TrailBlazer 2014 Archive » TrailBlazer — Tuesday, October 21, 2014

UT Arlington Libraries launches free textbook lending program

The UT Arlington Libraries has launched an on-site textbook-lending pilot program.

The Textbook Project currently includes 60 books needed for courses such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, economics, engineering, English literature, history, political science, and trigonometry.

Librarians selected the books based on 1000- and 2000-level classes that have a high drop, fail, or withdrawal rate. 

Students may check out the textbooks for up to two hours. Before now, UT Arlington allowed students to check out textbooks, but it has been policy not to offer current textbooks.

Read more about the Textbook Project and available books.

Maverick community welcomes parents, families for weekend of fun

Invite the family to come to Maverick Country for Parent and Family Weekend, Friday-Sunday, Oct. 24-26.

The weekend features a long list of events that allow students to show their families what it's like to be a Maverick. Activities include faculty spotlights, a fall festival with live music, glass-blowing demonstrations, Movin’ Mavs basketball, and more. Check the Parent and Family Weekend schedule for more events, including the American Jazz Composers Orchestra Concert, and the National Alternative Fuel Day Odyssey, both on Saturday.

Students and children under 10 are free. All others are $30 per person. Everyone who attends will receive a free T-shirt, breakfast, and dinner and can participate in most activities at no extra cost.

Online registration continues through Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Dynamic duo Mary Matalin, left, and James Carville shared differing opinions and a few laughs at the Maverick Speakers Series on Monday night at Texas Hall. The husband-and-wife political consultants for opposing parties discussed campaign strategy, student involvement, voting, and more. James Stavridis, retired Navy admiral, presents "Sailing the Cyber Sea: The New Realities of 21st Century Security" on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Go to utatickets.com for ticket information.

Ebola virus information session scheduled for noon Wednesday

UT Arlington continues to closely monitor information from federal, state, and regional public health authorities related to the recent cases of Ebola Virus Disease in Dallas. There have been no known incidents of Ebola-related illness within the University community.

A general information session about the illness, prevention, symptoms, and public health protocols is scheduled noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, in the Rosebud Theatre at the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Scheduled speakers include Tim Quinnan, vice president for student affairs; Anne Bavier, dean of the College of Nursing; and Cynthia Simmons, medical director of the Public Health Authority of the City of Arlington.

Information about Ebola Virus Disease, symptoms, prevention, and treatment is published online by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and by the Texas Department of Health Services.

Regional information is available through Tarrant County Public Health and Dallas County Health & Human Services.

Continue to monitor the University’s home page—www.uta.edu—for the most current UT Arlington information on the issue.

Free influenza vaccinations offered

Avoid influenza season by getting the flu vaccine for free from Health Services. Students must present their student ID card to receive the vaccination.

For the vaccine, stop by the Health Services Center—no appointment needed—or one of these outreach clinics:

• 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center

• 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, Maverick Activities Center

• 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, Vandergriff Hall

• 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, Arlington Hall

• 4-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, Kalpana Chawla Hall 

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, Palo Duro Lounge, University Center

Students needed for UT System Regents, Coordinating Board nominations

Student Congress is searching for students who wish to make an impact and represent the voice of college students on a state level.

Every year the governor's office asks for student candidates to the UT System Board of Regents and to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Coordinating Board Advisory Committee. These positions provide a valuable student voice to education policy decisions affecting the UT System and the state’s higher education system.

Apply online or at the Student Congress offices in Suite B150 of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Applications are due to the Student Congress offices by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Questions? Email sc-extr@uta.edu.

LinkedIn workshop, photo booth available for student job hunters

Need a professional-looking photograph for your LinkedIn profile? Want to know how to use the social website for your job search? The Career Development Center can help.

Learn more about using LinkedIn for your job search at 2-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, in Room 121 in Science Hall. 

Sign up for a time slot to have your LinkedIn photo taken Monday, Oct. 27, at the center, Room 216 in Davis Hall. Prepare to have a headshot taken by dressing professionally. The photo will be emailed to you.

Poignant scenes Director and executive producer Lekha Singh discussed her film Beyond Right and Wrong to more than 100 students, staff, and faculty at a screening of the documentary last Wednesday in Nedderman Hall. The film explores justice and forgiveness as people from different sides of violence share their stories of the Rwandan genocide, "The Troubles" in Northern Ireland, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Singh said she wants the movie to start conversations about forgiveness and moving forward. The film is shown nationwide on college campuses and is used for marriage counseling, in prisons, and by the military in dealing with PTSD.

