Want to receive an eNewsletter like this every month?
This is the final issue of the Next Steps eNewsletter 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 Saturday, August 15.
Sign up for 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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Gmail users, PLEASE READ. Gmail "clips" long emails including our Next Steps eNewsletter, which means that you may only be seeing a portion of the email's content. If you scroll to the bottom of the email, you should see a link: [Message Clipped] View Entire Message. If you click on "View Entire Message," the remainder of the newsletter will load.
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Dear Longhorn Parents and Families,
In April, when the decision was made to shift from an on-campus orientation model to an online format for both students and their families, there were so many more hurdles than we could have ever expected in getting content to you, our Longhorn families. Whether it was cost, accessibility, format, technology, timing or content, there were a lot of moving pieces to put together in a short amount of time. Our office had an even bigger responsibility: ensuring you found value in the time you would invest acquiring information in a new and untested format.
When our team began outreaching to our campus colleagues about the parent and family programming we were holding our breath - would they be able to also create content specific to your needs in these challenging and fluid conditions? Understandably, we knew they were laser-focused in their primary goal of creating programming and procedures that would best orientate, welcome, empower and excite your incoming students. The $25,000 question was could they also do what we needed on top of what they were already doing?
And the answer was a resounding, YES! The awesome reality, without exception, is that every campus colleague and university partner made it clear that pandemic or otherwise, providing content for you is an important element in helping our students successfully transition.
And so, like world-class sprinters, both you and the university have all been clearing the hurdles in record time and keeping stride to the finish line. But for us all, the orientation finish line is really the starting line for the next leg of the race. And in our present day, the race ahead has a course more like a steeplechase with all sorts of challenges.
For some of your students, that race will be run somewhere other than on the Forty Acres and for others, your students will be on campus. Both realities, under current circumstances, bring a whole new set of barriers and challenges to the course.
So as you read this final issue of the six issues of Next Steps, I hope we have given you a sense of welcome, connectivity and support and most importantly, you know that for the course ahead, we are going to be right there with you.
By familiarizing you with university leaders, Interim President Jay Hartzell, Interim Provost Dan Jaffe 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 their pursuit of changing the world.
In the coming days and 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
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In this issue:
- Need-to-Knows & Updates
- University Housing and Dining Updates
- Final Mooov-in Reminders
- Campus Safety Resources
- AlcoholEdu Information
- Longhorn Welcome Events
- Tuition Information and much more.
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Congratulations to the Student Scholarship & More Good Stuff Winners!
Wow, what an exciting night August 7 was! Fourteen $500 student scholarships, seven $25 Tiff's Treats gift cards, $75 textbook scholarships and $100 University Co-op gift cards were awarded to 35 households in the Texas Parents Student Scholarship and More Good Stuff Drawing!
Thanks to the more than 2,500 incoming student households who tuned in to our video recording of the drawing and a BIG THANK YOU to our incredible partners, University Federal Credit Union (UFCU), the University Co-op and Tiff's Treats who said yes when we asked for their help in creating this virtual event! We will highlight winners in the Texas Parents September eNewsletter. Congratulations to all!
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Texas Parents Office Reopening
Monday, August 17 the Texas Parents campus office located in Gregory Gym will reopen, having one staff member available to assist students and families in need, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. -5 p.m. CDT. The remaining members of the team will continue providing support to all UT families by answering phone calls and emails remotely.
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Extra! Extra! Time That is, as Access to Online Family Orientation is Extended!
Many thanks to everyone who has reached out with kind words about Online Family Orientation's impact on their family's transition from high school to college. We, our campus colleagues and partners are happy you are finding value in the content.
To ensure you have the opportunity to take in as much content as you want, access to Online Family Orientation content will be available through 5 p.m. CDT on Monday, August 31.
If you have not yet registered for the complimentary Online Family Orientation, there is still time! Click here to register.
If you are already registered for Online Family Orientation, we hope you can use this extra time to refresh, catch up or continue viewing the wide variety of presentations available.
