2011 Veterans Welcome Booklet

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Student Veteran Services Welcome Aboard Booklet Office of the Dean of Students | Division of Student Affairs

description

Resource guide for student veterans at The University of Texas at Austin

Transcript of 2011 Veterans Welcome Booklet

Page 1: 2011 Veterans Welcome Booklet

Student Veteran ServicesWelcome Aboard

Booklet

Office of the Dean of Students | Division of Student Affairs

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Welcome from President Powers ......................................................................................................... 3

Welcome from Dean Lilly .......................................................................................................................... 4

Welcome from UT Austin Student Veteran Services ................................................................ 5

Student Veteran Services MISSION and VALUES ......................................................................... 6

“What Starts Here Changes the World” ............................................................................................. 7

GETTING STARTED

Finding a Place to Live, Getting to Campus, Parking on Campus, Campus Safety and Security .................................................................................................................................... 8

Registering for Classes, The UT Austin Grading System, Accessing Your Educational Benefits, Campus Resources, Computers on Campus ............................... 10

GETTING CONNECTED

Connecting with Student Veterans on Campus, Student Veteran Services at UT Austin, Social Networking for Student Veterans ........................................................... 13

Getting a Military Reservist ID Card from Camp Mabry ........................................................... 14

OTHER RESOURCES

Austin Community Resources, VA/TVC/TWC ................................................................................. 15

Helpful UT Austin Phone Numbers .................................................................................................. 15

Wha

t’s In

side

g deanofstudents.utexas.edu/veterans

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Dear Incoming Student Veteran:

Welcome to The University of Texas at Austin! I am glad that you are here, and I give you my best wishes for success during your time on the Forty Acres. I’m confident that you will find a number of exciting opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons, further develop your skills, and, most important, learn more about yourself through your studies and your interactions with your fellow students and our talented faculty and staff.

I want you to know that the University is extremely proud to have veterans and active members of the military within our student body, as well as dependents of those who have served our nation. I’m a veteran myself, having served in the U.S. Navy following my undergraduate career and before I entered Harvard Law School, and I understand the depth of your commitment to yourself, your family, and your country. Our campus community is strengthened by the maturity, the knowledge, and the life experience that you have gained through your military service. As you know, members of today’s U.S. armed forces—enlisted men and women as well as officers—are expected to possess higher levels of technical training and skill than at any other time in military history. Our campus community has a lot to offer you and, likewise, you have a lot to offer us.

Please take some time to learn about the many services the University offers veterans and military personnel. These run the gamut—from financing an education and transferring credits, to coping with injuries and emotional or other health-related issues. Our goal is to provide you the clearest path possible toward your goal of achieving a world-class education.

I’m proud that you have chosen this university to be your educational home, and I am grateful for your record of service and achievement. I hope that you make the most of the opportunities you will have here on the Forty Acres. We will do all that we can to help you succeed. The words “Disciplina Praesidium Civitatis” adorn the seal of The University of Texas at Austin. It is true that freedom and democracy are protected by the cultivated mind. It is no less true that these ideals are protected by a strong and effective military —and the brave men and women who do its work.

Sincerely,

William Powers, Jr.President

Welcome from President Powers

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You have answered the call to serve the nation, decided to propel your life through academic excel-lence, and are now attending The University of Texas at Austin. Congratulations and welcome! The road you took was less travelled, arduous and required passionate dedication, which sets you apart as a student veteran on our campus. Needless to say, I am proud of the choices that have brought you here to UT Austin. Welcome to a new stage in your extraordinary life and welcome to campus.

Three powerful words summarize the mission of our great university: Research, Teaching and Service. Without question, our veterans represent the ultimate in service, to our country, to fellow service members and to the ideals and principles that are the foundation of the freedom we enjoy each and every day in the United States. First and foremost, on behalf of our students and my colleagues, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for your invaluable service.

Throughout my career, I have and continue to enjoy the honor of working closely with student veter-ans, faculty and staff. What I admire most is the way your unique experiences provide perspective—drawing attention to what is truly important, that which gives meaning to our lives and work.

