Posted by: Mellina Stucky
Beginning Fall 2010, a voluntary group of Texas universities is synchronizing admission and financial aid application dates. March 1 is the new priority application date for admission. March 31 is the new date for financial aid applications.
The unified dates aim to boost the readiness of college-bound applicants, strengthen student opportunities for financial aid, simplify the work of high school counselors, and streamline the admissions process for families.
Troy Johnson, left, associate vice president for Enrollment Management, chairs the statewide group which promoted this change. This effort by the Council of Public University Presidents and Chancellor’s Enrollment Services Efficiency Committee will elevate statewide awareness that early application submission is a basic step to collegiate success. Students benefit by applying early in order to be considered in the initial admission applicant pool and for all types of federal, state, and institutional financial aid and scholarships.
Universities included in the first-round of adoption are:
- Midwestern State University
- Texas Woman’s University
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- University of Houston
- Tarleton State University
- University of North Texas
- Texas State University
- University of Texas at San Antonio
- Sam Houston State University
- Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Texas A&M University’s freshman admission application deadline is Jan. 15 and University of Texas at Austin’s freshman admission application deadline is Dec. 15, 2009 and moves to Dec. 1, 2010.
The priority application date for admission will be targeted primarily to freshman applicants. After the admission date has passed, institutions may choose to continue to accept applications on a space available basis.
The March 31 financial aid deadline has been adopted by the universities listed, including UT and A&M. The financial aid deadline applies to all students, including freshmen and transfers.
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Add Comment (0)Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
Eagles are known for their keen eyesight, responsible for the colloquialism “eagle eye.” Faculty, staff and students need sharp, clear vision, just like the campus mascot. What does it mean to have 20/20 vision?
A. You can clearly see objects at a distance of 20 feet.
B. You can see as well as birds of prey, such as eagles.
C. You need eyeglasses to read books.
D. You can read a 20-inch computer screen.
The correct answer is A. You can clearly see objects located at a distance of 20 feet from your eyes, which is the normal visual acuity (sharpness and clarity) for humans. Larger numbers indicate less than normal acuity. For example, if you have 20/100 vision, you must be within 20 feet of an object to clearly see what is normally visible at 100 feet, about the distance from the goal line to the 35 yard line on a football field.
Enter to win a $50 gift certificate to College Optical Express, the optometric service located in the Student Health and Wellness Center. Send an e-mail to inhouse@unt.edu with “2020” in the subject line by 5 p.m. Sept. 4. Winners will be selected at random from all responses.
College Optical Express opened on campus in May to provide optical services to the campus community. Giovanni Feroce is founder and CEO of www.RetailEyewear.com, which operates College Optical Express at UNT and other universities.
Eagles have visual acuity of about 20/5, a high density of ophthalmic light receptors and accurate judgment of distance. While soaring above, the eagle’s superb eyesight enables it to spot fish in a clear stream, see small mammals scurrying in the brush or snatch the occasional chihuahua.
• Learn more about American bald eagles, the national bird of the United States and the UNT mascot.
• Learn more about eye care.
(Photo courtesy of Meyer Media, LLC.)
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
A 17.8 percent increase in operating and capital budgets for Fiscal Year 2010 was approved by the UNT System Board of Regents at its Aug. 20-21 meeting.
The FY 2010 budget totals $787.8 million, about $119.1 million more than in FY2009. Excluding capital – dollars for construction, Higher Education Assistance Funds, auxiliary construction, bonds and commercial paper – the budget grew from $531.9 million in 2009 to $647.4 million in 2010 for a 10.4 per cent or $61.2 million increase over 2009.
The fiscal year begins Sept. 1.
Despite a difficult economy, Texas was one of fewer than a half dozen states that did not face a deficit when the 81st Texas Legislature began in January. “And, as most of you are well aware, UNT has been fiscally conservative and an excellent steward of our resources, whether from the state, tuition and fees, or donors,” President Gretchen M. Bataille wrote in a letter to the campus community in February.
UNT’s budget is based on the university’s Spending Plan, which was previously approved by the board at its May meeting. The spending plan for FY2010 is based on tuition costs approved in 2008 and internal reallocation of existing funds that direct resources to strategic initiatives that support university goals.
New funding was approved for the areas below, each supporting a strategic initiative:
• $6.64 million -- need- and merit-based aid, Emerald Eagle Scholars, athletic scholarships; Student Success and Opportunity Initiative
• $7.22 million -- research clusters, graduate student support, Discovery Park development, faculty merit pool, new faculty lines; Emerging Research Initiative
• $4.5 million -- Staff Classification and Compensation Study reserve, staff merit increases, market adjustments, enrollment reserve, maintenance and operations; Efficiencies and Assessment Initiative
• $1.4 million -- web development, institutional advertising, capital campaign support; Image and Reputation Initiative
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
You likely have seen reports in the media about the death of Jennifer Ying Ying Maik, who was found in her home last night (Wednesday, Aug. 26).
Jennifer, a manager in Clark Grill who has worked with us since 2006, was, like all of our staff, a valued member of our university family. I am deeply saddened by her death, as I am sure many of you are. As we mourn, I ask that you join me in keeping Jennifer’s family and friends in our hearts.
It also is important that as a university family, we support one another in times of need. The university offers free, confidential counseling services for staff, students and faculty. In addition, Goolsby Chapel is open for quiet reflection. Please make use of these services as we each seek to care for our UNT family during this time.
The university has been cooperating with and will continue to assist the Denton Police Department in its ongoing investigation into Jennifer's death.
In sorrow,
Gretchen M. Bataille
President
For your information:
• Counseling for staff and faculty is available through the Employee Assistance Program, 800-343-3822.
