20050720_survivalguide

Fall 2005

Survival GuideA Special Edition of

The University of Texas at Arlington

Fall 2005THE SHORTHORN :: SURVIVAL GUIDE

Welcome Week................ Page 2Health Center................... Page 3Moving In......................... Page 4Traditions.......................... Page 5

Religion on Campus...... Page 7Online Community........ Page 8Campus Media ............... Page 9Fall Calendar.................... Page 10

Decorating Rooms......... Page 11Mav Express Card.......... Page 12Volunteering..................... Page 17Career Services................. Page 18Campus Map................... Page 20Safety................................... Page 23

Directory............................ Page 24Political Organizations Page 25Greek Life.......................... Page 27International Students.. Page 29Student Congress............ Page 30Roommate Advice......... Page 31

Wellness Programs......... Page 33Nightlife............................. Page 34Intramural Sports........... Page 37Greek Life.......................... Page 37Transportation................. Page 39

Table of Contents

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FIRST COPY FREE ADDITIONAL COPIES 25 CENTSTHE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINTO D

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON86TH YEAR, © THE SHORTHORN 2005All rights reserved. All content is the property

of The Shorthorn and may not be reproduced, published or retransmitted in any form without written permission from UTA Student Publications. The Shorthorn is the student newspaper of the University of Texas at Arlington and is published in the UTA Office of Student Publications. Opinions expressed in The Shorthorn are not necessarily those of the university administration.

The Shorthorn is published Tuesday-Friday, except school holidays, during fall and spring semesters and Tuesday and Thursday during the summer semester. Mailed subscription rates are $50 for a single semester or $100 for one year. Send checks payable to the office.

Students looking to get more acquaint-ed with organizations and programs on campus will have two weeks of events to

introduce them to what the university has to offer.

Welcome Days will feature more than 25 functions ranging from the Fall Kick-Off party, Fall Convocation and Ask Me Days to an Ac-tivities Fair and open houses at various depart-ments on campus. Welcome Days will kick off with the residence hall move-in at 8 a.m. Aug. 19 and will conclude Sept. 2 with an Engineer-ing Welcome Bash.

Dawn Remmers, Welcome Days coordina-tor and University Advising and Student Suc-cess director, said the first week of events is geared toward helping incoming students find their classes as well as getting students involved on campus and in the community. The second week will involve open houses in the various colleges, schools and departments on campus.

Remmers said Welcome Days is an attempt to welcome back returning students while also exposing incoming students to the services the university has to offer. Some events will also offer free food and giveaways.

“It lets them know that the campus is ex-cited that they are back,” she said. “They’re getting to meet the faculty and staff that work at this campus, and in the process they get an opportunity to reach out to these individuals if they ever need help in the future.”

Remmers also said the events offer good basic information of what UTA is and how it can help students be more successful as they move into their career. Events like Ask Me Days will help students find locations on cam-pus while the Mavs Meet Fall Convocation is an

opportunity for students to find out what UTA is about, where it’s coming from and where it’s going, she said.

Remmers said the open house events also helps students feel more comfortable with their majors and the faculty members in that department.

“While [the events] look like they are just offering free food and giveaways, we’re also let-ting the students know that we’re here and we care,” she said. “All they have to do is reach out and ask for it. It will help them with resources if they may need anything, and ultimately that leads to student success.”

Bryant Robertson, marketing junior and Mr. UTA, said that when he first arrived as a freshman, the events helped him get acquaint-ed with the campus while organizations here showed that they cared about his success. Rob-ertson will be participating in Welcome Days events such as the convocation, the Activities Fair and Ask Me Days.

He said going to the events as a freshman prompted him to participate and help future incoming students.

Robertson recommends that incoming stu-dents go to some of the events because students that tend not to participate usually don’t attend other events that the university hosts.

“I think it really does show that people really do care about them,” he said. “It’s really every-body just investing in one another.”

Social work junior Jane Kennedy said she was nervous as a freshman, but meeting people and attending events made her feel welcomed.

“It made me more familiar with the people and the buildings, and it made it less scary,” she said.

A Face in the FamilyWelcoming events are ready to make new students feel at home

STORY BY BRITNEY TABOR

“The most important thing is to bond as a group. It gives you an op-portunity to get out among col-lege students, and it lets you experience how fun college can be.”

T.J. AMMONS interdisciplinary studies graduate student

“It was very warm and welcoming. The people were very friendly and seemed to want to get to know you one on one.”

RODGER JONES music business senior

“I thought it was really nice that they had welcome days so that the current stu-dents and the new students could meet. I could also see what organiza-tions I was thinking about joining.”

LAURA MAROUN biology sophomore

“It was fun and interesting. It helped first-time students get a feel for what college life was like.”

CAMILLE STAMPP international business sophomore

Welcome Week Events

see page 10

Fall 2005 THE SHORTHORN :: SURVIVAL GUIDE

While away from home, Student Health Services is the next best thing to mom and chicken noodle

soup. The on-campus health center provides

free or low-cost services for students includ-ing a physician consultation and diagnosis, nursing care and health information.

Whenever Kris Ramalingam feels a slight temperature, he said he heads to the health center. The industrial engineering graduate student recommends the center to his friends when they are sick because the care of a doc-tor can’t be replaced by cold medicine.

“They take care of you,” he said. Students can stroll in without an ap-

pointment and get treatment for basic med-ical problems like coughs and colds. Elec-tive procedures require an appointment.

The health center provides more than basic medical care. Students can also make an appointment to visit a psychologist or psychiatrist, and the center offers confi-dentiality to patients by requiring written permission to release records.

Other services include low-cost medica-tions, X-rays, allergy injections and infor-mation about drug abuse prevention and

HIV/AIDS.Business management junior Ashlee

McGhee said the health center is conve-nient for students without the time or the transportation to go to a doctor. She said the chance to get cheaper prescriptions, free office visits and quick service can’t be beat.

“It’s easy access and just as good quality,” she said.

The health center has a women’s clinic that offers consultations, birth control ad-vice, pregnancy tests, pap smears, physical exams and more.

A friendly atmosphere and affordability made a big difference for education senior Janetta Thompson when she visited the women’s clinic.

“We are going to school,” she said. “We are on a real strict budget.”

Easier than Catching a ColdOn-campus health center offers free, low-cost care

STORY BY TRACIE MORALES

GET TREATEDThe health center is located on the

corner of Third and West streets. For information, call 817-272-2771 or visit http://www.uta.edu/health_services.

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The transition of leaving home for the first time can be tough, but Mari Duncan, housing in-

terim assistant director, said the staff in the university’s residence halls want to make it as smooth as possible for incoming students.

All halls will officially open at 8 a.m. Aug. 19 with the Residence Hall Move-In event. Hundreds of faculty, staff and students will assist new students move into the halls. Carts and mules will be available to carry heavy items.

Duncan said that with so many peo-ple moving in at once, the Housing Of-fice wants to make the experience less hectic by having volunteers.

“It makes people feel welcome,” she said. “We’re so excited that they are [coming] here, so we want to make them feel welcome and make them feel that they belong here.”

The Residence Hall Move-In event began in fall 2000 with the opening of Arlington Hall, and event coordi-nator Jesse Jarvis said it has become bigger and better every year. He said the event is an opportunity to expose students to departments and organiza-tions on campus and meet President James Spaniolo.

“Your family kind of expects to help move you in, but I don’t think the stu-dents expect an entourage of people to be there waiting to help them move in,” Jarvis said. “It’s kind of a nice surprise. They don’t have to make 15 trips to get their things in their rooms because there are tons of volunteers waiting to help.”

Five events are planned especially for students living in the halls during the first week of the fall semester. The Hous-ing Office plans to have its first resident

and parent orientation the afternoon of Move-In Day so students and their fam-ily can become more acquainted with where they will be living.

Some of the move-in events include in-hall programs, Waffleopolis and Hall Council meetings. Waffleopolis is an event held in the Brazos House court-yard for all students living in residence halls to get to know one another and eat waffles. Hall Council meetings will be held the Wednesday after move-in and allows students to express their concerns and ideas for their particular hall. Event schedules will be posted for students to view after moving in.

Duncan said holding events the week-end of Move-In Day and the week after-ward helps students connect with the staffs in each hall and get to know what

Movin’ On InVolunteers aid the move-in process

STORY BY BRITNEY TABOR

MOVING IN continues on page 6The Shorthorn: Mark Roberts

President James Spaniolo hauls a TV into Trinity House during the 2004 Residence Hall Move-In event.

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When it comes to tradition, the university sports a love for every-thing from fast beds to cookouts

to muddy volleyball courts, all in the spirit of coming together.

Each fall brings the nearly 24-year-old ritual — the Bed Races. The event is not a sleeping contest but rather a race held at Maverick Stadium. Dozens of teams com-pete in this tournament, in which five-mem-ber squads race against each other by run-ning and holding on to the bed frames, while one partner riding on the bed lies down.

The event, which originated at a block party for the opening of Maverick Stadium, is sponsored by EX.C.E.L. Campus Activities and the UTA Bookstore.

Georgette Talley, EX.C.E.L. member and interdisciplinary studies senior, attends the races regularly and said the tradition is one like no other.

“The event is fun and unique,” she said. “What other school races beds as a tradi-tion?”

In past years some teams built their own racing divans, but EX.C.E.L. and the univer-sity bookstore usually provide the beds.

According to Michael Poole, finance senior and EX.C.E.L. marketing director, EX.C.E.L. is planning to add a pillow fight, in which they hope more than 2,773 people will be involved, breaking the world record.

Another popular event each fall is Ooze-ball, or muddy volleyball. This year marks the 16th annual tournament in which two

Mav SpiritConvocations and mud volleyball define UTA’s traditions

STORY BY TRISTAN VAWTERS

ALMA MATERDear School we love,You are our Alma Mater,And through the years,Our faith we shall proclaim.We are each one,A loyal son or daughter,Our song of praise,Shall glorify your name.Dear School we love,Forever Arlington

FIGHT SONGBlue, white, we’ve got the might,Mavericks, we’re gonna fightShout our praises to the skyV-I-C-T-O-R-YGo big MavericksUTA Mavericks Fight, FightGo big MavericksAll the way MavericksFight FightGo Mavs!

