MavWire 2015 Archive » MavWire — Monday, September 28, 2015

Dr. James Epperson

Professor awarded NSF grant to develop new methods of measuring math problem solving

James Epperson, an associate professor of mathematics in the College of Science, wants to better understand the mathematical problem-solving skills that students need to excel in STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Dr. Epperson will use a $270,518 National Science Foundation grant to develop methods to better recognize capacity in mathematical problem solving needed for success in foundational mathematics courses for STEM.

Although mathematicians and mathematics educators can identify prerequisite skills and conceptual knowledge needed for courses such as calculus, little is understood about the mathematical problem-solving capacity students must develop to successfully apply mathematical knowledge from prior courses to the learning of the mathematics central to their scientific field of study.

Read more about the math problem-solving skill research.

Dr. Ritu Khanduri

Focus on Faculty examines cartoons' influence

Ritu Khanduri, associate professor in sociology and anthropology, will speak on "The Culture of Cartoons" at this year's first Focus on Faculty lecture. The event is at noon Wednesday, Sept. 30, in the sixth floor parlor of the Central Library.

Dr. Khanduri will explain how Indian newspaper cartoons serve as teaching moments about identity politics and democracy.

Focus on Faculty provides a forum for outstanding faculty to share their research and achievements with the UTA community. Khanduri's talk will be followed by a reception sponsored by the Honor Society Phi Kappa Phi. The event is free and open to all.

UT System to conduct strategic, organizational assessment

Under the leadership of Chancellor William McRaven and with the support of UTA President Vistasp Karbhari, The University of Texas System is currently engaged in a strategic and organizational assessment effort to help address the current and future needs of UTA and all other UT System institutions.

“The overall intent of these assessments is to be better prepared as a public university system to manage today’s rapidly changing environment and the changes in our environment anticipated over the next five to 10 years,” says Chancellor McRaven.

In the next few weeks, online surveys will be distributed and focus group meetings will be scheduled at each institution. Contact UTA’s campus liaison, Salma Adem, special assistant to the president, at adem@uta.edu for more information or to request participation.

Read a letter about the assessment from Chancellor McRaven.

Mia Farrow appearance only 10 days away; claim tickets online

Tickets to see actress and activist Mia Farrow for the Maverick Speakers Series are now available online.

Farrow will speak on "What Falls Away: One Woman’s Journey to Fulfillment" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at Texas Hall. An audience question-and-answer session will follow the lecture.

She is perhaps best known for her role as Rosemary in Rosemary’s Baby and has appeared in more than 50 films, winning numerous awards since her career began in 1964. Her most recent film is 2011’s Dark Horse.

Farrow has worked extensively as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and is involved in humanitarian activities in Africa. In 2008, Time magazine named her one of the most influential people in the world.

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

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

First town hall meeting on campus carry legislation today

Town hall meetings start today to gather ideas, suggestions, and feedback from the campus community about the implementation of Senate Bill 11 (SB 11), better known as “Campus Carry,” at UTA.

During the 84th Legislative Session, lawmakers passed SB 11, which allows a license holder to carry a concealed handgun on the campus.

Upcoming meetings are:

• 1 p.m. today, Monday, Sept. 28, Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center
• Undergraduate Assembly, 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, Concho and Red River Rooms, University Center
• 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center
• Graduate Assembly, 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, San Saba Room, University Center
• 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, Room 108, University Hall
• 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, Rio Grande A, University Center
• Faculty Senate 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7, Student Congress Chambers, University Center
• 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, Bluebonnet Ballroom, University Center
• Staff Advisory Council, 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, Student Congress Chambers, University Center

For more information, go to uta.edu/campuscarry for forum dates and locations, frequently asked questions, information on the legislation, and a survey to complete if you are not able to attend one of the meetings.

Starting the conversation John Hall, vice president for administration and campus operations, joined President Vistasp Karbhari at Pizza with the President last week to talk to students about the "campus carry" law for concealed handguns. Hall chairs the University's committee that will develop UT Arlington's campus carry policy. See the schedule of upcoming forums in the story above.

