Issue 3 of 6 | Orientation |
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Dear ,
Unrelated to my job, I have a son who is a 2021 UT graduate and as I write you, my twin daughters are wrapping up their freshmen year: one here at UT and the other at Texas State (and to answer an often-asked question, no, being a UT employee doesn't give your kids any special access to becoming Longhorns). So while I've had the privilege of talking to incoming parents over the past eleven years about navigating this transition, I've also lived it with three very different children.
I suspect your incoming freshman is counting the days until they arrive in Austin for orientation and that they are in great anticipation of all that orientation will bring, including the prospect of making new friends and registering for fall classes. Orientation is that step in the process when mindsets begin to shift. It builds on the excitement that being admitted brought your student and it starts to chip away at that feeling that the fall semester is far away in time and place. Orientation takes the unchartered and helps students begin to map out a course of what uniquely awaits each one one of them.
In this issue of Next Steps, our goal is to orientate you to both programs: New Student Orientation and Family Orientation. The last time we hosted either program on campus was summer 2019. It has been far too long and we are excited beyond measure at the prospect of welcoming you and your student to the Forty Acres and helping you in person.
Right now, you've got plenty going on at home as high school wraps up. Please know we are sending best wishes as the end-of-year celebrations, proms and graduations take center stage. We hope you'll take pause and enjoy the remaining moments of high school. What an exciting time...closing a remarkable chapter of your student's life with the knowledge that the next one will soon begin at UT with unlimited possibilities!
Until we see you this summer, Hook ‘em Horns!
Sincerely,
Susie Smith
Director, Texas Parents
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New Student Services (NSS) |
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Introducing Academic Advisors and Orientation Advisors |
Academic Advisors
Academic Advisors play an essential role throughout your student’s UT journey. Every College/School has a team of knowledgeable, full-time professional academic advisors who counsel and guide students through their undergraduate careers. Academic advisors can help your student with many different things including:
- Choosing the right major,
- Considering minors, certifications and specializations,
- Answering questions about courses and track to graduation,
- Adding, dropping and registering for classes,
- Making decisions about career paths, and,
- Addressing personal issues that impact their academic process and much more.
During orientation your student will meet with an academic advisor to help them prepare for their fall class registration which will happen on the third day of orientation. Your student will leave the meeting with their advisor prepared and confident to register for their first UT classes.
The Academic Counselors Association (ACA)
The ACA is the official UT association for academic advisors. The ACA was originally created as a forum for sharing ideas and exchanging information related to advising services at UT. The primary goal is to provide academic advisors with opportunities for professional development and peer support, ultimately building resources to enhance your student’s college experience. In the "Final Details" email that is sent the Thursday prior to each Family Orientation, a video produced by the ACA specifically for you, our parents and families, will further dive into the role of advisors in your student's time at UT.
Orientation Advisors (OAs)
Each year, NSS interviews and hires a group of talented and diverse students to develop, plan and execute the orientation programs from a student's lens. OAs are connectors for your student to the UT experience. They will be on hand to encourage, advise and guide your student. OAs are enrolled in an academic, credit-earning class to prepare them for the various roles they will play in your student's orientation experience. Please know that great care is being placed on ensuring your student's orientation experience provides multiple touch points to connect with other students including the OAs.
In addition to preparing your students for academic success, OAs will remind them to focus on their overall wellbeing during their time at UT. Students will be introduced to physical and mental health resources within University Health Services (UHS) and RecSports.
Learn more about what our OAs do in their own words in this great video.
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Understanding Your Student's Orientation |
UT is one of the largest universities in the country, but one easy way to make it feel smaller is for your student to start building their UT community. That can start before orientation in the Class of 2026 Facebook group, but they will really see it start to form during their small group interactions and evening social programs at their orientation session. They will also have the opportunity to talk with current students about the campus’ many student organizations that will benefit their social wellbeing and even help them find a passion outside the classroom.
Getting in the Longhorn State of Mind
On Monday, May 23, NSS will email your student a link to an informational video that outlines what your student can expect during orientation. The video will explain details about the two required parts of your student’s orientation experience: 1) Canvas modules and 2) participating in their scheduled orientation program.
