The University of Texas at Austin Podcast

UT Campus Update: Forums, Film Fest, Football & Coffee—Your Week of Events, Insights, and Opportunities (Oct 20–27)

Hey Longhorns, it's Jenny with your Campus Update for October 20 through October 27. Let's get you set for the week—fast.
First up—the LBJ Business Policy Forum is happening tonight, Monday, October 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the University of Texas at Austin. This event brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, technologists, and policymakers to discuss pressing policy challenges and opportunities. It's a great chance to engage with experts on topics like AI, trade policy, and infrastructure.
Next—on Tuesday, October 21, at 5:30 p.m., the Bass Lecture Hall at the LBJ School of Public Affairs will host "Is Europe Done with Free Speech? Populism and Its Censors." Christopher Caldwell, a New York Times columnist and Senior Fellow at the Claremont Institute, will discuss populism and censorship in Europe. This event is open to all and offers valuable insights into current global issues.
Finally—the UT Austin Cancer Research Retreat 2025 is set for Thursday, October 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Thompson Conference Center. Hosted by the Livestrong Cancer Institutes, this full-day event showcases the latest cancer research from students, faculty, and staff. It's free and open to all UT Austin researchers, faculty, staff, and students.
This past weekend, the Longhorns faced a tough game against the Oklahoma Sooners, ending with a narrow loss. Despite the outcome, quarterback Sam Ellinger delivered an impressive performance, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns. Looking ahead, the Longhorns are set to take on the Baylor Bears at home this Saturday. Let's pack the stadium and show our support!
The Austin Film Festival kicks off this Thursday, October 23, and runs through October 30 in downtown Austin. Recognized as one of the top film festivals in the country, it features a mix of top-billed films and indie gems. It's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the cinematic arts right here in our city.
On the dining front, the Austin Coffee Festival is happening this weekend, October 25-26, at the Palmer Events Center. It's a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts, offering a chance to sample brews from local roasters and learn more about the art of coffee.
This week in Austin, expect mostly sunny and warm conditions. Highs will be in the upper 80s to low 90s, with lows in the mid-60s to low 70s. There's a slight chance of thunderstorms on Friday morning, so keep an umbrella handy just in case.
Your move: register for the UT Austin Cancer Research Retreat by noon on October 8 to secure your spot. It's a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and network with peers.
That's your quick Campus Update. I'm Jenny—catch you next Monday morning. Tap follow on your podcast app so you never miss a beat.

Texas Free College Application Week, Longhorns’ Red River Win, New Basketball Coach & Campus Events: UT Campus Update Oct 13-20

Hey Longhorns, it's Jenny with your Campus Update for October 13 through October 20. Let's get you set for the week—fast.
First up—Texas is launching its first Free College Application Week from October 13 to October 19. All Texas residents can apply to any public university or college in the state without paying application fees. This initiative aims to reduce financial barriers to higher education.
Next—the Longhorns secured a much-needed 23-6 victory over No. 6 Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry. Quarterback Arch Manning led the charge, and our defense was dominant, limiting Oklahoma to just 258 total yards. This win keeps our playoff hopes alive.
Finally—the University of Texas System Board of Regents has approved a six-year, $32 million contract for new Longhorns basketball coach Sean Miller. Miller brings a strong record, with 13 NCAA tournament appearances and four Elite Eight berths in his 20-year coaching career.
Over the weekend, the Longhorns triumphed over No. 6 Oklahoma with a 23-6 victory in the Red River Rivalry. Quarterback Arch Manning completed 21 of 27 passes for 166 yards, including a crucial 12-yard touchdown to DeAndre Moore Jr. Ryan Niblett electrified the crowd with a 75-yard punt return touchdown in the fourth quarter. Our defense was stellar, intercepting Oklahoma's quarterback three times. Looking ahead, the Longhorns will face the Baylor Bears at home this Saturday.
This week, the Electrical and Computer Engineering department is hosting several events. On October 14, there's Intel Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the EER 2nd Floor Lobby, followed by a Graduate Recruiting Event from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the EER Mulva Foyer and Multipurpose Rooms. Later that evening, don't miss the Cadence x IEEE-RAS Tech Talk at 7 p.m. in EER 1.518. These events are great opportunities to connect with industry professionals and learn about cutting-edge technologies.
In campus trends, the UT Farm Stand Market is back on October 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jester Plaza. Swing by to purchase local and sustainably grown produce, bread, honey, and their famous hibiscus tea. Remember to bring your own bags and stock up on seasonal groceries.
For a dining tip, check out the Microfarm Workday on October 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 287 W 51st Street. It's a fun way to get involved in sustainable agriculture, and you might even take home some fresh produce.
This week in Austin, expect very warm temperatures with plenty of sunshine. Highs will be in the low 90s, and lows in the mid-60s. No significant rain is expected, so it's a great week to enjoy outdoor activities. Remember to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
Your move: Take advantage of Free College Application Week by applying to your desired Texas public universities without the burden of application fees. This opportunity runs from October 13 to October 19, so don't miss out.
That's your quick Campus Update. I'm Jenny—catch you next Monday morning. Tap follow on your podcast app so you never miss a beat.

