TrailBlazer 2014 Archive » TrailBlazer — Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Car art: Volunteers braved cold weather Monday for the first event of Homecoming week. Paint Your Ride with Maverick Pride at Arlington Hall provided Mavs and UTA fans with a chance to show their spirit via their vehicle.

Homecoming 2014 events bring wave of excitement

Maverick Country welcomes students, alumni, and friends for Homecoming 2014, Monday-Saturday, Nov. 17-22.

Enjoy the Chili Cook-Off on Wednesday and the Global Grounds Coffee Hour on Thursday. Find the beat at the Step Show on Friday before heading to The Bash, a dance party featuring DJs, music, thematic performers, aerialists, a light show, video sequences, and other surprises.

Saturday is filled with the 5K run/walk and a golf tournament, followed by reunions. Head to the College Park District for the pre-game street festival at 3:30 p.m., cheer on the Homecoming parade at 5:45 p.m., and hoot and holler at the pep rally before the men's basketball game at 7:30 p.m.

Order Homecoming event tickets online. See the schedule and details for Homecoming 2014.

Dr. Nan Ellin

Dean named to lead integration of schools of Architecture, Urban and Public Affairs

UT Arlington has appointed Nan Ellin, professor and chair of the University of Utah Department of City and Metropolitan Planning, as founding dean of a new college that will be formed through the integration of the School of Architecture and School of Urban and Public Affairs.

Dr. Ellin previously served at Arizona State University, where she directed programs in planning, urban and metropolitan studies, and a doctoral program in architecture and environmental design. She is the author of numerous books and articles.

At UT Arlington, her first priority will be to shepherd the integration of the School of Architecture and the School of Urban and Public Affairs into a new college that will extend the reputation, impact, and influence of the University in areas related to design, architecture, urban planning, and public affairs. 

She officially joins UT Arlington on Jan. 5.

Read more about Ellin's appointment.

UT Arlington awarded national grant for adaptive sports programs

UT Arlington recently received a grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for $57,488 under the Grants for Adaptive Sports Programs for disabled Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces.

Funds were awarded to increase and expand adaptive sports opportunities for disabled veterans and members of the armed forces, allowing participation within the community, as well as at regional and national events.

The grant will help the Movin’ Mavs Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program fund camps, clinics, and program participation costs for veterans with physical disabilities.

Read more about the VA adaptive sports grant.

Terry Foundation establishes scholarships at UTA

UT Arlington has been selected to be part of the Terry Foundation Scholarship program, the largest private source of scholarships in the state. The program will help cover the full cost of attending college for 16 UT Arlington students.

Unlike with most other educational aid programs, Terry Scholarships are not awarded solely on financial need, test scores, or grade-point average. Instead, students also must exhibit leadership abilities. 

The first class of Terry Scholars at UT Arlington will come from a pool of 32 nominees to be interviewed by the Terry Foundation in April. Sixteen students will then be awarded the scholarships beginning in fall 2015.

Read more about the Terry Foundation Scholarships.

Selfie time The star of the Dragon Dance posed for a selfie last week with, from left, Chigozie Izuogu, business information systems sophomore; Miriam Guerrero, criminology sophomore; and Mahesh Biyyala, computer science graduate student. The dance was part of the Cultural Extravaganza, an Asian Heritage Month event.

Bookstore sale this week

The UTA Bookstore's latest sale is Tuesday-Wednesday, Nov. 18-19, and features a 25 percent discount on selected items and $50 off Dell laptops. Discounted items include fleece apparel, cold weather accessories, diploma frames, auto accessories, backpacks, totes, fashion bags, earbuds, headphones, and more. 

Participate in emergency response exercise

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend the Office of Emergency Management’s annual Clery Act tabletop exercise Thursday, Dec. 4. The program is 1-4 p.m. in the back gym of the Maverick Activities Center.

The exercise addresses emergency response and evacuation on a campus-wide scale.

Adopt a child from Angel Tree in Leadership Center

Make a child's holiday wish come true this season through the Salvation Army Angel Tree sponsored by the UTA Volunteers. Choose an infant to young teen to sponsor by yourself, with friends, or with your department.

