Issue 11 of 11 | August 1, 2024

Hello Longhorn Family!

We're excited to have you join us on campus for Mooov-In and want to ensure a seamless transition for your Longhorn to the Forty Acres.

In this last edition of Next Steps, we'll dive into some important information to help you and your student best plan for Mooov-In, and some of the exciting events awaiting your Longhorn at Longhorn Welcome.

It has been a pleasure keeping you informed during the early stages of your Longhorn journey. In the coming week, we will send a survey about the Next Steps eNewsletters. Your valuable feedback will help us continue to improve and best serve incoming families.

Beginning August 15, Texas Parents Association members will begin receiving a monthly eNewsletter on the 15th of every month. If you haven't already signed up, visit their site to review membership options. The Texas Parents Association eNewsletter contains information that helps you help your Longhorn including important dates, deadlines and regular features.

We look forward to welcoming you and your Longhorn to our UT community!



Hook 'em!

University Housing and Dining (UHD)

Action Items:

Happening Now: Schedule Check-In Timeslot

Students living in an on-campus residence hall, Dobie Twenty21 or 2400 Nueces are greatly encouraged to visit their housing portal to select a check-in time slot for Mooov-In. At their check-in time, students will first go to their designated check-in location to pick up their room keys, a parking pass and more before moving their belongings into their new home. Information on the different types of check-in is available in the housing portal, but please see UHD’s Mooov-In Guide and 2400 Nueces Mooov-In Guide webpages for full details of your student’s particular check-in process. Students can schedule their check-in timeslot up until Mooov-In but are encouraged to do so promptly to help UHD prepare for their arrival.  

August 1 - Onward: Room Change Requests

As of August 1, room change requests will be accommodated through the housing portal's room change request form. The UHD housing team works through requests in the order they are received. Room changes are facilitated based on the availability and may not be immediate.

Preparing for Mooov-In

Preparing for your student’s move to campus can be overwhelming and UHD is here to help with comprehensive guides on everything from packing to parking to useful Mooov-In tips to know. Here are some helpful reminders for your student’s big moving day, regardless of which check-in your student selected, but especially relevant for the Friday - Saturday timeframe:

• Arrive on time. Make sure to stick to your student’s scheduled check-in time (viewable in the housing portal if they selected one). This helps manage campus traffic and ensures a smooth Mooov-In experience for everyone.
• Limit guests. Please bring only the essential helpers to avoid overcrowding in your hall or building.
• Pack essentials. Check out UHD’s detailed packing guides for the halls (including Dobie Twenty21) and 2400 Nueces to see what’s included in your room, what to bring and what to leave at home.
• Be up on the details. Study up on UHD’s Mooov-In and 2400 Nueces Mooov-In guides for your student’s particular Mooov-In logistics, including pre-arrival tasks, check-In details (don’t forget to bring a valid photo ID!) and more.
• Get excited! You’re almost home on the Forty. Check out UHD’s recently published Spotlight feature for a roundup of the many resources available just steps away from your student’s new campus home.

Mooov-In Parking Essentials

Parking is a common stressor during Mooov-In, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether your student has an early, centralized or extended check-in time slot, this comprehensive guide has you covered so parking will be easy to navigate on your student’s big moving day. Please note that this guide covers last year’s Mooov-In process, so some content is outdated – including for Dobie Twenty21 residents, who this year will be directed to other garages and receive special instructions for unloading zones. Here’s a roundup of other useful information to know for this year’s centralized check-in participants:

• Check-in parking at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. You’ll be able to park for free at the East Campus Garage (ECG) while your student picks up their room key to their hall, including Dobie Twenty21.
• Parking validation after checking in. During check-in, your student will receive a parking pass for ONE vehicle – regardless of the number of vehicles they are bringing – allowing you to park for free in a campus garage while moving in belongings.
• Park appropriately. While other parking may be available, we recommend using the nearest University-owned garage for free parking and to reduce congestion during busy periods.
• Follow parking signs. Avoid ticketing or towing by carefully reading parking signs and avoiding fire lanes, disabled parking spaces, yellow curbs and "Permit Required At All Times" areas.
• Be conscious of your vehicle’s size. Cars with trailers are not recommended as they may have difficulty finding suitable parking and will not fit in parking decks. 

