MavWire 2016 Archive » MavWire — Monday, May 16, 2016

Congratulations, Class of 2016: In seven commencement ceremonies in three days at College Park Center, the Class of '16 reveled in the pomp, circumstance, and celebration that recognized its accomplishments and new adventures. See more photos.

TransferUTA initiative to increase resources, support for students

UTA announced TransferUTA, a major initiative to ensure that students who begin their academic careers at a two-year college move seamlessly through the University and have a clear path toward earning their bachelor’s degrees.

TransferUTA unites recruiting, admissions, orientation, and support services for transfer students in a focused effort to increase college completion among an essential population. The University has unified information for prospective, newly admitted, and current transfer students in a new web portal page, uta.edu/transferuta.

The branded, student-facing effort is a beacon for all students who want to complete their degrees and a signal that UTA is a transfer-friendly university.

Read more about TransferUTA.

'Pardon Our Progress' as UTA undergoes construction phase

UTA asks that you Pardon Our Progress as the University begins a sustained construction period starting this summer.

Construction plans include building the new Science and Engineering Innovation and Research (SEIR) building, removing some antiquated housing, constructing a new residence and dining facility on the west campus, and addressing other needed campus improvements.

Check the Pardon Our Progress website at www.uta.edu/progress for the most current parking information.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as the University works hard to meet the needs of employees, students, and the community.

New parking rates include more options, shuttles

Parking rates for 2016-2017 are now posted online. The rates go into effect Monday, Aug. 1.

Also coming this fall is daily, weekly, monthly, and semester permit options for more flexibility for campus visitors and employees

This is the third year of a three-year parking plan that involved student input and was approved by the Parking Committee in 2014.

Find all your parking news on the Parking and Transportation Services website.

South Nedderman closed between Cooper, Planetarium Place

South Nedderman Drive is closed from Cooper Street to Planetarium Place for water and sewer line upgrades. The closure will affect the exit from Lot F10, south of Life Science.

Use West Street for deliveries to the Central Library and Life Science Building and to visit the Planetarium.

Pedestrians will be redirected from the south student parking lots and Lot F10. There are four crossover locations:

• Cooper and Nedderman intersection
• Life Science Building's north /south doors
• Life Science Building's breezeway
• Planetarium Place at Nedderman Drive

Coming soon: The Science and Engineering Innovation and Research (SEIR) building will provide an iconic southern entry point for the UTA campus. The $125 million, modern glass-and-steel building will span 220,000 square feet and add 900 teaching seats for the College of Engineering, the College of Nursing and Health Innovation, and the College of Science. See more SEIR design images.

UT System approves design for Science and Engineering Innovation and Research building

The University of Texas System Board of Regents has approved the design for a new UTA Science and Engineering Innovation and Research (SEIR) building, a space that will support the significant growth of students in areas of workforce need and provide the basis for enhancement in research activity.

The $125 million, modern glass, and steel building will span 220,000 square feet and provide a new, iconic southern entry to the UTA campus, south of the existing Life Science building. The project will add 900 teaching seats in lecture halls and classrooms, which will support enrollment growth across campus, especially in the College of Engineering, the College of Nursing and Health Innovation, and the College of Science.

Construction of the Texas limestone structure is expected to begin this fall with substantial completion in summer 2018. The building is designed in accordance with sustainable practices, with high energy-efficiency heating and cooling systems, water conservation practices, and sustainable materials for flooring and interior finishes.

Read more about the SEIR building.

Ancient climate: Dr. Elizabeth Griffith, Dr. Arne Winguth, Dr. Cornelia Winguth, all of the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department, will look back to a few million years in the past to understand present-day climate change.

Scientists examine ancient global warming events for insight into present-day climate change

A team of scientists led by UTA researchers is examining global warming events that happened millions of years ago in order to gain new insights into present-day climate change.

The National Science Foundation’s Division of Ocean Sciences has awarded a $403,114 grant to Arne Winguth, associate professor of earth and environmental sciences, for a three-year study on the Early Paleogene, the period of time roughly 66 million to 45 million years ago that had far-reaching effects on the evolution of life of Earth, ecosystems, and the carbon cycle.

Co-investigators are Assistant Professor Elizabeth Griffith and Lecturer Cornelia Winguth, both in earth and environmental sciences.

Read more about the climate change research.

Dining options transition to new provider Chartwell

Chartwell, UTA's new dining provider, began serving the campus community Saturday, May 14.

Open now are the Plaza Food Court (7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays) and Starbucks (7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays).

The University Club returns to service on Monday, June 6, with the same hours (11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays-Fridays).

Other locations open starting June 6 include the MAC Outtakes, formerly MAC Market, (8 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays) and the Connection Café (7-9 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-7 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays).

Locations closed this summer for renovations are the former We Proudly Brew and POD Market in the Central Library, Einstein Brothers Bagels in the Fine Arts Building, and POD Market in the University Center.

New session begins for Maverick Service Excellence program

Sign up now for the next round of Maverick Service Excellence: The Total Service Experience, a five-session training program that covers the critical elements of providing excellent service.