Here at UT Austin, we pride ourselves on fostering an educational environment where diverse people can share diverse ideas. On a daily basis, lives gain breadth and definition when campus and classroom become forums for intellectual engagement and social exchange. For this reason, and with deep ap-preciation, we welcome you to the Forty Acres and look forward to the many ways you will strengthen and deepen the UT Austin learning environment with your life experience and intellectual fervor.

In the coming months, please remain in close contact with the Office of the Dean of Students as we continue to partner with the Office of Admissions, the Registrar’s Office and the Student Veterans Association to open the doors of the UT Veteran’s Resource Center. We need your input and ideas so that we can create a space for you that offers effective programs, services and resources to help you on your journey to continued success.

We are sincerely grateful for the honorable path you have chosen in life, as well as your courageous service and true patriotism. Welcome to The University of Texas at Austin and welcome home.

Soncia Reagins-LillySenior Associate Vice President for Student AffairsDean of Students

Welcome from Dean Lilly

g deanofstudents.utexas.edu/veterans

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Welcome Student Veteran,

On behalf of The University of Texas at Austin, Student Veteran Services in the Office of the Dean of Students would like to welcome you to our campus, culture and world class academic faculty. We understand your unique position, potentially having travelled internationally while deployed, held leadership positions, and have adhered to rigorous living and work standards. Consider this welcome aboard booklet as a “gouge” booklet, providing specific and detailed information for student veterans.

Our goal is to equip each student veteran with the necessary tools to achieve the highest personal potential and academic achievement. Every student veteran who attends The University of Texas at Austin brings a very valuable perspective to academia by enhancing the student body, campus organizations, faculty and the community as a whole.

You have answered the call to our country and have had experiences that the general population may not understand. UT Austin Student Veteran Services understands the sacrifices you have made, serving a cause greater than yourself. We encourage you to take advantage of every resource and opportunity available to you during your time at UT Austin.

We strongly encourage you to contact us as soon as you get to campus, and as often as you need, with any questions about your particular situation.

Please call Student Veteran Services at 512-471-5017, or e-mail us at [email protected].

Information in this booklet that may be of particular interest:

g Accessing Your Veterans Educational Benefits (p. 11)

g Veteran-to-Veteran Sponsorship Program (p. 13)

g Social Network for UT Austin Student Veterans (p.13–14)

g Free Tutoring, Academic Counseling, Improving Your Writing Skills (p. 11)

g Computer Labs on Campus, Campus Computer Store, ITS Help Desk (p. 12)

g Services for Students with Disabilities, Classroom and/or Courseload Accommodations (p. 11)

Welcome from Student Veteran Services (SVS)

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Community

SVS understands that, coming from the military culture, student veterans are accustomed to a strong sense of community. For this reason, our efforts all aim toward building a strong, unified student veteran population.

Outreach

Outreach is the cornerstone that enables SVS to connect student veterans with one another, and with The University of Texas at Austin.

Navigation

SVS is fully committed to assisting student veterans with navigating through the multitude of available resources, translating military experience, handling the rigors of academic life and preparing for life after graduation.

Needs Fulfillment

The University of Texas at Austin, a premier research institution of higher learning, perpetually assesses and fulfills the needs of student veterans. This assessment is based on extensive research.

Engagement

SVS is dedicated to supporting student veterans interested in active commu-nity engagement and civic participation.

Counseling

SVS is devoted to providing counseling services for professional, academic and mental health needs individualized for student veterans.

Transition

Facilitating your transition from student veteran to college graduate and help-ing you enhance your academic skills are of paramount importance to SVS.

UT Austin Student Veteran Services

CONNECT

We Are on a Mission to Serve You. Student Veteran Services (SVS) in the Office of the Dean of Students is here to help you transition from military service to an outstanding academic career at UT Austin.

SVS Core Values

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“What starts here changes the world.”

Changing the world begins with you. “What starts here changes the world” suggests we are accountable to make the world a better place.

The University of Texas at Austin’s student veteran population is revered as having outstanding character, intellect, work ethic and desire for intellectual devel-opment, presenting an extraordinary opportunity to change the world.

The University of Texas at Austin is dedicated to providing veterans, military personnel and their dependents with the support needed to make the most of their educational experience.