Texas Fight Rally, Hydrogen Day, Farm Stand & Red River Rivalry: Your Campus Update for Oct. 6–13

Hey Longhorns, it's Jenny with your Campus Update for October 6 through October 13. Let's get you set for the week—fast.
First up—the Texas Fight Rally and Parade is happening Wednesday, October 8. The parade kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Guadalupe Street, followed by the rally at the Tower. Come cheer on our team before they head to Dallas for the big game.
Next, Hydrogen Day 2025 is set for Tuesday and Wednesday, October 7–8. This event highlights Texas's leadership in the global hydrogen economy. It's a great opportunity for students, faculty, and industry leaders to connect.
Finally, the UT Farm Stand Market is open Wednesday, October 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jester Plaza. Swing by for local produce, bread, honey, and their famous hibiscus tea.
Last weekend, our No. 1 Texas Longhorns faced a tough game against No. 5 Georgia, falling 30-15. Despite the loss, the team showed resilience, and we're proud of their effort.
Looking ahead, the Red River Rivalry is this Saturday, October 11, as Texas takes on Oklahoma. It's one of the most anticipated games of the season, so let's show our support.
The Texas Fight Rally and Parade on October 8 is the place to be this week. Join fellow Longhorns to send off our team in style.
On the dining front, the UT Farm Stand Market is your go-to for fresh, local eats this Wednesday. Don't miss out on their hibiscus tea—it's a campus favorite.
This week in Austin, expect warm temperatures with highs in the mid-80s and lows in the mid-60s. No significant rain is forecasted, so it's a great week to enjoy outdoor events.
Your move: Attend the Texas Fight Rally and Parade on Wednesday evening. It's a perfect way to show your Longhorn pride and support our team before the big game.
That's your quick Campus Update. I'm Jenny—catch you next Monday morning. Tap follow on your podcast app so you never miss a beat.

Texas Longhorns Campus Update: Volleyball Dominance, Red River Rivalry, Longhorn Live Music, and Campus Events This Week

Hey Longhorns, it's Jenny with your Campus Update for September 29 through October 6. Let's get you set for the week—fast.
First up—the No. 2 Texas Volleyball team is on fire, boasting a 9-0 record after sweeping seven top-25 teams. They'll face 21st-ranked Missouri at Gregory Gym this week.
Next, the Longhorns are gearing up for the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma on October 11. Travel and event details will be shared soon, so keep an eye out.
Lastly, the university is expanding its live music scene with the Longhorn Live initiative. Austinite Carrie Rodriguez is the new resident songwriter, with performances scheduled for January.
Over the weekend, Texas Volleyball continued their dominance, sweeping Missouri in straight sets. Standout player Madison Spears earned AVCA Player of the Week honors for her stellar performance.
Looking ahead, Women's Tennis is competing in the USTA W50 Rancho Santa Fe tournament starting September 29. Men's Swimming and Diving will host the Sam Kendricks Classic on September 26 at 3 p.m.
The Longhorn Run is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. This popular event has grown to 8,000 participants, offering 5K and 10K races through campus. It's a great way to engage with the community and stay active.
On the dining front, the campus food truck lineup has expanded, featuring new options like Mediterranean bites and vegan-friendly dishes. Perfect for grabbing a quick, delicious meal between classes.
This week in Austin, expect mostly sunny skies with temperatures soaring into the mid to upper 90s. It's going to be hot, so stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
Your move: Check out the Longhorn Live music events and grab your tickets early. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience live performances right on campus.
That's your quick Campus Update. I'm Jenny—catch you next Monday morning. Tap follow on your podcast app so you never miss a beat.

