MavWire 2016 Archive » MavWire — Monday, January 25, 2016

Water resource: More than 60 representatives from several agencies gathered at UTA last week for a Federal Interagency Water Management Workshop. At right, civil engineering Professor D.J. Seo, left, and Assistant Professor Nick Fang represented UTA.

UTA host to Federal Interagency Water Management Workshop

More than 60 representatives from several agencies gathered at UTA last week for a Federal Interagency Water Management Workshop.

The group discussed water management issues and how to best collaborate and communicate in response to and in preparation for water-related weather events such as floods and drought.

Attendants represented UTA, the National Weather Service, NOAA, the Environmental Protection Agency, FEMA, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Civil engineering Professor D.J. Seo and Assistant Professor Nick Fang represented UTA. Dr. Seo is director of UTA's Urban Water Institute and has multiple active research projects on flood prediction, severe weather, and urban water issues. Dr. Fang works on integrated sensing and prediction of water for sustainable cities.

Read more about the water management workshop.

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.

City survey needs input for transportation planning

The City of Arlington wants your input to make sure its transit service is best meeting your travel needs.

Topics covered in the survey include how you currently get to campus, UTA's shuttle service, the MetroArlington Xpress (the MAX), and other transportation subjects.

Take a few minutes to complete a transportation survey.

UTA Day at the Rodeo Mavericks enjoyed the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo on Sunday for UTA Day at the Rodeo. Blaze and President Vistasp Karbhari acted as hosts to alumni, faculty, staff, and students at a luncheon before heading to the arena for some live action. See more photos.

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 today, Monday, Jan. 25.

Classes offered to help with UEP planning

Planning for the 2016-17 Unit Effectiveness Process (UEP) has begun.
 
Deadlines for UEP reports are as follows:

Tuesday, March 1—First draft of the UEP assessment plan is due to deans and vice presidents
Friday, April 1—Second draft is due to IER for review
Tuesday, May 31—Finalized plan to be completed
 
Training classes include UEP Refresher and Introduction to TracDat. Classes start Tuesday, Feb. 2. See the class schedule and register online.

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.

A Cappella Choir at Meyerson UTA’s A Cappella Choir earned accolades for its weekend performances of Gershwin’s Greatest Hits with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra at the Meyerson Symphony Center. "The collegiate singers dispatched choral duties with polish and pizzazz,” The Dallas Morning News said. A Fort Worth Star-Telegram review said, “A surprising standout was The University of Texas at Arlington A Cappella Choir, directed by Karen Kenaston-French. They were terrific.” Watch the video and see more photos.

E-waste recycle bins around campus

The Office of Sustainability provides recycle bins for electronic items.

Cell phone bins are available at the north entrance to Davis Hall, the entrance to the Maverick Activities Center, and beside Starbucks in the E.H. Hereford University Center. The bins are for cell phones and cell phone batteries, accessories, and charging units.

E-waste bins are blue at various locations, and large black ones are at the Chemistry Physics Building, Central Library, and the Wetsel Service Center.

Acceptable e-waste items include batteries, ink and toner cartridges, copier fusing units and replacement parts, cameras, cell phones, personal computers, hard drives, monitors, TVs, printers/copiers, wires/cables, microwaves, electronic kitchen appliances, mice, keyboards, extensions, memory sticks/cards/discs, VHS tapes and cassettes, DVD players, and other electronics.

Unacceptable items include light bulbs and UTA assets and computers.

Read more about recycling and e-waste bin locations.

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.

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.

For more information, visit the Studio CreaTec Challenge webpage.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Coffee update Starbucks in the E.H. Hereford University Center received a makeover for the spring semester. The contemporary design features stained and unstained wood and white subway tiles.

Students can treat their families at Family Valentine’s Day Breakfast

Remind students of a Valentine's Day breakfast for the family, hosted by the Parents and Family Center and the Off-Campus Mavericks.

The breakfast starts at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, on the second floor of the Maverick Activities Center.  Students can bring up to three guests to the event.

RSVP to offcampus@uta.edu by Friday, Jan. 29.

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.

Electronic W-2 form now available

Your W-2 form is now available for viewing and printing through UT Share. Go to the Employee Self Service and look for the form under the Payroll & Compensation header on the left.

If you have not consented to receive the form electronically, a paper form will be sent to the address on your employee record by Sunday, Jan. 31.

Tax help available at Central Library

Representatives of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) are available to help with figuring out your taxes. The free service runs through Tuesday, April 12, in Room B20 of the Central Library.

Hours are 5 -9 p.m. Mondays-Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays, and noon-6 p.m. Sundays.

IRS Form 1095-C has information on health care

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.

You will receive the form at your home address if you:

• were enrolled in health care coverage from UTA 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.

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.

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.

Points of Transition: Nada Atieh Broadcast alumna Nada Atieh discusses topics related to change and the transfer experience. Noon-1 p.m., Ransom Hall lobby. Maverick Transfer Connection.

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.

Monday, Feb. 1

Digital Humanities Lecture and Workshop Kristen Eshleman and Suzanne Baker of Davidson College, lecture "Digital Humanities and Digital Scholarship in Undergraduate Education," and workshop "Designing Your Own Undergraduate DH Project." Register online. Free. Noon-1 p.m. lecture, 1-3 p.m. workshop, Room 228, Engineering Research Building. Learning Innovation and Networked Knowledge (LINK) Research Lab.

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.)

Concert looks at the maddening side of life David Grogan, assistant professor of music, leads a faculty recital that reflects a slightly less-than-sane view of the world. Performers get a little crazy in song and recitations in Mad Songs at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, in the Irons Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Building. Grogan and Anne Healy, assistant professor of theatre arts, are joined by Charlene Sutton, Laura Warriner Bray, Anne Marie Boeding, Nicholas Garza, and Clinton Bray. The concert is free.

Wednesday, Jan. 27

Spring Activity Fair University departments and programs, plus students organizations share info. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Student Affairs.

Friday, Jan. 29

Opening Reception: 'Whew…That’s a Relief! The Madcap World of John Hernandez' Opening Reception for exhibit of works by John Hernandez, 1978-2015. 5:30-8 p.m., The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History, The Gallery at UTA.

Coming Up

Tail-Waggin' Wednesday Students, faculty, and staff can take a break filled with unconditional love from registered therapy dogs. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., sixth floor, Central Library. UT Arlington Libraries.

Friday Night Film: 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 Rated PG. Free popcorn. Concessions for sale. $1, $1.50 with credit card. 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. Also, The Good Dinosaur, Friday, Feb. 19. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Maverick Musical Student teams perform Broadway-style productions with singing, dancing, stepping, strolling, instrumental, and other performance aspects in this unique competition. Cash awards for top three acts. 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Ongoing

The Gallery at UTA: 'Whew…That’s a Relief! The Madcap World of John Hernandez' A retrospective exhibition by San Antonio artist John Hernandez that spans four decades. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. Through March 30. The Gallery at UTA.

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.)