Lot F10 set for geotechnical testing

Each morning beginning today, Monday, Sept. 28, 20-25 spaces in faculty/staff parking lot F10 will be barricaded for geotechnical testing/boring. Lot F10 is located south of University Hall, the Life Science Building, and Pickard Hall.

As soon as the day’s boring has been completed, the barricades will be removed. The test will move to the next 20-25 spaces the next morning. The process will take approximately three weeks.

The testing is in preparation for the new Science, Engineering Innovation and Research Building, which will be built on the site.

For questions or concerns, contact Jeff Johnson at jljohnson@uta.edu or Perry Eggleston at eggleston@uta.edu.

UT Arlington Advising Association invites new members

The University of Texas at Arlington Advising Association (UTAAA) is open to all undergraduate advisers, graduate advisers, professional advisers, faculty advisers, and graduate students with an interest in academic advising.

UTAAA is a forum for sharing ideas and information related to advising services, opportunities for professional development, and peer support.

Learn more and sign up for the UTAAA listserv for conference updates and monthly meeting information.

Mark calendar for Fall Faculty and Associates Meeting

The Fall Faculty and Associates Meeting is set for 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, in the Rio Grande Ballroom of the E.H. Hereford University Center. The program includes recognition of the 11 new faculty emeriti and new faculty members.

Got a parking permit? Get one before Oct. 5

Faculty and staff members and students who have not yet registered their vehicles through MAVPark, the University’s new decal-free permit system, are asked to do so immediately at uta.edu/mavpark.

Monitoring and enforcement of vehicles permitted to be parked on campus begins Monday, Oct. 5, following the traditional start-of-the-semester grace period. Owners of unauthorized vehicles are subject to a citation and a $50 fine.

Cast stone repairs continue in College Park District

Cast stone repairs in the College Park District continue through the end of November. Center Street will be reduced to one lane of traffic 9 a.m.-4 p.m. between Abram and First streets.

The sidewalk on the east side of The Lofts will be closed 9 a.m.-4 p.m. to pedestrian traffic. The Lofts’ east-side entrance and exit doors will be closed during construction and only available in an emergency. The ATM on the north side of Texas Trust will not be available.

Direct questions to Don Lange, director of Auxiliary Operations and Logistics, at donlange@uta.edu.

Monday, Sept. 28

Texas ACSM Lecture Quincy Almeida of Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada speaks on “Learning Motor Control Through Neurodegeneration: A Parkinson’s Perspective.” Noon, Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center. Kinesiology.

Tuesday, Sept. 29

Developing Assertive Communication Skills Register online. 9-11 a.m., Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

MARK Training: Undergraduate Policies and Procedures The Maverick Advisers Reaching for Knowledge program is for academic advisers. Register online. 2-4 p.m., Room 104, Preston Hall. Also, Graduate Policies and Procedures, Wednesday, Sept. 30; Relational/Referrals and Resources, Tuesday, Oct. 6; QPR Suicide Prevention, Thursday, Oct. 8; Adviser Toolbox, Tuesday, Oct. 13; and EAB Student Success Collaborative, Thursday, Oct. 15. University Advising Center.

Wednesday, Sept. 30

Advanced Supervisory Skills Register online. 9-11:30 a.m., Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

International Translation Day Renowned translator Marian Schwartz is guest speaker. She has translated more than 60 volumes of Russian classic and contemporary fiction, history, biography, criticism, and fine art. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Palo Pinto Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. Modern Languages, UT Arlington Libraries, English, Charles T. McDowell Center for Critical Languages and Area Studies.

Documentary 'Lives Worth Living' A documentary on the disability rights movement and roundtable with Paralympian Abu Yilla and disability studies scholar Richard Scotch. 3:30-5:30 p.m., Room 108, University Hall. Disability Studies, Office for Students with Disabilities. 

Architecture Lecture Josep Ricart Ulldemolins presents “Demands and Availabilities.” Free. 4 p.m., Room 204, Architecture Building. Architecture.

