University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 02-05-2013

Spring enrollment hits all-time high with more than 33,800

UT Arlington enrolled an all-time record 33,806 students for the spring 2013 semester with continued growth driven by gains in business, nursing, engineering, science, and social work compared with the same period last year.

Overall, UT Arlington enrollment has increased almost 35 percent over the past five years, preliminary spring census day reports show. Spring enrollment in recent years has been greater than in the fall, spurred largely by staggered enrollment dates for the University’s popular online degree programs.

“Our University has experienced a period of sustained growth as the reputation of our academic and research programs has increased,” says Ronald L. Elsenbaumer, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Students are choosing UT Arlington based on the quality of the education they will achieve here, and they know we are committed to helping them succeed in a dynamic environment.”

Read more about spring enrollment.

Catch the excitement of Maverick basketball at College Park Center

Help fill College Park Center when the men’s basketball team takes on Texas State in a Western Athletic Conference game Thursday, Feb. 7. Game time is 7 p.m.

Tickets are only $3 with student ID online at utatickets.com or at the box office.

Thursday is Military Appreciation Night and military personnel are admitted free with military ID at the box office. It is also $1 hot dog night. Halftime includes a military swearing-in ceremony and introduction of the 2013 baseball team.

The Mavericks host UT San Antonio at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. Blaze’s Kids Club members receive a UT Arlington bag. Free men’s schedule posters also are available. The Rocking Ropers, a youth jump rope group, perform at halftime.

UT Arlington was victorious at both Texas State and UT San Antonio last month. The Mavericks have a 4-1 record in the WAC away from home, but have posted a 1-4 record at College Park Center in conference games.

Grab tickets for the 2013 WAC Tournament March 12-16 in Las Vegas. All-session tickets, which are good for both men's and women's games, are $165 and are available at utatickets.com, by calling 817-272-9595, or at the College Park Center box office. All WAC men’s and women’s teams qualify for the postseason event.

Aerial art: The Reach sculpture will be installed this spring in the Janet and Michael Greene Research Quadrangle of the Engineering Research Building.

Da Vinci-inspired sculpture to symbolize University

A 20-foot sculpture to be installed this spring will symbolize the University’s bold commitment to research, science, and the arts.

Reach, a work by art Assistant Professor Darryl Lauster, is based on Helical Aerial Screw, Leonardo da Vinci’s 15th century sketch for a gyroscopic flying machine, often referred to today as one of the first helicopter prototypes.

Lauster developed the concept to celebrate the significant growth and change that has occurred at UT Arlington during President James D. Spaniolo’s tenure after the president announced plans to retire last year.

“I came up with the design after considering the relationship between our students and our University, the relationship between the University and our community, and the mission of our University,” says Lauster, who joined the Department of Art and Art History in 2008.

Read more about the Reach sculpture.

Next MavAlert test is Wednesday

The next monthly test of the MavAlert Emergency Notification System is at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6. Verify your emergency contact information at uta.edu/mymav.

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

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

Remembering Columbia Alumna and astronaut Kalpana Chawla ('84 MS) and other members of the space shuttle Columbia were remembered with a balloon release Friday morning outside KC Hall. The date marked the 10th anniversary of the shuttle disaster.

Help Desk opens in University Center

Bring your computer questions to the new Help Desk site at the Campus Information Center on the main level of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

The Office of Information Technology operates the new locale 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays.

You also can reach the Help Desk by phone at 817-272-2208 and email at helpdesk@uta.edu.

Real estate investor to speak at Business Executive Dinner

Fort Worth-based real estate investor John Goff is the keynote speaker for the College of Business 2013 Executive Dinner on Wednesday, March 20.

Co-hosted with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the Executive Dinner is an annual event during Business Week, March 18-22. The dinner is an opportunity to connect students and the local business community with a master of the business world.

Student tickets are $35. Register for the Executive Dinner.

ACES abstract submissions due Wednesday

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

The ACES symposium showcases the best of student research and creativity with cash prizes for winning oral presentations and posters.

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

Scott Cross

Cross named a 'Best Coach for the Money'

Men's basketball coach Scott Cross was named to Forbes Magazine's first ever ranking of the "Best College Basketball Coaches for the Money."

Cross is ranked No. 10 on the list of "Mid-Major" coaches. Under his guidance, the Mavericks reeled off a school-record 17-game winning streak last season, captured the 2012 Southland Conference regular season title, made an appearance in the National Invitation Tournament, and finished with a record of 24-7.

UT Arlington plays in the Western Athletic Conference this year after leaving the Southland Conference. Both are part of the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 conferences.

Cross is in his seventh season at the helm as the team stands 10-9 overall this year with a 5-5 record in the WAC.

