U T Tower

FAQs

Got questions? We've got answers to the most frequently asked questions from new students and family members.

Parking and Transportation

Should students bring cars to campus?
Students may bring vehicles to The University of Texas at Austin campus. Parking at the university (surface and garage parking) requires a university permit, or payment of the hourly rate in the garages. Students with disabilities may access special parking spaces with the purchase of a UT Austin Class "D" Permit AND state or county license plates or placards for the disabled. Visit www.utexas.edu/parking for permit fees and other information to help you make a decision that best meets your needs.

Does the campus have a bus service?
UT Austin and Capital Metro provide a fare-free shuttle bus system paid by student fees to transport students within campus and to/from surrounding neighborhoods. Shuttles are usually available from 6:45 a.m.-11 p.m. weekdays, 2-11 p.m. Sundays, and offer limited service during registration, final examinations, and the summer semester. Routes and schedules are available at www.utexas.edu/parking/transportation/shuttle/. Students may also ride Capital Metro, the City of Austin's transit system, without paying a fare by using their valid UT ID card. The Capital Metro system provides students with access to many areas of the city not reached by the university's shuttle system. For more information, visit www.capmetro.org or telephone 512-474-1200.

Housing and Food

What are the benefits of living on campus?
Students who live on campus are more successful and enjoy a more rewarding college experience than those living off campus. They tend to make better grades, make friends more quickly and manage their time better. Students have greater opportunities to broaden their interests and gain leadership experience, participate in activities, and engage in the best UT Austin has to offer!

Can students still apply to live on campus?
Most students who want to live on campus have already received a housing contract. If you have not received a contract there is still time! Apply for housing online at bealonghorn.utexas.edu/freshmen/housing/index.html or contact the DHFS Reservations Team at 512-471-3136 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

How does the on-campus meal plan work?
Students receive $1,300 Dine In Dollars and $300 in Bevo Bucks for the academic year. These amounts are an average of what current students use over the academic year. Each student uses the plan differently and Dine In Dollars and Bevo Bucks can be added at any time. When residents eat in DHFS locations (except for Littlefield Patio Café before 2 p.m.) Dine In Dollars are automatically used. Residents receive an average 42% discount when they eat in the all-you-care-to-eat dining centers and a 10% discount in all other DHFS locations when using Dine In Dollars.

Bevo Bucks is a prepaid account students use to purchase food, goods and services at participating merchants, both on and off campus. Bevo Bucks are required for printing in computer labs on campus and can be used in laundry and vending machines in the residence halls. For more information visit www.utexas.edu/student/bevobucks.

Students will use their student ID cards to access their Dine In Dollars and Bevo Bucks. The ID card's magnetic stripe informs these systems of who is using the card and deducts the amount spent from the student's account.

What if students have roommate problems?
Learning about how to live with a roommate can be both exciting and challenging. It is not uncommon for roommates, even the best of friends, to experience conflict during the year. Often the conflict is a result of not communicating and addressing issues. When not addressed, the smallest issue sometimes grows into a seemingly huge problem. Students who experience roommate problems are encouraged to discuss the issue with their roommate. The Resident Assistant can also assist roommates in resolving a conflict that arises. Other online, peer and professional staff resources are also available to all residents from the housing Web site.

Student Activities and Leadership Opportunities

Why is it important to get involved in co-curricular activities?
Your participation in co-curricular activities and specifically, in a student organization, identifies you as an ambitious student with energy, dedication, responsibility and enthusiasm. In addition to accomplishments in the classroom, students continue their education by participating in campus activities and student organizations that foster personal and professional development, relationships with other students, and leadership skills.

The selection of student organizations is as diverse as our community members. Whether you become a member of a service, political, cultural, or religious organization, you will soon discover that the quality of your education will be substantially increased as a result of your involvement in a registered student organization.

