University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 01-29-2013

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 available online now to see astronaut 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 next Maverick Speakers Series presentation for the 2012-13 season features conservationist Jeff Corwin on Wednesday, March 27, at College Park Center.

New ad campaign says 'yes' to solving big problems

Does engineering belong near your esophagus? Do we have a responsibility to change lives? Can we make nursing shortages a thing of the past?

These are among the far-reaching questions posed in UT Arlington’s new advertising campaign. And the answer to all is a resounding “yes!”

Developed by University Communications, the campaign centers around the tenet that saying yes is the first step in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. The ads drive people to an interactive website—linked from the UT Arlington home page—that shows how the University is asking big questions and delving deeply to find the answers.

The ads and website feature faculty and students who are pursuing groundbreaking scientific research, promoting social responsibility, creating an educated workforce, and contributing to a thriving arts community.

The campaign includes print ads in magazines like Texas Monthly and Fort Worth, Texas, as well as digital ads in online news media like The Texas Tribune.

Aaron Neville

Aaron Neville, Ellis Marsalis at final spring Maverick Speakers Series event

Grammy Award-winning musician Aaron Neville brings his inimitable voice and timeless lyrics to College Park Center for an added installment of the Maverick Speakers Series.

Neville will be joined by Ellis Marsalis for “A Night with New Orleans Music Legends" on Tuesday, April 2, at College Park Center.

General admission tickets are free but required. A premium-seating package is available for $25 and includes reserved seating, parking, and more. Tickets will be available Friday, March 1, at utatickets.com.

Other Maverick Speakers Series events this semester include astronaut Mark Kelly on Tuesday, Feb. 19, and conservationist Jeff Corwin on Wednesday, March 27.

Read more about Neville and Marsalis.

Prepare for Spring Job Fair with interview, resume workshops

Take advantage of Career Month workshops while preparing for the Spring Job Fair, hosted by the Career Center.

Workshops during the month include how to get a federal job, an internship workshop for sophomores and juniors, international student workshop, walk-up resume critiques, speed networking, and an etiquette lunch and dinner.

The Job Fair is open to all students and alumni. Bring a stack of resumes and dress professionally 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, at the Maverick Activities Center.

For more information, see the workshop schedule, email careers@uta.edu, or call 817-272-2932.

Next MavAlert test is Wednesday, Feb. 6

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.

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.

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.

Reports of influenza and other respiratory illnesses are widespread throughout Texas, according to the Texas Department of Health.

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.

Free screenings part of World Heart Day, Women Go Red

End your week in the red to show your support in wiping out heart disease and strokes through education at the World Heart Day/Women GO Red event.

Wear red Friday, Feb. 1, for the informational program 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Palo Durou Lounge of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Fast for 12 hours to take part in free cholesterol and glucose tests. Glucose tests are limited to the first 50 students. Enjoy a massage or have your blood pressure checked. Snacks and give-aways are part of the educational event, which is sponsored by Health Services.

A fair deal Representatives from 185 campus departments and organizations provided information for students at the Activities Fair last Wednesday in the Palo Duro Lounge at the E.H. Hereford University Center. See more photos.

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.

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.

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.

On the hot seat State Rep. Diane Patrick, right, R-Arlington, shares a viewpoint with Evan Smith, left, and state Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-Fort Worth, during The Texas Tribune’s “The Hot Seat in Arlington” at College Park Center on Friday. Smith, chief executive officer and editor-in-chief of the nonprofit news organization, moderated the question-and-answer session. The Texas Tribune partnered with UT Arlington to present the event.

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.

ACES symposium now accepting abstract submissions

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 is a university-wide, daylong event that showcases the best of student research and creativity with cash prizes for winning oral presentations and posters. Undergraduate and graduate students work with faculty mentors in their disciplines to write and submit abstracts for the competition.

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

Citizen Police Academy

The UT Arlington Police Department's Citizen Police Academy provides a look behind the scenes of the police department. For students, faculty, and staff, the free academy meets Mondays, Feb. 18-April 22, except during Spring Break.

The Citizen Police Academy website has information and an application form, due by Monday, Feb. 4. For more details, contact Cpt. Nan Rhodes at 817-272-3901.

Maverick mentoring is In Reach

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.

Numerous ways to see if University is open

Texas winter weather can drop below freezing one night and hit the upper 70s the next day. In severe weather cases, such as ice or snow, will classes continue?

The University closely monitors severe weather forecasts and will notify all students, faculty, and staff should local conditions affect the status of the University, including classes, programs, events, and activities.

There are numerous ways to access official information about the status of the University. All announcements will be communicated via University email in TrailBlazer EXTRA (students) and MavWire EXTRA (faculty and staff).

Notices will be posted on the University's home page, recorded information will be available on the University's Emergency Information Hotline at 1-866-258-4913, and announcements will be sent to local media outlets. Information also will be available on the University’s Twitter and Facebook pages.

Drop or withdraw from classes

If you drop or withdraw on or before the Census Date, Wednesday, Jan. 30, no grade will be recorded on your transcript to reflect the drop. Courses dropped by the Census Date also will not be counted toward the six-course drop limit that affects students who entered a Texas public college or university in fall 2007 or later or the excessive hours tuition law that affects students who have more than 45 hours in excess of the hours required for a degree plan. Read more about this state law and procedures for its implementation at UT Arlington.

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.

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.

Print your own enrollment verification

Enrollment verification for the winter intersession 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.