• Counseling for students is available through our Counseling and Testing Services, located in Chestnut Hall, 940-565-2741.
• Goolsby Chapel, located in Crumley Park, is open from 9 a.m. until sunset on weekdays.
Posted by: Mellina Stucky
Effective Sept. 1, the following faculty members at the University of North Texas in Denton were approved for tenure at the August UNT System Board of Regents meeting.
- Janice Hauge, Department of Economics in the College of Arts and Sciences
- Cristina Sánchez-Conejero, Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures in the College of Arts and Sciences
- Lawrence Williams, Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures in the College of Arts and Sciences
- J. Todd Moye, Department of History in the College of Arts and Sciences
- Robert M. Figueroa, Department of Philosophy and Religion Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences
- J. Michael Greig, Department of Political Science in the College of Arts and Sciences
- V. Barbara Bush, Department of Counseling and Higher Education in the College of Education
- Yan Huang, Department of Computer Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering
- Philip Sweany, Department of Computer Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering
- Shawne D. Miksa, Department of Library and Information Sciences in the College of Information
- James Gregory Jones, Department of Learning Technologies in the College of Information
- Mariela Nuñez-Janes, Department of Anthropology in the College of Public Affairs and Community Service
- Shahla Ala’i-Rosales, Department of Behavior Analysis in the College of Public Affairs and Community Service
- Cecilia L. Thomas, Department of Rehabilitation, Social Work and Addictions in the College of Public Affairs and Community Service
- Kevin Yoder, Department of Sociology in the College of Public Affairs and Community Service
- Keith Owens, Department of Design in the College of Visual Arts and Design
- John H. Holt, Division of Instrumental Studies in the College of Music
- Elvia L. Puccinelli, Division of Vocal Studies in the College of Music
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
UNT’s plans to construct a new football stadium took the next step forward Aug. 21 when the UNT System Board of Regents unanimously approved the proposed funding plan. The plan will be submitted to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board later this fall. The $78 million project will be funded by a combination of bonds, commercial paper and cash using the best mix at the time financing is required. A new athletics fee, which students voted for in fall 2008, legislators passed during the 81st session and Regents approved last week, will provide $38 million for construction over 30 years. Students won’t begin paying the fee until the stadium opens, which is expected to be in time for the start of the 2011 football season. Rendering, above, shows the view looking east.
Plans for construction of a new hotel and convention center continue to be a part of the stadium complex planning. Representatives of John Q. Hammons Hotels and Resorts told the board that they will not be able to move forward with the project until the financial markets improve and they are able to secure appropriate financing, but that the project is still in their plans.
The Hammons group has been working with the UNT System and the city of Denton as the preferred developer and operator of a hotel and convention facility on the site of the former Radisson Hotel. The UNT System will move forward with demolishing the existing hotel structure.
UNT administrators met Aug. 25 with residents of the neighborhoods near the construction site to share details about the stadium’s architectural design, landscaping plan and traffic management plan. To develop a traffic management plan that will consider the residents’ needs, the university asked residents to sign up for a committee to work with UNT on options that will meet neighborhood needs as well as stadium traffic expectations.
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
Traffic is expected to be heavy along North Texas Boulevard at Fouts Field from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 27 due to a high school football game. Traffic also will be heavy when the game concludes around 9:30 p.m.
Vehicles with UNT parking permits will be allowed to park in the lot. Others will be charged $5 to park in Fouts Field lots beginning at 4 p.m. About 4,000 fans are expected to attend the Celina High School versus Ferris High School football game.
Celina High School's football team was the subject of a documentary film, Power, Passion & Glory. The Bobcats have won eight Texas state championships and set a national record of 68 consecutive wins.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. The game begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $6.
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
Health officials are issuing warnings of increased flu cases this fall and cases of the flu, including incidents of H1N1 (swine) flu, can be expected within the UNT community.
Currently, there is no expectation that the effects of any flu strain, including H1N1, will be unusually severe. However, it is important that students, faculty and staff know and understand the recommended hygiene practices to help avoid the flu.
In addition, faculty and staff are encouraged to deal with instances of the flu in the same manner that all other illnesses are handled. Seek medical advice from your health care professional and stay home, following your normal departmental procedures.
For students, the UNT’s Student Health and Wellness Center health care professionals are available for consultation and treatment. To learn more about the center’s services, call 940-565-2333 or visit healthcenter.unt.edu.
Healthy practices:
• Avoid close contact with people who appear to be sick or are known to be sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. If no tissue is available, cover your mouth and nose with the crook of your arm.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to reduce the spread of germs.
• Practice healthy behaviors, such as getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of fluids and eating a nutritious diet.
• If you get sick with influenza, the CDC recommends that you stay home and limit contact with others.
• Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control.
• Learn more from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
Gov. Rick Perry today (June 17) signed into law a bill that would allow universities to receive state funding to match dollars received from federal and private sources rather than to individually compete for research funding.
President Gretchen M. Bataille, left in photo, and UNT System Chancellor Lee Jackson attended the Dallas signing ceremony, along with officials from other schools that aspire to be national research, or Tier 1, universities.
Legislation was introduced by Dallas Rep. Dan Branch and Laredo Sen. Judith Zaffirini during the 81st Texas Legislature.
The law is effective Sept. 1. Texas voters in November will be asked to approve use of $425 million in existing higher education funds for the research effort. (Photo courtesy of UTD.)
• Find an endorsement by the Faculty Senate.
• Learn more about UNT’s commitment to research.
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
UNT students, faculty and staff will be able to rent an eco-friendly car with the new Connect by Hertz program sponsored by Transportation Services. Rental cars are available for as little as $8 per hour and a variable annual fee, which is waived for participants who sign up before Oct. 31. 