Sending Mail and Packages Before Mooov-In

You may ship packages to your student’s campus address for arrival Friday, Aug. 23 or later. Please do not schedule packages for arrival earlier than this. Use the mail address format on the individual residence hall location pages and Dobie Twenty21 page. On the day your student moves in, they will be able to pick up packages at their appropriate mail center location.

Dining On Campus and Meal Plan Start Date

If your student is living in an on-campus residence hall, their UT ID card comes loaded with their resident unlimited meal plan, which they can use as many times a day as they choose at the three buffet-style dining halls – J2 Dining, Jester City Limits and Kins Dining. Learn more about your student’s resident unlimited meal plan here. For details on hours, menus, nutrition and more visit UHD’s dining page. The meal plan is optional for Dobie Twenty21 residents. Residents can purchase one of UHD’s Dobie-specific plans which can be enjoyed at UHD-operated dining halls, restaurants, coffee shops and convenience stores.

Unlimited meal plan holders – including all on-campus residence hall residents and any Dobie Twenty21 resident who has purchased an unlimited meal plan for the fall term – can begin using their plan when they move in.

Commuter Meal Plan Option

Students living off campus can sign up for a Commuter Meal Plan and enjoy meals at the three dining halls plus additional Dine In Dollars to spend at on-campus restaurants, coffee shops and convenience stores. View the three Commuter Meal Plan options and sign up at housing.utexas.edu.

Bevo Pay and Dine In Dollars:

What's the difference?

On-campus residents receive the Unlimited Meal Plan as part of their room and board fees, which includes $300 Dine In Dollars per term and $200 Bevo Pay funds for the year. Students and those with eProxy access can monitor account activity and balances as well as add additional funds online, which can be found at utdirect.utexas.edu.

Dine In Dollars

• Dine In Dollars can be used at UHD operated restaurants, coffee shops and convenience stores.
• Unused Dine In Dollars roll over from the fall to the spring term and expire at the end of the academic year.

Bevo Pay

• All students, regardless of whether or not they live on campus, can use Bevo Pay.
• 68 merchants participate in Bevo Pay, including on and off campus dining locations, on-campus vending machines, markets, coffee shops, printing services and more.
• Unspent Bevo Pay funds remain accessible as long as students are currently enrolled at UT and are refundable at graduation.

Contract Cancellations 

If students need to cancel their residence hall, Dobie Twenty21 or 2400 Nueces contract, there is currently a $1,000 cancellation fee. This cancellation penalty will reach a peak of $2,000 after Aug. 1. If the student paid a $300 prepayment, this will be applied to their applicable cancellation penalty and the student would be responsible for the remaining balance. If the prepayment was deferred during the contract process, students will see the full balance owed for the cancellation fee. Students must email UHD’s housing team to cancel. 

Texas One Stop

Texas One Stop is excited to share a few helpful tips for a successful start to the Fall term. 

1. Confirm Attendance by August 15, 2024: Ensure your student confirms their attendance on My Tuition Bill by paying with their available aid or making a payment to secure their spot. *If your student is attending August Orientation, they must confirm attendance by September 11 at 5 p.m.
2. Upgrade EID: Make sure your student upgrades their EID by visiting utexas.edu/eid and choosing "Upgrade My UT EID". Follow the instructions to check if their EID is permanently upgraded. If not, they can upgrade it online. For help and support, please contact the ITS Service Center.  *An upgraded EID is necessary to access many online services at UT. 
3. Set Up Direct Deposit: Direct deposit is a secure method that transfers funds directly to your student's bank account. Encourage your student to ensure their account information is up-to-date in UT Direct to receive funds quickly and securely. 
4. Update Personal Information: Verify that your student's local and permanent addresses are accurate and on file with the university. Changes can be made in UT Direct. 
5. Visit My Financial Aid: Have your student regularly check the My Financial Aid portal to complete any outstanding requirements that could delay aid disbursement. 
6. Pay Your Bill on Time: Avoid procrastination by reviewing university bills on What I Owe by to prevent any late fees or holds on your student's account. 

Texas Parents

During Family Orientation and in past issues of Next Steps, you’ve been introduced to the Texas Parents department’s Pillars of Purpose: Communication, Campus Expertise and Community. With your Longhorn and their classmates arriving for the start of the fall term in the coming weeks, you’ll begin to see these each of these pillars in action.