Legacy exhibit starts Black History Month Discover the impact made by African Americans through cultural, social, and educational events during Black History Month. All events are in the E.H. Hereford University Center. The month starts with an opening reception for A Legacy Worth Living, an art exhibit featuring artwork by and images of famous African Americans. The reception is at noon Monday, Feb. 4, in the University Center Gallery. One wall is designated for you to write your own legacy. Yaba Blay of Drexel University's Africana Studies presents his One Drop project at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, in the Red River/Concho rooms.The Center for African American Studies hosts a film screening and discussion at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, in the Rosebud Theatre. Ya'Ke Smith, assistant professor of film, shows his movie "Wolf," followed by a discussion at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom. Journey through the different paths of famous Africans and African Americans and learn how they defined success at "A Tunnel of History" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom. Stay for an open discussion facilitated by Schnavia Hatcher, director of the Center for African American Studies. The Bandan Koro African Drum and Dance Ensemble performs diaspora-related dance, music and specialized presentations at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, in the Rosebud Theatre. Also, the Black Leadership Institute takes applications through Friday, Feb. 15. The program is Saturday, Feb. 23. For questions, email multicultural_affairs@uta.edu.

Tuesday, Jan. 29

Faculty Bassoon Recital Scott Pool, assistant professor of music, performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

The Norman Magic Experience Magician Norman Ng displays his incredible magic and comedy with audience participation. Free. 7:30 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Wednesday, Jan. 30

Guest Artists Recital Bill Schaffer and Joshua Pifer of Auburn University perform on horn and piano. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Friday, Feb. 1

Faculty Flute Recital Sarah Frisof, assistant professor of music, performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

World Heart Day/Women Go Red Wear red and help wipe out heart disease and strokes through education. Free give-aways, snacks, and screenings. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Health Services.

Saturday, Feb. 2

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. Louisiana Tech in a Western Athletic Conference game. Tickets $3 with student ID. 6 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Sunday, Feb. 3

Meet the New Dean Get to know Rachel Croson, new dean of the College of Business. 3 p.m., Room 251, Business Building.

Monday, Feb. 4

Duo Trombone Concert Dennis Bubert, visiting assistant professor of music, and guest artist Dave Begnoche of Texas Christian University perform. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

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 Feb. 9. Special Collections.

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 Feb. 17. Architecture.

Planetarium Be transported to surreal vistas and experience the most thrilling amusement park rides the solar system has to offer in Spacepark 360. 2:30 p.m., Sundays. Planetarium.

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

Wednesday, Jan. 30	Study Abroad Fair Learn about hundreds of opportunities to study abroad. Free. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. International Education. Managing Your Study Time Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 110, Preston Hall. University College, Success Series. Financial Literacy: Graduate Student Explore money issues faced by graduate students. Lunch provided. Register. Free. Noon-1:30 p.m., Room 105, Nedderman Hall. Graduate Studies.
Thursday, Jan. 31	Plagiarism and Citations Understand the rules related to plagiarism, including when to include in-text citations for paraphrases, direct and indirect quotes. Register. Free. 5-6 p.m., Room 411, Central Library. Writing Center.
Monday, Feb. 4	Mock Interviews Employers ask interview questions and then provide feedback to help you sharpen your interview skills. Register. Free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Room 216, Davis Hall. Career Center. Job Search Strategies for International Students Free. 3-4:30 p.m., OIT training room, Swift Center. Career Center.
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, location TBA. University College, Success Series. 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.
(For an expanded list of events, see the UT Arlington Calendar.)

Pitchmen: Los Angeles Dodgers bench coach Trey Hillman, left, and San Francisco Giants outfielder and World Series champ Hunter Pence recalled their Maverick days at the First Pitch Banquet at Rangers Ballpark. Preston Beck received the Hitter of the Year Award, and Lance Day was named Pitcher of the Year. Read more about Pence and the First Pitch Banquet.

Movin' Mavs win all four in Missouri

The Movin' Mavs wheelchair basketball team posted wins over Southwest Minnesota, Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin-Whitewater in the Missouri Tournament last weekend.

Now 11-1 in collegiate play and 19-5 overall, the Movin’ Mavs host a community division tournament Friday-Sunday, Feb. 8-10.

Mav men continue road dominance

The men's basketball team extended its road winning streak to four in the Western Athletic Conference with victories at Utah State and San Jose State last week.

The Mavericks are now 5-4 in the WAC and 10-8 overall. They travel to Louisiana Tech on Saturday, Feb. 2.

Mavericks capture three firsts in indoor track

Romain Martin won the men’s heptathlon while Shannon Reynolds and Shae Johnson took first place in the 60-meter dash and the triple jump, respectively, at the Bill Bergan Invitational indoor track meet last weekend in Ames, Iowa.

The men's and women's teams will compete in the Varsity Apartments Invitational in Wichita, Kan., on Friday-Saturday, Feb. 1-2.

Women host La. Tech on Saturday

The women's basketball team tries to get back on the winning track when it hosts Louisiana Tech at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at College Park Center.

The Mavericks are 1-8 in the Western Athletic Conference following losses at home to Utah State and San Jose State last week.

Tennis teams getting started on spring season

Old Dominion provides the opposition as the women’s tennis team opens its season at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 3, at the UTA Tennis Center.

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.

Sign up for dodgeball, basketball, bowling

Intramural entries for pre-season basketball are due today, Tuesday, Jan. 29, regular season basketball Wednesday, Jan. 30, and bowling Friday, Feb. 1.

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