Student Support & Culture of Care
Buddy System
Dean’s Scholars has a long-standing tradition of assigning each incoming freshman an upperclassman “DS Buddy”! It can be overwhelming to adjust to the new experiences and norms of college, and these pairings work to combat that. DS Buddies are paired by a combination of major and common interests. These sets of upperclassmen-freshmen pairs ensure that every incoming student is automatically in contact with someone who is well-equipped to offer them advice and guidance as they adjust to life on the Forty Acres.
“Having a buddy my freshman year really helped me feel like I wasn’t alone in the college experience. Now that I’m an upperclassmen, it is rewarding to have my own freshman buddy and to help them out the same way my buddy did!”
Academic & Faculty Advisors + Peer Advising & Panels
Registration can be a confusing and stressful time. Deciding on what courses you should take while factoring in your degree, career, flag requirements, professors, and everything else can be overwhelming. That’s why DSers have their own academic advisor (the one and only Mark Hemenway, pictured to the right), as well as faculty advisors specific to every degree. With the experience and wisdom of these advisors at hand, DSers can rest assured that all their academic questions will be answered.
Another valuable source of information is, of course, fellow DSers: our semesterly Peer Advising, annual interhonors FRI Advising, and academic panels offer opportunities for underclassmen to seek advice from upperclassmen regarding schedules and research opportunities. We’re all happy to help—all it takes is a message, and you’ll probably find someone who has answers for you!
Freshman Seminar
All first-year Dean’s Scholars take a Freshman Seminar both semesters of their first year, where they are introduced to the Dean’s Scholars Honors Program, scientific research, and UT. It is currently taught by Dr. Hillis and Dr. Starbird, the current director and a former director of the program, respectively. This is a great way for first-years to get to know their fellow Dean’s Scholars and eases the transition to college life!
“Freshman Seminar has been such a great way for me to make friends and feel connected to the DS community! It has also made me feel supported during the transition from high school to college.”
Mental Health Office Hours
As high-achievers, Dean’s Scholars need an especially strong support system. Mental Health Office Hours is a student-run event that creates a safe space for DSers to have an open conversation about mental health, be vulnerable, and seek resources that may help them. Through this event, we hope to normalize the challenges that we face, both as individuals and DSers.
Alumni Mentorship Program
Dean’s Scholars recently developed an Alumni Mentorship Program, in which students can choose to get paired with an DS alumna working in your field of interest. This is a great opportunity to connect with previous Dean’s Scholars and get advice related to your field of study and career aspirations.