International Education Week features food, reasons for world travel

Taste global goodies or test your worldly wisdom during International Education Week, set for Monday-Thursday, Oct. 20-23.

Visit the 11th annual Study Abroad Photo Contest or partake in the International Food Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 21. Hear world traveler Andy Stoll talk about "How (and Why) to Travel Around the World) on Wednesday, Oct. 22, and compete in the World Trivia Contest on Thursday, Oct. 23.

Check the schedule for more events. The Office of International Education hosts the week's activities.

College Park garages, parking lots used for Saturday concert

The College Park District parking garages and the surrounding area surface lots will be used for the Casting Crowns concert at College Park Center beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25.

Parking staff will collect a parking fee at each garage during this time. Traffic in the area will be heavily impacted, so make alternate arrangements for parking.

Contact Parking and Transportation Services at parking@uta.edu or 817-272-3907.

Be a Maverick Orientation leader

Introduce potential and transfer students to UT Arlington by becoming a Maverick Orientation leader. Learn more about the position at an interest session at the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Sessions are 3:30-4:40 p.m. today, Tuesday, Oct. 21, Concho Room; noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, San Saba Room; 5-6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, Rio Grande Ballroom; and 12:30-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, San Saba Room.

 Apply online by Wednesday, Nov. 5.

Alternative Spring Break goes to Gulf Coast

The Alternative Spring Break heads to the coast of Mississippi on March 8-13, 2015, to help the community with various social issues such as environmental sustainability, disaster relief, early childhood education, homelessness, and poverty.

Learn more at the information session 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, in Room B170F of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Applications are accepted through Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Sign up now for Homecoming chili competition, parade entry

Claim your spot in two Homecoming traditions—the Chili Cook-Off and the Homecoming parade.

Chili chefs will serve up hot stuff at noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, on the University Center mall. Call Student Affairs for details at 2-6080.

The Homecoming parade starts at 5:45 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, on Spaniolo Drive outside College Park Center. 

Register online for both events. Deadlines are Wednesday Nov. 12, for the parade and Friday, Nov. 14, for the Chili Cook-Off.

Beware of attachments in latest phishing scam

The Information Security Office reports an increase in phishing campaigns that deliver malware through attachments and vulnerabilities affecting Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat. 

Read more about the phishing warning and safety measures you can take.

Expo sure Amy Austin, left, assistant professor of Spanish, discusses graduate programs with Jasmine Schmidt, political science senior, at the Graduate School Expo last Wednesday. Formerly known as GradFest, the event drew representatives from more than 70 universities, colleges, and professional schools to tout the benefits of advanced studies.

Early voting scheduled on campus

UT Arlington is a polling place for early voting for the November general election. The polling site is open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Oct. 27-30, at the Maverick Activities Center.

Photo ID is now required to cast your ballot. Acceptable forms of photo ID are Texas driver's license, Texas Election Identification Certificate, Texas personal identification card, Texas concealed handgun license, military identification card, U.S. citizenship certificate or naturalization certificate, and passport.

For more information regarding elections and voter registration, go to the Tarrant County Elections Department and Texas Secretary of State websites.

Travel requests to West Africa examined

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State Department have released statements advising against non-essential travel to Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone due to the Ebola virus outbreak in those countries. Read more about CDC travel alerts.

UT Arlington students, faculty, and staff requesting to travel to the listed countries or surrounding West African countries should submit a Request to Travel to Restricted Regions to the Office of International Education, per the University’s standard policies. The International Oversight Committee will review all requests on a case-by-case basis. For more information, contact the Office of International Education at 817-272-2355 or visit www.uta.edu/oie. 

Read more about UTA's Ebola health advisory.

Nominate a Maverick of the Month

Do you know a student or faculty/staff member who exemplifies The Maverick Way? Nominate him or her to receive the Maverick of the Month distinction.

Nominations for October are due by Wednesday, Oct. 22. Contact Jennifer Fox at jdfox@uta.edu for more information.

Survey asks about drug, alcohol use

Share your experiences, observations, and opinions about drug and alcohol use in a confidential online survey. Go to coresurvey.com and use code 18898.

At the end of the survey, enter the drawing for a $25 gift card, one awarded weekly for three weeks, and two $500 gift cards awarded after the survey closes Oct. 31.

Attend session today on 'To Drop or Not to Drop'

Understanding the rules and regulations regarding dropping a class is important before you make a decision about whether or not to drop a class. This seminar covers the drop policy and consequences of withdrawing from a course. Free. Noon, today, Tuesday, Oct. 21, Room 310, Ransom Hall. University College, Success Series.

