Prepare your mind and body for success by stopping by one of these Division of Student Affairs events! Our team is ready to support Longhorns during this finals season.

Spring Final Stretch
Monday, April 30-Friday, May 4, Gregory Gym and Recreational Sports Center
Enjoy free Recreational Sports TeXercise classes and access to the climbing wall.

Renaissance Festival
Wednesday, May 2, noon–4 p.m., Shirley Bird Perry Ballroom, Texas Union
Dress in your Renaissance attire for this themed edition of Chillfest with snacks, chair massages and other activities, hosted by University Unions Campus Events+Entertainment.

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Take part in these Division of Student Affairs events to prepare your mind and body for finals, and get in the holiday spirit! Our team is ready to help our students rest and recharge as they finish the semester – it’s one of the many ways we influence the Longhorn life on campus.

Final Stretch in Spring 2018

Final Stretch
Monday, Dec. 3-Monday, Dec. 10, Gregory Gym and Recreational Sports Center
Break a sweat at free Recreational Sports TeXercise classes and get access to the climbing wall.

Ugly Sweater Holiday Party
Tuesday, Dec. 4, 5-7 p.m., Bellmont 222
Have some holiday fun at The Center for Students in Recovery’s annual holiday party.

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On May 12, the university is lighting the UT Tower for the 56 Division staff members with a combined 925 years of service to The University of Texas at Austin. Congratulate your Division colleagues below!

Counseling and Mental Health Center and University Health Services
Tracy Brzozwski, 15 years
Laura Dupuis, 10 years
Tara Cutler, 15 years
Karen Lee, 40 years
Abby Simpson, 10 years
Gareth White, 10 years
Kristen Pearson, 10 years

Office of the Dean of Students
Phillip Hebert, 20 years
Steve Preiss, 25 years

New Student Services
Audrey Sorells, 25 years

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Whether you are studying for finals or gearing up for winter break, we’ll help you fuel up, chill out and get in the holiday spirit. We’re excited that many of the events in the lineup below are back in person after a two-year hiatus during the virtual learning environment. Don’t miss out – join our Division of Student Affairs team at the events below! 

Students participate in Gingerbread House Decorating Contest in December 2020

Gingerbread House Contest
Monday, Nov. 29-Friday, Dec. 3, J2 and Kins Dining
Have fun being creative and enter University Housing and Dining’s gingerbread house decorating contest.

Chillfest in December 2019

Chillfest 
Wednesday, Dec. 1, noon–3 p.m., Shirley Bird Perry Ballroom, Texas Union
Wind down with hot chocolate, snacks, crafts, chair massages and therapy animals at this University Unions event. 

F45 Training

F45 Training Free Week
Monday, Nov. 29-Friday, Dec. 3, Recreational Sports Center
Energize your mind with a fitness break–try an F45 Training class for free! Reserve your spot today. 

Winter Wonderland Feast
Thursday, Dec. 2, 4:30-9 p.m., J2 and Kins Dining
Treat yourself to a gourmet dinner, dessert bar and seasonal sips at this University Housing and Dining dinner.

The 24th Street Festival
Thursday, Dec. 2, 5-8 p.m., East Patio, Texas Union
Catch some live music and browse local art at this festival hosted by University Unions’ Campus Events+Entertainment. 

Holiday Craft Night 
Thursday, Dec. 2, 5:30-7 p.m., Quadrangle Room, Texas Union
Decorate holiday-themed cookies, create poinsettia wall décor and make other crafts with Vice President for Student Affairs. Please RSVP.

Open Mic Night at the Cactus
Friday, Dec. 3, 7-9 p.m., Cactus Café, Texas Union
Spend your Friday night relaxing to live music in this historic University Unions’ music venue.

Cookies and Caffeine in May 2018

Cookies and Caffeine
Monday, Dec. 6 & Tuesday, Dec. 7, 8:30 p.m.-while supplies last, Cypress Bend Cafe, Jester Java and Kin’s Market
Hit the books with a cup of coffee and cookie thanks to University Housing and Dining.

Finals Fest
Monday, Dec. 6 & Tuesday, Dec. 7, Texas Union
Enjoy FREE food and activities including chair massages and board games. Meeting and event spaces will also be open for quiet study.

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Game Night during finals in May 2022

While the new academic calendar reduced finals to four days, there’s no shortage of events in the Division of Student Affairs to help students prepare to do their best on exams. We’ve got our Longhorns covered with these events, programs and activities —have some fun, practice self-care and find new ways to Make It YOUR Texas during this busy time!

Cactus Café Live Music
Various Dates/Times
Catch live music at the University Unions’ iconic Cactus Café.

Holiday Craft Night
Tuesday, Nov. 29, 5:30-8 p.m., Quadrangle Room, Texas Union
Kick off the holiday season and create fun crafts brought to you by the Living the Longhorn Life program team in the Office of the Dean of Students.

Steak Night
Thursday, Dec. 1, 4:30-9 p.m., J2 and Kins Dining
Fuel your evening study session with a hearty meal from University Housing and Dining.

