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We know that many of you in the ELP community, as well as our friends and family, continue to have questions about COVID-19. In the last few weeks our ELP faculty and staff have been hard at work preparing for a shift to hybrid instruction, remote learning, and tele-working.

Please know that the ELP community—your adviser, professors, administrators, and peers—are here to support you the students in this challenging time. We are here for you and are committed to doing all we can to ensure the best outcomes for you as we work to complete this term and prepare for what’s ahead.

Please continue to monitor UT Austin's Protect Texas Together website, which provides a framework for the fall designed to accommodate the dynamic environment we are facing and enable us to adapt to changes in the prevalence of COVID-19 in Austin and throughout Texas. The university’s leaders are aware that things are changing every day. 

Please see below for the resources, institutional changes, and updates that are available to students as we deal with this ongoing public health crisis.

FAQs

For additional updates and announcements for graduate students,  please visit the Graduate School website for FAQs and new information.

The College of Education Dean’s Office would like you to be aware that the university encourages COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic individuals. This free testing is done by University Health Services, takes about five minutes, and the results are confidential.  There is plenty of capacity so please take advantage of this opportunity, which will help to the spread of COVID-19 on campus and in the community. More information is available at https://healthyhorns.utexas.edu/coronavirus_proactive_testing.html.

Information about contact tracing can be found at https://t.e2ma.net/message/jhv2yd/feyntgg.

The Protect Texas website https://protect.utexas.edu/ contains important information and resources.

The College of Education Dean’s Office also compiled the following information and links to share with you:

• What is novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?

• Symptoms, transmission, and prevention

• Testing for COVID-19 at UHS

• UT Proactive Community Testing Program for COVID-19

• Self-reporting form for COVID-19

• COVID-19 Educational Tools

• Exposure action chart: social distancing, monitoring, quarantine or isolation?

• What to do if you have COVID-19 symptoms

• Stress and anxiety related to COVID-19

• Stigma and discrimination related to COVID-19

• Staying well while social distancing

• UHS communications to campus

It is more important than ever that we exercise self-care and maintain our mental health and wellbeing. Toward this end, the Graduate School shares the new Graduate Student Mental Health Resource Guide: https://utexas.app.box.com/s/ldja0hj7ch7m5iccxjskyw9xrp27bc36.

For more information, please visit the University Health Services website: https://www.healthyhorns.utexas.edu/.

CARES ACT

Spring 2022

• Teaching Protocols
  We are asking faculty members to teach remotely for the first two weeks of the semester, with a target date of January 31 to return to the originally assigned teaching modality. Some may choose to teach in person, while also providing online delivery between January 18 and January 28. Students will be notified as soon as possible if any of their courses will be taught with an in-person option.   
  
  All classes will shift back to the assigned teaching modality on January 31. At that time, we do not expect that online delivery will be provided for classes listed as in-person or hybrid in the course schedule. Therefore, students will be expected to be present for all in-person activities. If a student must miss class for health reasons, the student will need to make up missed work using standard procedures and resources, including student emergency services.
  
  Students who are enrolled in classes that include clinical placements external to UT Austin will be contacted by their schools/colleges regarding expectations during the first two weeks of the semester. 
  
  

• Student Viral Testing Upon Return to Campus
  We encourage students to gradually return to campus leading up to January 31. All students returning to campus for the spring semester should receive a viral test within 72 hours (three days) prior to returning to campus or the surrounding community for in-person social activities, events or classes. Students, please review the testing expectations communicated last month.
  
  Students who will be living in on-campus residence halls (including Dobie) or 2400 Nueces have received a message on a separate process for testing and should refer to that guidance.
  
  Additionally, students are recommended to do routine testing with the UT Proactive Community Testing (PCT) program throughout the semester.
  
  Some students may prefer to return earlier to access campus and community resources, including technology needed for online coursework. Residence halls and dining services will be open to accommodate them on January 14, and study spaces on the second floor of Perry-Castañeda Library will also be available.

