- Warm weather wraps around the MetroplexThe Metroplex can expect mostly sunny weather this week, with highs in the upper 90s and lows in the lower 70s. Daniel Huckaby, National Weather Service meteorologist, said temperatures will gradually rise during the week, with mid to late week heat index values near 100 or exceeding 100. Chances of rain will also return this weekend. “We're coming up on the autumnal equinox here, later in the week, so [we] should be talking about fall weather, but unfortunately, it's going to feel more like summer,” Huckaby said. @reyyhankilic news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- Tarrant County commissioners approve UTA, college campuses as early voting sitesFORT WORTH — Roxana Aguirre, Fort Worth resident and educator, teared up as the room around her erupted in applause. After around four hours of discussion and nearly 160 speakers in open forum, the Tarrant County Commissioners Court approved a list of 51 early voting sites — including those at UTA and several other colleges — for the November presidential election at Thursday’s meeting. The measure passed 4-1, with County Judge Tim O’Hare in opposition. “As an educator, I just feel that seeing college-age students come out and exercise your democratic right to let your elected officials know that you are against something they are proposing is beautiful to see,” Aguirre said. Adding to the uncertainty of the proceedings was the in-person absence of Commissioners Alisa Simmons and Roy Brooks, who have been vocal about the need for more early voting sites. The two were in Washington D.C. for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Conference. Many among those who spoke to the commissioners had criticized the court for proceeding without them. The two voted remotely on the measure. Simmons thanked the citizens and students for their engagement in local governance. “Those young people, this is what it's about,” she said. “Thank you for coming over, and thank you to your professors and advisers for allowing you to come over and participate in your local government right here in your footprint.” O’Hare said the idea behind having multiple voting locations is to be equally spread out and accessible to all. Having locations less than a mile apart makes no sense, he said, because voting sites in some communities are 10 to 15 miles apart. “You don't win them all,” O’Hare said after the meeting. “I stood up for what I believed in and the rest of the court did not agree with the way I saw it.” Among those speaking at the meeting, including groups of advocates, elected officials, UTA students and staff, most pleaded to keep the university sites, saying any attempt to remove voting locations was an act of voter suppression. “A voteless people is a hopeless people,” said Relius Johnson, New Maverick Orientation director. College campuses are a microcosm of society because of the diverse student populations, and UTA is located around thriving areas where people vote, Johnson said. Having a polling site on campus allows everyone in the community to have their voice heard. Democracy begins on college campuses, and young people are changing this nation, environmental science senior Rogelio Meixueiro said. Tarrant County is paving the way for change in Texas, Meixueiro said, and while he’s happy with UTA’s energy to keep the site on campus, he believes the work is not done until after Election Day. “I think now our duty is ensuring that hundreds of students in our university and all across the county make their voice heard, and hey, we’re paving the way,” he said. Everyone should have their votes and voices heard, said Taylor Tracy, first vice president for UTA’s NAACP chapter, after the meeting. The nonpartisan organization attended the meeting to ensure it was educating and advocating for students while empowering people. “We just want everybody to have the ability to be able to vote,” Tracy said. During the Sept. 4 meeting, the Commissioners Court failed to approve a list of 50 early voting locations, 2-2, for the second time within two years, with Commissioner Manny Ramirez absent from the vote. The Maverick Activities Center was an active voting location but was unavailable for early voting during the 2023 November constitutional amendment election. However, it was open for the primary election in March. The 4-1 vote Thursday approved the original list and added the Vietnamese American Community Home in Dalworthington Gardens. “I think that we have to have more objective criteria and we have to have better reasoning whenever we’re selecting sites, but again, reducing the number is not a priority,” Ramirez said at the meeting before voting to approve the list. O’Hare is not against having intentional polling locations, but the current list of voting sites with some locations within almost a mile from one another would be a waste of money, he said. Three other voting site drafts were proposed with fewer locations, and O’Hare said he would have supported any of those along with the newly added location. Early presidential voting at UTA began as early as 2000, according to previous Shorthorn reporting. This year, citizens can register to vote until Oct. 7, with early voting running from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1. @PMalkomes @trinhvchristine news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- International Observe the Moon Night lands at UTA ObservatoryThe UTA Observatory and College of Science will host International Observe the Moon Night on the top floor of the Park Central parking garage from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday. NASA’s annual International Observe the Moon Night encourages people around the world to observe the moon. The moon will be at or close to the first-quarter phase. According to NASA, a first-quarter moon offers excellent viewing opportunities along the terminator, the line between night and day, where shadows enhance the moon's cratered landscape. Planetarium program coordinator McKenna Dowd said they will have a 16-inch Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, meaning it has two mirrors: a primary and a secondary mirror to help focus the light into the eyepiece. This is the largest telescope they have. The observatory will also feature a smaller 11-inch telescope, multiple 8-inch telescopes and a 6-inch telescope for viewing. Dowd said that spectators are welcome to bring their own observing equipment and the event will feature free food and water, glow sticks and chairs for attendees while supplies last. “It's an event for moon lovers and anyone who loves to look up at the sky to come together and celebrate and observe the moon, and just share curiosity and wonder for our night sky and our moon,” Dowd said. The event is free, apart from parking. Instructions to obtain a parking permit for the event can be found on the observatory’s website. @wall035203 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- Criminal mischief, harassment and consumption of alcohol by a minor in this week’s crime logThis is a crime wrap-up from Sept. 6 to 10. Reckless damage or destruction of property On Sept. 6, an unaffiliated male reported damage to his vehicle while it was parked, UTA Police Capt. Mike McCord