MavWire 2016 Archive » MavWire — Thursday, March 17, 2016

U.S. News ranks UTA graduate programs among nation’s best for 2017

U.S. News & World Report ranks UTA's graduate programs in engineering, business, nursing, and education among the best in the country based on peer evaluations and the quality of faculty, research, and students.

Highlights about UTA in the report include:

• The 2017 Best Graduate Schools list marked a steady rise for UTA's graduate engineering programs, now ranked No. 82 among 215 doctoral-granting engineering schools surveyed.
• The Master of Science in Nursing saw a significant improvement on the U.S. News list, climbing 15 places from last year to be ranked No. 75. A total of 519 accredited nursing schools with master’s or doctoral programs were surveyed.
• The College of Business Part-time MBA ranked No. 82 among 470 accredited programs surveyed, the first time the college has broken into the Top 100 on the U.S. News list.
• The Master of Education degree also ranked in the top tier at No. 120 among the 376 doctoral-granting schools surveyed as the nation’s best graduate schools of education.

The rise in rankings is evidence of progress toward excellence under UTA’s Strategic Plan 2020: Bold Solutions | Global Impact.

Read more about the U.S. News graduate program rankings.

Dr. Colleen Casey and Dr. Stephen Mattingly

UTA research blends public health measures in regional transportation plan

A UTA interdisciplinary team is formulating recommendations for the North Texas Council of Governments that take into account public health measures in a regional transportation plan.

Colleen Casey, associate professor of public affairs, and Stephen Mattingly, associate professor of civil engineering, are teaming up on the $40,000 North Central Texas Council of Governments grant.

The study will look at localized public health performance measures and infrastructure elements related to safety, air quality, and physical activity.

Read more about the public health and transportation study.

Art honored: Sedrick Huckaby, associate professor of art, received a commendation for his portrait Sedrick, Sed, Daddy, right, last week in Washington, D.C. The painting will hang in the National Portrait Gallery through January 2017.

Huckaby among winners of Smithsonian portrait competition

Sedrick Huckaby, assistant professor of art, has been named among seven winners of the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition 2016 hosted by The Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery.

Huckaby earned a commendation for Sedrick, Sed, Daddy, a self-portrait.

His painting and 42 works by the six other winning artists will be in the museum’s exhibition, The Outwin 2016: American Portraiture Today, through Jan. 8, 2017. The competition and exhibition will then travel to three additional museums.

Read more about Huckaby's art and honor.

Cultural conversations: Dr. Ritu Khanduri, right, associate professor of cultural anthropology, discussed her book, Caricaturing Culture in India, with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee last summer.

UTA earns international attention for liberal arts research, humanities initiatives

When Ritu Khanduri, a cultural anthropologist, traveled to India last summer to discuss her book, Caricaturing Culture in India, interest in her research was so great that even the president of India, Pranab Mukherjee, wanted to meet with her.

The book, published by Cambridge University Press, is a pioneering study of democracy, free speech, and the art of political cartoons in colonial and contemporary India. President Mukherjee viewed the work as making a significant contribution to knowledge about India, so his office contacted Dr. Khanduri to contribute to the President's speech on the occasion of India's National Press Day.

More than one year later, Khanduri’s critically acclaimed work is fostering discussion worldwide about the power of cartoons in culture and politics.

Read more about other College of Liberal Arts research.

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 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.

Mav Milestones Read President Vistasp Karbhari's notes about the recent Dream Makers Luncheon and 100 years of ROTC at UTA in his blog Mav Milestones. Check the blog for past campus events and upcoming posts.

Artiman Ventures brings the vision of Silicon Valley startups to UTA

Silicon Valley investment group Artiman Ventures will hold a two-day session Thursday-Friday, April 7-8, at UTA to brainstorm with faculty, students, and local entrepreneurs on how to help move new technologies to the marketplace.

The fundamentals of a startup and what it takes to succeed will be the focus of a seminar 2-5 p.m. Thursday in the Lone Star Auditorium of the Maverick Activities Center. A networking session with speakers and entrepreneurs will follow the seminar.

Faculty and students are invited to a series of small group meetings and follow-up sessions Friday in the UTA StartUp Lounge.

For information about the sessions, contact Teri Schultz at tschultz@uta.edu.

Read more about the technology start-up seminar.

Clean up inbox for 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.

THECB appointment Psychology major Pooja Mallipaddi has been named a student representative to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Apply Texas Advisory Committee. The committee is made of admissions administrators from Texas institutions of higher education and provides the board with advice and recommendations regarding application procedures and student access to higher education. Joy Frazier, associate director of admissions, also served on the Apply Texas Advisory Committee.

