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Rob, Lucas, Nick and Cheryl Cain watch a printmaking process during Parent and Family Weekend on Oct. 23, 2016, at the printmaking studio.\u00a0<\/p>\n
File photo \/ The Shorthorn staff<\/p>\n
New Student, Transition, and Family Programs is hosting its 20th edition of Friends and Family Weekend on Friday and Saturday. <\/p>\n
Friends and Family Weekend provides students and their families with activities and events to enjoy at UTA, such as EXCEL Campus Activities\u2019 Fright Night haunted house and planetarium shows. To celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the event, this year’s edition is 2000s-themed. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe main purpose for family weekend is to give families a time to reconnect with their student, reconnect with the campus,\u201d said Lauren Puls, assistant director of parent and family engagement. \u201cIf you think about it, the other times they\u2019re coming to campus, it\u2019s for a tour and then orientation.\u201d <\/p>\n
Throughout the weekend, students\u2019 families can expect a screening of Pixar\u2019s \u201cCars\u201d in the Lone Star Auditorium in the Maverick Activities Center, roller-skating, 2000s trivia and more. Puls said on-campus events and downtown activities are available for families to enjoy as well. <\/p>\n
\u201cFamilies get to really create their own itinerary, if you will, for a family weekend,\u201d she said. \u201cWe try to offer a lot of different things for everyone that has different interests.\u201d <\/p>\n
Tickets are free for UTA students and children 5 years old or younger. Parents and other family members can register online. <\/p>\n
The $75 Maverick Pass is for ages 18 and up and gives families entry into activities Friday and Saturday, brunch on Saturday and dinner on Friday and Saturday. <\/p>\n
The Spirit Horse Pass is for ages 18 and up and is $55. With the pass, families get access to events, brunch and dinner Saturday. <\/p>\n
The $45 Blaze Pass is for ages 6 to 17 and gives entry into the same events and meals as the accompanying adult. <\/p>\n
All passes include an event T-shirt. <\/p>\n
Registration is available through the Maverick Family Connection Portal. Students and children should be included on the form, according to the event website. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat social support is so important for a student to remember their why of why they\u2019re getting their education and who has their back,\u201d Puls said. <\/p>\n
@kh.kennedyharvey<\/p>\n