Broadcast senior Valeria Olvera pours chocolate syrup on top of a waffle during Waffleopolis on Aug. 20 at Brazos Park. The Wafflepolis tradition started 28 years ago.
For the start of the semester, UTA is hosting Maverick Stampede, an annual celebration full of events for students from Saturday to Aug. 29.
Amanda Perez, interim director of involvement and engagement and director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, said that during Maverick Stampede, students can expect two weeks of engaging events across campus.
At least 15 events will be included in this year’s lineup, including MavsMeet, Waffleopolis and the Greek Life Welcome Back BBQ.
Perez said the events are a collaboration across various departments.
After reviewing student interest and engagement, Perez said, this year’s stampede will not include MavsMeet Convocation.
She said students were looking for casual, fun social spaces where they could connect with peers on their own terms.
Shannon Marino, assistant director of Student Activities, said a major focus of the university is creating a sense of belonging for students.
Marino said the university wanted to provide more opportunities for students to get involved and make connections on campus.
“There’s lots of free things to do, lots of fun stuff to do before you graduate and working full time,” Marino said. “So enjoy your time here.”
Here are some of the events:
MavsMeet
To kick off the semester, students are invited to Brazos Park and the University Center mall to enjoy free food, music and a glow-in-the-dark party. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and run until 10 p.m. Monday.
Waffleopolis
A long-standing UTA tradition hosted by Housing and Residence Life, Waffleopolis is a night of music, dancing and free waffles. The event is from 8 to 10 p.m. Wednesday in Brazos Park.
Global Grounds
The first Global Grounds of the semester will be hosted from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the Bluebonnet Ballroom in the University Center. The weekly event gathers Mavericks to celebrate various cultures and communities with free chai and coffee.
Greek Life Welcome Back BBQ
In the new Fraternity and Sorority Life Community Center on Greek Row Drive, the event invites students to meet members, learn about the various Greek life organizations on campus and enjoy free burgers and drinks. The event will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
Activity Fair Day and Maverick Cookout
This event, which is in its 45th year, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 26 on the Central Library mall. The fair and cookout will host various student organizations to showcase their offerings.
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