Counseling Services

Your UTHS counselor is your partner in course planning, college and career goals, graduation, and well-being. Find your counselor below and reach out anytime.

Fall Semester 2026

📅 First Day of School: Aug. 10
🎉 Labor Day (No School): Sept. 7
📚 Student Holiday: Oct. 14
🦃 Thanksgiving Break (No School): Nov. 26-27
🏫 STAAR EOC Testing: Nov. 30-Dec. 11
📝 Last Day to Submit Assignments: Dec. 7
✏️ Final Exam & Re-exam Window: Dec. 8-17
🏁 Last Day of Fall Semester: Dec. 17
❄️ Winter Break: Dec. 23, 2026 to Jan. 1, 2027

Spring Semester 2027

📅 First Day of Spring Semester: Jan. 11
🎉 MLK Day (No School): Jan. 18
📚 Student Holiday: Mar. 3
🌸 Spring Break (No School): Mar. 15-19
🎉 Memorial Day (No School): May 31
🏫 STAAR EOC Testing Window: Apr. 5-30
📝 Last Day to Submit Assignments: May 11
✏️ Final Exam & Re-exam Window: May 12-21
🏁 Last Day of School: May 21

Summer Semester 2027

☀️ Summer Session Begins: June 1
🏫 STAAR EOC Testing: June 14–25
🏁 Summer Session Ends: July 15

Download the 2026-27 official calendar (PDF) →

Note: STAAR EOC exams must be taken in person at an on-site testing location. See the STAAR EOC page for testing details.

Find Your Counselor

 

For full-time UTHS Diploma Program students

Full-time UTHS students are assigned an academic counselor by last name. Find your last name below to connect by email, phone, or appointment.

Last Names A – Dn
Melissa Brooks, Lead Academic Counselor

Melissa Brooks

Academic Counselor

Melissa Brooks has served as a teacher and high school counselor for more than 20 years. She holds a B.S. in Education from Howard Payne University and an M.A. in Professional Counseling from Texas State University, with additional certifications in Special Education and Physical Education.

✉️ melissa.brooks@austin.utexas.edu
📞 512-471-4808

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Last Names Do – Ht
Julie Pierce, Academic Counselor

Julie Pierce

Academic Counselor

Julie Pierce has more than 25 years of experience in Texas public education as both a teacher and school counselor. She holds a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas State University and an M.Ed. in Professional School Counseling from Angelo State University, and is passionate about helping each student find their own path to success.

✉️ julie.pierce@austin.utexas.edu
📞 512-232-2599

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Last Names Hu-Mh
Kara Tappendorf, Academic Counselor

Kara Tappendorf

Lead Academic Counselor

Kara Tappendorf holds a B.A. from Northern Illinois University and an M.A. in School Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado. She has served as a school counselor in the Austin region for 17 years, meeting each student where they are.

✉️ kara.tappendorf@austin.utexas.edu
📞 512-232-0823

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Last Names Mi-R
Malisa Barnes, Lead Academic Counselor

Malisa Barnes

Academic Counselor

Malisa Barnes has worked in education for more than 20 years, from Family and Consumer Science teaching to high school counseling. She holds a B.S. from Judson College and an M.Ed. from Dallas Baptist University, and is passionate about helping students make decisions that support their future goals.

✉️ malisa.barnes@austin.utexas.edu
📞 512-471-8203

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Last Names S-Z
Lee Crochet, Academic Counselor

Lee Crochet

Academic Counselor

Lee Crochet began his career in music education and spent 21 years as a Band Director before transitioning to school counseling in 2016. He holds a B.S. from Louisiana State University and an M.M.E. from UT Austin, and most recently served as Lead Counselor at Cedar Park High School.

✉️ lee.crochet@austin.utexas.edu
📞 512-232-1629

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Frequently Asked Questions

 
How do I find out which counselor is mine?

Counselors are assigned by student last name. See the Find Your Counselor section above: A–Dn is Melissa Brooks, Do–Ht is Julie Pierce, Hu–Mh is Kara Tappendorf, Mi–R is Malisa Barnes, and S–Z is Lee Crochet.

How do I request a schedule change?

Schedule changes are for full-time diploma students. Use the form for your program: Texas Diploma Program form | International Diploma Program form. Your counselor will follow up after you submit.

How do I take a course for dual credit?

UTHS offers dual credit options through our Honors, AP, and Dual Credit program. Review the Dual Credit Webinar and the Dual Credit Crosswalk, then reach out to your counselor with questions.

What courses does UTHS offer?

You can view all available courses in the Course Offerings Chart and the full Course Descriptions page.

How do I request a transcript?

Submit the Transcript Request Form. Transcripts are handled by the UTHS Registrar, not your counselor. Allow adequate processing time, especially during college application season.

How do I prepare for the SAT, ACT, or TSIA?

Visit the College and Career Readiness section above for links to the College Board (SAT), ACT, and TEA's TSIA resources. Your counselor can also advise on test prep options and timelines.

What are the graduation requirements?

UTHS graduation requirements follow the Texas Foundation High School Program set by the TEA, and apply to both the Texas Diploma Program and the International Diploma Program. Review the TEA Graduation Plans and the UTHS Student and Parent Handbook for program-specific details. Your counselor can walk you through your individual graduation plan.

Who do I contact for Canvas or login help?

Technical questions go to Ed Services, not your counselor. Email Ed Services or book a tech support appointment.

Social and Emotional Support

 

Your counselor is here for you beyond academics. If you or someone you know needs additional support, the resources below are available.

Students walking across a beautiful campus on a beautiful day.
Three students chatting on UT's campus

Ready to Connect?

Find your counselor above and book a meeting, send an email, or give us a call. We're here to help.

📞 512-232-5000   |   ✉️ edservices@uthighschool.org

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