UT Lingo

Lingo A to Z

A

Add/Drop

The times after registration when you can add and drop courses from your schedule. Procedures for adding and dropping courses are given in the Course Schedule.

AUP

The AUP refers to the University's Acceptable Use Policy. This policy provides students with guidelines on appropriate and legal uses of computer and information technology at the university. One important aspect of this policy outlines your responsibilities when accessing campus network resources. Violating the AUP can lead to serious consequences, including disciplinary action or even criminal prosecution.

B

Bevo mascot on the field at DKR Stadium at UT Austin

Bevo

The University's official mascot, a longhorn steer, accompanies the Longhorn football team to all home and many out-of-town games.

Bevo Pay

Bevo Pay is the easy-to-use, cashless form of payment accessible through your ID Card. Like a debit card, Bevo Pay is a prepaid account that you can use to purchase food, goods and services both on and off campus.

BeVocal

Learn how Longhorns take care of each other by identifying potential harm, choosing to respond and taking action.

Big 12

The athletic conference to which the University belongs. The conference includes UT Austin, Baylor University, Bringham Young, The University of Central Florida, University of Cincinnati, University of Houston, Iowa State University, The University of Kansas, Kansas State University, The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University, and West Virginia University.

ut austin football player marcus johnson

The Big Ticket

The Big Ticket is a unique, exclusive student offer—a single transaction, single-purchase, all-event ticket that buys a reserved seat to every Texas Football home game—and a simple, general admission access pass to every other UT sports home event. That's close to 120 events a year! competition.

Bridging Disciplines Program (BDP)

Bridging Disciplines Programs allow undergraduates to earn certificates in one of 17 interdisciplinary areas, ranging in content from International Studies to the Environment to Digital Arts and Media. A BDP consists of 19 credit hours, combined with research, internships and/or creative experiences.

Bursar (Cashier) Services 

Also known as the Cashier's Office; where students may pay their fee bills or pick up student employment checks.

C

cactus yearbook logo

Cactus Yearbook

As the oldest publication on campus, the Cactus is the only pictorial record of the events on the UT campus for the student body as a whole.

students at Camp Texas

Camp Texas

Camp Texas is the start to a great college experience for new students. Held at a lakefront ranch outside of Austin, this three-day extended orientation program provides a complete guide for success at UT. From fireside chats with UT professors, to Texas traditions and making new friends, campers learn what it means to be a true Longhorn.

Campus Computer Store

Located in the Flawn Academic Center, this on-campus location offers students, faculty, and staff academic discounts from Apple, Dell, Lenovo as well as on software and accessories. In-store services include computer repair, trade-in and warranty services for most computer brands.

Canvas

An online course management system that allows students and faculty to integrate multimedia course content, course communication, student assessments (quizzes, assignments, surveys, portfolios), and student grades to create a cohesive, connected virtual space for classes.

Classification

Undergraduate students are classified as freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors based on the number of academic credit hours earned. This classification is as follows: freshmen, 0-30 credit hours; sophomores, 31-60 credit hours; juniors, 61-90 credit hours; seniors, 91 credit hours and above.

Core Curriculum

All undergraduate students at the University are responsible for completing the core curriculum, which is built into each degree plan. The core consists of 42 hours of coursework in English composition, natural sciences, humanities, arts, history, government, and social sciences.

Counseling and Mental Health Center

The CMHC provides counseling services to students, hosts discussions groups and workshops, and offers mental health resources.

Course Schedules

Lists the courses to be offered each semester, including time, location, unique number and instructor, as well as other essential registration information and instructions.

outside of the University Co-op store on Guadalupe Street

Co-op

The University Co-Op is located on Guadalupe directly across from the West Mall. Partially owned and operated by students, faculty and staff of the University, the Co-op sells UT clothing, gifts, souvenirs, textbooks and more.

D

Daily Texan

The award-winning student-run newspaper on campus.

Dean Of Students (DOS)

The Office of the Dean of Students provides robust student support services along with opportunities for leadership experience, a variety of student work environments, engaging programming, and specialized resources.

Guadalupe street sign

The Drag

Refers to Guadalupe Street, in general and the portion of Guadalupe running between Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (MLK Blvd.) and W. Dean Keeton Street, in particular. The University Co-op, fast food establishments, clothing stores, etc., are located on the Drag.

Duo Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication requires one authentication method from two distinct categories in order to gain access to the service or system. UT is implementing Two Factor Authentication for most of our online systems using a service called Duo.