The new program expands the university’s alternative transportation options and makes it possible for students to leave cars at home when they come to school, says Joe Richmond, associate director of Transportation Services. The cars are for personal student, staff, or faculty use and not for university travel purposes.
• Learn how to register with Connect by Hertz.
• Learn more about UNT Transportaton Services; call 940-565-3014.
UNT is the first university in Texas to use Hertz and is one of the first in the nation to use an on-campus rental program. Here’s how the program works:
• Drivers must be age 18, with good driving records.
• Drivers age 18-21 must have been driving for a year; others must have a valid license.
• Drivers must enroll in the membership program with a credit card. Connect by Hertz will verify participants’ license and record, then send an electronic pass to the registered driver.
• Drivers may go online, reserve a vehicle for personal use for the amount of time needed.
• Drivers use the electronic pass to unlock the selected car.
• Drivers pick up and return the vehicle at a designated area on Maple Street across from Kerr Hall.
• Maximum travel per day is 180 miles.
• Rental fee will be $8 or $9 per hour (depending upon type of vehicle rented), which includes fuel and insurance.
• Drivers may extend the rental if there is not another reservation.
• There is an additional charge for late returns or excess mileage.
• Drivers may earn a free hour by washing the car before returning it.
Hertz estimates that each rented car eliminates up to 14 personal vehicles on roads. In the United States, Connect by Hertz cars are EPA Smartway certified, which means the vehicles emit low amounts of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas.
Transportation Services is committed to reducing single occupancy vehicle trips to campus, says Richmond. The rental program joins these other services:
• UNT Shuttle
• DCTA local and commuter express bus service
• e-ride late night, on call campus service
• Ridesharing
• Bicycling
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
New faculty members were welcomed to UNT during an orientation session Aug. 18-19. The orientation included welcoming remarks from President Gretchen M. Bataille and Provost Wendy K. Wilkins, along with discussions of UNT's academic goals, strategies and mission as a student-centered, public research university. The 115 new faculty are:
• Jennifer Acker, Lecturer, Department of Educational Psychology
• Thorne Anderson, assistant professor, Department of Journalism
• Nikki L. Ashcraft, Lecturer, UNT Dallas
• Jorge Aviles-Diz, assistant professor, Department of Foreign Languages and Literature
• Jason Balas, assistant professor, Department of Radio, Television and Film
• Terry Barrett, associate professor, Department of Art Education/Art History
• Laura Beard, assistant professor, Department of Studio Art
• Rachel Black, Lecturer, Department of Studio Art
• Bethany Blackstone Hamner, assistant professor, Department of Political Science
• Ryan Boettger, assistant professor, Department of Linguistics and Technical Communication
• Neilesh Bose, assistant professor, Department of History
• Judith Bradetich, Lecturer, Department of Educational Psychology
• Timothy Brent, assistant professor, Division of Jazz Studies
• Adam Robert Dryden Briggle, assistant professor, Department of Philosophy and Religion Studies
• Gaile S. Cannella, Professor and Velma Schmidt Endowed Chair Department of Teacher Education and Administration
Show extended entry >>
Posted by: Mellina Stucky
Aug. 21, 2009
Dear UNT community members,
I’m excited to share with you that UNT has been cited as a “school everyone should be watching,” after making U.S. News & World Report’s “Top Up-and-Coming Schools” list. We tied for ninth place among public National Universities on the list, which is part of the magazine’s special report, America’s Best Colleges, 2010.
The list singles out schools that are attracting notice for their innovative changes and is based on peer assessments. We were the only Texas public university to make the list.
Our transformation is placing us at the head of the pack and people are paying attention, as this ranking proves. Because of all of the incredible progress we are making, I feel confident that this won’t be the last time we make this list!
Each of you has a hand in making us a school worth watching. Your hard work and excellence is making a difference for our university and our image.
Thank you for your dedication.
With green pride,
Gretchen M. Bataille
UNT President
Posted by: Mellina Stucky
The University of North Texas has been designated as one of the top national universities because of its innovative changes in the 2010 U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of colleges and universities released Aug. 20 by the magazine.
UNT tied for ninth among public National Universities on U.S. News & World and Report’s “Top Up-and-Coming Schools” list in its America’s Best Colleges, 2010 Edition. UNT was the only Texas public university on the list, which includes such institutions as Arizona State University, Clemson University and Ohio State University-Columbus.
Peer assessments propelled UNT into U.S. News & World Report’s article, “Keep an Eye on These Schools,” stating that UNT is among the top schools making “the most promising and innovative changes in academics, faculty, students, campus or facilities,” as recognized by the magazine’s panel of experts.
“People are taking notice of UNT’s rapid progress. We have gained incredible ground on our journey to becoming a top-tier, national university by making significant investments in our research and programs while recruiting outstanding students and faculty,” UNT President Gretchen M. Bataille says. “Throughout this transformation, we have remained committed to our core mission of offering the best possible education for our nearly 35,000 students.”
Show extended entry >>
Posted by: Mellina Stucky
Editor's Note: This message was sent to the UNT campus community on Friday Aug. 21.
This Official Notice contains important information for current participants in the UNT, UNTHSC-FW, and UNT System- sponsored Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) and the Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA) plans. The information contained in this Official Notice does not pertain to persons participating only in the Teacher Retirement System (TRS).
As a participant in the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) and/or the Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA) plan(s), you likely know that representatives of UNT System-member institutions have been working to improve the retirement savings programs sponsored by our institutions. Regulatory changes enacted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are prompting some of the most significant changes in institutionally sponsored retirement savings in more than 40 years. UNT System-member institutions have taken this opportunity to ensure that funds of the highest quality are readily available to faculty and staff members.
