University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 02-12-2013

Dr. Yaba Blay

One Drop lecture examines 'black' identity

Yaba Blay discusses "One Drop: Fact, Fiction, or Fate" and her groundbreaking (1)ne Drop Project, which looks at the complexities of blackness as identity and reality, for Black History Month. Dr. Blay is an assistant teaching professor of Africana Studies at Drexel University.

The free lecture is at 7 p.m. today, Tuesday, Feb. 12, in the Concho Room of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

(1)ne Drop explores the “other” faces of blackness, those that may not immediately be recognized, accepted, or embraced as “black.”

The inspiration behind CNN's Black in America 5: Who is Black in America?, (1)ne Drop sparks dialogue about the intricacies and nuances of racial identity and the influence of skin color politics on questions of racial determinacy and authenticity.

Rocket man: Mark Kelly, next presenter in the Maverick Speakers Series, is a retired astronaut and author of Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope concerning the challenges his wife faced after an assassination attempt.

Free tickets online now to see astronaut, author Mark Kelly

Claim your tickets to see Mark Kelly, astronaut, retired U.S. Navy captain, best-selling author, and an experienced naval aviator who flew combat missions during the Gulf War. Tickets are available at utatickets.com.

Kelly will discuss "Endeavoring to Build a Better America" in the next Maverick Speakers Series presentation Tuesday, Feb. 19, at Texas Hall. Tickets are free, but required. Preferred seating is $25. A question-and-answer session and book signing follow the lecture.

As an astronaut, Kelly flew his first of four missions in 2001 aboard the space shuttle Endeavour, which he commanded on its final flight in May 2011. He became the center of international attention after the 2011 assassination attempt on his wife, former U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

The remaining Maverick Speakers Series presentations for the 2012-13 season feature conservationist Jeff Corwin on Wednesday, March 27, and music legend Aaron Neville on Tuesday, April 2, both at College Park Center.

Ounce of prevention Kimberly Garcia, pre-nursing sophomore, watches as Romelee Harris, registered nurse at Health Services, administers an influenza vaccine shot. Free flu shots are available to students 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.

Show Maverick Pride in virtual choir

Warm up your vocal chords and turn on your webcam for the first-ever UT Arlington Virtual Choir.

You and fellow Mavericks will be part of a special thank-you event for the 1895 Society, a group of University supporters, and as a farewell to retiring President James D. Spaniolo.

Your voice and face will be merged with hundreds of others and shown on a big screen at the March event. Don't worry about your own vocal talent; all voices will be blended together for a big choir sound.

To sing along, follow these four simple steps:

• Set up your computer. You just need Internet access, a webcam, and a microphone. Full details are on utavirtualchoir.com.

• Practice as much or as little as you want. Take as much time as you need to learn your part and rehearse.

• Record yourself. Follow the step-by-step video instructions on the screen.

• Submit your recording online.

The deadline is midnight Wednesday, Feb. 20.

Watch 'Happy,' then find happiness

How important is happiness, and where do you find it? Two events this week answer those questions and more.

The documentary Happy looks at a world that values and promotes happiness and well-being. Showtime is 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, in the Rosebud Theatre of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Admission is free.

On Valentine's Day, find happiness with a Geographic Information Systems workshop. "Mapping Happiness: Identifying the Happiest Places on Earth" is 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, in Room B20 of the Central Library.

Create a customized happiness index for each country using environmental sustainability and economic indicators. Each participant will have full control over how each indicator impacts the happiness index. No GIS experience is required.

For details, contact Joshua Been at been@uta.edu or 817-272-5826.

Practice makes perfect Maria Maldonado, business graduate student, answers questions during a mock interview last week as part of a workshop with professional recruiters. The practice session was one of several workshops designed to prepare students for the Spring Job Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 20, in the Maverick Activities Center.

Transfer Ambassadors ready to help

A new mentoring program focuses on transfer students and helping them navigate new territory.

UTA Transfer Ambassadors share advice on being a transfer student and finding academic support, campus resources, and how to become involved on campus.

Meet Transfer Ambassadors at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 27, in Room 303 of the Chemistry and Physics Building.

For more information or to sign up for the program, visit the Transfer Ambassadors' website.