said in an email. Reckless damage or destruction is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500. This case is still active. Criminal mischief On Sept. 8, an officer found damage to a section of landscape, McCord said. Criminal mischief with $100 to $750 in pecuniary loss is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500. This case is still active. Harassment On Sept. 9, a female staff member reported receiving harassing messages from an unaffiliated male, McCord said. Harassment is a class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $2,000, up to 180 days in jail or both. Purchasing or furnishing alcohol to a minor On Sept. 10, officers investigated a possibly intoxicated unaffiliated female, McCord said. She was arrested for providing alcohol to a minor and transported to Arlington Police Department jail. Purchasing or furnishing alcohol to a minor is a class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $4,000, up to one year in jail or both. Consumption of alcohol by a minor In the same Sept. 10 report, an unaffiliated female associate was issued a citation for consumption of alcohol by a minor, McCord said. Consumption of alcohol by a minor is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500. Theft of property On Sept. 10, a male student reported the theft of a weight stack extender, McCord said. Theft of property worth $100 to $750 is a class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail or both. This case is still active. @hjgarcia0 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- Mavericks embrace Hispanic heritage at La Kermés festivalMavericks celebrated La Kermés on the Library mall honoring Hispanic Serving Institution Week on Wednesday. HSI Week is held one week before Hispanic Heritage Month, with one of its biggest events being La Kermés, a festival typical to Hispanic culture, that involves food, activities, games and music. Students from various heritages joined together for the Hispanic heritage festival that included baile, food and the opportunity to win one of three $500 scholarships offered by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Maria Delgado, senior director of HSI Initiatives, said she works to ensure that UTA continues to be recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution while integrating Hispanic heritage. The HSI designation allows Mavericks to apply for financial support. Delgado emphasizes that this support is designed to benefit all students, not just Latinos. “I am very, very excited about doing all of these activities and events,” Delgado said. “I'm Latina, so it's very nice for me to be able to share with all of our students about our HSI culture, but also bring them scholarships and bring them money.” Senior education major Jennifer Bautista said that being a full-time student with clinicals prevents her from being able to work. The $500 scholarship would be a great help to her dreams of being a first-generation graduate and being a voice for her Hispanic community in her career path. “[In] education there needs to be more representation, especially for Hispanic students whose parents don't speak English,” Bautista said. “I want to be that voice to help those students who can't do for themselves and [who] are translating for their parents as well because I was that kid who was translating for my parents.” Valeria Loera, visual communications design major and president of the Association of Mexican-American Students, said that the ability to meet other students of Mexican heritage has allowed her to make the most of her UTA experience and she is grateful to have the opportunity to represent her culture with events like La Kermés. “The fact that we're even able to host tables here and play our music out loud and serve our food, it's a privilege, and we're really grateful for it,” Loera said. Drew Miller, senior associate vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students, is new to the UTA community and attended La Kermés to learn more about the different organizations offered to students on campus, saying he wants to be a part of supporting the Hispanic community. “I don't think I've ever been on a campus where the students are this engaged, this willing to come out, show support, get involved. It has been a joy to see and so it's just been so exciting to see so many students [of] Hispanic origin, but also not [of] Hispanic origin, just coming out to learn, to support. It’s amazing,” Miller said. @arj3395 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- Community stands for campus early voting sitesTexas Rep. Terry Meza, D-Irving remembers once voting at the University Center. “I knew that the more people that voted here, the more likely they were to keep it,” Meza said. She, alongside about three dozen students, faculty and state representatives, gathered Wednesday at the Maverick Activities Center’s West Lawn to discuss UTA potentially not having an early voting site this year. Last week, the Tarrant County Commissioners Court failed to approve a list of early voting locations, which included college campuses like UTA and Tarrant County College, for the upcoming November 2024 presidential election. After a heated debate, the court left divided, resulting in a 2-2 vote with Commissioner Manny Ramirez absent. “These polling locations aren’t just for university students,” UTA student Yaseen Tasnif said. “Faculty, staff and nearby residents also use them.” The court will meet 10 a.m. Thursday for a special meeting to discuss and consider three different draft proposals for early voting locations. Commissioners Alisa Simmons and Roy Brooks, however, will be unable to attend in person. In August, the court approved travel for Simmons and Brooks to attend the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Conference in Washington D.C. “Together, we represent half of this county, which is a majority minority, meaning a disproportionate number of these minority citizens live within our two precincts,” Simmons said in a written statement. “This is clearly a targeted attempt to limit the minority members of the Commissioners Court’s ability to participate.” While Simmons is out of state, she and her office put together the event with support from UTA students. The absence of both commissioners who are African American will leave the minority population unrepresented, Texas Rep. Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie said. “To schedule this meeting at a time the two Black members of the court cannot be there, and the vast majority of the minority population in Tarrant County cannot be represented because they cannot be there, is wrong,” he said. Kayla Rabb, Texas Texas National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Youth and College president, said she is disheartened at the attempt to suppress the votes of students and members of the community. She said students face higher voter struggles like affordable and reliable transportation or finding the time to vote between classes. “County Judge O’Hare, to say that you have no interest in helping students vote is grossly arrogant, a mockery and a slap in the face to young people who wish to take part in the democratic process,” Rabb said. Previously, the MAC was an active voting location for students but was not available for early voting during the 2023 November constitutional amendment election. The university initially opened as an early presidential voting site in 2000, according to previous Shorthorn reporting. During last week’s meeting, O’Hare questioned the necessity of having an early voting location at UTA, pointing out another option at the Tarrant County Sub-Courthouse in Arlington, which is 0.8 miles away from campus. Simmons disagreed. At that meeting, Simmons said she opposes removing early polling sites from campus because Arlington is the largest city in the U.S. without public transportation, and most of UTA’s students don’t have vehicles. “Access is the issue here. It is the responsibility of this Commissioners Court to make voting accessible to all of the public,” Simmons said. Emeri Callaway, TCC student and member of Tarrant County Young Democrats, said the right to vote is fundamental to our democracy, and having voting sites on college campuses encourages student-voter turnout. “Restricting access to the ballot box undermines the very fabric of our society and democracy itself,” Callaway said. “As a student who has personally used a polling location, on campus, to vote, as I know countless other students have, we must not let this happen.” Citizens can register to vote until Oct. 7, and early voting runs from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1. UTA is still included on the Election Day polling sites, which commissioners approved 3-1. O’Hare voted against the list. @amandaLaldridge news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- Oozeball registration ends WednesdayThe deadline to register for Oozeball, UTA’s annual six-vs-six mud volleyball tournament, is Wednesday with the event set for Sept. 20. Students can register online through the Campus Recreation website or the Maverick Activities Center services and information desk. Registration is $60 per team and $15 for individuals. The event will be at the mud volleyball courts located on the corner of Summit Avenue and Greek Row. Profits from the event will be donated to UTA’s Emergency Assistance Fund. Teams of five are also eligible to participate in this year's Oozeball tournament. There must be two female players on each team. With University Housing and Rockstar Energy Drink sponsoring this year's tournament, students can expect a DJ, free energy drinks and dancing in between games. Josh Hale, Campus Recreation assistant director for sports programs, said it’s recommended students wear clothes they don’t mind throwing away afterwards. Participants are required to secure their shoes with duct tape as a safety precaution. Now voted as UTA’s most popular tradition, Hale said Oozeball was started by former Campus Recreation director Doug Kuykendall. When Kuykendall first started the mud volleyball tournament in 1989, there were only two courts for the tournament — now there’s over 10. “I would definitely say it's one of the biggest traditions on campus,” Hale said. “Students that have transferred or new students or freshman, whoever it may be, I'd even encourage faculty [and] staff that are new to UTA, just come out and see the experience and impact that this event makes.” @reyyhankilic news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- UTA hosts annual State of the University addressMavericks gathered Tuesday for President Jennifer Cowley’s annual State of the University address at Texas Hall. Following its strategic plan, “UTA 2030: Shared Dreams, Bright Future,” Cowley announced research advancements, scholarship and grant opportunities, improved websites and construction updates. Drone facility The UTA Research Institute in Fort Worth will soon house a $2.3 million state-of-the-art outdoor netted drone facility. Known as the Maverick Autonomous Vehicle Research Center, its completion is planned for January 2025, according to a UTA press release. MAVRC will be equipped with lighting, an advanced suite of cameras and sensors, and an adjacent control/education building. The facility aims to improve research opportunities for UTA members, area companies, local municipalities and the community. Scholarships and grants Thomas Connelly and The Harold Simmons Foundation, a philanthropic group supporting nonprofit programs in Dallas, has honored UTA alumna Serena Simmons Connelly’s death by establishing the Serena Simmons Connelly Memorial Endowed Graduate Fellowship in the School of Social Work. “This scholarship will provide support for at least eight full-time social work graduate students,” Cowley said. UTA alumnus Raj Nooyi and his wife Indra Nooyi gave the recently renamed Center for Innovation in Health Informatics $5 million to support two new endowed professorships and research awards for faculty studying health informatics. “The research awards will serve as seed funding to help faculty garner additional research funding from external sources,” Cowley said. “The Nooyi’s generosity is a true testament to their support and dedication to our university.” Campus weather conditions Chief information officer Deepika Chalemela and the Office of Information Technology are partnering with the UTA Planetarium to launch a website displaying campus weather conditions. The application will have real-time information from the observatory’s weather station. UTA Mobile The Office of Information Technology continues its partnership with the Division of Student Success to align the MyMav web portal with UTA Mobile, aiming to improve the student experience. Spanish language summer camps With over 700 attendees at UTA summer camps this year, Cowley announced that by summer 2025, the university will offer Spanish language versions for a number of camps. “I’m really excited we’re going to be able to expand our impact in the community,” she said. Construction John Hall, vice president of administration and economic development, is leading several Arlington construction projects with over $300 million invested into endeavors last year. The Greek Life Center, which will provide a shared space for Fraternity and Sorority Life gatherings, training and events, is scheduled to open by the spring semester. Additionally, a new track and scoreboard will be installed at Maverick Stadium. @amandaLaldridge @PMalkomes news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- 9/11's impact stays with Arlington officersTwenty-three years ago, the 9/11 attacks changed the U.S. forever. In remembering the fallen, some first responders look beyond the grief — they find inspiration in the heroism people showed in adversity. According to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum website, 2,977 people died and thousands were injured across the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Somerset County, Pennsylvania, attacks. Over 400 of those deaths were first responders. Arlington Police Sgt. Alex Rosado was a high school sophomore when 9/11 happened. When he heard the news from his wrestling coach, he couldn't grasp the magnitude. He thought it was a small plane that had hit the towers. It wasn’t until his school started wheeling TVs into every classroom that he understood. “We realized, ‘Oh my gosh, we’re under attack as a country,’” Rosado said. The