In June 2009, an Evaluation Committee from the UNT System, UNT, UNT Dallas, and the UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth, along with Sibson Consulting (an employee benefits consulting company with higher-education expertise), was tasked with reviewing, evaluating and recommending new retirement savings plans and investment vendors to better serve faculty and staff members and to ensure IRS regulations are met. Yesterday, the UNT System Board of Regents and Chancellor Lee Jackson approved the recommended plans and vendors.
More information about the new ORP and TSA plans will be sent to participants in the near future. Meanwhile, you may find the following information helpful in thinking about future contributions to your retirement savings plan(s).
o Participants in the new UNT System-sponsored Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) and Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA) plans will benefit from a wider range of investment funds from which to choose, enhanced services, and greater access to online resources to assist in planning for your retirement income.
o Under the new UNT System-sponsored Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) and Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA) plans, the number of approved investment vendors has been reduced to four. Future contributions through the UNT System-sponsored program must be invested in funds offered by these vendors, who already are serving many of our faculty and staff members. The vendors are:
o Fidelity: www.fidelity.com
o ING: www.ingretirementplans.com
o TIAA-CREF: www.tiaa-cref.org/texasorp
o VALIC: www.valic.com
o If you are currently participating in only the Teacher Retirement System (TRS), that TRS retirement savings program remains unchanged, and no action on your part is necessary.
o If you are in the Teacher Retirement System (TRS), and also are saving through a Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA) program sponsored by UNT, you will be required to invest future TSA voluntary contributions through the investment vendors and funds associated with the new UNT System-sponsored TSA plan.
The following “Helpful Information about the new UNT System-Sponsored 403(b) Program” document provides more in-depth information about the changes. More information about enrollment timelines, investment fairs, and the new UNT System Retirement Website will be available soon.
Meanwhile, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact:
UNT, UNT System, UNT Dallas Employees: Pat Morgan, Benefits Coordinator, at 940-565-4129 or email your questions to HRRetirement@unt.edu.
HSC Employees: Dana Perdue, Director, Human Resources at 817-735-0295 or email your questions to dperdue@hsc.unt.edu.
We hope you will take full advantage of the excellent retirement and savings opportunities afforded to you as an employee.
Sincerely,
Lee Jackson, Chancellor, UNT System
Gretchen M. Bataille, President, UNT
Scott Ransom, President, UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth
John Price, President Designate, UNT Dallas
Show extended entry >>
Posted by: Mellina Stucky
The UNT Art Gallery’s opening exhibit features Presence: René Francisco, Florencia Levy and Teresa Rafidi. The exhibit runs from Aug. 25 to Sept. 1. The gallery, located in the Art Building, will also host a reception on Sept. 1 at 4:30 p.m. and gallery talk at 7 p.m. Sept. 15 on the phenomenon of felt presence – your power as a physical and intellectual being in time and place.
The exhibit features the work of Cuban artist Francisco, Argentine artist Levy and U.S. artist Rafidi, who each convey the meaning of felt presence through photographs, video or paintings. Learn more at www.gallery.unt.edu or call 940-565-4005.
Pictured above is Rene Francisco's Heaven, 2008 oil on canvas.
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
The Mean Green women’s soccer team is ranked in the top 10 percent in the nation in an important NCAA statistic. Can you name it?
A. Number of blocked goals
B. Most points scored
C. Academic success
D. Most international players
The correct answer is C: academic success. The team finished 2008-09 with a combined grade point average of 3.3. Six players earned a perfect 4.0 and were named to the President’s Honor Roll. The team had an additional seven players named to the Dean’s List with GPAs between 3.50 and 3.99. In all, 24 members of the Mean Green women’s soccer team had a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Coach John Hedlund received the Coach of the Year Award in Support of Academic Success at the annual 2009 Spring Faculty Meeting hosted by Provost Wendy K. Wilkins.
Enter to win four tickets to any home soccer match or a soccer ball autographed by the team by sending an e-mail to inhouse@unt.edu with “Soccer” or "Ball" in the subject line by 5 p.m. Aug. 28. Winners will be selected at random from all responses.
The team, which last season finished in third place in the Sun Belt Conference tournament, above, has upcoming home games scheduled at 1 p.m. Sept. 6 versus Texas Tech, 7 p.m. Sept. 11 versus Baylor and 11 a.m. Sept. 12 versus Prairie View A&M.
• Find a season schedule.
• Learn more about all Mean Green athletes, sports and schedules.
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
• Sharon McKinnis, administrative assistant, Department of Political Science
• Kimi King, associate professor of political science, Department of Political Science
• Amy LeGear, accountant, Purchasing and Payment Services
• Brenda Cates, financial analyst, Decision Support
• Tina Ek, purchasing coordinator, Business Services
• Mark Coomes, facilities technician, Facilities
• Carol Cornsilk, lecturer, Department of Radio, Television and Film
• Emily Rollins, administrative assistant, Purchasing and Payment Services
• Jordan Smith, compliance assistant, Research Compliance
Beep … beep … beep … beep. That’s the sound of e-mail replies hitting the InHouse mailbox.Within 30 seconds of sending the email newsletter, more than 100 people respond to opportunities to win prizes. Additional entries arrive throughout the week. We’re glad you are reading.
Winners are randomly chosen from all responses. Prizes include UNT T-shirt gift packs and free tickets to concerts, sports and other campus activities that are generously provided by event sponsors and departments.
InHouse is the electronic newsletter that is always online and is regularly updated with news about events and strategic activities at UNT. The formatted version is emailed to faculty and staff each week, usually on Wednesdays. Click on headlines, which link to continuously updated postings, to find the complete article and its links to related information.