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 the 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.

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

Sign up your kids for summer camps

Day camps are offered this summer by UTA’s academic and athletic departments. More camps will be added later.

Continuing Education hosts camps June 6-Aug. 5 for grades 1-12. Early discounts are available until April 6. Learn more about Kids and Teens University.

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.

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.

Dan Cavanagh

Cavanagh demonstrates hands-on music technology

Dan Cavanagh, associate professor of music, wants to prove that music really can work hand-in-glove with technology. He will discuss “Intersections: Musical Improvisation and the Blending of Acoustic and Electronic for Live Performance" at his Focus on Faculty talk noon Wednesday, March 23, on the sixth floor of Central Library.

Cavanagh developed fingerless gloves embedded with bend, rotation, and gyroscopic sensors that capture hand movements. The gloves connect wirelessly to a computer running software that maps the stream of sensor data to a library of sounds and controls. If a performer holds their finger up, for example, the gesture introduces a particular sound to the performance.

Focus on Faculty is a lecture series highlighting the research of UTA faculty. A reception follows the talk.

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. 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

All full-time employees must complete the UTS180: Conflicts of Interest, Conflicts of Commitment, and Outside Activities form for the 2015 calendar year by Friday, 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.

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.

Tuesday, March 22

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

Unit Effectiveness Process Refresher Register online. 1-1:45 p.m., Room E200E, Workforce Development Building. Also, 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. Institutional Effectiveness and Reporting.

Introduction to TracDat Register online. 1:45-2:30 p.m., Room E200E, Workforce Development Building. Also, 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. Institutional Effectiveness and Reporting.

Wednesday, March 23

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

How to Write a Successful SBIR/STTR Grant Application Lisa Kurek and Karen LeVert present practical hands-on tips on how to write an application that establishes performance credibility with funding agency program managers and wins awards. RSVP to sbchelp@uta.edu. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Room 228, Engineering Research Building. Research Administration.

LINK Lab Lecture Series Georg Graetz of Uppsala University in Sweden, “The Polarization of Employment: Explanations and Implications.” Noon, Room 246, Nedderman Hall. LINK Research Lab.

Documentary Film: 'You Are The One' A documentary about sexual assault on campus. Free popcorn and drinks. Free. 7:30 p.m., Maverick Activities Center. Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention.

Monday, March 28

Digital Presence for Academic Productivity and Student Engagement A roundtable with faculty and staff discussing digital tools for collaboration, promotion, and student learning. Register online. 1-3 p.m., Room 246, Nedderman Hall. LINK Research Lab, Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, UTA Libraries.

Coming Up

Annual Celebration of Excellence by Students Annual Celebration of Excellence by StudentsThe 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 and 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.)

Monday, March 21

Guest Recital with the Duo Sacromonte Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Wednesday, March 23

UTA Flute Studio and Maverick Flute Choir Concert Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Thursday, March 24

University Singers Concert Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Coming Up

Spirit Week Social Media Challenge, all week; “Get the Scoop” about the UTA Ambassadors, Monday, March 28; tailgate and baseball game, Tuesday, March 29; Mavs Take Over: Grease Monkey and Trivia Night, Wednesday, March 30; canned food drive, Thursday March 31; pep rally, Friday, April 1. UTA Ambassadors.

Music Concerts and Recitals Free. 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.

Film screening: 'The Head of Joaquin Murrieta' Filmmaker John Valadez goes on a quest for the remains of Joaquin Murrieta, a legendary Mexican outlaw was killed by bounty hunters in 1853 who put his head in a jar for public display across California. Free. 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, Room 148, Fine Arts Building. Center for Mexican American Studies.

Maverick Speakers Series "Gombe and Beyond: An Evening with Dr. Jane Goodall." Sold out. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31, College Park Center. Maverick Speakers Series.

Glass Art Sale and Show Vases, paperweights, platters, and other glass art by art students and faculty. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., silent auction 2 p.m. Saturday, April 2, Studio Arts Center, 810 S. Davis St. Art and Art History.

International Week Soccer tournaments, Saturday, April 2; Parade of Banners, Monday, April 4; International Food Fair, Tuesday, April 5; fashion show, Wednesday, April 6; Global Extravaganza, Friday, April 8. Office of International Education.

Earth Day 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, University Center mall. Global Institute of Sustainability and Global Impact.

Maverick Filim Festival The competition features four-minute films by students. 7 p.m. Friday, April 22, Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. Art and Art History.

Administrative Professionals Day A luncheon for UTA's administrative professionals. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, April 25, Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Human Resources.

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.)