Issue 4 of 6

July 12, 2019

Want to receive a newsletter like this every month? Sign up for Texas Parents, the official association for all UT Austin parents and families. You'll receive monthly communications similar to Next Steps with timely information to help you help your student. There are two levels of membership: Complimentary and Supporting, learn more   here .  If you are already a member, welcome and thank you for signing up.

Dear Longhorn Parents and Families, During summer orientation, our team truly enjoys meeting your students as they become part of our university community. The Division of Student Affairs is, and will continue to be, an important part of their lives here. We help show ALL students how to live the Longhorn life, reaching across all majors, colleges and schools. Through our nine departments , 37 units and 39 facilities, we broaden their university experience with opportunities to learn, find and build community, and engage in campus life. Our many touchpoints offer them a place to eat, join clubs, groups and teams, attend programs, work out, study, visit the doctor - and we even provide a home away from home in our residence halls. While your family prepares for your student’s move in August, it is a great time to reinforce some of the key messages that your student heard while getting into the “Longhorn State of Mind” at orientation: Ask what this phrase means to them and share your ideas on what a “Longhorn State of Mind” means to you; Remind them that getting organized and ready for new changes is a valuable investment of their time and will help them get off to a great start; Encourage them to get out of their comfort zone and find a new organization, group, team, or passion; Acknowledge that UT Austin is full of new and challenging experiences, but assure them that they are not alone; and, Reassure them that their support networks include not only you at home, but also all of us at the university, particularly in the Division of Student Affairs. This is an exciting time! On behalf of our 3,000 Division team members, we look forward to getting to know your students as they begin living the Longhorn life. Hook ‘em, Soncia Reagins-Lilly Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students The University of Texas at Austin

A Message from Texas Parents The content in this fourth issue of Next Steps continues our focus on introducing you to information that will help your family with a successful transition to UT Austin in August. Our department is here to help all UT Austin parents and families; please let us know how we can assist you! Susie Smith Texas Parents Director

In this issue: Health and Wellness Tuition Information UT Communication Protocol Involvement Opportunities and much more! Additional Resources: Parents.utexas.edu with dedicated pages for "incoming freshman" "transfer" parents and families. An electronic version of the New Parent Guide that was mailed out in May. First three issues of Next Steps: March 29 , April 19 and May 3

Join us at the Mooov-In Parent Mixer Hosted by Texas Parents & Texas Exes Saturday, August 24 6:00-8:30pm Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, on campus We hope you'll take a break from Mooov-In and join us for complimentary hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and great company! Chances are your student will be out exploring with new roommates and friends, so take this time to unwind and meet fellow Longhorn Families.  RSVP  here  by Sunday, August 11.  More information in following Next Steps issues As alcohol will be served, this event is intended for parents and guardians only, please. We ask that students and siblings not attend.

Messages from New Student Services (NSS)

Encourage your student to check out NSS's comprehensive post-orientation checklists. Point your student here for incoming Freshman or here for incoming Transfer students.

Incoming Freshman This NSS video featuring UT Austin Orientation Advisors is a great watch about life on the Forty Acres. Hear about everything from what it is like to live in a residence hall, how to transition to college academics and where to eat on and off campus.

Transfer Students This NSS video featuring students who transferred to UT Austin does a great job capturing the transfer student experience at UT Austin. Hear what the transition was like for them and how they found community on campus.

Longhorn Traditions In our monthly Texas Parents Association eNewsletter, members learn tidbits every Longhorn should know. We're sharing a couple of the "big ones" with you in Next Steps.  This month, learn how Bevo became UT Austin's mascot and how he was given his famous name here.  Thanks to Jim Nicar  for all the great Longhorn lore!

Advice for New UT Austin Students Jim Nicar, of the  UT History Corner , shares spot-on insights for incoming students. He has spent many years on campus both as a student and as a professional interacting with students. See below and pass along to your Longhorn!  Imagine your [student's] upcoming college experience as something packed into a great, mysterious box - wrapped in burnt orange paper, of course - ready to be opened and explored. Surprises, adventures, challenges, and good times are waiting inside. The wrapping peels off easy enough, but before you open the box, you notice... read more here .

