Issue 6 of 6

August 10, 2018

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This is the final issue of the Next Steps newsletter that you will receive. If you signed up for a Texas Parents membership, you will begin receiving the monthly Association eNewsletter on the 15th of every month, beginning this month. If you want to continue receiving communications but haven't signed up for membership, you will need to do so by choosing the membership level that best suits your family: either Complimentary or Supporting. Learn more   here .  If you are already a member, welcome and thank you for signing up.

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Dear Longhorn Parents and Families, I hope the six issues of Next Steps have given you a sense of welcome, connectivity and support. We have been strategic in the timing of information so that in the upcoming weeks when your sons and daughters arrive in Austin from all corners of the world, they are ready to embark upon their own, uniquely UT, adventure. And when you try to put your head around that incredible reality, I hope it brings you joy above all other emotions.  As director, I’ve set goals for our team to help thousands of families get ready for their Longhorns’ arrival to campus. But what I discovered last summer, not as the director of Texas Parents, but as the mother of a college-bound son, was that I had it all wrong. There is nothing we can do to get you ready for this transition. We can only help you prepare. Last summer I came to understand there is a big difference between the two. What the parent in me taught the director is that as parents, even with all the information, advice and tips in the world, we’re never going to be fully ready for this life event and the changes it will mean.  In my job, I make many decisions in a day and I’m known to be confident, sensible and efficient in that role. Yet last year, as I was shopping for my son’s dorm room, I went back and forth in deciding whether to buy a table-top ironing board or a regular-size one to the point that I changed the item in and out of my basket three times. I won’t go into the throws of uncertainty that gripped me on which set of towels to buy, but I will tell you as it all played out, I was questioning my sanity while tears were welling up in my eyes. And as a footnote, in May when we were packing him up to come home for the summer, he casually mentioned he never used the ironing board! So, better stated, our goal is not to get you ready, but to prepare you for the possibilities of all that is UT. By familiarizing you with our leaders, President Greg Fenves, Provost Maurie McInnis as well as Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Soncia Reagins-Lilly, we laid a foundation on which to build your knowledge of campus, departments, offices, policies and resources. All of which are in place to help your Longhorn succeed, learn and grow in pursuit of changing the world. In the coming years, Texas Parents will continue to provide communication, information and support that will prepare you in your changing role and will help you help your student realize his or her dream of becoming a UT graduate. Thank you for this privilege, and please know, we are ready.   Hook ‘Em,  Susie Smith Texas Parents Director The University of Texas at Austin

Family Weekend is the perfect opportunity to: Spend time with your student Meet new friends and their families Visit with administrators and faculty from your student's college or school Learn more about available resources See campus from your student's perspective Details will be on the website early September and registration will open October 8.

In this issue: What Professors Expect Longhorn Welcome Events How to Pay Tuition Final Mooov-in Reminders Campus Safety Tips Gone to Texas Details Family Orientation Resources What you'll see in the Texas Parents Association August eNews and much more! Additional Resources:  Parents.utexas.edu with dedicated pages for "incoming freshman" "transfer" parents and families. An electronic version of the New Parent Guide that was mailed out in May. Previous issues of Next Steps: March 26 , April 20 , May 4 , July 13 & July 27

 What Professors Expect Words of Wisdom from UT Austin Associate Professor Oscar H. Casares at the 2015 Brownsville Texas Exes Send-off...although dated, a GREAT read! Good evening, and congratulations to the incoming students and their parents who helped them get to this point. I've been asked to tell you what professors expect from students. And while I can't speak for the more than 2,000 professors at UT, I will speak for the one standing before you now... read more here . For more information on Professor Casares, click here .

How to send your Child Off to College Dr. Chris Brownson, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of the Counseling and Mental Health Center I remember when my daughter first started walking. It was both exciting and terrifying at the same time. I had a real sense of pride watching her first steps, and seeing the excitement on her face was priceless. But at the same time, I lived in constant fear of her falling, sticking her fingers in electrical outlets or sprinting down the hallway with sharp objects in both hands. These "mixed emotions" are common at important milestones...click  here  to read more.

