TrailBlazer 2016 Archive » TrailBlazer — Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Ron Paul defines liberty at tonight's Maverick Speakers Series event

A few tickets remain to see former congressman and physician Ron Paul at 7:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, Feb. 2, at Texas Hall for the Maverick Speakers Series event.

Dr. Paul will speak on "Liberty Defined: The Future of Freedom." A question-and-answer session and a book signing will follow the lecture.

Since his retirement from Congress, Paul 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. Paul is the author of several best-selling books, including the recently released Swords Into Plowshares.

General admission is free, but tickets are required. Go to utatickets.com.

For VIP packages, contact Mark LaVelle at mlavelle@uta.edu or 817-272-5235.

Tickets also are available to see political strategist and commentator Donna Brazile on Thursday, Feb. 25.

Trinity South lot reserved Tuesday afternoon for Ron Paul appearance

Trinity South parking lot will be reserved in the afternoon today, Tuesday, Feb. 2, for preferred parking for the Maverick Speakers Series event. Former U.S. Congressman Ron Paul speaks at 7:30 p.m. at Texas Hall.

Study Abroad Fair set for Wednesday

Come to the Study Abroad Fair and learn about the more than 500 study abroad programs in 62 countries where Mavericks can earn credit while having the adventure of a lifetime. The fair is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, in the Palo Duro Lounge of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Chat with study abroad alumni, meet representatives from programs on nearly every continent, and learn about financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

For more information, go to the Study Abroad website or email studyabroad@uta.edu.

Terry Scholarship applications due next week

Applications for the Terry Foundation Scholarship program, the largest private source of scholarships in the state, are due Tuesday, Feb. 9.

The program will help cover the full cost of attending college. Terry Scholarships are not awarded solely on financial need, test scores, or grade-point average, but also on leadership abilities.

Students benefit from a designated academic adviser liaison, a peer academic leader, and a staff member to help them navigate through UTA resources.

Read more about the Terry Foundation Scholarships. For more details, contact William Gunn at wgunn@uta.edu or 817-272-6107.

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 students, faculty, and staff 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 UTA 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, students, faculty, and staff will receive the following message via the email addresses and mobile devices designated in their MavAlert profile: “Attention: This is a test of the UTA 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.

Funding available for student organizations

The Program Assistance Fund, overseen by Student Congress, has supplemental funding available to registered student organizations for programming and for travel to state, regional, and national conferences.
 
Applications are available online and in the Student Congress offices in Suite B150 of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Visit www.uta.edu/sc or call 817-272-0556 for more information.

Working out Now you can work and workout thanks to the Central Library's computer stations with treadmills and exercise bikes. Both provide a tray for your mobile devices or books. You can read, study, play games, check email, or watch a show while you exercise. The stations are in the basement.

ACES abstracts due by Friday

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.

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

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

Check for on-campus jobs on SnapJob

Students can find on- and off-campus employment through UTA's SnapJob site.

Resident assistant positions are available for the 2016-17 year at SnapJob 8687. Apply by Monday, Feb. 8. Read more details.

Join the Dial-a-Mav team for the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. Candidates should be comfortable making phone calls and have a clear, concise speaking voice. Apply for SnapJob 8725 and complete a second application.

Look for openings in the UTA FabLab on SnapJob.

Read about using SnapJob. Learn about job searches, interview tips, and more at the Career Development Center.

City survey needs input for transportation planning

The City of Arlington wants your input to make sure its transit service is best meeting your travel needs.

Topics covered in the survey include how you currently get to campus, UTA's shuttle service, the MetroArlington Xpress (the MAX), and other transportation subjects.

Take a few minutes to complete a transportation survey.

Apply now for Black Leadership Institute

Register for the annual Black Leadership Institute, set for Saturday, Feb. 20. The program is free and open to all UTA students. Register online by 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8.

The program includes leadership development, networking, a keynote address, and more.

Women in Leadership applications accepted

The Women in Leadership program is accepting students for the spring semester. The program offers an opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and network with women who strive to make a positive difference in the community.

The program is open to all UTA students. Space is limited, and preference will be given to students entering UTA for the first time in spring.

Your talents may pay off in Maverick Musical

Put your talents to work at the Maverick Musical, a competition where student teams perform up to eight minutes of Broadway-style productions.

