The Shorthorn - Rebuttal: The university is more than one size fits all

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Rebuttal: The university is more than one size fits all

Written by Frank Lamas, Student Sffairs vice president

Tuesday, 02 February 2010 06:23 PM

I would like to respond to the column written by Nelson Onyango on Jan. 20 that indicated that UT Arlington students do not have spirit and pride, the university does not focus on student needs, the institution is not student oriented and students wear other university apparel.

Possibly my definition of spirit and pride differs from his or others, but I see our university much differently and student-centered.

Dr. Frank Lamas

Student Affairs vice president

There are hundreds of examples that illustrate UT Arlington spirit and pride and how student needs are met every day by dedicated faculty, staff and administrators.

I believe this institution is indeed student oriented and committed to developing and helping them reach their goals. I hope, in time, all of our students will demonstrate Maverick pride.

I am proud when I see our students:

• volunteering in our community during the Big Event and raising funds every time there is a national disaster, etc.
• serving in leadership roles on university committees such as the Tuition Review Committee
• getting the help they need through the various services offered on campus such as the Office for Students with Disabilities, SOAR Learning Services, Student Legal Services office, Counseling Services, Career Services Office and others
• voting to increase services that improve the student experience such as passing a referendum to renovate and expand the Maverick Activities Center and build a special events center
• registering more than 4,500 voters so that students have a voice in local and national elections
• cheering from the sidelines for our student athletes
• participate in record numbers at our traditional events such as Bed Races and Oozeball tournament that raise money for student scholarships
• having a great time at sold out concerts with Ludacris, Rihanna and Maroon 5
• celebrating various cultures through events like the Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month and Women’s History Month
• participate in intramural sports and sport clubs
• involved in approximately 300 clubs and organizations offered on campus with 10,000 members or participating in the leadership retreats
• mentor their fellow peers and help them transition to college life
• come out by the thousands for Activities Day each year
• living on campus, UT Arlington boasts the highest percentage of students living on campus than any other school in the UT System

All of these demonstrate the enormous amount of spirit and pride on our campus and the student-centered attitude.

I agree with Onyango that showing school pride and spirit could improve, but let’s focus on all the positive things our campus offers our community.

It is impossible to participate and attend all the programs and events available at UT Arlington because there are just not enough hours in a day, a week or academic year.

If you have not found your fit at UTA, then I encourage you to seek out some of the programs and services mentioned, or others not on the list because it is all here and waiting for you.

It is up to you to “brand” your experience at UT Arlington so take the first step and become a Maverick!

For more information on university events, programs and services read The Shorthorn, visit the university event calendar at www.uta.edu or Student Affairs calendar at www.uta.edu/studentaffairs.

P.S. If you don’t have your own UT Arlington t-shirt, e-mail me at studentaffairs@uta.edu and I will get you one while supplies last.

- Frank Lamas is the Student Affairs vice president