Domestic Travel Survey

By Mistie Maskil

The results of the domestic travel survey show that we have a good number of people who have traveled all over the US.

Region 1: Northeast Division 1: New England

Connecticut - 1
Maine - 1
Massachusettes - 6
New Hampshire - 1
Rhode Island - 2
Vermont - 1

Region 1: Northeast Division 2: Mid-Atlantic

New Jersey - 6
New York - 7
Pennsylvania - 7

Region 2: Midwest Division 3: East North Central

Indiana - 4
Illinois - 7
Michigan - 5
Ohio - 6
Wisconsin - 4

Region 2: Midwest Division 4: West North Central

Iowa - 2
Kansas - 7
Minnesota - 4
Missouri - 9
Nebraska - 4
North Dakota - 1
South Dakota - 3

Region 3: South Division 5: South Atlantic

Delaware - 3
District of Columbia (D.C.) - 8
Florida - 13
Georgia - 8
Maryland - 7
North Carolina - 7
South Carolina - 7
Virginia - 8
West Virginia - 5

Region 3: South Division 6: East South Central

Alabama - 7
Kentucky - 8
Mississippi - 9
Tennessee - 10

Region 3: South Division 7: West South Central

Arkansas - 9
Louisiana - 9
Oklahoma - 12
Texas - 12

Region 4: West Division 8: Mountain

Arizona - 10
Colorado - 12
Idaho - 2
New Mexico - 10
Montana - 1
Utah - 3
Nevada - 8
Wyoming - 2

Region 4: West Division 9: Pacific

Alaska - 0
California - 11
Hawaii - 6
Oregon - 3
Washington - 6

Inhabited Territories of the United States

American Samoa (Pacific) - 0
Guam (Pacific) - 1
Northern Mariana Islands (Pacific) - 0
Puerto Rico (Caribbean) - 0
United States Virgin Islands (Caribbean) - 1

Travel Tips

Some travel tips and advice from our community:

• Cheaper to travel outside of the United States.
• Always carry paper copies of travel docs! Phones often die, break and get left behind in Ubers!
• Pack light and always carry on an clothing change and medicine.

Years of Service - July 2024

Like Mother, Like Daughter

by Lauren Bradfield

Sharon Carey has been with UTA since 1990 and has served in various capacities on campus. You can say that she is very versatile and always open to new opportunities. Sharon started as the Assistant Director for Recreational Sports and her office was in the Activities Building, which is now the MAC. She was with Student Affairs for 17 years before moving over to the Special Event Facilities (SEF) department, which included the College Park Center, Texas Hall, Maverick Stadium and UTA Tickets. After a brief retirement, Sharon came back to UTA and is now in the Office of Facilities Management overseeing the Housing Maintenance and Campus Custodial departments. Sharon’s time in the SEF department demanded many nights and weekends due to events held but that is no longer the case since she’s found Work-Life balance in her current role in Facilities.

Having been here at UTA for over 30 years, Sharon has worked with many folks. Her most memorable interaction was with past president Jim Spaniolo when while working on the College Park Center (CPC) construction. President Spaniolo tasked the team with moving up the completion date in order to host the first basketball game for that season. Talk about carrying a heavy weight on your shoulders! Not only was the construction a couple of months out of nearing completed but now they must speed up the process even faster. The CPC did open in time for that basketball game through the efforts of the CPC team. Another person who is memorable to Sharon is John Hall, VP of Administration and Economic Development. He has played a pivotal role in her professional career by serving as her mentor and role model during their 10+ years of direct work together.

Sharon wants people to know that she is an “open book”. Just ask her anything and she’ll give you an answer. Sometimes you may not like it, but she’ll tell you like it is. She also wants you to know that her proudest moments are spent with her family, and that she loves being a mother. She enjoys being there for her husband, daughter and stepson as they bring her great pleasure. Sharon has been married to Tim for 24 years and they will soon be grandparents. When asked who she would like to have lunch with, Sharon replied that it would be with her late mother who was an amazing woman with a strong value for education and social service. She was able to raise six strong daughters who contribute to society.

Being an open book does not necessarily make you an extrovert, at least not in a group setting like at conferences. Sharon does not like making small talk with strangers, but you wouldn’t know this because of her can-do personality. And it is ironic that Sharon obtained her first job out of college at a National Intramural Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) conference where she met Jim Garrett and landed an interview with UTA. And the rest is history. If there’s one thing that Sharon would tell her younger self, it would be self-awareness. It has given Sharon a better understand of the people around her, which in turns create stronger relationships with them. Just be mindful how your actions may affect others.

