2015 Sociology Graduate Student Orientation Guide
Welcome to The University of Texas at Austin! Please review the following information prior to the UT
Austin Sociology orientation on Thursday, August 20. Some items are informational and some require
action on your part, so please read carefully and be sure to review our orientation web page.
Sociology Orientation: Thursday, August 20, 12 – 5:30 pm (includes lunch)
Welcome and HR and registration review by Evelyn Porter. Graduate students will lead the Sociology
Department Q&A, followed by a mini-happy hour at the Posse East.
I. Step One – Check in with the Checklist
New Student Employee Checklist: www.utexas.edu/hr/student/new_student_employee_checklist.html
Timetable of what to do in your first few days and weeks.
II. Step Two – Employment and Benefits
Human Resource Documents and Benefits Information: www.utexas.edu/hr/student
I-9 Forms:
I-9 forms will be completed electronically in the Sociology Department’s administrative offices. All new
teaching assistants must complete an I-9 form. International students will also complete a U.S.
Immigration and Naturalization Service form. To complete the I-9, you will need to provide official
documentation (www.utexas.edu/hr/current/services/I9docs.html) to establish your identity and eligibility
to work in the United States. International TAs must bring their I-20 or IAP66 form, passport, and I-94
form.
Selective Services Registration:
All new male employees between the ages of 18 and 25 who are U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens
are required to provide proof of registration for Selective Services or of an exemption before their TA
appointments can be processed. Please bring your registration card if you have it. You can register online
at: www.utexas.edu/hr/manager/hiring/ssr_faq.html. Please make sure you do this before September 1.
Compliance Training:
utdirect.utexas.edu/cts/index.WBX
All new teaching assistants are required to participate in two online training modules (CW121 and CW123)
within 30 days of their initial appointment date, September 1. These modules are designed to ensure that
new employees are aware of and in compliance with state laws and University policies regarding equal
employment opportunity and sexual harassment in the workplace.
For International Students Social Security Numbers:
www.utexas.edu/payroll/ssnforintlemployees.html
New international students will need a Social Security number in order to be appointed. Before applying
for a Social Security card, you must be in the U.S. at least 10 days.
Here is the procedure to follow: Pick up your Employment Verification Form from the graduate
coordinator. Take this form to the International Office to be signed by their representative. Then take this
form, along with your passport, I-20 form, and I-94 card to the Social Security Administrative Office to
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apply for your Social Security card. Be sure to give them your correct and complete Austin mailing address.
You should be given a receipt; make sure you keep it until your Social Security card arrives.
Your card will be mailed in 2-4 weeks. When you receive your card, please bring it to Evelyn, to the
Registrar’s Office (Main Building, room 116), and to the Payroll Office (Main Building, room 134). If you are
given a “delay letter” rather than a receipt, please let Evelyn know as soon as possible.
TA Health Insurance:
www.utexas.edu/hr/student/insurance.html
As a UT employee, you will be eligible for faculty/staff health insurance, which the University will cover
(premium sharing). Your insurance coverage will become effective September 1, the first day of your
appointment. UT employees are covered by one medical plan - UT Select/BlueCross BlueShield.
Information about this plan can be found at the following website: www.bcbstx.com/ut/select/index.htm.
If you have a spouse or child(ren), you may add them to your plan. You may also add dental and vision
insurance. You will have until September 30 to make these changes to the basic plan. If you don’t take any
action, you will be automatically enrolled in UT Select, but without any additional benefits or any other
family members. Human Resource Services will hold several two-hour new graduate student employee
orientations beginning August 19 through September 30. The sessions will be held in training room NOA
4.106A in the North Office Building (NOA) at 101 East 27th Street at the corner of 27th and Wichita,
northeast of the Student Services Building. Please arrive a few minutes before the session begins or you
might be asked to reschedule.
To attend one of these sessions, you must register first:
 Sign on to UT Direct with your UT EID and password.
 Click on Sitemap, then Working at UT, then Training (TXClass).
 TXClass homepage comes up.
 On the left, click Class Listing (not Course Listing).
 At the top, select PN from the drop-down menu. In the next box type in 200. Hit “Go.”
 A listing of all sessions of PN 200 appears.
 Click on the Enrollment date that you prefer.
 Many details appear about the class. Scroll down to the bottom of the page. Click on
Enroll/Withdraw.
 Enter your EID in the lower right. Select Enroll. Click Submit Request.
 You'll get a message that you're registered.
If you have specific questions about the orientations or about employee benefits, you may call 512-4714343 or stop by the North Office Building to speak with a staff member.
