UTA'S E-NEWSLETTER FOR STUDENTS

TUESDAY, OCT. 14, 2025

🚐 The MavMover on campus has logged an average of over 27,000 riders each month this past year.

Today's Trailblazer is 1,124 words, a four-minute read.

University News

UTA ranked No. 1 university in North Texas by Wall Street Journal

Photo of students smiling and working on the U T A campus

For the second year in a row, The Wall Street Journal has recognized UTA as the No. 1 university in North Texas, placing it among the top five universities in Texas.

Why it matters: President Jennifer Cowley says that more students want to be Mavericks than ever before, because they know what we know: A UTA education leads to better jobs, better salaries, and lower debt for our graduates.

By the numbers: UTA also achieved the following rankings:

No. 3 among public institutions in Texas, behind only UT Austin and Texas A&M
No. 1 university in North Texas and fourth in the state in the “Best Salaries” category.

More honors: UTA is also one of only 21 universities to receive the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s new designation honoring institutions that expand access to higher education and help graduates earn competitive wages.

These distinctions underscore UTA’s commitment to advancing student success and helping graduates launch high-earning careers that improve lives.

Student Feedback

Undergraduate and Master's exit surveys

U T A graduates celebrate and smile the achievement of graduating

We're getting closer to fall graduation, and we need your help to help shape the future of our University.

Why it matters: The exit surveys provide data on the overall student satisfaction with the services and opportunities provided by UTA, their colleges and programs, and how those can be improved.

Going deeper: The results give us a better understanding of students' sense of preparedness for employment and education after graduation, and how well we are achieving those outcomes as an institution. This data has been used to inform program accreditation, policies, and initiatives that are aligned with best practices in undergraduate and graduate education.

Student Affairs

Friends and family come to campus this weekend

A U T A student and their family visiting at Brazos Park.

Friends & Family Weekend is nearly here, Mavericks. Friends and family members are heading to campus for a weekend full of fun events for everyone to enjoy.

Why it matters: This weekend is the perfect opportunity for friends and family to experience what it means to be a Maverick for the weekend. From seeing what you do every day to partying at Brazos Park, they get to explore campus just like you do.

Going deeper: Whether fun to you and your loved ones is going on an all-access tour of AT&T Stadium or calling each other's bluff at the poker table—Friends & Family Weekend has something for everyone. Start planning the ultimate UTA experience with events like these:

Friday, Oct. 17

A talent show in the Rosebud Theater.
Casino on Campus in the Bluebonnet Ballroom.
A UTA Planetarium Show.

Saturday, Oct. 16

Welcome Brunch in the Bluebonnet Ballroom.
Maverick volleyball against Utah Tech Trailblazers at College Park Center.
Dinner and dancing at Brazos Park featuring The Inspiration Band.

There are many more opportunities to share Maverick moments with family and friends.

Health and Wellness

Notifications and Nerves: mindful navigation of social media

U T A students look at a phone while conversing on campus.

Join the School of Social Work's Virtual Peer Support Clinic for a pop-up session that explores how social media affects attention, stress, and sense of self, and how mindfulness can help us reclaim balance in a digital world.

Why it matters: Students will learn simple, evidence-informed techniques to reduce digital stress and promote mindful engagement.

Going deeper: This interactive session combines psychoeducation, reflection, and practical tools to help you stay grounded both online and offline.

Important info: This virtual pop-up is open to all UTA students. Sign up today for one of two virtual sessions hosted on Microsoft Teams from 12-1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18 and Monday, Oct. 20.

University News

UTA students chase hot leads in cold cases

Photo of The Arlington Police Department visiting with Pat Eddings' students

UTA students are diving into three unsolved homicide cases through Pat Eddings’ special topics course, a partnership with the Arlington Police Department.

Why it matters: The 15 students selected for this opportunity have full access to case files and are combing through them in hopes of shedding light on these local cold cases while working toward their degrees.

Going deeper: For students Caitlyn Valdez and Sarah Ciuffetelli, this course provides hands-on investigative experience, allowing them to apply forensic and criminology knowledge to real cases, develop career skills, and support the police department in the pursuit of justice for these unsolved cases.

Student Affairs

Kicking off the graduation season

A U T A graduate poses for a photo before walking across the stage

We're kicking off graduation season with the Fall 2025 Grad Finale at the UTA Bookstore Oct. 21-23 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Why it matters: You can find everything you need for commencement including official class rings, announcements and invitations, and graduation regalia.

Going deeper: Special pricing is available at the event, and representatives from Development and Alumni Relations, Office of Registrar, and Records Management among others will be there to answer questions. There will also be special visits from Blaze and a live DJ on site to help celebrate graduates.

Around Campus

Who owns our knowledge?

Promotional photo of U T A Libraries' Open Access Week

UTA Libraries Open Access Week is a series of presentations, panel discussions, and workshops on the whys and hows of Open Access.

Why it matters: It’s essential to support Open Access for several reasons, including making it easier for more people to access research papers and data online. Making sure anyone can see these results helps turn ideas into discoveries that improve lives.

Going deeper: As part of our commitment to increasing open access to research, UTA Libraries offers services such as Mavs open press publishing services, UTA CARES grant program, and UTA Research Commons.

Open Access Week is an international event hosted by libraries and universities around the world. The week of events gets underway Monday, Oct. 20.

Blaze Bites

🎩 Students can claim two free Tickets to DIAMONDS: The Mind-Blowing Magic Show, happening at Texas Hall, Saturday, Oct. 18. Claim this offer while supplies last.

🤝 Integrity Days is your chance to learn how to "Live with Integrity" while having fun and winning prizes. Join Community Standards for events that encourage doing the right thing, which never goes out of style. Tuesday, Oct. 14-16.

🤖 Want to make AI work of you? This hands-on workshop will help you discover how to leverage the use of AI to get an edge in the job market and enhance your overall career readiness. Thursday, Oct. 23.

🤠 Maverick Dining is bringing a Taste of Texas to the Maverick Café. If you missed the State Fair this year, don't fret, you can get a variety of fan favorites from the fair Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

👨‍💼 Join Mavs EDGE Employers: INSPIRE for a discussion on teamwork and networking with Tomorrows Leaders Today, a nonprofit organization organization dedicated to developing leaders through education, collaboration, and mentorship. Thursday, Oct. 23.