Shorthorn News
- Handshake: How it helps students get jobs and how to navigate itWhile individual skills and experience are important, college students or recent graduates may struggle to get a job without properly networking. Handshake, a job and internship platform available to UTA students, aims to help with just that. Adopted by the university in 2017, Handshake connects students with thousands of on-and-off campus employers, functioning as the central hub for all career-related job postings and events, said Nichole Thames, assistant director of Student Employment, in an email. In the beginning of the semester, students will be able to log onto the platform through single sign-on, their UTA NetID and password. Once logged in, they can create a profile, upload a resume, register for events, explore job opportunities and connect directly with employers. On the front page, Handshake categorizes jobs by major and includes tabs for events such as job fairs. A social media-like feature is also available, allowing users to connect with other students on the service. The job filter helps students curate opportunities that fit what they are looking for by pay, location, job type, hours, qualifications, work authorization, benefits, industry, employers and tags. Users can view job details and apply directly if they meet the requirements and required documentation. If not, they can upload missing documents or apply via an external site if needed. Users can also connect directly with the Career Development Center to schedule appointments and find additional resources. The tab groups internships in one place and categorizes them. “Handshake is one of the best tools available to students for finding jobs that align with their goals and schedules,” Thames said. “It gives them direct access to employers who want to hire college students and recent grads, which is something you won’t always find on general job boards.” More information on Handshake is available online. news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- New board game will allow Arlington residents to engage with city planningArlington residents are being invited to roll the dice on the city’s future from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library in the [re]Brary rooms. Growing a Better Arlington is a new interactive board game offering a playful yet meaningful way for locals to explore where and how Arlington could grow in the years ahead. John Chapman, Arlington’s long range planning manager, said the board game not only explains what a comprehensive plan is and why it matters, but also helps the city think through future scenarios it needs to prepare for. “It brings the community together to play something fun and interactive that will really help shape what the next evolution of Arlington will be,” Chapman said. The board game has two modes: a shortened version and the full game. In the full version, two to six players work to shape the next version of Arlington. Each player gets private funds, and there are shared public funds in the center of the board. Players then choose from live, work and play framework cards that represent how future Arlington residents might live. Once the game is set up, players take turns drawing prompt cards. “The prompt card may have a neutral effect, it may have a positive or negative effect to the gameplay,” Chapman said. “It could create a natural disaster that diverts public funds to assist with cleanup, and it could be something where Arlington is spotlighted for increased innovation and technology sectors that bring additional funds to the city.” Each turn, a player has the option to roll the dice to request a plan change, he said. As players develop more housing using dream coins or create more jobs, they must also invest in public amenities such as parks, libraries or health care. The goal of the game is to achieve the growth trajectory of 30,000 jobs and 15,000 housing units, which is based on existing data and growth patterns Arlington has been experiencing. Chapman said residents can complete a fillable form as the game concludes and are encouraged to take photos of their boards and the city manager's tally sheet. The maps will then be compiled to understand the general themes. MIG, a planning and design consulting firm, helped develop the game and has worked on similar projects across the country. Growing a Better Arlington was created with the assistance of City of Arlington staff. Chapman said he believes that this is the most intricate version that the firm has created. “I think this game will kind of help everyone wrap their minds around that concept that we’re big enough to host a variety of development types in order to ensure that everyone can live their American Dream,” he said. More information and updates about Growing a Better Arlington and the city’s comprehensive plan can be found here. @tay._.sansom news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Shorthorn Sports
