Hello, Maverick families!
Below is a summary of the questions & answers from the information session hosted on Thursday March 5th about the upcoming renovations to the University Center. If you have any additional questions, please email parents@uta.edu.
Was the University Center renovations project a student-led initiative?
The University Center renovation effort emerged from longstanding concerns about the building’s age, patchwork layout, and ongoing maintenance needs. The building has also undergone roughly ten additions since the 1950s. To address these issues, a proposal was introduced from Student Government in 2022 to raise the student fee and it failed the general student body vote by 3 votes. In 2023–24, the University Center Operations team and Student Government relaunched the campaign that reexamined the project’s benefits and mobilized campus support. Their efforts resulted in the vote passing and we were able to move forward with planning and execution of the renovations project.
Why is it critical to complete this renovations project now?
It’s critical to complete the University Center renovations project now because, without the renovation, the university would still face millions of dollars in essential repairs and upgrades. With so many structural and aesthetic issues competing for attention, prioritizing repairs alone would be difficult and costly. By passing the student vote, we can move forward with a comprehensive renovation plan shaped directly by student input.
What is the timeline for the construction?
The project is scheduled to be reviewed by the Board of Regents in May 2026, which is the final step required by the UT System. Once the budget is authorized, construction will begin in June 2026. The full renovation is expected to take about 30 months, with completion projected for January 2029.
What new additions can families and students look forward to?
The renovated University Center will offer a far more welcoming, cohesive, and student‑centered environment. The redesigned building will unify student‑facing departments, expand lounge and gathering areas, and introduce abundant natural light with higher, more open ceilings. Dining options will grow significantly, including an expanded Chick-fil-A and a dedicated space for O’Desi Aroma. The new building will also have technology‑enhanced event areas, including a weather‑protected performance space with a large screen.
How will construction impact parking, traffic, and classes?
The renovation is expected to have minimal impact on parking, traffic, and classes. All existing parking will remain available, though some nearby drive‑through areas will be temporarily rerouted to improve safety and traffic flow around construction fencing. Since no academic classes are held inside the University Center, coursework will not be disrupted.
What is going to happen to the dining locations in the building?
During construction, restaurants will relocate to Rosebud Theater inside the University Center. Rosebud Theater is scheduled to undergo renovations soon to transform into the new, temporary dining hub. The east side of the building, including a portion of the Bluebonnet Ballroom, will be transformed into more lounge spaces. Connection Café will remain in the same area, and the UC Market will also be located in the hallway across from the restrooms. Additionally, food trucks will be set up along Maverick Circle to expand dining options for students. On the West side of campus, we have already increased the seating in our current dining areas and are exploring adding a new restaurant.
Where is the parent and family office moving to?
During construction, the Office of New Student, Transition, and Family Programs will be located at the Continuing Education Building. This building is off Mitchell Street, just south of Kalpana Chawla (KC) Hall. We are anticipating moving towards the end of March.
Will students with memberships in the Maverick Parent & Family Association (MPFA) still be able to get supplies from the parent and family office?
Yes, students will be able to come to our new office in the Continuing Education Building to get their school supplies and snacks. There are conversations with Parking & Transportation Services to add a MavMover shuttle stop to that building as well. During the transition to the new building, we are exploring options of creating a satellite area for students of our MPFA members to get the supplies they need. For example, we may set up a station during certain hours inside the Central Library. Any updates on the location will be shared with the MPFA members and their students.
Where can we see the architectural designs and floor plans for the new building?
Currently, we don't have a ton of information on the website because we’re waiting for that final stamp of approval from the Board of Regents. However, once there are updates to share, they will be located here: https://www.uta.edu/campus-ops/student-centers/new-uc.
Where will the post office be located?
The USPS Post Office was relocated to the UTA Bookstore off Spaniolo Drive on February 2, 2026. The UTA Bookstore will be the permanent location for the post office. As part of the service upgrade, UTA will be moving away from traditional physical mailboxes and transitioning to virtual mailboxes. Students will receive an email notification when they receive letter mail or a package, which will be placed in parcel lockers that have been added inside and outside the UTA Bookstore. This move makes it more convenient for students to pick up their mail when it fits their schedule. More information about the post office can be found at https://www.uta.edu/business-affairs/faculty-staff/package-freight-and-mail-services/uc-post-office.
