• myUTSA
• Calendars
• Campus Maps
• Site Map
• Directories

• Current Students
• Future Students
• Undergraduate Catalog
• Graduate Catalog
• Academic Calendar
• ASAP

2011–2012 Information Bulletin

6. ACADEMIC RESOURCES AND STUDENT SERVICES

ACADEMIC RESOURCES

OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES

The Office of Undergraduate Studies directs the activities of several areas at UTSA, including Academic Advising, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Army Reserve Officer Training Corps, Graduation Initiative, Learning Communities, Testing Services, the Tomás Rivera Center, Undergraduate Studies Support and Technology Services, the University Health Professions Office, and the Writing Program. The office also oversees the coordination of UTSA’s undergraduate curriculum and UTSA’s undergraduate academic policies and procedures.

Academic Advising

UTSA views sound academic advising as a significant responsibility in educating its undergraduate students. Employing developmental advising principles, UTSA academic advisors offer academic advising and guidance to empower students to realize their full potential.

New and transfer freshmen (under 30 semester credit hours accepted by UTSA) are advised by either the Colleges’ Freshmen Advising Center or the Tomás Rivera Center. With the exception of Honors College freshmen, all freshmen who have not decided upon a major or have provisional status are advised through the Tomás Rivera Center. All other freshmen who have decided upon a major are advised through the Colleges’ Freshman Advising Center. Students who are accepted into the Honors College are advised by the Honors College advisors. Scholarship athletes are dually advised by the center of their major and the Athletics advisor.

Continuing and new transfer undergraduate students (30 earned semester credit hours and more), with declared or decided majors, are advised through the college undergraduate advising center of their major or by the Honors advisors if they are accepted into the Honors College. Undecided undergraduate students continue with the Tomás Rivera Center until a major is decided, with the exception of Honors students. On the UTSA Downtown Campus, freshmen through seniors with declared majors are advised through the Downtown Undergraduate Advising Center and students who have not decided upon a major or have a provisional status are advised through the Downtown Tomás Rivera Center.

All undergraduate students, regardless of classification or major, accepted into the Honors College are advised by the Honors College advisors. Scholarship athletes are dually advised through the center of their major and the Athletics advisor. Students pursuing careers in the health professions are dually advised by the University Health Professions Office and the advising center of their major.

Special students who are non-degree-seeking undergraduates are advised through the Office of Undergraduate Studies Support and Technology Services.

The Power of Academic Advising:

• Academic advisors promote insight into academic, social, and personal experiences and individual needs.
• Academic advisors connect to the academic community to encourage sound academic and personal goals, which lead to successful learners.
• Academic advisors serve an interpretive role with students, administration, faculty, and staff in a collaborative approach.
• Academic advisors possess the knowledge and skills necessary to teach in an inclusive and innovative manner.
• Academic advisors engender in students a great deal of trust in the advisors’ guidance.

For more information, please visit the undergraduate advising Web site: http://utsa.edu/advise/advisors.html.

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Program

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is a voluntary program open to all qualified students, male and female. It trains students to become United States Air Force officers while completing their college degree. The program options offered through AFROTC combine traditional college education with military instruction. Participation in the Professional Officer Course (POC) program gives students an opportunity to be commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force. In this program, participants pursue a baccalaureate degree in one of the disciplines offered by UTSA and complete additional requirements for AFROTC. The General Military Course (GMC) option gives students an opportunity to participate in the AFROTC program, without initial commitment for military service. During the GMC trial period, students can compete for admission to the POC. The AFROTC program requirements are described in detail in the UTSA Undergraduate Catalog.

All students in Air Force ROTC are issued books and uniforms for use in ROTC classes. In addition, all POC students enlisted in the Air Force Reserve receive a monthly subsistence allowance. Cadets may apply for Air Force ROTC scholarships. Three-and-a-half-, three-, two-and-a-half-, and two-year scholarships are available on a competitive basis to cadets who meet the basic minimum requirements (achieving and maintaining a 2.5 grade point average, passing a physical fitness test, passing a physical, and obtaining a passing score on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test [AFOQT]). For further information, contact the AFROTC office at (210) 458-4624. Walk-ins are also welcome at MS 3.01.36.

Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Program

The Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program gives students the opportunity to obtain a commission as an officer in the United States Army. The program offers the option of completing either a four-year program or a two-year program in Military Science while pursuing a baccalaureate or graduate degree in one of the disciplines offered by UTSA. Students who may want to try military science without incurring a military commitment can register for the first- and second-year courses in Military Science. The requirements for the Army ROTC program are described in detail in the UTSA Undergraduate Catalog.

The Army ROTC program offers competitive scholarships for up to four years to select students. These scholarships provide tuition, fees, book allowance and a monthly subsistence allowance. In addition, students enrolled in Army ROTC courses are furnished, free of charge, complete uniforms, texts, and necessary equipment. For further information, contact the Army ROTC office at (210) 458-5607.

Core Curriculum and Quality Enhancement Plan

This office provides administrative oversight and support for the implementation and assessment of the University’s Core Curriculum and Quality Enhancement Plan (CCQEP). It is responsible for the coordination of the on-going development, implementation, and evaluation of UTSA’s undergraduate general and integrated education programs. The office works with the academic departments, the colleges, the Faculty Senate, and the Dean of Undergraduate Studies to facilitate the implementation, review, and revisions of both the Core Curriculum and the QEP.