Quarterly Recipe

Fourth of July firecracker hot dogs

by Lori Danyl Carter

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated breadstick dough
• 16 hot dogs
• 16 thick slices colby cheese
• 16 skewers

Special Equipment:

• Star cookie cutter
• Wooden skewers

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   Set aside.
2. Take a skewer and stick it all the way through the center of the hot dog length-wise, leaving about an inch and a half exposed out of the top of each hot dog.
3. Take a piece of breadstick dough and wrap it around the hot dog in a spiral shape until you reach the top, leaving gaps in between each spiral. Repeat with the rest of the hot dogs and lay them on the baking sheet.
4. Bake hot dogs for about 20 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown.
5. While the hot dogs are baking, use a star cookie cutter to cut out stars approximately an inch in diameter. Let the hot dogs cool and then place 1 cheese star at the top of each hot dog in the part of the skewer that's sticking out of the top.
6. Display the hot dogs using a styrofoam ball so they can stick straight up like firecrackers. Serve with all your favorites.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

UTA Special Collections: A Premier Research Destination

By: Sara Pezzoni

Where can you find an original copy of the Texas Declaration of Independence, Peter Apian's Cosmographia published in 1534, an Arlington State College football letterman jacket, or photos of John F. Kennedy’s visit to Dallas on November 22, 1963 all in one place? You'll find your answer by venturing to the sixth floor of UTA’s Central Library to a premier research destination of campus—UTA Special Collections.

The Society of American Archivists’ Dictionary describes “special collections” as “an administrative unit of a library responsible for managing materials outside the general library collection, including rare books, archives, manuscripts, maps, oral history interviews, and ephemera.” UTA Special Collections excels beyond this definition in that it provides comprehensive access to its historic materials for research/community use and promotes transformative learning experiences. At its core, the department is committed to open, collaborative partnerships with staff, faculty, and beyond to share its materials with as many people as possible.

UTA Special Collections has served campus and its surrounding community for nearly six decades, and it continues to be actively involved in campus programming. It prides itself in its outreach efforts and is available to present and/or display items at events on and off campus. It hosts dozens of classes for research each semester and staff actively post to its blog, the Compass Rose, and its social media outlets on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X with news updates. 

Special Collections began operation within UTA Libraries in 1967 with the establishment of the Texas Labor Archives. The university has undergone many changes since then, to include one name change, seven presidential transitions, and an increase in average annual enrollment of roughly 30,000 students.  Whether you are hosting an event focusing on the history of your department, advising students with research needs, or looking to refresh your office décor with historic photos of campus, UTA Special Collections has something for you!

Within Special Collections is the Virginia Garrett Cartographic History Library, established in 1978, which comprises thousands of maps and atlases (dating from 1493 to the present) relating to Texas, Mexico, the Gulf Coast, Africa, and even Antarctica. Special Collections’ robust photographic collections form a rich visual history of the DFW metroplex, with its largest and perhaps most well-known photo collection being the “photographic morgue” of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram newspaper. The collection includes an estimated 400,000 print photographs and over six million negatives, dating from about 1849-2003. Texas history is broadly covered throughout its collecting areas, to include disability history, political history, labor history, and the U.S. War with Mexico.

Additionally, the university’s origins and history of its evolution is preserved in the University Archives, which encompasses records reflecting the achievements of its officers, faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Special Collections also holds the answers to many questions embedded in university lore, including: why is there a cemetery on UTA grounds? What happened to the bar in the basement of University Center? Why was an elephant once buried on campus?

Special Collections aims to “collect, arrange, preserve, and make available materials that have research value in a variety of different fields.” With this diverse range in the types of materials within its holdings, Special Collections emphasizes many different ways to access and explore its collections. The Library Catalog allows users to search for books, maps, journals, microfilm, newspapers, and archival collections within its holdings. Finding aids are available as a guide to each archival collection and can be searched through ArchivesSpace. Nearly 125,000 items have been digitized from collections and made available through the UTA Libraries Digital Gallery. The Digital Archive provides access to collections that are “born-digital” for materials that only exist digitally. There are a number of curated digital collections and digital exhibits that can be explored through the UTA Libraries’ website. There is also a series of blog posts available to help guide your search through these online resources. Whether you have a specific research topic in mind or want to peruse the space and view the latest exhibit, Special Collections staff are eager to assist and answer questions.