How do student organizations impact The University of Texas at Austin?
The Student Activities and Leadership Development (SALD) area of the Office of the Dean of Students promotes student organization development, leadership development, and co-curricular programming. Student organizations actively participate in and contribute to making The University of Texas at Austin a very dynamic and exciting campus. Each year the more than 1,000 registered student organizations at the university provide invaluable experiences and opportunities for students to grow as individuals, leaders and community members. These organizations sponsor conferences, seminars, lectures, debates, cultural and social events, fine arts programs and volunteer activities. The events and programs allow UT Austin students to meet and to interact with local, state and nationally renowned scholars, artists, politicians, academicians and other professionals.

How does Student Activities and Leadership Development (SALD) support leadership development for students and student organizations?
SALD staff members work to be proactive in guiding student organizations by providing education, training and consultation. SALD's evolving Leadership and Ethics Institute (LEI) promotes effective leadership and citizenship through experiential learning training, and resources. As a central resource through the Office of the Dean of Students, students can participate in student leadership development as a curricular and co-curricular component of their educations. The Leadership and Ethics Institute (LEI) is designed to serve university students, as well as other departments within the university community.

Registered student organizations and SALD exist as partners in the university community. SALD staff members strive to be facilitators to student organizations by defining appropriate boundaries, sharing information, and assisting in the decision-making process. Staff members work to help student organizations appropriately manage their risk and achieve their goals.

For more information about registered student groups, telephone 512-471-3065 or visit the Web at deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sald/. SALD is located on the fourth floor of the Student Services Building, Suite 4.400.

How can students get involved in community service projects?
UT Austin's Volunteer and Service Learning Center (VSLC) is a resource for students interested in becoming involved in community service. The VSLC provides information to students on agencies in the Austin area that need volunteers and organizes events to promote volunteer service. The Student Volunteer Board's Texas FIRST (Freshmen Integrating Respect, Service and Teamwork) is a great way for new students to get involved. The VSLC is located on the fourth floor of the Student Services Building, Suite 4.400. To find out more information visit www.vslc.org or call 512-471-6161.

How can a student get involved in Legislative Student Organizations?
UT Austin's Student Government serves as the official student voice to the UT Austin administration, the Board of Regents, and the Texas Legislature. Student Government represents UT Austin students on a variety of issues, including campus life, student services and academics. There are opportunities for students to become involved through elected, appointed and volunteer positions. For more information, call 512-471-3166 or visit www.utsg.org.

The Senate of College Councils brings together representatives of the student councils from each of UT Austin's schools and colleges and represents students in academic affairs. Additionally, the Senate of College Councils meets its purpose by developing and implementing university-wide academic programs, including IntegrityUT week. The Senate's focus is on academic issues affecting students. For more information, call 512-471-3166 or visit www.utsenate.org.

What kinds of resources are available to students interested in Greek Life?
Greek Life and Intercultural Education (GLIE) provides students in sororities, fraternities and affiliate organizations with support and advisement as well as leadership opportunities and developmental programming to enhance their educational experience. The staff serve as liaisons between the university and the five governing councils - the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), the Texas Asian Pan-Hellenic Council (TAPC), the United Greek Council (UGC) and the University Panhellenic Council (UPC).

Greek Life and Intercultural Education also oversees the development, coordination and implementation of programs focused on multicultural education. Services include workshops, training sessions and course instruction related to multicultural issues. The area also works to build partnerships and collaborations to promote multicultural education while supervising the dissemination of related information via area Web sites, publications, presentations and course curriculums.

What types of recreational activities are available to students?
The Division of Recreational Sports offers intramural sports, fitness/wellness activities including group exercise classes, massage therapists and personal trainers, an outdoor recreation program featuring trips, indoor climbing and a resource center, over 40 student-led sport clubs and instructional classes. Ten recreational facilities are open to students for informal recreational opportunities: Gregory Gym, the Recreational Sports Center, Anna Hiss Gym, Bellmont Hall, Clark Field, Jamail Texas Swimming Center, Penick-Allison Tennis Center, Pickle Research Campus Recreational Center, Whitaker Fields and Whitaker Tennis. In the fall of 2005, the renovation of Gregory Gym was completed with the addition of a new Gregory Aquatics Complex, which includes 2 indoor and 3 outdoor pools, spa, deck space, lounging ledge and much more.