Library receives the Muslim Journeys Bookshelf grant

The UT Arlington Library has been awarded the Muslim Journeys Bookshelf grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The one-year grant includes 25 books, three films, and access for one year to Oxford Islamic Studies Online.

For more information about the award, contact Derek Reece at dreece@uta.edu or 817-272-9058.

Find first-year help through In Reach Maverick Mentors

Looking for a mentor? The In Reach Maverick Mentor Program is seeking students starting their college career.

The program encourages academic excellence, enhances self-awareness, and promotes personal growth by providing caring guidance from qualified faculty and staff, tools and opportunities to develop academically, and awareness of the University’s student support services and resources.

First-year students can apply at uta.edu/diversity.

For more information, contact Zeb Strong in the Office of Human Resources at mentoring@uta.edu.

Changing lanes? Susanna Karth, advertising senior, and Keelie Barrow, communications senior, check out proposed plans for changing the Bowling and Billiards space to offices. The two attended a town hall meeting on the issue last Tuesday.

'Fritos Pie' author shares corny tales at Friends of Library meeting Friday

Kaleta Doolin, daughter of Fritos pioneer and author of Fritos Pie: Stories, Recipes, and More, cooks up some interesting tales for the Friends of the Library meetings at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, in the sixth floor parlor of the Central Library.

Fritos Pie is an insider’s look at the never-before-told story of the Frito Company. Filled with personal anecdotes, more than 150 vintage and newly created recipes, and stories, this book recounts the company’s early days, and the 1961 merger that created Frito-Lay, Inc.

A reception and book signing follow.

For more information, contact LibraryFriends@uta.edu or call 817-272-1413.

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.

Police escort service available any time

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

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.

Late spring graduation applications accepted

Undergraduates can still apply for spring graduation through Monday, Feb. 25, but the candidate’s name may not appear in the program and the candidate may not receive commencement ceremony tickets from the respective college or school. The late graduation fee is $60. The undergraduate application for graduation is available online.

Master's and doctoral candidates for graduation can apply late through Thursday, Feb. 28, with an additional $60 late fee. The application for graduation for master's and doctoral students is online. Learn more about graduation requirements.

Before students apply to graduate, they should verify with their academic adviser that they are eligible to graduate at the end of the graduation application term. The fee is not refundable or transferable to a future term if a student applies and is then found to be ineligible to graduate.

Student Conduct and Discipline policies amended

Chapter 2: Student Conduct and Discipline of the Handbook of Operating Procedures has been amended because of Regents Rules and Regulations Rule 50101, which requires that all UT System institutions adhere to a model policy from the UT System Office of General Counsel.

Changes were made to administrative hearing and appeals processes, and sexual assault policies were amended to align more closely with the Office of Civil Rights recommended best practices.

For questions, contact the UTA Office of Student Conduct.

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.

Sex educator shares secrets of the J-Spot Jay Friedman offers a progressive and positive approach to sex/sexism/sexual assault education that has audiences laughing while they’re learning at “The J-Spot: A Sex Educator Tells All.” The free lecture is at 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, in the Rosebud Theatre of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Far from a doom-and-gloom presentation, Friedman's lecture entertains while educating his audience about important and timely sexuality issues. Friedman asserts that, "Unfortunately, we live in a sex-negative, sex-repressed, and sex-phobic society that has trouble talking about sex and that provides inadequate sex education. My goal is to give a thought-provoking, conversation-creating and perhaps life-changing performance that breaks the taboos in talking about sex. If people can be more open, I’m sure we’d avoid the dangers that result from sexual ignorance, and instead enjoy healthy relationships and more pleasurable sexual lives." An award-winning writer, speaker, sex educator, and provocateur, Friedman is certified as a sex educator by the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists. The Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Program and EXCEL Campus Activities host the event. For more information, contact 817-272-6051 or excel-advisor@uta.edu.

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.

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, Feb. 13

Documentary 'Happy' A documentary on happiness and well-being by Roko Belic, director of the Academy Award-nominated Genghis Blues. Free. 7 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. Freshmen Leaders On Campus, LiveWell MavWell, Library.