Fidget Friday
Friday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-until supplies last, Flawn Academic Center Patio
Fill your bag with free sensory tools at this make-it, take-it event hosted by New Student Services and University Housing and Dining.

Craft Night
Friday, Dec. 2, 5:30-7 p.m., Legislative Assembly Room, William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center
Create eye-catching keepsakes and crafts with the University Housing and Dining team.

Fuel Up for Finals
Monday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-Noon., Perry–Castañeda Library Corner, 21^st St. and Speedway
Grab free finals resources, breakfast tacos, hot chocolate and make-your-own sleep kit (while supplies last) from the Longhorn Wellness Center, SHIFT and Living the Longhorn Life team members.

Chillfest
Monday, Dec. 5, Noon–4 p.m., Shirley Bird Perry Ballroom, Texas Union
Experience this University Unions tradition with de-stressing activities, crafts and free food.

Study Night
Monday, Dec. 5, 6-9 p.m., Quadrangle Room, Texas Union
Prepare to hit the books with the Living the Longhorn Life program team.

Cookies and Caffeine
Monday, Dec. 5 & Tuesday, Dec. 6, 8-10 p.m., Jester Java and Kin’s Market
Caffeinate with a sweet treat thanks to University Housing and Dining.

Finals Fest: Student Services Building
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Student Services Building
Fill your cup with free coffee or tea available all day, grab a slice of pizza at noon and take home a giveaway bag or craft as you mingle with the University Unions team.

Finals Fest: Texas Union
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Texas Union
Feast on a hearty lunch in the Shirley Bird Perry Ballroom then stop by the second floor lobby for a goodie bag.

RecSports Recess
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 4-6 p.m., Gregory Gym Mind + Body Studio
Drop in for 15-minute silent disco guided meditation sessions and enjoy a hot chocolate bar and snacks following your session courtesy of Recreational Sports.

Take a Study Break
Tuesday, Dec. 6-Monday, Dec. 12
Check out the Counseling and Mental Health Center’s two MindBody Labs on campus and try out well-being exercises anytime, anywhere on the Thrive at UT mobile app.

Meeting Rooms Available for Studying (no reservation required)
Tuesday, Dec. 6, Designated Meeting Rooms, Texas Union
Tuesday, Dec. 6-Monday, Dec. 12, Designated Meeting Rooms, William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center

Longhorn SHARE Project Finals Support Space
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 6-9 p.m., Kinsolving Residence Hall
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 6-10 p.m., STEM Learning Spaces, Perry–Castañeda Library (1^st Floor)
Join the Longhorn SHARE Project for hot chocolate, crafts, resources and a space to hang out.

Neurodiversity Social and End-of-Semester Celebration
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 5:30-7 p.m., Student Services Building G1.310 (quiet room in G1.106)
Mix and mingle with fellow neurodivergent students at this event with games, food and fun brought to you by New Student Services. 

Students needing support during finals or winter break can access the My Student Support Program (My SSP) for 24/7 confidential real-time virtual counseling via chat and phone. My SSP can be accessed by students during the break, regardless of where they are in the world. Most of the Counseling and Mental Health Center’s (CMHC) regular services, such as single-session counseling appointments, will also be available through Thursday, Dec. 22, with full services resuming on Monday, Jan. 2. Students experiencing a mental health crisis can call the Counseling and Mental Health Center 24/7 Crisis Line at 512-471-2255 (CALL) at any time, regardless of whether CMHC is open.

University Health Services (UHS) will remain open through Thursday, Dec. 22 and resume services on Monday, Jan 2. The 24/7 Nurse Advice Line 512-475-6877 (NURS) is always available, even when UHS is closed. 

Enjoy your winter break and see you back on campus on Monday, Jan. 9 — the first day of class for the spring term. We’ll be here to support you in living the Longhorn life: you do you, you are here, you change the world. Hook ’em!

Congratulations to two Division of Student Affairs staff members who received high honors from President Jay Hartzell! At an event on April 22, he recognized Celena Mondie-Milner with an Outstanding Supervisor Award and Darci Doll with an Outstanding Staff Award. Both have made invaluable contributions to the university and positively shaped the lives of many students.

Outstanding Supervisor Award

Celena Mondie-Milner with President Jay Hartzell

“Influencing the Longhorn Life is maximizing the student journey and unlocking their potential. The work that we do in the Division of Student Affairs is focused on student impact and the overall student experience. I enjoy working with a dynamic team that makes sure the new student experience is unforgettable. Being recognized among so many great leaders on campus is a thrill.”

Celena Mondie-Milner
Associate Vice President, Strategy and New Student Support
Executive Director, New Student Services

Leading orientation programs that welcome 10,000+ incoming students to campus each summer is no small feat. But, Celena Mondie-Milner and her team work diligently to help incoming students transition to campus life. Her leadership is being honored with the Outstanding Supervisor Award.

For the last seven years, Celena’s goal has been to provide a positive experience to students who attend New Student Orientation, helping them get into a Longhorn State of Mind. The team introduces students to the university’s core values, helps them navigate campus, educates them about programs and services, and shows them what it means to be a Longhorn.