event left everyone on edge, he said. His parents were lieutenant colonels in the United States Air Force, recalling his mom being deployed to Kosovo when he was younger. At the time, he was worried his parents would have to leave again. His mom briefly worked at the Pentagon in Washington, as well, and hearing that another plane went down in Pennsylvania was a shock. “The country as a whole was just completely overcome by this tragedy,” he said. “I mean, you couldn’t turn on a TV or a radio station and hear music or see TV shows you were expecting to see. It was all coverage on 9/11.” After getting a business degree at UTA, Rosado ended up in law enforcement. While his memories of 9/11 didn’t directly drive him to the profession, they continue to occupy his mind as he entered the next chapter of his life. “I remember hearing the stories of the police officers and firefighters that died when the buildings collapsed,” Rosado said. “That sacrifice they made, the heroism they showed, certainly came to my mind.” Having promised himself to never forget the tragedy, Rosado honors the memory every year by volunteering at the Dallas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb since 2014. The event recognizes the fallen first responders of 9/11 by having officers walk up a 110-flight staircase while wearing the names and biographies of those who died. He said while the news cycle may move on from the tragedy, he made it a point to never do so. The more Rosado learned about 9/11, the more he wanted to “keep the memory alive.” “To me, one of the things that I remember is in the weeks after 9/11,” Rosado said. “How the country seemed to come together a little bit.” 9/11 impacted first responder communities in various ways, and Rosado said the heroes who died that day gave people something to live up to. Those in the profession ponder if they could also be that brave. “Many of those officers and firefighters and EMS personnel went into that building understanding that the likelihood of them coming out was low, but there were people that were trapped and it was their job to go up there and at least try to get them out,” he said. “They’re their only hope.” From a tactical perspective, Rosado said the country still exhibits lessons learned from 9/11. Communication between firefighters and police is crucial and when hosting events at locations like AT&T Stadium. Every first responder knows to be on the same page. UTA Police Capt. Mike McCord said in an email that while shock and sadness were his immediate feelings after 9/11, he always remembers how the country united despite calamity. As a first responder, McCord said 9/11 highlighted a significant change in policing. The prospect of terrorism within our country was a much more realized threat that had to be addressed. On a personal level, he said the event changed his situational awareness. “9/11 has impacted many areas in which UTA [Police Department] serves our community, including preparation for special events, community partnerships and collaboration, utilization of physical security measures [and] information sharing,” McCord said. Rosado said 9/11 taught the country to always respect their neighbors. “We may not agree. That’s just the nature of the country we live in and that’s okay,” he said. “But I think we have to remember that we’re all neighbors. We’re a community, and it’s important that we don’t lose sight of that, despite political differences or religious differences.” @PMalkomes news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- 'We need to remember': First responders honor their fallen brothersDALLAS – 110 floors, 2,160 steps. “One flight at a time, one flight at a time,” James Fussner, Arlington Fire Department firefighter, told his “brothers” as they ascended the Comerica Bank Tower in Dallas on Saturday, completing the climb 343 fallen firefighters could not during 9/11. All Fussner could think about was John Bergin, one of the New York City firefighters who died on 9/11. Since 2011, the Dallas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb annually honors firefighters, police officers and EMS personnel by having first responders climb 110 flights, symbolizing each floor of the World Trade Center’s former twin towers. Fussner has participated in the climb for 10 years, and each time, he said it’s a humbling experience. He always climbs for Bergin, he said. “It’s been a personal feeling for me that I need to climb for him,” Fussner said. Participants carry lanyards with a photo of a fallen hero who died during 9/11. On Sept. 7, their only job was to take them to the top, event director Rodney Smith said, symbolically completing the climb for those who couldn’t. Fussner was a high school senior when 9/11 happened. He said his history teacher told the students it would be a day they’d remember for the rest of their lives. The image of the two towers collapsing is engraved in his mind. “While I’m climbing, I think of each and every one of them,” Fussner said tearfully. “I think of John [Bergin] a lot, and I think of his family a lot, so that keeps me going.” Matthew Silcox, Bowie Fire Department firefighter, remembers the sacrifice the firefighters made when he was 14 years old. Now, out of honor and admiration, he walks in their footsteps. “I like to try, just in some way, try to put myself in their shoes, even though it’s not the same thing, but [I] can’t imagine what they must have been feeling,” Silcox said. “Nobody should have to go through that or meet that fate, but they did and they did it courageously.” Throughout the trek, radio traffic from 9/11 played in the stairwells, placing them in day’s true moments. Smith remembers telling his wife that the events of 9/11 would be the largest loss of firefighters he would ever see in his career. Among the firefighter that day, a total of 2,977 people died. “When everyone else is running out of the building, we’re running in. That’s what we do,” Smith, a retired fire chief, said. “Sometimes members pay the ultimate sacrifice and that’s just very overwhelming.” For Smith, being a firefighter means putting the public before himself. As climbers reached the 110th floor, a welcoming face appeared. Yearly volunteer Joe Luccioni stood at the top of the stairs fist bumping, patting shoulders and congratulating every single responder who completed their climb. Luccioni does it to honor his daughter’s fiancé Michael Lynch, a New York City firefighter who died on 9/11. “My daughter lost her fiancé,” he said. “They were supposed to get married in October of that year, so every year since then, I come here and I help out.” While Silcox climbed in 2016, this was the first time he did so for someone else. It was a heavy experience to reflect on while he climbed, but being alongside fellow firefighters motivated him to get to the top. “There’s an accountability attached to it. I got to finish because I’m carrying him,” Silcox said. As Fussner made it to flight 48, he called Bergin’s wife via FaceTime to complete the climb. Bergin, survived by his wife and three children, has stayed close to Fussner’s heart. Every firefighter knows why they’re here, he said. The brotherhood is what it’s all about. @trinhvchristine news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- A