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Part 1: Pre-Orientation Canvas modules
Ten days prior to the first day of your student’s orientation session, they will gain access to their Canvas modules. These modules will include: Academic Success, Campus Life, Your Resources and Safety at UT. As students complete their modules, they’ll be engaged through brief quizzes and videos helping them become familiar with different aspects of campus life.
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Part 2: Orientation
NSS is excited to host your student on the Forty Acres this summer. The three-day program is strategically designed to ensure students are informed about academic and campus resources, how to get involved and connect with the campus community, and feel comfortable transitioning to UT Austin.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP
Please remind your student that Canvas modules must be completed prior to their orientation session.
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Fall 2022 Class Modality
On Day 3 of New Student Orientation your student will register for classes for the fall 2022 semester. When your student is registering for classes, the course schedule will offer a lot of helpful information to help in the selection of their classes. One piece of information listed is the instruction mode for each class by unique number.
If the mode of instruction is important to your student, they will want to click on the "instruction mode" heading to find definitions of the modes listed for each unique number. Sometimes the instruction modes are the same within a subject and other times, they can vary from unique number to unique number.
Go here to see the six modes of class instruction, the definitions of each and how each modality is listed in the course schedule.
Also, by clicking on the unique number, students are able to access specific class details for that unique number including prerequisites, if the class can be counted toward a Flag or Core Curriculum requirement (see "Academic Readiness" below), who the professor is, the time and location of the class and other valuable information.
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How Class Registration Works
The last thing your student will do at orientation is register for their first semester of classes at UT. Students will be able to view their individual access times on their Registration Information Sheet. After meeting with their academic advisor during orientation, the advising bar will clear. All other registration bars will need to be cleared in order for your student to register for classes. At their designated time on the final day of orientation, your student will log into the registration system to select their classes. Students will have access to the registration system until midnight that day, after midnight they will not be able to make changes to their schedule until the add/drop period in August.
Don’t worry, if your student is in a later orientation session, they will still be able to get into the classes they need. In some classes, seats will be reserved so that students in each orientation session have a chance to register for those classes. No matter which session your student participates in, there will be classes they can register for that will fulfill the core requirements and keep them on track to graduate.
In addition to the guidance they receive from their academic advisor, Orientation Advisors (OAs) will be ready to assist all incoming Longhorns throughout the class registration process.
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Pre and Post Orientation Checklist
NSS has developed a pre-orientation checklist to help students get organized before starting their orientation sessions. Encourage your student to check it out here; it will be time well-spent! Also, after completing orientation, remind your student that the post-orientation checklist offers great suggestions on how to take final steps in the transition.
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If Your Student Needs Accommodations During Orientation
If your student has a disability that requires accommodations for orientation, go here for information on how your student can request accommodations through the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office.
Please note:
Students should submit SSD accommodation requests for Freshman Orientation (housing, dining, placement tests, etc.) at least 2 weeks prior to the session they are attending.
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Can I Join My Student at Orientation?
The short answer is no. You will not be able to attend the in-person portion of your student’s orientation, nor should you sit in while your student completes the pre-orientation Canvas modules. The program is structured with an intentional separation between student and parents/families so that students can better immerse themselves independently, both academically and socially, in their soon-to-be community. Rest assured that 80 student Orientation Advisors (OAs) along with professional NSS staff, campus leadership and academic advisors will all be in place to support and guide your student as well as answer your student's questions.
Please know the university understands, appreciates and respects the important role you have played in preparing your student for this moment. For those reasons, UT has created an orientation program specifically to meet your needs. The intention in having two separate programs is to give both student and parents/families the information needed for a successful transition but with insights and perspectives that address your different roles in the coming months. Check out Family Orientation information below!
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Family Orientation with Texas Parents |
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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. Presentations and materials intentionally designed to expand upon information in the Next Steps eNewsletters and the New Parent Guide. 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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Want to learn more?
Already Registered?
Awesome, we look forward to seeing you on the Forty Acres! On the Thursday before your session, you'll receive an email reminder with important day-of details like parking, what to wear, etc.
Need Orientation Parking?
No worries, information is coming soon!