Graduate Student Fellowship Insurance – Also see TA insurance:
The University will also contribute to the employee or student health insurance plan offered through the
University Health Center, called United Healthcare. healthyhorns.utexas.edu/insurance.html.
For more information about student health insurance, call 512-471-1040 or stop by the University Health
Center located in the Student Services Building. Rates for 2014-15: utexas.myahpcare.com/enrollment.
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International Students - Claim your health insurance waiver online:
International students are required to have health insurance. The University will automatically charge a
$400 health insurance fee for the fall semester on your fall tuition and fee bill when you register for fall
classes – world.utexas.edu/isss/insurance/waivers. International graduate students who have a 20-hour
appointment as an AI, TA, or GRA may request their own waiver of student insurance. These students
must be UT health insurance benefits-eligible. To request a waiver of student insurance, students can
access the site at utdirect.utexas.edu/isss/waive_insurance.WBX.
Resident Tuition:
If you are not already a Texas resident, you will be entitled to pay resident tuition based on your TA status.
Before your register for fall classes, and after August 21, you may request resident tuition on line. Go to:
www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/sociology/graduate/forms-and-instructions.php, click on Resident Tuition
Waivers, and choose by Reason of Employment.
Major fellowship holders are also entitled to an in-state insurance waiver that will be processed by the
Office of Graduate Studies (OGS). No action is required except to register and pay your tuition bill.
TA Parking:
TAs are eligible to purchase an “A” surface parking permit (as opposed to a general student “C” parking
permit). An “A” permit entitles you to park in designated parking areas; it is the same permit available to
UT office staff. The cost of an “A” permit is $142 per year. The permit is valid from 9/1-8/31. The “A”
parking area closest to the Sociology Department is on San Jacinto Blvd. New TAs will be eligible to
purchase “A” permits effective August 21. Please be forewarned, parking spaces are very limited. TAs are
also eligible to buy faculty/staff parking garage permits, which cost $420 per year. Most of the garages
have wait lists, but if you put yourself on more than one list you are likely to move up and get an
opportunity to buy a permit in one of the garages this fall. At this time, there are still parking garage
spaces available in the Manor Garage, about a 10-minute walk from the Economics Building.
Another option for TAs is the UT Share Pass, which can be used if you just occasionally drive to campus. It
is basically a debit card and can be used in any garage on a space-available basis. For complete information
about parking, please go to the Parking and Transportation site: www.utexas.edu/parking.
Public Transportation:
If you live near a University shuttle bus line or a city bus (Capital Metro), you can ride for no charge with a
student I.D. card. For information about Capital Metro bus routes and schedules, call 512-474-1200. For
information about the shuttle bus system go to: www.utexas.edu/parking/transportation/shuttle
Cubicles/Lockers:
Students will be assigned to a cubicle. Bring a lock if you wish to claim a locker, and inform Kevin Hsu of
your locker number.
TA Stipends:
TAs holding bachelor’s degrees receive $1,490/month for the nine-mo. academic year; TAs holding
master’s degrees will receive $1,642.11/month.
TA Assignments:
Your TA appointment letters will be distributed via email. New TAs usually work with experienced TAs, but
other assignments are possible. TAs are commonly expected to attend the classes they are assigned to and
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to hold at least 2-3 total office hours per week. If you have concerns about your TA assignment, let the
graduate coordinator know.
The Center for Teaching and Learning offers training sessions to help teaching assistants and assistant
instructors improve their teaching skills. Please visit their webs site for more information about their
services by going to www.ctl.utexas.edu.
III. Step Three – Registration
Academic Calendar with Important Dates: http://registrar.utexas.edu/calendars/15-16
Registration: registrar.utexas.edu/students/registration
Academic Policies: www.utexas.edu/ogs/student_services/academic_policies
The following information will help you successfully navigate through the registration process. FAQs:
www.registrar.utexas.edu/services
If you have more questions, please contact the Registrar’s Office or call the Registrar’s Helpline at 512475-7656. Registrar’s home page: www.registrar.utexas.edu
Course Schedule: www.registrar.utexas.edu/schedules
One of the most useful resources is the Course Schedule. You will find a great deal of relevant information
and answers to many of your questions. The Course Schedule includes the academic or University
calendar, which outlines all pertinent dates and deadlines for graduate students. Keep in mind when
reviewing the University calendar that deadlines and registration dates for graduate students often differ
from those of undergraduates. This remains true even if you are a graduate student enrolling in an
undergraduate course.
Along with the calendar, the Course Schedule also contains registration instructions, access times, and
definitions of terms. Again, you can access the online version from the Registrar’s Office home page and
click on the link called Course Schedules.
