The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is navigating significant challenges stemming from changes in federal policy, according to UTA President Jennifer Cowley. During her State of the University address on September 11, 2023, Cowley addressed the uncertainty and economic strain impacting the institution, particularly concerning research support, student financial aid, and international student visas.
Cowley emphasized that federal grant cuts are hindering research efforts across universities nationwide. UTA anticipates a 40% decline in international graduate students this fall, attributed to visa appointment difficulties and travel restrictions. Additionally, the university foresees a shortfall of 300 undergraduate students due to a recent ruling disqualifying undocumented students from in-state tuition. As a result, revenue from tuition is expected to decrease by between $13 million and $15.6 million this fiscal year.
To mitigate financial strain, UTA has implemented a temporary hiring pause and is exploring alternative resource strategies. Despite these challenges, Cowley noted a historical resilience within the university, underscoring a collective commitment to academic success and community support.
Academic and Financial Initiatives
Cowley highlighted several initiatives aimed at supporting students, including the Blaze Forward program, which now covers tuition and fees for families earning $100,000 or less, up from a previous threshold of $85,000. Consequently, approximately 60% of undergraduate students at UTA are now enrolled in this financial aid program.
During the current academic year, nearly 47.5% of undergraduates received Pell Grants, a federal financial aid program for low-income students. The freshman class has also reached a record size of 5,100, marking the largest cohort in UTA’s history. Cowley stated, “Now, even more Texas residents, regardless of financial background, can experience the transformative power of a UTA education.”
She also announced the introduction of new undergraduate programs, including hospitality management degrees and minors in philanthropy and space systems. UTA is poised to offer a doctorate in social work pending state approval, addressing a critical shortage of social workers.
Research and Facility Developments
Cowley reported that UTA tripled the number of undergraduate research opportunities last year, reinforcing its status as an R1 research institution, as classified by the Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education. UTA is among only 21 R1 schools recognized for both high research activity and student access.
Highlighting advancements in research facilities, Cowley announced the upcoming ribbon-cutting for the Maverick Autonomous Vehicle Research Center on September 16, 2023. This $2.3 million facility will provide a dedicated space for testing under varying weather conditions, adhering to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards.
Additionally, a new $2.1 million supercomputing hub introduced in July aims to enhance UTA’s capacity for data-intensive research, including artificial intelligence projects. Cowley remarked, “This is a collaboration as it should be, with teams from the Office of Information Technology, Engineering, and Research and Innovation working together so our students and researchers can address bigger questions, handle bigger data, and do it faster than we’ve ever been able to do before.”
Cowley concluded her address by discussing UTA’s expansion plans, including the groundbreaking of UTA West in April and securing $126 million in funding from the UT System for campus improvements. Recently, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for Maverick Hall, the largest residence hall on campus, which accommodates 650 students. Renovations to the Life Sciences building are expected to complete by fall 2027.
“This university is always moving forward,” Cowley said. “Sometimes it feels like the soundtrack of UTA is jackhammers and cement trucks, but that’s just the sound of a university on the rise.”
