MavWire 2016 Archive » MavWire — Thursday, January 14, 2016

U.S. News ranks UTA online graduate programs in education, nursing among the nation's best

UTA is among the leading academic institutions for students who want to pursue graduate degrees in education or nursing online, according to new national rankings for 2016.

U.S. News & World Report ranks UTA's Master of Education No. 30 among 267 schools surveyed on its 2016 list of Best Online Graduate Education Programs. The Master of Science in Nursing is ranked No. 54 among 149 surveyed on its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs list.

The U.S. News online graduate program rankings are based on student engagement, student services and technology, admissions selectivity, faculty credentials and training, and peer reputation.

Read more about the U.S. News & World Report's online graduate program rankings.

Deep thoughts: Physics Professor Jaehoon Yu organized the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) conference at UTA this week. Members of the UTA High Energy Physics Group are participating in the DUNE project. Watch a video about UTA's role in the DUNE project.

UTA hosts top international physicists working to explain origins of universe

Some 150 leading international physicists convened at UTA this week to collaborate on the game-changing particle physics experiment known as the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, or DUNE.

The U.S. Department of Energy project focuses on nearly massless subatomic particles and is led by the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Illinois. The project aims to solve the question of how the universe came to consist of matter rather than antimatter—in other words, to explain the origins of the universe and why we exist at all.

“DUNE is the next big thing in particle physics,” says Jaehoon Yu, professor of physics and the meeting's organizer. “UTA’s key role in this billion-dollar, U.S.-led planned project consolidates our international reputation as a powerhouse in this field.”

Watch a video about UTA's role in the DUNE project. Read more about the DUNE conference.

Dr. Hanli Liu

Bioengineering professor named fellow of American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering

Hanli Liu, professor of bioengineering and a nationally recognized expert in brain imaging, has been named a fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.

Dr. Liu joined the UTA College of Engineering in 1996 and has secured more than $11 million in research funding during her career. Her work is focused on medical instrumentation and imaging, minimally invasive and noninvasive spectroscopy and imaging of tissue, optical diffuse imaging for cancer prognosis, and brain activities.

The Institute specifically recognized Liu’s “significant contributions to the development of near infrared spectroscopy/imaging and their broad applications for biomedicine.” She will be inducted into the Institute’s College of Fellows on April 4 during a ceremony at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C.

Read more about Liu's honor.

Dr. Brad Pierce

Biochemists are advancing research into autism, Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome

Biochemists at UTA are mapping the catalytic processes of sulfur-oxidizing enzymes to improve understanding of the chemical imbalances found in patients with autism, Alzheimer’s disease, and Down syndrome.

Brad Pierce, assistant professor of biochemistry and principal investigator on the project, says little is known about how sulfur-oxidizing enzymes work, or how or why autistic, Alzheimer's, and Down syndrome patients demonstrate abnormal sulfur metabolism.

The work is supported by a three-year, $333,810 National Institutes of Health grant through the agency’s Academic Research Enhancement Award Program.

Read more about Dr. Pierce's enzymes study.

Ron Paul tickets still available

Tickets are available online to see former congressman and physician Ron Paul in the next Maverick Speakers Series event.

Dr. Paul will speak on "Liberty Defined: The Future of Freedom" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, at Texas Hall. A question-and-answer session and a book signing will follow the lecture.

Since his retirement from Congress, Paul has continued to work for limited constitutional government through organizations he founded, including the Foundation for Rational Economics and Education (FREE), Campaign for Liberty, and the Ron Paul Institute for Peace and Prosperity. Paul is the author of several best-selling books, including the recently released Swords Into Plowshares.

General admission is free, but tickets are required. Preferred ticket packages are available and include reserved seating, parking, and more. For these ticket options, go to utatickets.com.

For VIP packages, contact Mark LaVelle at mlavelle@uta.edu or 2-5235.

Tickets also are available to see political strategist and commentator Donna Brazile on Thursday, Feb. 25.