voter’s guide for November electionAs November approaches, citizens planning to vote can prepare to ensure the process goes smoothly and their voices are heard. To register to vote in Texas, one must be 18 years old by Election Day and a U.S. citizen. Convicted felons generally cannot vote, but eligibility may vary if they have completed their sentence, probation or parole. The deadline for voter registration is Oct. 7 with Election Day on Nov. 5. Early voting runs from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1, and the mail-in ballot application deadline is Oct. 25. All applicants will need a Texas driver’s license or personal ID number. If neither is available, the last four digits of their social security number may be used. To register to vote, citizens must complete an application and return it to their county election office at least 30 days before Election Day. The address for the registration office associated with each county is accessible on the Texas Secretary of State website. There are four ways to complete the application: - Voters can fill out the application through the Texas Secretary of State website. After completion, the application should be printed, signed and mailed to the election office. - Citizens can request a postage-paid printed application through the Texas Secretary of State website, fill it out and mail it back to the election office. - Applications can be completed by visiting the local election office. - People can also register to vote when renewing or replacing a Texas driver’s license or state identification card through the Texas Department of Public Safety. Voters can check if they’re registered to vote and update their information through the Texas Secretary of State website. Once registered, citizens can go to a polling location and will be asked to present any one of the seven acceptable forms of identification. Acceptable IDs: - Texas driver’s license - Texas election ID certificate - Texas personal ID card - Texas handgun license - U.S. military ID card with photograph - U.S. citizenship certificate with photograph - U.S. passport Additional information about the candidates is available on the Texas Secretary of State website. @fluffsjourney news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- Super Service Saturday unites campusSuper Service Saturday returned Sept. 7, uniting the community to make a significant impact through various volunteer activities and projects. The energy was palpable as students made their way to sites with a shared sense of purpose as everyone prepared to contribute. The enthusiasm was clear, evident that everyone was eager to make an impact. Kristine Cross, an assistant director at the Follett Student Leadership Center, said Super Service Saturday aims to give back to community partners who need help, at least once a semester. This was the second biggest event hosted by UTA Volunteers, with over 300 participants around Arlington registered to assist various organizations, clubs and individuals. “It really helps the students understand the value of their service and their ability to make a positive impact within the Arlington area, and within UTA,” Cross said. Angela Odaibo, a student director for UTA Volunteers, said the initiative has always had a huge turnout and impact on the community, and consistent success each year drives them to keep going. “I always say this thing that, ‘It takes one person to make a difference,’” she said. “If we’re gonna keep pushing for people to go out and serve, it’s important that as a university we take that initiative to go do that.” Mia Arnsworth, a student director for UTA Volunteers, said this event benefits the campus community because it highlights what’s happening in Arlington, and gets students out of their comfort zones. “I hope [volunteers] realize that you really helped someone out today, or you filled someone else’s cup while filling your own cup,” Arnsworth said. “I hope they feel good that they gave back to the community.” Volunteers at Arlington Parks and Recreation, Friends of O.S. Gray and Arlington Water Utilities helped with cleaning, gardening and organizing the areas. At Arlington Public Library, participants shifted and straightened books, provided technology service help and handled administrative tasks. Others loaded and unloaded furniture and assisted with home decor at ShareFest, and at Arlington Charities, they cleaned storage areas, painted multipurpose areas and packed food bags for distribution. Sophomore site leader Katherine Johnson said the event has a positive impact because it helps various organizations with their causes through volunteer support. “Seeing the impact and knowing that what you’re doing means something,” Johnson said. “It really makes me want to continue doing it.” Terri Fowler, owner of Sarah’s Bag Ladies, gives back to the community by taking recycled plastic bags and weaving them into bed rolls for the homeless. These bed rolls are lightweight, don’t mold and protect users from wet grass. They’re much more comfortable to sleep on than concrete, she said. Participants were busily cutting and flattening bags, listening attentively to Fowler, who was happy to be there and lend a helping hand. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with everyone focused on contributing to the cause and enjoying the sense of community. “[Volunteers] are really very important to our organization,” Fowler said. “Because our organization is very small and we have lots of people donating bags. Not so many people are willing to sit and cut them and even fewer people will weave them. So we save up bags for months to bring up here and [volunteers] flatten them all for us and cut them all for us.” “I think it has a major impact,” freshman site leader Calliope Bradford said. “I think it helps so many people, and it helps keep our general campus and our town, the city, absolutely beautiful, and it’s super fun.” @taylor._.sansom news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- Groove and grow: Celebrating community through music and artCelebrate local talent at the annual West Main Arts Festival in downtown Arlington from noon to 7 p.m. Sept 14. Spanning four blocks, the festival will showcase 70 art and vendor booths, 15 food trucks, 40 local bands and various street performers. There will also be a kids' art creation station and an interactive area for children hosted by the Arlington Public Library in Gene Allen Park. The concept formed nine years ago when a group of passionate Arlington residents wanted to create a local festival, celebrating art and providing a platform for artists, Mark Joeckel, owner of Create Texas, said. The festival helps creators start small businesses through their art and music, Joeckel said. The biggest evolution has been expanding the circle of creative partners and sponsors, developing a small but emerging cultural scene in Arlington through the arts. Since its inception, the festival has grown significantly. In the first year, organizers anticipated around 300 to 400 attendees but ended up drawing a couple thousand. Now in its eighth year, the festival has averaged around 7,500 attendees a year, over the last three years, making Arlington a notable destination for art events, Joeckel