UTA'S E-NEWSLETTER FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

THURSDAY, OCT. 2, 2025

🌎 Did you know that 10,000 tons of recyclables have been collected at UTA over the past year?

 

Today's MavWire is 921 words, a seven-minute read.

Around Campus

Gift propels UTA bioengineering research

UTA celebrated the naming of the Debra and Jon Weidanz Tissue Engineering Laboratory during a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week, recognizing the couple’s philanthropic support.

 

Why it matters: Located in the Engineering Research Building, the 1,354-square-foot lab serves as a hub for cutting-edge research in micro- and nanomaterials for tissue repair, drug delivery systems, and nanocomposites for regenerative medicine. 

 

Going deeper: The laboratory is the first named lab in the Department of Bioengineering. The Weidanzes have contributed more than $500,000 cumulatively to UTA, including their recent support of research-enhancing activities in the department.

Athletics

Arlington to Vegas. Don't miss out!

The road to the Western Athletic Conference Tournament in Las Vegas begins at College Park Center—and our UTA Maverick basketball teams need you there every step of the way! 

 

Why it matters: You can lock in your season tickets now for $99 for both UTA men’s and women’s basketball. With new talent on the floor and big-time matchups ahead, there’s never been a better time to be part of Mav Nation. 

 

Important information: Ready to buy your season tickets? Have questions? Contact Candice Johnson, director of ticket sales and outreach. 

 

View the full men's and women's basketball schedules and make plans to support your teams today!

Around Campus

Sidewalk and ramp replacement on UTA Boulevard

Starting this week, the city of Arlington will begin replacing sidewalks and ramps along UTA Boulevard between Cooper St. and Davis Dr.

 

Why it matters: Work is anticipated to continue through the fall semester and wrap up with street resurfacing over winter break, weather permitting. Expect partial lane closures during construction. Please allow extra travel time, use caution, and plan alternate walking or parking routes if needed.

 

You should know: If parking access is affected, you can find alternative parking options using the UTA Parking Finder. Thank you for your patience as these improvements are made.

Events

Volunteer for Friends and Family

Friends & Family Weekend is one of UTA’s signature events and is open to families of current UTA students. This year we're hosting friends and families Oct. 17-18.

Why it matters: Parent and Family Services is calling on UTA colleagues to help serve as volunteers during Friends & Family Weekend to ensure our students and their families have the best possible experience.

Get involved: Whether you sign up, break down, or check in, there are many roles for which volunteers are needed. 

Sign up for any volunteer slot here; and training will be provided on site. Please contact Lauren Puls with questions. 

Staff Advisory Council

Nominations are open for SAC STAR Award

The SAC STAR Award, presented by the Staff Advisory Council (SAC), honors UTA staff members who exemplify excellence, innovation, and community spirit.

 

Why it matters: The acronym STAR reflects the award’s four core values; 

support and service, team and collaboration, adaptability and innovation, and

relationships and community engagement. 

 

Important information: Awards are given quarterly to align with the SAC Roundup newsletter. Nominations are open to all UTA staff who meet SAC eligibility requirements, and recipients can only win once per year.

 

To learn more or submit a nomination, visit the SAC STAR webpage.

Staff Recognition

It's time to celebrate your contributions to campus

The Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Reporting is pleased to invite you to the 2025 Assessment Recognition Awards Wednesday, Oct. 8. 

 

Why it matters: This event celebrates the outstanding contributions of faculty and staff who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and advocacy in advancing student learning outcomes assessment and improvement.

Event details: The event will take place from 2-3:30 p.m. in Trinity Hall Room 104E/W. Please RSVP here and come celebrate your fellow colleagues!

Around Campus

October is Campus Sustainability Month

Campus Sustainability Month is taking place all October! Join the Office of Sustainability throughout the month to celebrate sustainability successes and raise awareness of the value of sustainability at UTA.

Why it matters: The UTA campus is leading the way on sustainability with multiple ways to address and reduce waste on campus, including recycling, composting, and electronic waste collection. Students have access to the bike barn for their repair needs and the ability to sign up for a free bike share program. The Office of Sustainability is growing in impact, and this month is a chance to share those successes and collaborate across campus.

You should know: The Office of Sustainability is hosting a slew events for the UTA community to engage and participate in embedding sustainability across our operations and outreach.

Mav Bites

📚 UTA Libraries is asking for feedback with a survey to better understand the needs, preferences, and priorities of faculty, staff, and students. Participants are asked about library resources such as print journals, interlibrary loans, and research services.

💉 Maverick Wellness is offering three convenient clinic dates this fall where UTA employees, dependents, and retirees can receive their annual vaccinations. Starting Thursday, Oct. 9.

💻 Join an empowering session to help faculty explore the potential of Open Educational Resources to enhance access, equity, and innovation in their teaching. Thursday, Oct. 2.

👟 It’s not too late to join the Fall Into Fitness Challenge. Groups of three to five participants are encouraged to collectively log 1 million steps until Friday, Oct.  31.

📦 UTA’s preferred shipping platform, eShipGlobal, will be conducting training sessions. Each will include general use of the platform as well as shipping hazardous materials and international shipping. Registration is required. Contact Nancy Czarowitz for questions. Thursday, Oct. 9, and Tuesday, Oct. 14.

🎙The first Maverick Speakers Series event of the 2025-26 season will feature Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia. Wednesday, Oct. 8.

Upcoming Events

SATURDAY, OCT. 4

Observe the Moon Night

Volleyball Game vs. Abilene Christian University

SUNDAY, OCT. 5

UTA Symphonic Winds and Symphonic Band Concert

Full calendar >

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The University of Texas at Arlington

701 S. Nedderman Drive | Arlington, TX 76019 US