UT Austin governing documents:

g The University of Texas System Regents’ Rules and Regulations www.utsystem.edu/bor/rules.htm

g General Information Catalog registrar.utexas.edu/catalogs/gi10-11/

g The University of Texas at Austin Hand-book of Operating Procedures www.utexas.edu/policies/hoppm/

g Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities registrar.utexas.edu/catalogs/gi09- 10/app/gi09.appc01.html

The University of Texas at Austin Motto

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If you prefer not to drive, a valid UT Austin student ID card entitles you to utilize the city transit system for free.

The City of Austin bus routes as well as park and ride information can be found at www.capmetro.org or www.utexas.edu/parking/transportation/.

Parking on CamPus

Many parking options are available for students, however space is limited on campus. The Uni-versity of Texas at Austin also requires a permit to access and park at all university properties unless the vehicle is parked in a university garage, parking meter or loading zone. Several metered areas are located throughout the West Campus area, typically operating at either 3- or 5-hour increments, and can be paid by credit card. Most undergraduate students who buy a parking pass purchase a “C” permit, however you may want to explore your options.

Set up a My Parking Profile at www.utexas.edu/parking/.

*For student veterans who are eligible for Disabled Veteran license plates:

g A disabled veteran qualifies for a disabled parking placard when their Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating is 50% or higher. Also, a disabled veteran is entitled to Disabled Veteran license plates when their Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating is 40% and is the result of the amputa-tion of a lower extremity. Complete

Finding a PlaCe to live

The culture of north Austin and south Austin differ greatly. North Austin is more suburban, as south Austin tends to have more of an “organic” feel. Student veterans who have families may want to consider the differences between the sections of town. Student Veteran Services (SVS) offers assistance to student veterans seeking to rent or buy in the Austin area. Contact SVS for more information.

There are also many free apartment locator services, online listings and postings through-out campus and in town for those interested in subleasing or seek a roommate. SVS encour-ages you to ask fellow student veterans about living arrangements in order to get a pulse on rent and typical accommodations.

g University Apartments, located approximate-ly six miles from the UT Austin campus, are another option for students. A convenient bicycle ride or a short drive away, there are also shuttle bus stops located throughout the Brackenridge complex and along the streets for Gateway and Colorado sites.

*For more information, contact University Apartments at 512-232-5299, or by e-mail at [email protected].

getting to CamPus

Most student veterans live off campus, which makes getting to the university a task all its own. Getting to campus can be quite an endeavor, as traffic in Austin can be congested.

Getting Started

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CamPus saFety & seCurity

g Monthly Siren Tests: Similar to bunker drills or raid tests on deployment, UT Austin conducts emergency service siren tests at around 11:50 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month. The tests last one minute and no action is required during the tests. Visit www.utexas.edu/safety/sirens/.

g Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL): A service that provides UT Austin faculty, students and staff an opportunity to discuss concerns about another individual’s behav-ior. Trained staff will assist with exploring available options and strategies, and will also provide appropriate guidance and resource referrals to address the particular situation. Telephone 512-232-5050 or report concerns using the online submission form at www.utexas.edu/safety/bcal/.

g Be Safe, Texas: Provides information and Web links to help keep you safe and provide you with resources to stay informed. Visit www.utexas.edu/besafe/.

g Emergency Information: The university’s Emergency Information Web site provides up-to-date information about campus alerts. Updates are available via telephone at the university’s general information number: 512-232-9999. As a situation progresses, updates will also be available through local news media, the university’s home page, group e-mails and text messages (sign-up required). In the event of an emergency, the university community may also receive com-munications via office voicemail, the siren system, University of Texas Police Depart-ment (UTPD) patrol car announcements, fire-panel systems and flat-screen televisions in residence halls and public gathering places. To learn more, visit www.utexas.edu/emergency/.

Form VTR-615 (the same one used to request DV plates) and mail it to your County Tax Assessor-Collector. Proof of eligibility must accompany the application. To learn more, please visit www.txdmv.gov/whatyouneed/forms/license_plates.htm.

g After receiving your Disabled Veteran plates, bring the forms to the Trinity Parking Garage to receive a “D” permit.