Graduation Initiative

The UTSA Graduation Initiative is an institutional resource that through research, information sharing, and direct student programs, seeks to increase the University’s graduation rate and the number of students earning an undergraduate degree. The Graduation Initiative also supports a Web site, Rowdy Cents, to help raise students’ awareness of personal finance literacy.

Office of Testing Services

http://utsa.edu/testing/
Main Campus location MS 1.01.04; (210) 458-4125
Downtown Campus location BV 1.302; (210) 458-2941

The Office of Testing Services provides University-wide testing services for UTSA current, graduated and prospective students as well as community members. The Office provides both national and institutional testing for the purposes of admission, placement, and course credit. The following tests are offered:

ACCUPLACER
ACT
ACT Residual
Chemistry Placement
CLEP (College Level Examination Program)
Correspondence Testing
DSST (DANTES Standardized Subject Test)
FACT (Financial Accounting Competency Test)
IS 1403 Test-Out Series
LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
Math Placement
NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying)
PACE (Principles of Accounting Competency Exam)
Practice TExES
TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards) PBT & CAT
THEA (Texas Higher Education Assessment)
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

ACCUPLACER
ACCUPLACER is a Texas Success Initiative (TSI) exam which is computer based and administered to admitted UTSA students only, who are not exempt from the TSI state law by their ACT, SAT or TAKS scores. Students who have already begun remediation in a content area at this institution or any other institution may not take the ACCUPLACER. ACCUPLACER may only be taken once every thirty days.

ACT
The national ACT and ACT Residual examinations are given for the purpose of admission. While the national ACT is given only six times a year, the ACT Residual is given at the Downtown Campus just prior to every admission deadline for students who have submitted an application to UTSA but have missed the national dates. ACT Residual test scores are only good at UTSA. Information on the national ACT, which can be used at any college or university, can be found by visiting www.act.org.

Chemistry Placement
Taking and passing the Chemistry Placement exam is a prerequisite to enrolling in General Chemistry (CHE 1103). The Chemistry Placement exam may be taken only once every two years. Students who achieve the appropriate cutoff score and meet the math prerequisite requirement can register for the General Chemistry course. If the cutoff score is not reached, the student may enroll in Basic Chemistry (CHE 1073) but not General Chemistry.

CLEP
CLEP testing gives students the opportunity to gain course credit by examination and covers many of the core courses in a student’s graduation track. Visit http://utsa.edu/testing/clep.html for the current list of courses available. CLEP tests are administered by computer at both the Main and Downtown campuses. Advanced registration and payment is required through the Testing Services Web site http://utsa.edu/testing/. Study suggestions are available through the College Board’s Web site at www.collegeboard.com/CLEP/.

Correspondence Testing
Correspondence testing is offered September through April to students who are taking courses at other universities and are required to have their examinations proctored at a testing facility. The Office of Testing Services must be contacted at least three weeks prior to any proposed examination date. All fees must be paid by check or money order at time of test session. No correspondence exam times are offered in the summer months. Certification exams do not fall under the correspondence service. Correspondence exams must be part of a college course to qualify.

DSST (DANTES Standardized Subject Test)
UTSA currently gives course credit for several of these exams. Visit http://utsa.edu/testing/Dantes.html for a list of courses for credit as well as test location and registration information.

FACT (Financial Accounting Competency Test)
Testing Services administers the FACT for the Finance Department. Passing the FACT exam is a prerequisite to registering for FIN 3023 Intermediate Corporate Finance. Further information from the Finance Department can be found by visiting the following Web site: http://business.utsa.edu/finance/fin_factexamdates.aspx. Students register for a FACT test session through ASAP at the Testing Services link.

IS 1403
IS 1403 is a Test-out Series offered through the Testing Services offices for the College of Business. Students use this four-month test-out series instead of registering for the course to earn credit. An access code must be purchased and installed on the student’s personal computer.  Before testing can begin, the student must complete a disclaimer at the Testing Services office. Specific information regarding this process can be found on the Office of Testing Services’ Web site: http://utsa.edu/testing/.

LSAT
LSAT testing is administered to students seeking admission to law school. LSAT registration is available online at www.lsac.org.

Math Placement
All students who wish to enroll in their first college mathematics course at the level of college algebra are REQUIRED to take a math placement test unless the student met a TSI exemption or the required score for the math section of an approved TSI examination. Students who wish to enroll in precalculus/calculus must take an advanced math placement examination unless they have met the prerequisite course(s). Test registration is done through ASAP.

NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying)
This is a national engineering certification test administered twice a year for the College of Engineering.

PACE (Principles of Accounting Competency Exam)
Testing Services administers the PACE for the Accounting Department. Passing the PACE exam is a prerequisite to registering for ACC 3023 Intermediate Accounting I. Further information from the Accounting Department can be found by visiting the following Web site: http://business.utsa.edu/accounting/acc_competency_exam.aspx. Students register for a PACE test session through ASAP at the Testing Services link.

Practice TExES
The Offices of Testing Services administers the Practice TExES exam for the College of Education and Human Development, TExES & Student Teaching office. All inquiries regarding test dates, prep classes and test scores should be directed to the TExES & Student Teaching office. Registration for a test session is done through ASAP.

TExES
TExES is administered to students seeking teacher certification in special content areas. Certain TExES exams are administered by computer in the Testing Services offices at both the Main and Downtown campuses. Students who have obtained a barcode from Teacher Certification may register for a test session at the following Web site: www.texes.ets.org.