Hot stuff Bryanna Kelly, art junior, mugs for the camera with her mug of hot chocolate, a freebie from the Student Alumni Association last week.

Free influenza vaccine continues

Free flu shots are available 8:30 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays at the Health Services Center. No appointment is required.

Learn more about influenza and how to prevent it at the Health Services website.

Texasflu.org has information about avoiding the flu, flu symptoms and severity, what to do if you feel ill, and caring for someone who is sick.

Volunteers needed for spring job fair

The Career Center needs student volunteers for the Spring 2013 Job Fair set for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, in the Maverick Activities Center.

Volunteers are needed to help with set up, clean up, loading dock crew, and staffing the student and employer check-in tables. Shifts are available in one-hour increments 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

To volunteer, complete the form at Hire a Maverick. Deadline to volunteer is Friday, Feb. 15.

Counseling groups start in February

Counseling Services offers a variety of group counseling to help students develop social skills, receive support, and connect with others. These small, co-ed groups of six to 10 students meet weekly for eight to 10 weeks.

Upcoming groups include:

Coping Clinic: Five-week group to gain coping strategies to navigate college life. Noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, beginning Feb. 6.

LGBT Group: 1-2:30 p.m. Mondays, starting Feb. 11.

Graduate Student Group: 3-4:30 p.m. Mondays, beginning Feb. 11.

Interpersonal Therapy Group: 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, starting Feb. 12.

For more information, call 817-272-3671.

Breaking the mold Nichole Sheridan, biology freshman, checks out the "Shattering Stereotypes" exhibit last week in the University Center Gallery as part of the University's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Ally program.

Take a Maverick Ride after dark with police escort service

Be safe when heading home after a night-time class or event on campus by using the UT Arlington Police Department escort service.

Maverick Ride is available to students, faculty, and staff from 7 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays until 3 a.m. and is operated by students working with the campus police. The escort will take you to your car, residence hall, or nearby apartment complex. Off-campus complexes served include Campus Edge, Maverick Place, and Midtown.

UT Arlington Police provide escort service at any time requested. To request a security escort, call 817-272-3381.

The Green/South shuttle route runs through 10:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays. This route goes along Pecan and West streets by Arlington Hall, Kalpana Chawla Hall, Lipscomb Hall, and The Heights on Pecan. It travels to student parking lots 47, 50, 51, 52, 53, and 56, and faculty lots 13 and 17.

Mentors needed for next year's UTA-HOSTS!

UTA-HOSTS!, a peer-mentoring program, is recruiting mentors for the 2013-14 school year.

Mentors help incoming students become acclimated to student life at UT Arlington by providing information about academics, student organizations, resources on campus, and more.

To become a mentor, join UTA-HOSTS!, email hosts@uta.edu, or call 817-272-2293.

Travel plans Mia Mays, left, psychology and Spanish sophomore, discusses study and travel options with Ariella Chi, program coordinator for international programs, at the Study Abroad Fair last week.

Apply now for leadership training program for campus campaigns

Applications are being accepted for a free student leadership program, Elect Her: UT Arlington Women Win.

Elect Her encourages and trains young women to run for student government positions. Learn the nuts and bolts of running a student government campaign, how to develop and communicate an effective message, how to reach out to your constituency, how to win a campaign, and key leadership skills.

The workshop is 4-9 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, in the Concho Room in the E.H. Hereford University Center. Dinner will be provided.

Apply online through Friday, March 1. Space is limited. The program is geared toward women, but male students can also apply.

Questions? Contact Kendra Kliesen at 817-272-2128 or kendrak@uta.edu.

Plots available at Community Garden

Put your green thumb into action with a plot at the Community Garden at UT Arlington, located at 406 Summit Ave., just west of the SWEET Center at the corner of UTA Boulevard and Summit Avenue.

The half-acre garden benefits from the UT Arlington compost site and rainwater harvesting. You can adopt a plot and become a gardener or volunteer to help with the harvest. A portion of harvests is donated to a local food bank. The garden is a combined effort of the Office of Sustainability and the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department.

The annual membership is $35. For more information, contact mtare@uta.edu or Bill.Gilmore@arlingtontx.gov.

Freshman progress reports on MyMav

Progress reports are being posted for freshmen through Monday, Feb. 11. See your grades in the MyMav Student Center. Unlike final grades, you can see progress report grades as soon as they are entered. See your academic adviser with questions or concerns. A list of advising offices is online.

