University returns to in-person ceremonies for 2020 and 2021 Maverick graduates
Monday, May 10, 2021 • Herb Booth : Contact
The University of Texas at Arlington is hosting eight in-person commencement ceremonies at Globe Life Field from May 13-15 for all of the University’s graduates from 2020 and spring 2021.
The commencement exercises will mark the first time UTA has hosted in-person ceremonies since December 2019, as all 2020 ceremonies were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A virtual ceremony for all colleges is scheduled for May 16 for those who are unable or do not wish to attend the in-person ceremonies.
The size of Globe Life Field, which holds about 40,300 people, enables the University to maximize social distancing of guests and graduates. About 15,000 guests are expected at each ceremony. Masks will be required as well as social distancing, except within family units.
“A big problem with these phosphorus-based additives is they form the same film on catalytic converters in vehicles, increasing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Dr. Pranesh Aswath, a materials science engineer who is interim provost and vice-president academic affairs at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). With U.S. federal regulations mandating emission reductions and higher fuel standards in the auto sector, there is pressure to reduce phosphorus and sulphur additives in engine oils. The challenge is to reduce the amount of phosphorous in oil while maintaining the additive’s ability to form the thin coatings that protect the right engine parts against the tremendous heat and pressure in which they work.
Pass/fail grading policy
The fall 2020 temporary pass/fail grading option was launched Tuesday and includes 3,500 eligible courses.
The grading policy enables students to request that an earned letter grade for a selected course be replaced by a pass/fail grade, according to a universitywide email.
Students will have 24 hours to select a pass/fail option once it s available at 1 p.m. Dec. 21.
Students are encouraged to consult their academic advisers and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships before choosing the pass/fail option, said Pranesh Aswath, interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.
An informational session about the policy will be hosted via Microsoft Teams at 3 p.m. Dec. 17. Questions can be sent in advance here.