Longhorn TIES provides one-on-one student support with trained coaches through TIESplus and drop-in services. All services are provided by trained, specialized coaches who provide individualized support and informed campus and community referrals related to academic, social, vocational, and independent living needs. Prospective students or families interested in learning more about each service may complete the Longhorn TIES informational request form. The application for TIESplus and drop-in services can be found here or on the right side of this page.
TIESplus applications for fall 2024 are open! Students interested in TIESplus services for fall 2024 can submit an application and schedule an initial consult meeting at any time. Initial consult meetings are available to be scheduled on a first-come-first-serve basis. TIESplus applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Drop-In Services
Longhorn TIES offers limited drop-in meetings support for undergraduate and graduate students who identify as neurodivergent. Drop-in meetings are best for campus and community resources referrals. Students may schedule drop-in meetings at any point in the semester.
Longhorn TIES drop-in meetings are virtual by default. A Longhorn TIES coach will update your calendar invitation with a Zoom link prior to your scheduled meeting.
TIESplus
Students who identify as neurodivergent (autism, ADHD, etc.) are eligible to apply for TIESplus services. Acceptance into TIESplus is contingent on staff availability and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. TIESplus, fee based program includes but is not limited to pre-planning transition meetings, 1:1 coaching support, group coaching, cross campus collaborations, workshops and socials. Sponsorship opportunities and financial assistance are available for all students interested in applying for TIESplus.
How to Apply
Students must be admitted or currently enrolled to an academic program at The University of Texas at Austin to apply.
Students may start the TIESplus application process by completing the online TIESplus application.
After the application is completed, students will be prompted to schedule an initial consultation meeting with Longhorn TIES staff
No other documentation (e.g. educational records, diagnostic information, letters of recommendation) will be requested or reviewed as part of the application process.
We recommend students contact a local Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation office prior to applying for TIESplus services however this is not required.
Levels of Service
Pre-Planning Transition Meetings:
Incoming UT Austin students will have an opportunity to participate in pre-planning transition meetings prior to coming to campus. TIESplus will provide information about acclimating to campus and utilizing campus resources and will be eligible for coaching meeting to assist with the transition to campus.
Level 1: Full College Transition Support
This level of service is recommended for all first, second year and transfer students. Services include but are not limited to:
Weekly meetings with trained coaches throughout the academic term enrolled; students can request additional meetings if needed.
Weekly group coaching meetings.
Coaching in areas such as self-advocacy, self-management, organization, time-management and life and social skills.
Meetings commonly address academic, social, vocational, and independent living needs, and are always tailored to the needs of the individual student.
Assistance in self-monitoring academic progress and goal settings.
Required academic, social, and professional development events per term.
Level 2: General Student Support Services
Services include but are not limited to:
Bi-weekly
Weekly progress checks.
Coaching in areas such as self-advocacy, self-management, organization, time-management and life and social skills.
Meetings commonly address academic, social, vocational, and independent living needs, and are always tailored to the needs of the individual student.
Assistance in self-monitoring academic progress and goal settings.
Required academic, social, and professional development events per term.
Level 3: Monthly Student Support
This service is recommended for students in their final year of their degree. Services include but are not limited to:
Monthly 1:1 coaching with trained coaches throughout the academic semester enrolled
Bi-weekly progress checks
Coaching in areas such as self-advocacy, self-management, organization, time-management and life and social skills.
Meetings commonly address
Transitional support (post-graduation)
Required professional development events per term
Workshops and Events
TIESplus hosts workshops and events to assist students in developing skills related to collegiate and post-graduate success.
Sponsorships
Students interested in sponsorship are encouraged to contact their local Texas Workforce Commission-Vocational Rehabilitation (TWC-VR) office to speak with a counselor about possible financial assistance prior to applying for TIESplus services. To find your local TWC-VR Office, please click here. In addition, UT Austin Financial Aid office may provide assistance in securing financial aid for TIESplus. To learn more about financial aid assistance or other sponsorship opportunities reach out to Longhorn TIES.
How TIESplus can help
TIESplus coaches always customize coaching meetings to the needs of the
individual student. Common concerns and skills addressed during coaching
meetings include but are not limited to:
- Academic Planning and Success
- Executive functioning (time management, organization)
- Managing deadlines and assignments
- Study schedules and strategies
- Accessing accommodations
- Communication with professors
- Accessing campus tutoring resources
- Social Connection and Relationships
- Campus involvement and student organizations
- Communication with roommates and peers
- Social and communication skill development
- Health and Wellness
- Mental health resource connection and referral
- Accessing university medical health services
- Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule
- Stress management
- Balancing academic and personal life
- Independent Living
- Hygiene and self-care strategies
- Household management strategies
- Budgeting and personal finance
- Navigating Austin
- Professional Development
- Career exploration
- Resume and cover letter development
- Job and internship search strategies
- Mock interviews
- Preparation for career fairs
- Referrals to campus career services
Student Resources
- Students on the Spectrum
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network
- Longhorn TIES
- Disability and Access
- Apps + Resources for Student Success
- Autistic Women and Non-Binary Network
- Job Accommodation Network
- Disability Cultural Center
- Counseling and Mental Health Center
- Sanger Learning Center
- Longhorn SHARE Project