*Video made by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Led by Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Soncia Reagins-Lilly, the Division of Student Affairs works with academic partners, staff, parents and student leaders to influence our students in living the Longhorn life. Supported by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Division’s nine departments, 37 units and 38 facilities offer first-class programs, facilities and services. They include 14 on-campus residence halls, dining facilities, medical and mental health services, new student orientation, recreational sports and two university unions. The Division employs 2,000 students annually and supports 1,100 student organizations, student emergency and veteran services, and leadership programs.
New Student Services
Our mission is to lead students through their transition to the university community. We provide programs and resources that lay the foundation for students to be successful. One example of that is the Horns Helping Horns program that serves financially independent students and foster care alumni who arrive at UT Austin with little or no family support and very limited resources. Every Horns Helping Horns student is unique, therefore the program strives to provide social and educational opportunities, a network of financial and nonfinancial support, and mentorship based on individual needs. A faculty or staff mentor and a small peer group offer guidance to help students navigate campus life. The objective is to foster academic success and a sense of community.
Student Emergency Services
Our office helps students and their families during difficult or emergency situations. Assistance includes outreach, advocacy, intervention, support, and referrals to relevant campus and community resources. Through individualized consultation, Student Emergency Services provides assistance, intervention, and referrals to support students navigating challenging or unexpected issues that impact their well-being and academic success. One example is the UT Outpost which supports students on our campus. Hunger and food insecurity on our campus is real. Between 2015-16 and 2016-17, Student Emergency Services saw a 28% increase in the number of students helped with food-related needs. Our team has also launched a career closet to make sure every Longhorn has access to professional clothes for job and internship interviews. Emergencies and financial hardships can interfere with student success beyond the classroom, and this program will serve as an additional resource for students.
College to Career Readiness Opportunities
Experiential learning outside of the classroom is essential to the college experience as each of our nine departments play a vital role in the life of a Longhorn. From leadership training and student organization support, to providing physical and emotional care, the Division greatly impacts the life of a UT Austin student. One of our initiatives is our college to career readiness opportunities. The purpose of the Division of Student Affairs Internship Program is to provide students at the University of Texas at Austin with opportunities to develop professional competencies that will support a successful transition from college to career. Participating units or departments will engage interns in experiences that promote personal growth and professional development.
