Influencing the Longhorn Life Staff Newsletter
Published: Feb. 4, 2025
A month into the spring semester, the Division is innovating with upgraded spaces and technology allowing students to participate in new ways, and increasing their access to resources. See what’s new in the updates below.
Programs
New Student Services hosted Spring Orientation virtually for 549 incoming students and 132 families. Students also had the option to attend on-campus social components, including bowling at the Union Underground, campus tours and Blanton Museum visit. There was a 25% increase in families registering for the self-guided modules.
Following spring orientation, New Student Services hosted Spring Welcome, Jan. 13-17. This year’s lineup featured 13 events, including the annual Welcome Bash and several new events, like Skate TX hosted by University Unions. The Center for Students in Recovery, Disability Cultural Center, Office of the Dean of Students and Recreational Sports also hosted events. See the photos from various events.
On Jan. 30, the Disability Cultural Center (DCC) celebrated its second anniversary. The team invited students, faculty and staff to reflect on accomplishments, new programs and resources, and future initiatives. View the photos.
Recreational Sports has launched IM Leagues, a third-party platform to simplify intramural team activities for participants and staff. Students can now register for sports, join teams, view brackets and schedules, communicate with free agents and more on this new hub.
Texas Parents has set the date for Family Weekend, April 11-13. Longhorn families can explore the Forty Acres with their students during this annual campus tradition. They can also take part in Recreational Sports’ Longhorn Run on April 12. Register before Feb. 23 to enjoy early bird pricing.
RGV Familia, a unit of New Student Services, launched a new mentorship program to help students reach their personal and professional goals. The program pairs students from the Rio Grande Valley with alumni and local professionals who are also from the Valley.
So far this semester, Campus Events + Entertainment has hosted 12 events for 4,021 student attendees. Events include Rhythm & Rhymes, Lunar New Year and Comic Con. Check out some of the photos on the Division’s Flickr page.
Spaces
Recreational Sports, in collaboration with Peloton, is launching Peloton at Texas - the first immersive, Peloton workout space in campus recreation. Located in a converted racquetball court, the space features seven Peloton Bike+ and Row workout stations. Students and RecSports members have drop-in access beginning Feb. 5. Learn more.
Gregory Gym’s Annex Gym is undergoing a complete replacement of its flooring and will be closed until mid-March. The new floor will feature court lines for a variety of recreational activities including basketball, volleyball and badminton. Recreational Sports introduced a new online feature for participants to easily find where and when they can access drop-in activities during the closure.
Before work began on the floor, the team took the opportunity to host a unique roller-skating event during December finals season. In partnership with Nike, Greg-O-Rama drew nearly 900 enthusiastic skaters. Check out the photos and videos.
The UT Outpost implemented new policies this spring semester to better meet demand, manage inventory and assist as many students as possible. Students can now visit the food pantry once per week and take a total of 20 pounds of food per month.
The Cactus Café, an iconic live music listening room within the Texas Union, celebrates 45 years in business this month. Read this press release announcing this lineup that includes well-known singer/songwriters, student band West 22nd and a student talent showcase.
After a hiatus, the Hook ’em Hut is back open in the Texas Union, offering sandwiches, salads, beverages and sundries. This grab-and-go food concept provides a quick, convenient option for students, faculty and staff.
Resources
During the University’s winter weather closure on Jan. 21, the Division shared support resources with students. The Counseling and Mental Health Center offered TimelyCare, a 24/7 virtual mental health platform, and University Health Services has its 24/7 Nurse Advice Line. A team of Recreational Sports student employees, who could safely travel to campus, opened Gregory Gym for students to use while other facilities were closed.
To support Los Angeles-based students impacted by wildfires, the Counseling and Mental Health Center and Office of the Dean of Students hosted two community gatherings on Jan. 22 and 29. On Jan. 9, Student Outreach and Support in the Office of the Dean of Students emailed 425 students from the region to share support resources.
During National Stalking Awareness Month, the Longhorn Wellness Center, Title IX Office, the Victim’s Advocate Network (VAN) and other campus organizations raised awareness about interpersonal violence resources for students. Travis County Commissioners also recognized UT Austin’s prevention and outreach efforts on Jan. 14, declaring January Stalking Awareness Month in Travis County.
The Office of the Dean of Students equipped students with tips and resources to help them prepare for emergencies. They posted these three instructional videos to Instagram. The Longhorns Are Prepared Fair on Jan. 22 offered safety tips and supplies offered to 100 students. Austin Water joined the effort as a new partner this year.
New Student Services launched a new Canvas course to provide a one-stop shop for all 97 Bevo Buddy! leaders. The Canvas course includes reference materials that make it easier for leaders to support their buddies.
Vice President for Student Affairs Search
The search committee chairs sent this email update to Division staff last month, which includes a link to the job posting.