All currently enrolled students are eligible to participate in RecSports activities. Students gain access to recreational facilities by presenting their current UT ID card. Valid dates for students run concurrently with each academic session. Interim Student Passes are available for purchase by students who are not taking classes during the summer. Proof of spring or fall enrollment is required.

Currently enrolled UT Austin students are eligible to sponsor either a spouse or adult exercise partner and any dependent children. Students must appear, in person, in the Membership Services Office, Gregory Gym 2.200, and agree to sponsor each semester. All membership fees are due at the time of purchase. Fees are prorated on the first of each month.

Information about RecSports is available online at www.utrecsports.org or by phone at 512-471-3116 for program activities, 512-471-6045 for facilities information, and 512-471-6370 for membership questions.

Where can students watch UT Austin sports?
Texas Athletics is host to many athletic events throughout the course of the school year, held in several world-class facilities both on and near campus. Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, UFCU Disch-Falk Field and the Frank Erwin Center are some such facilities. For a complete list of UT Austin sports venues, as well as other information about UT Athletics, visit TexasSports.com.

Health Services

What if a student becomes ill?
Expect everything from University Health Services (UHS) that you get from your family doctor…and more. UHS clinical services include general medical care, urgent care, women's health, sports medicine and physical therapy, travel health, allergy shots and immunizations.

Students who are ill, injured, or who have a routine health concern may schedule an appointment with a UHS healthcare provider by calling 512-471-4955. If a student's symptoms are such that they need to be evaluated before the next open appointment, they may be asked to come in to the UHS Urgent Care Clinic.

Ill or injured students may also call the UHS 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line at 512-475-6877 for guidance about whether self-care, a UHS appointment, a visit to the UHS Urgent Care Clinic, or going to an emergency room is most appropriate for their symptoms.

The UHS Health Promotion Resource Center helps students get healthy and stay healthy. For issues related to alcohol, tobacco, drugs, nutrition, healthy sexuality, stress, sleep, and more, they offer: classes; free, confidential individual consultations; a lending library; and workshops and guest speakers.

For information on UHS location, hours of operation, staff, appointments, clinical and educational services, general information about charges, information on whether UHS files claims with your insurance carrier and much more, go to www.healthyhorns.utexas.edu. Information specific to new students can be found by clicking on the "Incoming Students" link.

Is there an option for student health insurance?
Having health insurance is extremely important. Many students are covered under their parents' health insurance up to a certain age. The student health insurance program is an optional health insurance plan available to UT Austin students who are not covered through other insurance programs. This plan is fully insured and underwritten by UnitedHealthcare. For more information, call 512-471-1040, visit the UHS Cashier/Insurance Office located in the Student Services Building (SSB) 2.106B or go to the UnitedHealthcare Web site at www.uhcsr.com.

What type of assistance is available if students have personal difficulties?
The Telephone Counseling and Referral Service provides confidential counseling by phone 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, for students who are experiencing difficulties in their academic or personal lives or who are in crisis. The Telephone Counseling number is 512-471-CALL.

The Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) offers in person assistance to students who are coping with academic, personal, and psychological concerns such as adjusting to college life, dealing with relationships with roommates and friends, and anxiety or depression. CMHC services include confidential individual and group counseling, psychiatric services, stress management classes, and outreach programs. For more information about CMHC services, visit the CMHC Web site at www.cmhc.utexas.edu. To make an appointment, call 512-471-3515 or stop by CMHC, which is located on the fifth floor of the Student Services Building (SSB), 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.