THEA
THEA is offered five times a year at the Main Campus for students seeking course registration at a Texas public institution. Online registration is available at www.thea.nesinc.com.

Quick THEA
Quick THEA is offered once a month at the Downtown Campus. Advanced registration and payment is required.

TOEFL
TOEFL testing is administered by computer at both Testing Services locations according to the schedule established by ETS and Prometric. TOEFL schedule and registration information can be accessed at www.ets.org/toefl/.

Visit the Testing Services Web site for information on the following tests not given at UTSA:

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
The GMAT is required of students who wish to pursue graduate work in business. The GMAT is administered through Prometric. Students interested in registering for the GMAT examination should call 1-800-717-GMAT (4628) or visit www.mba.com.

GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
The GRE is required of students who wish to pursue graduate work in any area other than business. Students interested in registering for a GRE examination should visit the ETS Web site at www.ets.org/gre/.

Back to Top

Tomás Rivera Center

The Tomás Rivera Center (TRC) is a comprehensive academic support center for students. Services offered at the TRC include:

• academic advising for students who have not yet decided on majors;
• tutoring in quantitative subjects;
• academic coaching and study strategies;
• workshops;
• Supplemental Instruction (SI) to accompany difficult courses;
• non-course-based developmental instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics (including computer-mediated modules);
• graduate learning assistance; and
• retention programs for selected groups.

These programs include the Downtown Campus ACE Scholars Program, which provides scholarships and support for recipients, the Scholar Support Program for designated scholarship holders at the Main Campus, and the Academic Development Program (ADP) for provisionally admitted students. Any student in academic difficulty is invited to visit the TRC, located at the Multidisciplinary Sciences Building, room 1.02.02, at the Main Campus or in the Durango Building, room 2.114, at the Downtown Campus, for personalized help.

Learning Communities and Freshman Seminar Programs

The Learning Communities Program, a division of the Tomás Rivera Center, is designed to ease the transition to college. In the Fall semester, first-year students are enrolled in two or three Core Curriculum classes with the same group of 25 students. Every student in the program will be enrolled in a Freshman Seminar, also a part of the Core Curriculum, to provide frequent interaction with faculty, opportunity to learn about tools and resources for academic success, and promote critical thinking skills. There are a variety of linked courses to meet the needs of students who may have Advanced Placement (AP) and/or dual credit in some core freshman classes. There are Learning Communities for students in various majors, undeclared students, and provisional students. In addition, because students attend several classes together, a greater opportunity to connect with peers exists. There is no additional cost to participate in a Learning Community. For additional information and sample syllabi, see the Learning Communities Web site at http://utsa.edu/lc/ or contact the office at (210) 458-7490.

Undergraduate Studies Support and Technology Services

As an extension of the Office of Undergraduate Studies, the Office of Undergraduate Studies Support and Technology Services (USSTS) provides support to all UTSA undergraduate students and the academic advising community that serves them with educational and technical services for achieving academic and professional goals. Two support programs are housed within this office: academic advising for Special Undergraduates and the National Student Exchange Program. In addition, the office provides coordination and support of the transfer articulation processes between UTSA departments and community colleges, and coordinates academic advising activities across the UTSA campuses.

National Student Exchange

UTSA is a member of the National Student Exchange (NSE) program, which is the only comprehensive student exchange program in the United States and now includes partners in Canada. The NSE program provides opportunities for undergraduates with 30 or more earned credit hours and a minimum grade point average of 2.5 to study for a semester or up to one calendar year at another NSE (non-Texas) institution. With more than 175 institutions located in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and five Canadian provinces, students can continue to enhance their academic progress, broaden life experiences, and explore institutions for possible graduate school opportunities at the same cost as UTSA tuition. Please contact the Office of Undergraduate Studies Support and Technology Services for application information and deadlines.

University Health Professions Office

The University Health Professions Office (UHPO) provides advising and support to students interested in pursuing careers in the health professions. This includes academic preparation at the undergraduate level, as well as information about health careers, application procedures, and entrance exams. UTSA offers courses that fulfill entrance requirements in most health professions fields, including Medicine and Dentistry, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Podiatry, Chiropractic, and Optometry. Admission to professional schools is highly competitive and involves a separate application process. Admission to UTSA does not guarantee admission into health professions programs at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA).

Students are encouraged to seek advice and consult with the UHPO advising staff early in their college career. The UHPO is located at the Main Campus (Multidisciplinary Studies Building, room 3.02.10). Advising is also available at the Downtown Campus on selected days and times throughout the academic year. For more information about the UHPO, including appointment schedule, call (210) 458-5185, or visit the Web site at http://utsa.edu/healthprofessions/Advising.htm.

Writing Program

The faculty and staff of the Writing Program are committed to helping students further develop their writing skills. The program offers two courses as part of the University’s core curriculum, Freshman Composition I and Freshman Composition II, as well as a course in developmental writing. The Judith G. Gardner Center for Writing Excellence, The Writing Center, is part of the Writing Program and provides writing tutors at two different locations (JPL 2.01.12D and JPL 2.01.12C on the Main Campus and FS 4.432 on the Downtown Campus) to assist UTSA undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff with their writing projects. The Center also provides other writing resources, such as computer lab (JPL 2.01.12C), videos on academic writing, as well as online tutoring (by appointment). For further information about the Writing Program, call (210) 458-5340. For further information about The Writing Center, call (210) 458-6096 or visit http://utsa.edu/twc/.