TRADITIONS continues on page 6

MASCOT: SAM MAVERICKA maverick is an un-branded range animal. Both horses with horns and people dressed as them have played that role since 1971.However, in 1983 Sam Maverick, a historical figure who owned maverick cattle, was adopted to personify individualism andindependence.

The Shorthorn: Brandon Wade

Magen Stanton, then-business freshman of the Delta Dolls team, lands in the mud after diving for the ball in the fall 2003 Oozeball tournament. Oozeball, a mud volleyball game, is hosted by the Alumni Association and all pro-ceeds benefit the Student Alumni Association Sophomore Scholarship Fund. This year’s event will be Sept. 30. To register, visit http://www.uta.edu/alumni/saa/oozeball.php.

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resources are available to them.“It provides the opportunity for

residents to meet each other and establish a bond early on,” she said. “It allows them time to relax before classes start and just con-nect with the university.”

Lauren Miller, Trinity House hall director, said Move-In day can be a bit chaotic but that for the most part, it is well organized. She said the staff try to be in-credibly informing in introducing newcomers to the campus. Miller also said that although moving into a residence hall is busy be-cause there are so many people moving in at one time, it can also be exciting.

“For the new people and par-ents, they are sometimes kind of nervous and anxious, and our staff is just excited to be there to help,”

she said. “We’re one of the first impressions, so it’s really crucial that we’re there to help them and assist them.”

All students must be checked in to their particular hall by 5 p.m. Aug. 20. Any student who does not check in by that time may lose their room. Students must also have their Mav Express cards at all times while moving in.

At the time of arrival, stu-dents check in at the office and are given a residence hall agenda book, which includes guidelines and regulations.

At the end of July, Duncan said students will receive a notice of who their roommate is, along with the person’s telephone numbers so that they may discuss who is bringing what so the rooms are not overcrowded. The letter will also detail what students can and cannot have while living in the residence halls.

BRITNEY [email protected]

Moving Incontinued from page 4

teams with six players each com-pete in a two-minute game. Teams earn points every time the opponent misses the ball during a volley.

Heather Lazek, Stu-dent Alumni Association administrative assistant, played in the games while she was a student from 1997 to 2002 and said the contest is mud volleyball at its fin-est.

“It’s muddy, it’s dirty, and it’s fun,” she said. “It’s even better if you get on a team that doesn’t care about winning.”

One fledgling tradition is the annual Founder’s Day celebration which kicked off in 2003. The event commemorates the univer-sity’s achievements and recognizes its history. This is a chance for the administrators and alumni to share Maverick pride with students. In its nearly 110 years, the school has undergone eight institution-al name changes. The university was founded in 1895 as Arlington College. From there, this location became a military academy, a vo-cational school, an agricultural and mechanical college and finally UTA in 1967.

An event that planners are try-ing to establish as a tradition is the Mavs Meet! Fall Convocation, which welcomes new students to the university. This year will mark the second time it is celebrated.

The event includes a parade in which students, organizations and the school mascots Sam and Sa-mantha Maverick walk across cam-

pus to Davis Hall.Pat O’Neill, assistant vice presi-

dent for Student Affairs and the convocation’s coordinator, said the event is geared toward helping stu-dents find out what the university has to offer.

“This is something every student should know about,” she said. “It introduces students to what makes UTA special.”

Last year, an estimated 1,500 students and 54 student organiza-tions attended the event.

Another way new students can engage in campus culture is by at-tending the Activities Fair in con-junction with the Mavs Cookout, which is held on the first Wednes-day of the fall semester. The fair features booths from more than 200 organizations, departments and outside vendors that market to students.

Carter Bedford, Student Gover-nance and Organizations assistant director, said the event is a chance for groups to show what they have to offer.

“The fair helps students find their niche during the first week of school,” he said. “Students who take the time to get involved are contributing members of the uni-versity.”

Business management junior Craig Allen, who is a member of the new-student mentoring group, UTA Hosts and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity said he is looking for-ward to the fair.

“This is something I recom-mend to new students,” he said. “It’s about meeting new friends and becoming involved.”

TRISTAN [email protected]

Traditionscontinued from page 5

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Being away from home for the first time can be hard.

College not only tests students aca-demically, but it can also strain a person emotionally and physically. Luckily for UTA students, there are plenty of places to turn for guidance, relaxation and the occasional warm, free meal.

Enter the many religious or faith-based organizations. The university offers more than 20 student organizations with diverse denom-

inations such as Lutheran, Muslim, Baptist, Buddhist, Catholic and Methodist.

One of the oldest campus organizations is the Wesley Foundation, part of the Unit-ed Methodist Church, which has been on campus for 52 years. The Wesley Founda-tion offers a worship service for students and faculty every Tuesday starting at 7 p.m. during the summer called the Tues-day Night Thang, when students can come for Bible study and food. They also go on

outings to Rangers games. Kent Seuser, the Wesley Foundation’s pastor, helps host free lunches during the fall and spring semesters on Thursdays one block north of the Univer-sity Center at 311 UTA Blvd.

Seuser said the Wesley Foundation welcomes every-one of all ages and race, even though they may have distinc-tive religious beliefs.

“We do what we’re sup-posed to do,” he said. “We are good to everyone de-spite their [religious] affiliation. We provide the love of Christ through food.”

In September, the foun-dation will join other Wesley Foundation chapters and have a lock-in for new and current members. For information, visit http://www.utawesley.org.

The Wesley Foundation is not the only

campus organization that hosts free student lunches. The Tri-C, home to the Mavericks for Christ, is located at 405 W. First St. and hosts free lunch every Friday at noon. The Tri-C also has devotionals every Wednesday night dur-ing the fall and activities such as intramural sports, retreats and camping throughout the semester. Director Bob Frazier said that Tri-C’s free lunches has been a tradition for years. It is open Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Joining one of these organizations is also a great way to meet people if you’re new to UTA. Common Ground, one of the uni-

We Have SpiritReligious, spiritual groups provide guidance, belonging and free meals

STORY BY HEATHER ANN WHITE

FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONSA complete list of faith-based on-campus organizations is available on the Web at http://www.uta.edu/uta/studentorgs.

FAITH continues on page 12

“We provide the love of Christ through food.”

Kent SeuserWesley Foundation pastor

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Recently, a new Web site has become available to UTA, which has assisted students’

ability to network with each other.Previously, students could look

up other students and faculty on the “find people” feature on the uni-versity’s Web site, http://www.uta.edu. However, as the popularity of the Facebook, at http://www.the-facebook.com, continues to expand, it has become a widely used way of allowing students to communicate with and find out basic information about each other.

Upon entering the university, each student is set up with an e-mail account, accessible through the main Web site, or directly at http://owa.uta.edu. Once this mailbox has been set up, students may create a Facebook account.

During the registration process, fill in a name — this doesn’t have to be your actual name, but it is how you will show up on searches. So put in something you are nor-mally called — your student status, your school’s email — this will be the first letters of your first, middle and last names, followed by the last four numbers of your social security number — and then select

Face RecognitionThe Facebook allows networking

opportunities for students

STORY BY C J PATTON

The Shorthorn: Photo Illustration: Michelle Proskell

Students can use several Web sites to learn about the campus, classes and professors.

FACEBOOK FEATURESOrganizations & Friends: UTA has 174 groups to join. Create quick links to friends.

Announcements: For $12 a day, anyone signed on as a member of UTA, can share a short message with all UTA subscribers, which shows up randomly on the left side of the Web site.

Parties:Open invitations can be made for your next big event.

source: http://www.thefacebook.com

WIRELESS ACCESSThe Office of Information Technol-ogy has set up wireless network access nodes at various places around campus to accommodate students.

Wireless access sites:• Lone Star Auditorium in the

Activities Building• Architecture Building• Business Building• Carlisle Hall• Central Library • Central Library mall• College Hall• Fine Arts Building• Hammond Hall• Life Sciences Building• Meadow Run apartments pool

area• Nedderman Hall• Pickard Hall• Pachl Office and Classroom

Annex• Science Hall• Trimble Hall• University Center and UC mall• University Hall• Woolf Hall

For a full list of network access locations, as well as instructions on how to set up the connection, visit http://oit.uta.edu.FACEBOOK continues on page 12


Most mainstream media sources like CNN or The Dallas Morning News don’t have a lot of informa-

tion about college campuses. For news about what’s going on around

UTA, students can pick up either the stu-dent newspaper or magazine, listen to UTA’s Internet radio station or turn to MaverickTV.

The Shorthorn has been around since 1919 and prides itself on being exem-plary. The student-run newspaper has won various state and national awards. This past year, The Shorthorn was a Gold Crown winner, which is given by Columbia University to the best college newspapers in America. The Southwest-ern Journalism Congress also chose it as the best college newspaper in the region. As news adviser for the paper, Chris Whitley said these awards say a lot about The Shorthorn.

“I think it shows the level at which we go to put out the best paper for UTA students,” he said. “We have some really good people putting out a really good product, and we want people to pick it up.”

Heather White, English senior and Shorthorn reporter, said The Shorthorn should be an important source of informa-tion for students.

“It just lets you know what going on around campus, which is always impor-tant,” she said. “It’s more localized. It’s not like The Dallas Morning News which is talking about things way out there.”

During the fall and spring semesters, the paper is printed four times a week — Tuesday through Friday. Not only does it inform students about things happening in the community, but it also acts as a forum for students, faculty and staff and a training outlet for journalists.

Renegade magazine, which is published

once a semester, has been at UTA since 2002. Even as a new addition to student media, Renegade acts as a fully function-ing magazine. Adviser Adam Pitluk said it works like any other professional maga-zine.