Celebrate MLK Day Community service, such as yard work for an elderly citizen, is one of numerous events celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr. this weekend. The annual Advancing the Dream Awards Banquet begins at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Banquet tickets are $45. The MLK Poetry Slam Competition is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom. Admission is $20, and the winner receives $1,000. Tickets for both events are at http://utatickets.com. "Make it a Day On, Not a Day Off" is the theme for the annual MLK day of service Monday, Jan. 18. Gather at 9 a.m. at Arlington City Hall, 101 W. Abram St., for breakfast and assignments. For details, contact Toni Kincaid at tkincaid125@gmail.com or call 817-472-7963. See more MLK Day events at arlingtonmlk.com. See photos from a 1965 civil rights protest in Dallas on the UTA Libraries' digital gallery. Watch a video about the Arlington's MLK Day celebration.

Offices closed for MLK holiday

Campus offices will be closed and there are no classes Monday, Jan. 18, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. MavWire will not be published Monday and will resume Thursday, Jan. 21.

Cheerleading competition on campus this week

Texas UIL state cheerleading championships are on campus this week.

Competition is at College Park Center through Saturday, Jan. 16, and at Texas Hall and the Maverick Activities Center on Friday, Jan. 15.

On Friday, Trinity West lot and Lot 30 will be reserved for UIL use. Trinity East Lot will serve as pay parking for spectators. Lots F8, F9, and Trinity South will remain for faculty/staff use.

Faculty and staff with current permits will be able to access the garages and parking lots without being charged.

Entrance to Davis Hall basement closed Saturday afternoon

The sliding glass door at the main entrance of the Davis Hall basement will be replaced Saturday, Jan. 16. The entrance will be unavailable 1-5 p.m.

The first floor entrance from the Texas Hall courtyard will not be affected.

For questions, call Jeff Johnson at 817-798-8456.

Student organization advisers needed

Student Activities and Organizations is looking for faculty and staff who have an interest in advising a registered student organization.

New groups are continually being formed by students and are required to have an on-campus adviser. Building a mentor relationship with students engaged in on-campus activities can be a fulfilling role for faculty and staff.

For more information, go to the student organizations advisers page, email John Hillas at hillas@uta.edu, or call 2-2293.

Free tickets for faculty, staff for upcoming basketball doubleheaders

Take advantage of free and discounted tickets for the Maverick basketball doubleheaders on Thursday, Jan. 21, and Saturday, Jan. 23.

Faculty and staff can receive two complimentary tickets and a $5 rate for additional tickets in sections 104-107 for the Jan. 21 game against Arkansas State and Jan. 23 ame against Arkansas-Little Rock. Both doubleheaders start at 5 p.m. at College Park Center.

Tickets are available at utatickets.com. For the Jan. 21 game, use code BEATARST. For the Jan. 23 game, the code is BEATUALR.

Libraries now lend phone cables, accessories

The Central Library now lends phone chargers, USB cables, and accessories at the first floor circulation desk.

The cables include micro USB, micro USB 3.0, iPhone 5 and 6, iPhone 3 and 4, and USB wall chargers. With these cables you can upload and download data and charge your phone or device with a wide variety of Android and Apple products.

The cables soon will be available at the Architecture & Fine Arts Library and the Science & Engineering Library.

Vivid symbolism A colorful mural in the Central Library's basement reflects the different cultures in Texas: African, Chinese, Mexican, and Native American. Artist Mary Orozco also included symbols of air, earth, water, and fire using the style of those cultures.

UTA Day at the Rodeo sold out

Tickets are sold out for the UTA Day at the Rodeo on Sunday, Jan. 24, at the 120th Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, hosted by the Office of Alumni Relations.

Emergency generator test on Friday

Facilities Management will test the emergency electrical generators on some buildings 1-2:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15.

Buildings to be tested are the Business Building, Engineering Lab Building, Engineering Research Building, Geoscience Building, Hammond Hall, Health Center, Nedderman Hall, Trimble Hall, and Woolf Hall.

There will be a slight “blip” of a half-second as the electrical service transfers to the generator and another blip as it is transferred back to the normal building service. The test will affect only the electrical services tied to each building’s generator, not the entire building.

For questions, call Toby Buhrkuhl at 972-832-1490 or Jeff Johnson at 817-798-8456.

Info session on Strategic Research Appointments changed to Friday

An information session on the Strategic Research Appointments for Faculty program is at 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, in Room 327 of Davis Hall.

The new program enables faculty members to conduct research at other institutions and develop research collaborations.

Read more about Strategic Research Appointments for Faculty.

Sign up for a table at Activity Fair Day

University departments, programs, and student organizations are encouraged to host an information table at the spring Activity Fair Day on Wednesday, Jan. 27, in the E.H. Hereford University Center. Register online by Monday, Jan. 25.

Help students with their first year success

MAVS 1000 is recruiting dynamic faculty and staff with a passion for helping first-year students succeed for the fall 2016 semester.

Informational sessions are 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3; noon Thursday, Feb. 4; and 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5. All are in Room B170F in the E.H. Hereford University Center. The application deadline is March 11.

For more details, visit the First-Year Experience website or email Molly Albart at molly@uta.edu.

Be aware of tax-related phishing attacks or social engineering

Tax season is in full swing, so expect to see related phishing emails and attempts to lure you into inadvertently installing computer viruses.

Use caution when clicking Web or email links or opening attachments related to tax returns. The IRS does not initiate any contact with taxpayers by email, text, or social media.

Many of the messages will have an urgent tone in the subject line and content. Examples of subject lines from last year:

• Final reminder: Tax Refund Notification
• Your 2013 - IRS Tax Refund Payment
• Your IRS tax bank transfer is not approved.
• Income Tax Refund REJECTED

If you receive an email that appears suspicious, send it to the Information Security Office at security@uta.edu. Do not click on the links or open attachments.

Always be cautious about providing your personal information over the phone, especially to individuals who initiate the call. In such cases, always offer to hang up, verify the nature of call, and to call them back at a number they provide. Seek out the organization's official number and contact them directly. If you suspect attempted fraud or fall victim to a scam, contact your local law enforcement.

Know the rules about political activities

As another election year begins, please remember public employees are prohibited from engaging in political activity during work hours or using any UTA resources—including office email, equipment, or their position at UTA—for the purposes of supporting a candidate or issue.

See the UT System's memo on employee political activity.

IRS Form 1095-C distributed in January

As part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, employers are required to send Form 1095-C to certain employees. The form contains detailed information about your health care coverage.

In January, you will receive the form if you:

• Were enrolled in health care coverage from UT Arlington at any point in 2015
• Worked an average of 30 or more hours per week

It is important to keep the form to file your taxes for 2015. View the blank form on the IRS website.

Saver’s Credit an added value to retirement savings

Retirement Savings Contribution Credit, or Saver’s Credit, is a tax credit qualified individuals receive for making eligible contributions to a qualified plan, such as your UTSaver TSA or DCP account.

The amount of the credit is a percentage of your retirement plan or IRA contributions up to $2,000 ($4,000 if married and filing jointly). The level of credit you can claim depends on your adjusted gross income as reported on your Form 1040 or 1040A.

The Saver’s Credit is a great additional value you could receive while participating with the UTSaver TSA or DCP retirement plans.  Visit utretirement.utsystem.edu to learn more or to enroll.

Learn more about Express Scripts

Express Scripts, the prescription mail service, is this month's Frequently Asked Questions feature. Express Scripts provides a dedicated toll-free number for UT System employees and retirees—800-818-0155.

Employment Information

Check out employment opportunities at uta.edu/jobs. Have questions? Call Human Resources/Employment Services at 2-3461 or TDD 2-8139 or email employment@uta.edu. The University of Texas at Arlington is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Thursday, Jan. 14

Managing Department Funds Register online. 1:30-3:30 p.m., Room E200C, Continuing Education Building. Business Affairs.

Friday, Jan. 15

Writing Effective Emails Register online. 10 a.m.-noon, Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Wednesday, Jan. 20

Travel and Expenses Register online. 1:30-4:30 p.m., Room E200C, Continuing Education Building. Business Affairs.

