Happy 2024, Student Affairs Team —
Welcome back to the spring term! I truly hope you were able to spend time with those you love and to do the things that make you happy. For me, I was grateful for the time with family and for the chance to relax and recharge. Of course, kicking the New Year off with the Horns in the Sugar Bowl was very special. And, it is always awesome for the world to see our Longhorn pride on display.
Even though classes don’t begin until Jan. 16, many of you have hit the ground running to get ready for Spring Orientation (Jan. 8-9) and Spring Welcome (Jan. 16-20). The Spring Welcome events are open to ALL students. These important events truly showcase our programs, spaces and resources as the hub of student life and well-being. In other words, they are important for our students, our community and our team. Please make plans to stop by and welcome our students back to the Forty Acres. Your presence there matters. You all help instill a strong sense of community and purpose through the rewarding and fun opportunities we provide, and these memories will last their lifetime! Let’s take every chance we get to create those important human and personal connections with our students and each other.
As we reflect on the past semester, our team was there to support so many different, diverse students on a huge variety of issues. We were doing what we do best — being there to listen, to serve and to counsel. Our work is never easy and this upcoming semester will present challenges — known and unknown — to our students and our community. We must be prepared and ready to help in a moment’s notice. It is what we do, and I might add, what we’re best at doing. Thank you for being prepared and ready to help.
Team Appreciation and Celebration
Also around the corner is a time honored tradition: our annual Texas Parents Staff Merit Awards. Since 1998, Texas Parents has recognized Division colleagues who have gone above and beyond to influence our students in living the Longhorn life, creating a lasting impact on their success.
The legacies of their efforts are embedded in many of our programs, spaces and resources, as noted by a sampling of the previous honorees below.
- 2004-2005 recipient Jane Bost, Counseling and Mental Health Center, who started the Voices Against Violence program and was one of the early pioneers in sexual assault prevention on college campuses. She retired in 2013.
- 2011-2012 recipient Eric Stoutner, Recreational Sports, who was instrumental in supporting the construction of major facility projects including the Recreational Sports Center and the renovation of Gregory Gym. He retired in 2017.
- 2014-2015 recipient Joanna Pope, Office of the Dean of Students, whose campus network and knowledge of the University have assisted countless students and student organizations. This year marks her 18th year in the Office.
There’s still time to nominate a Division colleague before the deadline at 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 4 (tomorrow!). We will celebrate the 2023-2024 recipients — and each other — at our Team Appreciation and Celebration on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 10-11 a.m. in the Texas Union’s Shirley Bird Perry Ballroom. I look forward to catching up with you there!
Senate Bill 17 Implementation
On Jan. 1, the law enacting new parameters for diversity, equity and inclusion at public universities in Texas went into effect. Following UT System and University guidance, our Senior Team worked diligently with their teams during the fall term to ensure that we fully comply with the law’s provisions. Thank you all for your efforts.
You may hear differing opinions on campus about this law and its impacts. Please know that the University’s commitment to attracting, supporting and retaining exceptional talent across a wide-range of backgrounds and perspectives remains unwavering. This new law will not change our commitment to supporting each other and every student with compassion and respect. We will still celebrate the collective strength of our community, fostering a sense of belonging for all Longhorns. Together, the Division will continue to lead the way so every student can discover and pursue their passions, and be healthy — physically, mentally and emotionally. If you have additional questions, please join me at a virtual office hour on Jan. 17, 10 a.m. You’ll find the Zoom meeting information here.
Thank you for bringing your energy, passion for our students, love for our university and magic to 2024! We are at the core of creating the one and only Longhorn experience, and I look forward to being part of your inspiring efforts for our students this spring!
For Students, We Will!
Soncia Reagins-Lilly
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students