New signs and landscaping were added to campus entrances at The University of Texas at Dallas while students have been away.
Students returning for the fall semester will find a new look to portions of The University of Texas at Dallas campus.
Work on the third phase of the Campus Landscape Enhancement project (CLEP III) wrapped up over the summer, bringing additional shaded sitting and study areas, wider walkways and more pleasing aesthetics.
“The completion of CLEP III concludes a $70 million project resulting in the planting of almost 8,000 trees, enhanced hardscape, new monument signs and the creation of an extraordinary picturesque gateway from the center of campus to Northside and the future UT Dallas DART [Dallas Area Rapid Transit] Station,” said Dr. Calvin D. Jamison, vice president for facilities and economic development. “We owe a debt of gratitude to Mrs. Margaret McDermott for her visionary philanthropy in helping to enhance the faculty, staff, student and visitor experience on campus.”
As part of the project, a portion of Rutford Avenue — from North Loop Road to Franklyn Jenifer Drive — was turned into a 24-foot-wide promenade for pedestrians.
A bridge was also added over the creek between Callier Center Richardson and the Bioengineering and Sciences Building. Six new campus signs were placed at entrances to the University. Other spaces receiving upgrades include areas around Cecil H. Green Hall, Berkner Hall and the corridor between Founders Building and Founders North, which is home to the Rock Garden.
About 1,220 trees were planted as part of the latest landscape work. In 2020 the University received Tree Campus Higher Education recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation. The program helps colleges and universities establish and sustain healthy community forests.
Elsewhere, the newest phase of Northside, a mixed-use complex just north of campus, has expanded by 675 beds and features new amenities, including a plaza that can serve as a small concert venue.
Work continues on the UT Dallas station on the new DART Silver Line near Northside. The 26-mile Cotton Belt Corridor project extends between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Shiloh Road in Plano. The project completion date has been pushed to summer 2024 due in part to delays stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the south side of campus, 105 parking spots were added to the lot at Canyon Creek Heights South apartments. The Activity Center gymnasium received a new floor and paint, and championship banners now hang in the rafters. The Activity Center will also soon be receiving new tile.
For the latest facilities updates, visit Pardon Our Progress.
Campus Services
A few new and updated services on campus this fall will help students navigate the school year.
The TechKnowledgy Bar, on the lower level of the Student Union, gives students, faculty and staff the opportunity to learn about new technology projects and initiatives at the University. Staff from the Office of Information Technology (OIT) Help Desk are available to resolve issues with OIT services and personal devices. A grand opening for the bar’s permanent home in the Student Union is expected this fall.
The Office of Student Volunteerism has a new platform designed to engage more Comets in community service. EngageUTD allows faculty and staff to incorporate service into their courses and to create service opportunities for students. In addition to finding ways to volunteer on and off campus, students can log their service hours on the platform. More information can be found on the EngageUTD website.
The updated UTD mobile app now allows students to integrate their course schedules and calendars; see Comet Calendar events; chat with fellow Comets; and add friends and message them directly.