Friday, Jan. 22

Requisitions Register online. 8:30-11 a.m., Room E200C, Continuing Education Building. Business Affairs.

Monday, Jan. 25

Financial Statements & the Reconciliation Process Register online. 2-4 p.m., Room E200C, Continuing Education Building. Business Affairs.

Tuesday, Jan. 26

Dealing Effectively with Conflict and Confrontation Register online. 9-11 a.m., Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Wednesday, Jan. 27

Payment Vouchers Register online. 8:30-10:30 a.m., Room E200C, Continuing Education Building. Business Affairs.

Performance Management Forms and Procedures Register online. 10-11 a.m., Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Thursday, Jan. 28

The Art of Listening Register online. 9-11 a.m., Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

(For an expanded list of events, see the UTA calendar.)

Winning season: Scott Cross, top, is now the winningest men's basketball coach in UTA history. Softball coach Kristie Fox, center left, was named an assistant coach for the USA team for the World Cup of Softball XI this summer. Movin' Mavs assistant coach Juan Soto, center right, was chosen to play for the Army in the 2016 Invictus Games on May 8-12 in Orlando, Fla.

Cross now winningest coach in Maverick basketball history

Scott Cross sits alone as UTA's all-time winningest coach after the Maverick men’s team beat Georgia State 85-70 in the Sun Belt opener Dec. 30 at College Park Center. Since then, Cross and the Mavs have added two more wins.

Cross is now 165-130 in his 10th season as head coach, surpassing Eddie McCarter (162-199), who coached 1992-2006. Cross played for and was an assistant under McCarter.

“A coach is nothing without good players,” Cross says. “I am fortunate, blessed to be able to lead these guys.”

UTA is 12-2 for the first time in program history after winning 71-67 over Appalachian State last Thursday. The team beat Georgia Southern 92-72 on Jan. 2.

The Mavericks are on the road to face Troy at 7:30 p.m. today, Thursday, Jan. 14, and South Alabama at 4:05 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16. Both games are on KKGM 1630 AM.

Free and discounted tickets are available for the Maverick basketball doubleheaders on Thursday, Jan. 21, and Saturday, Jan. 23. Faculty and staff can receive two complimentary tickets and a $5 rate for additional tickets in sections 104-10. For the Jan. 21 game against Arkansas State, use code BEATARST, and for the Jan. 23 game against Arkansas-Little Rock, the code is BEATUALR. Both doubleheaders start at 5 p.m. at College Park Center.

Tickets are available at utatickets.com.

Fox named assistant coach for USA Elite Team

Maverick softball coach Kristie Fox was named an assistant coach for the 2016 USA Softball Women’s Elite Team.

Fox will help lead 18 players to compete at the World Cup of Softball XI this summer. The team will also play a series of exhibition games against the Women’s National Team and at the USA Softball JO Cup in Marietta, Ga.

Fox served as an assistant coach for the 2015 Junior Women's National Team that took home gold at the Junior World Championship in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Fifth annual First Pitch Fundraiser set for Feb. 6

Tickets are on sale for the fifth annual First Pitch Fundraiser. The event benefits the UTA baseball and softball programs and is set for 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Justin D. Wilson Batting Facility at Clay Gould Ballpark.

UTA baseball coach Darin Thomas and softball coach Kristie Fox will look back on their 2015 seasons and preview the 2016 squads. Members of the 2015 baseball and softball teams and former UTA players also will attend.

Tickets are $25 and available at utatickets.com.

Women's basketball team on road this week

The Lady Mavs basketball team tallied up three wins and one loss during the winter break. The team won 51-47 against UT San Antonio on Dec. 21, 70-31 over Georgia Southern on Jan. 2, and 76-45 over Appalachian State last Thursday in Sun Belt play. Georgia State won 68-63 on Dec. 30.

On the road, the Mavericks play Troy at 5:15 p.m. today, Thursday, Jan. 14, and South Alabama at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16. Radio broadcasts of the games are online.