“With my background at both Time and People, we try to fashion our operation after theirs,” he said.

Renegade is a general-interest student magazine that focuses mainly on the UTA community with some local, national and world news.

“We try to keep our finger on the pulse of the UTA community,” Pitluk said.

Since its beginning, Renegade has re-ceived many awards. Pitluk said it’s been named one of the top three student maga-zines in the country by the Society of Pro-fessional Journalists.

“And we managed to do that without any magazine classes at UTA,” he said.

Pitluk thinks Renegade is a magazine all

The Many Voices of UTAAward-winning student media organizations provide news, work experience

STORY BY BUNMI ISHOLA

ON-CAMPUS MEDIA OUTLETSThe Shorthorn Distribution: Tuesdays through Fridays in the fall and spring and Tuesdays and Thursdays in the summer. Pick up a copy, or visit http://www.theshorthorn.com.

Renegade magazine Distribution: Once a se-mester. Online athttp://www.renegade-magazine.com

UTA Radio Distribution: Available seven days a week at http://radio.uta.edu.RealPlayer software required.

MaverickTV Distribution: Programming varies. Viewable on Arlington Comcast cable channel 76.

MEDIA continues on page 16

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AUGUSTAug. 19, Residence Hall Move-In: 7 a.m.-6 p.m., all residence halls. Residence hall faculty and veterans help newcom-ers move in to their new housing.

Aug. 19, In-Hall Events: 6 a.m.-10 p.m., all residence halls, (for residence hall students only). Various events, differ-ing from hall to hall, to welcome new residents.

Aug. 20, Waffleopolis: 8- 10 p.m., Bra-zos House courtyard (for residence hall students only). Annual Brazos House welcoming tradition, featuring waffles.

Aug. 21, Greek Life Barbecue: 7-9 p.m., Greek Row Drive. A Greek-organiza-tion sponsored barbecue.

Aug. 22, Ask Me Days: 7-11 a.m., various sites (look for tables). Representatives postes around campus to provide use-ful information to newcomers.

Aug. 22, MavsMeet, Fall Convocation: 4 p.m., Texas Hall. New UTA tradition, a sort of commencement ceremony.

Aug. 22, Cookout: 5 p.m., Activities Building lawn.

Aug. 22, Fall Kick-Off 6-11 p.m., Activi-ties Building. Annual party featuring sports, music and free food.

Aug. 23, Ask Me Days: 7-11 a.m., various sites Representatives postes around campus to provide useful information to newcomers.

Aug. 23, Evening Student Welcome, 4:30-7 p.m., various sites (look for tables)

Aug. 23, UTA HOSTS! Mixer, 7-9 p.m., Uni-versity Center Bowling and Billiards, Bluebonnet Ballroom. A social gather-ing allowing necomers to meet with the HOSTS mentors.

Aug. 24, Mav Cookout and Activities Fair: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., UC mall. Cam-pus organizations will present kiosks to provide information about themselves.

Aug. 24, Evening Student Welcome: 4:30-7 p.m., University Hall, Preston Hall, Business Building

Aug. 24, Hall Council Information Ses-sions: TBA, all residence halls (for resi-dence hall students only) Newcomers obtain useful information about their residence and it’s rules/requirements.

Aug. 26, EX.C.E.L. Movie Night: 9-11 p.m., Activities Building west lawn. EX.C.E.L. shows a free movie weekly on the west lawn.

Aug. 26, Upward Bound Alumni Gath-ering: Staying Connected 1-3 p.m., seventh floor Carlisle Hall. How to stay involved with the university after graduation.

Aug. 26, Welcome to the World Party: 7-10 p.m., UC Palo Duro Lounge. Mixer for international and multicultural stu-dents.

Aug 30, Library Information Fair: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Central Library

Aug 30, FIG Bash 6-8 p.m., UC Bowl-ing and Billiards (new and previous FIG students only). Providing valuable information about Library resources, policies and proceedures.

Aug 31, Business Administration Stu-dent Howdy: 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., Business Building lobby. Welcome for the College of Business Administration students.

Aug 31, College of Science Open House: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Life Sciences Building. Welcome for the College of Science

students.

Aug 31, Counseling and Career Open House: 1-3 p.m., 216 Davis Hall. Wel-come for the Counseling and Career Development students.

Aug 31, Architecture Open House: 2-4 p.m., second floor Architecture Build-ing. Welcome for the School of Archi-tecture students.

Aug 31, Honors Open House and Game Night: 4-8 p.m., College Hall. Informa-tion and games, hosted by the Honors College.

SEPTEMBERSept. 1, Nursing New Student Welcome: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., outside Pickard Hall. Welcome for the School of Nursing students.

Hawaiian Luau Brunch Joint Open House: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., UC Palo Duro Lounge.

Sept. 2, Engineering Welcome Bash: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Nedderman Hall. Wel-come for the College of Engineering students.

Sept. 9, Fall Movie Series: 8 p.m.,

Activities Building Lone Star Audito-rium. Free popcorn and movie. Movie to be determined.

Sept. 16, Dallas Children’s Theatre: Performance of The Stinky Cheese Man at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the UC Rosebud Theatre. Cost for students is $3, for faculty is $4 and general public is $5.

Sept. 19-23, Beyond the Wall Poster Sale: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students, faculty and staff can buy posters on the Cen-tral Library mall.

Sept. 23, Fall Movie Series: 8 p.m., Lone Star Auditorium. Free popcorn and movie. Movie to be determined.

Sept. 24, Fall Movie Series: 8 p.m., Lone Star Auditorium. Free popcorn and movie. Movie to be determined.

Sept. 26-29, Blood Drive: Donation vans will be on the Central Library and UC malls.

Sept. 30, Oozeball: UTA tradition, annual mud volleyball tournament. Campus organizations form teams to compete against one another. Hosted by the Alumni Association, all proceeds go to the Student Alumni

Association Sophomore Scholarship Fund.

OCTOBER AND NOVEMBEROct. 6, Bed Races: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Mavericks Stadium. Teams of five stu-dents can participate in the race for $30 per team.

Oct. 11, Real World Lecture: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Danny and Melinda from “Real World: Austin” will speak in the UC Rosebud Theatre. Free admission for students.

Oct. 12, Founders Day: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. President Spaniolo will speak and the UTA band will play on the Central Library mall to celebrate the universi-ty’s birthday.

Oct. 14, Fall Movie Series: 8 p.m., Lone Star Auditorium. Free popcorn and movie. Movie to be determined.

Oct. 28, Fall Movie Series: 8 p.m., Lone Star Auditorium. Free popcorn and movie. Movie to be determined.

Nov. 3, Pornography Debate: 7:30 p.m., UC Bluebonnet Ballroom. Free admis-sion for students. Faculty and staff cost $5 and general admission is $7.

Fall Calendar 2005

The Shorthorn: Mark Roberts

The UTA Lacrosse team dashes for the finish line during the Bed Races. Despite efforts to cross the finish line first with the help of a lacrosse stick, the team lost the race.


Moving to college for the first time can be exciting.

This rite of passage can be about per-sonal style and freedom from parents. But college life does have its restrictions.

Every residence hall at UTA must comply with rules set forth by the Housing Office. These rules gov-ern what students can and cannot have in their rooms, so even personal style has its limits.

Mari Duncan, the office’s assistant hall director, said freshmen can read these regulations in the Mav Dates and Data Residence Hall Edition book that students receive before moving in.

“Basically we don’t really allow any appliances ex-cept refrigerators and microwaves,” she said.

The list of prohibited items includes toasters, coffee pots and heaters. Curling irons and flat irons are al-lowed only if they have an automatic shut-off feature.

Public relations senior Patrick Harmon said he was also able to get around the “no hot plates” rule by using his iron to cook food.

“You’re not allowed to get a George Foreman grill,” he said. “Your iron can make a pretty good grilled cheese.”

Duncan said all rooms are checked once a semester dur-ing a safety inspection, and residents found violating any rules can be warned or fined.

One violation is possession of candles with burned wicks, which carries a fine of $50. Duncan said candles are al-lowed only if the wicks are removed or cut so that they cannot be burned.

Harmon said the fire mar-shal made him take down Christmas lights he had hung from the ceiling during his stay at Arlington Hall. He said that as long as decorations don’t leave

Dorm DecorStudents should refer to resident guide, adviser before decking out their rooms

STORY BY MEGAN WRIGHT

“We definitely encourage residents to get insurance and use their space wisely.”

Mari Duncanassistant hall director for housing

The Shorthorn: Photo Illustration: Michelle Proskell

Students find various ways to decorate their dorm rooms includ-ing hanging objects on the walls, chang-ing the lighting and adding color.

DECORATING continues on page 19

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The Mav Express card grants access to campus services and gives students discounts

off campus.The card is the official UTA

student ID for UTA. Not every stu-dent has one, but they should, said Kent Pawlak, Mav Express Office director. “Eventually, everyone is going to need one,” he said.

The card allows students to check out books and materials from the libraries, use the health center and have after-hours access to certain buildings including the Central Library, Activities Building and Ransom Hall.

Shelli Ogburn, health center communication assistant, said the center would allow a student to use a driver’s license one time before it requires a Mav Express card.

“Basically, for everything in the health center, you have to have your ID,” she said. “We want to make sure the i d e n t i f i c a t i o n number goes with the face.”

Supplementa-ry materials like notes, old exams and videos from the Science Edu-cation and Career Center can only be checked out with the card.

“It’s always been a require-ment to check out materials,” said Cristina Carbajal, an accounting junior and health

center employee. The card can also be used as

a debit system. Deposits can be made into a Mav Money account, allowing the card to be used like a debit card. Students can also use their card on campus for food, bowling, at vending machines, to make copies and even at laundry machines.

Off-campus restaurants like Arby’s, Buck n’ Loons, Subway, Wendy’s and Chili’s Bar and Grill also accept Mav Money. Using Mav Money allows the user to gain points toward gift certificates and prizes to be redeemed online.

