TrailBlazer 2015 Archive » TrailBlazer — Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Dr. Chris Conway

Conway talks about comics Wednesday at Focus on Faculty lecture

Discover how comic books promoted Mexican nationalism when Chris Conway discusses "Viva Mexico! A Comic Book History of Mexico" for the next Focus on Faculty event.

The presentation is at noon Wednesday, April 1, in the sixth floor parlor of the Central Library.

Dr. Conway traces the formulaic and nationalist themes of many different types of comics in the second half of the 20th century, with a special emphasis on the ways in which Mexican history was told and retold through the graphic arts.

The lecture opens with a discussion of the rise of inexpensive, illustrated pamphlets in 19th-century Mexico and the resounding success of daily comic book digests in the 1930s, which featured syndicated strips of U.S. characters like Superman and Dick Tracy. These digests saw the birth of Mexican-themed strips and characters, which came into their own in the 1950s.

The lecture coincides with the exhibit of the same name in Special Collections at the library. The exhibit runs through Aug. 8.

'Pizza with the President' returns Friday

Students are invited to join President Vistasp Karbhari for lunch and informal discussion. Free pizza will be served starting at noon Friday, April 3, in the Palo Duro Lounge of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Mobile app now available for metered parking spots

Metered parking spaces are now part of the parking app, MobileNOW.

Log on to the mobile app, enter the location code on the meter, and pay for parking. Register to receive a text message when the paid time is about to expire.

Campus visitors can purchase MobileNOW parking permits for the day, week, or month.

The new app does not replace the UTA parking permit required for students, faculty, and staff.

Download the free MobileNOW app. Purchase permits online or in the Parking and Transportation Office in the J.D. Wetsel Service Center, 1225 W. Mitchell St.

For more information, visit Parking and Transportation Services or email parking@uta.edu.

Urban investment Former San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros says the growth and prosperity of cities is a complex mix of providing for residents and businesses, education, and investing in the next generation. The former secretary of housing and urban development spoke at Thursday night's Maverick Speakers Series event at Texas Hall. Bob Costas closes the 2014-15 series when he discusses "Sports in America: Is It Still Only a Game?" on Monday, April 13, at College Park Center. Watch the video.

Evening at Six Flags to benefit Student Emergency Assistance Fund

Enjoy an evening at Six Flags Over Texas with discount tickets that help Arlington schools. The theme park hosts Education Celebration 6-11 p.m. Friday, April 17, benefiting UTA and AISD.

Tickets are only $20 plus tax. Advanced tickets are limited. No tickets will be sold at the gate. Special discounted parking is $10 per car at the gate.

With each ticket, $5 goes directly to the UTA Student Emergency Assistance Fund. See the gift codes on the website. Use the code UTA to donate to the AISD Education Foundation.

Dispose of e-waste at these locations

Use the e-waste drop-off locations across campus to recycle your electronic items.

Items accepted include computer processors, monitors, and peripherals; printers; fax machines; keyboards/mice/presenters; photocopiers; scanners; TVs; projectors; VCR, DVD, and CD players, tapes, cassettes, CDs, and DVDs; cables, wires, and connectors; microwaves; stereos, speakers, and peripherals; phones; consumer electronics; ink and printer cartridges; batteries; electric motors; and electronic components (resistors, capacitors, transistors, etc.).

Unacceptable items are UT Arlington computing devices or computers and light bulbs.

Direct questions to Meghna Tare, executive director of the Institute for Sustainability and Global Impact, at mtare@uta.edu or 817-272-0753.

UTA hosts Texas Digital Humanities Conference

The three-day Texas Digital Humanities Conference looks at combining traditional humanities aspects with the latest technology. 

The second annual conference is Thursday-Saturday, April 9-11, at the Central Library.

Digital humanities scholars throughout Texas will present information on everything from resources, applications, funding, and projects in different humanities disciplines.

The event includes a tour of UTA Libraries' Special Collections and the FabLab as well as a "hackfest," where participants can try the technology illustrated in presentations. See the schedule.

Register online. Student tickets are $25 by Thursday, April 9.

La Blue Casa grand opening Wednesday

La Blue Casa, a popular food truck in Fort Worth, opened its first restaurant on Friday in the College Park District.

The venue features authentic, gourmet Mexican food made from scratch.

A formal grand opening is set for Wednesday, April 1.

The name refers to the home of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, which is painted a bright cobalt blue.

See the menu. Follow La Blue Casa on Facebook.

Homerathon needs readers, performers

The University Classics Club's annual Homerathon needs readers and performers for the event Wednesday, April 8.

"The Odyssey" was composed in Greek around 700 B.C. The marathon recitation, mostly in English translation, runs 7 a.m.-10:30 p.m. on the University Center mall.

Register to volunteer. Texts in English translation will be provided and will be available prior to the event in the office of the Philosophy and Humanities Department, Room 305 of Carlisle Hall. Recitation in Greek and other ancient languages is encouraged.

Homerathon T-shirts and coffee mugs will be on sale during the event.

For details, contact Charles Chiasson at 817-272-2764 or chiasson@uta.edu.

