Longhorn TIES Student Support

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. The application for TIESplus and drop-in services can be found here or on the right side of this page. 

Interested in Longhorn TIES Autism and Neurodiversity services? Fill out the Longhorn TIES Interest Form and our member of our team will be in touch!

TIESplus applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Students interested in TIESplus services for spring 2025 are encouraged to submit an application and schedule an initial consult meeting at this time. Initial consult meetings are available to be scheduled on a first-come-first-serve 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.

Schedule Drop-In Service

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. 

  • Prospectives students or families interested in learning more about each service may book an information meeting here.
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  meetings with trained coaches throughout the academic semester enrolled; students can request additional meetings if needed. 

    • 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  social, vocational and independent living needs and are always tailored to the needs of the individual student. 

    • Transitional support (post-graduation) 

    • Required professional development events per term 

Workshops and Events

TIESplus offers a range of resources to support your collegiate and post-graduate success. Join our workshops and events, benefit from exclusive study halls, and stay informed with our weekly e-newsletter. Connect and collaborate through Canvas and our private Slack channel to make the most of your journey. In addition, students have the opportunity to attend social events hosted by Longhorn TIES and other campus partners.

Sponsorships

Students interested in sponsorship are encouraged to contact Texas Workforce Commission- Vocational Rehabilitation (TWC-VR). Students who are registered and eligible for TWC-VR services and have Longhorn TIES added to their Individualized Plan for Employment may be eligible for financial assistance. 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
 
 
TIESPlus Application
Schedule Drop-In Service
Longhorn TIES Interest Form