The card can be shown at many businesses in Arlington like restau-rants, hotels, gyms and health care centers for discounts.

To obtain a card, students must

go to the Mav Express Office, lo-cated in the University Center, be-ginning one week before the se-mester starts but after registering for classes. After presenting a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, stu-dents will have his or her picture taken and will be issued a Mav Express card.

The fee is included in tuition payments unless it’s lost or stolen. The reproduction payment is $10.

GETTING IN TOUCHVisit http://www.mavexpresscard.com or call the Mav Express Office at 817-272-2645 for information.

Express YourselfStudent ID card offers several benefits

STORY BY MEREDITH MOORE

versity’s newly established campus groups, is a nondenominational Christian organization. Adviser Janice Tamplin plans on creating a welcoming atmosphere for new students where they can have a sense of belonging.

“We want to have a place where students can come, chat, meet and mingle,” she said. “A home away from home.”

Common Ground was estab-lished in June and plans on creat-ing mentoring programs, counsel-ing and worship services for the fall and spring semesters.

UTA also offers other denomi-national organizations such as the Bahá’í Club and the Muslim Stu-dent Association.

For students who need help re-leasing pent up frustration, try the University Aikido Club. Aikido is a Japanese art form of self-defense that focuses on spiritual enlighten-ment, physical health and peace of mind. The club teaches members to strengthen their mind and spirit while becoming one with nature. Classes are $15 and run through the fall and spring semesters. For information, e-mail [email protected].

HEATHER ANN [email protected]

Faithcontinued from page 7

a password.Once registered, several options

are available, ranging from a simple search for names to viewing detailed profile information containing class schedules, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. Members also have the option of creating groups to find people with similar inter-ests and a direct messaging system through the Web site itself.

Once you have established your-self on the Facebook, your profile will automatically highlight each option you listed in your interests and classes section. Simply clicking on one of these from your profile will take you to the search results displaying everyone who has listed identical options.

While UTA’s “find people” still has its uses, the Facebook offers an-other way of connecting with people for anything from starting a new student organization to getting in touch with classmates to set up a study group.

C J [email protected]

Facebookcontinued from page 8

“We want to make sure the identifica-tion num-ber goes with the face.”

Shelli Ogburn health center communication assistant


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Campus Organizations students will enjoy reading.

“It gives students a unique in-sight into the college experience with a full-color, glossy format with an edgy disposition,” he said. “An element that’s almost unheard of in college journalism.”

White, who also worked for the magazine, thinks Renegade is a “cool and special” magazine.

“It really highlights special events going on in the semester,” she said.

Having worked for both The Shorthorn and Renegade, White said she thinks that both bring a sense of community for the UTA campus.

UTA Radio is an Internet-based radio station, at http://radio.uta.edu. Students run the station with advice from faculty. As adviser, as-sistant communication professor Andrew Clark said the station gives students a chance to listen to and also host various types of shows such as music and talk shows.

Sports coverage is the largest component of UTA Radio, and stu-dent reporters often travel with the teams. Clark said it’s a good way to let students and parents know what’s going on.

“The sports programming on UTA Radio is not available any-where else,” he said. “People can hear play-by-play of many of UTA’s sporting events and hear interviews with the players and coaches.”

Clark also acts as adviser for the

MaverickTV Association. This orga-nization allows students to produce various programs and air them on the UTA Comcast cable channel 76. These programs include news and talk shows.

Clark said the types of shows MaverickTV produces change se-mesterly, depending on the interest of students. In spring, Maverick TV had four shows.

“We try to put quality programs together that benefit UTA students and put UTA in a good light,” Clark said.

Communication alumnus Arya Ahmadi, who worked for both, said that although UTA Radio and Mav-erickTV offer a more localized news coverage, he wouldn’t encourage stu-dents to make it their main source.

“I don’t think our pro-gramming is that great, but it’s good to get involved in it,” he said.

A h m a d i said the radio and TV sta-tion are bet-ter training grounds than news sources.

“It’s good for students to get involved in it for the fu-ture,” he said. “You can learn from your mis-takes and be better prepared.”

All of the student media organi-zations offer job opportunities for students as well. UTA Radio and Maverick TV prefer students who have taken production classes or had previous experience.

“We don’t have the time or fa-cilities to train people,” Clark said. “But you can learn on the job.” The Shorthorn and Renegade are more open.

“It helps if [students] come in with some sort of journalism expe-rience, particularly in design or as a reporter,” Whitley said. “But we’ve hired a number of people who have little journalism experience and put out great work.”

Both publication advisers believe that the most important thing is having students who are eager to work.

“I’m looking for talent more than academic credentials,” Pitluk said. “Talent, drive, enthusiasm and pas-sion.”

BUNMI [email protected]

Mediacontinued from page 9

“It helps if [students] come in with some sort of journalism experience, particularly in design or as a reporter. But we’ve hired a number of people who have little journalism experience and put out great work.”

Chris WhitleyThe Shorthorn adviser


Volunteering allows students to make a difference in the community — or the country — but it also establishes a chance to experience life outside school.

Students considering volunteering have many resources available to them through the university.

Seth Ressl, Student Activities assistant director, said UTA Volunteers allows students to get involved in activities outside of the university with other students.

“There’s a real wide variety of things,” Ressl said. “The projects they plan are open to anybody.”

He said options for volunteering consist of trips and visits to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Habitat for Human-ity, park clean-ups and animal-related excursions.

In addition, the Alternative Breaks gives students the opportunity to travel to various loca-tions with other volunteers. Ressl said some students spent their spring break at Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles.

“There are a lot of students that experience things they would otherwise not get to experience,” he said. “It allows you to basically learn about yourself to make life decisions.”

Plus, anyone willing to take their time to volunteer might just get some extra credit, Ressl said.

The Volunteer Center of North Texas allows students to volunteer for events, including cat adoptions, being an air-port ambassador, working with chil-dren at a camp or becoming a role model for teens and juveniles.

Public Relations Manager Patri-cia Melton said the Web site allows students to search through volunteer opportunities concentrating on what would be interesting and fit schedules.

“[The Volunteer Center of North Texas] works with over 1,800 nonprofit agencies in North Texas,” she said.

Melton said a lot of the agencies offer training and that those able to volunteer only once in a while can do special events or even volunteer from their home.

Biology junior Raju Totloor volunteered this summer.“I think it helps you appreciate what you have,” he said.

“We assume luxuries to be necessities — it’s humbling.”

REACH OUTFor information on UTA Volunteers, visit http://www.uta.edu/stuact/volunteer/index.php, or call 817-272-2963.For information on the Volunteer Center for North Texas, visit http://www.volunteernorthtexas.org, or call toll free 866-797-8268.

Values of VirtuosityVolunteer opportunities may

give students chance to make a difference, experience life

STORY BY REBEKAH WORKMAN

“There are a lot of students that experience things they would other-wise not get to experience. It allows you to basically learn about yourself to make life decisions.”

Seth Ressl, Student Activities assistant director

The Shorthorn: Hayley Harris

Biology sophomore Karindulai signs up to receive infor-mation about how to be a big sister during the Volunteer Fair during the fall semester.


Finding employment while attending UTA may be easier than it sounds.

Those searching for work can find employment vacancies through sever-al options available at the university.

One possibility is Mav Jobs, spon-sored by Student Employment Ser-vices. This service offers a job listing on http://careers.uta.edu/mavjobs of off-campus employment and off-campus work-study jobs through its “Hire a Maverick” program.

Nikki Dickens, the service’s career adviser, said the job listings on the Web site don’t require a degree for those students who are looking for a part-time job to have money in their pockets while in school.

“Any currently enrolled student can use our services,” she said. “Everything’s free.”

Mav Careers is accessible online at http://careers.uta.edu for those looking for internships and includes career skills tips needed to get hired.

Career Services Coordinator Wesley Ragle said the ser-vice offers assessments to identify a student’s interests and skills.

“[Career Services] teach students how to write résu-més,” he said. “We teach job-search strategies — common format for interviews.”

Another approach for finding off-campus employment is through the classified ads in The Shorthorn, the university’s student newspaper. The jobs listed focus on employment with restaurants, Six Flags, government jobs and administrative work in the Arling-ton area.

Students looking for on-cam-pus jobs can use Human Resourc-es through the student employ-ment system.

Ehren Wixson, Human Re-sources assistant director, said a Web site is available to search for on-campus listings.

“[Students] can register with the online system and look at dif-ferent jobs and apply for different jobs,” he said. “The department puts out in their postings what kind of skills they are looking for.”

He said tutoring, student as-sistant, customer service and com-puter lab positions are a few of the positions available.

Architecture graduate student

Web of Opportunities

Career Services helps students find on- and off-campus jobs

STORY BY REBEKAH WORKMAN

“I had to fill out an application online. They found a match — I can work three days a week.”

Havah Surad architecture graduate student

Searching The Shorthorn classifieds

is a way for students to find

either on- or off-campus

jobs.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sept. 21. Employer showcase in the University Center Bluebonnet Ballroom.

For information, call 817-272-2895.

CAREER SERVICES Type: Degree-specific internships and jobsLocation: 216 Davis HallPhone: 817-272-2932Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, Monday and Thursday evenings by ap-pointment. Contact: Kimshi Hickman

Type: Business InternshipsLocation : 106 Business BuildingPhone : 817-272-5201Fax: 817-272-5305Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, evenings by appointmentContact: Cheri Butler

Type: Student Employment ServicesLocation : University Center, west en-trancePhone: 817-272-2895Fax: 817-272-5791Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, evenings by appointmentContact: Janet Peters

JOBS continues on page 19

Campus Events

The Shorthorn: Photo Illustration: Michelle Proksell


lasting marks, students don’t really get in trouble and that he didn’t let the rules keep him from decorating. He used tacks to hang pictures on the textured walls in his room, but he covered up any remaining holes in the walls with toothpaste.

“As long as it looks new and keeps up like new, it’s not a big deal,” he said.