OFFICE OF ESL (ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE) SERVICES

The Office of ESL Services provides ESL classes for students who speak English as a second language. During orientation for incoming students, ESL Services conducts the English Language Assessment Procedure (ELAP) for international students with Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores between 500 and 600. Those students requiring further English support are placed in English for International Students (EIS) classes. ESL Services operates a noncredit Intensive English Program for conditionally admitted UTSA students, U.S. residents, and other international students who want to study English in a rigorous academic setting. In addition, the office also provides the UTSA and San Antonio community with accurate information regarding the needs of ESL learners.

OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

International cross-cultural awareness and understanding on the part of all UTSA students and scholars is crucial to their attainment of effective leadership, competitiveness, prosperity, and success in a global world. Making it possible for international students and scholars to attend and teach at UTSA and offering UTSA students and scholars the opportunity to study abroad at other universities, greatly promotes international awareness, understanding, and the exchange of world knowledge.

The core mission of the Office of International Programs (OIP) is to enhance cross-cultural understanding among UTSA students by:

• welcoming and supporting international students and scholars attending UTSA from other countries while assisting them in meeting the visa requirements set forth by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the Department of State (DoS);
• encouraging UTSA students to seek out and participate in educational opportunities abroad;
• strengthening scholarly UTSA exchange programs with universities in other countries;
• mobilizing UTSA resources toward the support of international students, scholars, and education; and
• influencing university policy toward embracing and institutionalizing the internationalization of UTSA curriculum, faculty, and student body.

International Student Services (ISS)

Support and assistance are provided to all international students before and after their arrival at UTSA. The Office of International Programs conducts orientation programs to help new international students understand federal regulations governing their stay, and to inform them about services available at other UTSA offices. ISS advisors assist students with maintaining proper status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) agency and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) that is managed by the federal government. Immigration information, forms, and advice are provided to international students who are employed at UTSA.

Border County Program

The Border County Program, coordinated by the Office of International Programs, enables students from Mexico who have limited financial resources to enroll at state institutions at resident tuition rates. A Border County student must: be a citizen or permanent resident of Mexico; meet the admission requirements of UTSA; demonstrate financial need; and re-enroll for admission into the program each year.

Education Abroad Services (EAS)

The Education Abroad Services staff helps students study abroad by providing assistance, support, and resources on program options. Participating in international learning experiences offers life-changing opportunities, such as living with a host family and learning a new language in Spain, participating in an engineering research project in Germany, or serving as an intern in a clinic in Mexico. Participation in Education Abroad programs allows students to build knowledge skills, cultural awareness, and self-confidence.

These programs provide the opportunity for students to study at another university while acquiring credit toward a degree at UTSA. The EAS staff assists UTSA students in finding the right program to match their academic and personal interests. Education abroad programs can help meet major or minor requirements, fulfill general education requirements, or help a student achieve proficiency in a second language. Students may also be able to participate in an internship or conduct research for a final thesis while abroad.

International Exchanges

UTSA maintains bilateral exchange and consortia agreements with a number of international institutions, including, Austria, Canada, China, England, Germany, Japan, Mexico, and Spain. Under these programs, participants pay tuition to UTSA and all other costs to the partner university, avoiding the need to pay the higher international student tuition fees while attending at the host institution.

International Faculty and Scholar Services (IFSS)

The IFSS provides support and assistance to University faculty and staff in the recruitment and hiring of foreign nationals. The IFSS staff maintains current knowledge of issues related to immigration and nationality law, Social Security Administration, and taxation of foreign nationals in order to assist international faculty and scholars in achieving their objectives while at the University. Additionally, the IFSS ensures University guidelines are observed and that these guidelines conform to governmental regulations. The IFSS staff ensures effective working relationships with federal and state agencies such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Labor, and U.S. Department of State. The IFSS conducts professional consultation and training for University departments on issues related to the hiring of foreign nationals. Additionally, the IFSS processes and coordinates all international academic agreements between UTSA and foreign institutions.

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES

The Office of the Vice President for Community Services is responsible for extending the University beyond its campuses and into San Antonio and South Texas through public service, extension, outreach, and community education. This is accomplished through the following: the Institute for Economic Development, the Prefreshman Engineering Program, the Office of P-20 Initiatives, the Office of Community Outreach, the Office of Extended Education, the Downtown Special Events Office, the Institute of Texan Cultures, the UTSA Mexico Center, and the Child and Adolescent Policy Research Institute.

Prefreshman Engineering Program

The Prefreshman Engineering Program (PREP) identifies achieving middle and high school students with an interest in mathematics, science, engineering and technology, and prepares them for careers in these and other mathematics-related areas. Founded at UTSA in 1979, the seven-week, mathematics-based academic program is held each summer at ten local colleges and universities. PREP is offered over four summers (I through IV) whereby students receive one elective high school credit for each summer completed successfully and University PREP (UPREP) is offered (to students who complete PREP III) for college credit. Designed for students in grades 6–11, PREP promotes high achievement and provides students with the necessary reinforcement to successfully pursue higher education and careers in mathematics, science, engineering and technology. With a focus on building a high-quality and diverse 21st-century workforce, women and members of minority groups—traditionally underrepresented in science and engineering—serve as special target groups. For the local PREP office see www.prep-usa.org/portal/main/.