Thursday, Feb. 14

ChocolateFest Celebrate the wonderful taste of chocolate. Sample various chocolate goodies and some signature items such as custom-molded chocolates and a chocolate fountain. Free. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Central Library. Library.

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. Idaho. The Pink Game. Donations benefit Arlington Cancer Center patients. Contributions can be made to the Cancer Research Foundation of North Texas for Arlington Cancer Center. $3 tickets with student ID. 7 p.m. College Park Center. Also, vs. Seattle University, 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 16. Athletics.

Friday, Feb. 15

Baseball Mavericks vs. Louisiana Tech. $3 tickets with student ID. 6:30 p.m. Clay Gould Ballpark. Also 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, and 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17. Athletics.

Sunday, Feb. 17

Women's Tennis Mavericks vs. Air Force. Free. 2 p.m., UTA Tennis Center. Athletics.

Monday, Feb. 18

American Musicale Soloists and small ensembles perform a variety of music. Donations. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Center. Sigma Alpha Iota.

Tuesday, Feb. 19

Clavier Series Piano Recital A recital featuring UTA piano students. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

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

Coming Up

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. New Orleans. $3 tickets with student ID. Noon, Wednesday, Feb. 20, College Park Center. Athletics.

Men's Basketball Mavericks vs. UT-Pan American. Coaches vs. Cancer Awareness Night. $3 tickets with student ID. 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 20, College Park Center. Athletics.

Jazz: The Perfect Cultural Exchange Model Tim Ishii, professor of music, director of jazz studies saxophone, and associate chair of the Music Department, talks about the International Jazz and Youth Exchange. He and Dan Cavanagh, associate professor of jazz studies, perform jazz classics. Free. 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 27, sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Focus on Faculty.

Ongoing

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.

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.

Planetarium See what it takes to become an astronaut and the effect space has on the human body. 6 p.m. Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1:30 p.m. Sundays. Planetarium.

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

Scoring surge: Kevin Butler scored 38 points in Maverick victories over Texas State and UT San Antonio last week.

Mav men notch pair of wins

The crowds were bigger and the results were better as the men’s basketball team downed Texas State and UT San Antonio at College Park Center last week.

The Mavericks had lost five straight home games dating back to Dec. 31 with crowds slightly more than 1,000 for each contest. Both games last week drew more than 2,000 fans as UT Arlington won its fourth game in five outings to improve to 7-5 in the Western Athletic Conference and 12-9 overall.

Coach Scott Cross’s squad has games at Idaho and Seattle this week before returning for four straight home games Feb. 20-March 2.

Baseballers open season at home Friday

The Maverick baseball season gets started this weekend as Louisiana Tech comes to Clay Gould Ballpark for a three-game series Friday-Sunday, Feb. 15-17. The opener is at 6:30 p.m. Friday, followed by games at 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.

Coach Darin Thomas led the Mavericks to a Southland Conference championship last year and will combine some returning veterans with a group of talented newcomers as they point toward play in the Western Athletic Conference.

Following the opening weekend series, the Mavericks play at UT Austin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19.

Women at home for WAC games this week

The women’s basketball team hosts Idaho at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, and Seattle at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, in Western Athletic Conference games at College Park Center.

The Mavericks won in overtime at Texas State last week before losing at UT San Antonio.

Softball opens season in Florida

New coach Kristie Fox gets a good look at her team in the Central Florida Invitational this weekend as the Mavericks open the season Friday-Sunday, Feb. 15-17, in Orlando, Fla.

UT Arlington will face Buffalo and UCF on Friday, Florida A&M and Stetson on Saturday, and South Carolina on Sunday.

Men net tennis victory, women still searching

The men’s tennis team picked up its first win of the season with a 6-1 victory over Cameron at the UTA Tennis Center on Friday. Now 1-1, the men play at Baylor on Saturday, Feb. 16.

After an 0-2 start, the women host Air Force at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, at the tennis center.

Sign up for wheelchair football, soccer, foosball, tennis

Intramural entries for wheelchair football are due today, Tuesday, Feb. 12.

Entries for outdoor soccer and foosball are due Wednesday, Feb. 13, and tennis singles and doubles entries are due Friday, Feb. 15.

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