Free and discounted tickets are available for the Maverick basketball doubleheaders on Thursday, Jan. 21, and Saturday, Jan. 23. Faculty and staff can receive two complimentary tickets and a $5 rate for additional tickets in sections 104-10. For the Jan. 21 game against Arkansas State, use code BEATARST, and for the Jan. 23 game against Arkansas-Little Rock, the code is BEATUALR. Both doubleheaders start at 5 p.m. at College Park Center.

Tickets are available at utatickets.com.

Lady Mavs tennis doubles pairs rank in ITA Top 10

UTA women's tennis enters the season with a pair of doubles squads ranked in the ITA Tennis Top 10 in the Texas region. Angeles de los Rios and Astrid Gehre are fourth in the region and tied for 59th in the nation, while de los Rios is ninth when playing with Agustina Serio.

The team opens the season Saturday, Jan. 23, against Tarleton State. The match is the first of six consecutive at the UTA Tennis Center through Sunday, Feb. 21.

Movin' Mavs picked for Army, national teams

Assistant coach and former Movin' Mavs All American Juan Soto was chosen to play for the Army in the 2016 Invictus Games on May 8-12 in Orlando, Fla. Soto will represent the Army in wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis.

Lady Movin' Mavs Rose Hollermann and Abigail Dunkin and former Movin' Mavs Mikey Paye, Jorge Sanchez, and Aaron Gouge were selected to the USA National Wheelchair Basketball Team, which will play in the 2016 Paralympic Games on Sept. 7-18 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Sports shorts

• Season tickets for UTA baseball and softball are now on sale at utatickets.com, with single-game tickets available Tuesday, Feb. 2. Baseball season ticket for 30 home games are $75. Softball season tickets for 28 games are $75 for reserved seating and $40 for general admission.
• The track team competes at the Texas A&M Team Invitational Friday-Saturday, Jan. 15-16, in College Station.
• Men's tennis players are on the courts against Rice in Houston Sunday, Jan. 17.

Intramural deadline for table tennis

Upcoming intramural sports deadlines are table tennis, Thursday, Jan. 14; 4-on-4 flag football, Wednesday, Jan. 27; billiards tournament, Thursday, Jan. 28; basketball, Wednesday, Feb. 3; and rock climbing, Wednesday, Feb. 9.

See the intramural sports schedule. Pick up entry forms at the Services and Information Desk of the Maverick Activities Center. For questions, call 2-3277 or email imsports@uta.edu.

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

Friday, Jan. 15

Martin Luther King Jr. 'Advancing the Dream' Banquet Awards, scholarship presentation, entertainment, and more. Tickets $45. 6 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center.

Friends of the Library Editor Michael Duty, Deep in the Art of Texas. 7:30 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Friends of the Library.

Saturday, Jan. 16

MLK Poetry Slam Competition Tickets $20. 7 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center.

Thursday, Jan. 21

Basketball Doubleheader Mavericks vs. Arkansas State. National Hugging Day attempt for Guinness World Record, Blue Out. Knit caps for first 150 students, and UTA Koozies for first 250 fans. Meet the 2016 Maverick baseball team. Tickets $7-20 general public, $3 students. Use code BEATARST for two free tickets for faculty and staff and $5 for additional tickets. Maverick women's game 5 p.m., men's game 7:15 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Friday, Jan. 22

Friday Night Film: ‘Bridge of Spies’ Rated PG. Free popcorn. Concessions for sale. $1, $1.50 with credit card. 8 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Saturday, Jan. 23

Basketball Doubleheader Mavericks vs. Arkansas-Little Rock. Carnival Day, Blaze's Kids Club Day. Meet the 2016 Maverick softball team. Tickets $7-20 general public, $3 students. Use code BEATUALR for two free tickets for faculty and staff and $5 additional tickets. Maverick women's game 5 p.m., men's game 7:15 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Women's Tennis Mavericks vs. Tarleton State. Free. 10 a.m., UTA Tennis Center. Athletics.

Ongoing

Special Collections: 'Ringside: Memories of WCC Wrestling' 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, sixth floor, Central Library. Through Jan. 16. UTA Libraries Special Collections.

Planetarium See the schedule. Planetarium at UTA.

(For an expanded list of events, see the UTA calendar.)