Office of P-20 Initiatives

The mission of the UTSA Office of P-20 Initiatives is closely aligned to the Texas Higher Education Plan: Closing the Gaps by 2015 initiative to significantly increase the college-going rate of Texans over the next decade. The focus of this Office is to establish strong relationships and collaborations with local, state, regional, and national educational and governmental agencies, businesses, nonprofits, civic leaders and other entities interested in serving and assisting students that have been traditionally underserved and underrepresented in higher education. One of its main objectives is to strengthen the quality of education in San Antonio and South Texas from kindergarten through college and graduate/professional school. The Office of P-20 Initiatives coordinates, facilitates, and implements over 20 outreach programs serving approximately 20,000 students, parents and educational professionals. As a comprehensive University and system-wide effort, the Office of P-20 Initiatives seeks to provide leadership in education reform and to facilitate University involvement in public education through effective practices based on research.

Office of Community Outreach

The Office of Community Outreach (OCO) was established to increase UTSA’s visibility in targeted communities in South Texas and to foster appropriate, mutually beneficial partnerships with these communities. The OCO works with educational, business and civic leaders in communities served by UTSA to promote higher education as an economic development resource. The OCO, in concert with community leaders, addresses barriers that inhibit or prevent area residents from enrolling at UTSA. Special events bring community leaders to UTSA and take UTSA executive officers into South Texas communities. The OCO works closely with the Admissions Office as well as other University offices in supporting student recruitment efforts.

Office of Extended Education

The Office of Extended Education serves the region’s adult, professional and continuing education needs through a range of targeted programs that match the University’s unique resources with the lifelong learning needs of the region. Extended Education works collaboratively with academic and nonacademic units of the University to develop and present seminars, online courses, conferences and programs for the general public, professional and governmental agencies, and businesses. Selected courses for college credit are also available through the Office of Extended Education’s Extended Studies Program (ESP). The UTSA Extended Education Web site provides information on seminars, online courses, conferences and programs that are open to the University and local communities. Extended Education also provides specialized training to organizations needing customized training programs for their employees.

Downtown Special Events Office

The Downtown Special Events Office is responsible for scheduling, coordinating and managing special events at the Downtown Campus. The Downtown Campus has clearly become the venue of choice for University organizations as well as many community organizations, and the office operates as a “one-stop shopping” experience for on- and off-campus users of University facilities. The office manages cash handling, logistical operations and designs, implements control systems for managing various resources needed for events and provides logistical support for Extended Education.

Back to Top

THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

Graduate Student Resources

The Graduate School at UTSA is the centralized office for all graduate-related services. In collaboration with the academic colleges and student services offices, The UTSA Graduate School provides services in the areas of recruitment (including diversity initiatives), admissions, general orientation, retention workshops, evaluation of the graduate experience, faculty and staff resources, as well as thesis and dissertation submission services.

Academic Common Market

The Academic Common Market is an interstate agreement for sharing academic programs through an exchange of students across state lines. Fifteen southern states take part in the Academic Common Market. Texas and Florida participate at the graduate level only. (Undergraduate and graduate students interested in participating in exchange programs with other universities, either in the United States or abroad, should contact the Office of International Programs.) Selected out-of-state programs that are not offered in a student’s home state can be accessed through the Academic Common Market at in-state tuition rates.

Further information on the Academic Common Market may be obtained from the Texas State Coordinator for the Academic Common Market, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, P. O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711.

Academic & Professional Development Series

The Graduate School is partnering with UTSA academic and student services departments to provide our graduate students the opportunity to take learning beyond the classroom. The Academic and Professional Development Workshop series allows graduate students the flexibility of weekend and evening workshops coupled with information that will enhance their academic experience at UTSA. These workshops are free to students and their guests. Find more information at http://graduateschool.utsa.edu/current_students/.

Cooperative Consortium

A cooperative arrangement between The University of Texas System and The Texas A&M University System allows a graduate student at one institution to use unique facilities or access courses at the other institution with a minimum of paperwork. The graduate student registers and pays fees at the home institution and may retain any fellowship or financial assistance awarded by it. Space must be readily available, and the instructor or laboratory director of the proposed work must consent to the arrangement. Approval must be given by the graduate dean of each institution.

Graduate Entrance Exams

TOEFL
TOEFL testing is administered by computer in the Office of Testing Services at their Main and Downtown campus locations according to the schedule established by ETS and Prometric. TOEFL schedule and registration information can be accessed at www.ets.org/toefl/.

GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test is required of students who wish to pursue graduate work in business. The GMAT is not given on the UTSA campus but is administered through Prometric. Students interested in registering for the GMAT examination should call 1-800-717-GMAT or visit www.mba.com.

GRE
The Graduate Record Examination is required of students who wish to pursue graduate work in any area other than business. The GRE is not given on the UTSA campus but is administered through Prometric. Students interested in registering for a GRE examination should call 1-800-GRE-CALL or visit the ETS Web site at www.ets.org/gre/.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (COMPUTING RESOURCES)

Application Development and Support

Application Development and Support provides technical support for administrative processing and official electronic record keeping. The department provides daily, ongoing support for Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid, Fiscal Services, Advising, Police, Athletics, Institutional Research, Provost/Faculty, Testing Services, Parking, Orientation and Human Resources and provides support to all other departments that may require assistance with administrative processing and reporting.

Students can access their own records by using UTSA’s Automated Student Access Program (ASAP). Information in the administrative systems is accessible by personal identification number and password.