Graduate Catalog: catalog.utexas.edu/graduate
While on the Registrar’s home page, you may access the Graduate Catalog. Click on the link called
Catalogs. On this page you will see a link to the Graduate Catalog. This catalog includes information about:





your specific degree program,
degree requirements,
course descriptions,
definitions of various grading symbols, and
information regarding academic probation and dismissal.
Terminology:
Although it may seem tedious to study the Course Schedule and Graduate Catalog, doing so before you
begin the registration process will help reduce frustration and confusion. The following definitions are a
few of the most common terms:
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ROSE stands for Registrar’s Online Services. ROSE is an interactive web service available through a secure
website.
Access periods are the designated time periods when specified groups of students may register or add or
drop classes. Consult the Course Schedule to determine when you are eligible.
Adds and Drops means to make a change to an existing schedule. You may not make changes to your
schedule until your fee bill has been paid.
Withdrawal means to formally resign from the University as a student for the current semester. A student
cannot withdraw from the University simply by dropping all classes, but must follow the withdrawal
procedure.
While this list is in no way comprehensive, these terms will provide you with some working knowledge of
the registration process. A more complete list is available in the Course Schedule. Although your academic
department is always a good first point of contact, please feel welcome to contact the Office of Graduate
Studies with concerns at 512-471-4511, or ogs@www.utexas.edu, or visit the OGS office in the Main
Building, room 101.
Required Classes – Year One
Department of Sociology
Course
Number
Fall 2014
SOC 384L
Unique
Number
49545
Course Name
Days
Times
Room
Professor
Social Statistics: Basic
Concepts and
Methods
(Lab)
Fundamentals of
Research Methods
TTH
3:30-5:00
BUR 228
Jennifer
Glass
F
W
2:00-3:00
3:00-6:00
CLA 1.404
CLA 0.120
F
T
3:00-4:00
6:00-9:00
CLA 1.404
CLA 0.122
Sierra
David
Pedulla
Bariola
Michael
Young
SOC 387J
49555
SOC 394K.3
49620
Classical Sociological
Theory
Spring 2015
SOC 394K.2
SP 13
Contemporary Theory
Williams
SOC 385L
SP 13
Social Statistics:
Linear Models
Dan
Powers
Students with multiple course waivers can select courses to fulfill other program area requirements,
including elective and professionalization classes.
Course Waiver Petitions:
If you have a Master’s degree and would like to apply for course waiver credits: Create a PDF of each
course you want to request credit for with the supporting documents included (listed below) and name
them “last name_SOC 384L” or “last name_elective” depending on the request.
5
Refer to the attached Non-Demography and the Demography proposed programs of work when seeking
courses that can count toward the PhD programs of work. Review your MA transcript and look up courses
that seem comparable to those here at UT Austin. Go to the Graduate Catalogue and scroll down to the
course listings for Liberal Arts/Sociology.
Once you get a sense of the courses you have already taken that you would like to request a course waiver
for, find your syllabi for those courses. Write a cover memo briefly describing why the course you have
already taken should be counted for a UT Sociology course credit. For out-of-Department courses, cite the
course numbers and confirm they were 3-hour graduate level courses. Include a reason why they can be
considered Sociology elective. We also usually ask for a sample of work from the course - for example, a
paper or homework for quantitative courses.
The Department can approve up to 24 hours of course credit. Please make a PDF file of each course
document and email them to the graduate coordinator. The deadline for submission is one year into the
program. However, Evelyn needs to know before the beginning of the fall semester if you will be
requesting credit for the required first-year courses:
Statistics (6 hrs)
SOC 384L (completed in the first semester)
SOC 385L (completed in the second semester)
Methods (3 hrs)
SOC 387J (completed in the first semester)
Theory (6 hrs)
SOC 394K.3 (completed in the first semester)
SOC 394K.2 (completed in the second semester)
Expected Rate of Progress through the Program
Year 2
Year 3
Complete MA Thesis Take Comps
and Coursework
Year 4
Defend Proposal
Present at
Professional
Meetings
Submit an Article
to a Journal
Present at
Professional
Meetings
Submit an Article
to a Journal
Present at
Professional
Meetings
Submit an Article
to a Journal
6
Years 5 - 6
Complete and
Defend
Dissertation
Present at
Professional
Meetings
Submit an Article
to a Journal
The University of Texas at Austin
Department of Sociology
MA Coursework Checklist
A minimum of 30 hours must be completed in graduate status.
