UTA'S E-NEWSLETTER FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

MONDAY, DEC. 15, 2025

🥼 UTA Researcher Muthu Wijesundara was named to the National Academy of Inventors for his work in advanced medical devices.

Today's MavWire is 554 words, a two-minute read.

Campus Updates

Prepare for the timekeeping transition

UTA is moving to the UTShare Time and Absence Management system in March 2026.

Why it matters: Join us for virtual training starting in January to get prepared for this transition. The sessions will cover the following:

Fair Labor Standards Act Exemption (FLSA), overtime and comp time — Learn about employees groups, FLSA and how they relate to comp time and FLSA overtime.
Timekeeping information session — See what’s changing, why it matters, and view a live demo of the new system.

Details and enrollment are available online here.

Campus Updates

Passionate about mentorship? Become an IRB fellow

Photo of a person looking at the fellowship application.

The Center for Research on Teaching and Learning Excellence and the Office of Regulatory Services are accepting applications for two Institutional Review Board Mentor Fellowship positions as part of a new IRB Mentoring Initiative.

Why it matters: This fellowship enhances faculty development in mentoring by supporting students conducting human subject research, helping them navigate IRB requirements, and prepare high-quality protocol submissions.

Going deeper: Fellows will guide students through the IRB process with clarity, empathy, and consistency—strengthening ethical research practices and faculty-student engagement across the University.

Important details: The program lasts one semester, fall or spring, and is renewable. Mentors should commit three to four hours per week. Mentors receive a $2,500 stipend paid at the end of the semester. The application deadline is Thursday, January 15, 2026.

If you are passionate about mentorship and advancing research excellence, click here to learn more and apply today.

Campus Updates

Advising appointments just got easier

Advisors, a new appointment scheduler called MavInspire will be available beginning in spring 2026.

Why it matters: This new online scheduler streamlines the process for students to book advising appointments.

Going deeper: MavInspire offers an innovative method to support students in achieving their academic goals by facilitating a streamlined appointment booking process.

Campus Updates

Reflection Room relocation

Photo of the exterior of the Swift Center.

The Reflection Room, located in CAPPA South B, will be closed due to planned demolition and construction activity scheduled to begin over the winter break.

Why it matters: To ensure continued access to this important campus resource, the Reflection Room will be relocated to the Swift Center room 125. UTA recognizes that the Reflection Room is used daily by many members of our community.

Going deeper: Facilities Management is actively working on identifying and preparing a future permanent location that will better serve the needs of the campus community and continue to support a welcoming environment for all. Your patience and understanding are appreciated during this period of transition.

Important information: The current Reflection Room closes Thursday, Dec. 18, and the temporary Reflection Room opens Monday, Dec. 22, in Swift Center room 125.

If you have any questions, please contact the Intercultural Student Engagement Center.

Mav Bites

👨‍🍳 Step into the Technology Test Kitchen, an interactive space where faculty can explore digital tools and learn practical strategies for integrating technology into their teaching. Starting Thursday, Jan. 15, the hands-on sessions will be held at Trinity Hall TechKnowledgy Bar from 1-2 p.m.

🌐 As the year comes to a close, make sure you're set up to receive your W-2 forms electronically. It's quick, convenient, and helps streamline the process. Visit the Employee Self-Service Guide for additional resources and step-by-step instructions.