TrailBlazer 2016 Archive » TrailBlazer — Tuesday, January 19, 2016

U.S. News ranks UTA online graduate programs in education, nursing among the nation's best

UTA is among the leading academic institutions for students who want to pursue graduate degrees in education or nursing online, according to new national rankings for 2016.

U.S. News & World Report ranks UTA's Master of Education degree No. 30 among 267 schools surveyed on its 2016 list of Best Online Graduate Education Programs. The Master of Science in Nursing degree is ranked No. 54 among 149 surveyed on its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs list.

Read more about the U.S. News & World Report's graduate program rankings.

Get the scoop from political insiders at Maverick Speakers Series events

Tickets are available online to see Ron Paul and Donna Brazile in the next two Maverick Speakers Series events.

A former congressman and physician, Dr. Paul will speak on "Liberty Defined: The Future of Freedom" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, at Texas Hall. A question-and-answer session and a book signing will follow the lecture.

Paul enjoys a national reputation as a premier advocate for liberty in politics today. Since his retirement from Congress, he has continued to work for limited constitutional government through organizations he founded, including the Foundation for Rational Economics and Education (FREE), Campaign for Liberty, and the Ron Paul Institute for Peace and Prosperity. He recently launched The Ron Paul Liberty Report, an online network airing original programming on today’s most pertinent issues.

Paul is the author of several best-selling books, including the recently released Swords Into Plowshares, which offers a personal reflection on American's history of war, foreign intervention, and prospects for peace.

Political strategist and commentator Donna Brazile will discuss "Politics and Beyond" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, at Texas Hall. A question-and-answer session will follow the lecture.

Brazile is an adjunct professor, author, syndicated columnist, and vice chair of voter registration and participation for the Democratic National Committee. Her work as campaign manager for Al Gore made her the first African-American woman to manage a presidential campaign. Her many accolades include the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s highest award for political achievement.

General admission is free, but tickets are required. Preferred ticket packages are available and include reserved seating, parking, and more. For all these ticket options, go to utatickets.com.

For VIP packages, contact Mark LaVelle at mlavelle@uta.edu or 2-5235.

Tickets for "Gombe and Beyond: An Evening with Dr. Jane Goodall" will be available Tuesday, March 1. Dr. Goodall will speak at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at College Park Center.

Vote for Spring Concert band

Cast your vote for the band for the Spring Concert. Choose either Echosmith or X Ambassadors in the online survey. Also pick a band for another campus concert in August 2016.

Update your contact information for MavAlert system

The next system-wide test of the MavAlert Emergency Notification System is at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3. Verify your contact information at uta.edu/mymav.

The MavAlert system rapidly notifies faculty, staff, and students in the event of a campus emergency via registered email addresses and text message devices.

To enable MavAlert text messages, add your mobile phone number or other SMS text message device to your UT Arlington contact information and label it "mobile phone" via the drop-down menu. Log in to MyMav, then click on the Sign up for MavAlerts link in the right column.

During the Wednesday test, faculty, staff, and students will receive the following message via the email addresses and mobile devices designated in their MavAlert profile: “Attention: This is a test of the UT Arlington MavAlert Emergency Notification System. Update your emergency contact information at uta.edu/mymav.”

The MavAlert test will coincide with the regular monthly test of the Outdoor Warning System, also at 12:30 p.m. The University’s voice announcement system will be activated inside campus buildings. The City of Arlington's monthly weather warning test will follow at 1 p.m.

Sign up for a table at Activity Fair Day

University departments, programs, and student organizations are encouraged to host an information table at the spring Activity Fair Day on Wednesday, Jan. 27, in the E.H. Hereford University Center. Register online by Monday, Jan. 25.

ACES symposium now accepting abstract submissions

Abstracts are now being accepted for the Annual Celebration of Excellence by Students (ACES), a University-wide symposium highlighting the best in student research and creativity. Undergraduate and graduate students work with faculty mentors in their disciplines to write and submit abstracts for the competition.

ACES 2016 is Wednesday, March 23, in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Submissions deadline is Friday, Feb. 5. Email questions to aces@uta.edu.

