These insects had been flying all over campus for a while. I always thought they were giant mosquitoes and avoid them at all possible cost because I was afraid they were carrying some disease. However, I was happy to learn that these were not mosquitoes at all but rather Crane Flies. It makes sense that these crane flies appeared when they did because we had just gotten out of a rainy period here in Austin and their larvae live in loose soil or organic matter. They are also extremely attracted to porch lights which is why I would find about 5 flying around my door every night.
Source: http://www.mosquito.org/mistaken-identities
Observation: http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/5433963