Getting a Head Start Toward Academic Success Encourage your student to sign up for free Sanger Learning Center (SLC) academic workshops that kick off the first of September:   Time & Procrastination: how to better allocate time, finding a balance between studying and life on campus. Study Smarter, Not Harder: how to study more effectively and efficiently. Reading Strategies: how to get the most out of reading assignments using a three-step strategy. Public Speaking: how to prepare for and present oral assignments with confidence. Math Refreshers/Reviews: refresh math concepts and work through practice problems   SLC is the main resource for on-campus academic support, providing tutoring for 75+ courses, study groups, and one-on-one support. Services are FREE to all UT Austin students. Learn more here .

Reading Round-Up To give your student an early start on exploring UT Austin's exciting environment, the university invites members of the Class of 2023 to join the Reading Round-Up. Faculty members select books for summer reading and lead small group discussions on campus the day before fall classes start. How to Participate Students can browse the  list of books and  sign up online . Then, purchase or borrow the book and read it before school starts in August. Read more info here .

Important Tuition Information for Fall 2019 Students who have registered for fall 2019 classes by Wednesday, July 24  will receive a tuition notice electronically on Tuesday, July 30. These will be delivered via email to the email address listed on your student's record; no paper bills will be mailed. Tuition is due no later than 5 p.m. (CT) Friday, August 16. Students who register for fall 2019 classes after July 24 , such as those students attending August Orientation, will receive their tuition bill after they register for classes.  Tuition for these students will be due no later than 5 p.m. (CT) on Tuesday, August 27.    If tuition is not paid by the payment deadline, your student's class registration will be dropped, no exceptions!  Please be aware that 5:00 p.m. (CT) is sharp; at 5:01 p.m. (CT) the system will drop classes for unpaid registrations. Regardless of whether or not your student's tuition bill notification is successfully received via email, students are still responsible for timely payment of their tuition bill. In the July 26 issue of Next Steps, we'll share information on the different ways to pay tuition as well as how to pay tuition on your student's behalf as an eProxy. How UT Austin Communicates with Your Student For the majority of messages,  the University will communicate to your student by email . Remind your student: to read all correspondence that comes from UT Austin to avoid missing important information or deadlines. that UT Austin does not send the same emails to you; so you can't "catch" something if they miss it. that undeliverable messages returned because of a full inbox or use of spam filter will still be considered delivered by UT Austin. to make sure that their email address on record is valid by following the instructions below. How to Verify Student Addresses Encourage your student to log in to their "All My Addresses" page with their UT EID and password to update local and permanent addresses, email address, phone numbers, and choose what information can be publicly accessed. While checking this off their to-do list, also encourage your student to check their email address is typed in correctly and that their filters are set up to receive UT Austin emails. If emails bounce or are sent to junk/spam folders, the University considers this to be the student's responsibility.

Presentations and Resources The July 26 issue of Next Steps will include links to afternoon choice session presentations from Family Orientation. We wait until all sessions have been completed so that the most current materials can be offered.

