University of Texas Austin

TEXAS AUSTIN​

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The University of Texas at Austin is one of the most prestigious public universities in the country. It’s consistently ranked among the top 10 undergraduate and graduate education schools and has a strong history of research and innovation that has led to numerous patents and discoveries. UT Austin students enjoy some of the best facilities in the world, including an observatory on Mount Locke, world-class art museums like Blanton Museum of Art, Bass Concert Hall (home to U.T.’s School of Music), and more than 400 acres of green space known as The Arboretum—not to mention easy access to great local foodie spots like Torchy’s Tacos or Top Notch Beef Burger Joint!

Our Mission

To discover, preserve, and disseminate knowledge; educate students; promote health research; and serve the state and nation.

Our Vision

The University of Texas at Austin will be a national leader in higher education through its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, creative activity and service.

History

During his tenure as president, Dr. Smith oversaw the construction of the Main Building (now known as Battle Hall) and helped establish several academic departments, including chemistry, zoology and botany–all of which still exist today! In addition to these accomplishments, he also oversaw the creation of both student government organizations: the Student Government Association (SGA), which has existed since 1889, and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, formed at UT Austin later that same year, making them both part of our rich history too!

While UT Austin’s history dates back to the Republic of Texas, it’s been a university since 1883. The Texas State Legislature established the school and opened its doors for classes in September 1883. The University’s first president was Ashbel Smith, who served from 1881 until 1886; he also played an essential role in establishing medical education in Texas after serving as one of five physicians who attended Sam Houston during his final illness on July 26, 1863.

Leadership

The University of Texas at Austin is a world-class institution committed to students, faculty, staff and alums. Founded in 1883 as “the first public institution of higher education in Texas,” U.T. has grown into one of the nation’s largest universities, with more than 50 colleges and schools offering more than 250 majors across 14 academic divisions.

The University boasts one of the most prestigious honours programs in the country; its faculty includes Nobel laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners; its alumni include astronauts who have been to space as well as influential politicians like former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker III (BBA ’53).

Traditions and Trademarked Properties

  1. The Hook ‘Em Horns hand signal
  2. Texas Orange, the official color of UT Austin
  3. The Eyes of Texas is a tradition where students and alums look out for each other and their University. This includes a song that goes with it!
  4. The Tower (you know what we’re talking about!)

Partnerships

  • Partnerships with other universities
  • Partnerships with industry
  • Partnerships with the government, including federal research grants and contracts and state funding for UT Austin’s public service mission.
  • Partnerships with foundations that support research and education.
It's a productive partnership
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Diversity and Inclusion

UT Austin is a diverse community.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and want you to be part of it! We’re proud that UT Austin is a leader in diversity and inclusion, as evidenced by our history of developing innovative programs that reflect our commitment to this issue:

  • The first university-wide faculty search committee on diversity (1972)
  • The first undergraduate student organization dedicated solely to the matters related to race relations (1973)
  • The first graduate program devoted entirely to studying racial identity development (1990)

Equity, Accessibility and Accommodation Services

Equity, Accessibility and Accommodation Services (EAAS) helps students with disabilities navigate the University of Texas at Austin campus. The office provides information about disability accommodations, UT Austin’s policies and procedures for students with disabilities, resources on accessing these services, and awareness programs.

The University of Texas at Austin is a world-class institution committed to students, faculty, staff and alums.

The University of Texas at Austin is a world-class institution committed to students, faculty, staff and alums.

UT Austin is the flagship institution of The University of Texas System–the most extensive public university system in the country. With more than 65 research centres and institutes across campus that span from astronomy to zoology and everything (including some things you’ve never heard of), UT Austin has earned its reputation as one of America’s most prestigious universities.

The school is home to more than 51,000 students on its 1,300-acre campus just east of downtown Austin–and they’re not all studying business administration or communications as you might expect! Nearly half are pursuing degrees outside these traditional fields; there are majors available in everything from aerospace engineering (yup) to creative writing; there’s even an entire department dedicated solely towards studying bats!