New students entering the fall semester at The University of Texas at Austin will be welcomed in grand style during the traditional Gone to Texas celebration at 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 24 on the university’s Main Mall.
The annual program on the evening before classes start on Aug. 25 highlights what it means to be a Longhorn and the academic mission of the university. It will include special guest speakers, live performances and a finale featuring the Longhorn Band. The university’s schools and colleges also have scheduled programs earlier in the evening to welcome their new students and introduce them to fellow students, faculty and staff. A list of the pre-event activities by schools and colleges is online.
“Gone to Texas” introduces new students, including incoming freshmen, transfer, graduate and law students, to the traditions of the institution and core purpose, values and honor code of the university.
The theme is based on a chapter in the history of the migration to Texas. More than 200 years ago, as adventurers pulled up stakes seeking a fresh start, three letters etched on homestead doors revealed their destination. “GTT” was written on the doors of people indicating they had “Gone to Texas.”
Advice for New Students
Always take the opportunities you’re given. Don’t assume that the opportunity that’s here today will still be available next semester. Register early, and be sure to talk to your adviser at least a couple of times a semester. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Remember that these four years are exactly that: four years, and four years only. You have a lot of life left ahead of you. Build your work ethic here, and it will serve you for the rest of your life.
Jonathan Estill, B.S., Radio-Television-Film
Cedar Park, Texas
Read more Student Advice.
The event, presented by the Office of the President with support and sponsorship by the University Co-op, will feature greetings from student leaders and university officials, including President William Powers Jr. It will include performances by student groups showcasing the diversity of the university community and the range of opportunity available to students. Short video productions by student winners of the GTT Video Contest will be shown.
Advice to new students is available on the GTT Web site from graduates of the university’s spring graduating Class of 2010. Student advice and more information about the event are available on the Gone to Texas Web site.
Gone to Texas will be broadcast live on channel 25 of the campus cable system. Those wishing to view the program from a remote location may do so via a live webcast. Live streaming for the webcast will begin at 8:15 p.m. on Aug. 24. RealPlayer is required to watch the webcast. Download RealPlayer.
