Issue 4 of 6 | Preparation |
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Want to receive a newsletter
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Easy! Sign up for your membership in Texas Parents, the official association for all UT Austin undergraduate parents and families. You'll receive monthly communications similar to Next Steps with timely information to help you help your student. There are two levels of membership: Complimentary and Supporting, learn more here. If you are already a member, welcome and thank you for signing up.
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Dear Longhorn Families,
If list-making was an Olympic sport, yours truly would be captain of the U.S. team and confidently bringing home the gold! Making lists with sublists, and sublists to the sublists, has always helped me see the big picture when making preparations. It's like a paint by numbers canvas (remember those?) where each little color of paint helped the bigger picture come into focus. For me, being able to check an item off my list is empowering and rewarding; it's a visual affirmation I'm progressing to the finish line.
As high school is pretty much wrapped up for you Longhorn, we know your focus is shifting to preparation for the move. In this health and wellness-focused Next Steps issue, you'll find content that helps you and your Longhorn add to-do's to your lists relating to medical records, prescription management and more. You'll also find reminders about other topics like verifying addresses and the Big Ticket.
There is also information about President Hartzell's recently released Strategic Plan for UT, Change Starts Here. As you prepare for your student's arrival, it's nice to know how the university is preparing for the future of Longhorn Nation.
It's easy to find oneself going in a lot of different directions preparing to send a student off to college and it can sometimes feel daunting. Please remember Texas Parents is here to help you help your student. If you are unsure how something works or where to find an answer, call or email us with your questions; we are here for that very reason. And now, you can cross that off your list; doesn't it feel great!?! Hook 'em!
Sincerely,
Susie Smith
Texas Parents Director
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UT's Strategic Plan: Change Starts Here |
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UT's 10-Year Strategic Plan is organized around three ideas that have always made UT special: our people, our place and our pursuits. We're glad you and your Longhorn are beginning this journey with us. Learn more about UT's plan to become the world's highest impact public research university here.
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University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) |
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Congratulations, Rachel D. from Austin, TX for winning $1,000 in the UFCU Cash for College sweepstakes. That's your cash for college!
Your student could win big too. Open a UFCU Free Checking account, and be entered to win automatically. Six (6) more drawings remain. Read the Cash for College Sweepstakes Official Rules here for more details.
For more than 86 years, Longhorns have chosen UFCU. We stand ready to support your student on campus and beyond. Hook ‘Em, Horns!
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In This Issue
- Health & Wellness
- UT Communication Protocol
- New Student Services (NSS)
- Need-to-Knows & Updates
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In our monthly Texas Parents Association eNewsletter, members learn tidbits every Longhorn should know. We're sharing a couple of the "big ones" with you in Next Steps.
This month, learn how Bevo became UT's mascot and how he was given his famous name here. Thanks to The UT History Corner by Jim Nicar for all the great Longhorn lore!
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Reading Round-Up (another great Longhorn Tradition!)
Sunday, August 21
1:30-3 p.m.
The day before fall classes begin, professors and first-year students meet all over campus to talk about books they read over the summer. This is an opportunity to read a great book, meet an outstanding faculty member and get acquainted with a small group of fellow first-year students. Encourage your student to browse through the book list and sign up here.
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Family Orientation is a one-day program that introduces you to university leadership, professional staff, volunteers and current students who will share important information and advice. You’ll go home feeling more connected to the university and equipped with conversation topics to better support your student as your family continues preparation for the transition in August. |
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Need to register?
Already Registered?
We look forward to seeing you on the Forty Acres! On the Thursday before your session, you'll receive a "Final Details" email with important day-of details like parking, what to wear, etc.
Need Orientation Parking?
Staying in town while your student completes Freshman Student Orientation?
Go here for hotel offerings near campus.
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Family Orientation Scholarship Drawing
At each Family Orientation session, Texas Parents holds a scholarship drawing at the end of the BBQ. Over the six Family Orientation sessions, we will award fourteen incoming students $500 scholarships thanks to the generosity of long-time partner, UFCU.
When you sign up for a Texas Parents Four-Year supporting membership (2022-2026) you're entered in the orientation session you attend. Mail-in entries are also an option. Must be present to win. Learn more here.
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University Health Services (UHS) |
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UHS is the on-campus fully accredited, primary and specialty care clinic for students. The individual medical clinics are located in the Student Services Building (SSB) on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors. All enrolled UT students are eligible to use UHS without having to sign up or subscribe. Go here for more information on the 13 individual medical clinics and hours of operation.
Insurance is not required to use UHS, but it’s recommended. Most major U.S. insurance plans are accepted. Students can also purchase insurance through the UT System Student Health Insurance Plan, AcademicBlue or SHIP (see article below). Go here for general information on UHS Charges and Insurance.
Services are provided through both in-person and telehealth appointments. Learn about UHS services, appointments, charges and insurance, medical providers, hours of operation, and more at healthyhorns.utexas.edu.
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Completing Health History and Insurance Forms with Your Longhorn
For most families, it's the parent/guardian who's been the one to complete the health history and insurance forms. Before coming to campus, sit down with your student and guide them in filling out this information on their own. Completing these forms is required before students check in for their first UHS appointment. It is easier to help your student do this now rather than when you are home, and your student is in the UHS waiting room not feeling well.
