MavWire 2016 Archive » MavWire — Monday, March 14, 2016

Lady Movin' Mavs win first national championship

The second-seeded Lady Movin’ Mavs brought an unstoppable game plan to win the team's first Women’s National Championship Saturday, defeating No. 1 seed University of Illinois 65-51 in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association intercollegiate tournament in Edinboro, Pa.

Rose Hollermann, a 2012 U.S. Paralympian and the 2015-16 NWBA Collegiate Player of the Year, lit up the scoreboard, finishing with 35 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.

“We’re bringing this title and trophy back to UTA and dedicating it to the late, great coach Jim Hayes, who passed about 10 years ago,” said Lady Movin’ Mavs coach Jason Nelms, also a two-time U.S. Paralympian. “Rose (Hollermann) is always fast for us. We came into this game with nothing to lose, even if we returned with the second-place trophy.”

Hollermann was named the first Dr. Tim Nugent Tournament MVP for her impressive performance, going 27 for 38 from the floor for 66 points in two games, with 16 rebounds and 12 assists. NWBA founder Dr. Tim Nugent, who died last fall, is credited with disabled sports development throughout the United States and the world.

The Movin' Mavs men’s team earned third place, defeating Illinois 63-59 in overtime. The duo of Andy Kraft and Jan Gans combined for 54 points and 21 rebounds. 

See photos of the Movin' Mavs at the NWBA tourneys.

In the Sun Belt Conference, the Maverick men made it to the semifinals with a 72-63 win against Texas State on Friday, but fell 82-71 to Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday afternoon. UTA was playing for its first conference final berth since reaching the WAC championship game in 2013.

The Lady Mavs ended their conference run Wednesday with a 59-53 loss to Louisiana-Lafayette.

Dr. Aditya Das

Alums receive NSF small business grant to spur K-12 STEM interest through technology

A team of UTA engineering and business school graduates is designing a hands-on, reconfigurable Build-Teach-Play Robots package to stimulate STEM learning in kindergarten through 12th grades.

The team founded a company called TechComb LLC in late 2014 and repurposes manufacturing robotic technology from labs at the UTA Research Institute (UTARI) to create these simple, less expensive tools for engaged learning.

The project is supported by a $150,000 Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Science Foundation. The federal program seeks to transform scientific discovery into societal and economic benefit by catalyzing private sector commercialization of technological innovations.

Aditya Das, UTARI senior research scientist and TechComb co-founder, says they saw the demand to engage students from their earliest years in robotics and programming.

Read more about the STEM K-12 tech project.

Dr. Mark Haykowsky

Partnership with foundation created exercise program for cancer patients

The College of Nursing and Health Innovation has teamed with Cancer Foundation for Life to bring an exercise program to the University campus that helps cancer patients return to full health.

The free, community-based nutrition and exercise program, known as FitSTEPS for Life, is designed to help cancer patients increase mobility and boost endurance while undergoing treatment. The program is structured, tailored to the individual and includes aerobic exercise, strength training, and stretching techniques. It is designed to mitigate the debilitating effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

Studies show that cancer patients who exercise during and after treatment improve their cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life, said Mark Haykowsky, the Moritz Chair of Geriatric Nursing and Research at UTA. Dr. Haykowsky directs the program, which is housed at the Maverick Activities Center.

Read more about the FitSTEPS program.

Plan for weekend power outage

Facilities Management has scheduled an electrical outage to complete major electrical upgrades/modifications Friday-Sunday, March 18-20.

Buildings affected include the Architecture Building, Engineering Lab Building, Fine Arts Building, Geoscience Building, Nanofab Building, Nedderman Hall, and Woolf Hall.

Emergency generators will support egress lighting, life safety, and all research facilities currently connected to a generator. All buildings will remain locked during the outage.

On Thursday, March 17, clean out all refrigerators and freezers and turn off and unplug electrical devices. Many devices remain in a standby mode or use power even when turned off. If items are plugged into power strips, simply turn off the power strips.

Questions? Contact Toby Buhrkuhl at 972-832-1490 or Jeff Johnson at 817-798-8456.

SAC Benefits Fair includes blood drive, health screenings

Bring your Mav ID and join the Staff Advisory Council at the ninth annual Celebrating Maverick Spirit Benefits Fair 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Meet with vendors and organizations that provide services or discounts for the UTA community.

Giveaways, door prizes, and free food—first come, first served—await all employees.

Register online for food allergy testing and a cardiovascular screening with 100 percent coverage by insurance.

Bring your insurance and ID cards. Sign up for the Carter BloodCare blood drive.

Register a booth for your department.

Fellowships available from the Institute for Sustainability and Global Impact

The Institute for Sustainability and Global Impact offers faculty fellowships on sustainability in the curriculum.

Faculty fellowships ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for one semester support development of modules on sustainability for existing courses, laboratory exercises, service learning exercises, field trips, development of new courses, or development of other curriculum products. Application deadline is April 15, 2016.

For more information, see the sustainability website or contact Chris Morris at morris@uta.edu.

Suggest students for Welcome Center jobs for summer, fall

Suggest a MavElite student apply for jobs at the Dan Dipert University Welcome Center for summer and fall. Positions include tour guides (SNAP Job 8855) and campus visit assistants (SNAP Job 8856). Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, March 30.

The Students Needing A Part-time Job (SNAP Job) system lists a variety of jobs for students. Register at uta.edu/snapjob.

For more details, contact the SNAP Job office at snapjob@uta.edu or 2-3463 or come to the SNAP Job Office and computer lab in Room B200 of the Wetsel Service Center at 140 West Mitchell St. The SNAP Job office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays.

Performance reviews due April 4; training for supervisors offered

Annual performance reviews for employees must be completed by Monday, April 4. The reviews do not include faculty members and graduate assistants.