- Rangers win series opener 2-0 against Detroit TigersReturning from the All-Star break, the Texas Rangers opened the second half of the regular season with a 2-0 win against the Detroit Tigers on Friday at Globe Life Field. The Rangers went into the break with a 2-1 series win against the Houston Astros. The team holds a third-place standing in the American League West and is pegged at 17th in the MLB. Over the break, history was made at the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, with Cal Raleigh being the first ever catcher to win a derby Monday in Atlanta, Georgia. The following day, the MLB showcased the league's finest in the 95th annual All-Star Game on Tuesday. Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom, the team’s lone nomination, earned his fifth All-Star nod but did not take to the mound in his first as a Ranger. Ahead of the trade deadline, the Rangers sent pitcher Dane Dunning to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for pitcher José Ruiz and cash considerations. Ruiz was optioned to Round Rock Express following the deal. The Rangers leaned on their minor league affiliates to manage their 40-man roster before their opening game against the Tigers. The team selected contracts for Round Rock Express first baseman Rowdy Tellez and infielder Cody Freeman after outfielder Sam Haggerty was placed on the 10-day injured list. Defensive efficiency defined the early innings of the game, as both teams managed only four combined hits and stranded five runners over the first four innings. Pitching was the definitive doorstop for halting both teams’ offenses. The opening pitchers recorded six strikeouts each, with the relievers adding several to total 18 strikeouts throughout the game for both teams. “I can’t say enough about what our pitching did tonight, it’s a tough lineup and well-played game, but it’s good to get off to a start like this,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said. The earliest action for the Rangers came from an error produced by Detroit’s shortstop Javier Báez, which allowed Rangers catcher Kyle Higashioka to reach third and catcher Jonah Heim to first. Both were left on base after a strikeout from shortstop Corey Seager ended the third inning. Approaching the final stretch, Seager drove it down center field to net a double RBI in the bottom of the eighth that landed him at second base. A flyout by second baseman Marcus Semien left Seager on base and ended the inning 2-0. The Tigers looked for a hole in the Rangers' defense in their final at-bats in the top of the ninth, but a groundout and two strikeouts by reliever Robert Garcia earned him the save and a Ranger win. “It’s good for these guys, we’re doing some good things here offensively,” Bochy said. “Didn’t score a lot of runs today, but when you get to that mark, you keep losing that one game to get you [over .500]. These guys should feel good about it.” The Rangers resume their nine-game homestand with the mid-series match against the Tigers on Saturday at 6:05 p.m. at Globe Life Field. The team will only see one off day during their trio of series. Streaming for the series is available on Rangers Sports Network and Victory+. @kaleivie_ sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- Volleyball Nations League wrapped up preliminaries, 3-2 loss for Team USAThe Women’s Volleyball Nations League wrapped up its final week of preliminaries with a 3-2 loss for No. 8 Team USA against No. 5 China on Sunday at College Park Center. China snapped Team USA’s five-game run while extending its own to four. The victory marked China’s ninth win in the 2025 VNL. With multiple core rotation changes and several new players on the roster, Team USA faced tribulations early in the preliminary round. After rallying in week two, the team finished week three 3-1 and closed out the phase with seven wins in 12 matches. “Obviously when you make changes, you expect maybe the flow to change a little bit,” head coach Erik Sullivan said. “I thought our players did a good job of staying in our systems and competing real hard.” China stumbled early in the game, letting Team USA quickly take control and win the first two sets. Miscommunication and errors put China in an early hole. The U.S. used its size and power to overwhelm China with strong serves and aggressive net play, deepening China’s early deficit further. By set three, Team USA had conditioned China to expect heavy spikes, creating gaps in coverage that allowed well-placed dinks to land. However, China looked refreshed after the break and cut down on errors. They took the next two sets to even the match, but Team USA held firm as they battled through the fifth set in search of a win. Setter Rachel Fairbanks said China has a unique play style compared to other teams they recently faced. Even with scouting, she said it's up to them to compete against every team. Point-defining blocks and diving saves fueled a back-and-forth battle, drawing shouts from fans with each rally. The arena shook with energy as the match reached a fever pitch. With the fifth set tied at 16, China gained the upper hand and drove in the dagger that sent Team USA into the final plunge to end the set 18-16. Women’s VNL play ramps up for the final week as Team USA and 17 other national teams head into the elimination round in Łódź, Poland. The quarterfinals begin July 23 with the semifinals starting July 26 and the finals happening the following day to wrap up the week. The quarterfinals opening game will have Team USA challenge defending champions No. 1 Italy. The elimination bracket match-ups are available to view on Volleyball World, with all matches set to be available for streaming on VBTV. “We’ll go back to Anaheim and start training, work through some kinks,” libero Morgan Hentz said. “There’s definitely things we can get better at and focus on, so I think it's just that mindset of trying to get 1% better every day.” @kaleivie_
