FRI 20th Anniversary
We’re excited to celebrate 20 years of the Freshman Research Initiative! This page covers the details to help you plan your visit and make the most of the anniversary events.
Plan Ahead! Parking will be limited due to campus events. Learn more below.
Parking
Parking on campus will be limited during the FRI 20th Anniversary events in Welch Hall Grand Concourse, and garages are expected to fill early.
We strongly recommend using ride‑share services, drop‑off, or public transportation whenever possible.
Accessibility. The most accessible entrance to Welch Hall is on the east (Speedway) side of the building.
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Friday, April 17 | Undergraduate Research Forum | 12–4:30 PM
If you choose to drive, the following garages are within a three-block walk from Welch Hall.
- Speedway Garage
- Brazos Garage
- San Jacinto Garage
- 27th Street Garage
- San Antonio Garage
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Saturday, April 18 | FRI Showcase | 9 AM – 1 PM
Parking will be extremely limited due to street closures associated with the Longhorn Run and Texas Football Fan Day.
If you plan to drive, the San Antonio Garage is the recommended option and is within three blocks of Welch Hall.
FAQ
When and where are the events?
Join us in the Welch Hall Grand Concourse on the UT Austin Main Campus.
- Friday, April 17, 2026 | 12 – 4:30 pm
Kick off the celebration and explore undergraduate research in CNS at the Tech & Science Undergraduate Research Forum. - Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 9 am – 1 pm
Explore the past, present, and future at the FRI Showcase.
Details for any associated private Research Stream/FRI events are shared with you separately.
Are there any fees to attend?
All events are free to attend!
Guests are responsible for meals separate from events, travel, and parking expenses.
What does the Saturday FRI Showcase event look like?
The Saturday showcase is a half‑day celebration of FRI, featuring stream research demos, lab tours, and time to connect with the FRI community in a relaxed atmosphere. Guests are welcome to join for the full morning or drop in for portions of the program!
- 9:00–9:30 AM – Check‑in and Welcome
- 9:30–10:30 AM – Optional 30‑minute lab tour (9:30 am & 10 am)
- 9:30–10:30 AM – Light bites, interactive stream demos, and conversation in Welch Hallway.
- 10:45 AM–12:00 PM – FRI showcase highlighting perspectives from faculty, program and CNS leadership, alumni and current student.
- 12:00–1:00 PM – Lunch and farewells
Do you provide travel, meals, or parking reimbursements?
Light bites and lunch will be provided on Saturday, April 18.
Guests are responsible for all other meals, travel, and parking expenses.
How do I request accommodations?
Describe your accommodations on our RSVP form. If you have specific questions, please reach out to fri@utexas.edu.
- Wheelchair Access. Welch Hall is wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms. Make use of this Accessible Doors Campus Map.
- Parking. Parking is available for persons with disabilities in all campus garages for a fee. Additional details can be found on this page. A state-issued ADA placard or license plate can be displayed for use of spots found on this Disability Parking Locations Map.
- Report a Barrier. We want to know about any physical barriers you may encounter on your journey through campus. Use this form to report a barrier so we can review and create an action plan.
Is the FRI 20th Anniversary open to everyone?
The 20th Anniversary Event RSVP is now closed.
If you have any specific questions, feel free to email us at fri@utexas.edu.
I can't attend the events. How can I stay connected with FRI?
Please complete our RSVP form and indicate that you were unable to attend.
You’ll still be added to our mailing list automatically. If you’d like, feel free to share any stories or updates so we can stay connected.
How can I support FRI?
You can support FRI in so many meaningful ways! Whether you choose to share your experiences, stay connected through our events, or explore opportunities to support, we’re always grateful for your involvement.
Feel free to reach out to fri@utexas.edu to stay connected.
Other questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? Please get in touch with us by email!