Name:
Date:
EID:
Date Degree Expected (m/yy):
Semester
Course
Unique
expected
number
number
Statistics and Methods – 9 hours
1st semester
SOC 384L
1st semester
SOC 387J
2nd semester
SOC 385L
Title
Semester
completed
Grade
Social Statistics:
Basic Concepts and
Methods
Fundamental s of
Research Methods
Social Statistics:
Linear Models and
Structural Equations
Theory – 6 hours
1st semester
2nd semester
SOC 394K.3
Classical Sociological
Theory
SOC 394K.2
Contemporary
Sociological Theory
Sociology Elective – 9 hours
Any graduate-level SOC course except SOC 698A/B, x90K, professionalization courses, and
x99R/W
Thesis Hours – 6 hours
1st semester of SOC 698A
MA candidacy
Subsq long sems SOC 698B
of MA candidacy
Thesis
Thesis
Students who are hired as TAs are required to take SOC 398T in their second year of coursework.
7
The University of Texas at Austin
Department of Sociology
PhD Non-Demography Checklist
A minimum of 42 hours, including MA coursework and dissertation hours, but excluding thesis hours, must
be completed in graduate status.
SOC 698A/B (thesis hours), SOC x90K (proposal hours) and SOC 389K.6 (demography training seminar)
cannot count toward this degree.
All coursework must be completed the semester before the student takes comprehensive exams.
Name:
Date:
EID:
Date Degree Expected (m/yy):
Semester Course number
Unique
expected
Statistics and Methods – 12 hours
1st semester SOC 384L
1st semester SOC 387J
2nd semester SOC 385L
3 additional
hours in one
of the
following
SOC 384M, 385K,
386L,
387L, 388K,
388L, 388M,
391L, or 391M
Title
Social Statistics: Basic
Concepts and
Methods
Fundamentals of
Research Methods
Social Statistics:
Linear Models and
Structural Equations
(See course catalog)
Theory – 6 hours
1st semester SOC 394K.3
2nd semester SOC 394K.2
Classical Sociological
Theory
Contemporary
Sociological Theory
8
Semester
completed
Grade
Sociology Electives – 18 hours
Any graduate‐level SOC course except SOC 698A/B, x90K, professionalization courses, and
x99R/W
Proposal Hours
Students may use SOC 190K, 290K, 390K, 690K, or 990K to prepare for comprehensive exams
or dissertation proposal defense; these hours are not required and do not count toward this
degree.
Dissertation Hours – 6 hours minimum
After passing proposal defense students advance to candidacy; candidates must continue to
register for the following hours every long semester until graduation.
1st semester of SOC 399R, 699R
candidacy
or 999R
Subsequent Dis SOC 399W, 699W
Semesters
or 999W
Students who are hired as TAs are required to take SOC 398T in their second year of coursework.
9
The University of Texas at Austin
Department of Sociology
Demography PhD Checklist
A minimum of 42 hours, including MA coursework and dissertation hours, but excluding thesis hours, must
be completed in graduate status.
SOC 698A/B (thesis hours), SOC x90K (proposal hours) and SOC 398T (supervised teaching) cannot count
toward this degree.
All coursework must be completed the semester before the student takes comprehensive exams.
Name:
Date:
EID:
Date Degree Expected (m/yy):
Semester
Course number
expected
Statistics and Methods – 15 hours
Unique
number
Title
1st semester
SOC 384L
1st semester
SOC 387J
Social Statistics:
Basic Concepts and
Methods
Fundamentals of
Research Methods
SOC 385L
Social Statistics:
Linear Models and
Structural Equations
SOC 391L
Basic Demographic
Methods and
Materials
2nd semester
Required,
recommended
4th semester.
3 additional hours SOC 384M, 385K,
in one of the
388K,
following
388M, or 391M
Theory – 6 hours
1st semester
SOC 394K.3
2nd semester
SOC 394K.2
(See course catalog)
Classical Sociological
Theory
Contemporary
Sociological Theory
10
Semester
completed
Grade
Training Seminar – 3 hours
Required
Training Seminar in
Demography
SOC 389K.6
Demography Core and Electives – 12 hours
SOC 389K.1 required, plus 3 graduate hours in core area of demography (fertility, mortality,
migration, or family demography) and 6 graduate hours of demography electives (any 389K
course or other course approved by the area coordinator).
Required,
recommended SOC 389K.1
2nd semester
SOC 389K.2,
Required
389K.3, 389K.4,
389K.11
General Approaches
to the Study of
Population
Fertility, Mortality,
Migration, Family
Demography
Required
Demography seminar
or other approved
course
Required
Any SOC 389K,
391M, 395F.3, or
other approved
course
Proposal Hours
Students may use SOC 190K, 290K, 390K, 690K, or 990K to prepare for comprehensive exams or
dissertation proposal defense; these hours are not required and do not count toward this degree.
