University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 10-30-2012

Early voting begins on campus this week

The flash mob that took over the Library mall last week, shown at left, gave a strong message: Vote!

UT Arlington is an early voting site 7 a.m.-7 p.m. through Friday, Nov. 2, for the Tuesday, Nov. 6, general election. The polling site is inside the entrance at the Maverick Activities Center.

To vote early on campus, you must be registered to vote in Tarrant County and must present identification—voter registration certificate or alternate ID such as a driver's license, birth certificate, passport, U.S. citizenship papers, a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, or other government document.

For more information on early voting, see votetexas.gov and Tarrant County elections.

A Celebration of Service recognizes veterans Nov. 7

Retired U.S. Army Gen. Tommy Franks ('71 BBA) is the keynote speaker for Veterans Day: A Celebration of Service 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7. Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, executive director of the UT Arlington Research Institute, will also provide remarks. The program begins at 4 p.m.

Students, faculty, and staff who have veteran or active military status will be recognized for their dedication and service. The event, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom of the E.H. Hereford University Center, includes a flag ceremony, presentations, music, refreshments, and more.

Franks retired from active duty in 2003 as the commander of the United States Central Command. He was the general leading the attack on the Taliban in Afghanistan in response to the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in 2001. He also led the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the overthrow of President Saddam Hussein.

The celebration is sponsored by the Office of the President. Veterans should RSVP by Wednesday, Oct. 31, to 817-272-5300 or specialevents@uta.edu.

Family fun Dads and sons, mothers and daughters, families and students shared an informational and plain ol' fun time during Parent and Family Weekend. More than 840 family members joined students for tours, lectures, glass-blowing demonstrations, meals and some Halloween fun at the Fall Festival and Concert. See more photos.

Vote today in Homecoming, Student Congress elections

Cast your ballots today, Tuesday, Oct. 30, for Homecoming king and queen, UTA Ambassadors, and Student Congress senators.

Polls are open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. in the Palo Duro Lounge and 5-9 p.m. in the Connection Cafe. Both are in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

University selected for robotics competition

Students and faculty from UT Arlington have been selected to partner with Pittsburgh-based RE2 and Michigan-based Soar Technology to compete in a major national robotics competition supported by the Defense Department’s research arm.

The Defense Advanced Research Project Agency’s Robotics Challenge selected 18 teams for the competition, which runs through 2014. UT Arlington was one of 11 teams selected for DARPA funding to develop software that will run in a government-provided simulation environment. The goal of the program is to develop, build, and demonstrate innovative robotics technologies to aid in disaster response operations when conditions are deemed too dangerous for humans.

The research will take place at the UT Arlington Research Institute. Retired Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch is the executive director of the institute. He recently was named a consultant and member of the RE2 Advisory Board.

For more information, see the DARPA Robotics Challenge.

Gambling goblins Odd couples were part of the costumed fun at the annual Halloween Casino Night last Thursday in the Bluebonnet Ballroom of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Student Affairs and Campus Recreation sponsored the event. See more spooky scenes.

Trick or treat with the Greeks

Bring the family and enjoy Halloween when fraternity and sorority chapters provide games, activities, and candy. Order of Omega sponsors the treats.

The free fun is set for 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, on Greek Row between Davis Drive and Summit Avenue.

Day of the Dead awareness on campus

Separate fact from fiction about Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31. The actual holiday is Thursday, Nov. 1, each year.

Celebrated in Mexico and many Latino countries, the holiday gathers family and friends to pray for and commemorate loved ones who have passed away. According to beliefs, the dead return on this day to the land of the living to savor the foods they once enjoyed. The traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed.

A procession starts at noon on the University Center mall and ends at the Library mall. Sign a banner with the names of departed friends and family. Place a picture of your late loved ones by 11 a.m. at the altar on the Library mall.

Free pan dulce and aguas frescas.

Sigma Lambda Beta, a Latino fraternity, sponsors the event.

Check out the checkups at Interactive Health Expo

Can you name the seven components of wellness? If not, learn how they play an important role in a well-balanced life at the Interactive Health Expo. The free event is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, in the Palo Duro Lounge of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Health Services sponsors the health expo.

Sustaining terrariums Logan Grimes, left, biology junior, shows Jordan Galindo, biology senior, how terrariums are made at the Campus Sustainability Day last Wednesday. An e-waste education session, bicycle tuneups, tours of The Green at College Park, and a food drive highlighted the sustainability activities.

