Events
Forty Acres Service Series
The Forty Acres Service Series is a yearlong initiative that connects UT Austin students with high-impact volunteer opportunities across Central Texas. Coordinated by Volunteerism and Service-Learning staff, this series includes eight days of service - four each semester - that mobilize UT students to engage with the broader Austin community through one-time, meaningful service projects.
Each day of service features a unique partnership with a local nonprofit or community organization. Projects range from hands-on service to skills-based volunteering and are designed to foster civic leadership and real-world impact. Whether you're a student looking to give back or a community partner seeking support, the Forty Acres Service Series is your gateway to collaboration and community building.
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For Students:
Looking to get involved? These events are a great starting point to connect with local causes and make a difference alongside your peers. Transportation and lunch provided. -
For Community Partners:
Interested in hosting volunteers? Submit a project proposal to be considered for an upcoming Day of Service. Projects with a service-learning or skills-based focus will be prioritized.
Volunteer Fair
The Volunteer Fair is VSL's largest networking event of the year, held each fall at the start of the semester. Designed to welcome new and returning Longhorns into the world of service, the fair brings over 50 community organizations to campus for a 4-hour tabling event that helps students explore volunteer opportunities and connect directly with organizations across Central Texas.
Whether you're a student eager to get involved or a community partner looking for volunteers, the Volunteer Fair makes it easy to build relationships that support meaningful engagement.
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For Students:
Discover local causes that match your interests and goals - academic, professional, or personal. Stop by the fair to explore ways to make an impact right from your first weeks on campus.- Sign up not required. Find event details on the VSL GivePulse page.
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For Community Partners:
The Volunteer Fair is a high-visibility opportunity to share your mission, recruit volunteers, and strengthen ties with the UT Austin community. Participation is free, and space is available on a first-come basis.- Sign up to participate via GivePulse. This event is available for registration beginning in late summer/early fall.
Service-Learning Fair
The Service-Learning Fair is an annual spring event designed to help students explore academic courses and programs that integrate community engagement into the classroom. Held before fall registration, the fair connects students with service-learning opportunities that blend real-world experience with course credit, offering a meaningful way to make an impact while advancing academic and career goals.
By engaging in service-learning, students can deepen their understanding of course material, develop civic leadership skills, and contribute to Central Texas communities through structured, reflective experiences. Students do not need to register to attend
For Campus Partners & Faculty The Service-Learning Fair provides a platform for departments, faculty, and campus-based programs to promote service-learning courses and co-curricular offerings to engaged students. Participation is open to any course or initiative that includes a community-based or experiential learning component. Courses and campus departments must register to table via GivePulse. Attendance is free!
Register to table on the UT VSL GivePulse page. Registration opens in early spring.
Post-Graduate Service Panel
The Post-Graduate Service Panel is an annual fall event that introduces students to service-based opportunities available after graduation. The panel features alumni and representatives who share firsthand experiences and answer questions about application processes, daily life in service, and long-term impact.
This is a great opportunity for students considering a mission-driven path after college, whether for a year or as the start of a career in service.
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For Students:
Learn how to stay engaged in service beyond the Forty Acres. Hear directly from former participants and program leaders about what post-grad service can look like.- Explore upcoming events & register to attend on the VSL GivePulse page
- Read the Guide to Post-Graduate Service to start exploring options
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For Panelists or Partners:
Interested in speaking on the panel or sharing service opportunities? We welcome alumni and representatives from domestic and international programs.- Email us at utvsl@austin.utexas.edu in the summer or early fall to get involved
Nonprofit Networking Breakfast
The Nonprofit Networking Breakfast is a spring semester event that brings together student leaders and local organizations for an educational, connection-oriented event, breakfast included! Designed as a warm kick-off to spring service, the breakfast fosters meaningful relationships between student organizations and community partners.
This is an ideal setting for student org officers to explore future collaborations, service projects, and education-based partnerships with local nonprofits.
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For Students:
Representing a student org? Looking for new community connections? Join us for a morning of networking and learn how your group can get involved in service this semester. -
For Community Partners:
This event provides a focused opportunity to connect with student organizations, share your mission, and offer service or learning opportunities to student leaders.
View event details and register to attend on the VSL GivePulse page. Registration becomes available in late winter to early spring.
Email us with questions: utvsl@austin.utexas.edu