Latin@ Student Excellence Forum Panel discussion moderated by Stephen Santa-Ramirez, assistant director of Multicultural Affairs. 6-8 p.m., Concho Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. Hispanic Heritage Month.

Thursday, Oct. 1

Earth and Environmental Sciences Lectures Earth and Environmental Sciences Lectures Nilotpal Ghosh, lecturer in earth and environmental sciences, discusses “Evidence of catastrophe across the Permian-Triassic boundary in Spiti Valley, Indian Himalayas.” 4 p.m., Room 100, Geoscience Building. Also, Julia Morgan of Rice University, Oct. 8; Thomas Darrah of Ohio State University, Oct. 15; Bob Gregory of Southern Methodist University, Oct. 22; and Bastian Georg of Trent University, Oct. 29. Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Friday, Oct. 2

Mathematics Colloquium Series Santiago Schnell, president of the Society for Mathematical Biology and professor at the University of Michigan, is guest speaker. 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, Room 311, Pickard Hall. Also, Weiqiang Wang of the University of Virginia, Oct. 16, and Patrick Shipman of Colorado State University, Nov. 6. Mathematics.

Tuesday, Oct. 6

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

Wednesday, Oct. 7

Arlington Technology Association UT Arlington President Vistasp Karbhari discusses the future of engineering professions and the roles engineers will play in designing and guiding the world’s mechanisms. Light breakfast provided. RSVP. Free. 7-8 a.m,, Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Arlington Technology Association.

Food for Thought: Motivation Becky Garner, clinical assistant professor of kinesiology, presents an interactive program about motivation to fit your exercise program with your lifestyle. Noon-1 p.m., Room 213, Maverick Activities Center. Campus Recreation.

Architecture Lecture Signe and Jason Smith discuss “Love + Architecture.” Free. 4 p.m., Room 204, Architecture Building. Architecture.

Thursday, Oct. 8

Women's and Gender Studies Lecture Kathryne Beebe, right, assistant professor of history, and Anna Noga of the University of New Mexico discuss “Transported in Spirit: Visionary Travel in the Old World and the New." Free. 12:30-2 p.m., sixth floor, Central Library. Women’s and Gender Studies.

Timekeeper Register online. 9:30-11:30 a.m., Room E200C, Continuing Education Building.  Business Affairs.

M.S. in Health Care Administration Info Session Learn more about the accelerated, cohort-based program designed for professionals in the health care industry. Register online. 6 p.m., Fort Worth Center. Business.

Coming up

Peer Observation of Teaching Training Learn about this powerful tool for professional growth, documenting great teaching, and sharing new ideas. Register online. 9 a.m.-noon Friday, Oct. 9, Room 415, Central Library. Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, Faculty Affairs.

New Teacher Webinar Series Join the webinar live or watch the video later on YouTube and Slideshare. Webinars Oct. 10, Nov. 7, Dec. 5, Jan. 30, Feb. 27, March 26, and April 16. New Teacher Webinar Series, Curriculum and Instruction.

Graduate Business Forum Learn about graduate degree programs in the College of Business. Register online. 9:30 a.m.-noon, Room 147, Business Building. Business.

RADS Self-Defense for Women Self-defense course for female faculty, staff, and students. Register online. Free. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Oct. 17 and Nov. 7, Room 102-B, Maverick Activities Center. UT Arlington Police.

Human Resources Training Register online. Team Building for Supervisors, Oct. 13; Americans with Disabilities Act in the Workplace, Oct. 14; Powerful Presentation Skills, Oct. 21; Dealing Effectively with Conflict and Confrontation, Oct. 23; Your Professional Image, Oct. 27; Time Management: Keys to Everyday Office Success, Oct. 29. Human Resources.

Business Affairs Training Register online. ProCard, Oct. 13; Travel and Expenses, Oct. 15; Requisitions, Oct. 20; Payment Vouchers, Oct. 22; Financial Statements and the Reconciliation Process, Oct. 27; Position and Workforce Management, Oct. 29. Business Affairs.