Dissertation Hours – 6 hours minimum
After passing proposal defense students advance to candidacy; candidates must continue to
register for the following hours every long semester until graduation
1st semester of SOC 399R, 699R
candidacy
or 999R
Subsq sems of SOC 399W, 699W
candidacy
or 999W
Students who are hired as TAs are required to take SOC 398T in their second year of coursework.
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IV. Step Four – Paying Tuition and Student Financial Aid Services
www.utexas.edu/business/accounting/sar/online_services.html
finaid.utexas.edu - Includes online FAFSA form.
It is advisable to fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form even if you do not accept
all the loan funding offered. When funding is available, you may receive grant money, which does not
require repayment.
Student Accounts Receivable:
www.utexas.edu/business/accounting/sar
The Student Accounts Receivable office is your contact for:
 billing and payment information,
 issuance of tuition and cash loans,
 handling third-party payments, and
 processing tuition exemptions and waivers.
Online services allow you to take care of most of your financial business, including:
 making payments,
 applying for a tuition loan,
 recalculating your bill, and
 printing payment receipts.
Tuition Payments:
After you register for classes, you are required to pay your tuition bill by the due date, or your classes will
be cancelled. Due dates vary by registration period – check the Course Schedule for specific dates. Your bill
is available online at the My Tuition Bill link in UT Direct. Check the Student Accounts Receivable website
for payment methods.
The amount you owe may be zero if a third-party, a UT Austin Department, or an exemption or waiver is
paying your entire bill. Or, your bill may be covered entirely by financial aid, including scholarships, grants
and fellowships. In either case, you must go to the My Tuition Bill website to complete the registration
process. If you do not do this by the due date, your classes will be cancelled. You are responsible for
completing your registration, including payment, regardless of the source of funds.
If you add classes, you may owe an additional amount. You will not get a paper bill, so check the My
Tuition Bill link from the Student Accounts Receivable site for the amount you owe and the due date.
Refunds for cancelled classes will be issued after the add/drop period, and will be mailed to your local
address.
Please keep your addresses current on your student record, including your email address. They are used for
mailing bills and refund checks, and for sending payment reminder messages. Update your addresses in UT
Direct or in ROSE (the Registrar’s Online Service).
Tuition Assistance:
If you are employed in an eligible job title and meet certain requirements, you or your dependents may
qualify for a non-resident tuition waiver. Application forms are available in the Publications section of the
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Student Accounts Receivable website and completed forms must be returned to the Graduate Studies
office.
Teaching assistants and assistant instructors receive an amount of tuition assistance that is based upon
the number of work hours. This tuition assistance is now applied directly to your bill and will reduce the
remaining balance to several hundred dollars per semester. The Student Accounts Receivable website has
additional information on these and other helpful topics. You may contact them by telephone at
512-475-7777, send an email to fbic@forum.utexas.edu, or visit their office in Room 4 of the Main
Building.
Claim your instate tuition waiver every semester “by virtue of employment”:
utdirect.utexas.edu/acct/fb/waivers/index.WBX
TA/AI Tuition Assistance: www.utexas.edu/ogs/employment/tuition
The assistance amount is based on the number of hours of the TA/AI appointment and is paid on a
semester basis. Payment is made in a lump sum and is applied directly to your bill.
Payments relating to appointments received after the 12th class day will be made on the fifth workday
after the close of the semi-monthly payroll period.
No action is required by departments or students to initiate the payment beyond the completion of the
TA/AI appointment process.
2014-2015 Academic Year Awards:
Award amounts for the 2014-2015 academic year and 2015 summer session will be as follows:
Each Long Session (9/1 – 1/15 and 1/16 – 5/31):
Appointed 20 hours or more: $4,404
Appointed 10-19 hours: $2,202
Appointed 1-9 hours: $0
Summer Session:
(Maximum of $1,415 paid per individual per summer regardless of the length of the session or the
number of sessions)
Appointed 20 hours or more: $1,415, single payment
Appointed less than 20 hours: $0
Tuition Reduction Benefit:
Tuition Remission Benefit (TRB) for TAs and AIs and tuition remission for GRAs. TRB will be a more flexible,
nontaxable benefit for students assigned in TA, AI and GRA (depending on the grant) job codes.
How it works:
 The Department creates the TA/AI appointment, which generates the TRB.
 Student pays the remainder of the tuition bill by due date.