UTA Special Collections fosters lifelong learning and encourages exploration of its collections. It is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday, 9AM-5PM. If you’re interested in having Special Collections join your next event, please reach out via email at spcoref@uta.edu.

Copy of the “Staff Advisor,” the Staff Advisory Council (SAC) Newsletter, Vol. 3, No. 2, September 1997, located within the UTA Staff Advisory Council Records (Unproc. 2009-122).

Staff Development Conference

A Look into the Staff Development Conference: A Conversation with La’Kisha Fredericks

by Mistie Maskil

The Staff Development Conference, an annual event at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), is more than just a gathering. It’s a platform for staff members to connect, learn, and grow.

The Staff Development Conference Committee, led by Joshua Finely, worked tirelessly to ensure the event was beneficial for all staff members. The team comprised individuals from various departments, each bringing unique experiences and ideas to the table. The main focus was to identify topics that would be resourceful and useful for the diverse staff at UTA. Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a unanimous choice, given its increasing relevance in today’s world.

The conference also aimed to utilize the wealth of knowledge within UTA. The idea was to help staff benefit from the resources around them, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. The committee also considered the timing and location of the event to ensure maximum participation.

I had a conversation with La’Kisha Fredericks, a member of the Staff Development Committee and she explained that the conference was not just about learning; it was about connecting. In an age where most work is done remotely; the conference provided an opportunity for staff to meet and network. It was a chance to put faces to names and build stronger relationships.

The success of this year’s conference has set a high bar for the future. Fredericks states, that the goal for next year is not just to meet the same expectations but to exceed them. The committee plans to incorporate more intentional networking time and provide opportunities for staff to voice their opinions and suggestions.

The Staff Development Conference is a testament to UTA’s commitment to its staff’s growth and development. It’s an opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to the university’s continuous improvement. Whether you’re a seasoned manager or a new staff member, there’s something to gain for everyone.

Work-Study Experience

Work-Study Experience

by Lauren McLain

Patrick Estes is a senior in the Architectural Engineering program. His field of study is about the design of building systems – mechanical, plumbing, and structural. Patrick has been working in the Office of Facilities Management since June 2022 and works under the direct supervision of Robb Chock, Director of Mechanical Operations.

In Patrick’s role, he mainly focuses on energy efficiency in a building. He uses Excel to keep track of the HVAC equipment and the weather since outside temperatures affects their operation. After Robb assesses that a building’s system is performing inefficiently or is no longer code compliant, then Patrick uses AutoCAD to document the updated system design. Now and then, Patrick also changes air filters for the mechanical units. With onsite visits to buildings on campus and hands on experience at various mechanical and plumbing systems, Patrick has a better understanding of his textbook material. And the textbook information has also helped him understand better what he is looking at in the field. Patrick is learning that a building must be maintained within a budget, something which he has not even considered until now. Patrick attends project meetings as well as meetings with mechanical contractors. So, he is getting a wide range of exposure to real life experiences, and these will help prepare him for the workforce after graduation.

Patrick feels very fortunate to have found a job within his degree and to be treated as a colleague, rather than as a student. The work-study program is capped at 19 hours per week, but he normally puts in 15 hours. His work schedule does not impact his studies as he works around his classes, and his cross country and track activities are also not affected. We in the Facilities department are also very fortunate to have Patrick working with us as he is passionate about his tasks and enjoys learning while doing them. One of his fond memories is when he first started work and was taken down to a utility tunnel to identify signage for safety and exits. This tunnel is a 2-mile loop under the campus and has 3 passages under Cooper Street. If you see Patrick around campus, say “hi” to him. And if you have any questions about the work-study program, then he would love to tell you more about his experience.

Strategic Planning Insights: A Conversation with Nicholas Viator

by Mistie Maskill

Within the realm of institutional development, lies a roadmap for the future. This roadmap is meticulously crafted through strategic planning.

The recent release of the UTAs 2030 Strategic Plan is an important milestone for the university. It captures and showcases how the university will move forward the projects/progress that has been in the works for some time. Nicholas “Nick” Viator, Assistant Vice President of Strategic Planning at UT Arlington, graciously shared insights into the intricate process of crafting strategic pathways at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA).

What is Strategic Planning?

At its core, strategic planning entails setting the mission, vision, and goals that steer an institution towards its desired outcomes, alongside identifying the necessary qualities to support these aspirations.

