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!