Adopt an angel by Wednesday, Nov. 26, in the Leadership Center in Suite B 160N of the lower level of the E.H. Hereford University Center. All gifts are due by Tuesday, Dec. 2. For questions, call the Leadership Center at 817-272-9220.

Chippin' in Cecilia Puga, left, business sophomore, and Mariana Navarro, nursing sophomore, enjoy chips and salsa at the grand opening of Moe's Southwest Grill, a new dining venue in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Food drive sets one-ton goal

The Golden Key International Honour Society seeks your help to reach its goal of 2,000 pounds of food for needy families.

Provide a box for your office donations and urge fellow students to bring nonperishable food items.

Current box locations are:

• Room 318, Science Hall

• Watson Building, 219 W. Main St.

• Room 118, Fine Arts Building

• Room 501, Nedderman Hall

• First floor, Central Library

• Room 130, Chemistry and Physics Building

• Room 205, J.D. Wetsel Service Center

Donations are due by Tuesday, Dec. 2. For drop-off or pick-up details, contact Kevin Schuck at keschuck@uta.edu or 817-272-0102 or Micaela Seals at mlseals@uta.edu. All donations go to the Tarrant Area Food Bank.

Peer educators needed for spring

The TRIO-Student Support Services and University Tutorial and Supplemental Instruction offices are looking for motivated students to become peer educators for the spring semester.

Peer educators are students who are successful in their courses and have completed at least one semester of coursework at UT Arlington. Applicants must have a 3.0+ GPA and have earned an A or B in the course for which they are applying. Students also should have great communication skills, excellent leadership qualities, and a positive attitude.

Available positions for peer educators include one-on-one tutors, small group tutors/mentors, and Supplemental Instruction leaders. 

For details, visit uta.edu/tutoringjobs. Application deadline is Friday, Nov. 28. 

Recruit for your program at transfer New Maverick Orientation

During the fall and winter months, Involvement Fairs take place at orientation sessions for students transferring to the University in the upcoming spring term.

University departments and registered student organizations may host a table to provide information about their programs to incoming students.

Upcoming sessions are Saturday, Dec. 6; Wednesday, Dec. 10; Monday, Jan. 12; and Wednesday, Jan. 14.

Learn more and register online.

Fall final exam schedule available

The final exam schedule for the fall term is available online. Finals are scheduled Dec. 6-12.

Spring registration is open; see your adviser now

Make plans to register for the winter intersession and spring 2015 terms. The schedule of classes and the registration timetable are available on the MyMav portal page.

Check your Student Center in MyMav to see if you need to meet with your academic adviser before registering. A list of advising offices is online. Call to schedule an appointment or check walk-in hours.

Transcripts 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.

Tuesday, Nov. 18

MavSwap Receive a free UTA T-shirt for your old college shirt. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., University Center mall. Also, Wednesday, Nov. 19. UTA Ambassadors.

Men's Basketball Mavericks vs. Buffalo. Tickets $3 with student ID. 7 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Wednesday, Nov. 19

Cuba: Histories of the Present David LaFevor, assistant professor of Latin American history and digital humanities, discusses photographs exploring daily life in modern Cuba. Free. Noon-1 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Center for Greater Southwestern Studies.

Homecoming Chili Cook-Off Free homemade chili with toppings, refreshments, music, and good time entertainment. Free. 12:30-1:30 p.m., University Center mall. Student Affairs.

'A Streetcar Named Desire' The Maverick Theatre Company presents a Tennessee Williams classic. Tickets $7 faculty, staff, students, seniors; $10 public. Box office 817-272-2669. 8 p.m., Mainstage Theatre. Also, 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 20-22, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, Mainstage Theatre. Theatre Arts.

Thursday, Nov. 20

UTA-HOSTS! 20th Anniversary Reception The peer mentoring program celebrates 20 years. Free. Noon-2 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Leadership Center. 