Sorority & Fraternity Recruitment UT Austin has 68 registered social sororities and fraternities associated with its campus. The university has been made aware of non-affiliated groups posing as fraternities, however these are not registered student organizations and are not recognized by UT Austin. Students should use caution interacting with such groups . To participate in recruitment with a registered organization, students can visit one of the following:   Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment Registration The University Panhellenic Council's (UPC) formal recruitment registration opened Monday, May 20. The registration fee increases after Monday, July 15. The deadline to register is Monday, August 5, so that your daughter has time to register, begin collecting recommendation letters and sending them directly to each chapter house. Find more information, including the schedule and FAQs  here .  Please note that UPC recruitment begins before Mooov-In. If your daughter plans to participate in recruitment, it is recommended to inquire about early move-in options with her off-campus or on-campus residential office.   Interfraternity Council (IFC) Fraternity Recruitment IFC requests interested men register online throughout the summer. Find more recruitment information here . Sorority and Fraternity Council Communities UPC and IFC are two of the six councils students may join at UT Austin. Find information about the sorority and fraternity community here . Fraternity Scholarship Opportunity Has your son demonstrated excellence in leadership, service, extra-curricular activity and academics? Applications are now open to incoming freshman men for the prestigious Tex Schramm Scholarships, where up to $15,000 is awarded annually with base awards of $750 plus 3 excellence awards ranging from $1500 to $3500.  Apply at www.texschrammscholarships.com  by Saturday, July 27. Camp Texas Camp Texas is a three-day extended program offered by Texas Exes, the University of Texas at Austin Alumni Association. The program offers a great start to the UT Austin college experience for both incoming freshmen and transfer students. Held at a Hill Country ranch outside of Austin, Camp Texas is a key component in efforts to ensure UT Austin students enjoy their time on campus and go on to become lifelong and caring alumni. From intimate chats with UT Austin professors to Texas traditions and making new friends, campers leave knowing what it truly means to be a Longhorn. Read more here . Ignite Texas Ignite is a four-day retreat for incoming freshmen and transfer students who are looking to find Christian community at UT Austin. The registered student organization Ignite Texas offers two date options:  Session 1: August 7-10 Session 2: August 10-13 Read more here .  Send-Off Celebrations Texas Exes is the official alumni association for The University of Texas at Austin with chapters spread across the globe. Various Texas Exes chapters across the world host events as a way of welcoming the newest Longhorns to the family and then"sending them off" to the Forty Acres with excitement for all that awaits. Go here to see if there is a Send-off event in your area.

University Housing and Dining (UHD) On-Campus Housing Room Assignments The room selection process was completed in June and all students with permanent housing (versus supplemental housing) contracts should have their room assignments. Students with permanent room assignments can switch their room assignment by searching for open rooms using the room swap page of the online housing portal. The room swap page will be open until Wednesday, July 31. Students with supplemental housing contracts will receive their room assignments by Thursday, August 1.  Mooov-In 2019 Mooov-In officially beings on Friday, August 23 (although students can elect to check in as early as 3 p.m. on Monday, August 19 for an extra $50 per night early check-in fee). Students received an email on Monday, July 1 with a link to sign up for a check-in time. Check out these handy lists on What to Bring to campus this fall and more.  In the July 26 issue of Next Steps, we'll share more information about Mooov-In including what the day will be like, what to bring to campus and more. We'll also share information about moving in to off-campus dormitories we've collected from their management teams.

University Health Services (UHS) UHS is the fully-accredited, primary care clinic for students located on campus in the Student Services Building (SSB). UHS provides high quality, affordable and convenient healthcare services including general medical and urgent care, women's health, sports medicine, physical therapy, allergy shots and immunizations as well as travel health, nutrition, radiological, and laboratory services.   All enrolled UT Austin students are eligible to use UHS without having to sign up or subscribe. A student's responsibility for most office visit charges is only $10. Additional charges apply for all medications administered, supplies used, procedures performed and tests conducted at UHS visits. UHS is available for both insured and uninsured students and accepts most insurance plans, working to keep costs as low as possible. Students are responsible for knowing whether UHS accepts their insurance. Discounted rates are available for most medical services for students who are uninsured, underinsured or covered by Medicaid. Find more insurance and charges information here.

Chances are... You have managed the majority of your student's healthcare needs from scheduling appointments and filling prescriptions to completing health history documents. One of the best ways you can continue caring for your student's health and well-being is to give your student the wheel and let him or her drive.  Find a checklist here to help organize health-related "to-do's" before your student comes to campus.