• Employee Return to Campus and Testing
  Unit leadership will work with their staff members to determine the level of staffing needed to continue operations and serve the missions of the university through January 30, after which our expectation will be a return to the original plans for the spring semester. If you have questions or suggestions regarding your work arrangements during this time, please contact your supervisor.
  
  University employees are also encouraged to test via any method that is most convenient before returning to campus. Free testing will continue to be available on campus, which allows the university to reach out quickly to contacts of infected individuals to help stop the spread of the virus. Employees should report to the Occupational Health Program (OHP) if you have tested positive, have symptoms of COVID-19 even if you test negative, or if you have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive.
  
  

• Research Operations
  The Office of the Vice President for Research is reaching out separately to associate deans for research, principal investigators (PIs), researchers and graduate students about research laboratories and research facilities. There will be no change in the Research Restart level or in density requirements at this time, but PIs are encouraged to arrange for a portion of their group to work remotely through the end of the month to allow for a more gradual increase in the laboratory occupancy.
  
  

• New Isolation and Quarantine Guidelines
  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently shortened isolation and quarantine guidance for the public. Your vaccination status determines your guidelines, and you should also note the differences in restrictions for those who are boosted or within two to six months of their primary series, depending on vaccine brand. Please read more here, including UT Austin’s recommendations for reducing the residual risk of transmission after the minimum five-day isolation period has ended should your work require you to return after five days.
  
  

• Masking Recommended
  We continue to recommend wearing masks while indoors, regardless of vaccination status. As you can see in the new CDC guidelines above, masking is particularly important if you have been exposed.
  
  

• Get Vaccinated and Boosted
  The best way to prevent getting the virus and spreading it to others is getting vaccinated or boosted if you are eligible (six months or more since you completed the primary two doses of the Moderna vaccine, five months or more since you completed the primary two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, or two months or more since the primary dose of Johnson & Johnson). The university offers free vaccinations for students, faculty and staff through three locations: University Health Services, UT Health Austin, and the Family Wellness Clinic. We also plan to offer additional pop-up opportunities to receive a booster at the start of the semester– stay tuned for details.
  
  

• Avoid Gathering in Confined Spaces
  Individuals should minimize gatherings in small, confined spaces for meals or meetings.
  
  

• Recommend Online or Outdoor Events
  Events should be held online or outdoors whenever possible until January 31. If an event must stay indoors, please be mindful of our masking recommendations and consider a larger space to allow for social distancing. Decisions about whether to go forward with events will be made by college, school or unit leadership.
  
  

• Travel Policy
  Our policies for domestic and international travel remain in place. Please see our guidelines here.

Fall 2021 -  Effective Immediately, Our Guidance Will be as Follows:

• Masks are optional inside university buildings and outdoors. 

• For individuals who are not fully vaccinated or have weakened immune systems, masking and social distancing are optional but recommended.

UT COVID-19 Vaccination for Students

Thank you for the incredible resilience you have shown the past year as the pandemic changed how you learn and live. It’s understandable that many of you are feeling COVID-19 fatigue, especially from those missed moments that we may have taken for granted, like visiting family and friends. As you know, the university is a COVID-19 vaccination hub, and vaccinations are a pathway to regaining these precious human connections.
 
We encourage you to schedule your free vaccine on campus by filling out the UT COVID-19 Vaccination Form. We are also offering occasional pop-up walk-in appointments starting today; stay tuned to @Healthyhorns on social media for more details.
 
Our vaccination hub at Gregory Gym is well-organized, easy to access and often has short waits (despite the appearance of the line, which moves very fast!). So far, we have given over 100,000 vaccinations to students, faculty, staff and our community! The university is primarily using the Pfizer vaccine. You will get two doses spaced three weeks apart. If you plan to get vaccinated, don’t wait. You will need to schedule an appointment soon, so you are fully vaccinated before you leave campus for the summer period.
 
