While COVID-19 has impacted how we learn, work and engage, UT has adapted several of its on-campus resources to remain accessible to students stationed around the world.
Along with up-to-date COVID-19 information the university provides students, various virtual programs are available for you to hone your professional skills through LinkedIn Learning courses, exercise new strengths at a virtual career fair and unwind with a virtual stroll through one of our many museums whose staff have generously made their collections accessible online.
Find out how to access these virtual resources available to students and staff below.
Stay informed about UT’s response to COVID-19
In order to keep Longhorns up-to-date, UT has created a central page for all pertinent COVID-19 updates. New information and changes regarding the evolving situation are posted frequently, including official updates from President Fenves and the CDC. This page serves as a comprehensive resource for all questions and concerns regarding COVID-19. It also includes helpful links to other organizations, such as WHO and UHS.
Read more about the current situation and steps that UT has taken so far.
Take advantage of the Sanger Learning Center
The Sanger Learning Center has published a guide on how to adjust your study habits during the current crisis. To help reduce anxiety and stress caused by social distancing, the center has outlined ways to balance schoolwork and stay on top of things at home. Their staff is offering virtual video conferencing appointments with tutors, learning specialists, and their public speaking center to help you become a better learner.
Find out how you can access the Sanger Learning Center’s many resources.
Download Thrive at UT
Thrive at UT is an app developed by UT counselors, students and faculty. Geared specifically towards the Longhorn community, the app’s activities encourage students to make small changes to their daily routine. It aims to cultivate better habits in eight lifestyle areas: community, gratitude, self-compassion, mindfulness, mindset, thoughts, moods and purpose. Each area has motivational quotes, personal stories from a member of the UT community, and an interactive activity. Through this collection of items, the developers of Thrive seek to improve UT students’ well-being.
Download the app for Android and iOS now.
Request ISSS advising
While the Texas Global office is currently closed, our ISSS staff can still assist you via Zoom or email with upholding visas and immigration requirements.
If you need a virtual appointment, you can sign up for a session with one of our ISSS advisors.
Hang out with other international students
The ISSS staff is hosting several virtual events each week for international students. Created as a way to keep international students plugged in to the UT community, the International Students Group on Facebook offers several ways to stave away boredom and engage in cultural activities with other students. Activities include virtual open mics on Music Mondays, drawing and painting prompts during Wednesday Art Clubs, and more.
Join the Facebook Group to receive updates about upcoming events.
Attend Education Abroad info sessions
For students who plan to go abroad in Fall 2020 or later, Education Abroad is offering virtual info sessions so you can find the program that’s right for you. Log into one of our several Zoom sessions and learn more about our programs and scholarships, such as the President’s Award for Global Learning.
For students already enrolled in programs this Fall, our staff will be hosting a virtual pre-departure orientation to prepare you for your international experience. Learn more about virtual events on the Texas Global website.
Network with recruiters at our upcoming career fairs
Career fairs lined up for the rest of the semester have now been moved online. Jobseekers can interact with up to three recruiters at a time through chat rooms. UT has previously hosted several virtual career fairs successfully, and the upcoming events will be run in the same manner.
Mark this semester’s career fairs in your calendar now.
Gain valuable skills through Linkedin Learning courses
Funding from UT’s President’s Office enables all current UT faculty, staff, and students to enroll in LinkedIn Learning courses. These courses cover a variety of professional and personal development areas, such as time management and inclusive leadership. Courses are self-paced and can be displayed on your LinkedIn profile once completed.
Log in to the portal with your UT credentials, link your LinkedIn account, and start learning!
Tour one of UT’s many museums and cultural exhibits
The UT campus features several prominent attractions. Expertly curated programming at each one will take you on fascinating journeys through the annals of history. Despite being physically closed, the staff at these centers have generously made much of their exhibits virtually available.
Read more below about how you can explore these campus destinations.
The Blanton Museum of Art
The Blanton Museum of Art is home to the largest public collection of works in Central Texas, and now you can explore them from anywhere in the world. The Blanton staff offers 360 tours of current exhibits, such as prints by Charles White, esteemed draftsman and art educator. They have virtually catalogued almost all of their works, which patrons can peruse at their leisure.
Check out the Blanton’s pieces on their website.
The Harry Ransom Center
The Harry Ransom center is a hidden gem filled with manuscripts, letters, photographs, and other documents that shed light on the minds of some of history’s most esteemed figures. The museum staff has managed to make a portion of their collection available digitally. Visit their website and delve deeper into Baron Alfred Tennyson’s thought processes or analyse the bizarre evolution of circuses.
Visit the Harry Ransom Center’s Digital Collections to view these artifacts and more.
The Lyndon B. Johnson Library
The Lyndon B. Johnson Library honors the 36th president of the U.S.. Exhibits offer an intimate look at the transition of power after the untimely death of President John F. Kennedy, a life-sized replica of the Oval Office during Johnson’s time in office, documents surrounding important social justice legislation he passed, and more. Several of these artifacts have been archived on the library’s website and other activities have been captured in virtual tours, meaning history buffs can still immerse themselves in Johnson’s iconic presidency at home.
View exhibits from the Lyndon B. Johnson Library and learn more about this pivotal point in U.S. history.
This post was contributed by Suvi Bhalgat, a Texas Global student associate and sophomore international student majoring in public relations with a minor in media and entertainment industries.
