Read more about the White House LGBT conference.

Jeb Bush tickets available

Tickets are still available to see former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush at 8 p.m. Friday, March 23, in College Park Center as part of the Maverick Speakers Series.

General admission tickets are free. Premium seating also is available and includes parking. Tickets may be reserved at utatickets.com.

The lecture is titled “Achieving Excellence in Education.” Prior to becoming governor, Bush started the Foundation for Florida’s Future, for which he serves as board chairman. The organization’s aim is to increase academic standards and accountability while advocating for school choice.

Bush’s appearance coincides with the Annual Celebration of Excellence by Students (ACES) Symposium and is co-sponsored by the Office of the President, College of Liberal Arts, College of Education and Health Professions, School of Urban and Public Affairs, and the Office of Graduate Studies.

The event closes out the fourth season of the Maverick Speakers Series.

Annual ACES symposium shows students' best work

The best of student research and creativity is displayed at the Annual Celebration of Excellence by Students (ACES) symposium Thursday, March 22, in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

ACES entries have ranged from pediatric tonsils, DNA damage repair, and immunology to relationship fears, Generation Y's ethical ideology, and verbal abuse from strangers. Various awards are given, including some for sustainability-related topics.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush will participate in a faculty roundtable discussion at 3 p.m. in the Carlisle Suite of the University Center.

For a schedule of oral and poster presentations or to find out more about ACES, go to uta.edu/aces, email aces@uta.edu, or call 817-272-2315.

Deep-sea adventure Oceanographer Robert Ballard discussed "Adventures in Deep-Sea Exploration" in his sold-out Maverick Speakers Series presentation March 7 at Texas Hall. Dr. Ballard encouraged the audience to be scientists and to explore the unknown. He has led or participated in more than 65 underwater expeditions, some of them involving deep-diving submersibles he has designed. Watch the video.

Women in Leadership Summit's deadline is Wednesday

Network with aspiring and current student leaders and discuss trends and critical issues facing women today at the Women in Leadership Summit 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24, in the Lone Star Auditorium in the Maverick Activities Center.

All students can attend. Application deadline is Wednesday, March 21.

Registration open for The Big Event

Registration is open for The Big Event, a day of community service set for Saturday, April 21.

Choose from The Big Event project list for a variety of indoor and outdoor tasks, including a few that are both. This year, more than 1,200 opportunities are available at over 40 sites.

Email thebigevent@uta.edu or call 817-272-2963 for more information or for special accommodations. For relay calls, dial 1-800-RELAYTX.

PASS program on library mall

Do you have a weekend PASS when it comes to partying with friends? Learn how a PASS (Person Appointed to Stay Sober) is the key to a safe ride home 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, on the Central Library mall.

The Texas Department of Transportation sponsors the program designed to address weekend drinking and driving among 18-34 year-olds.

The campaign urges everyone to make plans for a safe and sober ride home in advance and that a sober driver is someone who has not been drinking at all.

This event is part of Greek Week and is sponsored by the Office of Community Standards, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, The Leadership Center, and Health Promotions.

Students prepare for international moot court in Austria

Four UT Arlington students will compete at an international moot court March 28-April 7 in Vienna, Austria. They are the only undergraduate group participating.

Jesse Calderon, Olivia Llanes, Neal Parekh, and Verica Todorovic are following the UT Arlington political science degree plan with a concentration in pre-law.

The group needs an additional $3,000 to pay for the trip. To donate, contact Joseph Ignagni at ignagni@uta.edu or Llanes at olivia.llanes@mavs.uta.edu.

University qualifies for Sustainable 16

UT Arlington has been selected as a finalist of the Sustainable 16, a group of colleges and universities that demonstrate excellence in environmental and sustainability academics.

The first-ever national tournament for environmental and sustainability academic excellence is sponsored by Enviance Inc., a global provider of environmental solutions, and Environmental Leader, a daily trade publication for energy, environmental, and sustainability news.

The winning schools were selected by a group of distinguished environmental science professionals who will determine 2012’s National Environmental Studies Champion on Monday, April 2.

Read more about the Sustainable 16.

Record-setting basketball season comes to a close with trip to NIT

The Mavericks record-setting men's basketball season is over, but not without a fight. The team lost 82-72 to Washington in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament last Tuesday in Seattle.

Setting a school record for wins in a season and most consecutive wins, the Mavericks finished 24-9, highlighted by a mid-season string of 16 straight victories and a Southland Conference regular season title.

