Aug.19, 2024

Dear Comets,

Welcome to the 2024 fall semester at The University of Texas at Dallas!

For returning students, faculty and staff, we are glad you are back. For those of you who are new to our campus, welcome to one of the best universities in the country, where you will find a diverse student body, lots of activities and groundbreaking, high-level research.

A growing, active campus often means new construction, and there is no shortage of that at UT Dallas.

We are very excited to open the first phase of the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum. It is just the beginning of a 12-acre cultural district on campus. The building, part of the UT Dallas Art Museums, will feature a second location for the Crow Museum of Asian Art. You can begin visiting the new museum after the grand opening/open house event in late September.

Construction continues on the Comets LANding Gaming and Esports Center, which should be completed in January, and the new Student Success Center/Student Union, slated for opening in late 2026. In addition, we are in the final, pre-construction stage of the third addition to the Naveen Jindal School of Management, also scheduled for completion in 2026.

Comet Athletics has been accepted as an NCAA Division II provisional member. We began the process of transition in summer 2023 after being invited to join the Lone Star Conference last July. We will start an expedited, two-year transition process with the goal of being a full Division II member on Sept. 1, 2026.

These are just a sampling of the tremendously exciting things happening at UTD. I urge students to get involved in one of the many clubs and organizations on campus. Take time to meet your classmates and instructors. Enjoy this important time of your life.

I look forward to seeing you on campus soon.

Sincerely,

Dr. Richard C. Benson
President
Eugene McDermott Distinguished University Chair of Leadership