Students at The University of Texas at Arlington have begun moving into residential housing for the 2020-21 academic year, following new schedules and processes to keep them and their fellow Mavericks safe and healthy.
"Reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission will require a joint effort between the University and its students," said Eric Leidlein, executive director of UTA Auxiliary Services. "Overall, our goal is to support the housing, dining and educational needs of our residents."
This semester, University Housing modified its traditional move-in process to encourage enhanced social distancing:
- Move-ins, which typically occur in a single day, began Saturday, Aug. 22, and continue through Wednesday, Aug. 25.
- Residents are required to schedule move-in appointments to limit the number of students moving in at the same time.
- Residents and guests are required to wear face coverings at all times during their move ins.
Ricky Hudson, UTA architecture senior and resident assistant, is looking forward to returning to live on campus, continue classes and work in Arlington Hall.
"I have lived on campus all four years," Hudson said. "I wanted to be a resident assistant so I can help mentor other UTA students to success. The best thing for incoming freshmen to do when they need help or are going through anything is to talk to their RAs and other UTA resources. We are here to help."
Hudson was among many UTA students—new and returning—moving into their residence halls and apartments this week. Volunteers, including UTA Interim President Teik C. Lim and his wife, greeted students as they moved in and unpacked.
"Clearly students are excited to be moving in, either for the first time or to return to their campus home," said Mari Duncan, director of apartment and residence life. "It is important that the University and its residents work together to comply with CDC guidelines to reduce the potential spread of coronavirus and to ensure campus housing remains open."
Pedro Victor Sepulveda, a freshman computer science major moving to campus from Houston, said he is excited about starting college classes, meeting his professors and forming new friendships.
"I chose to come to UTA because of the affordability, the engineering program and the variety of clubs and organization in campus life," Sepulveda said. "I wanted to live on campus because residence hall are top notch and I hear the food is good."
Sarah Esayas, UTA nursing sophomore and resident assistant, said she anticipates finding creative ways to become closer with fellow Mavs, even staying 6 feet apart.
"Knowing that UT Arlington has established protocols to keep its students as safe as they can be, I was happy to come back and help as an RA to enforce those safety policies," Esayas said. "I want to tell newcomers moving onto campus this year to make the most of what we've got. The staff here at UTA will do what we can to make you feel at home."
UTA has shared guidelines for keeping on-campus residents safe during COVID. Students should continue to monitor their email, the UTA Coronavirus information page and the Mavs Back 2020 website for updates.