Performances can have singing, dancing, stepping, strolling, instrumentals, and other performance aspects. Each team will receive $150 for decorations and supplies for the performance. Up to eight teams will perform.

First-, second-, and third-place winners will receive $750, $600, and $500, respectively.

Register online by Friday, Feb. 5. Performances start at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, in the Rosebud Theatre of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Planetarium hosts 'Romancing the Stars'

Bring your sweetheart to the Planetarium this Valentine's Day for a special event, Romancing the Stars.

The program takes a lighthearted look at the night sky and tells stories of love and devotion that can be found there.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12; 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13; and 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14.

Tickets are $12 per couple for the UTA community and Planetarium members and $15 for the general public.

Call 817-272-1183 or email planetarium@uta.edu for more information.

K-12-focused technology sessions also look at higher education

Explore online learning in K-12 and higher education in the K-12-focused technology sessions, sponsored by the College of Education. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to the sessions at noon-1 p.m. Tuesdays in Room 111 of Trimble Hall.

Upcoming topics include the flipped classroom and blended learning, Feb. 2; Twitter chats, hashtags, and social media as learning, Feb. 9; speaker Kayla Parker of Coppell ISD, Feb. 16; mobile learning and microlearning, Feb. 24; Harrison McCoy, connecting globally with technology, March 1; Makerspaces and UTA FabLab, March 8; and Jim Holland, Google Classroom, Canvas, and anything related to LMS/CMS, March 22 and 29.

For details, contact Peggy Semingson at peggys@uta.edu.

Learn about Institutional Review Board processes Feb. 19

Students, faculty, and staff can learn about the Institutional Review Board (IRB) submission process, how to conduct ethical research studies with human subjects, and more at the IRB Mini-Conference 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, on the sixth floor of the Central Library.

Sessions include what to expect during the IRB review process, hot topics in human subject research, and a sampling of protocol case studies. Attendees can earn credits for RCR training and human subject training requirements.

See the conference schedule and RSVP. Regulatory Services and Research Administration sponsor the conference.

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.

Sign up for Dallas Festival of Ideas

Register now for the Dallas Festival of Ideas on Friday-Saturday, Feb. 19-20, at Fair Park in Dallas.

The free program focuses on Dallas in the next century with thought-provoking programs, interactive discussions, live music, visual art, and stage performances. See the schedule.

Architecture Professor-in-Residence Mark Lamster will moderate a panel discussion with five nationally prominent speakers on “The Physical City.” He also is the architecture critic for The Dallas Morning News.

Admission is free, but registration is required. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $195.

Students receive discount on exam prep courses

Students receive a 10 percent discount on many continuing education courses offered at UTA.

Upcoming exam prep courses include GMAT and GRE math and verbal; Professional Engineering Exam Review; and Project Management Professional, SHRM-CP, and SHRM-SCP certification.

A GMAT math class begins Monday, Feb. 8, and a GMAT verbal course starts Wednesday, Feb. 10.

Register online. For questions, call 817-272-2581.

Do you still need housing?

Spaces are available in the residence halls to move into immediately. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to live on campus.

Space is available at The Heights on Pecan and in all residence halls except Brazos.

Read more about housing options. Submit a free application at uta.edu/housing. For questions, call University Housing at 817-272-2791.

E-waste recycle bins around campus

The Office of Sustainability provides recycle bins for electronic items.

Cellphone bins are available at the north entrance to Davis Hall, the entrance to the Maverick Activities Center, and beside Starbucks in the E.H. Hereford University Center. The bins are for cellphones and cellphone batteries, accessories, and charging units.

E-waste bins are blue at various locations, and large black ones are at the Chemistry Physics Building, Central Library, and the Wetsel Service Center.

Acceptable e-waste items include batteries, ink and toner cartridges, copier fusing units and replacement parts, cameras, cellphones, personal computers, hard drives, monitors, TVs, printers/copiers, wires/cables, microwaves, electronic kitchen appliances, mice, keyboards, extensions, memory sticks/cards/discs, VHS tapes and cassettes, DVD players, and other electronics.

Unacceptable items include light bulbs and UTA assets and computers.

Read more about recycling and e-waste bin locations.

Show your artistic talents in MavsArt exhibit

Whether you paint, take photos, sculpt, or merely doodle, show your artistic side in UTA Libraries' MavsArt spring exhibit.