The UTA Strategic Plan wasn't solitary, and it unfolded through various stages, from conducting listening sessions and surveys to facilitating focus groups and interviews - comprising individuals from various levels and departments. Nick affirms the significance of gathering diverse perspectives, and that all voices provide the foundation needed to begin building the plan that fits UTA. These different areas of research facilitated data presentations and brainstorming sessions to shape institutional priorities and inform strategic decisions. UTA’s Strategic Plan involved a collaborative effort and is a key highlight in Nick’s approach.

Nick goes on to share about how the role of mentorship and collaboration influenced him during this development. Drawing from experiences at previous institutions like University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), where mentorship and a nurturing culture formed the bedrock of success. Nick strives to integrate similar principles at UTA and acknowledges the significance of cultivating a supportive environment where ideas flourish, and individuals thrive.

As UTA navigates this transformative phase, Nick leans heavily into fostering open communication and engaging with the community. Initiatives like the Rise 100 project reflect the institution's commitment to elevating research endeavors, with similar endeavors in development for staff.

Looking ahead, Nick envisions a campus-wide engagement drive, with surveys slated to gather feedback and insights from the UTA community. His passion for facilitating growth and his steadfast commitment to fostering culture and meaningful connections will ensure the way for a brighter tomorrow. Going beyond the intricacies of strategic planning lies a profound appreciation for the success of UTA.

As the strategic plan continues to take shape it stands as a cornerstone for shaping the future of UTA. Nick advocates for active participation, urging staff to contribute their perspectives to ensure inclusivity and alignment.

Nothing Bundt Cakes Copycat Recipe for

White Chocolate Raspberry Cake

by Lori Danyl Carter

This Nothing Bundt Cakes White Chocolate Raspberry Cake Copycat tastes just like the popular bakery version! Creamy, flavorful, easy to make at home!

 

Prep Time: 10 min.     |     Cook Time: 45 min.     |     Total Time: 55 min.     |     Serves: 16

Ingredients in White Chocolate Raspberry Bundt Cake:

• For the dry ingredients, save yourself some time and use a box of white cake mix.
• To the dry cake batter, add a package of instant white chocolate pudding mix (dry)
• In a large mixing bowl, add a cup of sour cream – adds so much moisture to the cake
• Eggs – you’ll need four large eggs to add at medium speed.
• Water – if you want to make an even richer cake, you can substitute the water for buttermilk or whole milk
• Vegetable oil
• White chocolate chips, chopped into smaller pieces. You can even use a food processor to chop them up.
• Raspberry pie filling
• For the frosting: you’ll need softened butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a couple teaspoons vanilla extract. Use a paddle attachment on a stand mixer, whip the frosting until light and fluffy

Ingredients:

1 box white cake mix (15.25 ounces)

3.4 ounces instant white chocolate pudding mix (dry)

1 cup sour cream

4 large eggs

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup oil

1 cup white chocolate chips chopped into smaller pieces

1/2 cup red raspberry preserves (SEE NOTES ABOVE)

16 ounces cream cheese softened

1/2 cup butter softened

3-4 cup powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions:

• Spray a non-stick formed aluminum bundt pan with cooking spray (see above) and lightly flour the edges. Preheat your oven to 350-degrees. Gather your ingredients.
• Mix first six ingredients together with a beater. Fold in white chocolate chips.
• Fill prepared bundt pan with half of the batter.
• Spoon half of the raspberry preserves in 5-6 small, separated teaspoon-sized spoonfuls over the batter (so it looks like separate tiny clumps of filling over the top).
• Using a knife swirl the filling through the cake. Pour remaining batter in evenly and spoon in remaining pie filling, repeating the "swirling" process above.
• Cook in oven at 350 degrees for 45-50 mins. (do the “knife test” to determine doneness). If the knife does not come out clean, keep placing back in the oven for 3-5 min at a time until it does.
• Remove from oven. Let cool for 10 mins. Remove from pan. I think it tastes most like a Nothing Bundt Cake if you put it on a serving plate, wrap it well in Saran Wrap, and let it sit overnight in the freezer before frosting and serving.
• In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Mix in the vanilla, then gradually stir in the powdered sugar (start with 2 cups then keep adding more until it is nice and thick).

Note: To get the frosting like in the picture. Fill a gallon size Ziplock bag with the frosting and chill for about 30 minutes. Cut off a bottom corner at about a half inch diagonal cut, depending on how big you want the "frosting strips". Frost cake by squeezing out the frosting from the outside of the cake toward the middle.