Understanding Performance Reviews Forms and Procedures for supervisors is offered 9-10 a.m. Thursday, March 24. If you are unable to attend, a training session for your department can be planned.

Another class for supervisors is Writing Effective Performance Reviews at 9-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 29.

All sessions are in in Room 200 of the J.D. Wetsel Service Center.

Employees are encouraged to complete a self-evaluation for the performance review process.

Evaluation forms are online. For questions, email hrperformreviews@uta.edu or call 2-5554.

Complete conflict of interest form by March 25

Go to the Outside Activity Portal to disclose potential conflicts such as service on a board or uncompensated activity outside of UTA, significant interest in a business, or gifts received. Approval is not required for immediate family members, but disclosure may be required.

Log into the portal and click on the Make New Disclosure tab to complete the form.

If you did not participate in any outside activity, click on the Report No Activity tab.

To request approval for outside activities, use the Request Approval tab.

If you have any questions, contact Jennifer Chapman in University Compliance Services and Legal Affairs at 2-2080 or compliance@uta.edu.

Input needed on proposed certificate in sustainability

Complete a survey to help UTA develop a certificate in sustainability.

The program will use a multidisciplinary approach to integrate business, society, and sustainability into a coherent program of study and engagement. The certificate would offer working professionals an opportunity to learn how to integrate the principles and values of sustainable practices.

See the new website for UTA's Institute for Sustainability and Global Impact.

You can help with transition to new email system

Volunteer to be part of the Office of Information Technology's email service upgrade. If you would like to have your email and calendar moved early to the new system, fill out the Request to Move Early form on the Exchange upgrade website.

On Monday, March 21, the Office of Information Technology will begin migrating email and calendars to the new system.

Prepare for the switch by organizing your current mailbox.

Delete—Quickly review your inbox and determine which messages you do not need to keep. This may include calendar invites, email chains, or random subscription-based advertisements.

File—Organize files in folders or use flags to indicate the importance of the emails.

Archive—Archive files in a location on your computer or inbox.

For updates, detailed instructions, recommendations, and more information, visit the Exchange upgrade website. For specific questions, contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@uta.edu or 2-2208.

Buy tickets for UTA Night at the Rangers to reserve unique cap

A UTA-themed Texas Rangers cap is waiting for you when you buy tickets now for the game Friday, Aug. 26, when the Rangers take on the Cleveland Indians.

Get your ticket before Tuesday, March 15, to guarantee your one-of-a-kind cap.

Buy tickets online for the promotion. Claim your cap on game day at Globe Life Park.

More caps will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis for fans purchasing after March 15.

Volunteers needed for ACES

Lend a hand at the Annual Celebration of Excellence by Students (ACES), a University-wide symposium highlighting the best in student research and creativity.

Faculty, staff, and students can serve as volunteers. Shifts for morning or afternoon sessions are available. Register to volunteer.

ACES is Wednesday, March 23, in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

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.

Coming Up

K-12 Focused Technology Series Explore online learning in K-12 and higher education. Makerspaces and UTA FabLab, noon-1 p.m., Room 111, Trimble Hall. Also, Jim Holland, Google Classroom, Canvas, and anything related to LMS/CMS, Tuesdays, March 22 and 29. Education.

Unit Effectiveness Process Refresher Register online. 1-1:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 22; 10-10:45 a.m. Monday, March 28; 2-2:45 p.m. Thursday, March 31; 9-9:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 5; 3:30-4:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 4. All in Room E200E, Workforce Development Building. Institutional Effectiveness and Reporting.

Introduction to TracDat Register online. 1:45-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 22; 10:45-11:30 a.m. Monday, March 28; 2:45-3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31; 9:45-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 5; 4:15-5 p.m. Wednesday, May 4; all in Room E200E, Workforce Development Building. Institutional Effectiveness and Reporting.

Annual Celebration of Excellence by Students The University-wide symposium highlighting the best in student research and creativity. Wednesday, March 23, E.H. Hereford University Center. Annual Celebration of Excellence by Students (ACES).

RAD Self Defense Class Self-defense course for female faculty, staff, and students. Register online. Free. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., March 26, April 9, Room 102-B, Maverick Activities Center. UTA Police.

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. Also, Saturdays, April 9 and May 21. Campus Recreation.

Art Lecture Mohamed Keshavjee of the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London, author of Into That Heaven of Freedom: The Impact of Apartheid on an Indian Family’s Diasporic History. 5 p.m. Monday, April 18, auditorium, Architecture Building. Art and Art History.

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

Coming Up

Music Concerts and Recitals Free. Guest Recital with the Duo Sacromonte, Monday, March 21; UTA Flute Studio and Maverick Flute Choir Concert, Wednesday, March 23; University Singers Concert, Thursday, March 24; Faculty Vocal Recital with David Grogan, Monday, March 28; Clavier Recital, Tuesday, March 29; Double Bass Studio Recital, Wednesday, March 30; and Faculty Double Bass Recital with Jack Unzicker, Thursday, March 31. All 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

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.

Gallery 76102 'The More I Build You' Within paintings and drawings, artist Layla Luna constructs and deconstructs spaces and architectural structures. Artist talk, 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 24. Gallery hours noon-6 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, Fort Worth Center, 1401 Jones St., Fort Worth. Through March 31. Gallery 76102.

UTA Libraries: 'Score' Using Special Collections photos, the exhibit showcases the early days of baseball, basketball, and track; the end of Maverick football; and Olympians and Paralympians from UTA. Through April 30. Also, Academic Evolution: The University of Texas at Arlington runs through Aug. 31. Sixth floor, Central Library. UTA Libraries.

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