MavWire 2016 Archive » MavWire — Thursday, March 31, 2016

U.S. News ranks more than 20 UTA graduate programs among nation’s best

U.S. News & World Report has ranked more than 20 graduate programs at UTA among the nation’s best in the magazine’s 2017 Best Graduate Schools edition, released this month.

UTA has top 100 graduate programs in seven colleges and schools including engineering, nursing, science, architecture, planning and public affairs, and social work.

The three graduate level degree programs ranked in the top 50 in the nation are online graduate education in the College of Education at No. 30; the graduate social work program in the School of Social Work at No. 38, up six slots since the last survey in 2012; and the graduate program in aerospace/aeronautical/astronautical engineering in the College of Engineering at No. 39, up four slots since last year.

Read more about the U.S. News graduate ranking.

Dr. Morteza Khaledi

Chemists improve process for organic compounds used in everyday items

UTA chemists have devised a safer, more environmentally friendly, less expensive, and more efficient water-based system for the synthesis of organic compounds typically used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, cosmetics, plastics, textiles, and household chemicals.

Most organic synthesis depends heavily on costly, volatile organic solvents, which typically pose significant environmental and health hazards.

Morteza Khaledi, dean of the College of Science, is co-investigator of the project, which was published in the Royal Society of Chemistry journal, Green Chemistry.

Read more about the green chemistry research.

Dr. Heather Jacobson

Study finds gestational surrogacy often misunderstood

Heather Jacobson, associate professor of sociology, offers the first book-length ethnographic examination of gestational surrogacy in the U.S. in Labor of Love: Gestational Surrogacy and the Work of Making Babies (Rutgers University Press).

Dr. Jacobson explores the complexities of surrogacy and conflicted attitudes that emerge when the act of bringing a child into the world becomes a paid occupation.

Surrogacy itself is not federally regulated, so there is no federal data on the numbers of surrogacies in the United States. According to the book, there are an estimated 1,500 surrogate births per year in the U.S.

Read more about the surrogacy research.

Prepare to move vehicles for Maverick Speakers Series event

Some faculty, staff, and students will need to move their vehicles in preparation for Jane Goodall's appearance for the Maverick Speakers Series on Thursday, March 31.

Individuals parked in College Park South, Central and North garages and parking lot 47 in front of the Business Building will need to move their vehicles by noon Thursday to avoid being cited or towed.

Residents of The Lofts, Vandergriff Hall, Arlington Hall, and Brazos Hall also must move their vehicles.

Lots 49, 50, 51, and 52 will be available.

A shuttle service will be provided the day before, the night of, and the day after the event between College Park Center and those lots.

Dr. Goodall, a primatologist and conservationist, will speak at 7:30 p.m. in College Park Center.

Tickets for "Gombe and Beyond: An Evening with Dr. Jane Goodall" are sold out.

60x30TX conference Tuesday at College Park Center

The first comprehensive regional gathering of North Texas leaders to discuss Texas’ 60x30TX goals is set for Tuesday, April 5, at College Park Center.

60X30TX: Access, Success, Texas will be held 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Info sessions cover compliance with public access mandates for grant applications

UTA researchers can learn more about complying with public access mandates at noon-1 p.m. Friday, April 1, in the sixth floor parlor of the Central Library.

The Office of Research, Office of the Provost, and UTA Libraries have developed a set of resources for faculty members.

Alliance Research Contract Portfolio Show brings variety of vendors to campus

Bring your department's shopping list to the Alliance Research Contract Portfolio Show 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, April 7, in the San Jacinto, Neches, and Pedernales rooms of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Vendors will showcase everything from equipment, supplies, and IT peripherals to maintenance and repair items, and office supplies.

Representatives from suppliers, the UT System Supply Chain team, and the UTA Contract Management Office will be on hand to answer questions about the vendors, products, and services, and how to utilize the contracts. Light snacks and drinks will be provided.

The UTA Procurement Office and the UT System Supply Chain Alliance sponsor the show. The Supply Chain Alliance is a strategic sourcing team that contracts on behalf of UT System institutions.

University Crossroads UTA’s landmark University Crossroads promotes college access and readiness and annually impacts more than 30,000 low- to moderate-income students, such as recent graduate Giselly Cobas-Rincon. University Crossroads offers free SAT preparation classes, financial aid and literacy workshops, parent programs, and advising.

Art exhibit part of Celebration of Faculty Creative Works; RSVP by Tuesday

A two-week art exhibit has been added to the annual Celebration of Faculty Creative Works.