Make sure your name is in Commencement booklet

Finalize your privacy setting in MyMav by Friday, Oct. 24, to have your name included in the printed souvenir Commencement booklet. The privacy setting in MyMav on that date will be used to determine if your name is included in the Commencement booklet for fall graduation in December.

Six-course-drop alert, check implications before you drop

The last day to drop courses for both undergraduate and graduate students is 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29. A grade of W will appear on your transcript.

Undergraduate students who entered college for the first time in fall 2007 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. Read more about this six-course-drop limit. A list of academic advising offices is online.

Check on the impact of dropping if you receive financial aid by going to uta.edu/fao or emailing fao@uta.edu.

Grade exclusion, grade forgiveness are options for undergraduates

Grade exclusion and grade forgiveness requests can be made for fall term processing through Wednesday, Oct. 29. Contact your academic adviser for eligibility information.

Advising begins for winter intersession and spring term

Advising for the winter intersession and spring term has begun. Check your Student Center in MyMav to see if you need to meet with your academic adviser before registering.

A list of academic advising offices is online. Call to schedule an appointment or check walk-in hours.

The schedule of classes is not final. Plan to validate your course selections when registration opens. Priority registration begins Monday, Nov. 3.

Transcripts now 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.

Ross Mathews gives straight talk Thursday Talk show host and celebrity correspondent Ross Mathews presents "Straight Talk: LOL's and Advice from Your Gay BFF" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Since 2001, Mathews has traveled the world and established himself as one of the most in-demand television personalities in the pop-culture arena today. The former Ross the Intern on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” hosts the talk show "Hello Ross!" and produced the daily web show “Inside Dish with Ross Mathews.”  He released his first book, Man Up: Tales of My Delusional Self-Confidence, in 2013. Tickets are $7 for students and limited to two per student. Others pay $15 per ticket. EXCEL Campus Activities sponsors the show.

Tuesday, Oct. 21

International Food Fair Taste fare from around the world for International Education Week. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., University Center mall. International Education.

Wednesday, Oct. 22

Alternative Breaks Fundraiser Purchase on-the-go food items to help fund the Alternative Winter Break trips. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., University Center mall. Alternative Breaks.

The Big Event Fundraiser UTA's annual community service program receives 25 percent of proceeds. 5-9 p.m., Potbelly’s Sandwich Shop, 1301 S. Cooper St. The Big Event.

Thursday, Oct. 23

Partial Solar Eclipse Viewing Use one of the telescopes with solar filters set up to watch the moon slip in front of the sun. Proper eye protection is essential when watching an eclipse of the sun. Free. 4:30-7 p.m., Planetarium.

Friday, Oct. 24

Friday Night Film: 'How to Train Your Dragon 2' Rated PG. Free fresh-popped popcorn while supplies last; other concessions for sale. Tickets $1, $1.50 with credit card. 8 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Volleyball Mavericks vs. Georgia Southern. Tickets $3 with student ID. 6:30 p.m. College Park Center. Athletics.

Saturday, Oct. 25

American Jazz Composers Orchestra Concert Hear the music of The Rolling Stones performed by Dallas/Fort Worth's top jazz musicians. Dan Cavanagh, associate director of jazz studies and associate professor of music, serves as artistic director. $10; call Box Office at 817-272-2669. 8 p.m., MainStage Theatre, Fine Arts Building North. Theatre Arts.

Astronomy Day Enjoy discounted shows, telescope viewing, displays, presentations, raffles, and more. 2-10 p.m., Planetarium.

Coming up

Halloween Casino Night Enjoy Halloween in casino-style with games, refreshments, giveaways, music, and a costume contest. Free. 7-10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Ongoing

The Gallery at UTA: Philip Van Keuren and Liz Ward Philip Van Keuren presents atmospheric black and white photogravures. Liz Ward's work includes colorful watercolors and meticulous silverpoint drawings. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building North. Through Nov. 15. The Gallery at UTA.

Gallery 76102: Above & Beyond Kalee Appleton's series is inspired by time and time’s tendency to both transform and preserve. Gallery hours noon-6 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, Gallery 76102, 1401 Jones St., Fort Worth. Through Nov. 30. Fort Worth Center, Gallery 76102.

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.

Special Collections: The Price of Manifest Destiny Discover how maps and war interlock in the 19th century in a new exhibit. Hours 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Sixth floor, Central Library. Through Feb. 7, 2015. 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 Open House Night free shows each Tuesday: TimeSpace, Oct. 21; Stars of the Pharaohs, Oct. 28. The fall schedule includes Astronaut; One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure; Pink Floyd; Spacepark 360 Infinity; Two Small Pieces of Glass; and We Are Astronomers. Planetarium.