UT Austin Update: UT Press 75th, New Cosmic AI Institute, WaterHub Project, Admissions Change, Protest Response, and Blanton Art News

Good afternoon, Longhorns! It's Monday, September 22, 2025, and here's what's happening at the University of Texas at Austin.
The University of Texas Press marked its 75th anniversary with a day-long event at the Austin Central Library on Sunday. The celebration featured discussions by authors and editors on topics ranging from Black history and football to grief psychology and music criticism. Since its founding in 1950, UT Press has published over 4,000 books, establishing itself as the largest publisher in Texas and maintaining a strong reputation in both scholarly and trade publishing.
UT Austin has been selected to lead the NSF-Simons AI Institute for Cosmic Origins, a new initiative harnessing artificial intelligence to investigate some of the universe's most profound mysteries, including dark matter and the search for extraterrestrial life. Housed in the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, the institute aims to accelerate cosmic discovery through advanced AI research.
The university is developing a 9,600-square-foot water recycling facility known as the WaterHub, set to become the largest of its kind at a U.S. university. Scheduled to be operational by fall 2027, the facility will reclaim up to 1 million gallons of wastewater per day, potentially reducing campus water usage by 40%. Located in the engineering district, the WaterHub will also serve as a hands-on research laboratory for students and faculty.
Starting with the Fall 2026 admissions cycle, UT Austin will adjust its automatic admissions threshold for Texas high school students from the top 6% to the top 5% of their graduating class. This change aims to manage enrollment growth while maintaining access for high-achieving students across the state.
In response to recent campus protests, UT Austin has created a new Event Readiness and Response unit within the Dean's office. This unit is dedicated to upholding free speech rights on campus and clarifying students' rights and responsibilities regarding free expression. The initiative follows spring protests that led to arrests and highlighted the need for clearer guidelines on campus demonstrations.
The Blanton Museum of Art, one of the largest university art museums in the U.S., continues to be a cultural hub on campus. With a collection of over 21,000 works, including modern and contemporary art, Latin American art, and Old Master paintings, the museum offers a rich array of exhibitions and programs for the university community and the public.
Currently, it's cloudy and 77 degrees in Austin. Temperatures are expected to rise throughout the day, reaching a high of 100 degrees by late afternoon. Be sure to stay hydrated and take precautions against the heat.
That's all for today's update. Stay safe, stay informed, and Hook 'em Horns!

UT Austin Lowers Auto-Admission to Top 5%, Expands Free Tuition, Unveils WaterHub & Welcomes New President in Major 2025 Updates

Good morning, Longhorns! It's Monday, September 15, 2025, and here's your latest campus news.
Starting with the Fall 2026 admissions cycle, the University of Texas at Austin will adjust its automatic admission policy. Currently, Texas high school students in the top 6% of their class receive automatic admission. This threshold will be lowered to the top 5% to better manage enrollment and maintain academic excellence.
In February 2025, James E. Davis was appointed as the 31st president of UT Austin. Davis, who previously served as the university's senior vice president and chief operating officer, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
The university is developing a 9,600-square-foot water recycling facility, known as the WaterHub, set to be operational by fall 2027. This facility aims to reclaim up to 1 million gallons of wastewater daily, reducing campus reliance on Austin's water supply and serving as a research hub for water treatment technologies.
The UT System has expanded its free tuition program to cover students from families earning $100,000 or less, starting next fall. This initiative includes a $35 million investment across its nine campuses, aiming to reduce student debt and increase accessibility to higher education.
The UT System Board of Regents has approved a six-year, $32 million contract for new Longhorns basketball coach Sean Miller. Miller, with a strong coaching record, is set to revitalize the program as it navigates the Southeastern Conference.
In response to recent campus protests, UT Austin has established the Event Readiness and Response unit within the Dean's office. This unit is dedicated to upholding free speech rights while ensuring campus safety during events and demonstrations.
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging UT Austin's new admissions policies, affirming that the university no longer considers race in its admissions process, in compliance with the Supreme Court's 2023 decision ending affirmative action.
That's all for today's update. Stay informed and Hook 'em Horns!

