MavWire 2016 Archive » MavWire — Thursday, January 21, 2016

Dr. Sahadat Hossain

Civil engineers shaping sustainable solutions, increasing energy production at Denton landfill

UTA and the City of Denton are partnering on a groundbreaking landfill project supported through a three-year, $399,806 Denton grant. It is the first ever landfill mining project in Texas and first-ever landfill mining project as part of a sustainable waste management system in the country.

Professor Sahadat Hossain, director of UTA's Solid Waste Institute for Sustainability, will discuss some of his team’s findings and explore best practices in landfill management during the International Solid Waste Association’s Winter School on Solid Waste Management: Landfill and Landfill Mining through Friday, Jan. 29, on the UTA campus. The training program brings together more than 50 representatives, professors, environmental experts, and students from 25 countries.

Dr. Hossain is leading the second phase of a research initiative with the City of Denton that is mining the existing closed landfill with the goal reusing the space—a major component of a sustainable waste management system.

Read more about the landfill mining project.

Dr. Alexa Smith-Osborne

Social work professor elected fellow of international society

Alexa Smith-Osborne, associate professor of social work and expert in resilience research, military and veterans’ health, and mental health issues, has been named a fellow of the Society for Social Work and Research, the premier worldwide social work research organization.

UTA is the only Texas institution to have a new fellow among the organization’s 53-member 2016 class, which includes universities in 21 states and Canada.

The society invited Dr. Smith-Osborne because she has "served with distinction to advance the mission of the society—to advance, disseminate, and translate research that addresses issues of social work practice and policy and promotes a diverse, equitable ,and just society."

Read more about Smith-Osborne's recognition.

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.

Mav moves: Kevin Hervey, left, and Brett Clark will show their athletic skills this week at College Park Center.

Free tickets for faculty, staff for basketball doubleheaders this week

Take advantage of free and discounted tickets for the Maverick basketball doubleheaders today, Thursday, Jan. 21, and Saturday, Jan. 23. Both doubleheaders start with the women's games at 5 p.m.

Faculty and staff can receive two complimentary tickets and a $5 rate for additional tickets in sections 104-10.

For the Thursday game against Arkansas State, use code BEATARST, and for the Saturday game against Arkansas-Little Rock, the code is BEATUALR.

Tickets are available at utatickets.com.

On Thursday, watch Blaze go for the Guinness book record of most hugs in a minute by a mascot. The games are a Blue Out, so wear your Maverick blue. Winter knit caps go to the first 150 students, and UTA Blue Koozies go to the first 250 fans. Also, meet the 2016 baseball team.

Saturday is Carnival Day and Blaze's Kids Club Day. Children can play games on the concourse for UTA prizes. Also, meet the 2016 softball team.

Cross-disciplinary teams compete for business in Studio CreaTec Challenge

More than $10,000 in prizes and start-up resources will be provided to student teams that successfully address the intersection of culture, business, and technology in the 2016 Studio CreaTec Challenge.

The challenge is a cross-disciplinary team idea pitch competition with the objective of creating University-wide student opportunities through the development, expansion, and implementation of ideas and possibilities.

Matt Clark, coordinator of the Entrepreneurship in the Arts, oversees the project.

An information sessions is noon-2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, in the Start-up Lounge, across the street from the Maverick Activities Center.

Workshops begin Feb. 2. Finalists will be announced March 25, with presentations April 29.

Clark, who has spent the last several years helping UTA student artists lay the foundation for a career after graduation, noted the diversity of talent among the student population as he worked on public art and entrepreneur projects on campus. But he did not see much collaboration across disciplines.

For more information, visit the Studio CreaTec Challenge webpage.

Register now for annual advising conference

Advisers can explore a variety of ways to grow professionally at the 19th Annual UTA Advising Association's conference, "Professional Growth in Advising: Dig it!"

The conference is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 16.

Late registration ends Friday, Feb. 5. Questions? Email UTAAA@uta.edu.

Nominations needed for student employee awards

Nominate your outstanding student employees for recognition and a chance to win cash awards.

Details on the nomination process and awards are at uta.ed/careers/faculty-staff. Nominations are due by Friday, Feb. 19.

For questions, contact the Career Development Center at 2-2932.

Update your contact information for MavAlert system

The next system-wide test of the MavAlert Emergency Notification System is at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3. Verify your contact information at uta.edu/mymav.

The MavAlert system rapidly notifies faculty, staff, and students 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 contact information and label it "mobile phone" via the drop-down menu. Log in to MyMav, then click on the Sign up for MavAlerts link in the right column.

During the Wednesday test, faculty, staff, and students will receive the following message via the email addresses and mobile devices designated in their MavAlert profile: “Attention: This is a test of the UT Arlington MavAlert Emergency Notification System. Update your emergency contact information at uta.edu/mymav.”