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
Human Resources has partnered with the UNT Bookstore to ensure that faculty and staff may choose from a variety of quality merchandise, left, to recognize years-of-service milestones, says Donna Keener, assistant vice president for Human Resources. The new recognition program begins Sept. 1.
Human Resources measured faculty and staff members satisfaction with the current Service Recognition Program, which recognizes cumulative years of service beginning with five years of service for staff and 10 years of service for faculty. Employees said that they wanted more quality gifts and a more personal approach to recognition.
“When you reach a milestone anniversary of 10 years or more, Human Resources will give you a credit at the bookstore,” says Keener. “In addition to the credit amount, the UNT Bookstore will give you a 20 -25 percent discount on the merchandise you select," she says.
Recognized employees may purchase any item in the UNT or Dallas Campus bookstore or via the bookstore website; however, the discount does not apply to textbooks, computers and software. Employees may also choose to apply their credit to the purchase of a more expensive item, if desired. Five-year recipients will automatically receive a commemorative pen and keychain set for their service.
Human Resources also will work with departments to improve recognition of anniversaries at the departmental level. All employees will receive a milestone recognition certificate, and President’s Sack Lunch, during Staff Appreciation Week, the Provost's Spring Faculty Meeting and Awards Ceremony, Anniversary milestones also will be published in InHouse and on the Human Resources website.
• Find a flyer to share with others. (Find the flyer in Spanish.)
• Learn more about the program.
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
Saraju Mohanty, left, assistant professor in computer science and engineering, is working to make the production and operation of electronic chips more energy efficient, which would increase battery life, reduce power consumption and lead to lower costs for consumers. “This could make electronics more affordable, so they can reach more people and more diverse communities,” Mohanty says. “It could also save a lot of energy during production and operation, which would cut our carbon emissions.”
Mohanty has been instrumental in generating about $1 million in research funding, including a new, three-year grant from the National Science Foundation for about $250,000. He is working with Elias Kougianos, right, assistant professor in engineering technology, on the grant, which began Aug. 1. This is Mohanty’s second NSF grant. The goals of the research are to reduce power consumption of electronics by 70 to 80 percent within the next five years and to improve the manufacturing yield by 30 percent. The manufacturing yield refers to the number of viable chips produced in each batch versus the number that must be discarded or sold at a lesser price because of defects. Both areas could help bring down the cost of electronics, including digital cameras and radios, PDA devices, cell phones and laptops.
Researchers, along with graduate students, will use state-of-the-art computing facilities in the VLSI Design and CAD Laboratory, which Mohanty directs. The facilities at Discovery Park include high-end servers, several terabytes of storage and hardware simulation tools funded by the National Science Foundation to conduct computer-aided design research into low-power, high-performance chips.
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
James Mueller, associate professor of journalism, has written two books about presidential candidates, presidents and their relationship with the media. He joined the journalism faculty at UNT in 2000, after serving as an assistant professor for two years at Pittsburg State University, Kansas.
Your most recent book was about Bill and Hillary Clinton; what inspired you to write it?
It was a follow-up to my book about former President George W. Bush and the press. While I was researching Bush’s relationship with the press, I had done a fair amount of reading about Bill Clinton in order to compare his administration with Bush’s. In early 2007, it looked like Hillary Clinton was sure to be the next Democratic presidential nominee and had a pretty good chance of winning the general election. That situation made a book about the Clintons’ relationship with the press very interesting. (Tag Teaming the Press: How Bill and Hillary Clinton Work Together to Handle the Media, was published in June 2008.) 
Was there really a media bias toward President Barack Obama during the campaign?
It is clear from both anecdotal evidence and research, that the mainstream press favored Obama in the primary and general election campaigns. Mark Halperin, a highly respected political journalist for Time, compared New York Times’ profiles of Michelle Obama, which was adoring, to its “vicious” one of Cindy McCain, to support his view that the bias was “extreme” toward Obama. The Washington Post’s own analysis of its coverage found that it had tilted toward Obama. Even Saturday Night Live satirized the bias with a skit showing Obama receiving softball questions from the press. Of course the election is quite recent, and professionals and scholars will be studying it for a long time, especially to examine the question of bias. But I am confident most research will show the press was biased toward Obama. The more interesting question is whether the bias had any impact on the election.
Show extended entry >>
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
About 1,400 students transfer to UNT from Dallas County Community Colleges, known as DCCCD, each year before they earn an associates degree.
Now, thanks to a new agreement between the two institutions, those students can still earn an associates degree while pursuing a bachelor's degree at UNT.
The Reverse Transfer Credit Agreement allows students who begin their studies at DCCCD but transfer to UNT prior to earning their associates degree, to apply hours earned at UNT toward the DCCD associates degree.
“After a former DCCCD student enrolls at UNT and completes at least 15 hours, we will notify the student that he or she may be eligible for an associates degree from DCCCD,” says Rebecca Lothringer, director of admissions. “If the student wishes to receive the associates degree, we will send transcripts to the community college district for evaluation of credit toward the associates degree requirements.” The UNT-earned hours will be combined with the DCCCD-earned hours to fulfill the community college district’s degree requirements. In order to participate in the program, students must have completed at least 16 hours at DCCCD.
Left, President Gretchen M. Bataille and Wright Lassiter, chancellor of the Dallas County Community College District, signed the agreement Aug. 13. (Photo courtesy of DCCCD)
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
Wes Borden, left, Robert A. Welch Professor of Chemistry and a member of UNT’s Center for Advanced Scientific Computational and Modeling is a member of the inaugural class of Fellows of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society. Borden is among 162 chemists across the United States from universities and academic institutions, industry and government who have been honored as fellows. Of the honorees, 72 percent come from academia and represent universities such as Columbia, Harvard, Yale, University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University.
