Staff Lunches

Every month, the president of UT hosts a lunch for a small group of staff members from across campus. Each lunch is assigned its own topic of conversation and staff members are invited to share their ideas and perspectives in this casual setting. The goal is to provide common ground and an open forum for lively discussion, debate and direct communication about the issues that matter most to UT employees. 

Staff members can register for these lunches at the start of each semester. Those who sign up will be entered into a lottery system for attendance selection.

Questions? Need to Cancel? Email president@utexas.edu

Register for Staff Lunch (closes January 30th at midnight)

FAQ

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Why are you hosting these lunches?

As the president, I want to meet with staff members and hear directly from you what your experience has been at UT and about your ideas for the university.

How many staff members will be chosen for the lunch, and how are they chosen?

Around 16 staff members will be selected for lunch by a lottery system.

When will I find out if I am selected?

If you are selected to attend a lunch, you will receive a confirmation email at least one week in advance of the lunch.

What if I’m not selected this semester?

These lunches, with different themes, will be held every semester. Keep an eye out for the next round of announcements.

Is there a waitlist for the lunches?

There will be a short waitlist in the event of a cancellation and vacancy.

Do I need to bring my own lunch? Should I bring anything else?

No, lunch will be provided. If you are selected for a lunch, you will receive a follow-up email with information on what we’ll have and how to let us know if you have any dietary restrictions. All you need to bring is your appetite and what you want to share.

What if I have to cancel?

If you have to cancel, please email president@utexas.edu as soon as possible so that someone else has a chance to attend.

Is it OK to take photos during the lunch?

We will make sure there’s time for photo opportunities before the lunch is over.

 

Staff Lunch Topics

Honor Texas

February 17, 2020
President Fenves will meet with staff to discuss Honor Texas standards, and to hear ideas about how to strengthen our culture of ethics university-wide.

Civility and Responsible Behavior in the Workplace

October 1, 2019
President Fenves met with staff to discuss civility and responsible behavior and the positive effects it brings to the workplace.

Campus Communications

July 25, 2018
President Fenves met with staff members to discuss the challenges of communicating across a large campus and staff members shared their ideas for improving central communications.

Mental Wellness on Campus

March 21, 2018
President Fenves met with staff members to discuss resources for mental wellness on campus and to hear ideas on how to improve these services across campus.

Campus Climate

October 18, 2017
President Fenves met with staff to discuss the important issues impacting the current climate at UT Austin.

Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility

July 11, 2017
President Fenves embraces and encourages diversity in many forms, striving to create an inclusive community at the university that fosters an open, supportive learning, teaching, and working environment. He met with staff to discuss current available resources and hear ideas for future initiatives.

Career Development

March 29, 2017
President Fenves met with staff to discuss career development opportunities, and hear ideas about improving development and professional mobility at UT.