Vaccinations not only protect you, but also the people you love and those most vulnerable in our community. They also will help us return for the fall semester with a greater peace of mind. We know some of you may be hesitant about getting the vaccine and have questions, and that’s okay. You can learn more about the vaccine by checking out the educational resources section of  this page, including testimonial videos, myths versus facts information and details about how vaccines work.
 
If you want to get involved, please consider volunteering at our vaccination site. It’s easy to sign up for a shift, and your support is needed and appreciated.

COVID-19 Testing FALL 2021

For the safety of our community, the university has determined that all students coming to campus for the fall semester should receive a viral COVID-19 test (antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test such as PCR). Please note that this applies to all graduate students—including graduate students who resided in Austin or worked on campus during the summer. Results should be uploaded to the UHS student portal, MyUHS.

Students coming from out of town must test within 72 hours prior to arrival in Austin. Students already residing in Austin must test within 72 hours of moving into their fall residence where they will live for the academic semester. Finally, individuals who are already living in their fall semester residence in Austin where they will live this academic semester must test within 72 hours (3 days) prior to the start of class on Aug. 25. Read the Frequently Asked Questions for more details on pre-arrival testing, including what type of test to get and instructions for uploading the results to the portal.

For students living in university-owned residential properties (on-campus residence halls, 2400 Nueces and the University Apartments), residence is conditional upon getting a viral COVID-19 test within 72 hours (three days) prior to moving in. You will need to show proof of a negative test result at check-in, prior to receiving your keys. Current residents who will continue living in these properties can test through the free UT Proactive Community Testing program as soon as possible but no later than August 20. Residents will need to show proof of a negative test at the check-in desks of their properties. Students who live in university-owned properties have received a message on this separate process for testing and should refer to that guidance as well as these Frequently Asked Questions.

If you test positive, you should isolate yourself at home. Contact the Behavior Concerns and COVID-19 Advice Line (BCCAL) to report your positive result. BCCAL can also assist you with isolation options, class absence notification and other support.

For routine asymptomatic testing throughout the year, the university is continuing its free Proactive Community Testing program which is available to students, faculty and staff by appointment.

Instructional Resources for Graduate Students

For graduate students who will be working as teaching assistants (TAs) and assistant instructors (AIs), below are some resources and guidelines.

1. Temporary Changes to Teaching Modality– Deans of colleges and schools now have the authority to approve a limited number of requests from faculty and assistant instructors (AIs) for temporary changes to teaching modality. Information from deans will be sent about how these temporary requests should be routed, and deans will review these applications.

2. Seating Charts for Contact Tracing– Graduate student instructors are being asked to keep seating charts for all classes with more than 30 students, in an effort to help with contact tracing. Instructors also have the discretion to assign seats. We are preparing seating chart templates for all the General Purpose Classrooms (GPC) that host large classes. The GPC seating chart templates will be shared soon.

3. Resources for Course Content– For graduate instructors who choose to record course materials, support is available through LAITS. Their expertise and resources are exceptional and are available to advise and support instructors. Additionally, the Faculty Innovation Center (FIC) has extensive materials for graduate students teaching or supporting instruction.

4. Online Office Hours– Please check with your supervising faculty member or department should you have an interest in holding online office hours. Many classroom students greatly appreciated the flexibility of online office hours last year, because this increased student access to instructors and minimized individual trips to campus.

5. Instructor FAQs– The Office of the Provost has developed a set of instructor FAQs for the fall semester that may be helpful for graduate student instructors and teaching assistants.

Flexible Modality Arrangement for Graduate Student Employees

Teaching assistants (TAs), graduate research assistants (GRAs) and graduate assistants (GAs) with individuals residing in their households with certain immunocompromised medical conditions may be eligible for a temporary Alternative Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) for employees. This arrangement is not the same as requesting leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or requesting an accommodation for an employee’s own health condition under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). TAs, GRAs, GAs and other student employees should follow the staff process for requesting an Alternative Flexible Work Arrangement.