Elementary education sopho-more Darcy Wild said she couldn’t use tacks to hang posters in Brazos Hall because the walls were made of concrete. She said she used framed pictures and Mardi Gras beads to decorate her room and would de-scribe her room’s style as eclectic.

“It’s got all my stuff in it,” she said. “It doesn’t really make much sense to anyone but me.”

Wild said it can be hard to deco-rate when living with a roommate. She said her last roommate was the “polar opposite” of her, so it was hard to find a matching style.

Employees at Pier One Imports, located on Cooper and Road to Six Flags streets in Arlington, can help students put together their room style. Assistant manager Evan Newell said the store’s new “Urban Groove” line is good for dorm rooms.

“It’s bright and colorful,” she said. “If they show a student ID, they’ll get 15 percent off regular and clearance items.”

The Container Store Web site,

http://www.containerstore.com, also offers decorating help to stu-dents with its “Organize a Dorm Room” feature. With this, students answer questions concerning their living arrangements and a “college expert” helps the student plan their room via e-mail or telephone.

Courtney Shaver, a public rela-tions coordinator for the Container Store, stated in a letter that the Web site also has examples of dorm room designs.

“Our organization’s experts have

the solutions for these students to create an organized and great-looking dorm,” she stated.

Wild said she didn’t buy a lot of new things for her room but brought some things from home and used items she accumulated from school functions to fill space.

Harmon said he bought things mostly from Target and Bed Bath and Beyond.

“I decorated kind of mod, two or three colors — very simple,” he said. “I like retro kind of vintage stuff.”

Duncan said students should first direct any questions they have concerning decorating rules to their hall’s resident adviser. She said that each hall can have its own rules in addition to the Housing Office’s rules.

Duncan had some advice for prospective freshmen residents.

“We definitely encourage resi-dents to get insurance,” she said. “And use their space wisely.”

MEGAN [email protected]

Havah Surad currently works on campus in the computer lab. He said he’s able to interact with stu-

dents and that his job is set to work around his school schedule.

“I had to fill out an applica-tion online,” he said. “They found a match — I can work three days a week.”


Decoratingcontinued from page 11

Jobscontinued from page 18

Courtesy photo: http://www.containerstore.com

The Container Store’s Bubble Bath Accessories come in green or blue. The tumbler ($3.99), pump dispenser ($6.99), soap dish ($3.99) and tooth-brush holder ($4.99) are made from two layers of shatter-resistant plastic.

Courtesy photo: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com

Bed Bath & Beyonds’s Infinity Towels are 100 percent cotton. The washcloth ($2.99), hand towel ($3.99) and bath towel ($4.99) come in lime green, aqua, hot pink, bright purple and bright orange.

Fall 2005THE SHORTHORN :: SURVIVAL GUIDE Fall 2005 Page 21THE SHORTHORN :: SURVIVAL GUIDE

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Fall 2005 Page 23THE SHORTHORN :: SURVIVAL GUIDE

For new students who are often occupied with adapting to a new environment and mak-

ing friends, personal security may not be a main concern.

But Police Chief Bob Hayes thinks it should be.

“We urge students to always be aware of their surroundings,” he said. “The only person that can pro-tect you is yourself.”

According to Hayes, “unattend-ed thefts” are the highest crime on campus in terms of rate. Hayes said these crimes usually occur when a student is careless with belongings.

“A typical theft is when students put down their backpacks, leave, and their things are gone when they come back,” he said.

In 2004, 280 thefts were re-ported.

The UTA Police Department rec-ommends that students report thefts or lost books immediately for a bet-

ter possibility of retrieving them. Also, become familiar with the loca-tion of emergency phones and call boxes around campus buildings, and utilize the department’s safety escort service when leaving or arriving at the library or the computer lab at night.

The police depar tment provides Sam’s Safe Ride, a safety escort service that has been available since 2002. In its first year of operation, it transported more than 25,000 stu-dents around campus during late-night hours, even though the ser-vice is not offered during the sum-mer, Hayes said. The service will be available during the fall and spring,

Safety FirstUTA’s crime rate is lower than other schools; services provide safety for students

STORY BY TRISTAN VAWTERS

“We urge students to always be aware of their surroundings. The only person that can protect you is yourself.”

Bob Hayes police chief

The Shorthorn: Photo Illustration: Drew Campbell

Students should be safety-oriented when living on or off campus. One way of doing so includes checking to see who is at your door before opening it.

UTA POLICE DEPARTMENTEmergency 817-272-3003Nonemergency 817-272-3381Crime prevention 817-272-3905

SEXUAL ASSAULTThe UTA Police Department promotes training and preparation to help indi-viduals survive a sexual assault.

According to the department, there is no easy “all purpose” solu-tion to the problem of sexual assault confrontation and prevention. Ad-vanced preparation, awareness and education may lack the simplicity and comfort that a whistle or chemical spray may offer, but it is a realistic approach to a complex situation that could help victims understand more appropriate options for dealing with such an encounter.

Relying on only one type of option or not having a developed self-protec-tion plan may result in a higher risk of risk of assault.

Step 1: Assess personal strengths and weaknesses.

Step 2: Practice techniques that will help you to assess and to manipulate different environments to the disad-vantage of an assailant.

Step 3: Learn about the various types of rapists, their motivations and their assaultive behavioral patterns.

METHODS OF PREVENTIONThe best defense a victim has against any type of assault is to use common sense. The most important thing to remember in an assault situation is that you are not trying to fight the attacker, but you are attempting to divert, distract, or incapacitate the assailant in order to get away.

The following methods of resis-tance can be used to deter an attack. However, it must be stressed that the success of any method depends on a person’s ability to apply it intuitively.

Self-defense — Using “hands-on” self defense tactics designed to distract or injure the attacker.

Passive resistance — Compliance is an acceptable option unless a victim believes an attacker will kill them.

Chemicals use — Using disabling agents such as pepper spray.

Noisemaking devices — Using loud sounds such as whistles.

Verbal resistance — Using effective words and tones on an attacker.

— Courtesy of the UTA Police Department

SAFETY continues on page 26

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Students who want to become involved in politi-cally minded activities can choose from a range of organizations, from partisan groups to de-

partmental councils offered throughout campus.“As students, we really want to raise political

awareness,” political science junior Kat Miller said.Miller, who is the College Republicans president,

said the group’s goal is to help keep students knowl-edgeable about political issues even when it is not an election year. She said new students should get involved in with whatever organization they are in-terested.

“Get out there, and go to the meetings,” she said.Since the 2004 presidential election, student

participation in the campus political groups has increased, University Democrats President Jeremy Serna said.

Serna, a political science junior, said that although his group differs in political ideology with the College Republicans, the groups get along well.

“A lot of people think politics is ugly,” he said. “It’s not an ugly thing.”

Student Congress President Josh Sawyer said the College Republicans and University Democrats are groups that students should join if they already have partisan leanings.

“If you know what side you sit on, consider one of these groups,” he said.

For those who do not wish to have partisan lean-ings, the Student Peace Action Network allows stu-dents the chance to discuss national political trends, said Zach Salo, biology freshman and network presi-dent.

“Our main objective is to create a venue for stu-dents to discuss peace movements in the U.S.,” Salo said.

Sawyer said other organizations that can help students get involved on a nonpartisan basis are the constituency councils for each of the colleges, SC, the Freshman Interest Groups or Freshman Leaders On Campus.

“I think all students should check out SC or the constituency councils,” he said.

Sawyer added that every college has a constituency council that meets once a month to discuss issues within that college and that the councils are “mainly a gateway to get to the administration of the colleges.”

Political science senior Carl Esposito, who is an SC liberal arts senator, said he decided to get in-volved because of the work he was already doing in admis-sions of helping prospective students.

“I thought that was great, but I wanted to get more

Movers and Shakers

Various student organizations offer chances to take charge

“A lot of people think politics is ugly. It’s not an ugly thing.”

Jeremy Serna political science junior and Univ-eristy Democrats president

DO SOMETHING ABOUT ITFor information on student organizations, call 817-272-2293 or visit http://www.uta.edu/studentgovernance.

“As students, we really want to raise political awareness.”

Kat Millerpolitical science junior and College Republicans president

STORY BY RAYMOND JORDAN

POLITICS continues on page 30


Sunday through Friday from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Exercise science senior Wesanda Simms, who was an escort driver during the spring, said overall the campus is pretty safe at night.

“I never got scared or had any type of confrontations,” she said. “The service offers good protection.”

Simms believes that one of the reasons why the service has been successful is because the escorts are always in constant connection with the campus police.

“We have walkie-talkies to keep in contact with the dispatch and other workers,” she said. “We have good communication.”

Tiffany McJunkins, early child-hood education sophomore, lives at Centennial Court apartments and said residing on campus with other college students adds to her feeling of safety.

“You know who you’re around because we’re all living here for a purpose,” she said.

Compared to other schools of similar size located in a highly popu-lated area, the university has a low crime rate, Hayes said.

In 2003, UTA had 283 thefts, 10 auto thefts, 34 burglaries, five rapes and two aggravated assaults. The University of Houston, also located within a dense urban area, had 507 thefts, 34 auto thefts, 14 burglaries, three rapes and four aggravated as-saults for the same year, according to the 2003 Crime in Texas report.

UT-San Antonio had 106 thefts, two auto thefts, 42 burglaries, three rapes and one aggravated assault, according to the UT System Police 2003 annual report.

Hayes attributes UT-San Anto-nio’s lower crime rate due to its location in the city, while this school is in the center of a city of more than 300,000 people.

“[UT-San Antonio] is on the outer belt of the city where it’s a lot harder for [criminals] to get to that

school,” he said. “This university is more of a target because we’re with-in a higher concentration of people with no barriers.”

The University of North Texas, which is a similar school in terms of size compared to UTA, has a simi-lar crime rate, even though it is within a city with about 200,000 less people than UTA.