The new Fellows program of the 154,000-member society is designed to recognize members who have shown excellence in their chemical enterprise contributions and distinctive services to the world of chemistry.
He has been a recipient of fellowships from the Sloan, Guggenheim and Humboldt foundations and from the Japanese Society for Promotion of Science. He has been a visiting professor at Princeton and Heidelberg universities and at the Institute for Molecular Science in Okazaki, Japan. Among his other honors, Borden has been named an Arthur C. Cope Scholar by the American Chemical Society and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
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Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
Every day we have the good fortune to encounter a UNT or UNT System staff member who demonstrates a commitment to the university, its students, internal and external customers and coworkers. The 2009 Staff Contribution Awards allow us to celebrate those commitments and thank those who have made outstanding contributions to UNT.
NOMINATE SOMEONE WHO DESERVES TO BE HONORED
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 Staff Contribution Award. All UNT and UNT System faculty, staff, and students may nominate staff members for the award. The purpose of this award program is to recognize UNT and UNT System staff members who have made an outstanding contribution to accomplishing the university’s strategic goals, while demonstrating its core values. This is a perfect opportunity to publicly recognize staff members for the effort they make in improving UNT.
Take a moment from your busy schedule to nominate someone who deserves to be honored. Let them know that their work is noticed and appreciated.
NOMINATION PROCESS & DUE DATE
Nominations are due by Sept. 14. The nomination form is attached, available on the HR Website or a hard copy can be picked up in the Human Resources Department, Marquis Hall, Room 150. Completed forms should be emailed to beth.bates-verges@unt.edu, faxed to 565-4382 or returned to the Human Resources Department.
SELECTION & AWARDING RECIPIENTS
A committee of six staff members made up of your peers and appointed by the vice presidents and/or President’s Office will evaluate all eligible nominations. The committee will select up to 12 nominees to receive the award. Those selected will be referred to President Gretchen M. Bataille for final approval. Recipients will be honored at the annual Staff Appreciation Week Recognition event Nov. 2 and will receive a cash award of $1,000.
ASSISTANCE/QUESTIONS
If you have any questions or need more information regarding this program, please contact Beth Bates-Verges in Human Resources at ext. 4817 or visit the HR Website.
IMP0RTANT NOTE FOR SUPERVISORS
If you have employees in your department who do not have access to e-mail, please print this document and the nomination form and provide them with a hard copy, or direct them to HR for the information.
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
Wen Chyan, right, the top national winner in the Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology, was congratulated by the 81st Texas Legislature during its 2009 session. State Rep. Myra Crownover, right, whose District 64 includes UNT, presented the official document on Aug. 11. Chyan is a student at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, or TAMS, and is the son of Oliver Chyan, professor of chemistry. From left, John Ed Allen, TAMS associate dean; Richard J. Sinclair, TAMS dean; Provost Wendy K. Wilkins, President Gretchen M. Bataille, Wen Chyan, Crownover, Oliver Chyan; and James Duban, director of the Office for Nationally Competitive Scholarships. (Photos by Mike Woodruff)
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
Head Coach Todd Dodge, left, discussed the 2009 season at the Aug. 1 Touchdown Fun Run and Kickoff Cookout. Below, fun run participants braved early morning showers. The Mean Green season begins Sept. 3 at Ball State University. The first home game is 6 p.m. Sept. 12 at Fouts Field. (Photos by Michael Clements)
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
Increasing numbers of veterans are enrolling in degree programs, with many facing difficulty transitioning from military life to college after post-9/11 service.
The UNT Veterans Center will officially open during a ceremony from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 24 in the University Union, Suite 320. The center will be open from noon to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; noon to 5 p.m. Friday.
The Veterans Center will support the Student Veterans Association, which, since Spring 2009, has helped veterans find information and resources. The center will help student veterans determine eligibility for state and federal benefits, find financial aid and find resources for help adjusting to civilian and college life.
Last year, more than 600 UNT student veterans received benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Cary Ziegler, a U.S. Navy veteran and president of the association, says many veterans consider dropping out of college, because they are unable to find assistance. Veterans may have difficulty finding employment, since many potential references are still in combat and unreachable, she says.
The center also can direct veterans to resources to help navigate through the Post 9/11 GI Bill process, says Bobby Lothringer, associate registrar and veterans affairs certifying official. The application process for these benefits takes about eight weeks, according to the Veterans Administration.
“This year we implemented sessions at the transfer and freshmen orientations to help get information into the veterans’ hands early,” he says. “Our biggest challenge is that there are a lot of new veterans coming to school that we don’t know about until they come to see us.”
Learn more from the Veterans Center, 940-369-8021.
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
Provost Wendy K. Wilkins will wear a student-designed medallion along with her academic regalia, left, at Aug. 14-15 commencement ceremonies. The medallion was produced by graduate metalsmithing students Loring Taoka, Parker Brown, Mariadel Pilar Zornosa, Deanna Ooley and undergraduate fibers major Brenda Saucedo. Faculty supervisor was Ana Lopez, assistant professor of metalsmithing and jewelry, in the College of Visual Art and Design.
The medallion is made of sterling silver, malachite, enamel and copper. The words Office of the Provost and University of North Texas encircle the medallion on a silver rim, which surrounds a field of green enamel encircling a silver disk with a lamp and Latin inscription: Reperi Potestatem Idearzm, or Discover The Power of Ideas. The medallion has an eagle on the reverse side.
Two woven bands of green textile suspend the medallion and terminate in silver and malachite elements which affix to the provost's regalia.
