UT Orientation Attendance and Conduct Expectations

Longhorns Take Care of Each Other. This message is central to who we are at the University of Texas at Austin, and that care and compassion starts at New Student Orientation. The following guidelines are provided to ensure that all UT students have a successful and meaningful experience at orientation and to ensure that we, as Longhorns, embody the respect and responsibility that makes UT the special place that it is. 

Be respectful. 

  • Uphold the Student Honor Code and the University Code of Conduct 

  • Bullying will not be tolerated. 

  • We ask that you refrain from using language that is offensive. This includes language you might use in the following components of orientation: 

  • Canvas discussion boards 

  • In-person and Zoom meetings 

  • In-person and Zoom social programs 

  • Social media 

  • Language and behavior will be monitored by New Student Services Staff. Those whose behavior disrupts the session or rises to a possible violation of the UT Institutional Rules will be asked to leave the session. 

 Be responsible. 

  • Alcohol and illegal substances are not a part of UT orientation. This rule applies to in-person and virtual programming. The visible presence of alcohol or illegal substances in virtual experiences may result in your removal from the experience. 

  • While attending any virtual programming, it is good practice to:  

  • Check that the background of your environment or your Zoom background is appropriate. 

  • When not speaking, leave yourself on mute as to not detract from those who are leading. 

  • If you are participating in and in-person orientation session (all freshman sessions, or the final transfer session), you are required to remain on campus for the entirety of your orientation program. 

  • While staying in the residence halls, you will need to observe quiet hours on your floor from 11 p.m. – 8 a.m.  

If you do not adhere to these expectations during orientation, you may not be able to register for classes during the designated registration time in your session and you will be required to meet with an orientation staff member or the Dean of Students office. Orientation is the first step in your Longhorn journey and it is important to make responsible decisions at your orientation session. You are encouraged and expected to make decisions that positively impact you UT education. 

University Institutional Rules and Code of Conduct 

"The core values of The University of Texas at Austin are learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity, and responsibility. Each member of the University is expected to uphold these values through integrity, honesty, trust, fairness, and respect towards peers and community." 

It is the responsibility of every Longhorn to both know and uphold the university’s expectations for conduct. Student Conduct and Academic Integrity in the Office of the Dean of Students fosters a Longhorn State of Mind through the resolution of academic integrity and conduct-related matters as well as educational outreach to students, faculty, and staff. Specific information about the university’s disciplinary process, related resources, as well as the university’s rules (described in Chapter 11 of the Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities) can be found on the Student Conduct and Academic Integrity website.  

Chapter 11 - STUDENT DISCIPLINE AND CONDUCT 

The University’s expectations for student conduct are grounded in the University Code of Conduct: “The core values of The University of Texas at Austin are learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity, and responsibility. All students are responsible for reviewing this document. To view and download a copy of Chapter 11, click here

Chapter 13 - SPEECH, EXPRESSION AND ASSEMBLY 

The freedoms of speech, expression, and assembly are fundamental rights of all persons and are central to the mission of UT Austin. All students are responsible for reviewing this document. To view and download a copy of Chapter 13, click here