For 2003, UNT had 236 thefts, 10 auto thefts, 41 bur-glaries, no rapes and 11 aggra-vated assaults, according to the 2003 Crime in Texas report.

“For a high concentration of peo-ple in one place, we have a low crime rate,” Hayes said.

TRISTAN [email protected]

Safetycontinued from page 23

“I never got scared or had any type of con-frontations. The service offers good protection.”

Wesanda Simmsexercise science senior and former escort driver

SAFETY TIPSThe UTA Police Department promotes preventative safety. Here are some tips they give to stay safe.

Driving Tips:1. Keep car doors locked at all

times, even while driving.2. Before entering your car, look in

the back seat.3. Have keys in hand to unlock car

and get in the car immediately. Dig-ging in a purse or pocket for keys can attract an attacker.

4. Have enough gas for travel, and maintain vehicles to avoid unnecesary stops.

5. Park in areas that will be well-lit.6. Keep a flashlight, Fix-A-Flat,

maps, warm clothing, a fire extin-guisher, first aid kit, bottled water and an empty gas can, in your vehicle. Also, have a spare tire, jack and lug wrench and know how to use them.

Walking Tips:1. Avoid walking alone or walk in

areas that people frequent.2. Stay in well-lit areas, away from

alleys, bushes and entryways.3. If a driver stops to ask for

directions, avoid getting near the car.4. Become familiar with the

locations of emergency phones and call boxes on campus.

5. If you carry a purse, carry it close to your body, preferably in front. Carry no more money or credit cards than needed. Let go of the purse if someone tries to take it from you, to avoid being hurt or injured.

6. Let a friend or family member know when you are leaving or arriving and when you expect to be home or at your destination.

7. Call a UTA Police escort when leaving or arriving somewhere on campus at night.

Safety Tips Riding a UTA Bus:1. Sit close to the driver. 2. Be aware of other conversa-

tions. Don’t let strangers overhear where you’re going or where you live.

3. If you believe that someone is following you when you get off the bus, walk toward other people or to an open building.

— Courtesy of the UTA Police Department

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Whether people are look-ing for friends, involve-ment, connections or

following in a family member’s footsteps, many turn to Greek Life organizations to find a com-fortable place.

Zac Sanders, political science junior and Student Congress vice president, attributes his college con-nections and skills to his fraternity involvement.

“Greek Life has really molded me to be a successful student on cam-pus,” the Sigma Chi fraternity vice president said.

Sanders joined the fraternity his freshman year because he wanted to have fun and meet people who could help him further his life and career.

He said the time investment is what the member makes it. “They are like any other student organization on campus,” Sanders

said. ”Really, what you put into it determines what you get out of it.” Business management junior Craig Allen said he was against join-

ing a fraternity his freshman year until he made friends with Greek Life members and joined Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

“[Joining] changes the school a lot,” said Allen, who also serves as a UTA Hosts student coordinator. “There was so much more to it that I didn’t know.”

He said the traditions and camaraderie of the fra-ternity offered something the school alone could not — enabling him to work at the university and become more involved.

Both Allen and Sanders recommend going through formal rush because people are not required to join a fraternity or sorority afterward. They say rushing al-lows people to determine which organization, if any, is right for them. Orientation fees range from $5 to $15.

Greek Life activities fairs, in which two representa-tives from each fraternity and sorority are present, are held Mondays in July. There, students can see which organizations are available.

There are currently about 800 students in Greek Life at UTA.

“Rush is a time when everyone is welcome,” Sand-ers said. “You can go meet everyone, and if it’s not for you, at least you know.”

Mandatory information sessions for the four Greek councils are held Aug. 30, 31 and Sept. 6, depending on which council the fraternity or sorority is in.

Organizational dues average around $300 to $400 and range from $150 to $765 for new members. There is also a minimum GPA of about 2.4 for each council.

Greek Life adviser Elizabeth Massengale said dues for fraternities and sororities with houses on campus are usually more expensive. However, in comparison with other universities, the payments are less because the cost of food and “house moms” are not included, Allen said.

Nicole Gagnon, marketing senior and Delta Delta Delta sorority alumna, said those living in the sorority houses often have more senior-ity in the group.

She also said the sorority encourages its members to get involved with other organizations on campus. Gagnon said she’s been able to meet a lot of people from campus.

“I’ve always had at least one person that I know in class,” she said.Lindsey Shirey, political science senior and Alpha Chi Omega soror-

ity president, said joining is easy, and there are people who help during the process.

She decided to get involved because her mother still talks to her sorority sisters after 30 years. She said she wanted friends she could know for a lifetime.

Feel the RushFraternities and sororities offer connections, insight to the university

STORY BY MEREDITH MOORE

BECOME A MEMBERFor information, visit http://www.uta.edu/greek or contact Elizabeth Massengale at 817-272-2963 or [email protected]

The Shorthorn: Andrew Campbell

Film student Ford Hook partakes in the Pike For A Night auctions held at J. Gilligans during the spring semester. The Greeks often host events such as this one.

“[Joining] changes the school a lot. There was so much more to it that I didn’t know.”

Craig Allen business management junior and UTA Hosts student coordinator


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Campus EventsServices


Arriving at college for the start of freshman year can be a little nerve-wracking, but for some international students, the situation

can be downright frightful. These students aren’t only arriving at a new

school but a whole new country. International students can rest assured that

there are people at UTA who want to help them with this transition.

Much of this help can be found through the Office of International Education, located in the University Center. This office runs the orientations for new international students, which Joanna Mc-Clellan said is a requirement for these students to attend.

“We talk about immigration regulations, how to enroll in classes,” said McClellan, who is the international student and scholar services director. “Health services talks about what to do when you’re sick; peer advisers are on hand.”

Representatives from local banks, such as Wells Fargo, are also invited to the orientation. The banks pass out information and talk to the students about getting an account, a process that McClellan said can be hard since international students don’t have social security numbers.

Welcome AboardInternational students have several chances

to find their niche

STORY BY MEGAN WRIGHT

The Shorthorn: Photo Illustration: Andrew Campbell

International students have a variety of forms to fill out as well as orientations to attend and various clubs and groups they may want to join.

WORLD continues on page 33

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Josh Sawyer never thought he would be a graduating senior at UTA, much less Student

Congress president.

The architecture senior came here in fall 2001 after graduating from Martin High School in Ar-lington, with the intention of tak-

ing his basic classes before trans-ferring to UT-Austin.

Sawyer said he and a friend from high school got involved

with EX.C.E.L. Campus Activities, a student group that plans rec-reational, social, educational and entertainment events on campus, so they could pad their résumés.

“Once we got into it, we found out that it was a lot more fun,” he said. “It made going to school that much more enjoyable.”

Sawyer said his experience with EX.C.E.L. gave him the necessary push to become more involved.

In spring 2002, he was sworn in as an SC senator and will begin his first semester as president this fall.

“I got involved in SC because I saw all the great things that we could do to help the students and UTA,” Sawyer said.

He said one of SC’s main goals for fall will be to re-engage stu-dents with the constituency coun-cils on campus and increase com-munication with students.

Originally, UTA was going to be a stepping stone for Sawyer on his way to UT-Austin, but after a year here, he said he decided not to transfer.

“We have really good schools here,” he said.

He said incoming freshmen should know “that UTA is not just a stepping stone.”

“This university has a lot more than what [freshmen] will ever expect,” he said. “UTA has given me opportunities that I couldn’t get anywhere else.”

Sometimes, he said, incom-ing freshmen can become over-whelmed by all of the groups and activities on campus. He added that the most important thing is to gather information about the university and about student ac-tivities first and that new students should take some time to learn about the organizations before

joining groups.“Be proactive, but don’t jump

in to things too early,” he said. “There’s a big difference between high school and college.”

He mentioned two groups that can help freshmen get their feet in the door: the Freshman Leaders on Campus and Freshman In-terest Groups. He also sug-gested visiting the Student G o v e r n a n c e and Organiza-tions Office in the University Center.

“Don’t be afraid to ask q u e s t i o n s ,” Sawyer said. “They’re will-ing to help.”

SC adviser Jeff Sorensen said he is look-ing forward to working with Sawyer and the senators.

“Josh is very inclusive, very committed to what he does,” he said. “He’ll bring those strengths to the position.”

Although Sawyer said he enjoys the work he has done in SC, the former high school football tight end has no plans to get involved with city government and would rather get a job at a good architec-ture firm.

“I will not be running for mayor,” he joked. “I’m not a politi-cian — I’m an architect.”

Stepping Stone to Success For the Student Congress president, campus involvement leads

to unexpected opportunities

STORY BY RAYMOND JORDAN

involved helping current students,” he said.

He advised starting with con-stituency councils, SC, Freshmen Leaders On Campus or Rock the

Vote.“I always tell students who are

interested in being involved on campus to try a variety of differ-ent organizations so that they can learn the leadership skills that are necessary to affect change on campus,” Esposito said.

RAYMOND [email protected]

Politicscontinued from page 25

“This univer-sity has a lot more than what [fresh-men] will ever expect. UTA has given me opportuni-ties that I couldn’t get anywhere else.”

Josh Sawyer Student Congress president


Some do it with friends. Some choose complete strangers. Either way, living with a roommate has its challenges.

Sociology senior Cherika Miller said the world she knew changed after moving away from her parents and moving in with three girls she had never met before.

One day Miller became upset when she discovered that one of her room-mates had eaten her green beans.

“She practiced witchcraft, so I just left it alone,” she said.

Eating someone’s food may seem petty, but Miller said she couldn’t afford to share her food on a college student’s budget.

Along with freedom, college life can mean dividing refrigerator space, set-ting up cleaning rules and learning to live with someone else’s habits.

Nursing junior Allison Lee said she had to deal with thermo-stat issues after her roommate kept the apartment heated year round.

“For Christmas, we got her a blanket that said, ‘I like it hot,’ ”

The Odd CoupleHeed caution when choosing a roommate, learn to compromise

STORY BY TRACIE MORALES

“If you don’t have an understand-ing or respect for that person than it’s not going to work out.”