Health History
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Have your student log into the MyUHS patient portal
- Click the Health History tab within the left-hand navigation
Insurance
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Have your student log into the MyUHS patient portal
- Click the Insurance Card tab within the left-hand navigation
Transferring Care to UHS
Physical Therapy
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The physician who ordered your student's physical therapy services can fax a referral to 512-232-7918. Learn more here.
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Students can continue receiving allergy shots at UHS. The ordering provider must be licensed in Texas. Go here to find how to arrange having your student's allergy extract and allergist's orders transferred.
Lab Work
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Students who receive regular lab work can have their provider order their lab work through the UHS clinical laboratory. Learn more here.
Medical Conditions Requiring Special Care or Ongoing Monitoring and Treatment
To ask whether UHS can manage your Longhorn’s chronic physical medical condition or temporary special treatment for an acute condition, go here to complete a quick questionnaire. UHS staff will respond as soon as possible.
Understanding Medical Care and Privacy Laws at UHS
UHS does not provide emergency care. For that reason, advance directives or Medical Power of Attorney are not kept on file at UHS or any other UT Austin office.
Federal privacy laws prohibit healthcare facilities, including UHS, from disclosing a patient’s (student’s) medical information to any individual, organization or facility unless the student provides written permission. This includes campus departments, faculty, staff and even parents/families.
Please do not ask your Longhorn to sign a blanket release to make their records available to you but allow them to be the governor of who has access to their records. Students can be hesitant to seek medical care as early as they should, or at all, for some types of concerns if others have access to their records. Learn more here.
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Minor Consent for Treatment
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Chances are...
You have managed most of your student's healthcare needs from scheduling appointments and filling prescriptions to completing health history documents. One of the best ways you can continue caring for your student's health and well-being is to give your student the wheel and let them drive.
Find a checklist here to organize health-related "to-do's" before your student comes to campus.
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Disability and Access (D&A) |
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D&A works with students with disabilities (including medical and mental health conditions) to ensure they have equal access to academics and other aspects of campus life at UT. D&A has created resources for students and parents to prepare for the transition to accommodations and access at UT: https://diversity.utexas.edu/disability/future-students/.
D&A is primarily focused on determining classroom and testing accommodations for students. Your student can find information on documentation requirements and scheduling appointments on the D&A website here. Students and parents may also utilize virtual Drop In hours to ask questions or learn more about D&A services if they have questions that are not answered after reviewing the website.
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Academic Blue Health Insurance |
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If your student is uninsured or wants to be sure that they have the best coverage for the cost, consider exploring an optional, affordable student health insurance plan sponsored by The University of Texas System, AcademicBlue. The plan is offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Find more information here.
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If your student takes prescription medications on a regular basis, plan ahead for how refills and renewals will be handled.
Pharmacies around campus
UT's H-E-B Pharmacy is a full-service pharmacy staffed with licensed pharmacy professionals and is located on campus in the Health Transformation Building (HTB). The H-E-B Pharmacy also offers contactless prescription delivery. Learn more here.
The Target at 21st and Guadalupe Street in Dobie Center has a CVS pharmacy and there is a CVS Pharmacy located at the corner of Guadalupe and 24th Streets.
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Out-of-State Parents, Take Note:
If your student takes a Schedule II controlled substance for ADD/ADHD or another health condition, please be aware that most pharmacies in Texas require prescriptions for these medications be issued from a healthcare provider who is licensed to practice in the State of Texas. Work with your current provider to ensure your student has a plan going forward before coming to Austin.
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Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) |
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CMHC provides counseling, psychiatric, consultation and prevention services that facilitate students' academic and life goals by enhancing their personal well-being.
Key services provided by CMHC include crisis services, clinical services, My Student Support Program (My SSP) and well-being resources. There are no charges for students to use CMHC services except for $10 for each psychiatrist visit.
Services are provided through both in-person and tele-health appointments. Visit cmhc.utexas.edu to learn more.
Transitioning and Continuity of Care
Ensuring your student is adequately supported and has a plan to meet their mental health needs creates a solid foundation for your student to build upon.
If your student has a history of mental or emotional health concerns such as depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, substance abuse or dependence, etc., or if they are currently receiving counseling or psychiatric care, encourage them to call 512-471-3515 and press option 3 before coming to Austin. During the call, a Brief Assessment and Referral Team (BART) counselor will help determine the best course of action for their needs, which might include recommendations for establishing a relationship with an off-campus therapist or psychiatrist, if appropriate.
For continuity of care, encourage your student to confirm whether their current therapist and/or prescribing healthcare provider can continue to provide sessions and/or prescribe from home or via tele-health, so that your student can maintain that established relationship.
If your student takes ADHD medication, please read the important information here and plan well in advance for managing their medication.
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Longhorn Wellness Center (LWC) |
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The LWC addresses priority health issues and creates a culture of well-being on campus through an evidence-informed approach, speaking to students where they are. LWC engages students through peer education, health education, social marketing, social norms initiatives, environmental change strategies and strategic campus partnerships. LWC works to reduce substance misuse, enhance mental health to prevent suicide, promote physical activity, increase positive body image, encourage bystander intervention and more. Learn more here.