Discount tickets available for HBO's boxing championship at College Park Center

Receive a 20 percent discount on tickets to the World Junior Welterweight Championship through Tuesday, April 7.

Undefeated WBO world lightweight champion Terence Crawford, the BWAA 2014 Fighter of the Year, will take on top contender Thomas Dulorme in an HBO After Dark rumble Saturday, April 18, at College Park Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

For discount tickets, use the promo code UTAHBO at utatickets.com or call 817-272-9595.

GoFundMe drive to aid rescheduled Powwow

The Native American Student Association is seeking funds to make the rescheduled 20th annual Benefit Powwow happen.

The Benefit Powwow raises money for NASA scholarships and draws participants and vendors from throughout the Southwest. The event was originally set for Feb. 28 but was canceled because of ice and snow. The cancellation resulted in a financial loss.

Donate to the $2,500 goal via GoFundMe, an online fundraising program.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, June 7, at the Bluebonnet Ballroom of the E.H. Hereford University Center. For more information or to volunteer, email powwow@uta.edu.

Feast and famine Monica Canizares, left, linguistics freshman, and Roberto Kalina, university studies senior, enjoy a generous dinner while students in the background wait for a meager meal the recent OxFam Hunger Banquet. Guests received either a large, medium, or small meal, resulting in some having a better understanding of hunger.

Volunteer for The Big Event

Sign up soon to nab your pick of good deeds for The Big Event, set for Saturday, April 11.

The Big Event is a day of community service and outreach involving students, faculty, staff, and community members. Numerous community-based and nonprofit organizations and agencies benefit from volunteer efforts.

Discover more about how The Big Event impacts North Texas at uta.edu/thebigevent.

Learn how to participate and see a list of project sites.

For questions, call 817-272-2963 or email thebigevent@uta.edu.

Work-study job openings on Snap Jobs

Do you have work-study funding and need a job? Several openings on campus are listed on SnapJobs. For more details and to apply, go to UTA's Snap Jobs site.

Tickets required to attend Commencement ceremonies

Graduates participating in Commencement and their guests must have a ticket to attend the ceremony. Children age 2 and younger do not need a ticket.

Look for instructions on claiming tickets in your UTA email accounts Monday, April 20. Visit the Commencement website for details on ticket quantities and availability.

Commencement ceremonies are Thursday-Saturday, May 14-16, in College Park Center.

Midterm progress report grades now available in MyMav

Midterm progress reports are now available in MyMav. See your grades in the MyMav Student Center. Progress reports are available for many undergraduate students. If you receive these, you'll be notified by UTA email. See your academic adviser with questions or concerns.

Think before you drop from spring classes

The last day to drop courses for both undergraduate and graduate students is Friday, April 3. A grade of W will appear on your transcript. Undergraduate students who entered college for the first time in fall 2007 or later are limited to a total of six dropped courses during their undergraduate career. Discuss the impact of this when you meet with your adviser about dropping a course.

Check on the impact of dropping if you receive financial aid by going to uta.edu/fao or emailing fao@uta.edu. The Financial Aid Office is in Room 252 of Davis Hall. Call 817-272-3561. 

Grade exclusion, forgiveness request sites close April 3

UT Arlington will process grade exclusion and grade forgiveness requests submitted by 5 p.m. on the last day to drop—Friday, April 3—as part of the grading and academic standing process for the spring 2015 term. Grade forgiveness requests must be made through your academic adviser. For a grade to be excluded or forgiven, students must be registered on the Census Date for the term in which their request is processed.

Registration begins for summer and fall 2015

Priority registration opens for summer and fall terms Monday, April 6. Advising is already available in your academic department.

Check for your appointment time on the registration timetable, which is available in your MyMav Student Center, along with information on whether you need to see an academic adviser before you’re eligible to register. A list of academic advising offices is online.

The MyMav schedule of classes is being updated daily. Plan to validate your course selections when registration opens.

Transcripts available in PDF format

UT Arlington now offers transcripts in PDF format. Students can send PDF transcripts by email to another university, a potential employer, or themselves. Read more about ordering transcripts.

Tuesday, March 31

Mavs Got Talent Show A showcase of talented students. Free. 7 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Baseball Mavericks vs. TCU. Tickets $5-7; $3 students. 6:30 p.m., Clay Gould Ballpark. Athletics.

Faculty Bassoon Recital Laura Bennett Cameron, senior lecturer of music, performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Wednesday, April 1

Softball Mavericks vs. North Texas Tickets $5-7; $3 students. 6 p.m., Allan Saxe Field. Also, vs. South Alabama, 1 and 3 p.m. Friday, April 3, and 1 p.m. Saturday, April 4. Athletics.

Tail Waggin' Wednesday Therapy dogs on hand for stress reduction. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., second floor, Central Library. UT Arlington Libraries.

Guest Flute Recital Megan Lanz, a founding member of Whole Musician collective, performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Thursday, April 2

Women's Tennis Mavericks vs. Louisiana-Lafayette. 2 p.m., UTA Tennis Center. Athletics.

Maverick Musical Student groups perform 8-minute, Broadway-style productions. Free. 7 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

UTA Symphony Orchestra Concert Tickets $9 adults, $5 students and seniors. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music. 

