For Incoming Freshman Families

A Message from the Director of Texas Parents

Dear Class of 2027 Parents and Families, 

To begin, a big, Burnt-Orange Congratulations to your student on being accepted to UT! Whether your student will be a freshman in the Class of 2027 or is transferring from another institution, we know your student had choices and we are so pleased knowing that coming to The University of Texas at Austin was their decision. 

As a quick introduction, my name is Susie Smith and I am the director of Texas Parents, one of the nine departments in the Division of Student Affairs. Our office operates to specifically support you and all other parents/families of UT undergraduate students. In addition to being an office on campus for you, we also manage the Texas Parents Association. Everyone belongs to the association but you need to sign up for the membership that best fits your family’s needs. Membership is open and I’m excited for you learn more here.

Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving UT families at all points of the collegiate journey. I’ve learned many things from families who came before you, and those lessons will help the Texas Parents office help you. I know for certain there are many different roads leading to UT: maybe your student comes from a proud line of Longhorn graduates, or perhaps your family has never stepped foot in the great State of Texas. And for some, it could be your Longhorn is the first in your family to attend college. 

No two paths are the same and regardless the route, somewhere along the way, your student will need your help. And if you think your road to UT has already shown everything there is to see or revealed all you need to know; I encourage you to think again. 

Unrelated to my job, I’m also a Class of ‘87 alumna and the parent of Classes ‘21 and ‘25 Longhorns. Even with these multiple connectors to campus, EVERY DAY on the Forty Acres, without fail, I learn something new about this incredible university. Trust me, what’s even better than learning something new at UT is the opportunity to share that knowledge down the road, helping others. That’s what the Texas Parents office is here to do. 

We’re delighted to ride in the back, holding the map while you ride shotgun as your Longhorn takes the wheel. The coming years are a road trip that will change the world. Buckle up and let’s go!  

Hook 'em! 
Susie Smith 
Director, Texas Parents

P.S. The parents.utexas.edu website is one of the tools we’ve created to help you navigate all that is UT. You’ll find the “Resources for Families” tab offering information for prospective, incoming freshman, transfer and all undergraduate families. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please call 512-471-2353 or email TexasParents@austin.utexas.edu. We are here to help!