 Even if there is a ZERO BALANCE, students MUST CONFIRM their registration. You must see a
message in GREEN LETTERS that says, “Your registration is complete and your courses are
secured.”
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A few things to note:
 A student must be registered to receive the benefit.
 If a student has other offsets that will be applied to the tuition bill, they will be applied in this
order: Exemptions, Tuition Reduction Benefits (for TA/AIs and GRAs), and other assistance
(including Scholarships and tuition remission).
 Tuition Reduction Benefits are tax-exempt. 100% of the TRB is applied to the tuition bill. No
payments are mailed to students.
 Your TA appointment will not receive final approval until your tuition bill is paid in full.
Tax considerations:
Graduate student employees (assistant instructors or teaching assistants) receive the Tuition Reduction
Benefit as part of their compensation. For graduate research assistants, the Tuition Reduction Benefit can
be up to the full resident tuition bill depending on grant funds available.
As you prepare to submit your income taxes, make note that Tuition Reduction Benefits are tax-exempt.
100% of the benefit is applied to the tuition bill. No payments are made to students.
Need Tax Assistance?
Community Tax Centers are a program of Foundation Communities, a nonprofit organization that
empowers low-income individuals and families (including students) with the tools they need to succeed.
To be eligible, total household income should not exceed $50,000 with dependents or $25,000 if filing as
an individual. Students need to bring their W-2 forms, Social Security Card (if applicable), driver’s
license/ID, and their tuition and financial aid information (1098T or 1098 official forms). Locate a
community tax center near you (www.foundcom.org/get-financially-stable/get-your-taxes-done). The
Austin Public Library also offers assistance with taxes on a first-come, first served basis.
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V. Other Information
Your Graduate advisor and Administrator:
One of the most important things you can do as a new graduate student is to develop a working
relationship with both your graduate administrator and graduate adviser. As the Office of Graduate
Studies makes great effort to communicate with academic departments, the relationship between you and
your department will greatly enhance your experience as a graduate student. Although graduate
departments vary greatly, your graduate coordinator is a good first point of contact on registration
matters such as:
 adds and drops,
 withdrawals,
 program of work questions,
 grade status changes, and
 most other general registration questions.
Mentoring Graduate Students:
Each graduate student is linked with a continuous sequence of faculty mentors. From the time the student
enters the Department, s/he has a designated faculty mentor. Mentors are responsible for advising
students on professional matters, such as coursework, thesis and dissertation research, publishing,
funding, job searches, and so on. The graduate advisor is also available to help students with a wide
variety of questions, issues, and decisions, but usually at a more general level than the mentor.
The graduate administrator assigns first-year mentors, with approval from the graduate advisor and the
GSC Chair before the orientation session in late August. In these initial assignments, faculty members are
assigned at most two incoming students to mentor. During the fall semester, new students may submit a
request to the GSC Chair to change their mentor. Approval is given if the new mentor agrees and would be
mentor to no more than three incoming students. Apart from first-year students, there is no limit on the
total number of students for whom the faculty member is the mentor.
Eventually, the MA thesis advisor or PhD dissertation supervisor becomes the mentor. At the beginning of
every fall semester, students who are past their first year in the program but have not yet formally
selected a thesis advisor, or who have completed their MA but do not yet have a dissertation supervisor,
will be sent a request to identify a new mentor or confirm their previous mentor as soon as possible. The
faculty member assigned as the mentor must have given approval. Students are expected to meet with
their mentors at least three times every semester. Meetings with thesis and dissertation supervisors
usually occur more often. It is the responsibility of the student to ask for these meetings.
Student and Mentor Annual Reports:
Students submit self-reports to the graduate coordinator every May. There is an established format for
these reports. It includes a statement of goals for the coming year and the preferred type of placement,
with pre-coded categories, after leaving UT Austin. Mentors and mentees may choose to discuss the
annual self-report before it is prepared, but should definitely meet during the fall semester to review it.
Early in the fall semester, mentors are provided with the mentee’s self-report which reflects whether the
student is making adequate progress through the program and areas for improvement or recognition.
After meeting with them in the fall, mentors then prepare and submit a very brief report on each mentee,
using a format developed by the Graduate Steering Committee. The report is intended to be constructive,
but in addition to highlighting accomplishments during the past year, it identifies any possible problems
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with the rate of progress and performance and may recommend revisions to specific goals for the coming
year.
When the mentor report has been completed, it is sent to the graduate coordinator, who forwards the
information to the graduate advisor and GSC Chair. Students will generally fall into three categories: those
who are doing exceptionally well, those who are falling behind, and those who are making normal
progress, which is expected to contain the great majority of students. After the process has been
completed, students are asked to meet with their mentor and/or the graduate advisor to discuss the
review.