Final 2018 Mooov-In Details Friday-Saturday, August 25-26 7am-7pm, Both Days Starting at Disch-Falk Field *Early Check-in begins Monday, August 20* Before heading to Austin, encourage your student to... Schedule a check-in time on "My Housing Page" before Monday, August 13.  Take a look at the Mooov-in process here. This gives specific directions on where to check in depending on the day and time your student has selected. There is also information about Mooov-In parking, advice from current students, and answers to frequently asked questions. Check out University Housing and Dining's (UHD) "Before You Arrive" page here with a list of to-do's, what to and not to bring, what is already in the room, links to information about laundry facilities and internet access. For Your Information: Regardless of the number of vehicles you bring, only one loading permit will be issued per student. You'll have to unload one vehicle first, move and park it and then put the permit in the second vehicle and complete the same process in the allotted permit time. Remember, it's August in Central Texas - it will be hot and likely triple digits. Keep this in mind when packing what you'll wear. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes, there is a lot of walking and standing. High heels have been seen in past years but are not recommended! Bring bottled water and stay hydrated. Less is best when it comes to what to bring. Leave winter-wear at home for now. Get unpacked and then determine if you need things like shelves, storage carts, etc. Know there are plenty of fully-stocked stores in Austin ready to serve. Take pictures and enjoy this time with your student. Be patient and remember that thousands of students and their families are on campus at the same time, with hundreds of cars, using the same elevators, stairs, carts, etc. It will all get done. Smile and make conversation with those around you, you're in this together! Wagons and/or dollies are highly encouraged as UT has a limited number available. *Early check-in begins Monday, August 20 at 3 p.m. for those who would like to move into the dorms before the weekend. Students choosing this option will be charged an additional $50 per night.  Send Your Student a Mooov-In Postcard If your student is moving in on Friday or Saturday, please stop by the Texas Parents table at Disch-Falk Field. Postcards will be provided for families to fill out while students check-in to receive their keys. Staff will deliver postcards to the students' campus mailboxes during the first weeks of classes.

Off-Campus Housing Move-In Dates If your student will be living in Callaway House, Castilian, Dobie Twenty21, Hardin House, SRD or University Towers, go here for move-in information from each. If your student is living in an apartment in the area west of campus, go here for an overview of move-in information coordinated by the West Campus Coalition and the Austin Private Dormitory Association. If your student's property is not listed, check the lease as it likely contains the information you need.

Campus Safety Resources

Your student's safety and health are of the utmost importance while away from home and these resources are important for all students to know about. Please remind your student about:   Campus Emergency Text Alerts. In the event of an emergency, students, faculty and staff automatically receive emergency text alerts from the University containing directions on actions to take. On the first Wednesday of each month, at approximately 11:50 a.m., the system is tested to ensure functioning expectations. SURE Walk. Late nights on campus do not have to mean compromising safety. Remind your student about the SURE Walk program that provides escorts from one destination to another, both on campus and in the greater campus neighborhoods, free of charge. SURE Walks can be requested every Monday- Sunday night from 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. by calling 512-232-9255, emailing orderasurewalk@gmail.com or going to their office on the 1st floor of Jester West, across from the coffee shop. Learn more here. SURE RIDE. SURE Ride assists students who live off campus along UT Shuttle routes to return home safely seven nights a week from 11 p.m to 4 a.m. SURE Rides originate from campus and are provided by Lyft in partnership with University Parking and Transportation Services (PTS). SURE Rides are free and are set up only through a student's official University directory email. Learn more here. Rape Aggression Defense System (RAD). Female students learn basic techniques and tactics of self-defense in a free 12 hour interactive program with the University Police Department (UTPD). The three day class concludes with a realistic "simulated assault" that allows students to test their newly-learned skills. Classes for the fall semester have not been scheduled yet but check here for calendar updates and more information. 24 Hour Nurse Advice Line. Offered by University Health Services (UHS) to UT Austin students 24-hours a day every day of the year. Students can call for advice on how to care for an illness or injury or guidance about whether and when to see a healthcare provider. Have your student program 512-475-6877 (NURS) into his or her phone. Learn more here. 24 Hour Crisis Line from the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) This confidential service offers UT students an opportunity to talk with trained counselors about urgent concerns. A counselor is available every day of the year, including holidays. This is another good number to have your student program into his or her phone, 512-471-2255 (CALL). Learn more here.  Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL). Students can report behavior concerns about fellow students, faculty, and staff members in the UT community with this 24-hour resource. BCAL offers callers support, resources, referrals, consultation, and advice regarding the person of concern, and provides the caller with an opportunity to say something in a safe environment. Their number is 512-232-5050. Learn more here.

A calendar full of events welcomes incoming and returning students to the Forty Acres. Encourage your student to jump in feet first. The website offers a comprehensive look at everything. Below are highlights and Signature Events.

