University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 09-11-2012

Online formula: Weichao Wang, left, a graduate student instructor, explains a software program to James Epperson, associate professor of mathematics, Friday during the grand opening of the Math Emporium in Pickard Hall.

Math Emporium adds to student success rate in college algebra

College algebra is becoming a little easier with the opening of the Math Emporium, a computer and tutorial lab as part of a new initiative to help students with the basic mathematics courses.

Rather than attending the traditional three lectures per week, students enrolled in college algebra will attend one lecture each week. The other two class periods will be in the 5,800-square-foot learning lab, working through software and video-based lessons with help from graduate teaching assistants.

The Math Emporium concept was pioneered by the National Center for Academic Transformation, a nonprofit that focuses on incorporating technology and innovative ideas to control college costs. Low passing rates for college algebra and similar lower-level mathematics classes is a national problem, with students spending time and tuition dollars on classes they must retake or risk not graduating.

"It's the first time we've done something like this for college algebra," says David Jorgensen, associate professor of math, who oversees the emporium.

The Math Clinic is across the hall from the emporium on the third floor of Pickard Hall. The clinic offers tutors for numerous math courses.

Enhanced service: The MavMobile is one of several enhancements to services for students and the University community. The new 14-passenger mini shuttle offers rides between the College Park District garages and the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Campus services expanding in response to student needs

Students need more than just books and computer connections while on campus. They often express those needs with words such as information, safety, convenience, later, more.

Those words have been heard, and campus leaders are expanding services to the University community.

“Student Congress President Jennifer Fox came to me to discuss some of these things,” says Frank Lamas, vice president of Student Affairs. “Because so many people are here so many hours, where do you go to get a sandwich or a beverage? Or if you have to park out in a distant lot, do you walk to it at night? These were convenience and safety issues.”

Dr. Lamas, Fox, and John Hall, vice president for administration and campus operations, formed a committee of students, faculty, and staff to examine these topics and more during the summer.

The committee identified issues that were most needed by students and others while they are on campus, during the week and on the weekend.

Dining Services expanded hours for The Plaza, Connection Café, and Einstein Bros.

Shuttle service and security escort services have been extended to nearby, off-campus apartment complexes, such as Maverick Place, CampusEdge, and MidTown, says Assistant Chief Rick Gomez of the UT Arlington Police Department. The Green south shuttle route will run through 10:30 p.m., starting within the next two weeks.

Later this semester, security escort services will expand to 3 a.m. on Monday through Friday mornings.

A new MavMobile mini shuttle offers rides between the College Park District garages and the E.H. Hereford University Center.

A student survey this fall will focus on other topics addressed by the committee, including later hours once a week for University offices most needed by students.

Lamas says work is in progress for later hours for shuttle operations, dining services available during special events and holidays, a call center to answer a broad range of questions, and a campaign on student services created by a marketing class.

Just vote Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade discussed encouraging youth participation in elections Tuesday in the Central Library parlor. Her talk was sponsored by the UT Arlington Women's and Gender Studies program and the League of Women Voters-Arlington Area. Learn more about upcoming elections or register to vote.

Career Month workshops help students prepare for Job Fair

A great resume and polished interview skills don't happen by chance, and that's why Career Month brings workshops to help students and alumni do their best at the fall Job Fair.

Career Month wraps up with the fall Job Fair Wednesday, Sept. 19, at the Maverick Activities Center.

Even if you are pursuing a field that might not be represented at the Job Fair, the experience of speaking with professionals can be invaluable. More than 120 employers are registered.

Find a complete list of employers attending the Job Fair as well as a calendar of events on the Career Center website.

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.

UT Arlington among nation's fastest-growing universities

A new Chronicle of Higher Education list of the nation’s fastest-growing public research universities puts UT Arlington at No. 6, recognizing a more than 61 percent increase in enrollment from fall 2000 to fall 2010.

The University, which had a spring 2012 enrollment of nearly 33,500, was the highest ranked University of Texas System school on the Chronicle’s survey of public research institutions.