Assistant instructors (AIs) with individuals residing in their households with certain immunocompromised medical conditions may be eligible for a Flexible Teaching Modality Arrangement that is only available to faculty and assistant instructors. AIs should follow the faculty process. Please note that for certain steps of the process, AIs have their own forms.

These arrangements are only available for employees with individuals residing in their households who have been advised to limit their exposure to others due to the increased risk of infection with COVID-19, and who have one of the following medical conditions:

• Solid organ transplants or stem cell transplants;

• Currently in cycle for chemotherapy or cancers associated with immune deficiency (leukemias and lymphomas);

• Chronic inflammatory diseases treated with systemic corticosteroid therapy > 20mg prednisone daily, immunomodulator medications, and/or biologic agents;

• Primary immune deficiency disorders;

• Immune deficiencies due to HIV infection;

• Sickle cell disease; or

• Surgical asplenia

At this time, living with a child under the age of 12 who does not have one of the above-mentioned conditions will not qualify the AI for flexible teaching modality arrangement consideration.

Graduate student employees should submit their requests for accommodations for their own medical conditions through the ADA accommodation process.

Masks

The university recommends members of our community follow the CDC guidance and wear masks, though it’s not required, inside classrooms and indoor public settings regardless of vaccination status. This recommendation does not apply to a private office or single-occupant cubicle. The university has ample supply of ASTM level 2 and 3 masks and will provide them at no cost to all faculty members, assistant instructors, and teaching assistants who are teaching this semester, and to all staff members who will be working on campus.

Vaccinations

UT strongly encourages all members of our community to get vaccinated if they are able to do so. The university is communicating vaccination information directly to students to encourage them, and AIs and TAs may also encourage their students to get vaccinated. The university is developing plans to hold vaccination clinics around campus as students begin to move back to Austin. More details on the university’s vaccination plans will follow soon.

COVID -19 Variants

With the emergence of multiple variants of the COVID-19 virus globally, we are taking measures through our on-campus testing efforts to monitor for and detect the presence of variants within our campus community. We are analyzing samples that have indicators in our diagnostic testing that signal there could be a variant. This strategy, done through Next Generation Sequencing of the virus using UT’s state-of-the-art Genomic Sequencing and Analysis Facility, will allow us to identify newly described variants of concern.

Our COVID-19 modelers and public health experts believe that it is a matter of when, not if, we will see variants in our population, and we cannot afford to wait to step up our preventive behaviors. In order to get to the other side of this pandemic, it is now more important than ever to follow public health guidance. To this end, we are reviewing current university guidance and will update you soon if there are any changes. Please know that by doing your part to help us reduce transmission, you are helping to prevent the emergence of new variants. 

If you have symptoms, isolate and get tested immediately.

At the start of the spring semester, our COVID-19 modelers accurately predicted that the rate of imported cases — ones brought in from individuals returning to Austin from outside the community — would be higher than it was during the fall. This is evidenced in our higher case counts and higher positivity rates for Proactive Community Testing during the past few weeks. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, isolate and get tested immediately. We have seen through contact tracing that individuals wait an average of two days from symptom-onset before getting tested, which increases the opportunity to expose others to the virus. Further, if you are a contact, please adhere to the guidance given to you by the contact tracing team with regard to how long to quarantine and when to test. Testing too early after an exposure may result in a false negative, and a negative test does not mean you can discontinue quarantine earlier than advised.

What do these emerging variants mean for our campus?

Scientists are still learning about these emerging variants and determining whether they are more contagious, make people sicker or reduce effectiveness of the available vaccines. The university will closely follow this science and adapt our recommendations as appropriate and in alignment with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The presence of a variant in our community can result in a sharp increase in positive cases at a time when our health care system is already overtaxed. It is critical that members of our community deepen their commitment to public health measures, including remaining vigilant with:

• wearing a mask,

• getting tested immediately and staying away from others if you experience symptoms of COVID-19,

• limiting contacts,

• staying at least six feet apart and meeting in outdoor locations

• routinely getting tested for free through UT's Proactive Community Testing program.