Friday, April 3

Closing Reception: 'Subject: Disability' Rescheduled reception for art exhibit focusing on disability. Free. 5:30 p.m., curator talk 6:30 p.m., The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building. The Gallery at UTA.

Saturday, April 4

International Week Soccer Tournament 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Fields Complex. International Education.

Tuesday, April 7

Zumbathon Join the third annual Dance for a Cause. Snacks, door prizes, giveaways. Proceeds benefit Safe Haven of Tarrant County. Register. $6 students, faculty, staff; $8 public. 5:30-7:30 p.m., Maverick Activities Center. Campus Recreation, Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Program.

Coming up

Afternoon Variety Showcase: So Long Solo Indie folk/pop duo performs. Free. 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, Palo Duro Lounge, E.H Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities. 

Maverick Speakers Series Bob Costas, an acclaimed sportscaster, presents "Sports in America: Is It Still Only a Game?" Preferred seating and free general admission tickets at utatickets.com. For VIP tickets, contact Mark LaVelle at mlavelle@uta.edu or 817-272-5235. 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 13, College Park Center. Maverick Speakers Series.

Ongoing

MavsArt The semi-annual UTA community art show features 67 works by 25 artists who are UTA students, faculty, and staff. Through Dec. 3. UT Arlington Libraries, MavsArt.

The Gallery at UTA: 'Subject Disability' Nine artists address disability by illustrating the ways art can challenge and inform our experience of others. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. Through April 4. The Gallery at UTA.

Special Collections: !Viva Mexico! A Comic Book History of Mexico A rare look inside the rise of comic books in 20th century Mexico, their literary, cultural, and entertainment value, and influence by the Mexican government. Hours 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, sixth floor, Central Library. Through Aug. 8. UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections.

Visual Resource Commons and Gallery The African Art Collection is a multi-dimensional collection of 11th-20th century art and artifacts. Free. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, Suite 2109, Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History.

Planetarium The spring schedule features Black Holes, Dynamic Earth, Pink Floyd, Secret of the Cardboard Rocket, and Spacepark 360: Infinity. Planetarium.

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

Sweepin' up: Sophomore Sam Montes helped the Mavericks in a three-game sweep of Appalachian State last weekend in Boone, N.C. Montes and outfielder Mallory Foster were named the Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Week and Player of the Week, respectively.

Softball team slugs its way to sweep

UTA’s 13th double-digit scoring game of the season completed a three-game sweep of Appalachian State on Sunday in Boone, N.C.

The Mavericks defeated the Mountaineers 14-3 to improve to 5-4 in the Sun Belt Conference and 21-15 overall.

UTA swept a doubleheader Saturday, winning the first game 7-1 and taking the second 16-7.

The team returns home for four games this week at Allan Saxe Field. The Mavs meet North Texas in non-conference action Wednesday, April 1, before welcoming No. 24 South Alabama for a three-game series opening Friday, April 3.

Baseball Mavericks swept by Georgia State

UTA left 11 runners on base and wasted a masterful start by sophomore righty Joel Kuhnel in losing 2-1 to Georgia State in 10 innings Sunday at Clay Gould Ballpark.

The Mavericks also fell to the Panthers 5-2 on Friday and 6-4 on Saturday in 11 innings. UTA is 12-14 overall, 4-5 in the Sun Belt Conference.

The team returns to action at 6:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, March 31, against No. 2 TCU at Clay Gould Ballpark before beginning a three-game series Friday, April 3, at Louisiana-Monroe.

Track performers excel at Texas Relays

Senior sprinter Quentin Butler finished fourth in the 100 meters Saturday at the Texas Relays in Austin. His time of 10.18 was a personal best and ranks fifth on UTA’s all-time list.

The men’s 4x100-meter relay team of Butler, Treyvion Johnson, Cameron Newson, and Tarik Crear placed eighth. Junior Roland Sales took fifth in the high jump, clearing 6 feet, 11 inches.

The men’s and women’s track teams return to action Friday, April 3, at the Baylor Invitational in Waco.

Sports Shorts

• Senior Lonnie McClanahan was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches Division I District 24 second team. He previously picked up All-Sun Belt Conference second-team honors after the regular season.

• The women’s tennis team defeated Texas State 4-0 on Saturday at the UTA Tennis Center. The Mavericks face SMU in Dallas today, Tuesday, March 31, and return home Thursday, April 2, to play Louisiana-Lafayette.

• The men’s tennis team lost 7-0 to No. 2 Baylor on Sunday in Waco. The Mavericks face SMU in Dallas today, Tuesday, March 31.

• The golf team is back in action Monday, April 6, to begin the two-day Jim West Intercollegiate in Bastrop, Texas.

Intramural deadlines include badminton doubles

Upcoming entry deadlines for intramural sports include badminton doubles, Sunday, April 12; FAF video game, Wednesday, May 6; and poker tournament, Thursday, May 7.

See the intramural sports schedule. Pick up entry forms at the Services and Information Desk of the Maverick Activities Center. For questions, call 817-272-3277 or email imsports@uta.edu.

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