Amanda Eppersonexercise science senior

The Shorthorn: Photo Illustration: Chris FoxROOMMATE continues on page 32

Kinesiology juinor Maegan Maxwell and interior de-sign junior Mika Shorter have a fight in their apartment. With little space of your own, roomates will occasionally argue, but don’t let it interfere with your overall well being.

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she said. Roommate life has brought Kari

Eckerle, secondary teaching gradu-ate student, a lot of wisdom about living with others. She said the golden rule for living with a room-mate is having respect for that per-son and that talking about issues like cleaning, groceries and privacy can help roommates get along.

“If you have a problem, don’t keep it in because it will explode,” she said.

Mari Duncan, housing interim assistant director for residence life, said many conflicts arise from a lack of communication.

On move-in day, residents are given a roommate agreement form that discusses topics like how gro-ceries will be paid for or what items will be shared.

“There is a lot of simple things that we take for granted,” she said.

Duncan encourages residents to let the Housing Office know if any problems need to be addressed. She said that a media-tion process would occur between the resident advisor and the feuding room-mates. If problems persist, then the hall director will work to settle any differ-ences.

As a last resort, Duncan said, a room change may occur depending on the availability of spaces in the residence hall.

“We want students to come up with their own solutions,” she said. “They need to be committed to change.”

Keisha A. Dicks, attorney for the students, advises all students to be cautious in selecting room-mates. She said issues like payment due dates and individual payment amounts should be in writing.

Dicks urges students to ask questions about their contract be-cause once it’s signed, not much can be done.

“The more you can get in writ-ing, the better off you will be,” she said.

Miller now lives with exercise science senior Amanda Epperson and has for the past three years. Epperson said the secret behind their relationship has more to do with communication than staying away from each other’s food.

“If you don’t have an understand-ing or respect for that person than it’s not going to work out,” she said.

TRACIE MORALESnews-editor.shorthorn.uta.edu

Roommatecontinued from page 31

“There is a lot of simple things that we take for granted.”

Mari Duncanhousing interim assistant director for residence life

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Campus Services


Nobody’s perfect when it comes to eating healthy and keeping a regular workout

regimen. It’s especially hard when taking

15 hours and working a part-time job.

But the “freshman 15” is no joke, so here are a few tips on how to stay (relatively) fit on campus.

Hidden away in students’ tu-ition bills are fees that go toward maintenance and usage of the Ac-tivities Building which is equipped with two gymnasiums, two weight rooms complete with 40 cardio machines, an aerobics room, an indoor track and outside jogging trails.

Racquetball courts, table ten-nis, equipment checkout and locker room facilities are also available. The building is open Monday-Fri-day from 6 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday

Quest for FitnessWellness programs, campus facilities cater to a healthy lifestyle

STORY BY HEATHER ANN WHITE

The Shorthorn: Chris Fox

Marketing student Michael O’Malley uses the cable pull machine in the Activities Building. Students can work out for free to relieve stress during the se-mester.FITNESS continues on page 38

McClellan said students get an overview of the university through the mandatory orientation. Fall ori-entation will be held the first three Fridays of Au-gust from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the UC B l u e b o n n e t Ballroom.

I n t e r n a -tional students can also adjust by joining one of the many in-ternational or multicultural organizations on campus. McClellan said these clubs can be helpful to new students.

“I think a lot of them [join organi-zations] be-cause it’s a nice introduction,” she said. “Some

Worldcontinued from page 29

“I think a lot of them [ join organizations] because it’s a nice intro-duction,” she said. “Some organizations will even go pick them up from the air-port.”

Joanna McClellaninternational student and scholar services director

WORLD continues on page 34

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UTA has an active atmosphere during regular hours, but after classes it can get a bit hard to find anything open. How-

ever, several places on or around campus stay open later to cater to students.

For instance, the Market, a convenience store located in the University Center, offers

a variety of items from candy and soda to everyday household

items. While the store is only open until 8 p.m. during the fall, the Plaza, also located in the UC, will reopen from 8 to 11 p.m., allowing students who missed the closing time

at the Market to stock up with-out leaving campus. For 24-hour shopping, a 7-

Eleven is located at Center and Second streets, right next to Arlington Hall.

In addition to convenience stores, several drive-through restaurants have opened up on Abram Street just north of campus. Many of these shops now take credit cards and offer

discounts to UTA students who have their Mav Express card, and almost all of them keep the drive-through lane open after midnight.

On campus, the Central Library will be open 24 hours, allowing students to check out books, audio/visual equipment or laptops at any time. There are computer labs on nearly every floor that are free for students, as well as a study lounge on the fifth floor. In addition to the library, Ransom Hall, the university’s main com-puter lab, will also be open 24 hours. The front desk will have handouts ready to help first-time students log into the network and access their storage space.

Along with academic facilities, the univer-sity also houses the Activities Building, complete with basketball courts, a jogging track and a weight room. Access is free with the Mav Ex-press card, and it stays open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Friday, and until 8 p.m. on Saturday.

The UTA Police department has continuous night shift patrols of the university, to ensure

organizations will even go pick them up from the airport.”

The Student Governance and Organizations Office had 31 inter-national/multicultural registered groups as of June 22. A list of these and other university organizations can be picked up from their office. These clubs range from the African Students’ Organization to the Thai Student Association.

Electrical engineering senior Huy Nguyen, Asian Student As-sociation president, said his orga-nization is not directed toward one group but is a combination of Asian ethnicities and even some non-Asian members. He said joining is

a way to discover new cultures. “Our main goal is to get new

students accustomed to campus life — a way to network people,” he said. “We do that through activities like bowling and billiards, paint-ball, camping and a night where we all go to the movies.”

He said they also have study groups and try to set up freshmen with other students with the same major for advice. Nguyen said join-ing costs $15 for the entire year, but the cost includes some of the activities.

The India Music Arts and Cul-tural Society is free of charge, said Chaitanya Chandra, who was in charge of publicity last year for the society but recently graduated. Elections for new officers will be held in the fall.

“Anyone who’s willing to spend time with us can come and join,” he said. “Most are international stu-dents, but maybe 70 or 80 are actu-ally U.S. citizens.”

Chandra said the society holds performances to promote Indian culture “for everyone to come and enjoy.” He said music and dance are an integral part of the organiza-tion.

The Office of International Edu-cation will start a program in the fall to connect international stu-dents with members of the sur-rounding community. Friendship partners in The Link will spend time together at least once a month to share each other’s culture.

“Many of these students desire to learn about American culture and practice English by becoming friends with community residents,” said International Education Advis-er Tara Hammett, who is in charge of the program. “Many Americans also desire to learn about other cul-tures and get to know people from other parts of the world.”

To learn about The Link, stu-dents can pick up an information packet in the International Office, located in the UC.

McClellan said she encourages international students to come by the office whenever they need help.

“If they have any questions, please come by and talk to us,” she said.


“Many of these students desire to learn about Ameri-can culture and practice English by becoming friends with community residents. Many Americans also desire to learn about other cultures and get to know people from other parts of the world.”

Tara Hammettinternational education adviser

Worldcontinued from page 33

Looking for that academic edge?Look no further!

UniversityTutorial�� • Cost-share tutoring available to all UTA

students-wide range of courses- $6.50 per hour• Supplemental Instruction www.uta.edu/SOAR/default.aspx • Online Tutoring

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Student Support Services�� • Free small group tutoring in lower division level courses for qualifying students • Academic, career and personal counseling • Computer labs and academic seminars

McNair Scholars��• Academic skill building and research techniques for qualified students preparing for graduate school• Research internship with UTA faculty during summer ($2800 stipend)• Apply in the Fall Semester

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Up late?Night owls can take advantage of some

services well into the night

STORY BY C J PATTON

LATE NIGHT continues on page 38

INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCEOnline help:The Office of International Education offers services through its Web site: http://www.uta.edu/oie.

Clubs:A complete list of international on-campus organizations is available online at http://www.uta.edu/uta/studentorgs.

—courtesy art


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Unfortunately, everyone can’t play for the Mavericks. But for those who play for the love of the game

and enjoy some competition, Campus Recreation has intramural sport competitions all year long.

Campus Recreation has both team and individual/dual sports for students to compete in. The sports offered include soccer, basketball, flag football, pool, foosball, tennis and golf among others. The sports that are offered depend on the semester.

The most popular sports are football and basketball, but soccer is also a growing intramural sport.

For students who like sports but don’t want to physically play, fantasy sports are offered.

Fantasy sports, which are played online, are a more recent addition to the recreational sports list. Students draw for an-other player and then compete with their chosen teams. The players arrange the time and day.

Durl Rather, informal recreation and facilities assistant director, said fantasy sports is a “pretty big deal” and that even ESPN holds competitions. UTA has had fantasy sports competitions for about three years, and Rather said it’s been growing.

“Last year we had five different deals,” he said. “Twelve dif-ferent teams in each, so 60 players.”

If students are interested in a game or sport that is not offered, they can talk to Chris Muller, intramural sports assis-tant director. This past year, Texas Hold ’Em, a form of poker, joined the list of offered games.

Off the BenchIntramural sports offer

competition for everyone

STORY BY BUNMI ISHOLA

INTRAMURAL continues on page 38

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GREEK CALENDARAUGUST

Aug. 19, Move-in Day: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Members of various fraternities and sororities will assist people in moving into the residence halls.

Aug. 21, Greek Barbecue: 7-9 p.m., Greek Row. A welcome party for all new and returning students who are interested in meeting Greeks and learning about recruiting.

Aug. 22, Mavs Meet! Fall Convoca-tion: 4-10 p.m., Texas Hall. Several organizations, including Greek Life, will march from the Central Library to Texas Hall for the official greeting for the fall semester.

Aug. 24, Mav Cook-Out and Activities Fair: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., University Center mall. Various Greek organiza-tions will be on hand at booths to answer questions and inform the student body about their organization and upcoming events.

