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Illustration by Lillian Durand<\/p>\n
Some students have the misconception that UTA doesn\u2019t have a strong sense of school spirit or identity, making it hard for students to feel pride in their university community.<\/p>\n
The Shorthorn Editorial Board believes that UTA\u2019s school spirit and identity is unique compared to that of stereotypical college life, and that it\u2019s up to students to redefine what it means to them.<\/p>\n
Stereotypical school spirit is shaped around a big fraternity party scene or over-the-top school rivalries, but it\u2019s not always like that.<\/p>\n
At a Glance<\/p>\n
The Issue:<\/strong> There is a perceived lack of school spirit and identity at UTA.<\/p>\n We Think:<\/strong> UTA\u2019s identity is present, although less concentrated than in stereotypical university life.<\/p>\n Take Action:<\/strong> Students should redefine what school spirit means to them.<\/p>\n University spirit looks different at every institution. It\u2019s based not only\u00a0on the university as an entity but on its student population as well.<\/p>\n In Texas, it’s easy to assume that part of the university spirit should be going to big football games full of students with a cheerleading team leading prideful cheers and a marching band playing the school\u2019s fight song, but at UTA that\u2019s not entirely the case.<\/p>\n UTA\u2019s identity is not defined by one overarching theme or stereotype; rather, it\u2019s built upon students\u2019 individual identities, backgrounds and interests and what they define school spirit to be.<\/p>\n UTA\u2019s student body, as of fall 2024 data, is very diverse, with a student population that is 34.3% Hispanic, 21.6% white, 13.8% African American, 13.4% international, 12.5% Asian and 0.14% American Indian, according to the university\u2019s website. <\/p>\n Compared to another Texas university like UT Austin, which has a more populated campus and one of the largest collegiate football programs in the state, it might seem like UTA falls short on Maverick pride. <\/p>\n On the contrary, UTA\u2019s student diversity means it is not defined by Texas college stereotypes. It\u2019s not about the football games. It\u2019s about the students that make the university what it is \u2014 a cultural melting pot.<\/p>\n With UTA ranked No. 5 of most diverse colleges in Texas and No. 1 most diverse across UT System universities, according to Niche, a company that collects collegiate data and information, the university\u2019s identity will reflect that of its students. <\/p>\n It\u2019s not that UTA is \u201cnot\u201d something. Instead, the university has multiple pockets of everything \u2014 cultural backgrounds, religions, student interests, clubs and more. <\/p>\n College is whatever students make of it, and the same goes for school spirit.<\/p>\n Whether it means partying every night, being involved in campus events and organizations, or simply studying with friends or by yourself, school spirit can look different for everyone.<\/p>\n Showcasing school spirit doesn\u2019t have to mean wearing blue and orange, or even wearing something with \u201cUTA\u201d written across it. Simply having pride in the school and community you\u2019re a part of is enough.<\/p>\n Too often, university pride gets boxed into clich\u00e9s of painted faces and over-the-top school chants, but students have the chance to redefine it as something more meaningful \u2014 a sense of pride and unity and a community that doesn\u2019t have to look like anyone else\u2019s playbook.<\/p>\n This sense of community and pride can be found in shared moments, in support for each other\u2019s passions and goals, and in celebrating small wins every day.<\/p>\n College is a time to find pride in your community, whatever that may look like for you.<\/p>\n The Shorthorn Editorial Board is made up of editor-in-chief Pedro Malkomes; managing editor Leslie Orozco; copy desk chief Rachel Kenealey; news editor James Ward; associate news editor Taylor Sansom; engagement editor Sairam Marupudi; design editor Haley Walton; and illustrator Lillian Durand.<\/p>\n