Vivid symbolism A colorful mural in the Central Library's basement reflects the different cultures in Texas: African, Chinese, Mexican, and Native American. Artist Mary Orozco also included symbols of air, earth, water, and fire using the style of those cultures.

Nominations due for Excellence in Doctoral Student Mentoring Award

The Office of Graduate Studies is now accepting nominations for the 2015-2016 Excellence in Doctoral Student Mentoring Award. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Jan. 22.

The award is for faculty members who have a strong record of excellence in mentoring doctoral students. The selected individual will receive $3,000 and will be recognized at the Spring Meeting of the University Faculty and Associates.

The awards alternate annually between the science and engineering disciplines and from the liberal arts and professional disciplines. For the 2016 award, nominations are being accepted from the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs; College of Business; College of Liberal Arts; College of Nursing and Health Innovation; College of Education; and the School of Social Work.

Three selfies could win you a semester of free food

How would you like to win free food for the semester?

Start by taking three selfies at the College Park District's restaurants within the first two weeks of the semester. Enjoy great dining at Pie Five, Texadelphia, Coolberry Frozen Yogurt, and Starbucks at the UTA Bookstore.

Then post a collage of the photos on social media pages—Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter—using the hashtag #inthedistrict.

Stay connected with UTA social media

Stay up-to-date with the latest events and innovations at UTA on our official social media channels. Engage with students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the UTA community on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Vine, Pinterest, and Snapchat (utarlington).

To see a list of some University-hosted social media pages and groups—including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Flickr—and to learn more about how your department, program, or campus organization can utilize social networking platforms, see UTA’s social media index and social media guidelines.

Treat the family at Family Valentine’s Day Breakfast

The Parent Mavericks program hosts a Valentine's Day breakfast for the family at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. Students can bring up to three guests to the event on the second floor of the Maverick Activities Center.

RSVP by Friday, Jan. 29.

Keep posted on campus weather closings

UTA closely monitors severe weather forecasts and will notify all students, faculty, and staff should local conditions affect the status of the University, including classes, programs, events, and activities.

There are numerous ways to access official information about the status of the University. All announcements will be communicated via University email in MavWire EXTRA (faculty and staff) and TrailBlazer EXTRA (students).

Additionally, notices will be posted on the University's home page, recorded information will be available on the University's Emergency Information Hotline at 1-866-258-4913, and announcements will be sent to local media outlets. Information also will be available on the University’s Twitter and Facebook pages.

Libraries now lend phone cables, accessories

The Central Library now lends phone chargers, USB cables, and accessories at the first floor circulation desk.

The cables include micro USB, micro USB 3.0, iPhone 5 and 6, iPhone 3 and 4, and USB wall chargers. With these cables you can upload and download data and charge your phone or device with a wide variety of Android and Apple products.

The cables soon will be available at the Architecture & Fine Arts Library and the Science & Engineering Library.

Be aware of tax-related phishing attacks or social engineering

Tax season is in full swing, so expect to see related phishing emails and attempts to lure you into inadvertently installing computer viruses.

Use caution when clicking Web or email links or opening attachments related to tax returns. The IRS does not initiate any contact with taxpayers by email, text, or social media.

Many of the messages will have an urgent tone in the subject line and content. Examples of subject lines from last year:

• Final reminder: Tax Refund Notification

• Your 2013 - IRS Tax Refund Payment

• Your IRS tax bank transfer is not approved

• Income Tax Refund REJECTED

If you receive an email that appears suspicious, send it to the Information Security Office at security@uta.edu. Do not click on the links or open attachments.

Always be cautious about providing your personal information over the phone, especially to individuals who initiate the call. In such cases, always offer to hang up, verify the nature of call, and to call them back at a number they provide. Seek out the organization's official number and contact them directly. If you suspect attempted fraud or fall victim to a scam, contact your local law enforcement.

Spring registration continues

Make plans to register for the spring 2016 terms. The schedule of classes and the registration timetable are available on the MyMav 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.

Meningitis vaccination documentation required

Texas college students who are new to the institution and students returning after an absence of at least one fall or spring semester who are under age 22 are required to submit documentation of immunization against bacterial meningitis.