Serve and enjoy!

  

Suggestions for White Chocolate Raspberry Cake:

• When making a bundt cake, you want to be sure to generously grease AND flour or spray the cake pan with non-stick cooking spray, making sure to get every little nook and cranny.
• Before the cake is completely cool, carefully run a knife between the cake and the pan. Turn the plate or platter you will be serving the cake on upside down and place it on top of the cake (still in the bundt pan). Holding the plate and bundt pan together, flip so the plate is now on the bottom and the bundt pan on top. This will hold the cake in the bundt pan. Once upside down, tap the handle of a butter knife along the bottom of the bundt pan (that is now flipped to be on top). The cake should come out very easily onto the plate.
• To get the frosting like in the picture, fill a gallon size Ziplock bag, or a pastry bag, with the frosting and chill for about 30 minutes. Cut off a bottom corner at about a half inch diagonal cut, depending on how big you want the “frosting strips”. Frost cake by squeezing out the frosting from the outside of the cake toward the middle.
• If you can’t find white chocolate pudding mix, vanilla is a good substitute.

New Year’s Resolution Survey Results

By Mistie Maskil

60% no they do not believe in New Year Resolutions whiles 40% said yes.

 

16% stated yes, they do complete their resolutions, 17% said no, and 67% said they sometimes complete them.

We had a handful of survey participants share some of their resolutions, here are a few of them:

• I believe in having goals. That doesn't mean I always hit them. But I keep striving!
• While I don't believe in New Year's resolutions, I do use January to review the previous year and look for ways to be ready physically and spiritually for the upcoming year.
• Live a healthier lifestyle!

When Life Throws You a Curve Ball

Realizing Our Potential: Clifton Strengths Assessment in the Library

By: Sara Pezzoni

In 2023, UTA Libraries Employee Success Coordinator Kelly Dill explored a new method of connecting library staff with one another over lunch. This monthly series, aptly titled “Lunch & Learn,” began as a time to discuss and engage with themes centered on professional growth and to learn more about how the Libraries’ Guiding Principles applies to library staff’s everyday work. Dill implemented this program on behalf of the Library’s Organizational Excellence department as part of a capstone project for her Master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. 

One of the Lunch & Learn topics centered on a four-part series of panel discussions on Gallup’s CliftonStrengths Assessment, a talent assessment tool that was first introduced to library staff in 2019. The goal of this series was to help library staff learn more about how to comprehend and apply the results of this assessment within the organization. “This is a self-awareness tool,” Dill said, “and it’s easy to take the results at face value and not work towards understanding how to apply this tool effectively.” The library has previously provided workshops to staff in contextualizing the tool’s results as a group. Ultimately, Dill says that the CliftonStrengths assessment has served as a “foundational guide for library staff to see how they process information and approach problems, how they can bring value to the organization, and how staff can use talent themes to improve partnerships and the team dynamic within the library.”

Each Lunch & Learn CliftonStrengths panel discussion focused on one of the four strength domains—executing, influencing, relationship building, and strategic thinking—and panelists were selected based on their dominance in certain themes across those domains. Dill began this series as a way to connect library staff with each other and learn more about the work that their colleagues do beyond who they interact with daily. She stated that the goal of each panel discussion was to “help people to see that not everyone with the same talent themes are in the same role; these strengths don’t dictate what you do, just how you do it.”

Important conversations have stemmed from these sessions, including discussion of the misconceptions and difficulties in defining and understanding each strength. “For example,” Dill said, “the empathy theme came up, and while it was clear how CliftonStrengths defined empathy, these discussions helped the group also see how people use these strengths in their own defined way. In creating organized conversations around how we share talent themes but approach them differently, this has helped us become better prepared to meet each other in the middle. We’re having more conversations, asking our colleagues to clarify their interpretations, and learning more about our individual roles and purpose within the library. This really highlights that we all see the world differently.”

The CliftonStrengths assessment is also offered to students as part of an effort led by UTA’s Follett Student Leadership Center. The Center’s director, Becka Shetty, says the Center has offered training to departments across campus that work directly with students so staff can provide CliftonStrengths workshops for the students they serve and work with. Shetty says that while their focus is on students, they do receive requests from faculty and staff for training in the CliftonStrengths assessment. While UTA’s Office of Talent, Culture, and Engagement provides training on a wide variety of leadership programs, the CliftonStrengths talent assessment is currently not offered to staff. Shetty wholeheartedly supports the use of this tool across campus and believes that if the university were to provide this program to its staff, it would “only help understand ourselves better, our colleagues better, and learn how teams can work together more effectively. There are large corporations that have used this tool intentionally and they win awards for how this is implemented in those companies. It ultimately shows better staff engagement."

