UT Arlington Traditions
Homecoming
UT Arlington’s Homecoming is held in February to celebrate Men’s and Women’s basketball teams. Many events showcase our diverse traditions here at UT Arlington including, the Blue & White Fashion Show, the Blue & White Bash, the Coronation of the Homecoming King and Queen, the Maverick Step Show, and more.
Activities Fair Day
Activities Fair Day celebrated its 27th anniversary in 2008. Held on the first Wednesday of each fall and spring semester, the Activities Fair Day is a chance for student organizations, University departments, and local vendors to present information to the campus community. This event has been held since 1981 and continues to draw a large crowd with plenty of live music and food.
Bed Races
Imagine crowds cheering for teams of students with beds on wheels zooming past you on football stadium turf! That is exactly what you’ll find at the annual Bed Races, which started in 1980 to celebrate the opening of Maverick Stadium. Beds for racing are provided, but some organizations choose to build their own. The team with the best time wins; however, “Best Design,” “Best Dressed,” and “Best Helmet,” are also awarded. Money raised is given to various charities.
Greek Week
Greek Week is an opportunity for UTA’s social fraternity and sorority community to come together and have a blast while raising money for charity. Fraternities and sororities are grouped together to compete in the week’s events. Some events have included a canned-food drive, lip-sync, volleyball night, wiffle-ball, and field day.
International Week
Celebrated at the University since 1977, this week-long program involves students representing different nationalities and cultural organizations. The parade around campus, an international food fair, fashion show, nationality exhibits, and The Global Extravaganza are just some of the events that showcase UTA’s diversity.
Welcome Week: Maverick Stampede
Maverick Stampede (Welcome Week) is the official kick-off to the new academic year. The first week of classes is filled with fun and exciting programs centered on integrating new and returning students back to campus. Students are given the opportunity to participate in events throughout the week that allow them to experience tradition, engage with their academic departments, meet other students, and become more familiar and comfortable on campus.
Oozeball
Voted as the campus’ favorite tradition, Oozeball is a mud volleyball tournament sponsored by the Student Alumni Association and Campus Recreation. Held every Fall since 1989, Oozeball gives students, faculty, staff, and alumni a chance to compete against each other on the muddy courts. Proceeds are given to student scholarships.
Parent & Family Weekend
Parent & Family Weekend is designed to give parents a chance to see and experience UT Arlington. Events include planetarium showings, a Parents Association Meeting and reception, a barbeque with the President and much more!
MavsMeet New Student Convocation
This official academic event welcomes new students to the University. Held in the fall on the Friday before classes begin in Texas Hall, it features remarks by the president, administrators, student congress president, and a distinguished faculty member. The Fall Convocation has become a new tradition at the University to celebrate and recognize new freshman and transfer students.
Leadership Retreat
UTA’s annual Leadership Retreat attracts student leaders from over 260 student organizations, and gives participants a chance to get acquainted with fellow leaders and meet key University officials. Topics relevant to developing leadership skills are discussed, and student groups are given the chance to plan, organize and set goals for the upcoming year.
Semana de Cultura
Traditionally held in April, Semana de Cultura is a chance to celebrate the diverse cultures of students and faculty at UTA. Sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, this event has been held since 1970. In 2006, events included a fashion show, alumni reception, and a dance showcase.
