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UT Austin News - The University of Texas at Austin

Welcome Home, Longhorns

Celebrating the start of the 2025-26 academic year

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It’s the start of a new academic year at The University of Texas at Austin, and you can feel the energy on campus. As we get the semester going, here’s a look at some things we’re looking forward to this fall.

Welcoming the Class of 2029

With a record number of applications, we’re excited to welcome our newest class to UT, with over 9,000 students. University leaders, deans, faculty and staff members were on-site at UT’s Mooov-In event to help thousands of students and their families settle into their new homes on the Forty Acres.

Kicking off the Semester

On Sunday, the incoming class formally kicked off with our annual Gone to Texas celebration, a campus tradition that marks the beginning of our students’ UT journey. The night includes performances by the Longhorn Band and Texas Cheer and Pom, as well as fireworks, giant Texas flag drop and the UT Tower lit orange and featuring the number “29.”

Texas Longhorn band in front of The Tower, lit up at night.

Welcoming New Leaders

Over the summer, the University welcomed President Jim Davis, Executive Vice President and Provost William Inboden and Vice President of Student Affairs John Dalton.

Enrolling New Majors

This year, we welcome the first cohorts in new programs, including School of Civic Leadership’s major in civics honors and the Texas Robotics Honors Undergraduate Program.

 

Introducing New AI Tools

In August, the University announced a new suite of AI tools available to the entire UT community, including tools designed to enhance student learning.

Cheering on Texas Football

As the top-ranked college football team in the nation, we’re looking forward to kicking off the season this Saturday. Join the Office of the Dean of Students to watch Texas take on the Buckeyes at the Longhorn Watch Party: UT v Ohio State on Aug. 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the Texas Union Ballroom.

Longhorn flag against

Enjoying Campus

The campus grounds and landscape services teams has been hard at work getting campus ready for the start of the academic year, with fresh flowers blooming and spaces refreshed.

Landscaping on the University of Texas at Austin campus in the foreground with the University of Texas Tower in the background