CMHC also houses the MindBody lab, a self-paced, self-guided relaxation room where UT Austin students can learn and practice stress management exercises. No appointment is needed to use the MindBody lab. The lab is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Telephone Counseling and CMHC services are free to currently enrolled UT Austin students.

Finances

How do students apply for financial aid?
The Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS) provides information, applications and assistance to students who are pursuing a degree at UT Austin and who want to obtain financial aid. Four broad categories of financial aid are available: scholarships; grants; loans; and work-study employment.

To obtain applications, requirements for financial aid and other financial information, contact our office at 100 W. Dean Keeton Street, Suite 3.200, telephone 512-475-6282, or visit finaid.utexas.edu/.

Keep in mind, students must reapply for financial aid each academic year beginning January 1st. Students must apply for aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Including UT Austin's school code (003658) ensures that OSFS receives the FAFSA information.

The priority deadline for submitting a FAFSA is March 31st for summer/fall/spring. It does not matter how early a student applies before March 31st, though applications must be received on time.

Are tuition bills mailed?
Tuition notices are e-mailed to the address the student has on file in student records. Contact information, including e-mail addresses, can be updated at https://utdirect.utexas.edu/utdirect/bio/address_change.WBX.

Are loans available for tuition?
Tuition loans are available online through www.utexas.edu/business/accounting/sar using a high-assurance UT EID. Awards are applied directly to the tuition bill, and must be repaid by the end of the semester.

What kinds of scholarships are available at UT Austin?
OSFS provides general scholarship applications for entering freshman and continuing/transfer students. Students must apply one year in advance. The Freshmen Scholarship application must be submitted online via www.applytexas.org. The deadline for freshmen scholarships is December 1st every year. For 2009-2010 freshmen, the scholarship deadline has passed. Students are strongly encouraged to continue pursuing scholarships outside the university. The Continuing/Transfer Scholarship application is available on the OSFS Web site. Applications are due April 1st. Students may also inquire about scholarship opportunities from the college or department in which they are enrolled. In addition, the on-campus Military Science departments offer Army, Air Force and Naval ROTC scholarships which pay tuition, most books and fees, and often provide a monthly stipend. For more information, telephone Army ROTC at 512-471-5919, Air Force ROTC at 512-471-1776, or Naval ROTC at 512-471-7677.

What are some expected expenses?
2009-2010 Undergraduate Cost of Education (COE)
The figures below are estimates for students attending UT Austin. Individual tuition bills and living expenses will vary from student to student. For more information on tuition and fee rates, please visit www.utexas.edu/business/accounting/sar/t_f_rates.html. The 2009-2010 tuition rates were approved by the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System in March 2009. The tuition and fees estimated below represents the range of flat rate tuition of the colleges.

2009-2010 Long Semesters (based on 12-15 hours per semester)

Tuition/FeesBooksRoom/BoardTransp.Personal/Misc.Total
Resident On Campus
$4,260-4,904$430$4,801$505$1,236$11,232-11,876
Resident Off Campus
$4,260-4,904$430$4,990$505$1,236$11,421-12,065
Non-Resident On Campus
$14,327-16,430$430$4,801$505$1,236$21,299-23,402
Non-Resident Off Campus
$14,327-16,430$430$4,990$505$1,236$21,299-23,591

2009 - 2010 - Summer Session (based on 9 hours - whole session)

Tuition/FeesBooksRoom/BoardTransp.Personal/Misc.Total
Resident On Campus
$3, 438-$3,975$287$2,964$337$824$7,850-8,387
Resident Off Campus
$3,438-3,975$287$3,327$337$824$8,213-8,750
Non-Resident On Campus
$11,336-13,077$287$2,964$337$824$15,748-17,489
Non-Resident Off Campus
$11,336-13,077$287$3,327$337$824$16,111-17,852

Note: If a student has difficulty managing money while at UT Austin, they are encouraged to visit the OSFS for money management counseling sessions.

Will students need to open a local checking account?
Many local businesses will accept out-of-town checks for purchases with a driver license and a major credit card. However, out-of-state checks may be more difficult to use. For students who want to open a local checking account, there are several banks located within walking distance of the campus. ATMs are located adjacent to the Texas Union Building (UNB) and in a variety of locations around campus.

Financial aid funds are released at the beginning of each semester. Any bills outstanding to the university at the time of release will be paid using the financial aid funds. The remaining balance will be sent to the student by mail or electronic funds transfer (EFT). To set up an EFT authorization, go to the secure "My Bank Information" Web site at https:/utdirect.utexas.edu/acct/rec/weft/webEFT_info.WBX.

Where can students find employment opportunities?
Students may check for job postings on the Student Employment Web site, www.hirealonghorn.org.

If students have applied for financial aid, contact OSFS at 512-475-6282 for information about the Federal Work-Study Program. You can also view job listings in the student newspaper, The Daily Texan.

How do students pay tuition bills?
Log on to UT Direct and visit the "My Tuition Bill" site, where students can view their current or past semester tuition bills as well as pay outstanding tuition balances. Pay with eCheck, EFT (with electronic funds transfer authorization on file), MasterCard or Discover. Payment by credit card is subject to a 1.75% convenience fee. Students with a zero bill amount, including Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan members, must click the "Confirm Attendance" button in "My Tuition Bill" by the payment deadline to complete their registration. Additional tuition and payment information can be found at www.utexas.edu/business/accounting/sar.

What if a student changes classes after the tuition bill is calculated?
Students may owe an additional amount if they add credit hours. Add bill payments are due by the 12th class day of fall or spring, and by the 4th class day of summer. No billing notice will be sent. Check the "My Tuition Bill" Web site to determine the amount due. Failure to pay for an added class could result in the cancellation of a student's entire registration.

Refunds are processed after the 12th class day of fall and spring (4th class day of summer) and will be sent by mail to the student's local address or by electronic funds transfer (EFT). Students may verify the status of their refund at the "Where's My Check" link at www.utexas.edu/business/accounting/sar.

Academics

How can an academic advisor help students?
Academic advisors assist students in developing intellectual potential and exploring educational opportunities and lifetime goals. The relationship established between advisor and student within a friendly, helpful and professional atmosphere allows students to: learn about educational options, degree requirements and academic policies and procedures; clarify educational objectives; plan and pursue programs consistent with abilities, interests and life goals; and use all resources of the university to their best advantage.

What placement tests should students take?
Before they can register for certain lower-division courses, most students are required to take tests so that the results can be used for placing them at appropriate instructional levels. Academic departments use tests for placement in five areas: rhetoric and composition; entry-level mathematics; chemistry; computer science; and foreign languages. Students who perform well enough on these tests can receive credit by examination for courses in those areas. Students who score high enough on College Board Advanced Placement Examinations in calculus, chemistry and foreign languages, or on International Baccalaureate Examinations in chemistry, mathematics and foreign languages may be exempt from taking tests that otherwise would be required of them.

The Division of Instructional Innovation and Assessment (DIIA) coordinates university testing programs, including examinations for course credit and placement, and serves as a test center for many exams offered on a worldwide basis. Information about academic placement and credit by examination is available on the Web at www.utexas.edu/academic/mec, in person at 2616 Wichita Street, by mail at P.O. Box 7246, Austin, Texas, 78713-7246, or by phone at 512-232-2662, fax 512-471-3509.

What standards will instructors set for students?
Each instructor may have specific instructions or expectations for their class, and it is crucial students fully understand those expectations. For example, in one class an instructor may allow students to work together on some assignments, but not others. Another instructor may prohibit working together on all assignments.

If a student assumes an understanding of what is permissible without clarification, they may end up facing an academic dishonesty charge that could have been easily avoidable. In short, everyone has a responsibility to promote academic integrity, because when scholastic dishonesty is tolerated, the value of everyone's degree is lessened. Become fully aware of all policies that deal with scholastic dishonesty. The university's regulations can be found in Appendix C of the General Information catalog that can be accessed from the Student Judicial Services Web site at deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sjs.

How much time should students spend preparing for each class?
The amount of time needed to prepare for a course will vary from student to student. Students are expected to perform approximately 3 hours of work a week for each semester hour of credit given for the course.

Can parents have access to their student's academic record?
An educational record contains certain information, known as directory information, which can be released without a student's permission. That information includes: the student's name; local and permanent addresses; telephone listing; e-mail address; public user name; date and place of birth; major field of study; dates of attendance; enrollment status; classification; expected date of graduation; degrees, awards and honors received; most recent previous educational institution attended; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight and height of a member of an athletic team; and student parking information.

All information about a student other than directory information is confidential and cannot be released by the university to anyone except the student without express, written permission from the student. A student may also request that the Office of the Registrar not disclose any directory information about them.

What are the requirements to graduate?
UT Austin includes 14 undergraduate schools and colleges and the requirements for a degree vary with the school or college in which the student is enrolled. Graduation requirements are available in the online version of the Undergraduate Catalog at http://registrar.utexas.edu/catalogs/.

Resources for Students

Where does a student get an ID?
Students can get their ID card Monday-Friday, from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., on the first floor of the Peter T. Flawn Academic Center Building (FAC). Students will need to present a driver license, passport or some form of government-issued identification to receive an ID card. The cost of a UT ID is $10. This fee must be paid in addition to tuition and fees. There is a 30-day grace period after the ID card has been issued before non-payment for the card creates a financial bar on the student's account. The ID card will be electronically validated each semester a student is continually enrolled. Lost or stolen UT ID cards can be deactivated online by visiting https://utdirect.utexas.edu/eid/lostid/lostid.WBX and may be replaced for an additional $10 charge.

Where can students upgrade their UT EID?
In addition to getting an ID card, students 18 years-of-age or older will be asked to sign a UT Electronic ID agreement with the university concerning the use of their Electronic Identity. By signing this agreement, students are allowed access to various services and resources such as the DIIA (Division of Instructional Innovation and Assessment), Financial Aid Services and employment opportunities. Because of the legal nature of this agreement, students must present a government-issued ID with a photo (driver license, passport or military identification). PLEASE NOTE: Students younger than 18 years-of-age must have a legal guardian accompany them to claim their 'legal signature' and the legal guardian must present a government-issued identification with a photo. Students whose legal guardian cannot be present can access the UT Electronic ID Agreement form from https://idmanager.its.utexas.edu/eid_self_help/, and then click on "Upgrade My UT EID"; print the form, sign it, have their parent or legal guardian sign it, and then have it notarized. The completed form can be hand carried or mailed to The University of Texas at Austin, ID Center, P.O. Box 7407, Austin, TX 78713, or be presented in person at the ID Center.

Where do students purchase textbooks?
The University Co-op is located at 2246 Guadalupe Street, directly across from the West Mall. Owned by the students, staff and faculty of The University of Texas at Austin, the Co-op sells UT Austin apparel, gifts, textbooks and supplies. As a co-owner of the Co-op, students are eligible for a yearly rebate of up to 10% on all purchases.

Since 2000, the Co-op has given over 25 million dollars in gifts, grants and rebates to The University of Texas at Austin and its students.

Where can students get help with a writing assignment?
The Undergraduate Writing Center (UWC) offers professional advice to UT Austin undergraduates who want to develop their writing. Students can bring their assignments or other writing projects to the UWC and work with a consultant on any aspect of their work, from brainstorming to producing a final draft. The UWC also produces convenient handouts on such topics as documenting Internet sources and offers consultations on graduate school applications, scholarship essays and cover letters. Students may visit the UWC located in the Peter T. Flawn Academic Center (FAC) 211, telephone 512-471-6222, or check online at uwc.utexas.edu for more information.

What if students have difficulty in a course?
The best source of information for help with a specific course is the instructor. Faculty members, assistant instructors and teaching assistants maintain office hours and are usually willing to assist students at other times by appointment.

Students who want to improve their learning and study skills may also be interested in the services offered by the UT Learning Center (UTLC). The UTLC offers free tutoring on a drop-in basis for many entry-level courses in calculus, chemistry and physics. One-on-one tutoring is available for most large, entry-level courses. The UTLC also offers free, individualized Peer Academic Coaching in a variety of academic skills and graduate-level writing assistance.

Learning Specialists are available on a walk-in or appointment basis for a variety of academic interests or concerns, including learning strategies, test anxiety, goal setting, preparation for graduate exams, reading speed and efficiency.

For more information about the UT Learning Center, telephone 512-471-3614, visit Jester A332A, or go to their Web site at www.utexas.edu/student/utlc.

Is assistance available if a student has a disability and needs accommodations?
Students with disabilities are eligible to register with Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) in the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement. Students seeking accommodations must submit documentation of their disability to SSD and complete an intake interview. Students can schedule an intake appointment by telephoning 512-471-6259 or Videophone: 1-866-329-3986. The intake interview involves the student meeting with an appropriate disability specialist who will review the student's documentation, history of accommodations and determine whether additional information is required. A student is eligible for accommodations, after the student has completed the intake interview, submitted the appropriate documentation, and completed an Acceptance of Services form.

Documentation guidelines are available on the SSD Web site at www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd. Documentation can be faxed to 512-475-7730 or mailed to SSD, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station A4100, Austin, Texas, 78712-0175. Documentation sent to the Office of Admissions is not automatically forwarded and should be sent directly to SSD at least 24 hours in advance of the intake appointment. All documentation is considered confidential and will not be shared without appropriate consent.

What resource helps students of all colleges explore major and career options?
The Career Exploration Center (CEC) helps students make decisions about majors and careers. Services include career counseling, major and career testing, internship planning, a career resource library, and graduate school planning and application assistance. For more information stop by the CEC in Jester (JES) A115, telephone 512-471-1217, or visit the CEC Web site at www.utexas.edu/student/cec.

Is there a place on campus for students to receive legal advice?
Legal Services for Students (LSS) provides legal services to currently enrolled UT Austin students. Our attorneys will provide consultation and representation for students in all legal matters except those regarding disputes involving UT Austin or any of its entities, student-owned business issues, complex wills, immigration matters, medical malpractice, tax law, or if the adverse party is also a currently enrolled UT Austin student. Consultation, but no representation, is available for felony criminal matters, family law, litigation outside of Travis County, significant fee-generating cases, and patent and copyright issues.

No legal advice will be given over the telephone or via the internet. All consultations are on an appointment-only basis. Students may make appointments online or in person. For more information, students may telephone 512-471-7796, or visit our Web site at http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/lss/. The LSS office is located in the Student Services Building (SSB), Suite 3.410.

How do I contact the Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL)?
Dialing 512-232-5050 will connect you to trained staff members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Cases that present an immediate threat to self, others or property should be considered an emergency and should be directed to The University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) by calling 911. Please see page 80 for more detailed BCAL information.

Computer Usage

How can students access computers on campus?
Students wanting to access computers on campus have a number of options:

How does a student set up an e-mail account?
Upon acceptance, students can sign up for an e-mail account at www.utexas.edu/its/umbs/. This account is often the best way to receive official campus mail and communications. In addition to viewing their e-mail with a desktop e-mail program, students can log in via Webmail www.utexas.edu/its/webmail from any Internet-connected computer.

The Information Technology Services (ITS) Help Desk is available at 512-475-9400 to answer any questions you may have.

