DDCE Fall 2021 Welcome Events
The fall semester begins on Wednesday Aug. 25, and new and returning Longhorns will be kicking off the academic year at a number of virtual and in-person welcome events across campus. In addition to the large-scale university-wide events, the DDCE is hosting several fall celebrations designed to help students find their communities, their voices and their advocacy skills. We encourage you to peruse the list of events below and to take advantage of the many resources this university has to offer!
Fearless Leadership Institute (FLI)
FLI Fall Kick-Off Event
What: Students are welcome to come learn about the Fearless Leadership Institute (FLI) and connect with new and returning Longhorns at the FLI Fall Kick-Off. FLI is an academic, professional and personal development initiative for African American women and Latinas. The first FLI interest group of the semester will be the very next day, Monday, Sept. 13 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Student Services Building (SSB), Room 3.200.
When: Sunday, Sept. 12, 12-3 p.m.
Where: Gregory Gym Outdoor Aquatic Complex
Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC)
Virtual Speed-Friending
What: The Gender and Sexuality Center is hosting a Speed-Friending event to help new and returning students connect with one another and to showcase its many resources and services for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 24, 5 p.m.
Where: Visit the GSC website for more information.
Heman Sweatt Center for Black Males
Black Male Orientation
What: Make new friends and learn more about the Sweatt Center for Black Males, an academic, personal and professional development initiative designed to prepare students for success in college and beyond.
When: Sunday, Sept. 12, 4 p.m.
Where: Student Activity Center (SAC) Ballroom
Longhorn Center for Academic Equity (LCAE)
First-Gen Equity Welcome Event
What: The First-Gen Equity program within the Longhorn Center for Academic Equity is hosting a pop-by welcome event for students who will be the first in their families to attend college. As part of the Longhorn Welcome, this event will include photo opportunities, free swag and a tour of the program’s new space.
When: Saturday, Aug. 21, 12-4 p.m.
Where: Student Services Building, Room 3.200
LCAE Pop-By Fall Welcome
What: Stop by the Student Services Building to learn more about the LCAE’s many College-to-Career programs and the McNair Scholars Program. The LCAE is a learning community that provides free and low-cost services and programs including study abroad, College-to-Career initiatives, academic tutoring and more.
When: Friday, Aug. 27, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Where: Student Services Building, Room 3.200
Welcoming Undocu/DACAmented Students!
What: Mix and mingle with the Monarch Student Program and the University Leadership Initiative (ULI)! Learn about the program’s services, resources and upcoming events. The Monarch Program and the ULI organization are comprised of undocumented students and allies who are committed to working with and for undocu/DACAmented students by providing a welcoming space where they can feel empowered, included and supported at UT Austin. Join in for snacks, refreshments and community building.
When: Friday, Aug. 27, 12-2 p.m.
Where: Student Services Building, Room 3.200
Multicultural Engagement Center (MEC)
New Black Student Weekend
What: New Black Student Weekend is a welcome program sponsored by the Afrikan American Affairs student agency. The weekend is filled with a block party, leadership workshops and team games. Follow on Instagram: @utmec and @ut_aaa
When: Friday, Aug. 20, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Spanish Oaks Terrace
¡Adelante!
What: ¡Adelante! is a welcome program held by the Latinx Community Affairs (LCA), student agency. Join in for a night of music, free food, t-shirts and goodies. Students will have the opportunity to learn about various student organizations and resources available to the Latinx community. Follow on Instagram: @utmec and @utlatinx
When: Wednesday, Aug. 25, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Gregory Gym Arena
Virtual QTBIPOCA Bloq Party
What: Meet with supportive students and staff and learn more about how to get involved with the Queer Trans Black Indigenous People of Color Agency (QTBIPOCA) student agency. This event is co-sponsored by the Gender and Sexuality Center. Follow on Instagram: @utmec and @qtbipoca_ut
When: Thursday, Aug. 26, 5 p.m.
Where: Information available on the MEC website.
Justice Jubilee
What: Justice Jubilee is an organization fair held by the Students for Equity and Diversity (SED) student agency. Join in to connect with new and returning students as well as social justice-oriented networks on campus and in the Austin community. Follow on Instagram: @utmec and @ut_sed
When: Tuesday, Aug. 31, 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: Texas Union, Quadrangle Room
Four Directions
What: Four Directions is a welcome program hosted by the Native American Indigenous Collective (NAIC) student agency. This community event has a resource fair, blessings by the local Indigenous elders and musical dance expressions. Follow on Instagram: @utmec and @naic_ut
When: Wednesday, Sept. 1. 5-9 p.m.
Where: Student Activity Center, Black Box Theater
CultivAsian
What: CultivAsian is an event cohosted by the Asian Desi Pacific Islander American Collective (ADPAC) student agency and the Asian American Culture Committee within the Events and Entertainment office. This event aims to welcome incoming and current Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) students to the APIDA community on campus and in Austin.
When: Thursday, Sept. 2, 6:30-9 p.m. Follow on Instagram: @utmec and @utadpac
Where: Texas Union Ballroom
RGV Familia
RGV Familia Welcome Fiesta
What: Connect with students and staff and learn more about RGV Familia’s many resources and opportunities. RGV Familia is a transformative personal and professional development initiative providing students from the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) empowerment through programming, events and training, while also incorporating parent and family programming to provide holistic support for students. The event will include games, Mexican candy and refreshments.
When: Thursday, Sept. 16, 6-8 p.m
Where: William C. Powers Building, Room 2.120