The annual reception that honors faculty and staff for their creative accomplishments in 2015 is at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, on the sixth floor of Central Library. Works include books, articles, artwork, music, plays, patents, and more.

RSVP online by Tuesday, April 5.

Artwork by faculty of the Art and Art History Department will be displayed Monday, April 11-Monday, April 25, on the sixth floor of Central Library. All pieces were featured during 2015 in either solo or group exhibitions across the United States and internationally.

The exhibit also includes posters, playbills, and a model set design by Theatre Arts faculty from their 2015 productions.

At the reception, Interim Provost Linda Johnsrud will offer remarks at 4:30 p.m., followed by a toast from President Vistasp Karbhari.

The event is sponsored by the UTA Libraries. For more information, contact Jody Bailey at jbailey@uta.edu.

Performance reviews due Monday

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

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.

Give your input on bike share program

Complete a bike share survey for the Institute for Sustainability and Global Impact.

A bike share program would allow students, faculty, and staff to check out a bicycle from one or more locations and return the bike at a later date. This will reduce congestion in parking lots, improve public health, reduce emissions, and create a cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally sustainable campus.

Develop your executive presence at workshop

Do you have the communication skills to be heard, the gravitas to gain respect, and an appearance that garners positive professional interest?

Improve those skills at the workshop Executive Presence: Powerful Actions, Communication and Appearance at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14, in the Rio Grande Ballroom of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Teri Bump of American Campus Communities in Austin will demonstrate how communication, gravitas, and appearance can drive your career advancement.

Register online for the program, sponsored by New Maverick Orientation.

UT Press hosts online book sale April 11-15

The University of Texas Press is holding a spring online book sale for all campuses in the UT System.

The sale will run from 8 a.m. Monday, April 11, through midnight Friday, April 15, on the UT Press website.

All titles on the site already are 33 percent off. Faculty, staff, and students will receive a discount of 45 percent off the full retail price. To receive 55 percent off, use the code UTPS16. Sales tax and shipping apply.

This season's offerings include a range of subjects — music, photography, music, food, and history—including recent award-winning and best-selling titles.

Tech language A new business founded on the UTA campus will help language learners perfect their accents. Visiosound is developing a “visual accent trainer” that listens to someone’s speech and helps them master the sounds of a new language.

Learn about Interdisciplinary Research Program at info sessions

UTA's new Interdisciplinary Research Program supports faculty research teams representing different disciplines.

Duane Dimos, vice president for research, will host an information session 2:30-4 p.m. Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, in Room 327 in Davis Hall. For details, contact Jon Weidanz at weidanz@uta.edu.

Requests for proposal (RFP) submissions are accepted through 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 15.

Represent your department at next Orientation Involvement Fair, Block Party

University departments and student organizations can share info on programs and services at the Orientation Involvement Fair and the annual Block Party.

The next involvement fair is at the New Maverick Orientation for transfer students Thursday, April 14. Visit www.uta.edu/sao to register and for details.

The Block Party is set for 6-10 p.m. Thursday, April 28, on Spaniolo Drive by College Park Center. Register for a booth by Friday, April 8. Also, register to volunteer.

Meet candidates for parking director at forums

Faculty and staff can meet candidates for director of Parking and Transportation Services at upcoming forums. The next meetings are 7:30-8:30 a.m. Monday, April 11, and Thursday, April 14, in Room 609 of the Business Building.

Maverick Service Excellence program includes manager session

Learn the key points of the Maverick Service Excellence: The Total Service Experience program, a strategic, University-wide initiative of President Vistasp Karbhari.

Manager Overview will include an interactive environment where you can ask questions and provide feedback. The session is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, April 13.

Register online. Seating is limited.

Input needed on proposed 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.

Thursday, March 31

Technology StartUp Lunch-n-Learn George Kondraske, right, professor of electrical engineering and chair of the Research Conflict of Interest Committee, on how to identify a potential research conflict of interest, why it is necessary to manage conflicts of interest, and what should be in a COI management plan. For faculty and graduate students. Lunch provided. RSVP to startup@uta.edu or 2-1140. 11:45 a.m., StartUp Lounge, Campus Center, by the Nanotech Building. Office of Technology Management.

Introduction to TracDat Register online. 2:45-3:30 p.m., Room E200E, Workforce Development Building. Also, 9:45-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 5; 4:15-5 p.m. Wednesday, May 4. Institutional Effectiveness and Reporting.