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

Friday, Oct. 24	Major Exploration Seminar Explore resources for choosing a major. Noon-1 p.m., Room 104, Preston Hall. University College, Success Series. Materials Science and Engineering Seminar Series Associate Professor Dennis Desheng Meng of the Multi-Scale Energy System (MuSES) Laboratory discusses “Scalable Nanomanufacturing for Energy Storage and Conversion Based on High-Voltage Electrophoretic Deposition.” Free. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Room 229, Nedderman Hall. Materials Science and Engineering.
Tuesday, Oct. 28	OUT2Lunch Series: Discussions on Asexuality Free. Noon-1 p.m., San Saba Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. LGBTQA Program.
Wednesday, Oct. 29	Screening: '(A)Sexual' This documentary shows people who experience no sexual attraction facing a sex-obsessed culture, a mountain of stereotypes and misconceptions, and a lack of social or scientific research. Free. 6-8 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. LGBTQA Program. Service Learning Workshop Learn what the Center for Community Service Learning offers and how to get involved. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 104, Preston Hall. Community Service Learning. Study Abroad Information Session Free. Noon-1 p.m., Sabine Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. International Education, Study Abroad.
Coming up	Innovation Symposium and National Academy of Inventors Chapter Launch A TED-style symposium highlights research by UTA nominees of National Academy of Inventors Fellows. A poster session features research of faculty inventors. Afterward, a ceremony inducting UTA's inaugural class of the National Academy of Inventors. Register. Free; open to public. Innovation Symposium, 1-4 p.m.; NAI chapter launch, 4:45-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, College Park Center. Innovation Symposium. Improving Brain-injury Rehabilitation Through Infrared Imaging Georgios Alexandrakis, right, professor of bioengineering, describes using near-infrared light imaging to monitor traumatic brain injury as well as guide the treatment-mediated brain rewiring in children with cerebral palsy and adult stroke patients. Light breakfast provided. RSVP. Free. 7-8 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 5, Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Arlington Technology Association.
(For an expanded list of events, see the UTA calendar.)

Maverick Madness just a week away; meet b-ball teams next Tuesday

Maverick Madness, the official tip-off of the basketball season, starts at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, at College Park Center.

Meet the UT Arlington men's and women's intercollegiate basketball teams, as well as the men's and women's Movin' Mavs wheelchair teams. 

The evening features contests, free food and T-shirts, promotions, and performances by the cheer and dance squads and the Wranglers.

An exclusive one-hour Maverick Club Tip-Off Reception is at 5:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Suite of College Park Center. Admission is $10 for Maverick Club members and season ticket holders and $20 for guests. Admission includes a light meal. Head coaches Scott Cross and Krista Gerlich will preview their teams. Photo opportunities with players are available. RSVP for Tip-Off Reception.

Two weekend wins vault volleyball Mavs to third in conference

The volleyball team relied on team effort for Friday’s five-set victory over Arkansas State at College Park Center and Sunday’s four-set victory over Troy in Alabama.

The wins put the Mavericks at 18-5 this season with an 8-3 record in Sun Belt Conference play.

At the Troy game, four Maverick players reached double-digit kills, four players notched double-digit digs, and three players registered a double-double.

The team hosts Georgia Southern at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at College Park Center. The Mavs are on the road to play Louisiana-Monroe at noon Sunday, Oct. 26, and Georgia State at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31.

Sports shorts

• The men’s and women’s cross country teams held their own Saturday at the Pre-National Invitational. The men finished 22nd among 46 teams, and the women placed 38th out of 43. The Sun Belt Conference Championship is set for Sunday, Nov. 2, in Mobile, Ala., and the NCAA South Central Regional is Friday, Nov. 14, in Fayetteville, Ark.

• The men’s golf team closes fall competition with the Royal Oaks Intercollegiate in Dallas starting Monday, Oct. 27.

• The ITA Regional Tournaments saw impressive action from the women’s tennis team in Waco and the men’s tennis team in College Station. The women play in the Wild West Shootout in Denton on Friday-Sunday, Oct. 31-Nov. 2. The men are in the Florida Gulf Coast Invitational on Friday-Sunday, Oct. 31-Nov. 2.

Intramural entries due for table tennis

Upcoming entry deadlines for intramural sports include table tennis, Wednesday, Oct. 22, and badminton, Sunday, Nov. 2.    

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.)