Beat The Heat Saturday, August 25 2-6p.m., Texas Union Students keep it cool with karaoke, arcade games, free movies in the Theatre, air hockey, billiards, bowling in the Underground. Great prizes, trivia, snacks and super cool Air-conditioning! Find Your Way Sunday, August 26 7-10p.m., Gregory Gym Learn about all that UT has to offer. Live performances by student talent, games and activities put on by different student organizations. Great food and prizes! Check out these two receptions offered prior to Find Your Way, next door at the Student Activity Center (SAC): Out-of-State Students Welcome 6-7p.m., South Ballroom and Transfer Student Welcome 6-7p.m., Legislative Assembly Room RecSports Warm Up Monday, August 27 11a.m.-5p.m., Gregory Gym  Free fitness classes! Intramural sports, indoor climbing, sport club exhibitions. A great way to get moving!

Orange & White Welcome sponsored by the University Co-op Monday, August 27, 11 a.m.- 2p.m. Etter-Harbin Alumni Center Free T-shirts for the first 100 students! Sign the #UT22 official class banner. Enjoy free food, prizes and carnival games! Texas Exes Student Members can pick up packets here. Multicultural Mixer Tuesday, August 28 11a.m.-2p.m. Texas Union Mix and Mingle with Longhorns and UT Staff from all backgrounds. Learn about resources to feel more connected. Also check out the Multicultural Engagement Center (MEC) Welcome Events on the "Signature Events" page of the Longhorn Welcome website. Women’s Soccer: Texas vs. Long Beach State Friday, August 30 7p.m., Mike A. Myers Stadium Get there early because the first 250 students get FREE food before Texas Soccer hosts the Long Beach State 49ers.

Gone to Texas Tuesday, August 28, 8:30pm, Main Mall at the Tower A fun and inspiring kickoff to your student's life as a Longhorn the night before the first day of classes. Be sure your student knows about the "Gone to..." activities for his or her college/school that take place before the big show.

Horns Up Night  Wednesday, September 5 6p.m., DKR- Texas Memorial Stadium Enter via Gate 8 on the northwest corner of DKR Calling all Texas '22 Freshman to wear orange and join their classmates at the Texas Kickoff Rally. They will hear from President Greg Fenves and Head Coach Tom Herman, before taking the official Texas ’22 Class Photo on the field.

Party on the Plaza, presented by Uber Wednesday, September 5 10a.m.-5p.m. Gregory Gym Plaza Students can get to know some of campus's 1,200 student organizations, enjoy great food, games, performances and have a chance to win a $2,000 scholarship. Women’s Volleyball: Texas vs. Texas State Thursday, September 6 7p.m., Gregory Gym Encourage your student to be a part of the nationally ranked UT Volleyball team's incredible fan base and soak in the great atmosphere!

Football: Texas vs. Tulsa presented by Southwest Airlines Saturday, September 8 7p.m. Kick-off. Etter-Harbin Alumni Center DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium Nothing compares to being in a sea of Burnt Orange, cheering the Horns on to victory! The Big Ticket is required for students to enter this event. Go here for Big Ticket information.

The Letter C: Reminding parents that C, you can do this! This summer you've been given many pieces of advice to help you prepare for the start of your student's collegiate journey. Below is a recap that we hope will help, brought to you by the letter C.

Cards – drop one in the mail regularly (don't send cash though). Cookies & Cupcakes – college kids love them! (Sent from home, Tiff’s Treats, Polkadots, etc.)  Cry – if you need to, it’s ok. Don’t discount your emotions.  Celebrate – both your & your student’s hard work to get here. Communicate – be sure you have a plan of staying in touch

Co-op – remember the 5% student discount on purchases including textbooks! Come to Austin – and get to know the city with your student. Camera – don’t forget it when you visit! Community – find your “Longhorn parent” group of friends. Call us if you need help, we’ll be here for you 512-471-2353.

Presentations Thanks to our campus colleagues who presented at Family Orientation in June and July. A lot of great information was shared in the presentations below. If your student is attending August Orientation, please join us for August Family Orientation. Go here to register. Office of Financial Aid: How to Navigate Financial Aid University Health Services: Student Health and Well-Being Vick Center for Strategic Advising and Career Counseling: Career Exploration 101 Student Success Initiatives: First-Generation Student Resources Student Activities: Getting Involved on Campus Multicultural Engagement Center: Diversity and Community Engagement University Housing and Dining: Living on Campus Student Accounts Receivable: How to Pay Tuition University Co-op: Understanding Textbooks and Course Materials UT Police Department: Student Safety and Property Protection Texas Parents: Tips for Out-of-State Parents Texas Parents: Q&A with Students and Parents Transfer Year Experience Program: Supporting Transfer Students

