Sept. 4, 2018
Welcome to Fall 2018!
I’m excited that we are distributing our 2017-2018 Impact Report today. This report highlights a few of the significant ways we shape the UT Austin student experience for undergraduate and graduate students alike. You will find four key themes: growth and transformation, support and advocacy, health and well-being, and student engagement. Last academic year, 98% of undergraduate students and 89% of enrolled students connected with our departments in some way. Enhancing the student experience is at the heart of what we do in the Division of Student Affairs.
With the start of the new academic year, we reach out to faculty, and new and returning students to teach (and remind) them about our services and resources. Our students look to us for help processing the things that come with life on a college campus. We’re models, and our leadership reassures them that they will find a safe and welcoming place with plenty of resources, traditions and opportunities.
One way we can help students get involved is by encouraging them to explore HornsLink. This online campus hub is where 1,100 student clubs, teams and groups come together to post events, share news and connect with members. The site also recommends events or organizations a student might enjoy based on their customizable interest inventory. Whatever they are into, it's now easy for them to find and connect with groups on the Forty Acres who enjoy the same things. Please also let students know that before they join any student organization, it’s a good idea to make sure the organization is registered on HornsLink and in good standing with the university.
You can also encourage students to participate in the final stretch of Longhorn Welcome, which is a great way to have fun, meet new people and find ways to get involved. This series of free events kicked off on Aug. 24 with Mooov-In, and wraps up on Sept. 8 with the first home football game. It’s easy to ask new students which of the remaining events they’re most looking forward to.
Thanks for being so committed to our students. From orientation and Mooov-In, to leadership programs and training student workers, to Party on the Plaza and the many events that kick off the year, you — our Division staff — are in the thick of it, and you’re shining. I appreciate everything you’re doing for the successful start of this new academic year.
You're invited to show your UT Austin spirit by wearing your burnt orange every Friday in support of Longhorn Friday. I look forward to seeing you at our 2018-2019 Kickoff on Sept. 19!
Hook ‘em,
Dr. Soncia Reagins-Lilly
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students