Persons with Disabilities Parking: Parking spaces are reserved in surface lots and garages to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. Anyone with a “D” permit is allowed to park in these special places around campus.

g “D” spaces are reserved at all times unless otherwise indicated. A university disability permit (Class “D” or “TD”) is required to park in all surface “D” spaces or the appropri-ate garage fee must be paid to park in the garage spaces for persons with disabilities. A person with disabilities plate and/or permit is ALSO required in both “D” surface spaces and garage spaces for persons with disabilities.

g Disability license plates, veteran license plates, permits, or placards issued by the State of Texas, as well as disability plates, permits, and placards issued by other states shall be considered appropriate persons with disabilities plate and/or permit.

Parking Fee Exemption: All veterans with dis-abilities, Congressional Medal of Honor recipi-ents, former prisoners of war, and Purple Heart recipients, whose vehicles display the special license plates issued by the Texas Department of Transportation, are exempt from the pay-ment of fees at parking meters or in parking ga-rages on campus and are further exempt from the payment of fees for any university parking permit for which they are otherwise eligible.

The rules for veteran parking can be found at www.utexas.edu/parking/rules/sec5.html.

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for nine weeks, “w” for whole session and “s” for second term.

g Absence for military service: In accordance with Texas education code section 51.9111, a student is excused from attending classes or engaging in other required activities, includ-ing exams, if he or she is called to active mili-tary service of a reasonably brief duration. The student will be allowed a reasonable time after the absence to complete assign-ments and take exams. Policies affecting students who withdraw from the university for military service are given in the General Information catalog.

For more about absence for military service, visit registrar.utexas.edu/schedules/116/terms/.

the ut austin grading system

The University of Texas at Austin uses a plus/minus system. Answers to frequently asked questions may be found at www.utexas.edu/provost/planning/plus-minus/.

Final grades will be determined on the basis of the following rubric. To ensure fairness, all num-bers are absolute and will not be rounded up or down at any stage. For example, a B– will be in-clusive of all scores of 80.000 through 83.999. The university does not recognize the grade of A+.

A = 94–100A– = 90–93B+ = 87–89B = 84–86B– = 80–83C+ = 77–79C = 74–76C– = 70–73D+ = 67–69D = 64–66D– = 60–63F = 0–60

registering For Classes

Registering online for classes may be slightly different than experiences you have had else-where. Most of your registration information can be found by accessing your Registration Information Sheet (RIS). After registration, you can follow your progress toward graduation by accessing your Individual Degree Audit (IDA). Both, your RIS and IDA can be found by enter-ing the short acronyms in the search box at the UT Austin homepage. Visit registrar.utexas.edu/students/registration for more information.

g Each class has a five digit unique number that specifically identifies the course and serves as a direct link for course information on the Web.

g Each course number, which differs from the unique number, is broken down as follows: the first three letters indicate the area of study, the first digit number indicates credit hours awarded, and the second two digits in-dicate whether the course is upper or lower division.

Example: ADV 315 ADV = Advertising 3 = Number of credit hours awarded 15 = Lower division course

g Each class time listed on your schedule will dismiss 10–15 minutes earlier than the end time. Example: ADV 315 M/W/F, 11 a.m.–noon will actually let out at 11:50 a.m. to allow you to get to your next class.

g Be sure to enroll in classes that fall under your degree plan(s)* so they will count toward enrollment status and rate of pursuit for your educational benefits. (*A degree plan is an outline of degree requirements for a major. Consult with an academic advisor in your college for accurate information about degree requirements, as well as information on the policies and procedures that govern your graduation.)

g Summer courses have a lowercase letter just before the course number: “f” for first term, “n”

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for a game of pool, bowling or air hockey. In winter, warm up in an SAC fireplace lounge. Grab coffee at one of the Starbucks locations or stop by the Texas Union campus store for any last-minute needs. Visit www.utexas.edu/universityunions/ for more information.

g Sanger Learning and Career Center: Lo-cated at Jester Center (JES) A115, the center offers free tutoring, academic counseling, test prep workshops, math reviews, career assess-ment, help with choosing a major and much more. Assistance is also available for graduate students interested in writing or teaching consultations, or the confidential Credentials Service. Visit www.lifelearning.utexas.edu to learn more about available resources.