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University Co-Op
Due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University Co-Op is unable to offer UT students a 5% discount on purchases until further notice. Contact the University Co-Op here with questions.
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Longhorns Online Academic Portal
UT's recently launched academic portal, Longhorns Online, provides a wide range of resources for all UT students during the fall semester’s reimagined college experience. Resources include academic advising services, college-specific assistance and guidance for choosing the right classes, with an emphasis on staying on track for graduation. The portal also offers students many resources that extend far beyond the classroom experience. Learn more here.
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University Housing & Dining (UHD) |
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Fall Plans
Be sure to check out UHD's homepage for frequently asked questions about housing, dining, resident opportunities and safety.
Residence Hall Room Selection Opportunity
Students received an email August 13 letting them know the room selection process has reopened in their housing portals and will remain open through midnight (CDT), Sunday, August 16. Currently there are vacant rooms available for students to select from. Rooms are first come, first serve and there is no charge to change their selection. Please note that if your student changes to another hall or room type they may have a different rate. If your student is a single occupant in a double occupancy room there is a possibility that another resident may be moved into their room during the fall or spring semester.
Students who make a room selection change to a different hall will have to select a new Mooov-In timeslot to ensure social distancing is being maintained. If students move halls, the housing portal will direct them to the Mooov-In Scheduler for their new hall and they will need to select a time slot from the available times remaining. Students selecting a new room in their current hall, will keep their current Mooov-In time slot and will not be directed to the Mooov-In Scheduler.
On-Campus Housing Availability
UHD still has availability for on-campus residence hall housing for the 2020-21 academic year. Incoming freshmen, returning students or transfer students can apply online now.
Housing Contract Cancellation Policy
If your student currently has a 2020-21 housing contract and wants to cancel it because their fall schedule will be remote, comprised of hybrid/online/web-based courses, there is no cancellation penalty. However, your student will need to provide UHD with a screenshot of their class schedule and a written intention to cancel the contract to avoid a cancellation penalty and to have their $300 prepayment returned (if one was paid).
All other reasons for canceling a housing contract will have a $500 cancellation penalty. If your student paid a $300 prepayment, it will be used towards the penalty fee.
Spring Housing Applications Open September 1
Students who cancelled their housing contract due to a COVID-19 related reason for the fall semester but want to live in the residence halls in the spring will have to reapply for housing. The application process opens on Tuesday, September 1. Visit the University Housing and Dining homepage FAQs for the spring application process.
Please contact UHD here with any questions.
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Fall Dining Updates
Check out this video and FAQs on UHD's homepage for more information on changes being implemented in the dining operations this fall.
For details on hours, menus, nutrition and more, go here.
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Important Update:
Required Step BEFORE Students Take Possession of Their Rooms
University Housing and Dining (UHD) has communicated this information to your student:
Due to COVID-19, UHD has amended the housing contract terms and conditions. The amendment can be viewed here. Residents MUST login to their housing portal to acknowledge the amendment prior to their scheduled Mooov-In time.
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Centralized Check-In
Thursday - Sunday, August 20 - 23
7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Check in at UFCU Disch-Falk Field, not at the residence halls!
Note: From August 20 – 23, there is no check-in available between 5 – 7 a.m. and 8 – 9 p.m. as UHD relocates room keys.
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Final Mooov-In Reminders
UHD has implemented new guidelines to help all residents have a safe and smooth Mooov-In experience. Please check the Mooov-In website for information about this year’s process. Be sure to reference your July 24 issue of Next Steps for helpful Mooov-In tips.
Students were sent an email Monday, July 13 to schedule their check-in time by Monday, August 10. Check with your student that this has been completed.
Requirements for Mooov-In:
- Face coverings are required for everyone throughout the Mooov-In process.
- This year it is especially important to arrive at your student’s scheduled check-in time to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
- Each student may bring no more than two helpers to campus to assist with move in. Helpers may stay throughout the move in process; however, overnight guests are not permitted in UHD facilities.