Artwork in two- and three-dimensional forms will be accepted. Submission deadline is Monday, Feb. 15.

Questions? Email janeth.colmenero@uta.edu or visit the MavsArt website.

Deadline to apply for spring 2016 graduation

The priority deadline to apply for graduation has passed, but students can still apply for the spring 2016 term.

Candidates for graduation can apply through Monday, Feb. 29, with an additional $60 late fee. The filing fee is $40 and is non-refundable and non-transferable. Students should apply to graduate in MyMav. Read the graduation application instructions.

Before students apply to graduate, they should verify with their academic adviser that they are eligible to graduate at the end of the graduation application term. The fee is not refundable or transferable to a future term if a student applies and is then found to be ineligible to graduate.

Read more about graduation requirements.

Freshman progress reports on MyMav

Progress reports are being posted for freshmen through Monday, Feb. 22. The faculty deadline is Feb. 22, but instructors can report progress report grades at any time before then. You can view your progress reports as soon as the grades are entered. See your grades in the MyMav Student Center. See your academic adviser with questions or concerns. A list of advising offices is online.

Add, swap, drop, or withdraw from spring classes

To withdraw from classes once the term has begun, undergraduate students must meet with an academic adviser in their major department.

If you drop or withdraw on or before the Census date, Wednesday, Feb. 3, no grade will be recorded on your transcript to reflect the drop.

Courses dropped by the Census date also will not be counted toward the six-course drop limit that affects students who entered a Texas public college or university in fall 2007 or later or the excessive hours tuition law that affects students who have more than 45 hours in excess of the hours required for a degree plan. Read more about this state law and its implementation at UTA.

Print your own enrollment verification

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

Transcripts available in PDF format

UTA 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.

NASA hosts screening of 'Daughter of the Dawn' See a rare film of Comanche and Kiowa people from 1920 with scenes of buffalo hunting and ceremonial dances. Daughter of the Dawn was produced by the Texas Films company of Dallas and shot in the Wichita Mountains near Lawton, Okla. The film begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, in the Rosebud Theatre of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Admission is free. The Native American Student Association (NASA) hosts the movie along with the Video Association of Dallas. NASA's 21st annual Powwow is set for Saturday, Feb. 27, in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Tuesday, Feb. 2

Fraternity and Sorority Life Open House Learn about Greek life on campus. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Wednesday, Feb. 3

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.

Thursday, Feb. 4

Women Go Red Learn about heart disease and how to keep your heart healthy. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Health Services.

Friday, Feb. 5

Friday Night Film: 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2' Rated PG. Free popcorn. Concessions for sale. $1, $1.50 with credit card. 8 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. Also, The Good Dinosaur, Friday, Feb. 19. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Flight 12 Improv Steeped in fun, the Maverick Theatre Company's Flight 12 Improv has a style that's always outrageous. Tickets $5. 8 p.m., Studio Theatre, Fine Arts Building. Also Saturday, Feb. 6. Theatre Arts.

Friday, Feb. 12

Friends of the Library Houston Faust Mount II, Oilfield Revolutionary: The Career of Everette Lee DeGolyer. 7:30 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Friends of the Library, UTA Libraries.

UTA College Invitational Wheelchair Basketball Tournament Free. All day, Maverick Activities Center, Physical Education Building. Also, Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 13-14. Movin' Mavs.

Coming Up

Maverick Musical Student teams perform Broadway-style productions with singing, dancing, stepping, strolling, instrumentals, and other performance aspects in this unique competition. Cash awards for top three acts. 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Focus on Faculty Krystal Beamon, associate professor of sociology and anthropology. Noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, sixth floor parlor, Central Library. UTA Libraries.

Off-Campus Mavericks Lunch Series Free. 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, Rio Grande Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Off-Campus Mavericks.

Third Thursday Game Night Free. 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, basement, Central Library. UTA Libraries.

Pizza with the President Join President Vistasp Karbhari for lunch, remarks, and a question-and-answer session. Free. Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Office of the President.

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.

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.)

Top honors: Point guard Erick Neal, top, netted UTA's first triple-double in men's basketball in last Thursday's game against Louisiana-Monroe. Senior Mya Anderson, bottom, was named to the Sun Belt Preseason All-Conference Softball Team.