Important Tuition Reminders for Fall 2018 We included this information in your July 27 Next Steps eNewsletter, but it's a message worth repeating. Students who registered for fall 2018 classes by Wednesday, July 25 received a tuition notice electronically on July 31. These were delivered via email to the email address listed on your student's record; no paper bills were mailed. Tuition is due no later than 5 p.m. (CT) Friday, August 17. Students who will register for fall 2018 classes after July 25, such as those students attending August Orientation, will receive their tuition bill after they register for classes.  Tuition for these students will be due no later than 5 p.m. (CT) on Tuesday, August 28.     If tuition is not paid by the payment deadline, your student's class registration will be dropped, no exceptions!   Regardless of whether or not your student's tuition bill notification is successfully received via email, students are still responsible for timely payment of their tuition bill. Undeliverable messages returned because of either a full inbox or use of a spam filter will still be considered 'delivered.' Financial Aid and Tuition Bills Because financial aid funds are not released immediately, your student's tuition bill will state a balance due until the funds are released. If the aid fully covers the tuition bill and fees: students will click the "Pay with Financial Aid" button on My Tuition Bill. If the financial aid does NOT fully cover the tuition bill and fees: the amount due will be reduced by the financial aid and the student will need to pay the balance by the deadline. Other Questions about paying tuition with financial aid, when funds are disbursed ? Go here to Financial Aid's FAQs page. REGARDING UT HOUSING BILLING Please note UT Housing is a separate billing process. The first housing payment will be due September 15. Your student will receive a reminder email a few days before. Go here for more information, including installment plans. Paying Tuition Options to pay tuition include: Installment plans, paying online, in person, by mail, with financial aid and short-term tuition loans. Learn about each here . Zero Bill Students who see a ($0.00) tuition bill still need to CONFIRM ATTENDANCE by clicking that button on their My Tuition Bill before 5 p.m. on their due date or their classes will be canceled. Three-Payment Installment Plan   Students must electronically sign a promissory note before the first installment payment will be accepted. The first payment is approximately half of the tuition bill, plus a non-refundable $15 service charge. It is due by deadline stated at the bottom of the student's My Tuition Bill. The second installment is due Friday, September 28 and the third, Friday, October 26.   Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan (TGTP) Students must provide a copy of their membership ID card to Student Accounts Receivable (SAR) the first semester they're enrolled at UT Austin. Students can do so by email to tuition@austin.uteaxs.edu , be sure they include their UT EID in the email . Texas Tuition Promise Fund (TTPF) Plan purchasers must authorize use of the benefits at least three weeks prior to the payment due date each semester. Go here for the TTPF website. Purchasers should enter the student's EID as the "Student's ID" and "The University of Texas at Austin" as the "Name of the University/College." Need-to-knows when using TGTP and TTPF: If the amount due is zero, students must complete registration by clicking "Confirm Attendance" on the My Tuition Bill website no later than 5 p.m. on the due date or their registration will be canceled. These plans pay tuition only, the student is responsible for all other fees.  Other Tuition Questions? Student Accounts Receivable (SAR) has a great FAQs page here that includes specifics if you plan to pay with a 529 college savings plan. In addition to their website, they are happy to assist you by email, tuition@austin.utexas.edu or calling 512-475-7777, M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (CT).

Students living off campus can eat at University Housing and Dining (UHD) locations with the Commuter Meal Plan for less than the cost of paying out of pocket. Two options provide meals at J2 and Kinsolving Dining "all you care to eat" locations: Longhorn 25 ($225) 25 all you care to eat meals plus $25 flex dollars Longhorn 50 ($400) 50 all-you-care-to-eat meals plus $25 flex dollars More information here .

Some of What You'll See in the August 15 Texas Parents Association eNewsletter: Student jobs around campus Career Fairs Bus system pointers Where to send mail Tutoring resources Healthy Recipes for dorm life snacks Longhorn Welcome activiites And much more! Everyone belongs to the Texas Parents Association but you need to sign up for the membership that best suits your family. Sign up before August 15 to ensure you receive the first of twelve monthly eNewsletters.

Unsubscribing from the Next Steps eNewsletter: You're receiving this email because you either attended Family Orientation, signed up for membership in Texas Parents, or your student provided your email address on his or her Admissions application. Please note that by clicking the link below to unsubscribe, you will no longer receive any Texas Parents messaging, including the monthly Association eNewsletter. Instead of unsubscribing, we ask that you simply delete this message. If you have any questions, please contact the Texas Parents office.

The University of Texas at Austin | Texas Parents 512-471-2353 | Toll Free 888-690-0012 | TexasParents@austin.utexas.edu Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Central)