g Undergraduate Writing Center (UWC): Offers free, individualized, expert help with writing for any UT Austin undergraduate, by appointment or on a drop-in basis. Work with a trained consultant to improve writing skills (e.g., deciding on a topic; clarifying and organizing ideas; researching, drafting and revising; improving grammar, punctuation and usage; and citing sources properly). Visit www.lifelearning.utexas.edu to learn more.

g Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD): Students with disabilities are eligible to register with Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) in the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement. Students seeking classroom, courseload or other ac-commodations must submit documentation of their disability to SSD and schedule an intake appointment by calling 512-471-6259 (or Videophone: 1-866-329-3986). A student becomes eligible for accommodations after completing the intake interview, submitting the appropriate documentation and complet-ing an Acceptance of Services form. More information and documentation guidelines for various types of disabilities can be found online at www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd/.

g Student Emergency Services (SES): Provides assistance to students, and in some cases their families and friends, during a

aCCessing your veterans eduCational BeneFits

The University of Texas at Austin understands how important it is for student veterans to be informed about all educational benefits for which they may be eligible. Whether utilizing MGIB Ch 30, 33, 31, 1606 (Selected Reserve), 1607 (REAP) or Hazelwood Exemption, fully understanding your benefits is one of the most important first steps. Information about benefits and how they affect you can be found online at registrar.utexas.edu/students/cert/vetn.

The Office of the Registrar, located in the Tower (MAI, Room 1), handles all military educational benefits paperwork. School Certifying Officials (SCO) will explain your benefits and submit your paperwork to the VA for processing. To certify your paperwork and receive benefits, you will need to go to this office in person each semes-ter to complete necessary forms, discuss your degree plan and determine what’s known as your “rate of pursuit.” You will need to take your DD-214, proof of residency (if necessary) and an award letter, which is mailed to you from the Department of Veteran Affairs.

key CamPus resourCes

g SVS Center (Student Veteran Services Center): Located in the Student Services Building (SSB) 4.472, the Student Veteran Services Resource Center offers resources to every enrolled student veteran seeking assistance. We can help you solve any student veteran-related problem. Visit deanofstudents.utexas.edu/veterans/.

g University Unions: Consisting of the Texas Union (the Union) and the Student Activ-ity Center (SAC), the University Unions are vibrant student centers for the UT Austin community. They offer meeting and study space, a variety of diverse student-focused events and popular food options in both buildings. Stop by the Union Underground

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articles in professional journals, membership in scholarly organizations, preparing for an academic or professional career, etc.). The Pre-Graduate School Internship is available to all UT Austin undergraduates and is based on the student’s ability to obtain the consent of a faculty member and/or graduate student willing to supervise the internship. To learn more, visit communication.utexas.edu/ie/.

ComPuter laBs on CamPus

Free access to computer workstations is avail-able throughout campus (for a complete list of locations, visit www.utexas.edu/its/campus-labs/). Three main locations are:

g Perry-Castañeda Library (PCL), located at 101 East 21st Street, across from Jester Center (JES). The main lobby and most of the ground floor has paid printing and free computer us-age. If all spots are taken, simply sign in with your UT EID and wait for an available station. *The 5th floor is used primarily for open study and is not considered a quiet study area. It is ideal for group sessions, projects or other col-laboration. Call 512-495-4350 or visit www.lib.utexas.edu/pcl/.

g Life Science Library, located in the Main Building (MAI), up both flights of stairs in Room 220. This quiet study area offers paid printing and free computer usage. (Traffic is fairly low here and computers are usually available.) Call 512-495-4630 or visit www.lib.utexas.edu/lsl/.

g Peter T. Flawn Academic Center (FAC), just west of the Tower, next to the Texas Union. Printing, using Bevo Bucks only, and free computer workstations are available on the first floor. Also located in the FAC is the Campus Computer Store, which offers large discounts on computer software for students. Information Technology Services (ITS) also offers walk-in service in the first floor lobby of the FAC. Call the ITS Help Desk at 512-475-9400 or visit www.utexas.edu/its/fac/.

personal emergency or crisis. This assistance may include providing limited emergency funds, facilitating communication with academic advisors and professors when there are concerns about academic perfor-mance, as well as Medical or Mental Health Withdrawals or Courseload Reductions. Visit deanofstudents.utexas.edu/emergency/.

