Students and Families
We encourage our students to stay connected and engaged while prioritizing their physical health and mental well-being.
Longhorns Online is a robust site that provides information about academics, advising, student support services and other important online contacts designed to help Longhorns successfully navigate their educational path during their time at UT Austin and beyond.
Locate essential campus resources like indoor study spaces, COVID-19 testing sites, mask and hand sanitizer purchase locations, and more through our interactive map.
Staying Healthy on Campus
University Masking Guidance
Masks are optional inside university buildings and outdoors. For individuals who are not fully vaccinated or have weakened immune systems, masking and social distancing are optional but recommended.
See the university’s health behavior guidance for the most current information on who should mask and when.
COVID-19 Testing
UT students exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms can schedule a test with University Health Services. Most insurance plans, including the Academic Blue student health insurance plan, fully cover the cost of clinical testing for symptomatic individuals. For uninsured students tested at UHS, the university is subsidizing the costs, so there is no out-of-pocket expense. If a student tests positive for COVID-19 at another testing facility, we recommend they inform UHS.
Proactive Community Testing
Our goal is to test up to 5,000 UT community members each week. Learn more about UT’s plans for proactive community testing
Daily Health Screenings
Daily symptom screening will help keep the campus community safer. Please use the university’s Protect Texas Together app before going to class. If you don’t have a smartphone, a phone-based application is also available.
Supporting Students Mental Well-Being
Counseling, support groups, workshops and recreational opportunities will be offered to help students cope with the stressors caused by COVID-19. Visit our How to Support a Longhorn page for resources.
Classroom Accommodations
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
UT is still obligated to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to their courses, regardless of course format. Instructors should consider adopting accessibility best practices and inclusive teaching and learning strategies to provide proactive access for students. Instructors must continue to provide the individualized accommodations outlined in students’ accommodation letters. More information about providing accommodations can be found on Services for Students with Disabilities website and on the FAQ list for faculty.
Special Circumstances
Students with special circumstances (non-ADA), including COVID-19 symptoms, should go to Student Emergency Services and complete the absence notification request form with the expectation that their attendance requirement will not be affected.
Campus Life and Engagement
Student Activities
These guidelines promote safer student life activities and UT events whether fully or partially online, on campus or in outdoor spaces. This includes meetings of student organizations, recreational sports activities and other student gatherings of various sizes.
The Office of the Dean of Students has a number of resources to assist students.
Student-Focused Buildings
Please check specific websites for the latest information including operating hours and other details.
Counseling and Mental Health
The Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) is providing its full array of services to students and continuing telehealth services.
University Health Services
University Health Services (UHS) is providing all services on campus and will continue telehealth services. UHS will continue to offer students COVID-19 screening in its designated respiratory clinic and conduct contact tracing as needed.
University Housing
University Masking Guidance
Masks are optional inside university buildings and outdoors. For individuals who are not fully vaccinated or have weakened immune systems, masking and social distancing are optional but recommended.
See the university’s health behavior guidance for the most current information on who should mask and when.
University-Owned Residence Halls
The university’s on-campus residence halls open over the summer are Jester West for New Student Orientation and San Jacinto for students needing summer housing. Please check University Housing and Dining’s website for the latest information, including dining locations and hours of operation.
Enhanced Cleaning
The university will perform enhanced, routine cleaning of common areas and provide personal protective equipment. Staff members working in the residence halls will be provided and will wear PPE.
Graduate Programs and International Students
Deferred Admission and Student Employment
Given the likely delays for newly admitted international students to enter into the United States, graduate programs should be flexible and allow international students to defer admission, if requested. Students who expect be employed as a Teaching Assistant, Graduate Research Assistant, or other position should check with their department about the availability of financial support before beginning their studies from abroad.
International Travel
The university will follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. State Department guidelines regarding international travelers self quarantining before returning to campus.