Represent UT Arlington at higher education boards

Student Congress is looking for applicants for student representatives to the UT System Board of Regents and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. These positions voice the student perspective on major issues concerning higher education.

Applications can be found at uta.edu/sc and are due by Friday, Nov. 9, to the Student Congress office in Room B150 of the E.H. Hereford University Center. For more information, email sc-extr@uta.edu or call 817-272-0556.

Pivot now available for research

Pivot, an online system that connects research interests with funding opportunities, is now available through Grant and Contract Services in the Office of Research Administration.

See how searches, funding alerts, and connecting with collaborators can turn into success with Pivot. Use your UT Arlington email address to register for an account.

For more information, contact ogcs@uta.edu.

Get spicy at Chili Bowl bracket contest

Spice up your life by signing up for the Homecoming Chili Bowl bracket contest, which serves up at noon Thursday, Nov. 15, at the University Center mall.

Teams compete in their assigned divisions to win the prize of Homecoming Chili Bowl bracket champion, bragging rights, and a trophy.

Deadline to register is Friday, Nov. 2. For registration information, go to uta.edu/homecoming or call 817-272-6080.

Blue and orange Maverick blue goes perfectly with pumpkin orange. Adam Castleman, political science senior, painted the gourd during last Wednesday's Sustainability Day events.

Display your work at GIS Day

Showcase your Geographic Information Systems research at GIS Day 2012 noon-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, in the sixth floor parlor of the Central Library. GIS Day is a global event to educate people about the variety of GIS uses.

Kate Holliday, assistant professor of architecture, will speak noon-1 p.m. on "Mapping DFW: Exploring Architectural History Using GIS." Try your hand at geocaching at 4 p.m. on the Library mall. See examples of spatial analysis and maps, and enjoy prizes, food, and a giant GIS Day cake.

To showcase your work register online, or for more information, contact Joshua Been at 817-272-5826.

Applicants needed by Saturday for Maverick Orientation Leaders

If you're a good role model for incoming students and represent the best and brightest of UT Arlington’s student body, apply to be a 2013 Maverick Orientation Leader for New Maverick Orientation.

Candidates should have great communication skills, excellent leadership qualities, display Maverick pride, and have a positive attitude. Applicants are required to be a full-time undergraduate student, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and be in good standing with the University.

Applications deadline is Saturday, Nov. 3.

Breakfast sampler Rebecca Durr, education junior, appreciated the morning offerings during a recent Commuter Breakfast event hosted by the Off-Campus Mavericks, a department of Student Affairs. She drives to campus from Irving.

Library needs your opinions and ideas

The Library is conducting research to examine better ways for students and faculty to find books, journal articles, and other materials needed for coursework and research.

Sign up to participate in the research. Participants receive a $5 printing card.

For more information, contact Sarah Jones at sjones@uta.edu, Gretchen Trkay at gtrkay@uta.edu, or Andy Herzog at amherzog@uta.edu.

Homecoming volunteers wanted

Homecoming 2012 needs committed, engaged volunteers to work behind the scenes and ensure that the Maverick spirit is at an all-time high during the events.

Register to help with the Homecoming Chili Bowl, the Party on Pecan, the Afterparty, the 5K walk/run, and other events at Homecoming Volunteers.

Lighten up Homecoming with parade entry; deadline Nov. 7

Light up the night at this fall's Homecoming parade with "illumination" as the theme. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16.

Faculty, staff, and student groups are invited to light up their floats, golf carts, or walking entries for the parade. Entries are due Wednesday, Nov. 7. There will be prizes of $300, $200, and $100 for the top entries.

For more information, see Homecoming parade or contact University Events at 817-272-2963.

Influenza vaccine offered through Health Services

Flu shots are now available for $20 at Health Services. No appointment is needed. Leave your cash at home and charge to your MyMav account.

Don't have time to visit the health center? Stop by the flu shot outreach clinic 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, on the Library mall.

Gulping for good Richard Wiesolek, aerospace engineering senior, downed seven yogurt containers for a recent fundraising event for breast cancer research hosted by Zeta Tau Alpha.

Peer Academic Leader positions open

University College Programs needs undergraduate students to become Peer Academic Leaders (PALs). Positions are available in nursing, engineering, and science.

The PAL position offers students the opportunity to teach in one of the University’s first-year seminars and to serve as a mentor to first-year students to aid in their transition to college.

This paid position offers students excellent resume-building experience as well as the opportunity to work closely with faculty in their major.

