UTA’S E‑NEWSLETTER FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

Mavericks celebrate a new academic year

The fall 2023 semester officially kicked off with the MavsMeet Convocation at College Park Center, where UTA students cheered and hollered through a series of dance and music performances and inspirational speeches.

Many of the students, adorned in UTA T-shirts, were busy taking pictures with friends, posing for selfies, and trying to spot classmates in the audience. There was a buzz and excitement that often accompanies the first day of the new school year.

Living the dream

Jennifer Cowley recently spoke to the city of Arlington about how she is living her dream as president of UTA. “I am honored to have the opportunity to return my hometown to play a leadership role in shaping the future at UT Arlington, and I enthusiastically accept this opportunity and responsibility,” she said.

UTA tech helps first responders

Yan Wan, professor of electrical engineering, is constructing an open-networked airborne computing platform to enable unmanned aerial vehicles to help first responders better coordinate their efforts during emergency or disaster responses.

UTA Night with the Dallas Wings

Join your fellow Mavericks for a night with the Dallas Wings as they take on the Minnesota Lynx at College Park Center today, Thursday, Aug. 24, at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $12. Use code WINGSUTA2023 at checkout. UTA permit holders should expect parking delays, closed streets, and restricted parking lots starting at noon.

Campus safety recognition

John Hall, vice president of administration and economic development, has received the Campus Leaders Who Care Award from the Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association. The award honors the outstanding effort of senior university administrators to enhance the culture of safety at their institutions.

Health care technology leader

Erica Hinojosa, simulation technology manager in the UTA Smart Hospital and a UTA alumna, was named president of Sim Gathering of Healthcare Simulation Technology Specialists, an international nonprofit that supports individuals and institutions using health care simulation technology.

GTA/GRA benefits session

The Office of Talent, Culture, and Inclusion is hosting a one-hour orientation to provide graduate teaching assistants and graduate research assistants an overview of UTA's employee benefits. Register to attend the session in person at the Maverick Activities Center's Lone Star Auditorium on Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 4 p.m. or virtually Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 1 p.m.

Faculty hiring workflow

To allow for a streamlined and transparent faculty hiring process, the Office of Academic Talent and Culture has developed an automated workflow in PeopleAdmin that allows departments to post faculty positions and submit hiring proposals. It will be phased in across colleges throughout the fall semester. Delegates will be contacted soon about training opportunities.

Beware phishing emails

The UTA Information Security Office (ISO) warns of heightened phishing email activity. If you receive an email you believe might be a phishing email, please report it via the Phish Alert button in your mail client. If you have any questions or concerns, email ISO at security@uta.edu.

Staff changes in Payroll Services

Payroll Services bids farewell to two Mavericks this month. David Maldonado, director of payroll, and Jill Townsend, assistant director of payroll, will retire on Thursday, Aug. 31. Amanda Sims amanda.sims@uta.edu has been named the new director of payroll services, and Kimberly Spencer kimberly.spencer@uta.edu will serve as her assistant director.