UT Austin News: $10M Gift, Safety Upgrades, AI Institute Launch, New President, Basketball Coach, and Enhanced Campus Map

Good morning, Longhorns! It's Monday, September 8, 2025, and here's what's happening at the University of Texas at Austin.
First up, the William P. Clements Foundation has committed $10 million to secure the future of UT's Clements Center for National Security. This generous gift will expand opportunities for students and faculty, enhancing research and education in national security.
In campus safety news, the University of Texas Police Department has increased patrols in the West Campus area and is cross-training with the Austin Police Department to enhance safety measures. This initiative aims to provide a more secure environment for students and residents.
On the academic front, UT Austin has been chosen to lead a new institute that harnesses artificial intelligence to explore some of the leading mysteries of the universe, including dark matter and the fundamentals related to the search for life. The NSF-Simons AI Institute for Cosmic Origins will be housed in UT’s Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences.
In administrative news, James E. Davis has been serving as the 31st president of the University of Texas at Austin since February 19, 2025. Davis, a UT Austin alumnus, has a background in law and previously served as the university's senior vice president and chief operating officer.
In sports, the Texas Longhorns men's basketball team is preparing for the upcoming season under new head coach Sean Miller, who was hired in March 2025. The team is looking to build on last season's performance and make a strong showing in the Southeastern Conference.
Finally, the University of Texas at Austin has launched a new and improved campus map to help students, faculty, and visitors navigate the campus more easily. The updated map includes detailed building information and accessibility features.
That's all for today's update. Stay safe, stay informed, and Hook 'em Horns!

UT Austin Update: New President, WaterHub Launch, Expanded Tuition Aid, Protest Guidelines, & Basketball Coach Change

Good afternoon, Longhorns! It's Monday, September 1st, and here's what's happening at the University of Texas at Austin.
In February, James E. Davis assumed the role of interim president of UT Austin, following Jay Hartzell's departure to lead Southern Methodist University. Davis, a UT alumnus with a background in law and military service, has been part of the university's administration since 2018. His leadership is expected to guide the university through this transitional period.
The university is making significant strides in water conservation with the development of the WaterHub, a 9,600-square-foot facility set to become the largest of its kind at a U.S. university. Scheduled to be operational by fall 2027, the WaterHub aims to reclaim up to 1 million gallons of wastewater daily, reducing campus water usage by approximately 40%. This initiative not only addresses Austin's strained water supply but also provides a hands-on research environment for students and faculty.
Starting this fall, the UT System is expanding its tuition support program to cover students from families earning up to $100,000 annually. This initiative, funded by a $35 million infusion, aims to reduce student debt and increase enrollment across the system's nine campuses. Previously, tuition coverage was available to families earning up to $65,000, making this a significant step toward broader financial accessibility.
In response to campus protests last spring, UT Austin has established the Event Readiness and Response unit within the Dean's office. This unit is dedicated to upholding free speech rights while ensuring campus safety. New guidelines have been introduced to clarify students' rights and responsibilities regarding peaceful assembly and expression. The university emphasizes the importance of balancing free speech with community safety and encourages students to familiarize themselves with these guidelines.
The Texas Longhorns men's basketball team concluded their inaugural season in the Southeastern Conference with a 19–16 record. After a first-round exit in the NCAA tournament, the university appointed Sean Miller, former head coach at Xavier, to lead the team into the upcoming season. Fans are eager to see how Coach Miller's experience will shape the team's future performance.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around campus. Hook 'em!