Scott Cross was named Southland Conference Coach of the Year. LaMarcus Reed earned first-team All-SLC honors, while Kevin Butler was selected Newcomer of the Year.

Read more about the Mavericks in the NIT.

Movin' Mavs third in national tourney

After losing to Illinois 56-50 in the semifinals, the Movin' Mavs came back to take third place in the National Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball Tournament with a 62-58 triumph over Alabama on March 10 in Champaign, Ill.

The Movin' Mavs led Illinois at halftime of the semifinal but fell behind 50-40 late in the second half. After rallying to tie the score at 50 with two minutes to go, the Movin' Mavs could not score again.

In the third place game, coach Doug Garner's squad led most of the way but could never pull away, squeezing out a four-point win. The Movin' Mavs finished the year with a 30-5 record.

Sophomores Jorge Sanchez and John McPhail earned All-America honors. Junior Tommy Hambicki and freshman Andreas Kraft were named to the All-Rookie team.

Two Maverick track performers earn NCAA All-America honors

Junior Romain Martin finished fifth in the heptathlon and sophomore Clayton Vaughn was fifth in the 60-meter dash as both earned All-America honors at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship March 10 in Nampa, Idaho.

It was the second indoor track All-America honor for Martin and the first for Vaughn, who set a school record in the dash event.

Parking lots closed for campus events

Lots F-11, 38, and 39 will be closed today, Tuesday, March 20, for the White House conference on campus.

On Friday, March 23, Lot F-13 will close at 5 p.m. for Maverick Speakers Series parking.

Safety lights New lighting for better security recently was installed on the west side of campus in Lot 30, which serves the Tennis Center, University Village Apartments overflow, and Texas Hall events. The request came from the 2011 Annual Student Night Walk. Additional lighting also has been added in lots F-11, F-12, 36, and 49 during the past 12 months, and lighting should be completed this month in lots 25 and 29.

Campus police services outlined

State law provides basic rights for victims of violent crime and prohibits harming or threatening to harm a witness or a prospective witness. To that end, the UT Arlington Police Department makes certain information, services, and service referrals available to victims of violent and non-violent crimes.

If you are a victim of or a witness to a crime, help is available. Read 'Your Right To Know' with emergency and non-emergency numbers to call.

Submit nominations for 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award

The Alumni Association is accepting nominations for the 2012 UT Arlington Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor an alumna or alumnus can receive from UT Arlington.

Award criteria and the nomination form are on the Alumni Association website. Submit nominations by Friday, April 6. Awards will be presented at the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Gala on Saturday, Oct. 20.

For more information, contact Stephanie Thompson at 817-272-2594.

Fitness classes shape up at MAC

Get in shape with two fitness programs at the Maverick Activities Center. Sign up today at the MAC information desk.

Maverick Bootcamp is an intense, exciting one-hour workout sure to get your heart racing and your muscles burning. This class meets twice per week for four weeks. Bootbamp is 6:30-7:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, April 2-25. Cost is $50.

Beach Body Blast offers training and nutrition tips to prepare for swimsuit season. This fun-filled class caters to all fitness levels and meets twice per week for six weeks. The class is 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, April 2-May 7. Cost is $30.

University College to open late Monday

On Monday, March 26, University College will open late for planning and meetings. Offices will open at 1 p.m. Students should be aware of these dates and plan ahead to ensure that you are able to make use of any services needed. Additional late opening dates of the spring semester include April 30 and May 21.

Pool closed through Monday

The pool in the Physical Education Building is closed for maintenance through Monday, March 26. All open rec and lap swimming is cancelled until the pool reopens. For updates, visit uta.edu/campusrec.

Think before you drop; last drop date is March 30

The last day to drop courses for both undergraduate and graduate students is 5 p.m. Friday, March 30. Undergraduate students who entered college for the first time in fall 2007 are limited to a total of six dropped courses during their undergraduate career. Discuss the impact of this when you meet with your adviser to discuss dropping a course. Read more about this state law and procedures for its implementation at UT Arlington.

A list of academic advising offices is online.

Check on the impact of dropping if you receive financial aid by going to uta.edu/fao or emailing fao@uta.edu.

Midterm progress report grades in MyMav

Look for a notice in your UT Arlington email account to see if you receive midterm progress reports. If so, check your grades in MyMav and seek guidance from an academic adviser with any concerns about your academic performance.

A list of academic advising offices is online.