said. “There's so many local bands and musicians that we’ve worked with and who want to grow in their experience with art festivals and playing live music,” Joeckel said. "We’ve gone from having 25 bands, last year, to 40 this year." This expansion involved additional costs, more bands, and two extra stages and sound systems. However, organizers believed it was worth it this year due to the thriving music scene in Arlington where local artists ranging from 16-year-olds to college students and up are working to launch their music careers. They prioritize applications from Arlington residents and nearby communities to keep it local, Joeckel said. The most important aspect of the selection process is ensuring that each piece, jewelry, pottery or painting, is handmade by the artists themselves, Joeckel said. Joeckel noted that they prioritize local and emerging talent in the music lineup rather than booking major headliners. Their goal is to highlight and engage with local bands, treating them as the festival’s main attractions. “There's definitely music lovers out there who don't necessarily want to see a big name band or a tribute band, but they want to see what's really happening on the local scene,” Joeckel said. “That's what is really exciting about this. Just to meet the people who maybe had never even heard of any of these bands, but come out because they've heard we’ve got a lot of new up-and-comers,” Joeckel said he’s proud of the built community and shared experience he’s had with thousands of people over the last nine years. “What I have found through the arts and music – it is the greatest gatherer of all humanity,” Joeckel said.“It crosses over in ways that very few other things in life can bring people together.” @taylor._.sansom news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- Residents relish in Grand Prairie's Pickle FestPickles and pickleball brought thousands of residents together 8 a.m. Saturday to attend the first-ever Grand Prairie Pickle Fest. The free event featured pickle-themed food, costumes and activities. A t-shirt booth, a petting zoo, an inflatable carnival, pickleball and a pickle eating contest were also available for attendees to participate in. Grand Prairie Mayor Ron Jensen, said they wanted to combine the city’s love for pickleball and pickles by hosting an event that has both. Seeing the success of Mansfield’s Pickle Parade, Jensen thought they should try an event of their own. “It really doesn't matter if it's pickles or pickleball. Getting our community together as one is so important,” he said. “If you know anything about Grand Prairie, we used to not have anything. In fact, we all went to Arlington and Dallas to eat, to do anything. We finally have our own things.” Along with pickle-themed food and drinks, vendors also sold pickle merchandise such as T-shirts, cups and bags. Upbeat music played in the background as attendees lined up to get their chance to play Pickleball. Chris Michalski, assistant director of Parks and Recreation, said that Grand Prairie City Council aimed to attract more people to come to the Old Central Business District, one of their initiatives being the Pickle Fest. The event originally planned to have space for 70 vendors. When 160 groups applied, they added 60 more vendors to accommodate. “I think [Pickle Fest] was a sense of relief to the community to come out and do something like that,” he said. “Our focus is trying to enhance downtown, to have people come here,” As the pickle-eating competition started, a large crowd gathered and cheered on the competitors. The competitors quickly ate sweet and spicy pickles. Laura Meyer, Pickle Fest attendee, said she wore a handmade pickle-themed costume and that her love of plain, sour and dill pickles is what drew her to the event. “I'm just excited to see people having a good time with pickles,” she said. @fluffsjourney news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- Cooler temperatures sweep the Metroplex this weekThe Metroplex can expect to see cooler weather starting off this week, with warmer temperatures in the 90s creeping back later in the week. David Bonnette, National Weather Service meteorologist, said the NWS is monitoring a potential tropical system in the Gulf of Mexico that should stay to the southeast, which is “good news” for the Metroplex. “Essentially, what that means is that we’ll stay in this coolish pattern,” he said. “So generally expect pretty nice weather through the week.” @wall035203 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- UTA could lose early voting site in November electionUTA may lose out on an early voting site for a second time in two years after the Tarrant County Commissioners Court last week failed to approve a list of early voting locations for the 2024 November election. College campuses like UTA were included in the list that failed to win approval. After a debate, the resulting vote was 2-2, with Commissioner Manny Ramirez absent. In past years, the Maverick Activities Center was an active voting location but was not available for early voting during the 2023 November constitutional amendment election, according to previous Shorthorn reporting. However, in March the MAC was a voting site for the primary election. At last Wednesday's meeting, County Judge Tim O’Hare questioned the need for two Arlington early voting sites within a mile of each other, referring to the Tarrant County Sub-Courthouse on Abram Street and the MAC. He said using both sites would be “a waste of money and manpower.” “A ton of the housing that UTA students use is actually closer to the Arlington Courthouse than it is the campus,” O’Hare said. The distance from the University Center to the courthouse is .8 miles or an 18-minute walk, according to Google Maps. Commissioner Alisa Simmons, who voted for the original list, said due to Arlington’s lack of public transport, students without a car would take an hour to walk to the courthouse, vote and walk back. While the courthouse sees more voters, Clinton Ludwig, Tarrant County Elections Administrator, said both locations are high volume and UTA’s polling site generally falls within the top 50 percent of all locations for voter turnout. Early voting lasts for 12 days. Ludwig said the wait times for polling locations will be available online, and having two sites nearby allows voters to divert when one is too busy. Commissioner Roy Charles Brooks said college polling locations were adopted in 2020 to make voting easier for students and typically have a high turnout. “To eliminate them, I think, would be an act of voter suppression,” Brooks said. O’Hare questioned if any other voting locations in Tarrant County were geared towards helping a specific demographic vote. “I don't believe that’s the role of the Commissioners Court, to make sure we get more of this group to vote or more of that group to vote,” he said. “That's up to voters, political parties [and] candidates.” Brooks responded that it’s not about favoring any group, it’s about making voting more accessible, which he said was the Commissioner Court’s job. Bill Hanna, Tarrant County public information officer, said a proposed list of early voting sites will be considered at another meeting. Despite differing opinions on