UT Austin News: New President, Record Applications, Policy Changes, & Lone Star Showdown Return—August 25, 2025 Update

Good afternoon, Longhorns! It's Monday, August 25, 2025, and here's what's happening at the University of Texas at Austin.
Currently, it's mostly sunny with a temperature of 71 degrees Fahrenheit. As the day progresses, expect temperatures to rise, reaching a high of 99 degrees by late afternoon. Remember to stay hydrated and find some shade if you're spending time outdoors.
The UT System Board of Regents has officially appointed Jim Davis as the new president of UT Austin. Davis, who has been serving as interim president since February, is the first president in over a century to come from a non-academic background. His extensive experience includes roles as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at UT Austin, as well as Texas Deputy Attorney General.
In academic leadership, William Inboden has been named Executive Vice President and Provost, effective August 1. Inboden brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as director of the Alexander Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida and as the founding executive director of the Clements Center for National Security at UT Austin.
UT Austin has received a record-breaking number of freshman applications for the Fall 2025 term. Applications increased nearly 25% from the previous year, totaling 90,562 submissions. Notably, applications from Texas residents rose by 12%, while out-of-state applications soared by 48%. This surge is attributed to new degree programs and initiatives aimed at increasing affordability and accessibility.
Mark your calendars for the 2025 Cotton Holdings Lone Star Showdown. The Longhorns will face off against Texas A&M on Friday, November 28, at 6:30 p.m. This game continues the Thanksgiving weekend tradition and will be held in Austin for the first time since 2010. Texas currently leads the series with a 77-37-5 advantage.
In the College of Education, Assistant Professor James Lee from the Department of Special Education has been awarded the Minority Health Research Grant by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Dr. Lee will lead a project aimed at developing modular interventions for underserved caregivers of young children awaiting autism diagnostic evaluation.
The UT System Board of Regents has implemented new policies affecting faculty governance and campus protests. These changes include the dissolution of faculty senates and the introduction of restrictions on campus demonstrations. These measures align with recent state laws and are expected to impact faculty influence and the conduct of protests on campus.
That's all for today's update. Stay cool, stay informed, and Hook 'em Horns!

UT Austin Makes History: Record Applications, UNESCO Honor, Football’s No. 1 Ranking, and Lone Star Showdown Highlights

Good afternoon, Longhorns! It's Monday, August 18, 2025, and here's what's happening at the University of Texas at Austin.
Currently, it's sunny and 76 degrees Fahrenheit. As the day progresses, expect temperatures to rise, reaching a high of 105 degrees by late afternoon. Remember to stay hydrated and take breaks indoors to beat the heat.
Vincent Phillip Muñoz, a scholar of religious rights affiliated with UT's Civitas Institute, is among five finalists for the deanship of the College of Liberal Arts. This appointment could significantly influence the direction of one of the university's largest academic divisions.
In other news, UT Austin has been designated as a UNESCO Chair in Open Data, AI, and Water for Cities. This prestigious recognition highlights the university's commitment to using artificial intelligence and open data to help cities become more resilient to disasters, weather extremes, and water scarcity. The initiative is led by Professor Dev Niyogi and Research Professor Bridget Scanlon from the Jackson School of Geosciences.
The university has seen a record-breaking number of freshman applications for the Fall 2025 term, with applications increasing nearly 25% from the previous year, totaling 90,562 submissions. Notably, applications from Texas residents rose by 12%, while out-of-state applications soared by 48%. This surge is attributed to new degree programs and initiatives aimed at increasing affordability and accessibility.
For the first time in history, Texas is ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press preseason Top 25 college football poll, narrowly edging out Penn State. The Longhorns earned 25 first-place votes and 1,552 points. Texas opens its season with a highly anticipated rematch against Ohio State, who defeated the Longhorns in last year’s College Football Playoff semifinal.
Additionally, mark your calendars for the 2025 Cotton Holdings Lone Star Showdown. The Longhorns will face off against Texas A&M on Friday, November 28, at 6:30 p.m. This game continues the Thanksgiving weekend tradition and will be held in Austin for the first time since 2010. Texas currently leads the series with a 77-37-5 advantage.
That's all for today's update. Stay cool, stay informed, and Hook 'em Horns!