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SHIFT isn’t another acronym; it’s a bold call to action! We’re ready for a different conversation— one that changes the culture of substance use on campus from one of misuse to one of wellbeing. Our initiative aims to engage the entire UT Austin community in this dialogue: students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and our community beyond the Forty Acres. We seek to shift the way we think and talk about alcohol and other drugs to more fully thrive as Longhorns. We all play a huge role in that change. Join the conversation and learn more here.
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Understanding the University |
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How UT Communicates with Your Student
For the majority of business messages, the University will communicate to your student by email. Remind your student:
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to read all correspondence coming from UT to avoid missing important information or deadlines
- UT does not send the same emails to you; so you can't "catch" something if they miss it
- Undeliverable messages returned because of a full inbox or use of spam filter will still be considered delivered by UT
- To change their email address if they have been using one that is tied to their high school as typically the schools will deactivate those accounts upon graduation without the student being aware
How Students Can Verify Their Addresses
Encourage your student to go here to review their personal information. Only your student can do this as it will require their UT EID, private password and DUO authentication to make any updates.
While checking this off their to-do list, also encourage your student to check their email address is typed in correctly and that filters on their email account are set up to receive UT emails. If emails bounce or are sent to junk/spam folders, the university considers correspondence sent and accessing it to be the student's responsibility.
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New Student Services (NSS) |
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Orientation Advisor Q&A
Fridays in June and July, beginning June 17
This year, our Orientation Advisors (OAs) are answering your students’ questions on @UTOrientation Instagram stories Fridays beginning June 17. Each week, students can submit their questions about things like orientation, student life, living in Austin or even where to find the best food on campus via the Instagram story sticker on Tuesdays for our OAs to answer later in the week. No matter the topic, our OAs are here to help. If your student has a question pertaining to their specific situation, please encourage them to email New Student Services at nss@austin.utexas.edu.
August Orientation
Tuesday-Wednesday, August 15-16 – transfer students
Wednesday-Friday, August 16-18 – freshman students
Orientation is mandatory for all incoming students. Students unable to participate in a June or July session must register for August Orientation, which will be hosted 100% virtually. At August Orientation, students will interact with their colleges/schools, academic advisor, OAs and register for classes. Registration will open for all students in late July. However, if all June and July sessions in which your student’s college/school are participating are already full, your student will see the option to register for August Orientation now. NSS will send a reminder email to eligible students.
Longhorn Welcome
Friday-Saturday, August 19-27
Longhorn Welcome is a Texas-size welcome to the Forty Acres for incoming students and features signature events as well as dozens of events hosted by campus partners. Learn more here.
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Tuition Billing Information & Due Dates
Information on Tuition and billing will be detailed in the July 8 issue of Next Steps.
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Game Ticket Option for Students
The Big Ticket is the all-in-one ticket package providing students access to all Texas Athletics regular season home events and is on sale now for $200 for the 2022-23 academic year (no processing fee). Your student should have received emails from Texas Athletics with their customer number and additional purchase information. The Big Ticket includes access to all home regular season ticket events including seven home football games for the first time since 2010, Texas Basketball in the brand new Moody Center, the ability to request tickets to the AT&T Red River Showdown, and the best Volleyball, Baseball, Softball, and Texas Relays action on the Forty Acres! To purchase or for more information, visit TexasSports.com/BigTicket. Friday, July 22 is the priority deadline to be eligible to request for the AT&T Red River Showdown tickets, as well as other football away game tickets.
Football Ticket Options for Parents and Families
Tickets for the 2022 Texas Football season are on sale now! Don’t miss out on seven home games for the first time in 12 years, and ordering season tickets is the only way to guarantee tickets to the showdown versus future SEC foe Alabama! Tickets are available for purchase online at TexasSports.com/Tickets or you can also call Texas Athletics at 512-471-3333 (Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.).
If you are looking for access to fewer games than season tickets, be sure to sign up for a Texas Parents Four-Year Supporting membership as one of your benefits is pre-sale windows to mini plans and single game tickets prior to the general public. You can sign up for membership here.
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On-Campus Housing Room Assignments
Students with contracts have received their room selection date and time via email from University Housing and Dining (UHD). Prior to room selection, students are encouraged to review the information about each residence hall, floor plans and published rates on the room selection page in the housing portal. Room assignments are made in housing application date order. Students who submitted their application early are more likely to receive their top preferences; please note students who applied for housing later will be assigned a room based on the availability of preferences they indicated.
Students wanting to make a change after their initial room selection can access UHD's room change page until noon on Tuesday, June 28. The page will reopen Friday-Sunday, July 1 - July 31.
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Next Steps Issue #5 | July 8
- Mooov-In 2022
- Housing and Dining Information
- Tuition Billing Notices and Due Dates
- Parking and Transportation Details and more!
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Unsubscribing from the Next Steps eNewsletter
Please note that if you unsubscribe by clicking the unsubscribe link below, you will no longer receive any messages from Texas Parents.
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