Family Orientation Detailed Schedule

We are excited to welcome you to Family Orientation 2025. Below you will find a more detailed schedule including brief explanations of choice session subject content. Please know information is subject to change. On the Thursday prior to your Orientation Session you will receive a "Final Details" email. Upon check-in you'll receive the day's schedule which includes specific room assignments for each element of the program. If you have questions, please contact the Texas Parents office, we are happy to help! 

If you haven't registered for Family Orientation, click below!

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Campus Confidence: Collaborative Approaches to Student Safety on Campus - The Office of the Dean of Students and the University of Texas Police Department will outline how students can take an active role in their own safety and security, including the campus alert systems. Discover how the partnership between parents, students and university resources creates a comprehensive safety network, with ample time reserved for your specific questions during the Q&A session.

First-Generation Student Resources - The term First-Generation (First-Gen) identifies any college student whose parent(s)/guardian(s) do not have a bachelor’s degree or higher from a college or university in the United States. This presentation is specifically designed for families who are navigating the college experience for the first time. Learn about the many resources and celebrations that exist at UT for First-Gen students and receive advice on how to best support your student as they navigate the college experience.

Getting Involved on Campus - Getting involved is key to a successful college experience! This session introduces The Office of the Dean of Students and its role in helping students feel connected, supported and engaged. Learn how your student can get involved in campus life, access vital resources and develop the skills they need to thrive.

How to Navigate Tuition and Financial Aid - Texas One Stop, UT’s center for student services related to registration, financial aid, and billing, will present information on key topics such as tuition payment, financial aid essentials, important dates and deadlines, and everything students need to successfully complete their registration.

Living Off Campus - If your student is going to be living off campus, learn more about the housing search process including leases and finding roommates. Helpful Austin-based resources around public transportation, commuter dining and more will also be covered.

Living On Campus - If your student is going to be living in UT’s on-campus residence halls, learn about the different residence hall communities, room assignments, billing, Mooov-in and more. You'll also learn about support resources and staff, such as Resident Assistants and Hall Coordinators. You'll be introduced to the 13 campus dining locations, nutritional services offered, hours of operation and meal plan structure.

Q&A with UT Parents - Who better to ask questions of than current. UT parents who have been in your shoes before? A panel comprised of Texas Parents Association volunteers is uniquely qualified to share experiences and insights, while discussing the triumphs and challenges of being the parent of a Longhorn. 

RecSports: What Starts Here Moves You - All work and no play never did anyone any good. Discover the wide variety of recreational opportunities such as intramural sports, fitness classes, gyms and weight rooms, competitive sports clubs, swimming classes, rock climbing, adventure trips, campus jobs and more!

Sorority and Fraternity Life on Campus - Receive a general overview about UT's sorority and fraternity community. With more than 60 chapters representing 15% of the undergraduate population, greek life offers a variety of experiences including developing leadership skills, supporting non-profits, and building a community that will enhance your student's college experience.

Student Health and Well-Being - Learn about Healthyhorns, the umbrella over University Health Services, the Counseling and Mental Health Center, and the Longhorn Wellness Center. Topics such as services provided, accessing care, health insurance and health-related tasks to complete as your Longhorn transitions to college will be covered.

Textbooks 101 - Serving Longhorns since 1896 as a not-for-profit independent, the University Co-op will share how textbooks and course material options for students are changing constantly. Learn what the options look like today, as they've changed since your college days. Strategies on how to acquire the right materials at the lowest costs will be discussed. UT’s Longhorn Textbook Access (LTA) program will also be explained. 

Tips for Out-of-State Parents - Offered by the Texas Parents staff, this session specifically for out-of-state/international families will provide information about navigating holiday travel, transportation, how to support your student from afar, where to find resources for establishing residency and more.