Watch the video above to see what we’re all about and how we are supporting our 51,000+ students every day in Living the Longhorn Life® : You Are Here. You Do You. You Change the World. Find out how our students are doing just that by listening to them tell their stories on our podcast, available on Spotify, Google and Apple.
Who We Are
The Division of Student Affairs influences the life of every Longhorn. Every day we’re making the Longhorn life as rewarding and memorable as possible. The Division is a laboratory for the college experience. We’re constantly crafting new opportunities for students to discover who they are and where they want to go. Our goal? To transform students while they are Living the Longhorn Life®:
Students Living the Longhorn Life®
Led by Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Soncia Reagins-Lilly, the Division of Student Affairs works with many partners to influence our students in Living the Longhorn Life®. Our nine departments, 37 units and 40 facilities offer first-class programs, facilities and services. We have a commitment to our students in their journey, working to expand and provide resources that every Longhorn deserves to be successful on the Forty Acres and beyond.
Students at Dinner with 16 Longhorns, April 2022
What We’re Fundraising For
You have many ways to give back to The University of Texas at Austin. Every school, department and program on campus is deserving of support, but the Division of Student Affairs is unique. We shape the life of every student Living the Longhorn Life®. When alumni think of their time spent here on campus, it’s the Division of Student Affairs that, quietly and constantly, defines their memories. We are their “college years.”
Dinner with 16 Longhorns is one of those life-shaping programs, bringing 16 students from across campus together to create a space for genuine dialogue over dinner. Our goal is for friends of the university to host this dinner in their home. At the dinner, students connect with one another in a comfortable and encouraging setting.
The tradition started in Fall 2018. The Vice President for Student Affairs office collaborated with the Office of the University Ombuds to host 16 students, randomly selected from an application process, for dinner and a chance to get to know one another. Student interest has grown, with hundreds of applicants in the 2021-2022 academic year. And, the program was even featured in The Daily Texan.
The NOW Fund supports the Dinner with 16 Longhorns program and is how you can open opportunities that students wouldn’t otherwise have. Please consider making a gift to ensure all students have the chance to unlock their full potential.
Dinner with 16 Longhorns, March 2022
Your Impact
“The event helped me strengthen my perception of UT as a community rather than a huge school. Although everyone in our group came from different backgrounds and are studying different topics, we were still able to connect and share good laughs and memories.”
Christopher Campbell, Aerospace Engineering major from Schertz, TX, Class of 2024
“Connecting with a younger generation of Longhorns helps us better understand the challenges and triumphs facing students today. Comparing and contrasting their experience with our own experiences allows us to learn from them and better tailor where we should become more involved on the Forty Acres.”
Tony Schell, BBA ’88, MBA ’95, Longhorn Family Leadership Council Co-chair and Dinner with 16 Longhorns host
“The opportunity to create deep connections with students in a short amount of time is different than anything I’ve experienced. Hearing how students’ different pathways all converge on campus is incredible, and truly shows all of the unique ways our students are living the Longhorn life.”
Rachel Cohen-Ford, Office of the Dean of Students Staff Member and Dinner with 16 Longhorns Staff Facilitator
Thank you to everyone for another amazing campaign! Below are the challenge winners for the final hours of the campaign!
Time for Another Surprise Challenge
1st Place: WINNER UT Men's Ultimate Club
2nd Place: WINNER The University of Texas Weightlifting Team
3rd place: WINNER Texas Trap and Skeet
Hungry, Hungry Bevo Challenge
1st Place: WINNER UT Men's Ultimate Club
2nd Place: WINNER Texas Trap and Skeet
3rd place: WINNER The University of Texas Weightlifting Team
40 to the 40 Surprise Challenge
1st Place: WINNER Longhorn Racing
2nd Place: WINNER UT Men's Ultimate Club
Final Countdown Challenge
1st Place: WINNER Texas Trap and Skeet
2nd Place: WINNER The University of Texas Weightlifting Team
3rd place: WINNER Texas Women's Rugby
Longhorn Pride Social Media Challenge
1st Place: Longhorn Band Student Association $1,000 Prize
Runner-up: Women's Club Lacrosse $250 Prize
Procrastinator Gift WINNER Longhorn Racing $500 Award
6,000 Milestone WINNER UT Men's Ultimate Club
7,000 Milestone WINNER Longhorn Racing
8,000 Milestone WINNER Black Student Alliance
State & International Challenge Winners - Check your donor wall these have been awarded!
Leaderboard Challenge Winners - Check the challenges page wall for the final leaderboards. Prizes will be awarded soon!