To summarize, the purpose of the review is to give useful feedback to all students and identify students
who appear to be most deserving of awards or fellowship nominations during the coming year, or are next
in line for an AI appointment, etc., as well as students who appear to be slipping behind.
Fellowship Awards:
 The Professional Development Award. The Office of Graduate Studies provides departmental
stipends to students who are traveling to conferences to present research papers. Awards are
generally several hundred dollars and priority is given to those students who are in candidacy and
are actively seeking employment. Award cycles occur three times during the academic year.
 University Continuing Fellowship and COLA New and Continuing Fellowships. The Department
selects one or two candidates for each of these fellowships. They are highly prestigious awards and
interdepartmentally competitive. Candidates are priority ranked and a letter of recommendation is
sent from the graduate advisor along with the student’s application and supporting
documentation. In evaluating the candidates who submit their applications to the Department,
student publications, academic and research excellence, and seniority are considered. Those
students who can most benefit researching and writing their dissertation and are generally
candidates for their PhD.
 Excellence Awards. With funding from the College of Liberal Arts and the Office of Graduate
Studies, the Department will also make available excellence awards in support of semester field
research or to help expedite the writing of the dissertation.
 Recruiting Fellowships. The Office of Graduate Studies and COLA offer each department a stipend
to be distributed to top applicants to the program. The candidates (determined by faculty review)
who are considered most likely to attend are offered these additional fellowships as an incentive to
join the program. Many are in support of summer writing and research.
Useful Links:
1. Establishing Residency: bealonghorn.utexas.edu/residency/establishing
2. Compliance and Ethics Guide: www.utexas.edu/administration/oic/cts/cw100e/alt/section1.html
3. Campus Maps and Parking: www.utexas.edu/maps
4. Orientation Web Page: www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/sociology/graduate/admissions/Orientation.php
5. Office of Graduate Studies Orientation: www.utexas.edu/ogs/current/orientation
6. Sociology Work Groups: www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/sociology/work-groups/overview.php
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7. Graduate Resource Guide:
www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/sociology/graduate/Degree%20requirements/overview.php
8. Forms and Instructions: www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/sociology/graduate/forms-and-instructions.php
Mental Health Resources:
1. Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC): cmhc.utexas.edu
One-on-one counseling and group counseling on the fifth floor of the Student Services Building, where
students can either make an appointment or walk in. Services include medication and psychiatric services.
2. For Staff – Employee Services: www.utexas.edu/hr/current/services
Links to resources: EAP (Employee Assistance Program); Occupational Health Program; Work/Life Balance
Program; Conflict Management & Dispute Resolution & Services; Strategic Workforce Solutions
(consultation services available); Employee Records Services; Learning & Development; Other Campus
Resources & Services.
3. Counseling & Mental Health Center (CMHC) Resources for Faculty & Staff:
www.cmhc.utexas.edu/facultyandstaff.html
How to Help a Student in Distress: www.cmhc.utexas.edu/studentindistress.html
Request a Presentation: www.cmhc.utexas.edu/presentations.html
Response to Traumatic Events: cmhc.utexas.edu/traumaevents.html
Returning Veteran Students Info for Faculty & Staff: www.cmhc.utexas.edu/staffveterans.html
4. Suicide Prevention: Suicide prevention through education, outreach, and peer support:
www.cmhc.utexas.edu/bethatone/index.html
5. BECAL, Behavior Concerns Advice Line: www.utexas.edu/safety/bcal
For anyone at UT who is worried/bothered by the behavior of a friend, roommate, classmate, student.
Call BECAL at 512-232-5050
6. Report concerns online: Only faculty, staff and students with a valid UT EID can use the online form.
7. Active Minds: Student organization. In partnership with the UT Counseling and Mental Health Center,
Active Minds is about students helping students talk openly about mental and emotional issues and
realizing how universal these issues are.
UT website of Active Minds: webspace.utexas.edu/emk448/mainpage.html
National website of Active Minds: www.activeminds.org
“We don’t all have mental illness but we all have mental health.”
8. SMH (Screening for Mental Health): www.mentalhealthscreening.org/programs/colleges
Online screening for depression, alcoholism, eating disorders, etc.
9. The University’s Telephone Counseling & Referral Service (512-471-2255):
www.cmhc.utexas.edu/24hourcounseling.html
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UT students can call anytime to talk with trained counselors about problems & concerns, 24 hours per day,
7 days per week, 365 days per year.