“We’ve worked hard over the past decade to make UT Arlington a destination for top-quality students and world-class faculty,” President James D. Spaniolo says. “Our university community is not only larger, but also more vibrant and engaged than ever.”

Improved recruiting and the expansion of online degree programs have fueled UT Arlington’s growth in recent years. Efforts to bolster the University’s role in the community include the opening in 2012 of the $78 million College Park Center, a 7,000-seat special events center, and the College Park district, an $80 million mixed-use development that accommodates 600 students in a residence hall and apartments.

The list of fastest-growing campuses is part of the Chronicle’s Almanac of Higher Education 2012.

Piano man After classes, Cody Litton, accounting senior, tickled the ivories last week at the Connection Cafe in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Oozeball registration goes on for another week

The mud starts flying for the 23rd Annual Oozeball Tournament at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21. Register your team online through Tuesday, Sept 18.

Oozeball is a friendly and sloppy competition of volleyball on dirt courts turned into muddy swamps from thousands of gallons of water. Teams of five or six members, including at least two females, battle it out to be the last team standing.

The action takes place at the corner of Summit Avenue and West Fourth Street, just south of Greek Row.

Oozeball benefits the Student Alumni Association Sophomore Scholarship and is sponsored by the Alumni Association’s Maverick Marauders and Campus Recreation. Call 817-272-2594 for more details.

See photos from the 2011-12 Oozeball event.

Watch Maverick action with All-Sports Pass

With a Maverick All-Sports Pass, students are admitted to intercollegiate 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. Without the pass, individual student tickets are $3 each to all athletic events.

Purchase a pass through MyMav's Student Center. 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.

Holy poster sale Rachel Polk, athletic training sophomore, flips through numerous wall art options at the poster sale last week hosted by EXCEL Campus Activities.

Friday deadline for International Friendship Program

International students and faculty members can link up with Arlington community members through The Link’s friendship program, sponsored by the Office of International Education. The purpose is to foster an appreciation for how others live and view the world. This is achieved by matching international students and scholars with families and individuals from the Arlington community.

Friendship partners will meet at least once a month for activities together, such as conversations over coffee, dinner, playing sports, or attending festivals.

Apply online by Friday, Sept. 14.

Multimedia training offered by Library

The Digital Media Studio offers free introductory software workshops for popular titles such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere, and more. Sessions are offered throughout the semester.

Check the workshop schedule. Register for one-on-one training or assistance with a multimedia project.

Benefit bash Michael Tomich, mechanical engineering junior, clobbers a truck for the Delta Upsilon Truck Smash fundraiser last week on the library mall. Proceeds benefited the fraternity's Global Service Initiative, which allows members to volunteer in a disadvantaged community in Jamaica.

Register now for nonstop action at Cyclethon for World Heart Day

Put the pedal to the metal—and the mettle—for the Cyclethon for World Heart Day. Together with your teammates you must keep your bike pedaling noon-midnight Monday, Sept. 24, at the Maverick Activities Center.

Teams of five to 20 members must have someone riding the entire 12 hours. Don't have a team? Sign up as a free agent. Cost is $25 per team with funds donated to the American Heart Association.

Registration packets are available at the MAC Information and Services Desk. For more information, call 817-272-3277 or email lindsay@uta.edu.

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.

Freshman progress reports online

Early progress reports are available through My Mav as soon as they are entered through Thursday, Sept. 27. Most grades will be available September 17 or shortly after. Meet with your academic adviser to discuss your progress and explore campus resources.

Freshman tutoring program deadline Sept. 14

Freshmen can receive up to six hours of free tutoring in selected courses in the fall semester through the Start Strong Freshman Tutoring Program. Students must register for and complete their first hour of tutoring by Friday, Sept. 14. Register at University Tutorial and Supplemental Instruction in Suite 205 of Ransom Hall. Additional tutoring is available for $6.50 per hour.

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.