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University Health Services peer educators and volunteers assemble Safe Spring Break Kits.

While having fun is a top priority for many students during spring break, University Health Services (UHS) wants to make sure they also think about their well-being. To help Longhorns have a safe, healthy holiday, UHS is giving out 3,000 Safe Spring Break Kits. They include 20 useful items packed inside a Healthyhorns water bottle.

“A lot of students engage in risky behavior during the break. The kit is a good reminder to take care of yourself,” explained senior public health major Sarah Littlejohn, who thinks the water bottle is the most valuable item to stay hydrated.

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University Apartments staff organizing blanket distribution for Gateway Apartments residents.

For the third year in a row about a month into the new year, winter weather closed campus and the Division of Student Affairs team sprang into action to support students during the campus closure Jan. 31-Feb. 3. From helping University Apartments residents without power to maintaining on-campus housing and dining operations to keeping Gregory Gym and Natatorium open, our team continued to provide services throughout the closure. Our entire team rose to the occasion in addition to continuing their day-to-day work.

As a 24/7 operation, especially during an emergency, University Housing and Dining staff stepped up to meet students’ essential needs. When Gateway Apartments residents lost power at their complex off West 6th Street, the team distributed blankets and provided places for them to warm up, fuel up, power up.

“Our live-in professional and student staff made the extra effort to knock on doors and check in on people, because these are their neighbors. This is as much their community as it is their job, they’ve been working round-the-clock to respond to residents’ needs,” shared Tiana Lindberg, assistant director for University Apartments.

Resident Assistants help serve up meals.

Back on the main campus, the residence life and dining teams have a decades-long tradition of deploying dedicated teams to keep services running for nearly 7,300 on-campus residents. From Jan. 30-Feb. 2, some staff stayed overnight to maintain residence hall and modified dining operations. Other UHD staff worked remotely to support our students.

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Winter break is the perfect time to take care of your mind, body and belongings. Spending your time away from campus wisely may help you have a more successful 2018. We asked our Division of Student Affairs experts to provide their tips for a happy, healthy holiday season.

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Welcome Bash 2024

Our team is bringing the fun to the final action-packed weekend before the end of the term. The Division of Student Affairs — the hub of student life and well-being — is hosting innovative programs with a brand-new spirit event and the annual Family Weekend tradition. There are activities for students, families, Longhorn fans and others to partake in living the Longhorn life — check out the highlights below!

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Orange and White Carnival
Friday, April 19, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Gregory Gym Plaza

Students can get hyped for Texas Football’s Orange-White Game at this Longhorn Friday celebration. The Office of the Dean of Students is hosting this fun “pep rally” with free food, carnival games, music from a live DJ and giveaways. Come hungry and leave happy! 

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Family Orientation 2023

Family Weekend
Friday, April 19-Sunday, April 21

This more than 100-year-old UT Austin tradition dates back to the 1920s. Generations of Longhorn families have made memories with their students, exploring campus and experiencing their favorite aspects of living the Longhorn life. This year, a total of 3,819 people are set to attend, including 2,799 family members and 1,020 students. 

Texas Parents and University leaders will officially welcome families during a reception on Friday evening. There are 41 events during the weekend, including open houses, museum and gallery exhibitions, and student group performances. Recreational Sports is offering free access to its facilities and families can enjoy a round of bowling at the Union Underground. Check out the full schedule that showcases the Division’s programs, spaces and resources. Some events require RSVP.

Spring 2024 Ring Celebration
Friday, April 19, 2-4 p.m. Ring Pickup, 4:30-5 p.m. Ring Celebration Program

Another unforgettable family activity is Texas Exes’ Ring Celebration. Students can debut their new class ring in the heart of campus with the UT Tower in the background, alongside their family and friends. No RSVP is required for guests of ring recipients.

Made in Austin Weekend
Friday, April 19-Sunday, April 21

Longhorn fans can enjoy a full weekend of gameday festivities hosted by Intercollegiate Athletics. Texas Football’s annual Orange-White Game takes place on Saturday. Fans can look forward to Bevo Blvd. and Longhorn City Limits with musical guest Reckless Kelly. The spring scrimmage game provides a glimpse at the Longhorns in action before the 2024 season opener against Colorado State on Aug. 31. Admission is free for the Orange-White Game.

There’s also a marquee Texas Baseball series versus Texas Christian University starting on Friday. Check availability for Sunday’s game. 

Honors Day  (Invite-only event)
Saturday, April 20, 6 p.m., Moody Center

Introduced in 1948 and celebrated every year since, Honors Day recognizes the accomplishments of the highest achieving students at UT Austin. These students earned their distinction as College Scholars or Distinguished College Scholars by meeting this competitive criteria. This year’s ceremony will celebrate 5,071 honorees who reached the very highest levels of academic accomplishment. This is an invite only event and RSVP is required.

Enjoy this fun lineup of events and have a great weekend living the Longhorn life!