In the library, Dill prefaces these Lunch & Learn sessions with this message: the best teams are made up of individuals who understand their own—and others’—unique contribution to the team; in collaborating more effectively, we achieve more together. By learning how to use this tool, staff are empowered. These discussions provide encouragement and a message that library staff can make impactful, positive contributions to the organization. This program takes the library’s guiding principles—We Care, We Empower, We Take Ownership, and We Are Extraordinary—to the next level.

Pumpkin Survey Results
By: Mistie Maskil

92% said “yes”, the remaining 8% said “no”, they are a fan of pumpkin season.

We had a few participants leave comments:

• "Only seasoned pumpkin seeds."
• "Love the cooler weather, leaves falling, and it seems to be more activities and life events."
• "Love the varieties available and the great recipes that come from pumpkins; soups, baked goods, veggie chili."
• "I love the cooler weather and it signals the start of Thanksgiving and Christmas!"

Love the cooler weather, leaves falling, and it seems to be more activities and life events.

UTA Library Resources - Creative Spaces & Services

By: Lauren McLain & Mistie Maskil

Creative Spaces and Services, which you may know as the UTA FABLAB, is not only a space for faculty and students but it is also a space that staff may utilize as well, whether for personal or professional projects. We had the opportunity to get the details from Lauren Stutler, the Director of Creative Spaces and Services. All it takes is a little training, which you can get from student workers or expert staff, or more structured training for specific equipment. You can request consultations to assist in your project. FabLab users can provide their own pre-approved materials or pay only the price of materials via MavMoney.

The Creative Spaces and Services (CSS) is a dedicated department nestled within the UTA Central Library. It strives to empower students, faculty, and staff, regardless of their experience level, by offering a plethora of resources and opportunities for crafting an array of digital, tangible, and imaginative projects. The space is broken up into three sections: The Studios, The FabLab, and The Basement.

Image of the FabLab side of the Creative Spaces and Services Photograph

The Studios
A hub for inspiration and innovation, where you can bring your digital art and audio projects to life. This area is located on the northside of First Floor. Offerings encompass green screen facilities, photography studios, sound recording spaces, poster design and printing, and drone building. Access to expert guidance is available from both students and dedicated full-time staff.

The FabLab
A dynamic maker space designed to foster project-based, experiential learning for individuals across all disciplines and skill levels. The FabLab offers a comprehensive range of resources, including a workshop, 3D and vinyl printing, textiles, glass and ceramics studios, sewing equipment, and hands-on training to support innovation and entrepreneurial endeavors. The Work Shop will require more training due to specialized equipment such as plasma cutter, CNC router, welding and numerous power tools.

The Basement
A recreational zone designed to unwind and build connections throughout the day. Skilled students and staff are on hand to offer guidance in game development, while various gaming opportunities are available, including tabletop games, electronic gaming, console gaming, and PC gaming.

Additional information can be found on the CSS website or email them with specific questions.

Email: css@uta.edu

Website: https://libraries.uta.edu/services/fablab

Elevating Success Through Collaboration in Mentorship: The Maverick Momentum Program 
By: Sara Pezzoni 

The Office of Talent, Culture, and Engagement’s (TCE) Belonging & Engagement division has developed a new collaborative mentorship program geared towards furthering professional development of Staff Advisory Council (SAC) committee members. Launching January 2024, the Maverick Momentum program is designed to develop a culture of belonging and engagement through mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and professional growth. The six-month structured mentorship program pairs SAC council member mentees with mentors that are managers or directors who have completed the MavsManager program.

Each mentee will be assigned a mentor that is well-suited for their strengths, skill set, and experience.  

Prior to this program, the only mentorship program available to UTA employees was geared towards faculty, the UTA Faculty Mentorship Program offered by the Division of Faculty Success. The Maverick Momentum program’s facilitator, Veronique Jones, said this program fulfills the need for a staff-centered mentorship program. "Like the mentorship program offered to faculty, the goals of this program are to make sure participants in the program have an increased sense of engagement; to increase networking capacity of all involved; and encourage and facilitate professional growth. The feedback we received from the UTA People and Culture Survey showed that the biggest opportunities for growth involve employees feeling that others care about them and feeling that their opinions count,” Jones said.  