This Web-based student information system allows students to register for classes and pay their fees from any computer with an Internet connection.

Video Production Services

The mission of Video Production Services (VPS) is to provide the University professional video production and support in all areas of video technology. VPS creates high-quality video products for faculty, staff and students that are used in the classroom, on the Web or for broadcast TV. VPS supports the Office of Information Technology (OIT) by continuously researching and implementing new advances in video technology that improve content creation as well as delivery.

VPS core services:

• Concept to completion video production, including scripting, videography, editing and post-production.
• Video specifically designed for Web applications.
• Creation of streaming video files of events, lectures and legacy media.
• Creation of promotional videos for internal or external use.
• Live webcasts of UTSA special events.
• Creation of interactive multimedia utilizing Flash and similar products.
• DVD production and authoring.

Academic Technology Services

The Academic Technology office supports faculty, students and staff in the use of traditional and interactive classroom technology.

UTSA has a robust interactive video network capable of connecting University classes and programs around the city, state and world. The department schedules academic courses that utilize the interactive classroom facilities, maintains the interactive video network, maintains traditional classroom facilities and assists faculty in the creative use of the instructional classroom devices including recording lectures for students to review.

The department is committed to:

• integrating approved state-of-the-art advancements in the use of traditional and interactive classroom technology
• managing and developing the use of academic technology to complement the academic programs of the University.

The department:

• distributes classroom presentation equipment including sound systems, video players/recorders, high-performance computers and video projectors
• schedules and delivers equipment to classrooms via a reservation system
• hosts workshops for faculty and staff on the use of classroom technology
• provides on-call assistance to faculty who use technology in the classroom
• assists faculty members who use technology to conduct research
• helps students become active participants in the learning process.

The department provides technical support for:

• class lectures
• the coordination and set-up of videoconference meetings
• special University campus events that require audio and visual reinforcement
• scheduling and recording satellite feeds and cable programs on request
• setting-up, monitoring, and recording ITV courses between the Main Campus and Downtown Campus.

Online Education

The Educational Technology department supports and encourages the development and delivery of instructional materials through technology to strengthen the mission of improving student learning outcomes. The department provides:

• Instructional design and development assistance for faculty to increase the use of technology in their curriculum.
• Design and delivery support for hybrid and fully online courses.
• Training on various educational technologies.
• Ongoing support for faculty using technology in instruction.

The department is committed to promoting awareness and improving the quality of our services. Staff is dedicated to providing solid and professional assistance to faculty using appropriate technology to enhance their curriculum.

Information Security Office

The focus of the Information Security Office is the protection of the University networks, computers, electronic data and records. It is charged more specifically with maintaining access controls for the major information systems used by students, faculty and staff; instituting policies and procedures for ensuring continuing integrity of the electronic information systems on campus; conducting awareness programs and other security training and responding to security incidents.

There are information security representatives in many departments, and their activities are coordinated by the Information Security Group. System alerts and training are provided to system administrators of other facilities on campus. The staff of the Information Security Group is available for consultation regarding data protection, information security and other security services, as needed.

Student Computing Services

The mission of Student Computing Services is to provide students with the best possible computing tools and customer service assistance, in order to help facilitate their academic success. The OIT/SCS team practices a philosophy of continuous improvement in order to accomplish our mission and goal of assisting student customers. Our staff stands ready to assist with anything from account management to software utilization.

The Computer laboratories are open on average 102 hours per week. The laboratories house over 460 workstations with full Internet access and printing capabilities. Two labs on the Main Campus and one on the Downtown Campus offer the same desktop “look and feel” with similar capabilities, so students can easily work in any facility. Documents may be sent to print in black-and-white or color from any work station. All labs have collaborative work areas where student groups may interact to complete team projects. Most major software applications are offered and specialty applications are installed in cooperation with requesting faculty.

All labs include areas of adaptive technology for students with unique physical needs and requirements. Specialized hardware and software packages are offered to visually, hearing and mobility-impaired students. Staff members are trained and ready to consult and assist students with special needs.

Telephone Services

Three University-owned telephone systems support the tri-campus community. The systems are networked to enable four-digit dialing between all locations and to allow shared features including voicemail. More than 2,200 faculty and staff extensions are equipped with Cisco Unity Voicemail. The University uses the State of Texas communications network (TEX-AN) for routing long-distance telephone calls.

The campus switchboard is staffed from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The switchboard operator provides general campus information and transfers calls to campus offices. The campus switchboard can be reached by dialing (210) 458-4011 (off campus) or 0 (on campus).

University communication technicians manage the installation of voice and data cables, perform new telephone installations and relocate existing telephone extensions. The department maintains information on all cable installations.

UTSA offers a hotline number, (210) 458-SNOW, for information regarding campus closures and class cancellations in the event of inclement weather. UTSA’s Office of Communications updates the hotline information.

University Network

The University is upgrading to a high-speed (10 Gigabit Ethernet) backbone network that connects UTSA facilities and provides services such as electronic mail, file transfer and remote log-in capabilities as well as access to external networks.

A switched Gigabit (1 Gb/s) or Fast Ethernet (100 Mb/s) network connects most campus classrooms, laboratories and offices from “the desktop to the backbone.” A 10 Gigabit Ethernet backbone connection links all buildings to the Internet and Internet2, allowing students, faculty and staff to access electronic data quickly from any computer on the network. AirRowdy—UTSA’s wireless network—is available throughout all UTSA locations.

