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®
The Division of Student Affairs is the hub of student life and well-being at The University of Texas at Austin. The team inspires all students — undergraduate, graduate and professional — to live the Longhorn life through its uniquely-designed programs, spaces and resources. They include physical health, mental health and well-being services; new student and family orientations; the University’s official parent association; recreational sports; and two university unions. The Division also supports 1,000+ student organizations; student governance organizations; student emergency, veteran and legal services; and student employment, internship and leadership programs. The team supports the whole student, from orientation through graduation, and collectively challenges every student to reach their life and academic goals through an enriched, rewarding and fun college experience.
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 Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs 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 2023-2024 academic year. And, the program was even featured in The Daily Texan and The Alcalde.
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
