UTA'S E-NEWSLETTER FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

THURSDAY, NOV. 6, 2025

🌶 The chili cook-off has been a cherished Homecoming tradition at UTA for 14 years.

Today's MavWire is 780 words, a three-minute read.

President

UTA student sits in as president for the day

Muhammad Khurram, a standout computer science major, spent a day serving as UTA president, while President Jennifer Cowley spent the day as a student, attending lectures and learning about software development.

Why it matters: As president, Khurram gained a new perspective on how UTA functions at the executive level to provide opportunities throughout campus and advance student success.

Going deeper: President Khurram's busy schedule included visiting the Studio Arts Center, discussing building communities and growth with Provost Tamara Brown and Vice President of Regional Campuses Wayne Atchley, and having lunch with the Division of Student Success to learn about programs like MavRise and talk about why student organizations matter.

Traditions

An inside look at Homecoming 2025

The latest episode of Discovering the Maverick Factor podcast will give you a glimpse of the work and magic behind Homecoming.

Why you should listen: Two students on UTA’s Homecoming Planning Committee share the meaning behind the theme “There’s No Place Like Homecoming,” what they’re looking forward to about this year’s programming, and Homecoming memories.

Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify.

Athletics

Get in the game, Homecoming mini-plans available now

U T A senior forward Raysean Seamster dribbles a ball down court

With Maverick basketball now underway, make a fast-break to get your tickets and catch the action during Homecoming.

Why it matters: Following the men's high-scoring victory over UNT Dallas and the impressive debut of the Lady Mavs' Kira Reynolds, you don't want to miss two of the season's biggest games.

Going deeper: The Homecoming mini plan is the best way for fans to see both Homecoming games, with prices starting at $10. You'll get tickets to the Lady Mavs' game against Tennessee State on Friday, Nov. 14, and the men’s matchup against Missouri State on Saturday, Nov. 15.

Bring your Maverick spirit to College Park Center. Get your tickets here.

Events

Pumpkin problems? Call the Department of History and Geography

Photos from the Punkin' Chunkin' event with pumpkins flying through the sky.

Halloween is over—now what to do with all those pumpkins? History students at UTA had a smashing-good plan—launching them medieval style.

Why it matters: The event featured a live demonstration of Son of Warwolf, UTA’s trebuchet, built and designed by faculty and students.

Going deeper: Two students, originally asked to build a tabletop trebuchet, exceeded expectations by replicating one of the largest trebuchets ever built. The ancient engineering marvel flung pumpkins across the field, replicating the way ancient armies would attack their enemies with large stones.

Provost

Embracing AI as essential learning

Two internationally renowned experts and authors in the field of artificial intelligence are heading to campus to inspire our faculty and staff.

Why it matters: The Office of the Provost has invited Edward Watson and José Antonio Bowen to inspire campus-wide discussion of how AI is shaping the future of higher education and what our campus community can do about it.

Going deeper: Watson will deliver a keynote lecture titled "Embracing AI as Essential Learning: Preparing Students for Life Beyond College” Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 1:30-3 p.m. in Trinity 104. You can learn more and register to attend virtually here.

The speech will be followed by a hands-on workshop conducted by Bowen, Thursday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., also in Trinity 104. Space may be limited so register here.

Mav Bites

👷 At the City of Arlington / UTA Master Plan Town Hall + CAPPA Expo, you can learn more about UTA’s Campus Master Plan and view an exhibit of architecture students projects. Today, Thursday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. in the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library.

❤️ 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, we can assist our UTA community. Donate today through Saturday, Nov. 15.

🧪 The Office of Research and Innovation is excited to announce that the Research Enhancement Program (REP) is now open for 26-27 REP Proposals. Take this opportunity to collect data and develop proposals for future extramural funding. Submission deadline is Friday, Dec. 5.

🔬 Join the Crandell Lecture Series to hear Nobel laureate Michael Rosbash discuss his research in circadian rhythms using the fruit fly. Monday, Nov. 10, in the Science and Engineering Innovation and Research Building, Room 198.

🗣 Join the Process Improvement Community for From Frustration to Dialogue: Talking About Process Improvements. This session introduces strategies helping employees engage in constructive conversations about process challenges.

Thursday, Nov. 20

🏆 Nominate your colleagues for UTA Faculty Research Honors. This is the highest recognition the University bestows to celebrate impactful scholarly and creative achievements. Nomination deadline is Friday, Dec. 19.