Read more about PAL positions.

Benefit car show needs entries

Great cars are needed for the Second Annual Cars for Cook Children's Car Show, hosted by Kappa Delta Pi. The show is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, in Lot 49.

Registration is $8 for students and $12 for others. Cash prizes go to three Best in Show categories.

For the $5 admission, attendees can find some awesome cars, food, drink, and one raffle ticket for an autographed Dirk Nowitzki photograph, gift cards, and more. The family-friendly event includes bounce houses, face painting, a live DJ, and more.

Proceeds benefit Cook Children's Medical Center.

University College opens late Thursday

Offices at University College will open late Thursday morning. Doors open at 10 a.m. for students.

The Advising Center will be open 8 a.m.-noon and 2-5 p.m.

Spring registration opens Nov. 5; 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.

Six-course-drop alert, check implications before you drop

The last drop date for the fall 2012 term is Wednesday, Oct. 31. If you entered a Texas public college or university in fall 2007 or later, you are limited to dropping six courses in the span of your undergraduate career. For exceptions to this policy and more information, go to the undergraduate catalog and the Six Course Drop Limit procedures page.

To drop classes, you must meet with an academic adviser in your major department. A list of advising offices is online. You are encouraged to talk to a financial aid counselor.

Grade exclusion site closes Wednesday

All grade exclusion requests for the fall 2012 semester must be submitted by the last day to drop a course, which is Wednesday, Oct. 31.

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.

Diversity of India explored at lectures The culture, history, politics, and science of India are presented by University faculty 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, in the sixth floor parlor of the Central Library. Nila Veerabathina, senior lecturer of physics, hosts the event. Speakers include Krishnan Rajeshwar, distinguished professor of chemistry and biochemistry; Melia Belli, assistant professor of art and art history; Karabi Bezboruah, assistant professor of public administration; Ritu Khanduri, assistant professor of sociology and anthropology; and Shelley Smith, professor and chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. A reception and book signing follow 4-5 p.m. in the sixth floor atrium for photographer Robert Arnett, whose collection of images highlighting the diversity of India and its various regions is on display in the parlor. The exhibit, India Unveiled, continues through Jan. 5, 2013. The event is free. Among the sponsors are the Department of Sociology and Anthropology and the Library. For more information, contact Dr. Veerabathina at nilakshi@uta.edu.

Wednesday, Oct. 31

Dia de los Muertos Learn more about Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Library mall. Sigma Lambda Beta, Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Trick or Treat with the Greeks Bring the family and enjoy Halloween when fraternity and sorority chapters provide games, activities, and candy. Free. 5:30-7:30 p.m., Greek Row between Davis Drive and Summit Avenue. Order of Omega, Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Relationship Forum Join an educational forum based on relationships and love. Free. 7-10 p.m., Concho Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. Iota Phi Theta, Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Thursday, Nov. 1

Movie Screening: Nefarious See the award-winning movie, Nefarious, based on the real-life events of the international human trafficking trade, and join in a discussion on its impact on the Asian community. Part of Asian Heritage Month. Free. 6:30 p.m., Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Multicultural Affairs, Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Program.

Volleyball Mavericks vs. UT San Antonio. Fan Appreciation/Pride Night. First 50 fans receive a UT Arlington rally pom. Tickets $3 with student ID. 7 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Duo Piano Recital Features Dan Cavanagh, associate director of jazz studies, and guest artist Dan Haerle, retired jazz studies professor at the University of North Texas. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Friday, Nov. 2

Faculty Violin Recital Features Martha Walvoord, associate professor of violin. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Saturday, Nov. 3

Chili Cook-off Bring the family for prizes, games, competitions, and of course, chili. Cooking at 9 a.m.; judging at noon. Free. The Green at College Park. Accounting.

Volleyball Mavericks vs. Texas State. Jersey Day. Free posters. Tickets $3 with student ID. 2 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Monday, Nov. 5

Downtown Arlington Music Monday A lunchtime concert featuring music students. Free lunch served after the concert. Free. 12:15 p.m., First Baptist Church, 300 S. Center St. Music.

Tuesday, Nov. 6

One Night in Asia Talent Show Enjoy performances by student organizations including the Asian Student Association, Filipino Student Association, Fine Arts Society of India, and more. Part of Asian Heritage Month. Free. 7 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. Multicultural Affairs.