Register online for Building Customer Rapport and Goodwill, which is 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, in Room 200 of the Wetsel Service Center. Check the Human Resources' training calendar for other class times and dates.

Upcoming sessions include How to Communicate With Your Customers, Handling Problems and Complaints, Dealing Effectively With Difficult People, and Projecting a Positive, Professional Image.

Maverick stories Barrie Hill, communication adviser, hugs a student she has advised before the College of Liberal Arts commencement ceremony Friday. Graduates shared their stories and photos online. See graduate stories and photos online.

Participate in emergency response exercise Thursday

Faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend the Office of Emergency Management's annual Clery Act tabletop exercise 3:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19, in the Rio Grande Room of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

The exercise will focus on a discussion about emergency notification, the shelter-in-place process, and evacuation on a campus-wide scale. Key officials, internal and external, will participate in the discussion.

Park in reserved spaces for Business Affairs classes

When attending a Business Affairs training and development class or learning lab, faculty and staff with a UTA permit must park in the reserved parking spaces.

The spaces are in Lot 48, east of the Continuing Education building, and Lot F17, south of the building.

UTA Flow updates begin today

UTA Flow (ServiceNow) will be upgraded today, Monday, May 16, in order to enhance the usability and overall presentation of the system.

The home page, print option, and user preferences buttons will now be located under the cogwheel in the top right corner. All other functionality and usability should remain the same.

Questions? Contact Help Desk at helpdesk@uta.edu or 2-2208.

Blazing Race takes off Wednesday morning

Team up for the 2016 Blazing Race at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 18. The race begins at College Park Center.

Participants can walk or run either a low- or high-impact campus adventure course.

The Wellness Committee hosts the free event. Find details and registration information online or email wellness@uta.edu.

Maverick Ring Ceremony The Maverick Ring Ceremony is a happy time in a student's college experience, President Vistasp Karbhari writes. "As each student leaves at the end of the Ring Ceremony, their eyes are not on the past but looking out toward the horizon—on what comes next." Read more.

Dallas Wings offer exclusive season tickets deal

UTA faculty and staff can see WNBA Dallas Wings action all season with the Breakaway Pass.

The deal gives faculty and staff members two season passes for the Dallas Wings season—18 games—for $99. Buy the Breakaway Pass at utatickets.com through Sunday, May 29. Use promo code WINGSUTA.

Upcoming games at College Park Center are against the San Antonio Stars at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 21; the Atlanta Dream at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 27; and the Chicago Sky at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 29.

UTA Libraries need your input

Share your opinions with UTA Libraries in a simple, anonymous, and confidential survey. In exchange for your ideas and opinions about the Libraries' products and services, you have a chance at winning one of five $100 prizes when you opt in to the grand prize giveaway.

Complete the survey. Questions or comments? Email utalibqual@listserv.uta.edu.

Campus police want your feedback

The UTA Police Department seeks your opinion regarding its performance in serving the community.

Take a moment to say what you think via the survey link. Your input will help enhance UTA PD's professionalism and the services provided to faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

Flexible Summer Hours Program begins June 6

UTA again will offer the Flexible Summer Hours Program June 6-Aug 12.

Participating employees work a compressed week of four 10-hour days with one day off during the work week. Employees who wish to participate must have their manager's written approval of their flexible schedules before beginning the program. Schedules for non-exempt employees also must include a minimum 30-minute lunch break.

Departments or employees who choose not to participate in the program will continue to work their regular schedules.

Questions? Contact Eunice Currie at currie@uta.edu or 2-7091.

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.

Saturday, May 21

CPR/AED/First Aid Class A single, five-hour class covering the American Red Cross first aid basics, medical and environmental emergencies, adult CPR, and AED use. Registration at MAC Services and Information desk. $50. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Room 223, Maverick Activities Center. Campus Recreation.

Tuesday, May 24

Introduction to Spectral Flow Cytometry Analysis Learn about flow cytometry analysis equipment by Sony Biotechnology. Noon, Room 128, Life Science Building. Biology, Genomic Core Facility.

Wednesday, May 25

Cell Sorter Demonstration Will cell sorting advance your research? Watch cell sorters being demonstrated or make an appointment to test-sort your favorite cell types. Demonstration of Sony SH800, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Room B09, Life Science Building. Also, BD sorter demo in late June. Biology, Genomic Core Facility.

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

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.

Gallery 76102: 'Tree House Divided' Works by artist Jessica Fuentes. Through May 31. Free. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center.

UTA Libraries: 'Academic Evolution: The University of Texas at Arlington' An exhibition of UTA's academic history. Through Aug. 31. Sixth floor, Central Library. UTA Libraries.

UTA Libraries: 'Building a Barrier-Free Campus' Explore how UTA began to become a model accessible campus for students with disabilities. Sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Through Sept. 16. UTA Libraries, History, College of Liberal Arts’ Festival of Global Ideas, Office for Students with Disabilities.

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