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

Monday, Sept. 28

World Heart Day/Cyclethon Teams keep stationary bikes in motion for 12 hours. Free blood pressure tests, glucose checks, healthy cooking demos, free snacks, and other fun activities planned. Benefits American Heart Association. Sign up at the Maverick Activities Center. Noon-midnight, MAC. Campus Recreation, Health Services.

Discount Rangers Tickets Rangers vs. Detroit Tigers, Sept. 28-30. Also, vs. Los Angeles Angels, Oct. 1-4. Visit texasrangers.com/grouptickets, click on UT Arlington, and use the password GOMAVS to get your discounted tickets.

Honors Recital Outstanding students and music faculty perform. Free. 7:30 p.m. Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Tuesday, Sept. 29

Faculty Piano Recital Young-Hyun Cho, associate professor of piano, performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Wednesday, Sept. 30

'The Shorthorn' Press Fest Celebrate Press Fest with The Shorthorn. Enjoy live music from Skinny Is Green, snacks, drinks, games and prizes while learning about The Shorthorn student newspaper and its digital offerings. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., University Center mall. The Shorthorn.

Thursday, Oct. 1

Volleyball Mavericks vs. Georgia Southern. Pre-Game Tailgate: October Fest/Beer Tasting: Pink Night: Greek Out. Tickets $5; $3 with student ID. 6:30 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Friday, Oct. 2

Friday Night Film: Ant-Man Rated PG-13. Free popcorn. Concessions for sale. $1, $1.50 with credit card. 9 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Saturday, Oct. 3

Volleyball Mavericks vs. Arkansas-Little Rock. Youth Day: Jersey Day: Blazes Kids Club: Post Game Autographs: International Frugal Fun Day. Tickets $5; $3 with student ID. 1 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Wednesday, Oct. 7

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

35th Annual Bed Races The Bed Races feature beds on wheels with five students—four pushing and one riding on the bed—competing in three categories. Free admission. 7 p.m., Maverick Stadium. Campus Recreation, EXCEL Campus Activities.

Coming up

Guest Piano Recital A performance by Kent Lyman of Meredith College. Free. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct.8, Room 105, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Pride Week: 3rd Annual Drag Show Hosted by DFW drag superstar Kiana Lee. Free. 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. LGBTQA Program.

Volleyball Mavericks vs. Texas State. Dig Pink Game, Pink Shirt Handout, National Medical Professional Night, New Maverick Employee Night, Maverick Club Pre-Game Reception. Tickets $5; $3 with student ID. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, College Park Center. Athletics.

Interactive Wellness Expo 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, Palo Duro Lounge, E.H Hereford University Center. Health Services.

Parent and Family Weekend Parents and families spend a weekend on campus visiting their students’ residence halls and classrooms, listening to faculty presentations, and participating in a variety of fun activities. Schedule. Register online. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 23-25. Parent and Family Center.

Ongoing

Gallery 76102: Tshuchigama/Earthen Kiln Tshuchigama or “dirt kiln” is recognized by scholars as Japan's earliest high-fire kiln type. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays; 4-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, Gallery 76102. Through Oct. 10. Fort Worth Center.

Ornament and Adornment: The Decoration and Application Techniques of African Masks Examine the design and style of decorations on African masks from the Dowdey-Campbell and Brodie African Art Collections. Gallery hours 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Through Dec. 9. Visual Resources Commons, Room 2109, Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History.

University Center Gallery: Digital Photography Student Exhibit Student artwork showcased. Gallery hours 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. University Center Gallery, E.H. Hereford University Center. Through Dec. 12. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Special Collections: Ringside: Memories of WCC Wrestling Photos by Cirrus Bonneau of World Class Championship Wrestling at the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth in 1982-83. Gallery hours 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Free. Sixth floor, Central Library. Through Jan. 16. UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections.

Planetarium Three new shows—SOFIA 3-D, Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, and From the Earth to the Universe—are part of the fall schedule. Also showing are Astronaut, Pink Floyd, and Spacepark 360: Infinity. Planetarium.

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