The MavAlert test will coincide with the regular monthly test of the Outdoor Warning System, also at 12:30 p.m. The University’s voice announcement system will be activated inside campus buildings. The City of Arlington's monthly weather warning test will follow at 1 p.m.

Do you know a student who still needs housing?

Spaces are available in the residence halls to move into immediately. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to live on campus.

Space is available at The Heights on Pecan and in all residence halls except Brazos.

Read more about housing options. Submit a free application at uta.edu/housing. For questions, call University Housing at 2-2791.

ACES symposium now accepting abstract submissions

Abstracts are now being accepted for the Annual Celebration of Excellence by Students (ACES), a University-wide symposium highlighting the best in student research and creativity.

At ACES, undergraduate and graduate students work with faculty mentors in their disciplines to write and submit abstracts for the competition.

Submission deadline is Friday, Feb. 5. ACES 2016 is Wednesday, March 23, in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Email questions to aces@uta.edu.

Connect with UTA social media

Stay up-to-date with the latest events and innovations at UTA on the official social media channels. Engage with students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the UTA community on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Vine, Pinterest, and Snapchat (utarlington).

To see a list of some University-hosted social media pages and groups—including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Flickr—and to learn more about how your department, program, or campus organization can utilize social networking platforms, see UTA’s social media index and social media guidelines.

Nominations due for Excellence in Doctoral Student Mentoring Award

The Office of Graduate Studies is now accepting nominations for the 2015-2016 Excellence in Doctoral Student Mentoring Award. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Jan. 22.

The award is for faculty members who have a strong record of excellence in mentoring doctoral students. The selected individual will receive $3,000 and will be recognized at the Spring Meeting of the University Faculty and Associates.

The awards alternate annually between the science and engineering disciplines and from the liberal arts and professional disciplines. For the 2016 award, nominations are being accepted from the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs; College of Business; College of Liberal Arts; College of Nursing and Health Innovation; College of Education; and the School of Social Work.

Show your artistic talents in MavsArt exhibit

Whether you paint, take photos, sculpt, or merely doodle, show your artistic side in UTA Libraries' MavsArt spring exhibit.

Artwork in two- and three-dimensional forms will be accepted. Submission deadline is Monday, Feb. 15.

Questions? Email janeth.colmenero@uta.edu or visit MavsArt website.

Emergency generator test on Friday

Facilities Management will test the emergency electrical generators on some buildings 1-2:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22.

Buildings to be tested are Architecture Building, College Park Center, College Park Center and South parking garages, Fine Arts Building, Kalpana Chawla Hall, Maverick Activities Center, and Texas 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.

Keep posted on campus weather closings

UTA 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 MavWire EXTRA (faculty and staff) and TrailBlazer EXTRA (students).

Additionally, 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.

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.

Help students achieve 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 Friday, March 11.

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

Discounts available for Saturday LEGO camps in February

Faculty and staff receive a 10 percent discount on Kids and Teens University's camps in February. The programs are well-organized and structured science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) camps in a safe, fun, and educational environment.

Upcoming camps beginning Saturday, Feb. 6, are:

• LEGO Robotics (grades 1-3)
• LEGO Flight Camp: Build Your Own Plane (grades 1-3)
• LEGO Minecraft Adventures: Arts and Humanities (grades 4-6)
• LEGO Electric Guitar Camp (grades 4-6)

Register online or call 2-2581.

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.

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 contents. 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.

Steps to Retirement class Friday

Learn more about Retirement eligibility, retiree insurance, and how UT Select and Medicare coordinate at a Steps to Retirement class. The session is 10 a.m.-noon Friday, Jan. 22, in Room 213 of the Wetsel Service Center.

For details, call 2-5554 or contact Yvette Rodriguez at email Yvette@uta.edu

Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Notification

Health risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse

• Alcohol and Drug Awareness
• Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Abuse (Brochures are at UTA Police Department and Health Services)

University policies related to the illegal possession, use, or distribution of drugs or alcohol

• Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy
• Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace Policy
• Drug-Free University Community and Workplace Policy
• Drugs and Alcohol Policy

Availability of treatment for drug or alcohol problems

Employees—Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is provided through UTA’s Office of Human Resources at 1-800-343-3822 or visit alliancewp.com.

Students—Drug and alcohol counseling and referral services are available through UTA Health Services at 2-2771 or visit uta.edu/healthservices.

Internal sanctions and federal, state, and local legal penalties that may result from the illegal sale, possession, consumption, or distribution of drugs or alcohol

• Disciplinary Penalties
• Student Conduct and Discipline
• Standards of Conduct Guide
• Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Abuse (Brochures are at UTA Police Department and Health Services)

For more information, contact UTA's Health Services at 2-2771 or visit uta.edu/healthservices.

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. 21

Disability Studies Lecture Beth Haller of Towson State University in Maryland, “Do Advertising Images that Use People with Disabilities Help Change Attitudes?” 2-3:20 p.m., Room 25, University Hall. Disability Studies.