"My students did a bit of research on academic regalia and when we met to discuss what it might look like, the provost responded positively to the central emblem," Lopez says. The students designed the medallion during the fall semester and finished it in time for May commencement. Some adjustments were needed to ensure that the heavy emblem did not tip forward.
"I think it was a really good opportunity for students to do commission work," Lopez says, "It is very special that they have left a lasting document at this university."
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
Funding includes:
• Jeff Allen, interim chair of the department, received $300,000 to conduct research on and enhance programs in architecture and construction; manufacturing; and science, technology, engineering and mathematics. He also received $300,000 to focus on programs in business management and administration; finance and marketing.
• Jerry Wircenski, Regents Professor of learning technologies, received $300,000 to conduct research on and enhance programs in government and public administration; health science; and public safety, corrections and security.
• Michelle Wircenski, professor of learning technologies, received $300,000 to focus on programs in the arts, audio/visual technology and communications; and information technology.
UNT is one of four Texas universities to receive funding. The others were Stephen F. Austin, Texas A&M and Texas Tech universities, with UNT receiving most of the funding.
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Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
(Editor's Note: Kathleen Kennedy Townsend will be unable to attend the commencement ceremony due to the death of her aunt, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Shriver died Aug. 11 in Hyannisport, Mass., at age 88. She was founder of the Special Olympics and the sister of President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy.)
Previously posted:
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, former lieutenant governor of Maryland, right, will deliver the commencement address at the doctoral hooding ceremony at 7 p.m. Aug. 14 in the Murchison Performing Arts Center. The ceremony is free and open to the public.
Sixty-one doctoral degrees are expected to be conferred. More than 1,400 undergraduate students and 626 master's students have applied for graduation.
• Watch the ceremonies live online.
• Find a schedule for baccalaureate and master’s degree ceremonies.
Townsend, eldest child of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, describes growing up Catholic in one of America’s most prominent political families in her book Failing America's Faithful: How Today’s Churches Mixed God with Politics and Lost Their Way. The book also discusses progressive politics throughout American history and how alliances between politics and religion have become fractured.
Townsend has taught foreign policy at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and has been a visiting Fellow at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. She is an adjunct instructor at Georgetown University, and the Paul Nitze Senior Fellow at St. Mary’s College.
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Townsend was founder and director of the Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
When the Texas Library Association’s Disaster Relief Fund needed help, Melody Kelly, associate dean of UNT Libraries, knew she had to bare it all.
Kelly, right, aka Ms. June 2010, knew the association raised more than $9,000 from sales of a previously published “Men of Texas Libraries” calendar. The fund helps libraries recover from natural disasters such as fires, floods or hurricanes.
“All of the funds had been depleted because of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, so we needed another fundraiser,” says Kelly, who served as association president in 2008-2009.
In 2007, after getting her first tattoo, Kelly noticed that many women at the annual leadership assembly also had tattoos. She suggested they show off their body art for a new calendar that would overturn the stereotype of the frumpy female librarian.
The result is “The Tattooed Ladies of TLA” calendar with months from January 2010 to June 2011. Eleven models are faculty, students or alumni of the Department of Library and Information Sciences.
See Extended Entry to find other featured UNT participants.
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Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
Texas' annual tax-free weekend has an added bonus for UNT faculty and staff: Rodney Davison, UNT Bookstore manager, says an additional 20 percent discount will be applied to UNT clothing and gifts for faculty and staff who present their UNT ID.The discount will be available at both the Denton and Dallas campus bookstores.
The bookstore also will extend normal business hours to be open on Aug. 23 for tax free weekend. This will accommodate Sunday Fun Day traffic as well as be an added convenience for faculty and staff. About 60 percent of residents are expected to move in on Sunday Fun Day. Volunteer to help.
Bookstore hours for tax free weekend will be:
• Aug. 21, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Aug. 22, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Aug. 23, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Texas observes an annual sales tax holiday, the third weekend in August. Shoppers in the state will not pay state and local sales tax on most clothing and footwear priced under $100, as well as backpacks priced under $100 used by elementary and secondary school students. Shoppers could save about $8 on every $100 that they spend. Find a list of tax-free items.
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
UNT is proud to recognize employees who reached a milestone in August. To learn more about the service recognition program, contact Beth Bates-Verges in Human Resources at 940-565-4817. 
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40 years of service
Carl Stephen Guynes, left, Regents Professor, Information Technology and Decision Sciences
Joanne Leslie Riggs, near left, library associate, Libraries
35 years of service
Elmer Eugene Taylor, professor, College of Visual Arts and Design
Eugenia M. Bodenhamer-Davis, associate professor, Rehabilitation, Social Work and Addictions
Joseph W. Critelli, professor, Psychology
30 years of service
Berthe H. Odnoposoff, lecturer, keyboard studies, College of Music
Michael R. Kozak, associate professor, Engineering Technology
Paul E. Dworak, professor, music history, theory, and ethnomusicology, College of Music
Sandra L. Terrell, vice provost of academic outreach, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
25 years of service
Chandrabhan R. Chevli, communications manager, Computing and Information Technology Center
David J. Molin, associate professor, Economics
George A. James, associate professor, Philosophy and Religion
Gerard Anthony O'Donovan, professor, Biology
Graham H. Phipps, professor, music history, theory, and ethnomusicology, College of Music
Imre Karafiath, professor, Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, and Law
John Allan Booth, professor, Political Science
Lanette Florida McClure, student services coordinator, Multicultural Center
Richard Glenn Vedder, professor, Information Technology and Decision Sciences
Samuel Joseph Sauls, associate professor, Radio, TV and Film
Timothy Robert Montler, professor, Linguistics and Technical Communication
See Extended Entry for more honored employees.
