Traditions
Freshman Sunrise
Freshman Sunrise is an annual event designed to welcome incoming freshman students to campus and help them start the school year off on the right foot. The event takes place early in the morning in the beginning of the fall semester and is a great way for new students to get acclimated to their new environment and make connections with their peers and mentors.
Friday Lunch
Friday Lunch is one of the most important Dean’s Scholars traditions, dating back to the beginning of the program in 1983. Every month, Dean’s Scholars gather to listen to faculty speak about their research while enjoying a free lunch! We draw speakers from across the College of Natural Science and occasionally from other colleges, like the Cockrell School of Engineering or the College of Liberal Arts. Students and faculty listening to the talks all ask questions and generate interesting discussions. Friday Lunches are a great way for you to learn about research being conducted around UT, think about potential labs you might like to join, get some free food, and interact with fellow Dean’s Scholars!
“Building connections and friendships with my peers outside of the academic context through games and activities like making origami is super important to our community.”
Explore Austin
Between homework, exams, and research it can be easy for students to forget that Austin is a vibrant, fun city! To help students experience the unique attractions Austin has to offer, Dean’s Scholars holds regular “Explore Austin” events where we go around town and see the sights. Whether it’s a relaxing park, a cool new food truck, or the iconic South Congress Bridge bats, there is always something you haven’t tried yet to go explore with DS!
Game Nights
During Game Nights, Dean’s Scholars spend time together playing games and hanging out in the Honors Quad rec room (affectionately known as the “Q”)! Game nights are the best way to enjoy some friendly competition with great company! On occasion, these game nights include themed snacks, like a hot chocolate bar or cookie decorating! It’s one of many events where Dean’s Scholars of all years come together, relax, and bond over something that isn’t school work. Some games tend to come up month after month, including Mao and Bananagrams, but new additions to keep us up into the late hours are always encouraged!
Intramural Sports
Athletic or not, we want you on our team! In the past, Dean’s Ballers have participated in intramural (IM) sports, where our motto is “HAVE FUN!” The IM sports program is a great way to get DSers of all athletic backgrounds to try out different sports in a fun and relaxed environment. More importantly, participating in IM sports is a great way for DSers of different majors and years to meet each other in a non-academic setting. IM sports that Dean’s Scholars have participated in include volleyball, soccer, softball, ultimate frisbee, dodgeball, and basketball. PLUS, because DS sponsors these teams, you don’t have to pay the entry fee!
Student Leadership: Dean’s Scholars Council
The Dean’s Scholars Student Association, also referred to as DS Council, is comprised of a group of volunteer DSers of all years that help plan events and initiatives, including dinners, trips, game nights, socials, community service events, and so much more. DSers can be elected to council or serve in an unofficial capacity. This an incredible leadership opportunity for DSers to strengthen leadership skills, connect with council members, and help shape the experience of the DS community! They are available at deans.scholars.council@gmail.com if you’d like to reach out to learn more about the program.
