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The University of Texas at Austin

Most students arrive on campus with many questions—about school, careers, relationships, and life. We may not have all the answers, but the university does offer numerous programs to help students make the transition to college life. The first of these is Freshman Orientation, a singular starting gate for all first-year Longhorns. During orientation, you'll register for classes, meet fellow students, take placement tests, and more. But the support you'll receive during your first-year experience doesn't stop there.   

School of Undergraduate Studies

Unique programs like Signature Courses and First-year Interest Groups (FIGs) provide small learning communities that help students adjust to college-level academic expectations, connect with professors, and meet other first-year students with similar interests.

In addition to FIGs and Signature Courses, the university offers a variety of programs designed to enhance the experience of undergraduate students. Students can receive tutoring and academic support through the Sanger Learning Center. The Center for Strategic Advising and Career Counseling provides counselors and advisors to guide students as they explore major and career options. 

Learn about all the programs offered through the School of Undergraduate Studies, including Wayfinder, Bridging Disciplines Programs, and Undergraduate Research.

Division of Diversity and Community Engagement

With events and services ranging from welcome socials to tutoring, the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement (DDCE) offers programs specifically designed to help members of UT Austin's diverse student body make successful transitions to life as a UT student.

DDCE Programs

Longhorn Center for Academic Excellence

The Longhorn Center for Academic Excellence (LCAE) makes it possible for students to take charge of their learning, lives, and future. LCAE’s supportive programs and services help students become engaged members of the university community, exemplifying academic and personal excellence from their first semester to graduation.

Many LCAE programs are open to students by invitation or application only. Find out more by visiting the Longhorn Center for Academic Excellence.

Gender and Sexuality Center

The Gender and Sexuality Center provides safe spaces for all members of the UT Austin community to explore, organize, and promote learning around issues of gender and sexuality. The center also helps meets the needs of women and the LGBTQ communities through education, outreach, and advocacy.

Multicultural Engagement Center

The Multicultural Engagement Center (MEC) provides support services and diverse educational and leadership opportunities for students. The MEC houses six student agencies: Afrikan American Affairs, Asian Desi Pacific Islander American Collective, Latina/o Leadership Council, Longhorn American Indian Council, Queer People of Color and Allies, and Students for Equity and Diversity.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) determines eligibility and helps implement reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities at the University of Texas at Austin. SSD also works to eliminate physical, instructional, and attitudinal barriers for students with disabilities and offers many resources.

Volunteer and Service Learning Center

The university’s core purpose “to transform lives for the benefit of society” is at the heart of the work of the Volunteer and Service Learning Center (VSLC). VSLC provides volunteer opportunities to UT Austin students with the goal of serving the needs of the community while creating extended learning and leadership opportunities and enriching the lives of participating students.

Visit the website of the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement to learn more.

Student Affairs

Want to live on campus? Sign up for an intramural team? Get relief from a persistent cold? Join a club or organization? The Division of Student Affairs, dedicated to helping every student experience university life and learning to the fullest, can help. Its 14 departments represent a unique portfolio of top programs, services, and facilities that meet every need outside of the classroom while helping bolster student success.

Areas in Student Affairs

Student Life

  • The Division of Housing and Food Service offers students the opportunity to live on campus, with living and learning spaces, excellent food services, and the college experience they have always pictured.
  • The Office of the Dean of Students provides information and support to students and their families including leadership training, emergency assistance, student veteran services, information on student rights and responsibilities, and opportunities to join one of UT Austin's 1,000-plus registered student organizations.
  • The Student Activity Center is the newest facility under the University Unions. This LEED Gold Certified building was built by students for students and it is home to several student services and student organizations, event and lounge spaces, and food venues. 
  • The Texas Union, part of the University Unions, is where students meet up with friends, eat, study, or play a game of pool (or bowling). It offers a variety of event spaces, study areas, food venues, and entertainment services through the Student Events Center.
  • Texas Student Media helps students to get involved and voice their opinions through student-produced media, including The Daily Texan newspaper, KVRX 91.7 FM radio, Texas Student Television (TSTV), the Texas Travesty humor publication, and The Cactus yearbook. 

Student Wellness

  • University Health Services is an on-campus, accredited health care facility that includes general medicine, women’s health, sports medicine, urgent care, allergy/immunizations clinics, nutrition services, a 24-hour Nurse Advice Line, radiology and lab services, and a Health Promotion Resource Center.
  • The Counseling and Mental Health Center provides counseling and psychiatric consultations as well as prevention services that facilitate students' academic and life goals. 
  • The Division of Recreational Sports helps students to join in the game and get physical with an array of sports and fitness services, programs, and facilities.
  • The Center for Students in Recovery provides ongoing support for alcoholism and other drug addictions by offering students a pathway to recovery and academic achievement.
  • The UT Wellness Network is a campus-wide coalition committed to assessing and addressing the health and wellness needs of students, faculty, and staff.

Visit the website of the Division of Student Affairs to learn more.

Additional Programs

Updated 20 September 2012 | Top

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The University of Texas at Austin
Office of Admissions
P.O. Box 8058
Austin, TX 78713-8058
512-475-7387

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