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What to Bring and What to Leave at Home
Visit UHD's What To Bring page to know what can come to Austin and what should be left at home. There will be no equipment check-outs at the front desks this year, so students are encouraged to bring their own vacuum, broom, dust pan and cleaning supplies.
Residence Hall Route Map
Residence Hall Front Desks
Students who arrive during early, overnight weekend or extended check-in will go to the designated front desk of their residence hall to check in. Learn more here.
Parking During Mooov-In
Parking around campus can be tricky. Follow these tips to make your parking experience a positive one.
- Free Parking at UFCU Disch-Falk Field
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During centralized check-in at Disch-Falk Field, helpers are asked to stay in their car at the East Campus Garage (ECG) while students pick up their room key.
- Unloading
- During check-in, students will receive a one-hour unloading pass. After unloading your vehicle, please move to an appropriate parking area. Parking tickets are given to vehicles that stay in an unloading zone for longer than 60 minutes.
- Garages (R Permit)
- Any resident who was offered and paid for a parking garage resident permit must park in the garage they received in the lottery. They should use the access card attached to the permit mailed to them. If they have not yet received their permit and access card, they should pull a garage entry ticket and park their vehicle.
- For staffed garages during business hours (weekdays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.), students should take the pulled ticket and a photo ID to the garage office to obtain a temporary parking garage access card and temporary dashboard permit.
- For unstaffed garages, students need to bring their ticket and photo ID to the nearest staffed garage for assistance.
- Limited Parking
- Please bring only needed vehicles to campus during this time. Cars with trailers may be difficult to find parking for in unloading zone spaces and will not fit in the decks, and therefore are not recommended.
Regardless of your student's Mooov-in date and time, go here
to see the Mooov-in Checking In page.
It's FULL of HELPFUL information including route maps,
early check-in locations, parking details and any updates to the process.
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2400 Nueces Move-In
If your student will be living at 2400 Nueces, go here for check-in dates and information.
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UT ID Pick Up at Mooov-In
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If students submitted their photo through the ID Center online photo submission process by Monday, August 10 and it was approved, their UT ID card will be available for pick up when they arrive during centralized check-in Thursday - Sunday, August 20 – 23, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. at UFCU Disch-Falk Field.
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If your student chooses an early, overnight weekend or extended check-in time, or did not submit a photo online, they must visit the ID Center at the Flawn Academic Center to pick up their UT ID card, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m..
- UHD will issue students a temporary card if their ID isn’t ready when they pick up their key.
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Students will need to present a current government-issued photo ID to pick up their UT ID card.
- If your student is a minor (under 18), they will need to bring a parent or guardian, who will also need to present a current government-issued photo ID.
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If you have questions about UT ID cards, please contact the ITS help desk at 512-475-9400 or help@utexas.edu.
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Off-Campus Housing Move-In Information |
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Off-Campus Housing Move-In Dates
If your student will be living in the apartments or private dorms in the area west of campus go here for move-in information from each.
If your student's property is not listed, check the lease as it likely contains the information you need.
UT ID Pick Up for Students Living Off-Campus
Normally, students' ID cards are distributed at Orientation; however, this year ID cards will be distributed differently. Below is the information needed to help your student get their permanent ID card. To obtain a student ID card, your student must present a non-expired government-issued photo ID like a driver's license or passport. Learn more here .
Students who will be living:
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These campus safety resources have been introduced to incoming students. Please remind your student about them:
Campus Emergency Text Alerts. In the event of an emergency, students, faculty and staff automatically receive emergency text alerts containing directions on actions to take from the university. On the first Wednesday of each month, at approximately 11:50 a.m., the system is tested to ensure functioning expectations. If your student does not receive a text, please encourage your student to send an email here for assistance.
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, from on campus to locations within the service area, free of charge. SURE Walks can be requested 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.