Enterprise Systems also provides e-mail for faculty, staff and students, as well as central services for applications and storage. The UTSA Help Desk provides desktop support for faculty and staff.

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM ONLINE CONSORTIUM

With the closing of UT TeleCampus on August 31, 2010, the University of Texas System has transitioned to a decentralized model, the UT Online Consortium (UTOC), where online courses and programs will be completely offered and supported by individual UT institutions, rather than centrally through the UT TeleCampus.

The UT Online Consortium is a student’s gateway to online degrees and courses from the participating University of Texas System institutions. The majority of the programs listed in the UTOC Web site and offered by UT institutions can be completed entirely online. Any exceptions will be noted on the program information pages. Some programs can lead to a degree, endorsement or certificate conferred by the participating institution, while others are a grouping of courses. Online courses follow a semester-based schedule.

Information on courses and programs can be found on the Online Consortium Web site at www.utcoursesonline.org.

Students must be admitted to one of the UT System institutions in order to enroll in the Online Consortium courses. Students should also check with their academic advisors to ensure that enrollments in Consortium courses will satisfy their degree requirements.

LIBRARIES

The UTSA Libraries are focused on providing students and faculty with seamless and comprehensive access to information and learning resources.

Locations

• John Peace Library (JPL) – Located on the Main Campus, JPL is the University’s largest library with three floors of resources, study spaces and 185 computer workstations.  JPL is open 24 hours a day, five days a week during the Fall and Spring semesters.
• Downtown Campus Library – Located in the Buena Vista Street Building.
• Applied Engineering and Technology (AET) Library – A bookless, satellite library located in the AET building on Main Campus.

Collections

The libraries’ collections include:

• 1,280,000 books
• Access to 425,000 e-books and 18,000 e-journal subscriptions
• 54,000 DVDs, CDs and other audiovisual items
• Access to more than 300 online databases

Students, faculty and staff can access library resources from off campus, and searches can even be conducted using mobile devices. Many books and journal articles are available full-text online.

Special Collections

In addition to general collections, UTSA Libraries’ Special Collections houses the University’s “treasures”—rare books, personal papers, and other one-of-a-kind historical items documenting the people, history, life and literature of San Antonio and South Texas.  There are three units within Special Collections:  Rare Books, Manuscripts, and University Archives, the unit charged with collecting, preserving, and making available the important historical records of UTSA. The Special Collections Reading Room is located on the fourth floor of JPL.

Services

The UTSA Libraries offer:

• Assistance from professional librarians to help find and access information resources
• Desktop computer workstations
• Multimedia viewing and listening facilities
• Group study rooms
• Quiet study space
• Scanners, printers and copiers
• Laptop computers for check-out
• DVD players, headphones and calculators for check-out
• Interlibrary loan and Library Express delivery service

Visit the UTSA Libraries’ Web site for complete information on the resources and services available in each library location.

Academic Support

Housed within the JPL are three of UTSA’s most popular academic support services:

• Supplemental Instruction (Tomás Rivera Center)
• Tutoring Services (Tomás Rivera Center)
• The Judith G. Gardner Center for Writing Excellence

RESEARCH AT UTSA

Research Development

The Office of Research Development provides a variety of services to UTSA researchers to develop strategic partnerships and the expansion of UTSA research. These services include management support for the development of large, multidisciplinary research programs, the development of an electronic research information environment and providing financial advice and support to researchers.

Sponsored Programs

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) promotes, supports, and administers sponsored program awards and provides the highest quality Pre and Post-Award services in generating and administering external awards in the pursuit of research, scholarly activities and public service. OSP ensures that the administration of sponsored programs from proposal submission to award close-out is consistent with applicable laws, regulations and policies.

Contracts and Industrial Agreements

The Office of Contracts and Industrial Agreements (OCIA) facilitates and supports UTSA-sponsored projects and research enterprise by drafting, negotiating, and executing a variety of contracts and agreements.

Research Integrity and Compliance

The Office of Research Integrity and Compliance (ORIC) serves the UTSA research community by providing independent oversight in coordinating institution-wide research compliance policies, procedures and training. ORIC works with researchers to navigate the complex maze of federal, state, and local regulations that impact research undertaken at academic institutions. ORIC promotes the ethical conduct of research in the following areas:  use of humans and animals in research, biosafety, time and effort reporting, conflict of interest in research and intellectual property, export control, and the responsible conduct of research.

Export Control

The Office of Export Control has oversight of the export of certain controlled technologies in order to restrict access to goods and technology that could give a military advantage to our enemies, prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, biological, chemical), advance foreign policy goals, prevent terrorism, protect the economy, and promote trade goals.

Institutional Review Board

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is the university committee that reviews and approves human subject research for the purpose of protecting the rights and welfare of those subjects. The IRB advises and educates researchers, staff and students on research with human subjects and promotes best practices for the ethical conduct of research with these individuals.

Institutional Animal Care and Use

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) assures the well-being and proper care of all vertebrate animals used for research and educational purposes at UTSA and to serve the public by ensuring institutional compliance with all legal and ethical standards regarding the use of animals in research.

Laboratory Animal Resources Center

The Laboratory Animal Resources Center (LARC) advises and educates researchers, staff and students on animal experimentation issues and promotes best practices for the responsible use of animals. LARC provides high-quality, cost-effective research animal resources, veterinary and personnel training, and expertise in laboratory animal technology and medicine.