Homecoming Global Grounds This international coffee hour tradition features free spirit items, giveaways, music, and Blaze. Free. 4-5:30 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Multicultural Affairs, International Education.

Friday, Nov. 21

Homecoming Step Show Watch some of UT Arlington's fraternity and sorority members step the night away. Tickets $10 advance, $13 at door with student ID; $15 general admission; $7 children under 12. 7-10 p.m., Texas Hall. Fraternity and Sorority Life, Homecoming 2014.

The Bash This dance party features DJs, music, thematic performers, aerialists, a light show, video sequences, and other surprises. Free refreshments, giveaways, and photos. Tickets $6 with student ID; $12 general admission. 9 p.m.-1 a.m., College Park Center. EXCEL Campus Activities, Homecoming 2014.

Saturday, Nov. 22

Homecoming 5K Run/Walk This year's route is a scenic one through campus. Entries $15 with student ID, $20 others. 9 a.m., Maverick Activities Center. Campus Recreation, Homecoming 2014.

Homecoming Street Festival Play games, enjoy food and beverage samplings, and a live DJ. Free. 3:30 p.m., Spaniolo Drive, outside of College Park Center. Homecoming 2014.

Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally See large floats, marching bands, special guests, and traditional decorated golf carts. It all winds up with a pep rally. 5:45 p.m., Moritz Plaza. Homecoming 2014.

Men's Basketball Mavericks vs. Houston Baptist. Tickets $3 with student ID. 7:30 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Monday, Nov. 24

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

Deck the Mall Welcome the holiday season with music, hot chocolate, and lighting up the Library mall. Free. 6:30-10 p.m., Library mall. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Wednesday, Nov. 26

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. Northern Arizona. Tickets $3 with student ID. 7 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Ongoing

Max Sullivan Gallery: Statera-Hymns of Balance Paintings by Andrew Kochie. Gallery hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Free. Max Sullivan Gallery, Room 206, Architecture Building. Through Dec. 15. Architecture.

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 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.)

Basketball teams open seasons with victories

The women’s basketball team has won its first two games of the season for the first time since 2006.

The Mavericks trounced Missouri Valley College 90-32 Friday evening in College Park Center. The 58-point margin of victory was the largest for a season opener in school history.

On Sunday, UTA placed four players in double figures in an 83-73 win over Houston Baptist at College Park Center. Next up for the women is a road game Saturday, Nov. 22, at Wichita State.

In men’s action, the Mavericks won their season opener 86-75 Friday night against Bradley in Peoria, Ill. UTA hit 12 three-pointers, led by three each from senior Jamel Outler and freshman Kevin Hervey.

The men face Buffalo at 7 p.m. today, Tuesday, Nov. 18, in College Park Center. Tickets are $3 for students.

Volleyball Mavs split two weekend matches

The volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Friday at Louisiana-Lafayette but rebounded for a 3-0 victory Sunday afternoon over Georgia State at College Park Center.

In Sunday’s Senior Day win, Briana Sharratt led the way offensively as the sophomore middle blocker recorded a team-high nine kills to go along with a .600 hitting percentage and six blocks.

The Mavericks are 23-8 overall and 13-6 in the Sun Belt Conference, good for fourth place. Their final regular-season match is at Georgia Southern on Friday, Nov. 21.

Seasons end at regionals for cross country teams

The men placed sixth and the women 11th Friday at the NCAA South Central Cross Country Regional Championships in Fayetteville, Ark. It was the best regional showing by the men’s team in more than a decade.

For the men, junior Craig Lautenslager finished 14th and junior Eric Ojeda was 23rd. Both runners earned all-region honors.

In women’s action, junior Gabriela Alfonzo was the top finisher for the Mavericks, placing 26th. Senior Hannah Nilsson also cracked the top 50, coming in 42nd.

Intramural sports deadlines near

Upcoming entry deadlines for intramural sports include innertube water polo, Sunday, Nov. 23; MavStrong, Wednesday, Dec. 3; and CollegeFB Bowl Pick 'Em, Saturday, Dec. 13.

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.)