Need a place to stay while your student completes New Student Orientation?
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Mathematics Readiness Package & the UT Math Assessment (UTMA)
Students planning to take Calculus I (M408C/K/N/R/Q) are required to complete the "UT Math Assessment" before their selected orientation session. Doing so ensures that students are academically prepared for the rigor of UT math courses by testing their calculus knowledge and abilities. To get started, students must purchase the online Math Readiness Package ($50) that provides online learning modules and a proctored assessment. Students in non-College of Natural Sciences majors may be exempt from taking the UTMA and will receive more information from their college. The UT Math Assessment website includes a wealth of information. Learn more here.
Students who are not required to take Calculus but have a degree plan that allows credit for M305G (a pre-calculus course), have the option to take the "UT Math for Credit Exam" and try to earn credit for that course. The test fee is $60 and students do not need to register in advance for the exam. Learn more here.
Chemistry Readiness Package
Encourage your student to wait until they meet with their academic advisor at orientation before purchasing the Chemistry Readiness Package, as all students will not need to buy the package for fall semester courses.
This resource will help students prepare for college-level chemistry courses at UT Austin. The College of Natural Sciences requires those taking CH301 in the fall to purchase and complete the online Chemistry assessment and score a minimum of 85. Learn more about guidelines, time commitments and next steps here.
Where to Find More Testing Information
Remind your student that toward the bottom of the pre-orientation checklist there is information about foreign language placement tests, Texas Success Initiative (TSI), Engineering Spatial Visualization Assessments and test accommodations for those needing special assistance.
Core Curriculum and Flag Requirements
In addition to major requirements and electives, every UT student, regardless of major, must also complete a 42-hour Core Curriculum and earn Flags designed to be taken in residence at UT in six areas of study. Learn more about the Core Curriculum here and going to this link provides you information about what flags are, flag criteria, how students earn flags and other flag-related topics.
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What About AP and IB Test Credits?
The university realizes that the timing is such that students may not have the results of AP and IB tests when they attend their New Student Orientation session. Not to worry.
Please encourage your student to prepare a list of all the tests they have taken and include all scores already known (perhaps some placement tests took place in the junior or sophomore years) and have those accessible when completing orientation. Students don't need an official document at this time, just their list outlined above. The information will help guide the academic advisor when meeting with your student at their orientation advising session.
Students should not claim credit for any courses using AP, IB, or any other credit by exam scores before meeting with an academic advisor at New Student Orientation. Nor should another person attempt to claim credits acting as or on behalf of a student. Claiming credit without the proper academic advising can affect a student’s degree requirements, as well as other academic and financial considerations.
AP and IB scores that students have requested to be sent to the university will arrive in early- to mid-July. You can learn more about exams and scores the university accepts here, Encourage your student to contact Student Testing Services with any questions here.
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First-Year Experience (FYE) |
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The Forty Acres is a big campus, filled with opportunities, resources and new adventures. The FYE office helps make this big campus feel smaller. Every UT Austin student will make connections on campus through participation in FYE courses and programs that have been proven to help ensure students are successful in their first year and beyond. |
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Signature Courses
Learning will look and feel different in college than it did in high school. Signature Courses introduce students to the skills needed to transform into college scholars while participating in classes with expert faculty who are leaders in their fields.
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All incoming first-time college students will participate in a small learning community, called a 360 Connection, in their first semester. Whether it is a First-Year Interest Group (FIG), a Student Success program, an honors program or other small group, the knowledge students gain in these communities will be critical to their success at UT, and will give them the tools they need to become engaged with their fellow Longhorns.
Students will learn more about options during orientation. Each 360 Connection is unique if what it offers students but they all have the same foundation:
- Opportunity to meet in small groups throughout the semester
- Routine meetings, typically once a week
- A peer mentor and a staff or faculty member connected to the group
- A particular topic and curriculum
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First-Year Interest Groups (FIGs) |
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Financial Hardship
If your student has already completed the FAFSA and your family has experienced recent job loss, increased medical expenses or other financial hardship, your student can complete the Reduction in Income Appeal form, which allows UT to assess your student's financial aid and make any adjustments to their financial aid package given the current situation. Additional documentation may be required.