UT NIGHT RIDES. UT Night Rides 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. UT Night Rides originate from campus and are provided by Lyft in partnership with Parking and Transportation Services (PTS). UT Night Rides are free and are set up only through a student's official university directory email. Learn more here.
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 their 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 their phone, 512-471-2255 (CALL). Learn more here.
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AlcoholEdu and
Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates (SAPU)
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Required Alcohol, Drug & Sexual Violence Prevention Education Program
All incoming students, including transfer students, are required to complete two online educational programs - AlcoholEdu and Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates (SAPU). These programs focus on the important safety topics of drugs, alcohol and sexual violence prevention, with the goal being to enhance health and wellness for all students. AlcoholEdu and SAPU programs have a strong track record of facilitating positive behavior change among college students at UT and across the nation. Learn more about the programs' impacts here.
Students will be emailed an invitation and instructions on Monday, August 17 and must complete two parts for each program. Part 1 (approximately 2 hours) must be completed by Tuesday, September 8. An email invitation for Part 2 (approximately 30 minutes) will be sent 45 days after your student completes Part 1. Part 2 is due Friday, November 20.
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If students do not complete BOTH parts by the deadlines, they will not be able to view their grades online for the fall semester. Students will receive a series of email reminders and encouragement to complete the programs.
During the transition to college, parents and families can play a crucial role in continuing to make a positive impact on their student’s health and well-being. UT encourages you to have open discussions with your student about alcohol safety before and during their college journey. Find strategies for engaging your student in thoughtful and constructive conversations about how to stay healthy and well in college and beyond on this resource page.
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Longhorn Welcome
Presented by New Student Services (NSS)
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Longhorn Welcome is THE official welcome for all students to the Forty Acres and this year features seven Signature Virtual Events and several others which will take place: Thursday, August 20 - Friday, August 28.
Virtual events times listed are all CDT.
The website offers a comprehensive look at everything.
Below are the Signature Events.
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Mooov-In
Thursday-Sunday,
August 20-23
7 a.m.-8 p.m.
UFCU Disch-Falk Field
Longhorns are welcomed to the Forty Acres over these four-days. Students pick up their room keys, UT ID cards and unloading pass at centralized check-in and then settle into 14 on-campus residence halls.
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Beat The Heat
Saturday, August 22
Virtual, 4 p.m.-Midnight,
Students can join University Unions for an evening of friendly competition and fun from the comfort of their room! Students will make new friends and win prizes at trivia night (4 p.m.-6 p.m.) and join other students in the virtual Mario Kart 8 e-sports tournament (6 p.m.-midnight).
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Find Your Way
Sunday, August 23
Virtual, 5-6:30 p.m.,
Students can learn about all that UT has to offer and more about the importance of student involvement as well as how to start their search! This event offers a chance to win several giveaways and prizes and showcases talented students through video performances.
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Orange and White Welcome
Monday-Friday, August 24-28
Students can kick off the fall semester with the Texas Exes and the Orange & White Welcome Virtual Scavenger Hunt! Texas Exes has partnered with social media accounts across campus and will be playing each day of Longhorn Welcome Week. All students who complete the scavenger hunt will also be entered to win other fun prizes. Follow @TexasExes for more details!
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Gone to Texas
Tuesday, August 25
Virtual, 8 p.m.
A UT tradition, this event welcomes all new students into the Longhorn community the night before classes begin. This virtual event, hosted by Interim President Jay Hartzell, will feature student leaders, alumni and the winners of the student video contest.
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Back to School with RecSports
Tuesday-Wednesday, August 25-September 2
Students can join RecSports for a week-long series of activities that introduces them to ways to stay active and get involved this fall. The week will feature activities including live fitness classes, games, eSports, how-to's, DIY sessions and more, all that students can participate in from wherever they are.
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Multicultural Mixer
Thursday, August 27
Virtual, Noon-1:30 p.m.