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Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
Approximately 100 high school and middle school students who receive tutoring, after-school and summer activities and mentoring through the I Have a Dream Foundation attended the 8th Annual National Dreamer Conference July 23-26. The Fort Worth foundation chapter and UNT hosted the conference. Gloria Cox, dean of the Honors College, is an I Have a Dream board member. The foundation empowers children living in low-income areas to pursue higher education. (Photo by Michael Clements)
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
Congratulations to this week’s randomly selected winners who responded to the July 29 InHouse prize giveaways.
• Rebecca Poalinelli, administrative services officer, Murchison Performing Arts Center
• Yoke Teo, computer system manager, Computing and Information Technology Center
• Erin Day, academic counselor, Department of Journalism
• Cassandra Cervantes, administrative assistant, Advancement
• Donna Lumpkin, accounting technician, Purchasing and Payment Services
• Billi Gravely, DARS coordinator, Registrar’s Office
• John Waites, administrative assistant, Housing and Residence Life, Kerr Hall
• Nicole Pyron, student assistant
• Marie Bloechle, electronic acquisitions librarian, UNT Libraries
Within 30 seconds of sending the email newsletter, more than 100 people respond to opportunities to win prizes. Additional entries arrive throughout the week. We’re glad you are reading.
Winners are randomly chosen from all responses. Prizes include UNT T-shirt gift packs and free tickets to concerts, sports and other campus activities that are generously provided by event sponsors and departments.
InHouse is the electronic newsletter that is always online and is regularly updated with news about events and strategic activities at UNT. The formatted version is emailed to faculty and staff each week, usually on Wednesdays. Click on headlines, which link to continuously updated postings, to find the complete article and its links to related information.
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
Eugene Frier, Residence Life Coordinator for Academic Initiatives and Assessment for the Department of Housing and Residence Life, is celebrating his 10th year at UNT. His favorite campus event is Sunday Fun Day, when residence halls open and the campus comes to life. Volunteer to help with this year's mass move in Aug. 23.
What is your title and department?
I coordinate the Residents Engaged in Academic Living (REAL) Communities program, which is our residentially based learning communities program, as well as assist with the Faculty in Residence Program, where we house a faculty member in the residence halls to assist with our resident’s academic experience as well as try to encourage casual interactions between students and faculty. I handle assessment for Business Services and Housing, serve as a part of the mid level staff for housing and assist with any academic efforts to help our residence hall students succeed at UNT.
How long have you worked at UNT?
I started working at UNT my freshman year as a referee for Intramural Sports in 1999, moved on to housing the next year as a peer advisor and have been working for Housing ever since.
What is your educational background and past experiences?
I was born and spent my entire pre-college life on a tiny Air Force base in England, RAF Lakenheath. After that, I came to UNT to pursue an education degree, but that changed after I took my first sociology class and I changed my major.
What housing events or traditions do you look forward to?
Sunday Fun Day, hands down. I do not like how quiet our campus gets over the summer and on Sunday Fun Day, the residence halls are anything but quiet. Having a few small groups of students living in the halls the week leading up to Sunday Fun Day to having 60 percent of our 6,000 residents back on campus is quite the shift. I also love how so much of the campus community bands together to help pull this off. It really shows a lot to me about what our students mean to our campus, seeing all the people out and about lending a hand to make it happen.
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Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
Graduate student Scott Thurman, left, made a widely-acclaimed documentary film that has been shown at prestigious festivals around the United States. The film tells the story of a man who was inspired by which legendary performer?
A. Maria Callas
B. Elvis Presley
C. Michael Jackson
D. Big Mama Thornton
The correct answer is B: Elvis Presley. When Thurman learned about a man who travels across the Texas Panhandle performing Elvis tunes at schools, senior centers and small-town events, Thurman knew he'd found an appealing story. The man, Smokey Binnion Jr. of Stinnet, became the subject of a documentary and part of Thurman’s work toward a master’s degree.
Thurman’s short film Smokey was screened June 26 at the Los Angeles Film Festival as part of the Houston Film Commission's Texas Filmmakers Showcase. Smokey also has played at the Indie Memphis and Hot Springs film festivals and the Dallas Video Festival. The film won first place at the Reality Bytes Independent Film Festival.
Thurman says his favorite scene in the film is when Smokey explains why he performs for free."I hope this is a moment when the audience is compelled by the quality of his character and realizes that the filmmakers aren't out to make fun of another Elvis impersonator," Thurman says. Presley died Aug. 16, 1977, at age 42.
Enter to win a UNT T-shirt gift pack by sending an e-mail to inhouse@unt.edu with “Smokey” in the subject line by 5 p.m. Aug. 14. Winners will be selected at random from all responses.
• Find a trailer for Smokey.
• Reserve a DVD of Smokey and other student documentary films.
• Learn more about Elvis Week 2009.
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
Writer Paul Theroux opened the July 24-26 Mayborn Writers Conference, sponsored by the Mayborn Graduate Institute of Journalism. Theroux, whose work includes prize winning fiction and travel narratives, encouraged writers to get out and explore the world. The conference also featured National Public Radio host Ira Glass, workshops and writing awards. (Photos by Jonathan Reynolds)
Posted by: Carolyn Bobo
Robert B. Finkelman of the Department of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Dallas discusses his research at the UNT Astronomy program's celebration of the first human visit to the moon's surface. Finkelman was one of the first scientists to study lunar rocks brought to Earth by Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong who took "one giant step for mankind" on July 20,1969. Ron DiIulio, UNT planetarium director, right, discussed the NASA's proposed return mission to the moon. (Photo by Jonathan Reynolds)