Paperwork, paperwork Sit down with your student before coming to campus and help fill out the online health history and insurance information forms (directions on your checklist above) as well as acknowledge a few pieces of information related to your student's health care. The key is not to do this for your student, but to guide and help your student. Completion of these forms is required prior to checking in for a student's first UHS appointment. It is a lot easier to help you student do this now rather than doing it remotely while you are home and your student is in the UHS waiting room, not feeling well. Transferring care for physical therapy, allergy shots or a medical condition that requires special care or ongoing monitoring and treatment. Students participating in physical therapy can continue those services in the UHS  Physical Therapy Clinic . The physician who ordered your student's physical therapy services can fax a referral to 512-232-7918. Find information about charges and insurance here . Call 512-475-8444 with questions about UHS physical therapy services. Students who get allergy shots can continue receiving their shots at UHS. Find how to make arrangements to have your student's allergy extract and allergist's orders moved to the  UHS Allergy/Immunization Clinic here. To ask whether UHS can manage your Longhorn’s chronic physical  medical  condition or temporary special treatment for an acute condition, click here to ask your question via the UHS Transitioning Care Form. UHS staff will get back with you as soon as possible. Medical Care and Privacy Laws at UHS Federal privacy laws prohibit healthcare facilities, including UHS, from disclosing a student's medical information to any individual, organization, or facility  unless  the student provides written permission. This includes campus departments, faculty, staff and even parents. Find more information about power of attorney and other topics on the parents.utexas.edu website under resources for "All Undergraduate Families," "Health and Wellness" or  here .  The Link Between Health and Academic Performance Academic performance is influenced by a number of factors in students' lives, including their health status. The UHS mission is to support students in reaching their optimal health, so they can achieve their academic and personal potential. Find tips on how to support your student's health and academic performance  here .

Prescriptions & Pharmacies If your student takes prescription medications on a regular basis, plan ahead for how refills and renewals will be handled.  Pharmacies around campus The  Forty Acres Pharmacy , owned and operated by UT Austin, is conveniently located on campus in the Student Services Building (SSB) and also has a free app for convenient and quick refills. Cash, checks, most credit cards, Bevo Bucks, and almost all prescription drug insurance plans are accepted. Call 512-471-1824 to see if your plan is included.    Students can transfer prescriptions to the Forty Acres Pharmacy by going to fortyacrespharmacy.com and clicking the orange "New Patient/Transfer a Prescription" button, or by calling the pharmacy at the number above. There are other pharmacies around campus that you can find by an internet search.   Please note, the CVS located on "the Drag" (Guadalupe Street), across from the Texas Union, does  not  offer pharmacy services but the Target at 21st and the Drag does have a CVS pharmacy. Prescription Delivery The HEB grocery store's pharmacy at 41st Street and Red River will deliver two or more prescriptions for free and is only a $5 fee if the order is for one prescription. Your student or someone 18 years or older must be there to accept the delivery and pay the driver upon receipt of the prescription with exact cash or check. Find more information  here .   Locally owned for nearly 77 years, Tarrytown Pharmacy at 2727 Exposition Blvd also offers prescription delivery to students. Parents or students can order a prescription (and additional over-the-counter items like cough drops) for a $5 delivery charge. The pharmacy will coordinate with your student for an appropriate delivery time. Refills can be requested online, over the phone, or through their phone app. Find more information here . OUT OF STATE PARENTS, TAKE NOTE: If your student takes medication for ADD/ADHD or other Schedule II medications, most pharmacies in Texas require presentation of an original, written prescription issued from a healthcare provider who is licensed to practice in the State of Texas. However, Forty Acres Pharmacy  may be able to assist you. Please call the pharmacy at 512-471-1824 to discuss. Physicians at UHS do not prescribe medication for ADD/ADHD, even if your student's healthcare provider has been writing prescriptions for these conditions. Find information here about medication and psychiatric services available at the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC).

Does Your Student Need Health Insurance? Many states require health insurance coverage for college students. Texas does not. The federal government requires most international students to have coverage while attending U.S. colleges. Many domestic students are covered, and can remain covered, under a parent's plan until age 26. If your student is uninsured or wants to be sure that they have the best coverage for the cost, consider exploring an optional, affordable student health insurance plan sponsored by The University of Texas System, AcademicBlue. The plan is offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and pays 100% for all covered services at UHS. It includes in- and out-of-network benefits for off-campus providers and facilities, for which deductibles, co-pays, and/or coinsurance may apply. September 16 is the enrollment deadline for 2019 fall coverage. Find more information here .