E

East Mall

The area east of the Main Building between Speedway and the bus circle on East 23rd Street.

EID (Electronic Identity)

Your UT EID and password enable you to use secure UT web services such as course registration, tuition and fee bill calculation, student address update, and ticket draws for intercollegiate athletic events.

F

outside of the Flawn Academic Center at UT Austin

FAC

Abbreviation for the Peter T. Flawn Academic Center located on the West Mall next to the Main (MAI) Building. Home to the computer store, computer lab, A/V library, ID Center, ITS Help Desk, Liberal Arts Career Services and more.

First-Gen

First-gen college students are students whose parents/guardians have not had the opportunity to receive a four year degree within the United States. Many students whose parents have received a degree from outside the United States also identify as first-gen.

FIG (First-Year Interest Group)

Designed to assist new students with their transition to the University, FIG is a group of 18 - 25 freshmen who take two to four courses together and attend a weekly one-hour seminar facilitated by a professional advisor and peer mentor.

Forty Acres

The original UT campus was located on 40 Acres surrounding what is now the Tower. This is the area framed by 24th, Speedway, 21st, and Guadalupe Streets.

Freshman Reading Roundup

This is a chance to interact with some of the best professors the University has to offer. Over the summer, read a book recommended by the professor you choose, and then, just before classes start, discuss that book in a relaxed setting with a small group of fellow freshmen.

G

General Information Catalog

Refers to the booklet published by the Official Publications Division of the Registrar's Office which discusses general admission requirements, registration and fees, academic policies and procedures, student affairs, libraries and other academic resources.

Texas flag displayed on the Tower at UT Austin during Gone to Texas

Gone to Texas

Celebration taking place on the Main Mall the night before classes start each fall. Serves as the official "welcome" to UT Austin.

Grading System

The grade point average (GPA) is the single most frequently used evaluation of a student's classroom performance. In computing this average, the following point system is used: A=four points per semester hour, B=three points per semester hour, C=two points per semester hour, D=one point per semester hour, F=no points per semester hour. The GPA is calculated by dividing the number of hours taken into the number of grade points received. The Registrar has an online GPA calculator.

H

Hold

A restriction on your student record (because you owe money, need to see your advisor, etc.) preventing registration. Holds are listed on your Registration Information Sheet (RIS). Here are the kinds of bars that may appear on your record and how you may clear them: 

Financial. In most cases, financial bars may be paid in cash or by check at the Cashier's Office in MAI 8 or paid online by credit card.

Nonfinancial. You must resolve a nonfinancial bar in person at the administrative office that imposed it.

Advising. Many academic departments on campus require their students to be advised before registering for classes. View your RIS or consult the Advising and Major Codes section of the Course Schedule to see if the department of your major requires advising.

students making the Hook 'Em hand signal

Hook 'Em

The hand symbol, resembling the head of a longhorn, that UT fans use to show their school spirit. Introduced in 1955 by Harley Clark, the hand signal was an instant hit. Hook 'Em is also the name of the costumed mascot.

HornsLink

The place to get connected and involved on campus!

Hybrid Class

 (Hybrid/Blended Course) A hybrid class utilizes both online and in-person experiences. A hybrid class is one designed for the instructor and students to meet in person part of the time and online other times.

I

ITS Help Desk

Computer help; find it on the first floor of the FAC.

In-Person Class

(Face-to-face) Classes designated as in-person are those for which there is at least some material critical for the class that cannot be acquired without in-person attendance. Most of these classes involve learning skills or using equipment that would not be available remotely. In-person classes may have some content presented online, but students who register for classes without coming to campus cannot take these classes.

K

KVRX

KVRX 91.7 is broadcasted 24/7 at KVRX.org. The mission of KVRX 91.7 is to provide the estimated 20,000 listeners in the Austin area with music and community programming that cannot be found in commercial media.

L

Longhorn Welcome

The official Texas-sized welcome that includes a full schedule of events to welcome all students to the Forty Acres during the first week of fall classes.

M

MyUT

Online portal where you can access Canvas, pay bills, register for classes and more.

O

Office Hours

Hours when faculty members are available to meet with students in their offices. Many times, students may also make special appointments if they are unable to speak with a professor during his or her office hours.

Online Class (Internet)

An online class is a class designed from the ground up assuming that all students will attend the main class experience online. Material in these classes may be presented synchronously or asynchronously.