Students can mix and mingle with Longhorns and staff of all backgrounds while learning about campus resources available to help them feel more connected during their time on the Forty Acres. There will be a virtual tabling hour where students can meet campus representatives from various diversity and inclusion units, and there will also be a keynote. Students will also have the chance to win several giveaways throughout the event.
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Longhorn Connections
Living the Longhorn Life is a blending of your student's experiences both in and outside the classroom. In the current environment, university leadership recognized the importance of students having a common resource to stay active and connected with their friends, peers and campus community, no matter how close or far from the Forty Acres they might be.
Encourage your student to use this website to engage with their community, prioritize their wellness and enjoy creativity through virtual events and all kinds of activities. Longhorn Connection is dynamic, just like UT students. Learn more here.
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Sorority and Fraternity Life (SFL)
in the Office of the Dean of Students
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University Panhellenic Council Virtual Recruitment
Monday-Monday, August 17-24
- Registration for Panhellenic Recruitment closed on August 9, with over 1,100 registrants
- Monday, August 24th, Bid Day, will be a hybrid event.
- After receiving their bid and meeting their New Member class virtually in the morning, New Members will be invited to scheduled small group Meet & Greets at the chapter facility.
- For the safety of participants and to comply with ordinances around gathering size, guests (parents, families, friends, alumnae, etc.) will not be allowed to attend Meet & Greets at the chapter facility with their student.
Go here for SFL Launched Virtual Chapter Resource Page which includes recordings of each of their Summer Thursday Thoughts series calls (concluded August 6).
Proactive Community Testing Program in Conjunction with University Health Services (UHS)
Organizations in the SFL community will have the opportunity to opt-in for volunteer testing starting in early September.
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New Student Services (NSS) |
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Longhorn TIES
Longhorn TIES provides individualized support services to currently enrolled UT Austin students who identify as being on the autism spectrum. Students may sign up for services now through October 7.
To learn more information go here.
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Important Tuition Reminders for Fall 2020
Texas One Stop staff is currently operating remotely. Mailed payments are currently subject to higher processing times. UT highly encourages payments be made via an electronic method such as eCheck. Parents must log in via their eProxy account if they wish to pay a student’s bill on their behalf.
Tuition Notices
The deadline for undergraduate students who have not yet paid their tuition bill has extended from Friday, August 14 to Tuesday, August 25 at 5 p.m. (CDT). This deadline also includes students attending August Orientation who will receive their tuition bill after they register for classes.
If tuition is not paid by the payment deadline, your student's class registration will be dropped, no exceptions! Please be aware that 5 p.m. (CDT) is sharp; at 5:01 p.m. (CDT) the system will drop classes for unpaid registrations.
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.'
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Paying Tuition
Options to pay tuition include:
Installment plans, paying online, by mail, with financial aid and short-term tuition loans. Learn about each here and read the July 24 Next Steps eNewsletter here for more information on paying tuition.
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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 the amount due will be reduced by the financial aid and the student will need to pay the remaining balance by the deadline.
If you have questions about when funds will be disbursed, or other questions about paying tuition with financial aid, please visit Texas One Stop’s Financial Aid FAQs here.
REGARDING UNIVERSITY HOUSING and DINING (UHD) BILLING
Please note UT Housing is a separate billing process. Please contact UHD with any questions. Your student will receive a reminder email a few days before their housing payment deadline. Please visit the UHD website here for more information, including due dates and installment plans.
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Other Financial Aid or Tuition Questions?
The Texas One Stop office is happy to assist and can be contacted at 512-232-6988 or via email at onestop@utexas.edu or visit their website here for more information.
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Texas Parents Association eNewsletter |
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Some of What You'll See in Your First Texas Parents Association eNewsletter on Saturday, August 15:
- Student Jobs Around Campus
- Virtual Career Fairs
- Where to Send Mail
- Safety Zone
- 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 Saturday, August 15 to ensure you receive the first of twelve monthly eNewsletters.
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Unsubscribing from the Next Steps eNewsletter:
You're receiving this email because you either participated in Online 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.
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Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Central)
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