Academics and Student Success

Maximize your learning experience using resources for finding the right classes and getting the support and assistance you need to continue on your journey towards graduation.

The 360 Connections team  is committed to supporting first-year students.  If you have questions, need support, or would like to schedule a time to meet, please email the 360 Connections team.

Academic advisors (PDF download) are available for virtual and in-person appointments. The best way to find out how your academic advisor is connecting with students is by emailing your advisor. Advisors check and respond to email regularly and are prepared to continue supporting students learning remotely and in person.

Sanger Learning Center offers a range of support services, including academic counseling, test reviews and tutoring. Sign up online or call 512-471-3614.

The Graduation Help Desk is here to help you stay on track to your expected graduation date. If after speaking with your academic advisor you still need help enrolling in a class you need to fulfill your degree requirements, consult the Graduation Help Desk’s frequently asked questions, then email graduationhelpdesk@utexas.edu if you need further assistance.

The University Writing Center (UWC) is offering appointments through Google Hangouts Meet. Visit UWC appointments  for more information or to schedule an appointment. You can also email uwcdesk@utexas.edu, call 512-471-6222 and leave a message, or visit the UWC website  to live chat with a consultant.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Based in the philosophy that all students should be assured equal access and opportunity, Services for Students with Disabilities works to eliminate physical, instructional and attitudinal barriers by providing reasonable accommodations and fostering awareness within the University community.

Student Emergency Services, Office of the Dean of Students

Academic difficulties may arise as the result of personal hardships or crisis situations. Student Emergency Services helps students navigate academic options and can help coordinate services with advisors and student deans.

Student Ombuds

The Student Ombuds is here to listen to your concerns in a safe setting about life at the university and confidentially discuss interpersonal difficulties, university policies, university bureaucracy, and conflict resolution techniques. They help you identify options so you can seek resolution.

Below is a list of online resources from the colleges across campus:

Find your advisor’s contact information on Texas One Stop or in the How to Schedule With an Advisor document.

Learn about career and professional development resources available through your college/school career center.

Students that are in honors or success programs are encouraged to visit the websites linked below to connect with their colleges:

The University of Texas Libraries are operating with modified services. The Perry–Castañeda Library (PCL) is open with independent study space for students, faculty and staff. The Reading Rooms at the Life Science Library are open for independent study only. All other Libraries locations, including The Foundry, are currently closed. Check out the Libraries Services Continuity Guide for up-to-date information about services and resources available.

Student Success Checklist

  1. Have the tools for success Work with your instructor to be sure you have the materials you need to be successful in the course. If you do not have the textbooks, writing materials, technology or other tools that you need, make sure you have enough time to purchase, prepare, or repair, as needed.If you need assistance in financing your course needs, please contact Texas One Stop to review your financial aid package for the semester and discuss increasing your current financial aid to cover any necessary purchases.You may complete the Cost of Attendance appeal form to request a review of your financial aid to allow for computer and other technology needs, such as wifi, webcams, hotspots, etc. You may be offered additional loans or grants to cover those expenses depending on your financial aid eligibility.
  2. Do a test run for classes with online components.

    Go to Online Canvas Pre-Check to help you get ready to join your UT online course(s). UT has implemented multi-factor authentication (MFA) using Duo for many university web applications, including Canvas. Learn more here, including how to get started. Be sure you have upgraded Zoom: Signing In and Out of Zoom.Need help? Troubleshooting resources are available at the ITS Service Desk.

     

  3. Find space and time to do your coursework

    To create an atmosphere that will motivate you to do your best work, identify a space where you can focus on your coursework free from noise and distractions. Set up a dedicated learning environment for studying.Schedule consistent, multi-hour blocks of time during the week that you can devote to coursework and try to adhere to this schedule. Prioritize your work. What due dates are coming up first? What information is the most important for you to learn? What assignments are worth the most points? Make a smart decision about how to best spend your time.

  4. Ask questions

    Whether you are looking to get started on the course, are having trouble finding or accessing materials, or just want to say hi, it’s never a bad idea to contact your instructor before the course begins. Just be sure to tell them your name, identify the course in which you are enrolled, and clearly ask any questions you have.

  1. Engage with your courses
    • Download and review all course syllabi: Familiarize yourself with your instructor’s policies before the first day of class. Be sure to pay attention to important due dates and grading procedures. You should also find your instructors’ contact information, how they’d like to be contacted, and office hours.
    • Engage with your class: Preview and review before every lesson, attend in-person/online class sessions and actively take notes. Analyze all returned quizzes and tests as well as any instructor feedback and develop a plan for improvement.
    • Communicate regularly with your instructor: Your instructors want to help and have provided you with at least one reliable way to contact them. Email them. Check the syllabus or Canvas and engage in virtual office hours. Students with answered questions and heard concerns are far more likely to be successful than their peers who did not communicate with their professors.

    Watch this video from the Sanger Learning Center where two UT professors discuss real-life emails from students and offer tips for professional communication.

  2. Download the Canvas Student smartphone app for course management

    The Canvas Student app, which is available on iOS and Android devices, allows you to access grades and course content, submit assignments, send and receive messages, and more! Even if you complete most of your coursework from a laptop or desktop computer, this app is handy for managing your time and work from anywhere.

  3. Engage with your peers

    Whether it’s through Canvas, a smartphone app, text messages or in-person meetings, it’s a good idea to communicate regularly with your classmates. Compare notes or form study groups ­— you’ll benefit if you do so.

  4. Be socialStay connected with the university and your peers by following our official UT accounts:

  1. Prepare for your final exam

    When is your final exam? Where? How? Are you prepared? Is there a practice test to take? Schedule a Learning Specialist appointment at the Sanger Learning Centerto make a strategy for finals.

  2. Know your deadlines 

    Whether you need to Add or Drop a courseor just find out more about grading options, make sure to connect with your Academic Advisorfor help and support. After, be sure to discuss any questions about adding, dropping or withdrawing with a Texas One Stop staff member to be sure you understand the impacts on your educational finances.

  3. Fill out your surveys 

    The Course Instructor Survey(CIS) is the student’s opportunity to anonymously share thoughts about classes and instructors. UT depends on students to provide honest and fair feedback about their classroom experience because that feedback is an important factor in making many decisions.

  4. Get access to your grades 

    Grade reportsare available to all students, except students in the School of Law and Dell Medical School, at the end of each semester and summer session. If you need to access your official transcript or other ways to document your success, you may view the options on the Transcripts and Other Recordspage of the Texas One Stop website.

  5. You did it!

    Celebrate your completion of your course! Thank those around you who helped you succeed this semester or session.