early voting locations, the commissioners voted 3-1 on Election Day polling sites which included UTA. O’Hare voted against the list. @PMalkomes news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- Harassment and offensive or provocative physical contact in this week’s crime logThis is a crime wrap-up from Aug. 29 to Sept. 2. Reckless damage or destruction of property On Aug. 29, a female student reported damage to her vehicle while it was parked, UTA Police Capt. Mike McCord said. Reckless damage or destruction is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500. The case is still active. Offensive or provocative physical contact On Aug. 29, a female student reported being touched on the shoulder by a male student, McCord said. The female student declined to assist in prosecution. On Aug. 31, an unaffiliated female reported being shoved by an unaffiliated male. The female declined to assist in prosecution. Assault is a class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $4,000, up to one year in jail or both. Both cases are still active. Harassment On Aug. 30, a female student reported receiving harassing communications from a male student, McCord said. Harassment is a class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $2,000, up to 180 days in jail or both. The case is still active. Theft of property On Sept. 2, officers investigated a report of a bike theft, McCord said. An unaffiliated male was arrested for theft and taken to the Arlington Police Department jail. Theft of property worth $100 to $750 is a class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail or both. @pmalkomes news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- Study Abroad Fair embraces cultural learningEvery semester, the university hosts its Study Abroad Fair to educate students about the many opportunities and benefits to learning in another country. On Wednesday, the Palo Duro Lounge housed multiple booths showcasing different countries and programs. Each was set up with special snacks and sweet treats as further incentive to approach the representatives. Study Abroad director Kelli Anderson said these fairs take place at the start of the year in hopes to find students actively looking for opportunities to get engaged on campus. “It’s a great way for new students and continuing students to start off the semester, getting information about how to make Study Abroad a part of their UTA experience,” Anderson said. The department offers 500 programs in 62 countries for Mavericks in all academic fields to explore, she said. The trips allow students to earn credit toward degree paths, as well as utilizing their financial aid and applying for scholarships. “Building community at events is one way to be engaged at UTA,” Anderson said. “What we really hope is that students take this information and then use it to pursue Study Abroad.” Graduate student Rajamanohar Vadrevu said the fair gives him a chance to get exposed to the world outside of the U.S. He specifically highlighted his interest in the Japan and Columbia booths. “Many students are just curious to know about the different programs that [the] Study Abroad program will offer them,” Vadrevu said. “I guess many students will definitely want to explore the world for the opportunities, both in terms of academic learning and non-academic learning.” As the fair progressed, more students filled the lounge with lively conversation and a sense of community from peers finding commonalities. Representatives manning booths were excited to speak to prospective students. Business freshman Isabella Farmer said she came to the event due to interest in exploring different cultures, seeing the programs were geared towards educating students about a variety of nationalities. “Based on what you find interesting, [the programs] hope you can take that and apply it to what you’re majoring in,” she said. Students concerned about the expenses of studying abroad can apply for financial aid and scholarships on UTA’s Study Abroad website. @XenaDuly news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- Put it in park: The closest lots to each collegeFinding the perfect parking spot can be a game-changer for students. Here are some tips to make the process less of a hassle. Remote Park and Ride permits are $129 annually or $80 per semester, only applicable in lots 25, 26 and 27. Reduced Rate permits are $198 annually or $122 per semester with usage in Lot GR, 29 and any Remote Park and Ride lots. The Student General permit costs $258 annually or $160 per semester and is valid in Lot AO, MR, UV, 24, 28, 30, 31, 34, 45, 49, 50N, 50S, 51, 52, 53 and 56. Additionally, permit holders can park in the Park North, Park Central, Park South and West Campus garages and in all Reduced Rate and Remote Park and Ride lots. The Student Upgrade-Reserved permit is $566 annually or $347 per semester, usable in all Student General permit lots, as well as Lot 36 and a reserved section of Lot 49. The Maverick Garage Preferred permit costs $1,304 annually or $554 per semester, permissible in all student lots and the Maverick Garage, exclusive to this permit. College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs Students with classes in the CAPPA Building have a range of spots to choose from, including lots 30, 34 and the West Campus Parking Garage. College of Business The Business Building is close to Lot 45, 49, 52 and 53, as well as being across the street from the Maverick Garage. College of Education Hammond Hall is the primary building for College of Education classes, with Lot 49, 52 and 53 being the closest spaces, along with the Maverick Garage. College of Engineering If enrolled in the College of Engineering, chances are students will be walking to many buildings. Lot 34, 36 and the West Campus Garage are close to Nedderman Hall, Woolf Hall, and the Engineering Lab and Research buildings. Lot 49, 52 and the Maverick Garage are close to the Science and Engineering Innovation and Research Building, and Pickard Hall. College of Liberal Arts For COLA students, buildings like University, Trimble, Preston and Carlisle halls are close to Lot 49, 52 and 53. For the Fine Arts Building, Lot 30, 34 and the West Campus Parking Garage are other options. College of Nursing and Health Innovation CONHI students may frequent Pickard Hall, the SEIR Building and the Social Work and Smart Hospital, which are close to Lot 49, 52 and the Maverick Garage. College of Science Students in the College of Science also have a mixture of buildings to attend between classes. The Earth and Environmental Sciences Building is in proximity to Lot 34. The Chemistry and Physics building and Chemistry Research building, along with Pickard Hall, are closely located to Lot 49 and the Maverick Garage. @taylor._.sansom news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- A student's guide to campus study spotsStudying is an important part of succeeding in college, but finding good places to do so can be a challenge. Here are some study spots that may help students make the most out of their time preparing for their next exam. West Campus Library Located on the first floor of the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs building, the West Campus Library has a core print