Hispanic Heritage Month starts with fiesta Monday An afternoon of entertainment and festivity kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month. The Kick Off Fiesta starts at noon Monday, Sept. 17, in the Palo Duro Lounge of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Sing along with a mariachi band or grab a few friends for photo opps in the interactive cut-out boards. Enjoy the Latin art exhibition and poetry readings. A revamped Carnaval/Dancing With Mavericks is 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, on the University Center mall. Join the masquerade with live stilt-walkers, dancers, and Carnaval queens. Stop by interactive booths, create crafts, and enjoy free give-aways. Don't miss Movie Night, 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 1, in the Concho Room of the University Center. Stand and Deliver is the compelling true story of East Los Angeles calculus high school teacher Jaime Escalante. Free popcorn and free admission. A benefit soccer tournament is a day of fast-paced action Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Fields Complex. Register your team by Monday, Oct. 1. Games start at 9 a.m. Proceeds benefit UTA Alumni Association Hispanic Scholarship. House Party: Dinner and a Movie at CMAS starts at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, upper level of the University Center. The Center for Mexican American Studies open house includes a viewing the documentary “Precious Knowledge: Ethnic Studies Under Attack,” a documentary film about revolutionary education. Hispanic Heritage Month is sponsored by the Multicultural Mavericks and the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Tuesday, Sept. 11

Music Honors Recital Performances by music faculty members and outstanding students. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Thursday, Sept. 13

Jazz on the Lawn An outdoor performance of UT Arlington jazz bands and ensembles. Free. 7 p.m., Architecture Building courtyard. Music.

Levitt Pavilion Joe King Carrasco, the King of Tex-Mex rock 'n' roll, performs. Also Smile Smile, Friday, Sept. 14; Blaine Gray, Saturday, Sept. 15; Delta Rae, Sunday, Sept. 16. Free. 8 p.m., Abram at Pecan streets, downtown Arlington. Levitt Pavilion.

Friday, Sept. 14

Passion Pit Electropop band. Tickets $21.50-$29.50, with limited number of $5 discounts for UT Arlington students. 8 p.m., College Park Center. College Park Center, 817-272-9595.

Monday, Sept. 17

Barbecue Fundraiser 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Library mall. National Society of Leadership and Success.

Tuesday, Sept. 18

MAC's 5th Birthday Celebrate the fifth year of the Maverick Activities Center. Free. 4 p.m., Maverick Activities Center. Student Affairs, Campus Recreation.

Coming up

Maverick Speakers Series: Frank Deford Sportswriter and commentator Frank Deford speaks on “Journalism: Sports and Beyond.” Free, but tickets required. Premium seating $25. 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 25, Texas Hall. Also, Cokie Roberts, "An Insider's View of Washington, D.C.," 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 4, Texas Hall. Maverick Speakers Series.

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.

Flo Rida Tickets available to UT Arlington students, faculty, and staff only through Wednesday, Sept. 19; to public 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 20. Tickets $35-$80; four ticket limit. 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 19, 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 Saturday, Sept. 29. Fort Worth Center.

The Gallery at UTA: The State of Drawing Group exhibition showcasing drawing by artists living and working in Texas. Free. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays, Fine Arts Building. Through Saturday, Oct. 6. The Gallery at UTA.

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 Spacepark 360 is an out-of-this-world entertainment experience. Get transported to surreal vistas and experience the most thrilling amusement park rides the solar system has to offer. 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Planetarium.