Dietitian/Nutrition Services on Campus Nutrition Counseling at University Health Services (UHS) Students who have or develop a health or lifestyle concern for which nutrition counseling would be beneficial can schedule a consultation with a  registered dietitian at UHS . Some of the common reasons students see the UHS dietitian include: A medical diagnosis with significant nutrition implications Food and body image concerns Eating disorders Weight management Digestive problems, allergies, food intolerance, etc. Vegetarian or vegan diet advice Vitamin or mineral deficiency related to diet Nutritional analysis - to get feedback on one's diet to learn to eat smarter The UHS dietitian helps students develop personalized plans based upon their needs and preferences, whether the student is vegan, a meat-eater or somewhere in between. To schedule an appointment, students should call (512) 475-8010.   Find more information here . Check with your student's insurance plan to see if nutrition consultation is covered and whether a healthcare provider or counselor referral is required.

Counseling and Mental Health Center The UT Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) invites you to check out their website , and watch this video introduction.

CMHC services include Crisis support in the form of walk-in crisis assistance Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm and a 24/7 Crisis Line – 512/471-2255 (CALL). They also provide: Group counseling Wellness workshops Assessment and referral services Short-term individual counseling Psychiatric services by provider referral CMHC can help ease students' transition to UT Austin. If your student has a history of mental health or emotional concerns such as depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, substance abuse or dependence, etc., there are steps you can take now to help your student before the start of the fall semester. If your student is receiving counseling or is under psychiatric care, you can call, or encourage your student to call, (512) 475-7110 before they get to Austin. A counselor will help determine the best course of action for their needs, which might include recommendations for establishing a relationship with an off-campus therapist or psychiatrist, if appropriate. Your student might need to consult with his or her current doctor about whether medication can continue to be prescribed from home or whether the doctor recommends finding a new medical provider in Austin. The important thing is to plan ahead to ensure that your student is adequately supported and has a plan to meet their mental health needs, so they can more successfully navigate the stressors of college life.

The Center for Students in Recovery (CSR)

CSR is an on-campus, supportive community where students in recovery and in hope of recovery can achieve academic success while enjoying a genuine college experience free from alcohol and other drugs. CSR offers students an opportunity to get connected to fellow students in recovery from addiction. Participation is completely voluntary, and students at all stages of their academic or recovery journeys are welcome. CSR holds weekly peer support group meetings, sober social activities, and opportunities to give back. Find more information here . 

Texas Parents Association Membership

Self-Nominate to serve on the Ambassadors Council If you signed up as a Texas Parents Four-Year or Transfer supporting member and are interested in getting involved to support the mission of Texas Parents, consider self-nominating for a 2019-2021 seat on the Texas Parents Ambassadors Council. Find a nomination form here that includes an overview of council member responsibilities. Completed nomination forms must be submitted by Tuesday, September 3. Please reach out to the Texas Parents Director,  Susie Smith , with any questions. Have You Signed Up for Your Membership? Everyone belongs to the Texas Parents Association but you need to sign-up for the membership that best fits your family's needs. There are two types of membership: complimentary and supporting. Go  here  to learn more and to sign up.

Next Steps issue 5 - What to Expect

The fifth of six Next Steps issues will be sent on Friday, July 26 and will cover the following topics and more: Mooov-In What to Bring to Campus Tuition & Financial Aid Family Weekend Resources in the Division of Student Affairs Unsubscribing from the Next Steps eNewsletter: You're receiving this email because you either attended Family Orientation, signed up for membership in Texas Parents, or your student provided your email address on his or her Admissions application. In addition to this issue, you will receive two more: July 26 and August 9. Please note that by clicking the link below to unsubscribe, you will no longer receive any Texas Parents messaging. Instead of unsubscribing, we ask that you simply delete this message. If you have any questions, please contact the Texas Parents office.

The University of Texas at Austin | Texas Parents 512-471-2353 | Toll Free 888-690-0012 | [email protected] Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Central)