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- We will host seven Freshman Orientation and three Transfer Orientation sessions this summer through June and July. Additionally, Aug. 18-20, we will host one session for freshmen and one for transfer students who are unable to attend a June or July session. All New Student Orientation sessions will be held virtually on Canvas and Zoom. We have planned several new programs for this year that will emphasize social connection. (updates, with a hybrid and virtual option. Students can choose if they want to experience being on campus for a portion of their orientation session with small group interactions, peer activities and an overnight stay. We will continue to follow the university’s health and safety guidance throughout this in-person programming. While programming for the hybrid orientation model is still being finalized, all college and school meetings, advising sessions and class registration will remain virtual in all freshman and transfer orientation formats and orientation dates will not change. Students will still have the option to complete orientation 100% virtually. Registration for the hybrid option opens May 10. (link to FAQs)
- Planning is underway for Longhorn Welcome, Aug. 20-29. This series of free virtual and in-person events welcome incoming freshman and transfer students to Living the Longhorn Life®. Freshmen, new transfer students and current sophomores are encouraged to participate. All events will follow health guidance and social distancing guidelines. (graphic?)
- Staff will recognize graduating seniors from the Horns Helpings Horns, First-Generation Living Learning Community and Longhorn TIES (Transition, Inclusion, Empower, Success) programs during a celebration on May 10.
- Follow the Off-Campus Initiative (@utoffcampus) on Instagram to connect students to campus resources, ways to explore Austin and upcoming events.
- Longhorn TIES celebrated Neurodiversity Acceptance Week, April 19-23, with panels and events, including student discussion groups and a movie screening. The Vice President for Student Affairs Programming Team collaborated on the week’s signature event, Celebrate Neurodiversity, on April 20. (link to photo album, Tiffany will post to Flickr on Mondaycan you insert this photo? https://www.flickr.com/photos/67358772@N06/51139853032/in/album-72157719086688500/)
Office of the Dean of Students
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- Our UT Outpost team in Student Emergency Services held an outdoor a “sidewalk sale,” April 13-16. This large-scale giveaway of professional clothes allowed students to shop the donations acquired throughout the pandemic.
- Our Leadership and Ethics Institute team hosted Step into Leadership on April 16. Students gained valuable leadership skills and built community during this three-hour workshop.
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- More than 160 students attended Sorority and Fraternity Life’s Horns Against Hazing: A Series, March 25–April 8. The event series featured student presenters on the definition of hazing, a student panel on healthy community building, and a guest speaker on becoming agents of change.
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- Join us for the Get Started with RecSports program, a 30-day fitness plan featuring daily pre-recorded workouts taught by some of our best fitness instructors. This holistic program is open to all and does not require a RecSports membership.
- Faculty and staff are invited to join us at the Faculty and Staff Wellness Retreat on May 15. Participants will enjoy a relaxing morning of mindfulness, meditation and hiking at the newly-renovated Pease Park, and will take home a new yoga mat and towel.
Randall Ford participating in Longhorn Run
- On April 17, over 1,500 runners participated in this year's virtual Longhorn Run. Runners crossed their finish line in 37 states and 14 countries, showing once more that when Longhorns run together, there are no limits.
- We will host RecSports Field Day on May 11 at Caven-Clark Field, featuring team and individual play. Students can register for this event to take a study break from finals and compete for prizes.
- Celebrate National Employee Health and Fitness Day at the annual Poker Walk. This year’s event for faculty and staff is going virtual, allowing you to complete the one-mile walk from wherever you are, anytime, May 10–16. Register by May 9.
- During a virtual ceremony on May 6, our team will honor student employees who have been selected to receive a 2021 Endowed Scholarship. Read about the recipients. Link to come.
Randall Ford participating in Longhorn Run.
- On April 17, over 1,500 runners participated in this year's virtual Longhorn Run. Runners crossed their finish line in 37 states and 14 countries, showing once more that when Longhorns run together, there are no limits.
- Ahead of Longhorn Run, President Hartzell surprised a freshman participant with a race kit delivery at Carothers Residence Hall. He also caught up with one of the student leaders on the planning committee via Zoom. (insert photo added to Box, needs to be edited)
- Incoming (and current) parents and families can now sign up for membership in the Texas Parents Association for the 2021-22 academic year. There are two types of membership: complimentary and supporting. A complimentary U-Touch membership keeps them “in touch” with the university. Supporting members make a tax-deductible gift to the university that “supports” our department. Supporting members receive the same communication as U-Touch members, as well as additional benefits, including access to the Texas Parents closed Facebook group, discounts with local and national vendors, and special opportunities with Texas Athletics.
- We continue to prepare for Online Family Orientation, a robust series of pre-recorded content from university leadership, faculty, students, staff and parent volunteers. (are there specific sessions, or on-demand content, match NSS update, content may need to be updated). View the schedule and registration information.
- Later this month, we will mail the New Parent Guide to 9,000 freshman families. This magazine introduces them to university resources and policies. A digital copy will be available on May 10.
- Outstanding Student Award?
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- Sign up for a volunteer shift at the university’s COVID-19 vaccination site to help answer questions and manage the lines. (photo)
- Help promote our campus’ COVID-19 vaccination effort by using one of these Zoom backgrounds at your next meeting.
- The vaccine clinic celebrated the 100,000th vaccine administered at the Gregory Gym vaccination site on April 14. Register to get your vaccine at this convenient, well-organized operation with short wait times.