Visit UT Arlington’s meningitis vaccination page for more information.

Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Notification

Health risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse

• Alcohol and Drug Awareness

• Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Abuse (Brochures are at UTA Police Department and Health Services)

University policies related to the illegal possession, use, or distribution of drugs or alcohol

• Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy

• Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace Policy

• Drug-Free University Community and Workplace Policy

• Drugs and Alcohol Policy

Availability of treatment for drug or alcohol problems

Employees—Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is provided through UTA’s Office of Human Resources at 1-800-343-3822 or visit alliancewp.com.

Students—Drug and alcohol counseling and referral services are available through UTA Health Services at 817-272-2771 or visit uta.edu/healthservices.

Internal sanctions and federal, state, and local legal penalties that may result from the illegal sale, possession, consumption, or distribution of drugs or alcohol

• Disciplinary Penalties

• Student Conduct and Discipline

• Standards of Conduct Guide

• Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Abuse (Brochures are at UTA Police Department and Health Services)

For more information, contact UTA's Health Services at 817-272-2771 or visit uta.edu/healthservices.

Print your own enrollment verification

Enrollment verification is available online. To print your verification, log on to MyMav, go to Student Center, and click on Request Enrollment Verification to access the National Student Loan Clearinghouse.

A Capella Choir performs with DSO this week UTA's A Cappella Choir performs with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in a Gershwin tribute Friday-Sunday, Jan. 22-24, at Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. Tickets start at $34 and are available at www.mydso.com. The concert features the best of Gershwin’s music, including Lullaby, Cuban Overture, Funny Face, and selections from Porgy and Bess. The A Cappella Choir will be featured on the closing selection, "Porgy and Bess: Concert Highlights.” This is the choral group’s second appearance with the DSO. In June 2015, members of the choir appeared with the Rolling Stones in concert at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Karen Kenaston-French, associate professor of music, directs the choir. Tickets start at $34 and are available at mydso.com. For times and ticket packages, visit the DSO website.

Thursday, Jan. 21

Basketball Doubleheader Mavericks vs. Arkansas State. National Hugging Day attempt for Guinness World Record, Blue Out. Knit caps for first 150 students and UTA Koozies for first 250 fans. Meet the 2016 Maverick baseball team. Tickets $3 students, $7-20 general public. Women's game 5 p.m., men's game 7:15 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Friday, Jan. 22

Friday Night Film: ‘Bridge of Spies’ Rated PG. Free popcorn. Concessions for sale. $1, $1.50 with credit card. 8 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Saturday, Jan. 23

Basketball Doubleheader Mavericks vs. Arkansas-Little Rock. Carnival Day, Blaze's Kids Club Day. Meet the 2016 Maverick softball team. Tickets $3 students, $7-20 general public. Women's game 5 p.m., men's game 7:15 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Women's Tennis Mavericks vs. Tarleton State. Free. 10 a.m., UTA Tennis Center. Athletics.

Thursday, Jan. 28

Faculty Recital: 'Mad Songs' David Grogan, assistant professor of music, leads a faculty recital that reflect a slightly less-than-sane view of the world. Performers also include Anne Healy, assistant professor of theatre arts, and Charlene Sutton, Laura Warriner Bray, Anne Marie Boeding, Nicholas Garza, and Clinton Bray. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Ongoing

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 UTA calendar.)

Winning season: Scott Cross, top, is now the winningest men's basketball coach in UTA history. Softball coach Kristie Fox, center left, was named an assistant coach for the USA team for the World Cup of Softball XI this summer. Movin' Mavs assistant coach Juan Soto, center right, was chosen to play for the Army in the 2016 Invictus Games on May 8-12 in Orlando, Fla.

Cross now winningest coach in Maverick basketball history

Scott Cross sits alone as UTA's all-time winningest coach after the Maverick men’s team beat Georgia State 85-70 in the Sun Belt opener Dec. 30 at College Park Center. Since then, Cross and the Mavs have added more wins.

Cross is now 166-131 in his 10th season as head coach, surpassing Eddie McCarter (162-199), who coached 1992-2006. Cross played for and was an assistant under McCarter.

