UTA Libraries to Welcome Students Back with Annual Campus Tradition on Aug. 13

As a new academic year begins, UTA Libraries are inviting students to start the semester by making one important stop before classes get into full swing. 

The Libraries will host its annual Welcome Back event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13, offering new and returning Mavericks an opportunity to connect with library staff, learn about campus resources and enjoy activities designed to introduce students to everything the Libraries have to offer. 

The free event will feature activities on multiple floors of the Central Library, with departments across UTA Libraries coming together to showcase services, spaces and collections that support student success throughout the year. Students can also enjoy games, prizes and complimentary snacks while getting to know one of the University's most frequently used academic resources. 

"Welcome Back is essentially our way of helping students get their foot in the door," Didier Chavez, Library Specialist for Events, said. "Whether they're new to campus or returning for another semester, we want them to understand what the Libraries offer and know that we're here to support them." 

Each participating department will provide its own activities while highlighting different library services and resources. Staff on the first, third and sixth floors will engage students through interactive experiences that encourage exploration and conversation. 

This year's event will also incorporate the excitement surrounding the World Cup, highlighting the Libraries' collections and programming. Planned activities include World Cup-themed games, opportunities to win prizes, and displays highlighting library resources related to participating countries and the tournament. 

On the sixth floor, students can visit the Libraries' Atlas of Champions exhibit while learning more about the collections and services available through Special Collections and Archives. 

"We're connecting what's happening around us with what students can find inside the library," Chavez said. "The World Cup gave us a fun way to introduce people to our resources while creating an experience they'll remember." 

Beyond the activities, the event is designed to help students become familiar with the Libraries before they need assistance with a research assignment, technology or study space. 

Many students, particularly those new to campus, are surprised to learn about the range of services available through UTA Libraries, including research support, technology lending, collaborative study areas and academic resources. 

"As a student myself, I know there are classmates who don't realize everything the Libraries offer," Chavez said. "Events like this give them a reason to come inside. Once they're here, they begin to see how the Libraries can support them throughout the semester." 

That introduction often extends well beyond Welcome Back. 

According to Chavez, students who first visit during the annual event frequently return throughout the semester to study, seek research assistance, attend additional library programs and make use of library spaces and services. 

"We've seen students come because they enjoyed Welcome Back," he said. "Later in the semester, they come back because they know what the Libraries have available and they feel comfortable being here." 

The annual event reflects UTA Libraries' ongoing commitment to building meaningful relationships with students while creating an environment where they feel welcomed, supported and connected to the campus community from the beginning of the semester. 

Welcome Back is free and open to all UTA students. No registration is required. 

Additional details about activities will be shared as plans are finalized. Students are encouraged to follow UTA Libraries on social media and visit the Libraries' website for event updates. 

As another academic year begins, Welcome Back serves as an invitation to step inside, meet the people behind the services and discover a library ready to support every stage of the Maverick experience.