The vaccines currently available, as well as those on the horizon, are thought to still offer protection against the current variants. By having more people vaccinated, we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the opportunities for the mutations to become dominant strains. We encourage you to get vaccinated as soon as it is your turn to do so.

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

The UT COVID-19 Vaccine Form is still open for current faculty, staff and students who meet the state-defined Phase 1B criteria and who want to receive the two-dose vaccine from the university. The form allows the university to request sufficient supply from the state, but scheduling will be based on vaccine availability. Individuals who submit the form receive an email acknowledgement explaining the process and expected timeline for an appointment.

Members of the public, including retirees, emeritus faculty members, family members and dependents of members of the UT community who meet the state-defined Phase 1B criteria may request a COVID-19 vaccine from UT Health Austin by visiting the UTHA website. UTHA also continues to vaccinate health care workers as part of Phase 1A.

COVID-19 Vaccine “Hub” Designation

On Jan. 16, the university was designated as a vaccine “hub” by the Texas Department of State Health Services. As a hub, the university will continue to receive allocations of COVID-19 vaccine from the state, which will determine timing and quantities of all vaccine allotments. The hub status will allow us to, over time and depending on vaccine availability, continue to contribute on a greater scale to the overall vaccination capabilities of Austin and to vaccinate more people in the greater Austin community.

In anticipation of being able to provide more people the vaccine through a larger-scale distribution site once larger allocations are available, the university will move its vaccine operations to Gregory Gym beginning Feb. 8.

Since UT Austin began administering vaccinations in December, we have served members of the UT Austin community and the UT Health Austin patient population simultaneously. We will continue our efforts to vaccinate current UT students, staff and faculty alongside the community as quickly as allowed by vaccine supply to ultimately help our community reach herd immunity. For the benefit of our community, UT Austin is committed to making every effort to distribute vaccines as quickly, equitably and efficiently as possible.

We’ve come a long way since the beginning of the pandemic. The science has evolved, as has our understanding of the virus. We have new tools in our toolkit that can help us reach herd immunity, but they will work only if we use them alongside the preventive measures we've already been practicing. The pandemic is not over, but we are making great progress. We encourage all Longhorns to remain resilient and persevere as we continue to follow public heath guidelines to get past this.

Information Technology Services Spring 2022

As students, faculty and staff return to classes and work for the spring semester, Information Technology Services (ITS) wants to make the campus community aware of several recent and upcoming changes to important technology tools and encourage our users to apply a few best practices. We also want to remind you of our existing services to help you in your work.

Update to Zoom Client 5.8.4

As of Dec. 20, 2021, UT Austin’s central Zoom tenant (utexas.zoom.us) requires a minimum client version (5.8.4) in order to use the service. If you are not using a supported version of the client, a notification banner will alert you that an update is required. You will be unable to either host or join a meeting until you update your client. New features include Stop Incoming Video, Focus Mode, Optional Reclaim Host When Rejoining, and Two-way Chat with Waiting Room Participants. 

Options for Wi-Fi access for Visitors

Visitors to campus now have two options for Wi-Fi access: utguest (no account needed) and eduroam. Eduroam is an international Wi-Fi internet access roaming service that provides researchers, teachers and students with network access when visiting participating institutions other than their own. Eduroam is three times faster than the utguest network. Visit the Wi-Fi Access for Visitors knowledge article for instructions.  

Please note that current students should use utexas or utexas-iot for Wi-Fi access, which is 10 times faster than utguest.

3G cellular service ending

Beginning in February, major cellular vendors are ending their support for 3G devices (e.g., mobile phones, credit card terminals, handheld scanners).  As a result, older 3G devices may stop working. Contact your provider to determine options available for older 3G devices. 

 In Person Services: We are here to help!