Financial Aid Notifications Released for Admitted Freshman Students
Encourage your student to regularly check their "Check Aid Status Here" (CASH) page to make sure there are no outstanding requirements or missing documents that could delay the release of their Financial Aid Notification (FAN). For more Financial Information see Next Steps Issue #2 here.
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MyUT Student Portal and App
MyUT is the university’s online student portal that will be used for everything from viewing their class schedule to accessing personalized financial aid and registration information. Encourage your student to log in and visit their customized Texas '26 homepage which includes important information about preparing for orientation. Your student also can download the MyUT mobile app for quick access to a map of campus and much more.
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Important Information if Your Student Graduated as Valedictorian
from a Texas High School
Per the Texas Education Code (Chapter 54, Section 54.301), the highest ranking graduate of any accredited Texas high school is eligible for an exemption which covers tuition during the first two long-session semesters following graduation. The "Tuition Waiver to Public Colleges and Universities" certificate, issued by the high school, may be scanned and submitted to tuition@austin.utexas.edu. Please include the student's EID and indicate the first semester of use.
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How We Will Keep You Informed |
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The Texas Parents office will introduce you to resources and campus information through multiple communication tools:
Next Steps eNewsletters
This is the third in a series of six eNewsletters you’ll receive, breaking this journey into "what you need to know now" and "what you'll need to know later" segments. Issues sent March-June introduce topics leading up to Orientation and July-August issues prepare you for Mooov-in. Issues will also include reminders and action items for both you and your student. See issue themes and distribution timeline below:
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Next Steps Issue #3 | Orientation | May 13
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Next Steps Issue #4 | Preparation | June 10
Next Steps Issue #5 | Anticipation | July 8
Next Steps Issue #6 | Transition | August 12
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The New Parent Guide
In late-May the New Parent Guide will be delivered to the permanent address provided by your student. This print magazine builds upon the Next Steps messages and acts as a "Guide" helping you to better understand the resources available to you and your student. Additionally, an electronic version will be posted to the Parents and Families website.
Parents and Families Website
UT has multiple websites that house an incredible array of content, making it sometimes hard to know where to begin looking for something. The parents.utexas.edu website was created to be a starting point for you to more easily find information by topics. It showcases campus-wide information specific to the needs of prospective, incoming, transfer and all undergraduate families and is designed to be an ongoing resource throughout the undergraduate years. If you don't find what you need, call the Texas Parents office!
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The Texas Parents Association |
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Everyone belongs.
Established in 1948 and still going strong! All parents and families of undergraduate students belong, but you need to sign up for the membership that best fits your family's needs.
Memberships are set up per household, allowing one or two parents in the same household to enjoy benefits no matter how many students you have enrolled at UT.
You will need your student’s UT EID to sign up.
There are two types of membership: complimentary and supporting. Choose the level that is best for your family and sign up today!
U-Touch
A complimentary level of membership that keeps you "in touch" with the university. We accomplish this through:
- Next Steps eNewsletters
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Texas Parents Association eNewsletters - 12 issues of monthly communication to help you help your student, mailed to all members beginning in August at the conclusion of Next Steps
- Emails from university administration on timely issues
One-Year supporting and Four-Year supporting
By making a tax deductible gift to the university, your One-Year or Four-Year membership "supports" the operation of the Texas Parents office and is reinvested through multiple outlets within the UT community your student will call home.
Supporting members also receive the same communications outlined in U-Touch as well as additional benefits including access to the Texas Parents closed Facebook group, a pre-sale window to UT Athletics ticket sales, discounts with local and national vendors and many other perks.
Click here to learn more and to sign up.
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Immunization Information Required
Before Your Longhorn Can Register For Classes
The State of Texas requires students entering Texas institutions of higher education who will be under the age of 22 on the first day of the semester they enter that institution to submit proof that they have received the meningococcal vaccine within five years of the first day of the semester that they will enter. Additionally, all students entering UT Austin must provide proof of measles immunity. Students must provide proof that they have completed these requirements before they can register for classes. Incoming international students have additional requirements.
