Student Lunches

Every month, as president of UT, I host a lunch for a small group of students from across campus. Each lunch is assigned its own topic of conversation and students 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.  

Students 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.

Update: The March 2020 student lunch has been postponed. Please check back for updates.

FAQ

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Why are you hosting these lunches?

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

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

Around 16 students 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.

2019 Student Lunch Topics

Tuition and Affordability

November 25, 2019

Housing

October 31, 2019

Physical and Mental Health

April 10, 2019

Free Speech

February 28, 2019

Upcoming Legislative Topics

January 31, 2019

2018 Student Lunch Topics

Maintaining a Positive Campus Climate

October 19, 2018

What It Means to Be a Longhorn

April 25, 2018
With the end of the academic year approaching, President Fenves welcomes you to join him to reflect on your UT experience and what it means to be a Longhorn.

Campus Safety and Security

March 26, 2018
Maintaining a safe campus is a top priority for President Fenves. Discuss what is being done in and around the university to make this a place to comfortably live and learn.

The New Student Experience

February 28, 2018
With your first semester as a Longhorn behind you, you have already begun to build a personal and academic foundation here on the 40 Acres. New students are invited to join in a conversation on how the UT experience has been so far.

2017 Student Lunch Topics

Seeing the Finish Line in Four Years - Time to Degree

April 27, 2017
Many students and parents are happy to see record numbers of students graduate in four years; yet, some students still struggle to complete their degrees in that timeframe for various reasons. Discuss how the university is working to change curricula to help students meet this goal.

A Healthy UT for Everyone

March 28, 2017
There are a range of opportunities on campus to support students’ physical and mental health. Students with mental health struggles may feel isolated and believe that the path to finding the best resources can sometimes be difficult to navigate. Be part of a conversation about the opportunities and resources that UT offers to help students lead healthy lives and navigate these concerns.

College to Career

November 28, 2017

Meet President Fenves

October 20, 2017
Meet President Fenves

Mental / Physical Health and Wellness

Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017
There are a range of opportunities on campus to support students’ physical and mental health. Students grappling with stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues may feel isolated. Individuals may be struggling to sustain a healthy work-life balance. Some may find the path to finding the best resources or health care providers difficult to navigate. Be part of the continued conversation about the opportunities and resources that UT offers to help students lead healthy lives.

2016 Student Lunch Topics

International Students

April 27, 2016
The university is host to almost 5,000 matriculated international students. The diversity they bring provides critical cross-cultural experiences that enrich lives, instill global competency, and strengthen the university community, state and nation.

ROTC

March 10, 2016
For years, the ROTC has educated leaders who go on to rewarding careers in the military and civilian worlds.

Student Success Initiatives

Feb. 8, 2016
On a large campus like ours, customized programs exist to help students of various backgrounds in every college. Ensuring our students have the opportunity to complete a world-class education in four years is part of our commitment to serve the people of Texas.

Get to Know President Fenves

Nov. 4, 2016
Bringing a career of teaching, research and administrative experience to his position, President Fenves has accomplished much in his first year. Learn more about his goals and priorities.

Transfer Student Experience

Oct. 18, 2016
Transfer students arrive on campus with college experience, but the Forty Acres may be unfamiliar. Discover what the university is doing to help them transition.

Safety on Campus

Sept. 26, 2016
Maintaining a safe campus is a top priority for President Fenves. Find out what is being done in and around the university to make this a place to comfortably live and learn.

2015 Student Lunch Topics

The Veteran Experience

Nov. 3, 2015
At the final student lunch of the fall 2015 semester, I was joined by some of our students who are veterans. One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation is that the campus community could benefit greatly from understanding their experiences.

The Graduate Experience

Oct. 8, 2015
Though their areas of study were varied, the graduate students who met with me in October had common concerns: competitive funding, affordable housing and expanding interdisciplinary opportunities.

The Undergraduate Experience

Sept. 16, 2015
There are nearly 40,000 undergraduates at The University of Texas at Austin, and no two experiences of students are alike.