Conveniently located at the FAC, Information Technology Services offers an in-person desk providing ID Card Services and core IT Services, including EID, DUO and VPN support. During the holidays and emergencies such as Covid-19 Stage 5 restrictions, hours of operation may vary. Before coming to see us, visit our website to view our operating hours.

How to get help

ITS provides several ways to get help with UT online services.

• Phone: 512-475-9400

• Email: help@utexas.edu

• Visit the Service Desk on the ServiceNow website

Search the IT@UT website for help articles

Information Technology Services Fall 2021 

As students, faculty, and staff return to classes and work for the fall semester, Information Technology Services wants to make the campus community aware of several recent and upcoming changes to important technology tools and encourage our users to apply a few best practices. We also want to remind you of our existing services to help you in your work.

Don’t wait in line: ID Center processes moved online 

If you need a UT ID card you can use Online ID Card Photo Submission to take and submit your own photo and be notified when your card is ready to pick up. You now need to come to the ID Center only once, to pick up your ID Card. If you don’t need an ID Card, there is no need to submit a photo online or visit at all. Visit the ID Center webpage for more information.

Be sure your UT EID is upgraded

To verify whether your EID is permanently upgraded, go to the EID Self Help Tools and select “Upgrade My UT EID." Then select “Continue” and follow instructions to arrive at a page that shows your upgrade status. You must have an upgraded UT EID to:

• View your grades online

• Update banking information online

• Make Payments on the “What I Owe” page

• Use Financial Aid to pay tuition or housing costs

• Order Official UT Transcripts online

Visit the Upgrading a UT EID article for more information.

Keep an eye out for Duo mobile app update coming this fall

To better protect the security of your online information, the university uses Duo, a multi-factor authentication product. Later this fall, Duo will be releasing an update for their mobile app for iOS and Android. This update will include a modernized look and feel and improved accessibility. ITS will notify campus prior to the update being released. If you are new to Duo, visit our Multi-Factor Authentication article to learn more.   

Get discounts and computer services from the Campus Computer

The Campus Computer Store’s convenient on-campus location in the Flawn Academic Center offers discounts to students, faculty and staff for their academic needs for computers, software and accessories. In-store services include computer repair, trade-in and warranty services for most computer brands. Visit the Campus Computer Store website.

Speed up how you access UT services

Did you know the official utexas Wi-Fi Network is 10 times faster than the utguest Wi-Fi network? By removing the utguest Wi-Fi network from your device—including your mobile device—and using the official utexas network you can access UT services in a faster, more secure manner. Plus, some UT resources are only available on utexas. Follow instructions for removing the utguest Wi-Fi network (see FAQ section).

Claim your Microsoft 365 account

Microsoft 365, the platform that delivers access to Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.), Teams and Planner, is free for all current UT students. We’re implementing auto creation of student accounts in phases starting this fall, with the goal of automatically providing all students an account by summer 2022. If you would like to proactively claim your account, you may create one using the Office 365 Management portal. Learn more about your Microsoft accounts and what applications you have access to, as well as find answers to frequently asked questions on the Students and Office 365 page.

Check out what’s new to Zoom

Be sure your Zoom client stays up to date. Doing so not only applies bug fixes, but also gives you immediate access to new features. In addition, you may now add and share your pronouns in Zoom. Learn more about Zoom.

Retrieve your OneDrive data before separating from UT

If you use Microsoft OneDrive, be aware that your data will be lost when you leave the university. For information on how to retrieve your data before separation, read these instructions.

Wondering what happens to your email after you leave UT?

Students who are leaving the university should review “What Happens to My Email After I Leave the University?” in advance. Personal UTmail accounts are offered to students and alumni. These are lifelong accounts you can keep after you graduate or retire from the university.

How to get help

ITS provides several ways to get help with UT online services.