Registration begins for summer and fall 2012 on April 2

Advising for summer and fall terms is now open. MyMav is your gateway to the Schedule of Classes and the Registration Timetable for making registration plans for the summer and fall terms. Priority registration opens Monday, April 2.

The schedules of classes available in MyMav now are not final and are for planning purposes only. You’ll need to validate your course selections when registration opens Monday, April 2.

A list of academic advising offices is online.

Apply now for next year's financial aid; complete the FAFSA for grants, loans

Students applying for financial aid for the summer and fall 2012, and spring 2013 terms should complete the 2012-13 Free Application for Federal Student Aid. FAFSA will help UT Arlington determine your eligibility for traditional financial aid programs.

Students and their parents who have already filed their 2011 federal income tax returns may use the IRS Data Retrieval function available online through FAFSA. The tax returns must have been filed with the IRS electronically two weeks before they are available through the IRS Data Retrieval process.

The U.S. Department of Education selects a certain number of applications for a verification process. This means UT Arlington will be required to collect some additional information to compare to the data reported on the FAFSA. These documents will include the 2012-13 Verification Worksheet. If the IRS Data Retrieval process was not used during the initial application process, UT Arlington will need to collect copies of the 2011 IRS tax transcripts for students and parents, if parent information was used to complete the FAFSA.

Signed photocopies of federal tax returns are no longer acceptable for documentation. This is a change from prior years.

Grade exclusion request site closes March 30

UT Arlington will process grade exclusion requests submitted online by 5 p.m. on the last day to drop—Friday, March 30—as part of the grading and academic standing process for the spring 2012 term. The grade exclusion site will be unavailable March 31-June 3. It will reopen on the first day of classes for the summer term and be available through last drop date for summer II. For a grade to be excluded, students must be registered on the census date for the term in which their grade exclusion request is processed.

Tracey Ashley: One Mic Stand Comedy From her stories of growing up in the South to the weird happenings of her life, Tracey Ashley brings laughs to campus at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, in the Rosebud Theatre in the E.H. Hereford University Center. Ashley is living a life filled with excitement, from being a cruise director and selling sports radio ads to the world of professional comedy. She draws material from her childhood to her life abroad to living in the Midwest. Sprinkle in her opinions on society and her take on politics and you have one thought-provoking comic. Admission is free for the One Mic Stand Comedy event, sponsored by EXCEL Campus Activities. For more details, call 817-272-6051 or email excel-entertainment@uta.edu.

Tuesday, March 20

Music Honors Recital Features performances by music faculty members and outstanding students in solo and chamber music settings. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Wednesday, March 21

Women's Tennis Mavericks vs. Wichita State. Free. 3 p.m., UTA Tennis Center. Athletics.

$2 Movie: Moneyball Rated PG-13. 5:30 p.m.; also 5:30 p.m., Friday, March 23, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24. Planetarium.

Thursday, March 22

Karaoke Night Stop by for free pizza, bowling, billiards, karaoke, games, prizes, and more. 7-9 p.m., Bowling and Billiards, E.H. Hereford University Center. UTA Ambassadors.

Friday, March 23

Softball Mavericks vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Free with student ID. 6 p.m.; also 2 p.m. Saturday March 24, Allan Saxe Field. Athletics.

Friends of the Library Joe Bax discusses his book, The General and Monaville, Texas. Free. 7:30 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Friends of the Library.

Faculty Voice Recital Features baritone David Grogan, right, assistant professor of voice. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Saturday, March 24

Track and Field Bobby Lane Invitational, men's and women's competition. Free with student ID. 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Maverick Stadium. Athletics.

Wind Symphony Concert Features the premiere performance of world-renowned composer David Maslanka's epic new Symphony No. 9. $3. Tickets. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Monday, March 26

Voice Division Recital Performances by UTA vocal students Free. Noon-1 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

SAI Musicale Benefit Sigma Alpha Iota service organization hosts soloists and small ensembles performing a variety of music. Donations accepted. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Ongoing

Kana Harada and Ruben Nieto Exhibit A sculptural installation by Harada and oil on canvas paintings by Nieto. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Mondays-Fridays; noon-5 p.m., Saturdays. Through Saturday, March 31, closed during Spring Break. The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building.

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.

India Unveiled A collection of 35 images by photographer and author Robert Arnett. Free. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Through Saturday, May 26. Special Collections, 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.