collection and digital research resources related to art, architecture and music. It includes a study room with an LCD display, web gateway and whiteboard. The room can be reserved in advance for up to four people. The library is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. The Commons The Commons is a great place to host group study sessions. Located between West Hall and the Maverick Activities Center, the building features a variety of dining options, a common area on the second floor, plenty of tables and meeting rooms up for reservation, through their website. SEIR Building The Science and Engineering Innovation and Research building has two floors with various seating areas perfect for studying. Located near the Life Sciences Building, the SEIR building has Inclusion Coffee for students who may need a pick-me-up before hitting the books. Pickard Hall The triangular-shaped Pickard Hall is home to some great areas for studying, like the open-air Pythagorean Plaza on the fourth floor. The building houses the Learning Resource Center Computer Lab and Math Clinic to help students with their courses. Science and Engineering Library Located in the basement of Nedderman Hall, the Science and Engineering Library has resources related to science and engineering. Study rooms are available for students to reserve by the hour. The library is open from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and is closed on weekends. Outside Students may want some fresh air after a long lecture, especially if there’s great weather. The deck outside the College of Business building and the tables outside of the Central Library and Brazos Park are great places to study. Students interested in studying outside can also use picnic blankets and hammocks. news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- Student Senate introduces three resolutions, updates from spring semesterTuesday’s Student Senate meeting introduced three resolutions and gave updates on ones from the spring semester. Special Affairs chair Sawar Gupta introduced Resolution 24-12, “Don’t Close the Book,” which aims to revert the Central Library’s operation hours back to 24/7 service or provide a comparable facility. Additionally, if services are cut, the resolution asks the university to lower the UTA student library fee. In early August, UTA Libraries announced the Central Library will be open from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to midnight on weekends. The updated hours have since been met with a “Keep UTA Library Open 24/7” petition collecting over 1,800 signatures and a protest held by the Progressive Student Union, according to previous Shorthorn reporting. Gupta authored the resolution alongside Areeb Khan, Student Body vice president, after seeing resistance from students about the change. Many international students rely on the library’s resources like computers and printers, and if someone has an argument with their roommate or if utilities like internet or water shut down, they have nowhere to go, said Gupta. “This is one of the most important things UTA is working on. This has been affecting UTA a lot, especially the students who live near campus or on campus,” Gupta said. “[The] library gives them that peace and mental assurance that they have a space.” Also introduced in the meeting, Resolution 24-13, “Valedictory Victory,” suggests that UTA incorporate a segment within commencement ceremonies honoring a select student representative with the title of valedictorian or similar distinction. Resolution 24-14, “Leading the Way: Early Registration Leaders,” asks the university to extend early registration policies to include select student leaders on campus. Academic Affairs chair Austin Palacios gave updates on two resolutions from his committee. Resolution 24-05, “Code Clinic,” which asks the university to establish a computer science tutoring clinic, will be voted on at a later date. Feedback from the Computer Science and Engineering Department suggests it's no longer needed, as they’ve already implemented the requests. Resolution 24-06, “Seizing Second Chances,” asks the university to revise its policy to permit credit by exam. Carried over from the spring, Palacios said his committee was “pessimistic” about the wording and will be tabling it for further debate. Community Affairs chair Aaliyah Duff said her team has reached out to the Mav Express office with questions for further research regarding Resolution 24-08, “Modernizing Campus Life.” The resolution suggests the university implement and establish a policy allowing the use of mobile Mav IDs. Along with the introduction of Resolution 24-12, Gupta also updated the body on Resolution 24-09, “Mavs Move Fast,” which seeks to change Mav Mover shuttle routes and operation hours to better suit student demands. Feeling they need more research, he said they have reached out to Parking and Transportation Services for further questioning. Student Affairs chair Dayanara Arce said her committee discussed the feasibility and location parameters of Resolution 24-04, “¡Vamos a Votar!,” which asks the university to implement ride services to early voting and election day polling locations for students. In an open forum, Angel Hernandez, former Speaker of the Senate, encouraged the body to register to vote for the upcoming presidential election. He is currently a member of the Cornerstone Project, a nonprofit initiative training Texas students to register their peers, saying that anybody with questions is welcome to reach out. @hjgarcia0 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- UTA celebrates National Hispanic-Serving Institution WeekIn celebration of National Hispanic Serving Institution Week, UTA is hosting events from Sept. 9 to 13 connecting students, faculty and staff to explore Hispanic culture through movies, snacks and a day of service. HSI initiatives aims to transform UTA into a “Hispanic Thriving Institution” and advance its federal designation. This year celebrates 10 years since UTA received its HSI designation. The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities worked with U.S. Congress members to recognize the contributions of Hispanic-serving institutions such as UTA. Maria Yareli Delgado, senior director of UTA's Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives, said HSIs like UTA are encouraged to celebrate the week to heighten awareness around the important role HSIs play in improving access to education and the advancement of students. “This whole week, it's a series of events that provide opportunities to engage with UTA students, staff, faculty, alumni and the community to share the opportunities that the federal designation grants to this institution,” Delgado said. Delgado said HSI initiatives can obtain millions of dollars in federal grants to raise educational opportunities, support programs and community outreach. HSI designations are important to UTA and other universities because they are at the forefront of efforts to increase educational access and success for the nation’s population at institutions, she said. Students can look forward to the following events: @mn.alansari news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
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