g Recreational Sports: RecSports offers a wide array of indoor and outdoor facilities throughout campus. Facilities include greg-ory gym, located at 2101 Speedway, near the PCL (main library), and the recreational sports Center (rsC), located at San Jacinto and 20th Streets. For more information, visit www.utrecsports.org.

g Bevonomics: Provides money management information and resources. Topics and tools include Money-saving Ideas, Managing Credit, Understanding Stocks, Bonds and Mutual Funds, Finding Money, Interactive Budgeting, etc. For a calendar of workshops and a list of download-able resources, visit www.bevonomics.org.

g Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC): Offers a wide variety of resources, including 24-hour confidentail counseling, stress management tools and an anonymous online Self-Assessment. Visit www.cmhc.utexas.edu to learn more.

g UT iPhone App: If you own an iPhone, this free UT app offers direct access to campus maps, class schedules, Blackboard, the cam-pus directory and even sports information. Navigating our large campus is made easy with the app’s GPS-enabled mapping service. Download at www.utexas.edu/iphoneapp/.

g The IE (Intellectual Entrepreneurship) Pre-Graduate School Internship connects undergraduates with faculty and veteran graduate students in their field of study to explore the aspects of graduate study that are distinct from the undergraduate experi-ence (e.g., conducting research, scholarly writing, participating in seminars, serving as teaching and research assistants, publishing

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member of the SVA will benefit you in many ways during and after your time at The Univer-sity of Texas at Austin. Become a member today at www.texasvets.org.

texas laW veterans assoCiation

The goal of the Texas Law Veterans Association is to encourage networking among UT law veterans and family members, spread informa-tion on veterans benefits and veteran-related news, advocate for veterans’ interests and, through active engagement in the community, create goodwill toward veterans. Membership is open to UT Austin students, faculty and staff, including people who are former or active-duty service members in the Armed Forces, Reserves and National Guard, their family members and significant others, as well as anyone else who supports the organization’s mission. To join, visit texaslawvets.law.officelive.com.

soCial netWorking

Ever want to know which student veterans have the same major as you or even share your branch of service? Well, now you can do a search simply by signing up for the free social network that is exclusive to student veterans at The University of Texas at Austin. Upload pictures, share Google docs, find out about local happenings, share veteran resources and get information about veteran-related campus events. This exciting new communication tool will connect you to other veterans without ask-

Similar to the military, different student veteran-related issues are best handled through differ-ent channels. Each facet of the student veteran experience has its proper chain of command.

veteran-to-veteran sPonsorshiP Program

The University of Texas at Austin firmly believes in providing student veterans with leadership opportunities. The student veteran sponsorship program aims to do just that, pairing incoming student veterans with someone who has been at UT Austin for some time and has met the criteria for becoming a sponsor. If you have not been sponsored and would like to be, please contact Student Veteran Services by e-mail at [email protected]. A sponsor can help you find things on campus, show you around town and connect you instantly to the student veteran population.

ut austin student veterans assoCiation (sva)

The primary purpose of the Student Veterans Association at The University of Texas at Austin is to serve the needs of students with prior or current military affiliation, their families and/or their dependents. The SVA achieves this aim by developing and implementing support activi-ties to better assess, promote and represent the interests of this population within the UT Austin community. The SVA sponsors many events for student veterans, including tailgating, river floats and Veterans Day promotions. Being a

Getting Connected

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Note: Both on- and off-campus, the Univer-sity of Texas Police Department (UTPD) and the Austin Police Department (APD) patrol diligently to minimize the number of DUI, DWI and Public Intoxication incidents, so please be responsible and have a plan when consuming alcohol.

The university offers students a safe, conve-nient late-night transportation alternative with E-Bus (Eating and Entertainment Bus) service to downtown entertainment destina-tions Thursdays though Saturdays. Visit www.utexas.edu/parking/transportation/ebus/ for more information.