Encourage your student to submit their documentation to University Health Services (UHS) no later than two weeks prior to their orientation session. Visit Healthyhorns to learn more.
Keep Reading If Your Student Will Be Younger Than 18 On August 1
In order to be treated by University Health Services (UHS) providers students who are under the age of 18 effective August 1 must complete a parental consent form to be placed on file with UHS or meet specific qualifications outlined in Texas state law that waive the need for parental consent. Once a student reaches the age of 18, parental consent for treatment is no longer a requirement and the form will be removed from the student's health records.
Go here for the UHS form.
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The Campus Computer Store
The Campus Computer Store is UT's official technology store serving Longhorns as a resource for computers, software, accessories and technical services. Located in the Flawn Academic Center (FAC), the Campus Computer Store offers:
- A "Shop By Major" guide, developed with UT's Colleges/Schools, allowing students to view computer options for their majors
- Dell's "Back to School" $50 ($499 and Up), $100 ($799 and Up), $200 ($1,399 and Up) Rebate offer paid via a check or PayPal payment on select Dell models purchased from 1/29/2022 and Promotions Ends 1/28/2023
- Discounts on Apple, Dell, HP, MSI, Lenovo, Acer, Microsoft Surface products & other brands
- Education pricing on AppleCare+, Dell Premium Support Plus and Microsoft Surface accidental damage/extended service programs
- Apple Authorized Service Provider & Dell Authorized Service Center as well as out-of-warranty repair services on all other major computer brands
- Trade-in Credit towards a new purchase when trading-in an eligible computer, tablet or phone
- No-Credit-Required financing from Acima Credit (Lease-to-own)
- Synchrony offers a promotional period 6-60 months
- Traditional financing from Synchrony with flexible payment plans with deferred interest for 6, 12, 18 and 24 months or 24/36/48 months with equal payments
Learn more here. Call 512-475-6550 or email for a custom quote.
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Sorority and Fraternity Life
Panhellenic Primary Recruitment:
The Panhellenic chapters at UT are excited to welcome new members into their organizations this August through the Primary Recruitment structured process that occurs the week before classes begin each fall semester. At this time, the following details are confirmed for Panhellenic Recruitment 2022:
- Recruitment will take place between Monday and Sunday, August 15-21
- Recruitment will be an in-person event.
- Online registration for Panhellenic Primary Recruitment will open Wednesday, June 1 and close Monday, August 8
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Your student can register here beginning on Wednesday, June 1 at 9:00 a.m. (CT)
Sorority and Fraternity Life at Orientation
- Encourage your student to attend the Sorority and Fraternity Life presentation at Discover UT on Day 2 of their orientation session to learn more about the Sorority and Fraternity Life community
- Be on the lookout for the SFL Family Orientation Afternoon Choice Session.
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Encourage your student to connect with councils and chapters during their Organization Fair on Day 2 of orientation.
More information about Sorority and Fraternity Life can be found here.
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Mooov-In Packing List
As time pemits, your student can start thinking about what to bring and what to leave at home using this page as a guide to prepare for August Mooov-In. There's plenty of time to get things together - so please don't consider this a "do now" priority.
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Camp Texas Registration Is Open!
Registration for Session 1-3 closes on July 11
Each year the Texas Exes, UT's official alumni association, transforms the lives of students through experiences like Camp Texas that foster connections with other students, professors, administrators and UT traditions. Outstanding counselors provide peer-to-peer guidance that works. The data shows that Camp Texas attendees are more successful at UT. On average, they have higher GPAs and a higher four-year graduation rate than those who didn’t attend! Have your student join Texas Exes this summer at this optional, overnight, off-campus experience to get a head start on life at UT and becoming the Longhorn they were meant to be. Learn more here.
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The Longhorn Band
Is your student interested in auditioning for a position in the Show band of the Southwest? Encourage them to follow the steps below :
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Step 1: Fill out the Prospective Member Audition Form
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Step 2: Complete an audition video submission. Deadline: Wednesday, June 1
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Go here for Steps 3 and 4 as well as other important information!
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Next Steps Issue #4 | Preparation | June 10 Next Steps Issue #4 will offer insights about health and safety areas of campus life.
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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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Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Central)
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