• Phone: 512-475-9400

• Email: help@utexas.edu

• Visit the Service Desk on the ServiceNow website

Search the IT@UT website for help articles

Fall 2022 Parking and Transportation 

Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) would like to welcome everyone to campus, returning and new. Below are some spring semester parking and transportation information and tips:

UT Shuttle Service has resumed for the spring semester. Students, faculty, and staff can ride all UT Shuttle and Capital Metro mainline routes for free using their                                                    UT ID. Face masks are required while on buses. See the CapMetro & COVID-19 page for more information. Shuttle Service

Parking 

Permit Availability

If you still need a permit, you can purchase your permit online at a pro-rated price. When you register your vehicle to your permit, your license plate is your credential and you do not need to display a permit. If your permit includes garage access you can register a toll tag or download a QR code to open garage gates.

Student Permits currently available: 

• C, C+, D, D+, M, N, and N+.

• S garage permits for non-dorm residents at Health Center (HCG) and East Campus (ECG).

• R garage permits for dorm residents at East Campus (ECG).

ECG is the lowest cost garage permit, with a convenient East Campus shuttle stop nearby and free bike storage for permit holders.

If the garage you want is not available, you can get on the waitlist.

Occasional Parking

If you only bring your car to campus occasionally and do not need a permit, you can park in a garage or at a meter at rates based on the amount of time parked. Meters are limited to two hours during the day. Non-dorm resident students can also use the Student Parking Perks program for low-cost occasional garage parking.

Disabled Veteran License Plate Update

The State of Texas has passed a new law affecting disabled veteran (DV) license plates. In addition to a DV license plate, the International Symbol of Access is now required to be on display to qualify for ADA parking. 

Bicycling

Registration

Registering your bike online will improve the chances of getting your bike back if it is impounded, lost, or stolen, and registration is FREE.

Bike Theft

Bike theft is on the rise in the Austin area. For the best defense, we strongly suggest using a proper locking technique with a U-lock and cable lock.

Fixit Stations

Fixit Stations across campus provide bicyclists access to tools for repairs 24/7.

Bike Sharing

For bicyclists who do not want to maintain their own bikes, MetroBike members can borrow bikes from stations throughout campus and the city at a low cost.

Bike Auction

For an affordable option to purchase used bicycles, the next PTS bicycle auction will be held online at the beginning of March. All bids will begin at $5.

Scooters

Scooters are only allowed to operate where bicycles can, which means they should primarily be ridden in the street. Scooters are required to follow all traffic control devices such as stop signs, yield to pedestrians, and adhere to the campus speed limit. To avoid impound fees and citations, only approved scooters can park on campus, and they should only park in designated areas or at bicycle racks.

After-Hours Transportation

Sure Walk

Sure Walk has resumed service for the spring semester. It currently runs 7 days a week from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. If you are on campus late and have concerns about your safety, all students, faculty, and staff can request Sure Walkers to accompany them on their walk home or to their campus destination.

UT Night Rides

UT Night Rides continues to operate. Lyft is the provider for UT Night Rides. This program provides Lyfts away from main campus to your home 7 days a week from midnight to 4 a.m.

PTS Office Hours

Use My Parking Profile to purchase permits, appeal and pay citations, manage permit waitlist selections, and update vehicle and address information online. Should you have a parking issue, most can be addressed via email to parking@utexas.edu. Offices for staffed garages are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (with one-hour lunch closure) for those who need to do in-person transactions. The Conference Center Garage office is open 24 hours.

Updating Zoom 

Anyone not using the minimum client version of Zoom 5.3.0 will see a banner alerting them that an update is required. You may not be able to host or join a meeting until your Zoom client is updated.

Click the banner alert in Zoom and perform the update. If you have already updated your Zoom client, you will not see a banner.

Visit the ITS website for more information on updating your Zoom client. 

Duo for multi-factor authentication – “Remember Me for 30 Days” 

Starting in September, Zoom will require a passcode or waiting room for guests

‘Trust and Accept’ New Wi-Fi Certificate on your phones and computers

Struggling with poor cell service in buildings? Enable Wi-Fi calling on your mobile device for best performance

Take advantage of services available to you at no additional cost

Information Technology Services – Multi-Factor Authentication

Resources