Naseem Khatami and Rovianne Tindaan apply sunscreen at the Gregory Gymnasium Aquatic Complex.
With temperatures breaking records, soaring into the triple digits, University Health Services and Recreational Sports are teaming up to make sure students, staff, faculty and campus visitors stay safe in the sun. They’ve installed six sunscreen dispensers at key outdoor locations on the Forty Acres.
“Texas heat is no joke! Not only do the sunscreen dispensers make it easier for students to apply sunscreen, but it raises awareness for skin care and safety,” said senior public health major Rovianne Tindaan.
The Student Services Budget Committee funded this initiative based on the findings of the 2016 National College Health Assessment. The survey found that more than 50% of UT Austin students reported not using sunscreen regularly with sun exposure.
The dispensers contain water-resistant SPF 30 sunscreen and have a small mirror to guide application. University Health Services surveyed students to pick locations for the dispensers where students were most likely to use them.
“We hope that these convenient dispensers help students make sunscreen part of their daily self-care routine. Sunscreen not only prevents burns and skin discoloration but prevents against multiple skin cancers,” noted Office of Health Promotion Director Brittany O’Malley.
University Health Services is working with the University Unions to add a dispenser to the new Student Activity Center patio in the fall.
Longhorns, Division of Student Affairs staff are here to help you finish the semester strong by fueling your mind and body for success! Stop by these events to relax, socialize and prepare to hit the books.
Cookies await students at last year’s event.
Cookies, Caffeine and KIND Bars Monday, May 8 and Tuesday, May 9, 8:30 p.m. while supplies last, Kin’s Market and Cypress Bend, and 9–11 p.m., Jester Java Help stay focused with snacks and coffee from Housing and Food Service.
Good Luck Lemonade May 8, noon–4 p.m., Perry–Castañeda Library (PCL) Plaza May 9, noon–4 p.m., Gregory Gym Plaza Keep your spirits up during finals week with a glass of lemonade from the Office of the Dean of Students.
Having fun and sticking to it, students enjoy free time with velcro inflatables at last semester’s event.
Finals Fair Tuesday, May 9, noon–4 p.m., Texas Union Enjoy activities and snacks as you take a break at this popular University Unions study location.
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.
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.
Hook ‘em Longhorns, you are in the final stretch! Finish the semester out strong by preparing your mind and body for finals week. Check out how the Division of Student Affairs is supporting students with these fun events across the Forty Acres.
Fuel Your Mind for Finals Success Monday, May 9, 8:30-11:30 a.m., Perry–Castañeda Library (PCL) Plaza
Students hand out snacks and water at last semester’s event.
Get energized with University Health Services staff and students who will be handing out KIND Bars, water and nutritional information.
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.
William Mupo (University Health Services) and Kacey Davidson at the President’s Student Employee of the Year Award luncheon
• Employment: University Health Services & Recreational Sports, Senior Student Associate • Major: Public Relations and Communication Studies, Moody College of Communications, May 2018 • Activities: Ignite Texas, Texas Darlins, Longhorn Run Committee
“I have learned how to be a leader and specifically lead a team of peers to complete tasks. I am equipped with the ability to anticipate problems and create a plan of action to resolve that issue. I have also learned the importance of building a positive culture.”
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!
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.
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, 21st 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 (1st 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!
We’ve got a great lineup of in-person events to help you close out the academic year! These events offer free snacks and sweet treats, as well as live entertainment and activities to help you take a study break and finish the academic year off strong. Mark your calendar for the events below presented by our Division of Student Affairs team.
Game Night in March 2022
Longhorn Send-Off Monday, May 2-Friday, May 6 Have some events at these Living the Longhorn Life events happening all week.
Fuel Up for Finals Monday, May 2, 1-3 p.m., Perry–Castañeda Library Plaza Fuel your study session with snacks and a free sleep kit compliments of the Counseling and Mental Health Center and University Health Services’ Longhorn Wellness Center, and SHIFT.
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.
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.
Longhorns, you are in the final stretch! Our Division of Student Affairs team is ready to help you rest, recharge and celebrate the end of the academic year. Check out our lineup of events below to help you prepare your mind and body for finals. It’s one of the many ways we are influencing the Longhorn life on campus.
Final Stretch in December 2018
Final Stretch Monday, May 6-Friday, May. 10, Gregory Gym and Recreational Sports Center Break a sweat at free Recreational Sports TeXercise classes and get access to the climbing wall.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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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