Initial sessions of the program will include discussion of the mentee’s professional goals, establishing that the mentor-mentee relationship is rooted in achieving those goals. The sessions will then center around five themes: setting personal goals, personal marketing and branding; autonomous engagement; topic of solutions-orientation; and feedback and growth. Jones said that the goal for these sessions is to “really maximize on those conversations—they're not just informal conversations but they are conversations geared towards growing professionally.”  

To join the Maverick Momentum program, mentees must be employed at UTA for at least six months, serve as a current SAC member, be in good standing with the university, and have supervisor approval to participate. Mentees are set to meet monthly with their assigned mentor for a minimum of one hour throughout the duration of the program, with a session conversation guide provided for each session. The program begins with a kickoff event to provide resources and tools needed for mentees to have a successful relationship with their mentor. At the conclusion of the six-month program, mentees will receive recognition for their participation at a capstone celebration.  

According to TCE, participants in mentorship programs are five times more likely to be promoted than non-participants, and mentorship programs increase engagement, performance, and retention for mentees by 22 percent. For those interested in participating in the Maverick Momentum program, applications will reopen in the Fall semester. For more information, contact Veronique Jones at veronique.jones@uta.edu or visit TCE’s Training & Development website: https://www.uta.edu/hr/belonging-and-engagement/training-development.

Inside SAC: A brief discussion with Christopher Templeton, Chair
By: Ashleigh Johnson

In a virtual meeting via Teams, I had the privilege of engaging with Christopher Templeton, Chair of the Staff Advisory Council (SAC), to delve into pressing questions that have been at the forefront of our collective thoughts.

One of the things that Chris mentioned is that right now, there are 20, yes 20, SAC representative positions available across campus. SAC can only operate so much without having the much-needed staff to fill these positions. There is a place on the SAC website to view the open positions but to make it easier, here they are:

• District 3 VP of Administration and Economic Development-7
• District 4 VP of Business Affairs-1
• District 8 Provost/VP of Academic Affairs-2
• District 9 VP of Research and Federal Relations-2
• District 12 Dean of the College of Education-1
• District 15 Dean of the College of Science-2
• District 17 Division of Student Success and Dean of the Honors College-2
• District 20 Dean of the Library-3

One thing very important to Chris as Chair is to have an open line of communication with the Community and with UTA Leadership. This means ensuring SAC is following procedures and setting up systems to allow for monitoring incidents/issues that are brought to SAC so that patterns are easily established and are then able to be addressed. Ideally, the goal for SAC meetings is an information-driven session, focused on problem-solving, and an open line of communication for sharing information, “Keeping a careful eye to limiting distractions that can take away from SAC making a true impact.”

Something else we discussed was about equity vs. equality. How you can approach your supervisor with “How can you provide equity for me as an employee within this department.” While every position in a department will not be the same, there are ways that you can work towards having equity in your role. Track your tasks and roles and gather data. Make sure that you’re showing what you can do in the office, or if you’re able to work from home. Chris had suggested (upon approval from the general body of SAC), providing resources for employees to be able to track their work, discuss with their supervisor, etc.

As someone who has never been involved with SAC and has only heard mundane things about it in years past, I really see a positive change coming with Chris and the Executive Board of SAC. There is a sense of urgency to correct, advocate, listen, challenge, and overall be what the UTA Staff needs.

While preparing for this article, I did some digging and learned that SAC does not currently have a Mission Statement. I was surprised but got to work with some new verbiage and will present it at the next SAC meeting for discussion and potential adoption of a new Mission Statement, so stay tuned to see what we create.

If you’re reading this and you’re not a part of SAC, but you have the passion and desire to help the University, send us an email to SAC@uta.edu. Let us know you exist. Find your district and get more information on how to become a SAC member. Without SAC, the staff voice isn’t loud enough. Even if you are not SAC eligible yet, you might be new, I would encourage you to get yourself on SAC's radar. SAC doesn’t know you’re out there unless you talk to them.

I’ll leave you with a quote from Chris regarding his role as Chair with SAC, “As SAC Chair, I want to forge new partnerships across the University and fortify long-lasting partnerships with new energy. The reason for this is so the Staff at UTA can have a far-reaching voice." 

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