Unit Effectiveness Process Refresher Register online. 2-2:45 p.m., Room E200E, Workforce Development Building. Also, 9-9:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 5; 3:30-4:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 4. Institutional Effectiveness and Reporting.

Friday, April 1

TEDxUTA A program of live speakers and video to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. Tickets $30 faculty, staff; $20 students; $40 general public. 1 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H Hereford University Center. TEDxUTA, EXCEL Campus Activities.

Monday, April 4

Film Screening: 'Escalation' A 90-minute film-based workshop that educates about relationship violence and empowers you to work for change. A discussion follows. Resources, activities, snacks, and drinks provided; T-shirt giveaways. 7:30 p.m., Maverick Activities Center. Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention.

Tuesday, April 5

ProCard Register online. 8:30-10:30 a.m., Room E200C, Enterprise Development Building, 140 W. Mitchell. Business Affairs.

Wednesday, April 6

Arlington Technology Association Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams, right, describes areas he believes are prime collaborative opportunities that would be beneficial to both the city and UTA. RSVP. Free. 7-8 a.m., Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Arlington Technology Association.

Diabetes Prevention: A Game Plan Register online. Noon-1 p.m., second floor lounge, Maverick Activities Center.

Managing Department Funds Register online. 1:30-3:30 p.m., Room E200C, Enterprise Development Building, 140 W. Mitchell. Business Affairs.

Wellness: What is Airrosti? Learn about Airrosti’s approach on identifying the root cause of chronic pain. Average results in three visits. Part of the UT System Living Well program. Lunch included. Register online. Noon-1 p.m., Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Thursday, April 7

Question, Persuade, Refer: Ask A Question, Save A Life Register online. 9-11 a.m., Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Requisitions Register online. 1:30-4 p.m., Room E200C, Enterprise Development Building, 140 W. Mitchell. Business Affairs.

Technology Startup Seminar Silicon Valley investment group Artiman Ventures brainstorms with faculty, students, and local entrepreneurs on how to help move new technologies to the marketplace. 2-5 p.m., Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center. Also, small group meetings and follow-up sessions, Friday, April 8, StartUp Lounge. Read more. Research Administration.

Friday, April 8

Dealing with Difficult Employees and People Register online. 10 a.m.-noon, Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Saturday, April 9

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, Saturday, May 21. Campus Recreation.

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

Coming Up

Business Affairs Training Register online. Timekeeper, 8:30-11 a.m., Tuesday, April 12; Timekeeper Lab, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13; Payment Vouchers, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 14; Position and Workforce Management, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Monday, April 18; Human Resources Lab, 2-4 p.m.  Tuesday, April 19; Travel and Expenses, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 21; Financial Statements and the Reconciliation Process, 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, April 26; Finance Lab, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 28. All in Room E200C, Enterprise Development Building, 140 W. Mitchell. Business Affairs.

Human Resources Training Register online. Powerful Presentation Skills, 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, April 12; Manager Overview—Maverick Service Excellence: The Total Service Experience, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, Room 601, Nedderman Hall; Fundamental Skills for Supervisors and Managers, 2-4 p.m. Thursday, April 14; Managing Projects and Making Decisions, 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, April 19; Question, Persuade, Refer: Ask A Question, Save A Life, 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, April 20, Room 601, Nedderman Hall; Welcoming Diversity, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, April 20; Coaching Skills for Supervisors, 9-11 a.m. Thursday, April 21; Dealing Effectively with Conflict and Confrontations, 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, April 26; Effective Delegation, 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, April 27. All in Room 200, Wetsel Service Center, unless noted. Human Resources.

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.

Social Work Colloquium Joanne Sobeck, associate dean and director of the Center for Social Work Research, “Building Research Capacity.” RSVP to michael.olayiwole@mavs.uta.edu. 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, Room B107, Social Work Complex B. Research and Professional Development, Social Work.

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

High jump: Roland Sales won in the men's high jump at the Bobby Lane Invitational at Maverick Stadium. For the women, the 4x400 meter relay team of Taylor Davis, Shaniece Prevot, Dasia Rolfe, and Tamerah Gorham was victorious. The Mavs compete today through Saturday in the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays in Austin and the Texas State's Bobcat Classic in San Marcos.