Neal nets UTA's first triple-double

Sophomore point guard Erick Neal etched his name in UTA's record books with the program's first triple-double in last Thursday's game against Louisiana-Monroe. 

Neal finished with a career-highs in points (27), rebounds (10), and assists (12).

The Mavericks came up short in a 99-88 loss to UL-M and fell 90-75 to Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday. The Mavericks are 14-6 for the season and 5-4 in the Sun Belt Conference play.

Upcoming games on the road include Georgia Southern Wednesday, Feb. 3; Georgia State Saturday, Feb. 6; and Texas State Tuesday, Feb. 9.

Anderson named to SBC preseason softball team

After nearly breaking the UTA softball season-single home run record in 2015, senior Mya Anderson has been named to the Sun Belt Preseason All-Conference Team.

UT Arlington opens its season Thursday, Feb. 11, against Texas Southern as part of the Maverick Classic.

The tournament runs through Sunday, Feb. 14, with the Mavs hosting Texas Southern, Missouri State, Detroit, and Northern Colorado.

The Mavericks open Sun Belt Conference play March 19 with a three game slate at home against No. 11 Louisiana-Lafayette.

Track team performs well in return to action in Houston

The UT Arlington men's and women's track teams continued their indoor seasons Saturday with strong performances against a large field of college and unattached athletes at the Houston Invitational.

D'Undre Mitchell claimed the lone individual title for UTA, winning the 200 meters. The men's 4x400 meter relay team was first with Mitchell, Erik Martinsson, De'Vion Simpson, and Styron Williams.

UTA will head to College Station to compete in the Charlie Thomas Invitational on Friday-Saturday, Feb. 5-6.

Lady Mavs hit season high on free throws

UTA's Lady Mavs basketball team connected on a season-high 30 free throws to snap a four-game losing streak and upend Louisiana-Monroe 60-50 last Thursday. The team shot 60 percent in the game, the best performance under coach Krista Gerlich.

After losing 63-52 to Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday, the team is 8-11 in season play and 3-6 in the Sun Belt Conference.

UTA continues its road trip at Georgia Southern Wednesday, Feb. 3; Georgia State Saturday, Feb. 6; and Texas State Tuesday, Feb. 9.

Men's tennis team sweeps matches on Saturday

The men's tennis returned to winning form Saturday with victories over Dallas Baptist (7-0) and DePaul (6-1) at the UTA Tennis Center.

The Mavericks improved to 2-3 on the season after sweeping their home-opening doubleheader. UTA dropped just one match out of 17 played.

UTA continues its four-game homestand with a doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 6, against Cameron and Seminole. First serve is at 10 a.m.

Baseball alumni game brings former Mavs back to ballpark

The baseball alumni game will give fans a chance to get a first look at this year's players while also taking a look back. A number of former Mavs such as Michael Choice, Adam Moore, Preston Beck, and Dillon Gee are expected to attend.

Festivities are set to kick off at noon Saturday, Feb. 6, at Clay Gould Ballpark with warmups and batting practice, during which the hitters' home runs will be tracked as part of a pregame home run derby. First pitch for the game is tentatively set for 2 p.m.

The First Pitch Fundraiser follows the game. For details on ticket sales for the game or the fundraiser, contact Kris Wood at kriswood@uta.edu at 817-272-9613.

Former players who are interested in taking part in the alumni game are encouraged to contact coach Darin Thomas.

Fifth annual First Pitch Fundraiser set for Saturday

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.

February features 'Why I Love UTA' campaign by Maverick Club

Student-athletes share why they love UTA in February and encourage alumni and others to share their reasons through email, social media, and even phone calls.

Share your testimonials regarding your affection for UTA through social media (#WhyILoveUTA) or joining the Maverick Club.

The goal of the Maverick Club is to provide scholarship assistance and academic resources and to forge lifelong friendships between student-athletes, alumni, and supporters. Read more about the Maverick Club.

Intramural deadline for basketball, rock climbing

Upcoming intramural sports deadlines are basketball, Wednesday, Feb. 3; rock climbing, Wednesday, Feb. 9; racquetball, Friday, Feb. 12; indoor soccer, Wednesday, Feb. 17; tennis, Friday, Feb. 19; softball, Wednesday, Feb. 24.

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.)