Community

Join us at the Mooov-In Parent Mixer

Hosted by Texas Parents & Texas Exes

Saturday, August 24

6:30-8 p.m.

Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, on campus

Celebrate a successful Mooov-in with fellow Longhorn families while your students are busy exploring their new surroundings and meeting future friends. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and great company will be on hand!

RSVP by Wednesday, August 21.

As alcohol will be served, this event is intended for parents and guardians only, please. We ask that students, siblings and other young children not attend.

Contact Texas Parents with questions: 512-471-2353 or TexasParents@austin.utexas.edu.

Communication

Beginning with the August 15 issue, incoming Texas Parents Association members will receive the monthly eNewsletter along with existing Longhorn families. Issues are designed to provide timely content to help you help your student. You’ll be introduced to campus resources, enjoy regular features from a wide array of campus departments, as well as learn about upcoming activities and events your student might enjoy.

To receive the eNewsletter, you must be signed up for membership in the Texas Parents Association.

Signing up for a Supporting Membership

Supporting membership means you are making a tax-deductible gift to the University that funds the operation of the Texas Parents department. Benefits vary between the Four-Year, One-Year and Transfer supporting memberships. Go to texasparents.org/supporting-memberships for more information.

Signing up for the Complimentary U-Touch Membership

If you have already signed up for a supporting membership or plan to sign up for a supporting membership, you do NOT need to also sign up for U-Touch. If U-Touch is the best membership choice for your family, go to texasparents.org/u-touch for more information and to sign up for the September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025 academic year.

Campus Expertise

Our department is staffed by full-time professionals and students in place to answer your questions and connect the dots as you navigate the University as a support for your Longhorn. If you’re unsure whom to contact, call 512-471-2353 or email Texas Parents. We stand ready to help.

University Federal Credit Union

Open a Free Checking account and be entered for a chance to win $1,000!

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Federally insured by NCUA. Click here to learn more about UFCU.

Visit UFCU.org/Promo for current sweepstakes rules and details. 

Required Alcohol, Drug & Sexual Violence Prevention Education Modules

All incoming first year and transfer students are required to complete two educational modules - AlcoholEdu and Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates (SAPU). These programs focus on substance use and sexual violence prevention, with the goal of enhancing the health and wellness for all students. AlcoholEdu and SAPU programs have been shown to facilitate positive behavior changes and increase safety among college students at UT and across the nation.

Students will be emailed an invitation and instructions to complete the program on Monday, August 19 and must complete two parts for each program. Part 1 (approximately 2 hours) must be completed by Friday, September 6. An email invitation for Part 2 (approximately 30 minutes) will be sent 45 days after your student completes Part 1. Part 2 is due Friday, November 15.

If students do not complete BOTH parts by the deadlines, they will not be able to view their grades online for the fall semester. Students will receive email reminders to complete the programs.

During the transition to college, parents and families can play a crucial role in continuing to make a positive impact on their student’s health and well-being. UT encourages you to have open discussions with your student about mindful decision-making around substance use and relationships before and during their college journey.

If you have questions, reach out to the Longhorn Wellness Center at longhornwellnesscenter@austin.utexas.edu.

Longhorn Welcome

Encourage your student to join in the fun and tradition!

Longhorn Welcome is UT’s official welcome for all new and returning Longhorns! As soon as students move to Austin, they can look forward to an exciting series of events hosted across campus. The campus-wide initiative starts with Mooov-In and continues throughout the first week of classes. Longhorn Welcome features larger Signature Events, as well as dozens of campus events hosted by a variety of campus partners allowing all students to attend events that fit their individual interests. 

All events are created to give students the opportunity to meet other Longhorns, discover campus resources, explore the Forty Acres and celebrate UT’s pride and traditions! 

Incoming students will receive an email with more information August 16. Until then, they can check out the Signature Events schedule by visiting longhornwelcome.utexas.edu or by downloading the Longhorn Welcome app. More events will be added as they're confirmed.

2024 Signature Events

You can always review the full academic calendar to get more information on academic and tuition-related deadlines coming up.

2024-2025 Academic Calendar

registrar.utexas.edu/calendars/24-25