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

Tuesday, Sept. 11	Resume Critiques Experts help make your resume shine. No appointment needed. Free. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Room 216 Davis Hall. Through Friday, Sept. 14. Career Center. Anger Management Examine normal and problematic anger and learn healthy ways to resolve conflict. Register online. Free. 1-2 p.m. Room 303, Ransom Hall. University College, Counseling Services.
Wednesday, Sept. 12	Study Abroad Fair Free. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., University Center Mall. International Education. How to be Successful at the Job Fair Learn how to network a job fair and what to say when you approach an employer. Get resume tips, advice on what to wear, and other great information for having a successful job fair experience. Free. 5:30-7 p.m., second floor lounge, Maverick Activities Center. Also 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17. Career Center. Note-Taking Skills Discover effective note-taking skills specific to individual learning styles, as well as the differences between note taking during a lecture and note taking from assigned readings. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 101, College Hall. University College, Success Series. Conversations: First College Student in the Family Explore the college transition through the eyes of the first-generation college student, including how to explain the expectations to family, how to ask for help, and how to make the most of the resources available to you. Free. Noon, Room 100, Geoscience Building. University College, Success Series. Internal Networks Guest speaker Tom Donahue is director of Global Network Design and Deployment at Google, Inc., and is responsible for the design and execution of Google’s massive world-wide network. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. McNair Scholars Program Learn about how the McNair Scholars Program could help you get into graduate school and conduct research with faculty. Free. 1 p.m., Room 303, Ransom Hall. University College, McNair Scholars Program.
Thursday, Sept. 13	Biology Colloquium Series Kurt Anderson, assistant professor of biology at the University of California, Riverside, discusses "Modeling Spatial Ecological Dynamics in Streams and Rivers." Free. 4 p.m., Room 119, Life Science Building. Biology. Graduate School Walk-In Session Gain insight and information on applying for Graduate School in one-on-one or small group settings. Free. 4-5 p.m., Room 333, Davis Hall. Graduate Studies. Managing the Time Trap: Organizational Skills Learn effective time management strategies that you can implement right away and instantly increase your productivity. Register online. 5-6 p.m., online. Graduate Studies.
Friday, Sept. 14	Major Exploration Information and resources to help you select a major. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 303, Ransom Hall. Also Tuesday, Sept. 18. University College, Success Series.
Tuesday, Sept. 18	Health and Safety Awareness Explore how to stay healthy in college. Free. 2 p.m., Room 106, College Hall. University College, Success Series.
Wednesday, Sept. 19	Express Yourself and Feel Good About It Learn how to be assertive, express yourself more effectively, and improve self-esteem. Register online. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 303, Ransom Hall. University College, Counseling Services. General Study Skills Learn effective study skills specific to your individual learning style. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 101, College Hall. University College, Success Series. Student Veteran Workshop: Improving Time Management Discover how to manage your time and the expectations of college. Free. 2 p.m., Room 303, Ransom Hall. University College.
Thursday, Sept. 20	Major Exploration for Transfers Information and resources to help you select a major. Free. 2-3 p.m., Room 303, Ransom Hall. University College, Success Series.
(For an expanded list of events, see the UT Arlington Calendar.)

Maverick first: Freshman Virgilio Martinez led the men’s cross country team to victory in the UTA Season Opener on Saturday.

Mav men win cross country meet

Freshman Virgilio Martinez cruised to victory in his first collegiate competition as the men’s cross country team swept the top five places en route to a first-place finish in the UTA Season Opener at Vandergriff Park on Saturday.

Freshman Craig Lautenslager was runnerup as the men outscored Baylor, North Texas, and Texas State.

On the women's side, sophomore Hannah Nilsson paced the Mavericks with a 13th-place finish, as the team was third behind SMU and Baylor, and ahead of Texas State.

Both men’s and women’s teams return to action Saturday, Sept. 15, in Ruston, La., at the Louisiana Tech Mook 4.

Basketball schedules announced

A homecoming doubleheader will begin the basketball season at College Park Center as the UT Arlington men host Oklahoma and the women entertain Oral Roberts on Friday, Nov. 16.

The men’s schedule also includes games at UT Austin and Oklahoma State while the women will face Michigan State and Memphis. Both teams begin Western Athletic Conference play on Dec. 29.

For more information on the schedules, see men's basketball and women's basketball.

Volleyball at TCU tonight

The Maverick volleyball team visits TCU at 6:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, Sept. 11, before opening Western Athletic Conference competition at Louisiana Tech on Saturday, Sept. 15.

The Mavericks, now 4-7, opened the Hilton Classic with a win over Marist last weekend, but lost to Northwestern State and Southern Mississippi. Sophomore Taylor Gross was named to the all-tournament team.

Foosball entries due today

Intramural foosball entries are due today, Tuesday, Sept. 11, with entries for racquetball due Friday, Sept. 14.

Entries for the billiards tournament are due Tuesday, Sept. 18, and softball entries are due Wednesday, Sept. 19.

For more information, see Intramural Sports.

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