Optional Fees

Charges for programs and services not included when a student pays tuition and required fees. Optional fees include All-Sports Package, Department of Theatre and Dance tickets, Cactus yearbook and parking permits.

Orientation Advisor (OA)

OAs assist new students, transfer students, returning students and their family members in their transition to UT Austin. OAs are responsible for helping students with academic advising, providing information about campus resources and services, and educating students about campus policies and procedures. In addition, OAs serve as representatives of New Student Services and The University of Texas at Austin.

P

outside of the Perry Castaneda library at UT Austin

PCL

Perry-Castaneda Library. Main library with a coffee shop, tons of study space and more.

Prereq

Prerequisite. A class you have to take before you can take the class you want to take.

PTS

Parking and Transportation Services.

Q

Q Drop

The last possible time to drop a class without penalty (or refund), between the 12th and 20th class day. Approval must be granted by the dean.

R

Registrar

This office oversees registration; maintains and certifies student records; issues diplomas and transcripts; and publishes catalogs, course schedules and final exam schedules.

ResNet

Campus Residence Hall Network. Provides wired and wireless Internet access for students living on campus.

RIS

Registration Information Sheet. A form prepared for each student that lists personal information, advising information, registration times and financial and nonfinancial bar information.

S

Sanger Learning Center

The Sanger Learning Center provided academic support for all students.

SEC

The athletic conference the University will be joining beginning Fall 2024. The conference includes the University of Alabama, University of Arkansas, Auburn University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, Louisiana State University, Mississippi State, University of Missouri, University of Oklahoma (joining Fall 2024), Ole Miss: University of Mississippi, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, Texas A&M, and
Vanderbilt. 

Signature Courses

Courses designed for first-year students on topics of contemporary interest. A Signature Course will introduce you to great faculty members and to some of UT's unique resources, while also honing your skills as a college student.

Six-Pack

The group of six buildings on the South Mall.

Skills and Experience Flags

Indicates that a course fulfills a content area required for graduation.

South Mall

Grassy area to the south of the Tower by Littlefield Fountain.

Speedway Mall

Speedway Ave. between 24th and Inner Campus Drive. Not uncommon to find free food here.

SSB

The Student Services Building is where you can find many student resource offices, including University Health Services.

Student Accounts Receivable

Student Accounts Receivable manages financial services, including: CASH and the What I Owe page. The What I Owe page is used for student fees related to tuition, housing, health services, and New Student Orientation.

Syllabus

Given out on the first day of class, this outlines what will be covered in class, for example, assignments, expectations, the professor's office hours, and other pertinent information for that course.

T

TA

Teaching Assistant. Graduate student who assists a professor, grades assignments and leads labs/discussion groups.

Texas Exes

The official alumni association for The University of Texas at Austin.

Texas One-Stop

Texas One Stop is your resource at UT for finding everything related to registering for classes, financial aid, paying your bill, ordering your transcript, and more. 

Texas Today

Calendar detailing campus events happening both in-person and virtually.

Texas Travesty

The Texas Travesty is the largest college humor publication in the nation. It appears monthly during the school year in print and on the web.

photo of the underground bowling alley in the Texas Union at UT Austin

Texas Union

Known as the "living room" of the University of Texas, the Texas Union offers lounges, meeting rooms, student organizational offices, restaurants, a large ballroom and an art gallery. The Texas Union also houses the famous Cactus Cafe, and an underground pool and bowling hall.

The Tower or Main Building at The University of Texas at Austin

The Tower

Also known as the Main Building, the Tower stands 307 feet tall. It houses Admissions, the President's Office, the Registrar's Office and the Cashier's office, Texas One Stop, among others. The Tower remains one of the best known symbols of the University.

TSTV

Texas Student Television.

U

Undergraduate Catalog

The Registrar produces this publication, which discusses admission requirements that are particular to each college or school, lists faculty, describes content of courses offered by the colleges or schools and illustrates different degree requirements, among other things.

UT Direct

A customizable online portal that provides access to various resources

UT ID

Your student identification card, used for Bevo Pay, door access and more.

W

Waitlist

During registration, the process that allows students to wait for a seat in a class that's full.

William C. Powers Student Activity Center

WCP

Formally known as the SAC, the William C. Powers Student Activity Center is called the WCP for short. Fancy student union building with food, a black box theater, meeting rooms, dance space, study spots and more.

West Mall

Area to the west of the Tower to Guadalupe St. Many student orgs table here.