- Our Proactive Community Testing team completed their 100,000th COVID-19 test last month. Continue to encourage students to participate in this free testing at a convenient on- or off-campus location.
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- Our Public Information Team welcomed new team members and planned for the fall semester at a retreat on April 15 and 19.
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- Check out the new virtual 3D room tours for residence halls, University Apartments and event spaces. Read more about this effort and a similar virtual experience in the University Unions facilities. (story link to come, photos to come)
- We are accepting summer housing applications and for the 2021- 2022 academic year.
- Our Marketing and Communications Team solicited questions from incoming freshmen and will create a video with staff and students answering them.
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- Our Dining Team hosted pop-up kitchens in April for students to sample potential new menu offerings and provide feedback.
- On April 9 our Student Staff Selection Committee interviewed 81 candidates interested in our summer student staff positions.
- The Residence Life leadership team discussed strategic planning, communication, meeting structures and explored team strengths at a retreat on April 2. (photo)
- Our Sustainability Team celebrated Earth Day with four events: UT Farm Stand, April 14; Southern Homestyle Meal, spotlighting locally-sourced ingredients, April 15; Sustainable Soap Making Making Workshop, April 19; and Longhorn Local Market, April 22.(photo to come from Longhorn Local Market, check official event names/details
- Residence Life staff inducted XX students into the National Residence Hall Honorary on April 21.
- On April 9 our Student Staff Selection Committee interviewed 81 candidates interested in our summer student staff positions.
- The Residence Life leadership team discussed strategic planning, communication, meeting structures and explored team strengths at a retreat on April 2. (photo)
- Campus Events+Entertainment will host a grab-and-go Chillfest event May 5, noon-4 p.m., Texas Union East Patio, with treats, drinks, and ways students can “destress” before finals.
- In April, E+E hosted a series of afternoon musical performances on the East Patio in April. This free programming gave students a fun, low-risk way to enjoy live music, while following social distancing protocol and health guidance. (photo?)
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- They also brought “Candyland” to life at the annual Forty Acres Fest on April 9. The Vice President for Student Affairs Programming Team partnered on the event.
- The Texas Union has just completed a significant plumbing project, and a new project has started to replace walk-in coolers and freezers for food service on the main level and lower level as well as ceiling upgrades in the kitchen areas. Be on the lookout for exciting new food options that will be opening this fall.
- The University Unions Advisory Council awarded the J.J. “Jake” Pickle Citizenship Award on April 30. The award is presented annually to a UT Austin student whose cumulative and notable contributions to campus life exemplify the high standards of leadership and service that were the hallmarks of the life and career of Congressman Jake Picklecampus contributions exemplify Congressman Jake Pickle's leadership and service.
Vice President for Student Affairs
- Don’t miss Celebrate your colleagues receiving staff service awards and hear legislative session updates at the Vice President for Student Affairs Office Hours on May 10. Check out the list of staff service recipients below!
- The Programming Team hosted is hosting Longhorn Send-Off, May 3-7, to help students celebrate the end of the semester and to wish them well on final exams and projects. (photo?link to Tumblr story with all events)
- On May 12 President Hartzell will announce the President’s Student Employee of the Year Award winner and 10 finalists. Our office co-sponsors this annual recognition with the Office of the President and Human Resources. This year, the award announcement will be merged with the annual faculty and staff awards recognition.
- The Longhorn Family Leadership Council is hosting a Lunch and Learn networking event with graduating seniors on May 5/6. On April 16 the council met to discuss Division of Student Affairs fundraising priorities with the Development Team. (photo in Box, please insert)
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- Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Soncia Reagins-Lilly and Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Daniel Jaffe shared this COVID-19 vaccine information with students on April 20.
- The Student Affairs Leadership Team welcomed special guests Tammara Durham (The University of Kansas), Kevin Jackson (Baylor University) and Daniel Pugh (Texas A&M University) at the April 14 meeting. These VPs overseeing student affairs at their campuses joined us in a conversation about COVID-19's impact. (photo added to Box, please insert)
Staff Standouts
Rachel Cohen-Ford and Robert Valdez, University Housing and Dining, presented “Keeping it Safe: Ways to Successfully Host Large-Scale Outdoor Programming with Campus Partners” at Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors-International (ACCED-I) Virtual Annual Conference on March 23.
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On April 14, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Soncia Reagins-Lilly shared welcome remarks at the annual Sorority and Fraternity Life Awards. She was also the featured guest at the Leadership and Ethics Institute’s Longhorn Leadership Chats on the Office of the Dean of Students Instagram channel. In May, Dr. Lilly will support graduating seniors, including participation in First-Gen Graduation, add any others that apply. (photo)
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Can you take another screenshot? This is a little too excited.
Kate Lower, University Health Services and Counseling and Mental Health Center, presented “A Year of Resilience and Transition” at the April 21 Texas Talks event. The Vice President for Student Affairs and the Multicultural Engagement Center hosted this speaker series.
Division staff who presented during the UT Wellness Network’s Powering Past the Pandemic: Reconnecting to Wellness on April 30.
- Justin Carter, Office of the Dean of Students: Opening Remarks
- James Butler, Counseling and Mental Health Center and University Health Services: #PoweringPastPandemic Sessions Session
- Shauna Sobers, University Housing and Dining: #PoweringPastPandemic SessionsSession
- Brittany O’Malley, Counseling and Mental Health Center and University Health Services: Closing Remarks
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