Drop or withdraw from classes

After the Census Date, you may drop classes through the last drop date (March 30) and a grade of W will appear on your transcript. If a class is dropped after the Census Date and you remain enrolled, you are financially responsible for the full cost of the course. If you drop all classes, you are responsible for the pro-rated share of tuition, fees, and charges. Students must meet with their academic adviser or designated representative in the major academic unit to drop one or more classes. Check the list of advising offices.

Financial aid recipients should meet with a financial aid officer to determine how dropping will affect their financial aid package. The Financial Aid Office is in Room 252 of Davis Hall. Call 817-272-3561.

Print your own enrollment verification

Enrollment verification for the spring 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.

Ideas in Art Award winners display work Recipients of the 2012 Ideas in Art Award display work they were able to create from the financial support of the award through Friday, Feb. 15, at Gallery West in the Studio Art Center, 810 S. Davis St., on the west side of campus. The award-winning artists are Morgan Chivers, Matt Heller, and Alison Starr, graduate students in the Department of Art and Art History, and Celia Cortez, who earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2012. Ideas in Art was established by the James S. Barnett Jr. Foundation, which provides $2,000 each to two undergraduate students and two graduate students of art. A reception is set for 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at Gallery West.

Wednesday, Feb. 6

Open Mic Night Singers, poets, and musicians take to the mic. 7-9 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. National Association of Colored Women.

Thursday, Feb. 7

Opening Reception: self-congratulatory nonsense Opening reception for self-congratulatory nonsense, a solo installation by Joshua Elliott. Gallery hours 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays; 4-8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays. Exhibit continues through March 31. Reception 6-8 p.m., Fort Worth Center. Gallery 76102.

UTA Symphony Orchestra Concert Clifton Evans conducts the UTA Symphony Orchestra. $3 with student ID. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Friday, Feb. 8

Friday Night Film: Wreck-It Ralph Free popcorn; other concessions available. $1 cash, $1.50 with credit card. 8 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Tuesday, Feb. 12

Mardi Gras Madness Get your Mardi Gras beads on Fat Tuesday with a taste of New Orleans cuisine and live zydeco music by the Dennis Cavalier Band, crowning of the Mardi Gras king and queen, mock-tails, free bowling, games, and prizes! Free. 7 p.m., Bowling and Billiards, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities, Bowling and Billiards.

Coming Up

Maverick Speakers Series Astronaut Mark Kelly, "Endeavoring to Build a Better America," 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, Texas Hall. Free, but tickets required. Premium seating $25. Maverick Speakers Series.

Ongoing

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

A Legacy Worth Living An art exhibit featuring artwork by and images of famous African Americans. One wall is designated for you to write your own legacy. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., University Center Gallery. Through Friday, Feb. 15. Black History Month.

Planetarium Take an extraordinary journey into a mysterious realm of fluorescent coral reefs, bioluminescent sea creatures, and rare marine life in Coral: Rekindling Venus. 7 p.m., Fridays-Saturdays. Through Feb. 16. Planetarium.

Flight Deck Showcases public art at Love Field and DFW International Airport. Free. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and noon-5 p.m. Saturdays, Fine Arts Building. Through Saturday, Feb. 16. The Gallery at UTA.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Samara: A Mid-Century Dream Home Experience the process of building and living in a home designed by one of America’s greatest architects, Frank Lloyd Wright. $5 with student ID. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. Sundays, Arlington Museum of Art, 201 W. Main St., downtown Arlington. Through Sunday, Feb. 17. Architecture.

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

Tuesday, Feb. 5	ENGL1302: Issue Proposal Review the assignment requirements and identify the best approach to completing it. Register. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 411, Central Library. Also 5-6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 6. Writing Center. How to Find a Federal Job Workshop Learn from federal agency reps on how to get jobs in various government agencies and how to write a federal resume. Free. 12:30-2 p.m., Red River/Concho rooms, E.H. Hereford University Center. Career Center.
Wednesday, Feb. 6	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-1 p.m., Room 303, Ransom Hall. University College, Success Series. Racial Identity Through a Global Lens Sonja Watson, right, assistant professor of Spanish, speaks on "Racial Identity Through a Global Lens: A Glimpse at the First Generation of Panamanian Reggaeseros." Free. Noon, Guadalupe Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. Center for African American Studies. Food for Thought: Affirming the Life You Want Discover a strengthening tool to achieve that inner peace with Janet Ellis, an impassioned speaker, life coach, interfaith minister, and training consultant specializing in personal resilience, emotional and spiritual wellness, leadership, and organizational renewal. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 213, Maverick Activities Center. Internship Workshop Hear from recruiters on internship programs and how you can benefit from them. For sophomores and juniors. Free. 1-2 p.m., San Saba Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. Career Center.
Thursday, Feb. 7	Ally Training Learn about heterosexual privilege, campus and community resources, and how to be supportive to members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. Register. Free. 1-4 p.m., Concho Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. University College, Counseling Services. Writing in Graduate School Discover the general graduate school writing expectations and basic tenets of good academic writing and editing. Free. 5-6 p.m., Room 411, Central Library. Writing Center. Introduction to Adobe Photoshop Bring an image into Photoshop and be amazed at how you turned a dull photo into a masterpiece. Register. Free. 2-4 p.m., Digital Media Studio, Room B29, Central Library. Digital Media Studio. Undergrad Business Study Abroad Info Session Travel to Barcelona in May for a three-week session to complete six credit hours in international management and international organizational behavior. Noon-1 p.m., Room 609, Business Building. Management Study Abroad. The Parallels of Job Seeking and Dating Learn the skills and techniques necessary to excel at the upcoming Career Fair. Presenters hold mock interview sessions and provide one-on-one resume critiques. Free. 6-8 p.m., Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Career Center.
Monday, Feb. 11	Resume Critique On-site resume advice. Through Friday, Feb. 15. Free. 1-4 p.m., Room 216, Davis Hall. Career Center. Writing Literature Reviews Examine the criteria for literature reviews in various disciplines and in different writing assignments. Bring a sample literature review you have written or sources that can be used to begin writing an effective literature review. Free. 6-8 p.m., location TBA. Writing Center.
Tuesday, Feb. 12	One Drop Project: Fact, Fiction, or Fate Yaba Blay, right, of Drexel University's Africana Studies presents her One Drop project. Free. 7 p.m., Red River/Concho rooms, E.H. Hereford University Center. Black History Month. Undergraduate Assignment Comprehesion These workshops are not disciplinary specific, but instead offer guidelines for best student practices when reading, interpreting, and tackling academic assignments and projects. Free. Noon, Room 411, Central Library. Also, 5 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 13. Writing Center.
Wednesday, Feb. 13	Pre-Law Center Speaker Laurie Jones, associate dean for admissions at Oklahoma City University School of Law, is guest speaker. Free. Noon-2 p.m., Room 010, University Hall. Also 5:30-6:30, location TBA. Pre-Law Center.
(For an expanded list of events, see the UT Arlington Calendar.)

Indoor double: Shannon Reynolds won the 60 and the 200 meters at the Varsity Apartments Invitational indoor track meet Saturday in Wichita, Kan.

Women tracksters second at Wichita meet

The women's indoor track team finished second, while the men placed fifth at the Varsity Apartments Invitational in Wichita, Kan., on Saturday.

For the women, Shannon Reynolds finished first in the 60- and 200-meter events while Ashly Wright won the 800-meter run. In the men’s division, Craig Lautenslager took first place in the mile.

The Mavericks will take this weekend off prior to competing in the Oklahoma Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 16. It will be the final tune-up for the Mavs prior to the Western Athletic Conference championships.

Movin' Mavs host community tourney

The Movin' Mavs wheelchair basketball team will host a community tournament with games Friday-Sunday, Feb. 8-10, in the Maverick Activities Center and Physical Education Building.

Coach Doug Garner’s squad is 10-1 in collegiate play and 21-6 overall.

Women travel for WAC games this week

The women’s basketball team will try its luck on the road this week with games at Texas State on Thursday, Feb. 7, and at UT San Antonio on Saturday, Feb. 9.

The Mavericks are 1-9 in the Western Athletic Conference after losing at home to Louisiana Tech last Saturday.

Tennis teams open spring season

The women’s tennis team lost to Old Dominion 4-1 in its season opener at the UTA Tennis Center on Sunday.  The women play at Rice on Saturday, Feb. 9.

The men’s team dropped a 7-0 decision at TCU in its opener last Friday. The men return to action with matches against Centenary and Cameron on Friday, Feb. 8, at the UTA Tennis Center.

Doors open on new baseball, softball indoor facilities

Maverick baseball and softball teams opened new indoor facilities last week.

Players can make up for lost practice time and practice during inclement weather or during times when Allan Saxe Field or Clay Gould Ballpark are not available.

Baseball's 5,940-square-foot facility and softball's 3,500-square-foot digs contain interchangeable batting cages, pitching mounds, and settings to allow for an open practice when necessary.

Take a tour of the baseball indoor facility.

Sign up for rock climbing, billiards, racquetball

Intramural entries for rock climbing are due today, Tuesday, Feb. 5. Sign up for the billiards tournament before play Wednesday, Feb. 6. Racquetball singles and doubles entries are due by Friday, Feb. 8.

Entries for wheelchair football, outdoor soccer, foosball, and tennis are due next week.

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