CMHC provides a page of numerous links to information addressing common concerns of students:
www.cmhc.utexas.edu/commonconcerns.html
10. Join a CMCH group or class: www.cmhc.utexas.edu/groups.html
Students can click on a list of groups and classes on this page. All groups are free and confidential.
Stress Recess: Stress management and reduction website provided by CMHC:
www.cmhc.utexas.edu/stressrecess/index.html
11. CMHC’s Mind/Body Lab: www.cmhc.utexas.edu/mindbodylab.html
“The MindBody Lab is a self-paced environment designed to help UT students explore various resources
for improving their emotional and physical health. The Lab currently features audio and video instruction
on a variety of topics. Most of this material is experiential to enable one to follow along and practice the
skills as they are being discussed. In the coming months, we plan to introduce new biofeedback equipment
as well as other interactive tools. The MindBody Lab currently contains information and guided exercises
on: Breathing Exercises, Muscle Relaxation, Meditation, Relaxation Imagery / Relaxation Sounds, Guided
Imagery, Health & Well Being, Sleep Issues, Food & Body Image Please note that you will need a photo ID
in order to check out equipment from the front reception desk.”
Places to Eat:
Around the Forty Acres you will find a variety of food options from quick bites to fine dining and
everything in between. At The University of Texas at Austin, it’s all food for thought.
Residential Dining Venues
The Division of Housing and Food Service (DHFS) serves a variety of tastes in relaxing and convenient
locations across campus, including the Jester City Limits Food Court, Market and Dining Hall, Kinsolving
Market and Dining Hall, Cypress Bend Café and the Littlefield Patio Café. DHFS promotes nutritional
education, internships and student management opportunities while serving up local, seasonal and farm
direct ingredients.
University Unions
The University Unions offer a variety of convenient food options in both the Texas Union and the new
Student Activity Center (opening in 2011). The Texas Union is also home to the famous Cactus Cafe and
Bar.
AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center
Enjoy fine dining, meet a friend for a casual lunch or savor a cup of coffee in the beautiful surroundings at
Gabriel’s Café, One Twenty 5 Café and The Carillon, all in one of Austin’s newest hotels, the AT&T
Executive Education and Conference Center.
The Blanton Museum Café
The Edgar A. Smith Building provides a relaxing setting for The Blanton Café, which offers a variety of hot
and cold sandwiches, gourmet flat bread pizzas, fresh-tossed salads, signature desserts and salads.
O’s Campus Café operates five campus locations that serve breakfast, lunch and snacks. O’s also offers a
catering service for private parties and meetings and boxed lunches and breakfasts to be ordered online.
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Red McCombs Red Zone Food Court
The Red McCombs Red Zone Food Court, on the north side of Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, is
a great place to meet, eat or just hang out. With nearly 18,000 square feet of space, there’s plenty of
seating and free wireless Internet access along with great food and drink choices.
Texas Espresso Café
At the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, the Texas Espresso Café features a variety of coffees, lattes, espressos
and other beverages along with fresh baked items, sandwiches, salads and more.
Under the Oaks Café
At the Thompson Conference Center, the Under the Oaks Café features a variety of breakfast and lunch
items at a convenient east campus location near the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
There are also many places near campus that you can reach by foot or bike.
ORIENTING YOURSELF TO AUSTIN
UT Office of Graduate Studies - www.utexas.edu/ogs/prospective/austin.html
Living in Austin, TX – establishing your new home.
UT International Office – www.utexas.edu/international
Social Security Administration - www.ssa.gov
Toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213.
Childcare and Local Schools - www.utexas.edu/ogs/current/childcare.html
Moving to Austin - www.austin-chamber.org/austin/live
Basic information about moving to Austin, provided by Austin Chamber of Commerce.
Setting Up Telephone & Utilities –
www.austinchamber.com/austin/live/relocation-guide.php
Gas, electric, cable, phone, internet.
Transportation –
www.austinchamber.com/austin/visit/transportation.php
• Capital Metro - www.capmetro.org Bus routes and schedules.
• Department of Motor Vehicles - www.dmv.org/tx-texas/locations-&-hours.php
Driver’s license and vehicle registration.
Housing - www.utexas.edu/provost/housing
Information about on- and off-campus housing; post ads/find a roommate.
• Austin Home Search - www.austinhomesearch.com
• Austin Tenants’ Council - www.housing-rights.org/security_dep.html
Includes information about security deposits, if you are renting.
Off-Campus Banks in the Austin Area local.yahoo.com/TX/Austin/Legal+Financial+Services/Banks/index.html
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