Shorthorn Life & Entertainment
- 10 things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth on a budgetWhether Mavericks are filling time between classes, planning weekend outings or looking to explore beyond the classroom, Dallas-Fort Worth offers plenty of options. The areas around UTA provide a variety of student-friendly activities, from parks and theaters to indoor adventures and hidden local gems. Here are some affordable things to do nearby: Alley Cats, 2008 W. Pleasant Ridge Road From bowling to rock climbing, Alley Cats has many activities to enjoy. Prices vary by activity, with bowling costing $30 per hour on weekdays and arcade game cards starting at $5. The cards can be used for all activities except bowling. Coyote Drive-In, 223 NE Fourth St., Fort Worth Coyote Drive-In offers a movie night under the stars. Tickets start at $8 for children ages 5 to 12 and $11 for adults; children 4 and under get in free. Arlington Skatium, 5515 S. Cooper St. Residents can lace up and skate at one of the largest roller skating facilities in Texas. Admission is $14 during regular public skating hours, with half-price tickets available Wednesdays. Arlington Skatium hosts theme nights, parties and open skate sessions throughout the week. Bolder Adventure Park, 2324 W. Warrior Trail, Grand Prairie With over 66,000 square feet of indoor adventure, including archery, a jump pad, tubing slides and a free fall experience, Bolder Adventure Park at EpicCentral offers many activities. Full day tickets start at $10 per person. International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, 621 Six Flags Drive The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame provides the history of some of the greatest bowling legends and of the game itself, which dates back 5,000 years. Admission starts at $7.50 for children 4 to 18 and $9.50 for adults. Top O’ Hill Terrace, 3001 W. Division St. Residents can go to Arlington Baptist University and tour Top O’ Hill, a former casino turned Baptist seminary. Once a hidden gambling hot spot disguised as a tea room, it was opposed by a gospel preacher who later helped transform it into a university. Tours are $10 per person by appointment. The Cozy Catfe, 740 SW Green Oaks Blvd. At The Cozy Catfe, residents can spend time with adoptable cats for $13 per person. Two membership levels are available at $40 and $60 a month. Both include complimentary beverages and unlimited visits. Cidercade, 500 E. Division St. Cidercade offers over 275 arcade games, from retro classics to modern hits and dance-offs. Patrons pay a onetime admission of $12, no coins or game cards required. The Parks Mall at Arlington, 3811 S. Cooper St. Residents can ice skate, explore a variety of shops and enjoy an IMAX movie experience at the AMC Theatres at The Parks Mall at Arlington. Crystal Canyon Natural Area, 1000 Brown Blvd. Crystal Canyon Natural Area is free to explore and features a diverse geological landscape, offering evidence of a onetime nearshore marine environment. Residents can enjoy hiking and biking trails surrounded by natural history in North Arlington. @tay._.sansom news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- Book festival, Texas Rangers and canine fun featured in this week’s To-Do ListFrom a Texas Rangers game to a Paul McCartney tribute, residents have plenty to choose from in Dallas-Fort Worth this week. Music Celebrate the music of Paul McCartney at “Live and Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney,” a tribute concert at 8 p.m. Friday at Arlington Music Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m. and tickets start at $46.38. Entertainment Experience the rich cultural heritage of Latin America with the opening of Create Texas at Wellspring’s “Beyond Borders: Contemporary Visions of Latin America” from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Wellspring on Main. The contemporary art exhibit will be on display until Aug. 28. The exhibit includes works from 12 local artists and spans topics such as landscapes, iconic figures, current events and soccer’s cultural significance. Residents can take their furry friends to the Canines and Coffee event from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the Downtown Arlington Doggie Depot for coffee, community and canine fun. The free event is designed for dog lovers and their pets to socialize and enjoy fresh air at the dog park. Meet Texan writers at the fourth annual Texas Author Con and Book Festival from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas. The free event will feature authors from a variety of genres, including romance, fantasy, thriller and children’s books. Enjoy book signings, readings, panel discussions, Q&A sessions and more. Celebrate National Moth Week at the fourth annual Arlington Citizen Science Program’s Moth Night at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Webb Community Park pavilion. Residents can observe and identify moths in their local habitat at the viewing stations along the trails and learn about their role as pollinators in North Texas. Sports See the Texas Rangers and the Detroit Tigers bat it out at 6:10 p.m. Sunday at Globe Life Field. Tickets start at around $18, and the doors open at 4:10 p.m. news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu