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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 and contact the DHFS Reservation office at 512-471-3136 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

How does the on-campus meal plan work?

Students will need their student ID cards to access their meal plans and buildings when they check in. The ID card magnetic strip informs these systems who is using the card.

Students receive $1,200 Dine In Dollars and $300 in Bevo Bucks. Dine In Dollars is the residential meal plan that provides students living in the residence halls with $1,200 for the academic year. They are used in DHFS operated locations and receive a 10% discount. Bevo Bucks is a prepaid account students use to purchase food, goods and services at participating merchants, both on and off campus. They are required for printing in computer labs on campus and can be used in laundry and vending in the halls. For more information visit www.utexas.edu/student/bevobucks.

What if students have roommate problems?

Learning about how to live with a roommate can be both exciting and challenging at the same time. 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. Often the smallest issue grows into a seemingly huge problem when not addressed. Students who experience roommate problems are encouraged to discuss the issue with their roommate. Roommates can review "roommate success" resources on the Web from the Current Student pages of the DHFS Web site for tips on developing a healthy relationship. The Resident Assistant can also assist roommates in resolving a conflict that arises. Other resources of assistance are the Peer Arbitration Leaders, student volunteers trained to handle peer conflict mediations, the Counseling and Mental Health Center (512-471-3515 or http://cmhc.utexas.edu) and the Telephone Counseling and Referral Service (512-471-CALL).

Student Activities and Leadership Opportunities

What kinds of student activities are available to students?

Student Activities and Leadership Development (SALD) staff members work to be proactive in guiding student organizations by providing education, training and consultation. SALD's evolving Leadership Institute 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 education. The Leadership Institute 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. The staff in SALD 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 and student services. There are opportunities for students to become involved through elected, appointed and volunteer positions. For more information, call 512-471-3166 or visit ww.utsg.org.

The Senate of College Councils brings together representatives of the student councils from each of UT Austin's schools and colleges. 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. The services provided include workshops, training sessions and course instruction related to multicultural issues. The area also works to build partnerships and collaboration that promote multicultural education while supervising the dissemination of related information office wide through reviewing and editing 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 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, Poolside Cafe 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 on the Web 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?

UT Austin students who are ill, injured, or who have a routine health concern may schedule an appointment with a University Health Services' (UHS) healthcare provider by calling 512-471-4955 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. 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, which is open during regular business hours and also has extended weekday, limited weekend, and some holiday hours. UHS hours change over the summer, between semesters, and on holidays and are posted on www.healthyhorns.utexas.edu.

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.

Currently, there are no office visit charges except for annual well-woman exams, routine physicals, initial travel health nurse visits, and visits to the UHS Urgent Care Clinic outside of regular business hours. However, there are charges for supplies and services used for diagnosis and treatment. These include, but are not limited to, medication, lab tests, x-rays, physical therapy, orthopedic supplies, immunizations and treatment procedures. A "no show" charge is assessed for appointments not cancelled at least two hours in advance. UHS charges are generally lower than the costs of comparable services elsewhere.

With the exception of Student Health Insurance and UT Select (the UT faculty/staff health insurance policy), UHS does not file insurance claims. Students with other insurance coverage may request documentation needed to file a claim directly with their insurance company. It is the decision of the student's insurance carrier as to whether they will reimburse the student for charges incurred at UHS.

For information on UHS location, hours, staff, services and more, go to www.healthyhorns.utexas.edu. For information specific to new students, click on "Incoming Students."

Is there an option for student health insurance?

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 (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 Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) offers 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, anxiety or depression. CMHC services include confidential individual and group counseling, psychiatric services, stress management classes and outreach programs. These services are free to currently enrolled UT Austin students.

You can visit the CMHC Web site at www.utexas.edu/student/cmhc/. To make an appointment, telephone 512-471-3515 or visit the CMHC, which is located on the 5th floor of the Student Services Building (SSB), 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday-Friday.

The Telephone Counseling and Referral Service provides confidential counseling 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.

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 check out our Web site at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

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 31 for summer/fall/spring. It does not matter how early a student applies before March 31, 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. Additional eBilling information is available at www.utexas.edu/business/accounting/sar/ebillfaq.html.

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?

OSFS provides general scholarship applications for Entering Freshman and Continuing/Transfer students. Students must apply a year in advance. The Freshmen Scholarship application must be submitted online via www.applytexas.org. The deadline for freshmen scholarships is December 1 every year. For 2008–2009 freshmen, the scholarship deadline has passed. Students are strongly encouraged to continue pursuing scholarships outside the university. Check with your high school counselor for resources for outside scholarships. The Continuing/Transfer Scholarship application is available on the OSFS Web site. Applications are due April 1. 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?

2008–2009 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. Please visit the Office of Accounting's Tuition and Fee Rates page to learn more. The 2008–2009 tuition rates were approved by the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System in March 2008. The tuition and fees estimated below represents the range of flat rate tuition of the colleges.

Long Semester
(Costs are per semester and assume that you enroll in full-time hours.)
  Tuition/Fees Books Room/Board Transp. Personal/Misc. Total
Resident On Campus $4,045–5,952 $409 $4,623 $481 $1,177 $10,735–12,642
Resident Off Campus $4,045–5,952 $409 $4,750 $484 $1,177 $10,862–12,769
Non-Resident On Campus $9,430–15,813 $409 $4,288 $481 $1,177 $16,120–22,503
Non-Resident On Campus $9,430–15,813 $409 $4,750 $481 $1,177 $16,247–22,630

Summer
(Costs assume that you enroll in full-time hours and enroll in both summer sessions.)
  Tuition/Fees Books Room/Board Transp. Personal/Misc. Total
Resident On Campus $2,608–$3,486 $273 $2,868 $321 $785 $6,855–7,733
Resident Off Campus $2,608–$3,486 $273 $3,167 $321 $785 $7,154–8,032
Non-Resident On Campus $5,909–9,013 $273 $2,868 $321 $785 $10,156–13,260
Non-Resident Off Campus $5,909–9,013 $273 $3,167 $321 $785 $10,455–13,559

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, which are released at the beginning of each semester, will pay any bills outstanding to the university at the time they are released. 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.

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 the student 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 her or his 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 her or his 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, she or he 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.

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 in- cludes: 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; names and addresses of former students who are credited with funds remaining in their general property deposit; 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. 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 print the UT Electronic ID Agreement form from www.utexas.edu/eid/ 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 mailed to The University of Texas at Austin, ID Center, PO 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, directly across from the West Mall. Owned by students, staff and faculty of The University of Texas at Austin, The Co-op sells UT Austin apparel/gifts, textbooks and supplies. As an 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 30 million dollars in gifts, grants, rebates and royalties 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 Center, with or without an appointment, and work with a consultant on any aspect of their writing, 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 and 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 www.utexas.edu/cola/centers/uwc/ 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. The center 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 Learning Center 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 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: 1-866-327-8877, then 232-2937. 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 to go for 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 room 3.410 in the Student Services Building (SSB).

Is there a kosher meal plan?

While UT Austin does not have a formal kosher meal plan, students who require (or prefer) certified kosher food are encouraged to use the services of Texas Hillel. Located in the west campus area at 2105 San Antonio, the new Texas Hillel facility is equipped with state-of-the-art kosher meat and dairy kitchens. The café is open six days a week and offers a variety of menu items. Texas Hillel also offers a dinner on Friday night, and BBQ's over the summer on its spacious patio. For more information about Texas Hillel, visit www.texashillel.org.

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/basic-email/index.php. 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.

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 currently employs 64 officers who patrol the campus 24 hours a day. 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 Police Department Crime Prevention Unit also publishes the Campus Watch; a daily e-mail that addresses the crimes that occur on the UT 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 her or his bicycle. Students can register online at www.utexas.edu/parking/.

Student Government provides a service to students called S.U.R.E. WALK, which focuses on the idea of safety in numbers. Students walk with you to your destination on or near campus so that you do not have to travel alone. The service can be found in the Perry-Castańeda Library (PCL), the Flawn Academic Center (FAC), and Gregory Gym (GRE). Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., throughout the fall and spring semesters. For more information call the Student Government office at 512–471–3166, or stop by the Student Services Building (SSB) 4.206.

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 http://www.utexas.edu/txunion/.

Camp Texas

What is Camp Texas?

The Texas Exes will host three sessions of Camp Texas, August 17–23, 2008. Started in 1992, this exciting three-day leadership retreat for 450 incoming freshmen (maximum of 150 per session) 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 any of the three-day sessions (Session I—August 17–19; Session II—August 19–21; Session III—August 21–23), please visit www.TexasExes.org/camptexas/. Registration is first-come, first-served and opens online May 1, 2008. The cost of attendance is $150 per person, which includes 3 days/2 nights lodging, 7 meals, transportation to and from campus and the retreat site, 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?

w Most college students get their first credit card by the fall of their freshman year. w More than 80% of college students have at least one credit card. w College freshmen who have credit cards tend to double their debt by their senior year.

Visit www.aie.org/college/paying/earning/credit/index.cfm to learn more about avoiding credit card debt. (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.utxas.edu and click on the "Student Veterans" link.

Responsibilities of UT Austin Students

The University of Texas at Austin expects all students to obey the law, to show respect for other members of the university community, to maintain absolute integrity and a high standard of individual honor in scholastic work, and to observe standards of conduct appropriate for a community of scholars.

The process for students accused of violating Institutional Rules is spelled out in detail in Chapter 11 of Appendix C in the General Information catalog. Disciplinary action cannot be taken against a student unless university procedures are followed. If you find yourself accused of scholastic dishonesty and have questions about the process, you may contact Student Judicial Services at 512-471-2841 or the Office of the Ombudsman at 512-471-3825. You can also find an interactive tutorial on academic integrity and the disciplinary process at deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sjs under 'Spotlights' on the right-hand side of the Web page.

Chapter 11 of Appendix C of the General Information catalog which includes the Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities may be accessed via the Web at deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sjs. Students must also agree to use university computing resources responsibly to protect their own systems, UT systems and those of other users. For information about students' rights and responsibilities, log on to http://www.utexas.edu/vp/it/policies/aup/.

UT Austin HONOR Code

The core values of The University of Texas at Austin are learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity and responsibility. Each member of the university is expected to uphold these values through integrity, honesty, trust, fairness and respect toward peers and community.