Students walk by various organization and club tables during Activity Fair Day on Aug. 27 at UTA.

Students walk by various organization and club tables during Activity Fair Day on Aug. 27 at UTA. The fair lasted from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Photo by Elvis Martinez-Cartagena

As Mavericks walked through the University Center mall Wednesday, they were greeted by multiple organizations and clubs during the Activity Fair Day and Maverick Cookout.

The event invited students to meet face-to-face with UTA organizations, departments and clubs, which showcased their services and involvement opportunities.

This year, about 300 organizations and 10 vendors participated in the fair, said Tristian Brooks, student activities coordinator in the Office of Student Organizations.

Michelle Peters, UTA’s Title IX representative, left, and mechanical engineering freshman Anjal Raj Bhattarai speak during Activity Fair Day on Aug. 27 at UTA.

Michelle Peters, UTA’s Title IX representative, left, and mechanical engineering freshman Anjal Raj Bhattarai speak during Activity Fair Day on Aug. 27 at UTA. Title IX is a federal law that requires schools that receive federal funding to address any report of sexual harassment or misconduct and take preventative measures.

Photo by Elvis Martinez-Cartagena

“It is proven that getting involved in a student organization helps with retention and overall satisfaction with having a good time at the university,” Brooks said.

Chris Choi, president of the Korean Student Association, said the organization’s goal at the fair was to reach new Mavericks on campus and encourage students to join and enjoy themselves throughout the year.

Choi said events like the activity fair are important because they give organizations a chance to introduce themselves without pulling students away from school. The event also gave the group a boost in recruitment.

Chemistry senior Mena Nicodemus holds a snake from the Herpetology Club table during Activity Fair Day on Aug. 27 at UTA.

Chemistry senior Mena Nicodemus holds a snake from the Herpetology Club table during Activity Fair Day on Aug. 27 at UTA. The table had various reptiles and amphibians.

Photo by Elvis Martinez-Cartagena

The UTA Wranglers are a spirit organization that supports Maverick athletic teams, said Jaysen Johnson. The Wranglers use the annual event to connect with new students and boost game attendance. 

Johnson said his favorite part of the fair was seeing all the different organizations and groups adding up every year and the diversity the campus offers.

Ayehush Assefa said she attended the activity fair after she noticed students gathering and that she’d been wanting to learn more about UTA organizations.

Broadcast senior Nick Malone, right, hands biochemistry freshman Caleb Bari a lanyard he won after spinning a prize wheel during Activity Fair Day on Aug. 27 at UTA.

Broadcast senior Nick Malone, right, hands biochemistry freshman Caleb Bari a lanyard he won after spinning a prize wheel during Activity Fair Day on Aug. 27 at UTA. Activity Fair Day has been a UTA tradition since 1981.

Photo by Elvis Martinez-Cartagena

Assefa said she visited every table at the fair and found each group unique in its own way.

“I love this so much. I think it’s very helpful, and I’m glad UTA is doing this,” she said.

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