Sports Shorts

• Women’s tennis opened Sun Belt Conference play last weekend with a sweep over Arkansas State and Louisiana-Lafayette. The Mavs return to nonconference play today, Thursday, March 31, at Wichita State.
• UTA softball fell 7-2 to Georgia Southern on Saturday. The Mavs host Appalachian State for a three-game series Friday-Saturday, April 2-3, at Allan Saxe Field.
• Sophomore Erick Neal was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches 2015-16 District 24 Second Team. He is a Sun Belt First Team All-Conference selection.
• UTA student-athletes earned their third win Sun Belt Conference's Monthly Community Service Award for February. UTA also won the award in November and December.
• Maverick men’s basketball ended with last Thursday's 63-60 loss to the New Jersey Institute of Technology in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament quarterfinals in Newark, N.J. The Mavericks finished the season 24-11, recording their first postseason win in last week's CIT first round.

Intramural deadline for badminton doubles

Upcoming intramural sports deadlines are badminton doubles, Friday, April 1; table tennis, Thursday, April 21; wheelchair football, Monday, April 25; battleship, Monday, May 2; FIFA video game, Wednesday, May 4; and poker tournament, Thursday, May 5.

See the intramural sports schedule. Pick up entry forms at the Services and Information Desk of the Maverick Activities Center. For questions, call 2-3277 or email imsports@uta.edu.

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

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 15, benefiting UTA and AISD through the AISD Education Foundation. 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.

Thursday, March 31

Faculty Double Bass Recital with Jack Unzicker Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Spirit Week A spirit competition for student organizations. Social Media Challenge, all week; canned food drive, Thursday March 31; pep rally, Friday, April 1. UTA Ambassadors.

Maverick Speakers Series "Gombe and Beyond: An Evening with Dr. Jane Goodall." SOLD OUT. 7:30 p.m., College Park Center. Maverick Speakers Series.

Saturday, April 2

Softball Mavericks vs. Appalachian State. 1 and 3 p.m., Allan Saxe Field. Also, noon Sunday, April 3. Athletics.

Glass Art Sale and Show Works by faculty and students in glass art program. Live demonstrations. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. show and sale; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. silent auction bids; Studio Arts Center, 810 S. Davis St. Art and Art History.

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

Women’s Tennis Mavericks vs. UT-San Antonio. 11 a.m., UTA Tennis Center. Also, vs. Memphis. 11 a.m. Sunday, April 3, and vs. SMU, Thursday, April 7. Athletics.

Monday, April 4

International Week: Parade of Banners Traditional parade of banners from E.H. Hereford University Center to the library mall for speakers and activities. 12:15-1 p.m. Office of International Education.

Tuesday, April 5

International Week: Food Fair A delicious International Week tradition. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., University Center mall. Office of International Education.

Wednesday, April 6

Tail Waggin' Wednesday Students, faculty, and staff can take a break filled with unconditional love from registered therapy dogs. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., sixth floor, Central Library. UTA Libraries.

International Week: Fashion Show Free. 7-9 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Office of International Education.

Friday, April 8

International Week: Global Extravaganza An international talent show. Free. 7-9 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Office of International Education.

Baseball Mavericks vs. Louisiana-Monroe. Tickets $5, $3 students. 6:30 p.m., Clay Gould Ballpark. Also, 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9; 1 p.m. Sunday, April 10. Athletics.

Coming Up

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

Baseball Mavericks vs. Houston Baptist, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12; vs. Georgia Southern, 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 15, 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16, and noon, Sunday, April 17; vs. Dallas Baptist. 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 19; and vs. Louisiana-Lafayette. 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 29. Tickets $5, $3 students. All at Clay Gould Ballpark. Athletics.

Homerathon A public reading of Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey. Text in English available in Room 305 of Carlisle Hall. Recitation in Greek and other arcane languages is encouraged. Homerathon T-shirts and coffee mugs for sale. Register to participate. 7 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14, University Center mall. Philosophy and Humanities.

Softball Mavericks vs. Louisiana-Monroe. Tickets $5-7, $3 students. 1 and 3 p.m., Saturday, April 16; noon, Sunday, April 17; vs. Troy. 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday, April 30. All at Allan Saxe Field.  Athletics.

Adventures in Antiquity Symposium Christopher Fuhrmann of the University of North Texas, Police Brutality in the Roman World. 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21, Room 2102A, Fine Arts Building. Philosophy and Humanities.

Men’s Tennis Mavericks vs. Midwestern State. Free. 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16, UTA Tennis Center. Athletics.

Maverick Film 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

Gallery 76102 'The More I Build You' Within paintings and drawings, artist Layla Luna constructs and deconstructs spaces and architectural structures. 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.

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.

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