Campus Safety

What crime prevention services does the university provide?
Like a city of similar size, the university has its own police force. The UT Police Department (UTPD) currently employs 64 officers who patrol the campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There are approximately 135 "POLICE HELP" call-box phones on campus for requesting police assistance. UTPD provides several other services that include loaning out electric engravers and timers, presenting crime prevention programs on request, and providing a free nationally-recognized self-defense program for female faculty, staff and student members (RAD), while providing general police assistance to the university community. To register for any of our programs, log on to www.utexas.edu/police/prevention/presentations.html.

The UT Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit also publishes the Campus Watch; a daily e-mail that addresses the crimes that occur on the UT Austin campus. To sign-up for this free e-mail, log on to www.utexas.edu/police/campuswatch/subscribe.php.

In an effort to help identify stolen bicycles, the university's Parking and Transportation Services has developed an online method of registering your bicycle. Anyone who operates or parks a bicycle on campus is required to register their bicycle. Students can register online at www.utexas.edu/parking.

The university's Student Government provides a service to students called S.U.R.E. WALK, which focuses on the idea of safety in numbers. Two student volunteers walk with you to your destination on or near campus so that you do not have to travel alone. The service is available at the Perry-Castañeda Library (PCL), the Peter T. Flawn Academic Center (FAC) and Gregory Gym (GRE). For more information call the Student Government office at 512-471-3166, stop by the Student Services Building (SSB) 4.206, or visit www.utexas.edu/besafe/surewalk/.

The Texas Union

What is available to students in the Texas Union?
The Texas Union is the campus community center for student activities, programs and entertainment. The Union building is open seven days a week until 3 a.m. and includes a food court, a campus convenience store, a recreation center with bowling, billiards, a video arcade and big screen TVs, the Cactus Café, a movie theater meeting and event rooms, informal gathering spaces for study or conversation, and the Student Events Center, a student-run programming organization.

For more information, visit the Texas Union Web site at www.utexas.edu/txunion/.

Camp Texas

What is Camp Texas?
The Texas Exes will host two sessions of Camp Texas, August 16-20, 2009. Started in 1992, this exciting three-day leadership retreat for incoming freshmen gives students the opportunity to make friends in small groups and meet UT Austin student leaders and award-winning faculty and staff through team challenges and relaxing free time. Camp Texas is held in the heart of the Texas Hill Country at Balcones Springs Executive Retreat Center (www.texasretreat.com) just outside of Marble Falls, Texas. This is a premier opportunity for freshmen to explore their new beginning and gain confidence in shaping their own UT Austin experience.

For more information on how to register for either of the three-day sessions (Session: August 16-18; Session II: August 18-20), please visit www.TexasExes.org/camptexas. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and opens online May 1, 2009. The cost of attendance is $150 per person, which includes 3 days/2 nights lodging, 7 meals, round trip transportation to the retreat site from campus, activities and a burnt orange t-shirt. Scholarships are available for students looking for financial assistance.

Managing Credit and Debt

Know the consequences of credit card usage.
Soon after enrolling in college you will probably be swamped with credit card offers boasting low introductory interest rates and other gifts and rewards for applying. Although getting a credit card is tempting, there are many things that you should be aware of that can have negative long-term effects on your financial well-being.

Did you know?

To learn more about avoiding credit card debt, visit http://www.aie.org/managing_your_money/credit_scores_and_reports/managing_credit_and_debt.cfm.
(Information provided by Adventures in Education. www.aie.org)

Student Veterans

What resources are available to students who are military veterans?
Students who are returning from service in the United States Armed Forces may encounter unique challenges when transitioning to college life. The University of Texas at Austin provides information and access to a number of resources available to assist student veterans with taking advantage of Federal education benefits and tuition exemptions, readjusting to civilian life, dealing with the effects of post traumatic stress syndrome and other emotional issues, as well as finding community on campus. To learn more, visit the Office of the Dean of Students Web site at deanofstudents.utexas.edu and click on the "Student Veterans" link.