Aug. 30, Interfraternity Council Re-cruitment Orientation: 6-9 p.m. UC Rosebud Theatre. A Mandatory Orientation for fraternities in the

council which marks the start of IFC Fall formal recruitment.

Aug. 31, Greek Life Activities Fair: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., UC mall. Greek Life fra-ternity and sorority members will be on hand to help students learn more about their organizations.

Aug. 31, National Pan-Hellenic Council Meet the Greeks: 7-9 p.m., UC Blue-bonnet Ballroom. Orientation for stu-dents interested in joining a National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternity or sorority. There will be a $5 registra-tion fee.

Aug. 31, Multicultural Greek Council Orientation Session: 7-9 p.m., UC Rio Grande Ballroom.

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 2, Multicultural Greek Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council Membership Intake: 5 p.m. Chapters of councils must submit Intake/Rush forms for the semester. Pick up forms in the Greek Life Office or online at http://www.uta.edu/stuact/greek/policies.php.

Sept. 6, Panhellenic Council Recruit-ment Begins: 7 p.m., UC Bluebonnet Ballroom. First day of council fall formal Recruitment. Must register at http://www.uta.edu/stuact/greek/membership.php to participate.

Sept. 10, Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council Bid Day: noon-1 p.m., center bridge. Fraternities and sororities will give formal invitations for students to join their chapters.

Sept. 11, New Member Mixer: 4-6 p.m., UC Bowling and Billiards.

OCTOBER

Oct. 6, Interfraternity and Panhellenic councils Pledge Presents: 6-8 p.m., Greek Row. New members introduce and serenade each other.

Oct. 6, Bed Races: 9 p.m., Maverick Stadium. Organizations and students all over campus will team up to participate in UTA’s “longest running tradition.”

Oct. 31, Greek life Halloween Carnival: 6-8 p.m., Greek Row. Greek Life will host a free Halloween carnival for children in the community.

NOVEMBER

Nov. 12, Deltz Zeta Roseball: Time and place TBA. Delta Zeta’s fall formal.

Nov. 19, Phi Gamma Delta Black Dia-mond Ball: Time and place TBA. Phi Gamma Delta fraternity’s fall formal.

ADDITIONAL

TBA, Sigma Chi Fight Night: Cowboys in Arlington. Sigma Chi fraternity will host an amateur boxing match to raise funds for the Boys and Girls Club of Arlington.

TBA, Tri Delta Frats at Bat: Delta Delta Delta sorority will host a softball tournament. All proceeds will go to one of its philanthropies.


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for students will be distributed

FREE TO ALL NEW STUDENTS*

beginning Monday, August 22

in the Dean of Students’ Office

Lower Level, E.H. Hereford University Center

* Special Edition for Residence Hall Students will be distributed by Housing

* Special Edition for Athletes will be distributed by the Athletic Department

Find out what’s going on when and organize your life.

Excellent students are always excellent time managers.

from noon to 11 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters. Per-sonal trainers are also available to help with healthy eating habits and to tailor exercise programs to individual needs.

UTA also offers the Quest well-ness program. The program’s as-sistant director Carrie Lutter said Quest helps students reach their wellness goals by providing quality programs and services suited for a student’s budget and lifestyle.

Lutter, who is also a certified personal trainer, aerobic instruc-tor and registered dietitian, said the program also provides free wellness education such as eating disorder support groups, monthly Lunch-n-Learn sessions and a Quest newsletter, which publishes six times a year with information on fitness and nutrition.

“Becoming involved in the Quest environment promotes positive health knowledge, atti-tudes and behavior,” she said. “The earlier a student does this in their college experience, the more likely these will become lifelong prac-tices.”

Lutter also said the program provides a place where students can meet like-minded, health-conscious people and gives them a sense of belonging and account-ability that is critical to develop-ing a healthy lifestyle. The pro-gram also helps students set an appropriate weight goal with fit-ness tests and personal trainers. It teaches safe and effective ways to use free weights and cardio machines and what healthy meal plans look like for students to sup-port their grades, activities and health with a registered dietitian, Lutter said.

“The importance of becom-ing physically active at UTA can’t be overemphasized,” she said. “It helps students learn to have confi-dence in their choices about their health.”

Intramural sports are another way to get involved and become active on campus. This is a great way to meet people and stay phys-ically active.

“Intramural sports creates a number of ways of importance,” Campus Recreation Director Doug Kuykendall said. “It puts people in team situations, creates

camaraderie, builds friendships, helps students stay in college and helps students do better in the classroom.”

Kuykendall said Campus Rec-reation has a lot to offer students and that 49 percent of the student body used the Activities B u i l d i n g ’ s facilities in the 2004-05 school year.

M a n y s t u d e n t s have little time for eat-ing between classes, but several con-venient and healthy eat-ing places are available on campus. In the Univer-sity Center food court, Montague’s Deli serves a variety of low-calorie sandwiches and wraps, and Chick-Fil-A offers low-fat salads which are all less than 300 calories. Chick-Fil-A also serves a grilled chicken sandwich and eight-pack

chicken nuggets that are less than 300 calories. Salad Garden also has a variety of salads and wraps for under $5.

The Connection Café, also lo-cated in the UC, always serves salad with low fat dressings and fresh fruit daily. The daily menu is available online at http://www3.uta.edu/dining.

HEATHER ANN WHITEnews-editor.shorthorn.uta.edu

Fitnesscontinued from page 33

SPORTS EXERCISE CLASSES AVAILABLE:Archery, martial arts, basketball, bowling, golf, fencing, fitness walk-ing, jogging for fitness, aerobic dance, yoga, cardio kickboxing, rac-quetball, swimming, water aerobics, tennis, volleyball, weight training, lifeguard training, self defense for women and scuba diving

HEALTHY PLACES TO EAT OFF CAMPUSTin Cup817-303-55181025 W. Abram St

Subway817-860-5130816 E. Abram St., Suite #102

Asia Wok(817) 861-8554 616 S. Center St.

LOCAL GYMSBally Total Fitness817-274-71772306 S. Collins St.

24 Hour Fitness 817-468-42223775 S. Cooper St.

Curves for Women817-274-6447770 Road to Six Flags St.

“Becoming involved in the Quest environ-ment promotes positive health knowledge, attitudes and behavior. The earlier a student does this in their college experience, the more likely these will become lifelong practices.”

Carrie Lutter Quest wellness program’s assistant director

the safety of students after dark. The department has also set up an escort service to protect students walking the university after hours. For in-formation about the police escort service, or to set up a personal se-curity escort, call the nonemergency number at 817-272-3381.

C J [email protected]

Late Nightcontinued from page 34

“If there are a lot of people interested, he’ll try to offer it,” Rather said. “But it depends on a lot of things like liabilities and available equipment.”

Dodgeball has also recently been added, since there was a lot of student interest.

There are three different in-tramural leagues: residence halls, Greek and open division. While students must sign up with their residence hall or Greek organi-zation for the first two leagues, any group of students can enter the open division. The champions from the three leagues later com-pete against each other to win the overall championship. Winning teams receive a T-shirt.

To enter any intramural league, teams must pay $20. If students can’t get a large enough team to-gether, they can either become or find a free agent. Individual and dual sports are free, except for golf and bowling which have different facilities.

BUNMI [email protected]

Intramuralcontinued from page 37


Keeping up with car and insur-ance payments while attending a university can be difficult, and

many students find it easier simply to give up their own car to ease the financial burden.

Students who take this route need not rely on taxi cabs to get around, as the uni-versity has several services already in place to help students.

The UTA Police Department operates a shuttle bus system Monday through Fri-day, taking students to various bus stops around the university. The buses operate from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and complete a full circuit approximately every 20 min-utes, dropping students off within walk-ing distance from practically anywhere on campus. In addition, the Mav Mover bus operates on Saturday to take students from UTA to The Parks mall and Wal-Mart in order to buy groceries and other items. The Saturday bus picks students up at the north entrance of the University Center at 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The weekday shuttle bus rides are free to students, and the Mav Mover bus costs $3 for all-day access.

Students who do decide to use their own car have various places to park around campus. Most lots are open to students, but check the sign before parking, as some are available only to faculty and staff.

In order to utilize the student parking lots, a parking hangtag must be purchased from the Parking Office at 700 S. Davis St. Regular parking tags are $90, as are resi-dential housing tags. Students who live on campus are only allowed to park in the lot assigned to that building. A dual parking pass can be purchased for $180, which gives access to both types of lots.

In addition, the university has a parking

garage, operating on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students may park in the garage at a rate of $7.15 per day or pay hourly.

Students with their own cars can find grocery stores a little closer to campus than Wal-Mart. There is an Albertsons Supermarket at 1050 W. Arkansas Ln. at the intersection with Cooper Street, and a Sack ‘n’ Save at 1909 E. Park Row Drive at the intersection with New York Av-enue. There are also several drive-through

restaurants on Abram Street, just north of campus, many of which offer student discounts.

Many newcomers will need to set up a bank account, and the university has sev-eral facilities near campus to help. There is a First Savings Bank at 500 E. Border St. and a Chase ATM built into the UC for withdrawals.

Many daily necessities can be found without leaving campus. The UC has a

cafeteria-style café as well as several kiosks offering a variety of foods.

The Market is a miniature convenience store with a supply of soda, candy and chips, and an automated DVD rental unit has been set up in the UC as well.

The UC also houses Bowling and Bil-liards, and several study nooks can be found in the Palo Duro Lounge and the entire upstairs lobby. The UC remains open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the fall and spring.

Getting AroundShuttle buses, on-campus facilities cater to students’ needs

STORY BY C J PATTON

The university bus system runs fre-quently during the day to transport stu-dents to and from dorms and classes. On weekends it travels to and from The Parks mall.

The Shorthorn: Drew Campbell

20050720_survivalguide

Documents

political organizations

desk chief

greek life

campus media

campus map

fall calendar

shannon sexton

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