UTA'S E-NEWSLETTER FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

THURSDAY, NOV. 13, 2025

🎤 Mariah the Scientist, who's performing tonight at Homecoming Bash, got her stage name from her undergraduate biology studies at St. John's University. 👩‍🔬

Today's MavWire is 1,143 words, a four-minute read.

Homecoming Recap

Health Services crowned Homecoming Chili Champions

Three women, one holding the champion cutting board, and a red hot chili graphic

The annual Homecoming Chili Cook-Off brought the heat to the midweek Homecoming activities as chili lovers packed the Palo Duro Lounge Wednesday.

The competition between chili makers was spicy. Two chefs took home trophies: Public Safety Officer Seth Bush earned second place for his nearly century-old “Fiery First-Degree Felony” recipe, while Health Services’ Yvonne Medrano claimed first with her layered “Great and Powerful Chili,” a 2019 champion she revived with slightly less heat to again win over the judges and wow attendees alike.

Homecoming Recap

I guess that's why they call it the blue

A Homecoming tradition returns as fountains on campus run blue water

With dye in hands, members of UTA's Student Ambassadors, President Cowley, and students who had claimed a golden ticket slowly poured the mixture into the main fountain on campus, creating a beautiful blue spectacle as the beloved tradition returned to Homecoming.

Homecoming Golf Tournament

UTA alumni, faculty, and staff braved cold temperatures to spend their Monday morning putting around the sun-soaked greenways of Tierra Verde Golf Club in Arlington.

The teams of golfers hit line drives and supported Mavericks on campus through incredible donations to the Fill the Pantry, Fill the Heart food drive.

Lady Mavs Wicked shooting bucks Cowgirls

The UTA women's basketball team is flying high for its Homecoming slate of games, unsaddling the Wyoming Cowgirls 64-44 Tuesday at College Park Center.

The Lady Mavs picked up their first win of the season by knocking down 10 of their 15 three-point attempts, the most in a single game since March 2024.

Homecoming Athletics

Lady Mavs riding high into Homecoming game

U T A redshirt junior forward Mila Reynolds celebrates a big play.

The UTA women's basketball team looks to close out their Homecoming home-stand with a win streak as they host Tennessee State Friday, Nov. 14, at 5 p.m.

Why it matters: The Lady Mavs are riding the momentum of a monumental start to the season for true freshman Kira Reynolds, who led the team to victory Tuesday with her second double-double in three collegiate games.

Faculty and staff can still get tickets to Homecoming games here or at the box office on game day. Bring your UTA ID to the box office to purchase tickets.

HOMECOMING CALENDAR

Defy gravity at two events tonight

🎓 Greek Alumni Reunion at Homecoming Fraternity & Sorority Life Community Center 6-9 p.m.

🎤 Homecoming Bash Texas Hall 7-11 p.m.

Campus Updates

Secure your child's summer plans today with Kids & Teens University

Children play with robots they created at the Kids and Teens University

UTA employees get exclusive early access to register for 2026 Kids & Teens University summer camps offered by the Extended and Extension Campus Continuing Education.

Why it matters: Kids & Teens University delivers a dynamic lineup of STEAM-based, hands-on camps designed to inspire creativity, exploration, and learning.

Going deeper: This special employee-only window opened one month before public registration, Monday, Dec. 1, giving you first pick of the most popular programs. Take advantage of early-bird pricing—$209 per camp (regularly $249)—and secure your child’s spot today.

Recognition

Nominate your colleagues for UTA Faculty Research Honors

Photo of Maximus Eventus the University's 16th Spirit Horse.

Nomination season for the prestigious UTA Faculty Research Honors is now underway and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation is looking forward to recognizing your outstanding colleagues.

Why it matters: The honor is the highest recognition the University bestows to celebrate impactful scholarly and creative achievements. Nominating a colleague highlights groundbreaking research and supports their professional advancement.

Going deeper: All academic units and faculty are strongly encouraged to submit nominations. The nomination window is open now through Friday, Dec. 19. Review the official Faculty Research Honors Overview and Nomination Guidelines for details.

Nominate a colleague here.

Campus Updates

Employee Tuition Affordability Program submissions open next week

A U T A graduate holds up a diploma while walking the stage at commencement

Employee Tuition Affordability Program (ETAP) forms for the spring 2026 semester will be accepted by the Scholarships Office Monday, Nov. 17.

Why it matters: The Scholarships Office recommends employees intending to receive ETAP for spring begin the approval process as soon as possible. Each semester requires new approval signatures, and all forms must be signed by a supervisor and vice president or dean, then submitted to the Scholarships Office.

Going deeper: The deadline for spring 2026 regular session is Monday, Dec. 22. ETAP forms will not be reviewed during winter break and late forms will not be accepted. Refer to the website for additional information.

Campus Updates

Exploring a path to graduate school at UTA

U T A students laugh while chatting on campus

Thinking about graduate school? Come out to the Graduate School Information Session to find answers to your questions.

Why it matters: Deciding on graduate school can be challenging. To provide a clear picture of postgraduate studies, a panel of current graduate students and faculty will share experiences, insights, and advice on topics such as choosing to pursue graduate studies, overcoming challenges, and maintaining well-being.

Going deeper: This session is designed to provide undergraduates with relatable perspectives on motivation, resilience, mentorship, and professional growth—helping you make informed decisions about whether graduate school is the right next step for you.

Important information: The panel will be held Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 12-2 p.m. in Nedderman Hall room 109. Click here to register your attendance.

Department Spotlight

Meet your accessibility digital champions

Stock image of accessibility written on a keyboard

The Digital Champions program, launched by the Office of Information Technology (OIT), is a strategic initiative supporting UTA’s 2030 vision for accessibility.

Why it matters: OIT and its campus partners, including your digital champions, are working to ensure all digital content the University provides is accessible to all.

Going deeper: Digital champions, representing both academic and administrative units, have been appointed by their leadership to advance digital accessibility and promote accessibility best practices across campus.

Find out who is supporting your unit on the accessibility website.

Mav Bites

👨‍🏫 The Honors Research Symposium is the culmination of hard work for honors students conducting undergraduate research. This semester’s presentations will be held on Friday, Nov. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Central Library's 6th floor atrium. The event is free and open to all.

👟 Donate a pair of gently used or new shoes during the Homecoming Shoe Drive. Your donation is much more than a pair of shoes; it offers dignity, hope, and a chance for renewal to those facing unimaginable hardships. Collection will take place Nov. 3-21 at the University Center and the Maverick Activities Center.

🤖 UTA welcomes José Antonio Bowen and C. Edward Watson, authors of Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning, for an exclusive two-day event. Join us for insightful sessions on embracing AI in education and preparing students for the future. The event is Wednesday, Nov. 19, and Thursday, Nov. 20.

❤️ Help restock the Maverick Food Pantry with the Fill the Pantry, Fill the Heart food drive. No Maverick should worry about putting food on the table, and by donating the most needed items, we can assist our UTA community. Donate today through Monday, Nov. 24.