Dear Longhorns,

It has been incredibly rewarding to see the tremendous engagement from our undergraduate and graduate students this fall term, taking advantage of all UT Austin has to offer and contributing to our vibrant campus life — from arts and athletics to speakers, student organizations, entertainment and events.

Yet, even in the best circumstances, finals season, the holidays, end-of-the-year activities and a variety of events in broader society may prove to be stressful and challenging. Increasingly, we understand that our mental health is not simply one aspect of our lives, but foundational to everything we do. As a university, we are continuing to invest in student services and programs that support you and foster a culture of belonging and well-being.

Please see below for some opportunities to take a break from studying, relax, exercise and connect with our campus community during the coming days. We have also listed resources you can access wherever you plan to spend your winter break and throughout the year. It is important that you know that help is available if you need it.

Take care of yourselves and one another, and finish strong, Longhorns!

Hook ’em,

Jay Hartzell
President

Soncia Reagins-Lilly
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Resources

My Student Support Program (My SSP) provides 24/7 confidential real-time virtual counseling via chat and phone and can be accessed by students during the break, regardless of where they are in the world. Most of the Counseling and Mental Health Center’s (CMHC) regular services, such as single-session counseling appointments, will also be available through Thursday, Dec. 22, with full services resuming on Monday, Jan. 2. Students experiencing a mental health crisis can call the Counseling and Mental Health Center 24/7 Crisis Line at 512-471-2255 (CALL) at any time, regardless of whether CMHC is open.

University Health Services (UHS) will remain open through Thursday, Dec. 22 and resume services on Monday, Jan 2. The 24/7 Nurse Advice Line 512-475-6877 (NURS) is always available, even when UHS is closed.

Upcoming Events

Monday, Dec. 5-Friday, Dec. 9

The Center for Community Engagement’s Finals Week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day, come-and-go style
Student Services Building, 3rd floor, SSB 3.200
Relax, study or hang out all week long, with activities like holiday movies, crafts and sweet treats offered while the office is open.

Monday, Dec. 5

Chillfest, noon-4 p.m.
Shirley Bird Perry Ballroom, Texas Union
Experience this University Unions tradition with de-stressing activities, crafts and free food.

The Fearless Leadership Institute’s End-of-Year Celebration, 5-6 p.m.
Student Services Building, 3.200

Study Night, 6-9 p.m.
Quadrangle Room, Texas Union
Prepare to hit the books with the Living the Longhorn Life program team.

Cookies and Caffeine, 8:30-10 p.m.
Jester Java and Kin’s Market
Caffeinate with a sweet treat thanks to University Housing and Dining.

Tuesday, Dec. 6-Monday, Dec. 12

Meeting Rooms Available for Studying (no reservation required)
Tuesday, Dec. 6: Designated Meeting Rooms, Texas Union
Tuesday, Dec. 6-Monday, Dec. 12: Designated Meeting Rooms, William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center

Take a Study Break
Tuesday, Dec. 6-Monday, Dec. 12
Check out the Counseling and Mental Health Center’s two MindBody Labs on campus and try out well-being exercises anytime, anywhere on the Thrive at UT mobile app.

Tuesday, Dec. 6

Finals Fest: Student Services Building, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Student Services Building Main Lobby
Fill your cup with free coffee or tea available all day, grab a slice of pizza at noon, and take home a giveaway bag or craft as you mingle with the University Unions team.

Finals Fest: Texas Union, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Texas Union
Feast on a hearty lunch in the Shirley Bird Perry Ballroom, then stop by the second-floor lobby for a goodie bag from 1 to 3 p.m. (while supplies last).

Gender and Sexuality Center’s Hot Chocolate Bar, noon-3 p.m.
William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center, 2.112

RecSports Recess, 4-6 p.m.
Gregory Gym Mind + Body Studio
Drop in for 15-minute silent disco guided meditation sessions and enjoy a hot chocolate bar and snacks following your session courtesy of Recreational Sports.

Neurodiversity Social and End-of-Semester Celebration, 5:30-7 p.m.
Student Services Building, G1.310 (quiet room in G1.106)
Mix and mingle with fellow neurodivergent students at this event with games, food and fun brought to you by the Neurodiversity Leadership Council, Longhorn TIES, and Disability and Access.

Longhorn SHARE Project Finals Support Space, 6-9 p.m.
Kinsolving Residence Hall
Join the Longhorn SHARE Project for hot chocolate, crafts, resources and a space to hang out.

Cookies and Caffeine, 8-10 p.m.
Jester Java and Kin’s Market
Caffeinate with a sweet treat thanks to University Housing and Dining.

Wednesday, Dec. 7

Longhorn SHARE Project Finals Support Space, 6-10 p.m.
STEM Learning Spaces, Perry–Castañeda Library (1st Floor)
Join the Longhorn SHARE Project for hot chocolate, crafts, resources and a space to hang out.

Additional Resources

The following offices are open until Friday, Dec. 23, reopen on Monday, Jan. 2, and are available for appointments:

Texas One Stop is here to help answer questions about financial aid, tuition, course registration and more.

Texas Financial Wellness offers one-on-one virtual appointments with certified personal finance counselors to help make healthy financial decisions during your academic journey.

Texas Career Engagement and your college or school career center can help align your values, interests and skills with the major and career planning process. Meet with a career counselor to better understand all the facets of your identity and goals.