You can also find Top 10 Tips for Designated Drivers and other Safe Ride information at www.healthyhorns.utexas.edu/saferide.html.

gRecreation: Austin offers many outdoor ac-tivities including hiking, biking and running trails, as well as famous Barton Springs and Lady Bird Lake. For more information about Austin’s hike and bike trails, greenbelts, the Veloway, etc., visit www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/thingstodo.htm.

CamP maBry military id Card

If you are on Inactive Reserve (IR) or Individual Ready Reserve (IRR)—typically following active duty as service member—you are eligible to apply for a Reservist Military ID card at Camp Mabry. Simply take your DD-214 and two forms of identification to the Camp Mabry ID Office. With a Reservist ID, you will be able to enter military installations, shop at the exchange and commissary, and get discounts at local and na-tional businesses, such as the San Marcos outlet stores. For more information, contact the Camp Mabry Identification Office at 512-782-6841.

ing you to give up all of the personal informa-tion that is stored on Facebook. To join, simply go to utvets.ning.com.

ut austin’s legislative student organizations

The University of Texas at Austin’s Legislative Student Organizations are Student Government (SG), the Senate of College Councils and the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA).

gStudent Government: Provides all students with official representation and advocacy: www.utexas.edu/studentgov/.

gSenate of College Councils: Serves as the official voice of students in academic affairs: utsenate.org/.

gGraduate Student Assembly: Represents the interests of graduate students within the university community: www.utgraduatestu-dentassembly.org/.

liFe in Central texas

Austin is regarded as an open-minded, friendly, innovative and technology-rich city. The city is consistently rated a national creative center, drawing talented people from across the world to Central Texas, where quality of life is high and there is a rich selection of rentertainment and activity choices. Austin’s combination of talent, tolerance and technology makes the city unique. It hosts nationally known festivals such as the Austin City Limits Festival (ACL Fest) and South by Southwest (SXSW).

gEntertainment: Nightlife in Austin is vibrant, diverse and musically driven. Parking downtown is metered, but many parking garages are available. To find out about music events, restaurant deals, happy hours or anything else going on in Austin, simply visit www.austin360.com.

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helPFul Phone numBers

Student Veteran Services (SVS) ... 512-471-5017

Office of the Dean of Students ..... 512 471-5017

Veteran Certification, Office of the Registrar ..................... 5 12 475-7540

Student Accounts Receivable ....... 512 475-7777

UT ID Center ............................................. 512 471-4334

General Information Desk ................ 512 475-7348

University Health Services (UHS) .. 512 471-4955

UHS 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line ............................................ 512-475-6877 (NURS)

Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) .................................... 512 471-3515

CMHC 24-Hour Telephone Counseling (UT Students Only) .............. 512-471-CALL (2255)

Student Emergency Services ......... 512-471-5017

Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL) ....................................................... 512-232-5050

Parking and Transportation ............. 512 471-7275

Recreational Sports .............................. 512 471-6045

Tuition and Fee Billing ........................ 512 475-7777

Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) ................................. 512 471-6259

Sanger Learning and Career Center ........................................................ 512 471-1217

Undergraduate Writing Center ..... 512-471-6222

Intellectual Entrepreneurship ........ 512 471-1939

Community resourCes

The University of Texas at Austin works closely with community leaders, veteran advocates and local programs to better serve the needs of student veterans. Resources include, but are not limited to:

g VA Outpatient Clinic - Austin 2901 Montopolis Drive Austin, Texas 78741 512-389-1010 www.centraltexas.va.gov/visitors/austin.asp

g VA Mental Health Clinic - Austin 2101 South I-35, Southgate Building Austin, Texas 78741 512-433-2020 www.centraltexas.va.gov/services/PTSD.asp

g Austin Vet Center 2015 South I-35, Southcliff Bldg., Suite 101 Austin, Texas 78741 512-416-1314

g Department of Veterans Affairs www.va.gov

g Texas Workforce Commission www.twc.state.tx.us/

g Texas Veterans Commission www.tvc.state.tx.us/

g Lone Star Veterans Association www.lonestarveterans.org

g Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America iava.org/

Other Resources

Page 16: 2011 Veterans Welcome Booklet

Each student veteran has a unique story—a different background, life experience or branch of service— yet are all connected by answering the call to serve. Connect with other student veterans and let your collective voice be heard.

“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”

— Martin Luther King Jr.

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