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

Tuesday, March 20	'Envisioning the Future of North Texas and Its Metroplex' Wes Jurey, president and CEO of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, moderates a panel discussion on the College of Engineering's strategic planning process. Free. 3 p.m. Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center. Engineering.
Wednesday, March 21	Women's and Gender Studies Mini-Conference, Awards A mini-conference of student scholarship in conjunction with the 2012 ACES conference. The first Women's and Gender Studies Student Excellence Awards presented. Part of Women's History Month. Free. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Women's and Gender Studies. Major Exploration Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 303, Ransom Hall. University College, Success Series. Student Veteran Workshop Managing stress. Free. 1-2 p.m., Room 303, Ransom Hall. Also 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 28. University College. What Now? Career/Internship Options After Graduation An interactive workshop designed to assist students by identifying potential careers or areas of professional interest based on their academic or professional pursuits. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 101, College Hall. University College. Architecture Lecture Series Features Victoria Meyers, founding partner at Hanrahan Meyers Architects, New York. Free. 4 p.m., Room 204, Architecture Building. Architecture. 'Culture of Silence: Stalking Awareness' This film offers a realistic exploration of the common misconceptions about stalking and a way to respond to the crime. A panel discussion after the film is hosted by Counseling Services, UT Arlington Police Department, and Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention. Brown bag lunch. Refreshments provided. Free. Noon, Room 303, Chemistry and Physics Building. RVSP, Student Affairs, stutzman@uta.edu.
Thursday, March 22	ACES Symposium The Annual Celebration of Excellence by Students symposium showcases research and creativity. Oral presentations 8:20-11:40 a.m. and 1-4 p.m., upper level rooms, E.H. Hereford University Center. Posters 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge. Reception and awards ceremony 5 p.m., Rio Grande Ballroom. ACES.
Friday, March 23	ACES Roundtable with Faculty Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush joins members of the faculty in a roundtable discussion of current events and issues affecting higher education. Free. 3 p.m., Carlisle Suite, Academy Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. ACES.
Monday, March 26	Foreign Affairs Ronald K. McMullen, right, diplomat-in-residence at UT Austin, discusses his recent service as U.S. ambassador to the state of Eritrea in eastern Africa along with other foreign services. Free. Noon, Room 148, Fine Arts Building. Anthropology.
(For an expanded list of events, see the UT Arlington Calendar.)

Jumpin' Mavs: Isiah Clements was first in the high jump at the TCU Invitational.

Track invitational here Saturday

Some of the nation’s top track and field performers will compete as UT Arlington hosts the Bobby Lane Invitational 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at Maverick Stadium. Students with ID are admitted free. It is the only home meet of the season for the Mavericks.

The men’s team won three events at the TCU Invitational on Friday. Jeff Rodriguez won the pole vault, Isiah Clements was first in the high jump, and Omar Barnes took the triple jump. For the women, Jennifer Brown was second in the triple jump.

Baseball wins series at Lamar

Winning the first two games of the series, the baseball team took two of three at Lamar this past weekend to even their Southland Conference record at 3-3.

The Mavericks are 13-8 overall and 3-0 against the Big 12 after downing Baylor last week. They travel to Dallas Baptist at 6:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, March 20, before returning to SLC play this weekend at Southeastern Louisiana.

Softball hosts Texas A&M-CC this weekend

After canceling a series with Nicholls State after consecutive rainouts, the Mavericks will try again to open Southland Conference softball action when they host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at 6 p.m. Friday, March 23, and 2 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at Allan Saxe Field.

The Mavericks are 10-12, posting a victory over Grambling last week, but losing to North Dakota State and Louisiana Tech.

Golfers ninth at Austin tournament

The Maverick golf team finished ninth at the Morris Williams Intercollegiate Tournament in Austin this past weekend. Paul McConnell led the Mavericks as he tied for 20th with a score of 219.

Next tournament for coach Jay Rees’s team is at the Bancorp South Intercollegiate April 2-3 in Madison, Miss.

Women's tennis resumes action this week

Following a 10-day layoff, the women’s tennis team resumes play when it hosts Wichita State at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, at the UTA Tennis Center.

The women are 8-4 and have won four straight. The men’s team is 4-8 and will host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in its next match Wednesday, March 28.

Sweet 16 intramural entries due Thursday

If you didn’t get a chance to enter last week or if your bracket is busted, there is still a chance as entries for the NCAA Basketball Sweet 16 Challenge are due at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 22.

Entries are due for fantasy baseball Monday, March 26, and sand volleyball Wednesday, March 28.

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