“A coach is nothing without good players,” Cross says. “I am fortunate, blessed to be able to lead these guys.”

UTA is 13-3 for the first time in program history after winning 71-67 over Appalachian State last Thursday. The team beat Georgia Southern 92-72 on Jan. 2. The Mavericks were on the road to beat Troy 90-63 Thursday, and fell to South Alabama 88-85 Saturday.

The team is 4-1 in Sun Belt Conference play.

The Mavericks have the home court advantage for doubleheaders against Arkansas State on Thursday, Jan. 21, and against Arkansas-Little Rock Saturday, Jan. 23. Both start at 5 p.m. at College Park Center.

Tickets are available at utatickets.com.

Fox named assistant coach for USA Elite Team

Maverick softball coach Kristie Fox was named an assistant coach for the 2016 USA Softball Women’s Elite Team.

Fox will help lead 18 players to compete at the World Cup of Softball XI this summer. The team will play a series of exhibition games against the Women’s National Team and at the USA Softball JO Cup in Marietta, Ga.

Fox served as an assistant coach for the 2015 Junior Women's National Team that took home goldat the Junior World Championship in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Fifth annual First Pitch Fundraiser set for Feb. 6

Tickets are on sale for the fifth annual First Pitch Fundraiser. The event benefits the UTA baseball and softball programs and is set for 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Justin D. Wilson Batting Facility at Clay Gould Ballpark.

UTA baseball coach Darin Thomas and softball coach Kristie Fox will look back on their 2015 seasons and preview the 2016 squads. Members of the 2015 baseball and softball teams and former UTA players also will attend.

Tickets are $25 and available at utatickets.com.

Lady Mavs tennis doubles pairs rank in ITA Top 10

UTA women's tennis enters the season with a pair of doubles squads ranked in the ITA Tennis Top 10 in the Texas region. Angeles de los Rios and Astrid Gehre are fourth in the region and tied for 59th in the nation, while de los Rios is ninth when playing with Agustina Serio.

The team opens the season Saturday, Jan. 23, against Tarleton State. The match is the first of six consecutive at the UTA Tennis Center through Sunday, Feb. 21.

Women's basketball team faces two Arkansas teams

The Lady Mavs basketball team plays home court doubleheaders against Arkansas State on Thursday, Jan. 21, and against Arkansas-Little Rock Saturday, Jan. 23. Both start at 5 p.m. at College Park Center. Tickets are available at utatickets.com.

The team tallied up three wins and three losses during the winter break. The team won 51-47 against UT San Antonio on Dec. 21, 70-31 over Georgia Southern on Jan. 2, and 76-45 over Appalachian State last Thursday in Sun Belt play. Georgia State won 68-63 on Dec. 30, Troy scored 88-71 last Thursday, and South Alabama totaled 59-55 Saturday.

The women are 7-8 for the season and 2-3 in Sun Belt Conference play.

Movin' Mavs picked for national teams, Army

Lady Movin' Mavs Rose Hollermann and Abigail Dunkin and former Movin' Mavs Mikey Paye, Jorge Sanchez, and Aaron Gouge were selected to the USA National Wheelchair Basketball Team, which will play in the 2016 Paralympic Games on Sept. 7-18 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Assistant coach and former Movin' Mavs All American Juan Soto was chosen to play for the Army in the 2016 Invictus Games on May 8-12 in Orlando, Fla. Soto will represent the Army in wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis.

Sports Shorts

• Season tickets for UTA baseball and softball are now on sale at utatickets.com, with single-game tickets available Tuesday, Feb. 2. Baseball season ticket for 30 home games are $75. Softball season tickets for 28 games are $75 for reserved seating and $40 for general admission.

• The men's track team won and the women's team came in second at the Texas A&M Team Invitational Friday-Saturday in College Station.

• Men's tennis players played against Rice in Houston on Sunday.

Intramural deadline for 4-on-4 flag football

Upcoming intramural sports deadlines are 4-on-4 flag football, Wednesday, Jan. 27; billiards tournament, Thursday, Jan. 28; basketball, Wednesday, Feb. 3; and rock climbing, Wednesday, Feb. 9.

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.)