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.

Friday, Jan. 29

UTARI Lunch and Learn Atilla Dogan, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. Register online. Shuttle available. Lunch provided. Noon, UTARI, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S., Fort Worth. UT Arlington Research Institute.

Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 30-31

Software Carpentry Workshop Hands-on experience with basic Linux shell, Git/Github and data analysis in R. Register online. $20. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Room 100, Geoscience Building.

Wednesday, Feb. 3

Arlington Technology Association Don Winfree, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics senior fellow, uses examples from his 38 years of working with exotic aircraft such as the F-35 fighter to describe the innovative and productive process he designed to find the root cause of complex problems. He recently helped to solve pilot oxygen supply problems in the F-22. Light breakfast provided. RSVP. Free. 7-8 a.m., Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Arlington Technology Association.

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

Jump start: Chineme Obikudu, top, won the triple jump and placed second in the long jump at the Texas A&M Team Invitational last Friday. Erick Neal, center, and Rebekah VanDijk are among the Mavericks playing in basketball games at College Park Center this week.

Men win, women second at track opener

UTA's track and field teams had impressive starts to the 2016 seasons at the Texas A&M Team Invitational Friday. The men won the team title among a 14-team field, while the women placed second.

Craig Lautenslager opened the day with a victory in the men's mile, then capped the evening with a 14-second win in the 5000 meter. Erik Martinsson won the 400 meter.

For the women, Tricia Williams secured the first in the shot put. Chineme Obikudu won the triple jump and placed second in the long jump.

The Mavs compete in the Howie Ryan Invitational in Houston on Friday-Saturday, Jan. 29-30.

Men's team aims for another winning streak

The Mavericks have the home court advantage for doubleheaders against Arkansas State on Thursday, Jan. 21, and against Arkansas-Little Rock Saturday, Jan. 23. Both start with the women's games at 5 p.m. at College Park Center.

UTA is 13-3 after the Mavericks beat Troy 90-63 Thursday and fell to South Alabama 88-85 Saturday on the road. The team is 4-1 in Sun Belt Conference play.

Free and discounted tickets are available for the Maverick basketball doubleheaders this week. Faculty and staff can receive two complimentary tickets and a $5 rate for additional tickets in sections 104-10. For the Thursday game against Arkansas State, use code BEATARST, and for the Saturday game against Arkansas-Little Rock, the code is BEATUALR.

Tickets are available at utatickets.com.

Lady Mavs faces two Arkansas teams

The Lady Mavs basketball team plays home court doubleheaders against Arkansas State on Thursday, Jan. 21, and against Arkansas-Little Rock Saturday, Jan. 23. Both women's games are 5 p.m. at College Park Center.

The team won 76-45 over Appalachian State last Thursday in Sun Belt play, but fell 59-55 to South Alabama on Saturday. The women are 7-8 for the season and 2-3 in Sun Belt Conference play.

Free and discounted tickets are available for the Maverick basketball doubleheaders this week. Faculty and staff can receive two complimentary tickets and a $5 rate for additional tickets in sections 104-10. For the Thursday game against Arkansas State, use code BEATARST, and for the Saturday game against Arkansas-Little Rock, the code is BEATUALR.

Tickets are available at utatickets.com.

Sports Shorts

• Men's tennis team played against Rice in Houston on Sunday.
• 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.

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.

Intramural deadline for 4-on-4 flag football

Upcoming intramural sports deadlines are 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.)

A Cappella Choir performs with DSO this week UTA's A Cappella Choir performs with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in a Gershwin tribute Friday-Sunday, Jan. 22-24, at Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. Tickets start at $34 and are available at mydso.com. The concert features the best of Gershwin’s music, including Lullaby, Cuban Overture, Funny Face, and selections from Porgy and Bess. The A Cappella Choir will be featured on the closing selection, "Porgy and Bess: Concert Highlights.” This is the choral group’s second appearance with the DSO. In June 2015, members of the choir appeared with the Rolling Stones in concert at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Karen Kenaston-French, associate professor of music, directs the choir. Tickets start at $34 and are available at mydso.com. For times and ticket packages, visit the DSO website.

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.

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.

Thursday, Jan. 28

Faculty Recital: 'Mad Songs' David Grogan, assistant professor of music, leads a faculty recital that reflect a slightly less-than-sane view of the world. Performers also include Anne Healy, assistant professor of theatre arts, and Charlene Sutton, Laura Warriner Bray, Anne Marie Boeding, Nicholas Garza, and Clinton Bray. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Ongoing

Planetarium Explore the secrets of the universe in the new show Dark. The spring schedule includes Astronaut, Cosmic Colors, From the Earth to the Universe, Pink Floyd, and SpacePark 360: Infinity. Through May 29. UTA Planetarium.

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