Coming Up

Veterans Day: A Celebration of Service Retired U.S. Army Gen. Tommy Franks ('71 BBA), right, is the keynote speaker with more than 1,500 students, faculty, and staff who have veteran or active military status honored. RSVP by email or call 817-272-5300. Watch your email for invitations sent directly to veterans and active duty personnel. 3:30-5 p.m., program 4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 7, Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Office of the President.

Marisol In Jose Rivera's award-winning play, a woman fights for survival in a world turned upside down. $7. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 9-10, and Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 15-17; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, Studio Theatre, Fine Arts Building. Maverick Theatre Company, Theatre Arts.

International Education Week Includes World Trivia Night, which tests teams on their knowledge of various countries and cultures around the world. Register by Monday, Nov. 5. International Education Week is Nov. 12-16. World Trivia Night is 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. International Education, Study Abroad.

Homecoming 2012 Highlights include men's and women's basketball games, a volleyball match, Homecoming parade, street party, chili cook-off, reunions, tours, games, after party, and more. See the Homecoming schedule. Nov. 15-19, College Park Center and other locations. Student Affairs.

Homecoming 5K Run The first Homecoming 5K is a way for UT Arlington supporters to actively tour campus and the surrounding community. Register. Saturday, Nov. 17. Homecoming, Campus Recreation.

Ongoing

Pink Ribbon Run Run on the pink treadmill at the Maverick Activities Center, and for each mile 10 cents will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Through Wednesday, Oct. 31. Campus Recreation.

Mindful Moments Take a break with Mindful Moments. Free. 12:15-12:45 p.m., Wednesdays, Room 205, Health Services Center. Health Services.

Presidential Campaigns and Memorabilia More than 150 U.S. presidential buttons, from the 1896 election of William McKinley to the current 2012 campaign, are included in the collection of UT Arlington President James D. Spaniolo. Free. Through Monday, Nov. 12, first floor lobby, Central Library. An exhibit of political cartoons is on the second floor.

The Gallery at UTA: Harry Geffert and Chuck Ramirez Works by Harry Geffert and Chuck Ramirez feature bronze castings and photographs. At right is Ramirez's Godiva. Free. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. Through Saturday, Nov. 17. The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building.

Gallery 76102: A Study of Water and What Once Was a Forest Loli Kantor's documentary photography and Hiroko Kubo's sculptural exploration are revealed in this exhibit. Free. Gallery hours 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays; 4-8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays. Through Friday, Nov. 30. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center.

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 parlor, Central Library. Through Feb. 9, 2013. Special Collections.

Planetarium The beauty of a starlit sky conceals the violent forces at work within our universe in Violent Universe. 1:30 p.m. Sundays. Planetarium.

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

Men's cross country wins WAC title

The UT Arlington men took four of the top 10 spots to win the school’s first Western Athletic Conference championship by taking the cross country title on Saturday in Ruston, La.

Virgilio Martinez was the Mavericks’ top finisher, placing fifth. He was selected WAC Freshman of the Year. Craig Lautenslager, Emil Blomberg, and Ryan Tilotta finished seventh, eighth, and ninth, respectively.

The women’s team finished fifth with Hannah Nilsson placing 12th.

Movin' Mavs win four in Jim Hayes Invitational

The Movin' Mavs wheelchair basketball won all four games in the Jim Hayes Invitational last weekend, defeating teams from Dallas, Austin, and two from Houston in the community tournament.

Next action for the Movin’ Mavs will be a collegiate tournament at Wisconsin-Whitewater Nov. 16-17.

Golfers second at UT El Paso meet

Paul McConnell led the Maverick golf team to a second-place finish Saturday at the Price's Give 'em Five Invitational hosted by UT El Paso.

McConnell finished tied for fourth with a three-under-par 213 for the tournament.

Volleyball back home this week

It’s like old home week as the Maverick volleyballers host two teams that moved with them from the Southland Conference to the Western Athletic Conference when they take on UT San Antonio at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, and Texas State at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at College Park Center.

Thursday is Fan Appreciation Night and Saturday is Jersey Day. Free posters will be given away as the semester of free books contest continues.

The Mavericks lost matches at Utah State and San Jose State last week.

Intramural badminton entries due Sunday

Intramural badminton entries are due 6-6:45 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, in the Maverick Activities Center gym. Play begins at 7 p.m.

There will be competition in men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles. An adaptive wheelchair division is available with advanced request through Doug Garner at dgarner@uta.edu.

For more information, see Intramural Sports.

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