Commercialization and Technology Transfer

The Commercialization Council promotes a technology commercialization ecosystem that includes pure, applied, and translational research, intellectual property creation and licensing, and company formation, funding, education, staffing, and incubation. South Texas Technology Management (STTM) is a regional technology transfer office that provides comprehensive and integrated technology development services using the most effective protection and commercialization strategies to capitalize on the University’s intellectual property portfolio.

Back to Top

STUDENT SERVICES AND RESOURCES

ENROLLMENT SERVICES CENTER

The mission of the Enrollment Services Center at The University of Texas at San Antonio is to serve students and the community in an efficient, service-friendly atmosphere. The Center provides information and guidance regarding admission, registration, financial aid, scholarships, fiscal services, and various student service-related offices. The Enrollment Services Center works closely with other UTSA offices to ensure that current information is provided to students to alleviate the need to visit numerous offices to obtain information. Service is provided at the Main and Downtown campuses as well as through the Enrollment Services Call Center.

Some of the services include:

• providing efficient and courteous service to students
• assisting students with financial aid, admission, registration, credit card payments by telephone for tuition and fees, billing, and miscellaneous student services information
• accepting and documenting admissions and registration paperwork
• providing financial aid information and counseling sessions
• answering questions regarding financial aid status, missing documents, special circumstances, and appeals for financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress
• providing general financial aid and scholarship information through presentations to current UTSA students, prospective students and the community
• disbursing, accepting, and documenting financial aid paperwork
• assisting students with University applications, class schedules, changes of address, requests to audit classes, registration in independent study classes, and information about academic policies and procedures
• processing late registration requests and withdrawals from the University
• providing information and processing for tuition and fee loans
• printing and distributing official UTSA transcripts and accepting official transcripts from other institutions
• providing problem-solving assistance to students and making referrals to the appropriate University offices, if necessary
• providing information updates through a variety of social media including Facebook, Twitter, and general chat sessions
• answering preliminary questions related to many student service areas at the University.

Students may call (210) 458-8000 or 1-800-669-0919 to speak to a representative for questions and assistance regarding enrollment at the University.

FINANCIAL AID

The primary purpose of financial aid is to provide resources to students who would otherwise be unable to pursue a postsecondary education. UTSA believes that all students should be able to attend the university that best suits their academic and personal needs. Student Financial Aid will meet the direct costs or financial need of all eligible students until funds have been exhausted. All students are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to the availability of funds, academic performance, and demonstrated financial need.

Financial aid programs available for undergraduate students include: Federal PELL Grants; Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG); Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants; Special Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (SLEAP) Grants; Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) Grants; Texas Public Education Grants (TPEG); TEXAS Grants; UTSA Grants; Federal, State and Institutional Work-Study; William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans; Federal Perkins Loans; Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) Loans; Alternative Loans; and various scholarships.

Financial aid programs available for graduate students include: Federal and State Work-Study; Texas Public Education Grants (TPEG); UTSA Grants; Federal Perkins Loans; William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans; Graduate PLUS Loans; Alternative Loans; and various scholarships.

Students who are awarded work-study can access a list of work-study employment opportunities sorted by office or academic department on the RowdyJobs Web site maintained by the University Career Center.

For more information regarding any of these programs, contact Student Financial Aid and Enrollment Services.

Financial Aid Eligibility

A yearly determination of eligibility and financial need is required for most forms of financial aid. To be considered for financial aid, a student must:

1. be officially admitted to UTSA as a degree-seeking student
2. file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
3. meet deadlines set by Student Financial Aid
4. not be in default on any Title IV, HEA loan made for attendance at any institution
5. not owe a refund on any Title IV, HEA grant received for attendance at any institution
6. make Satisfactory Academic Progress (see below).

Further,

• Students who are not U.S. citizens must provide proof of eligibility.
• Students selected for “verification” by UTSA will be asked for additional documentation. This information must be provided to receive and remain eligible for aid.
• Students subject to selective service registration will be required to file a statement that the student has registered or is exempt from selective service registration in order to be eligible to apply for federal financial aid. In addition, effective January 1, 1998, the selective service requirement is also applicable to students applying for financial assistance funded by State revenue.

Top 10 Percent Scholarship

The Top 10 Percent Scholarship is awarded to students who graduate in the top 10 percent of their high school class. Qualifying students who submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) by the deadline set by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and have financial need may be eligible to receive up to $2,000 if they enroll full-time in a Texas public college or university during the following Fall semester. 

TEXAS Grant

The TEXAS (Towards Excellence, Access and Success) Grant program was implemented at UTSA during the 1999–2000 academic year. The TEXAS Grant is awarded to undergraduate students who have demonstrated financial need and have completed the recommended or advanced curriculum in high school. Students must be enrolled at least three-quarter time to receive this grant. The TEXAS Grant and supplemental financial aid must cover tuition and fees for students who meet the eligibility requirements if funds are available. This grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. TEXAS Grant funds are awarded based on need, eligibility requirements and availability of funds. Because funding for awards to new students is limited, many students who meet the eligibility requirements will not be able to receive awards. Please note that initial year funding awarded from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is contingent on legislative funding.

In order to apply and be eligible for the TEXAS Grant program a student must:

• be a Texas resident
• have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled substance
• show financial need
• have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $4,000 or less for initial year award
• complete the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program in high school
• enroll in a non-profit public college or university in Texas within 16 months of graduation from a public or accredited private high school in Texas, and
• have accumulated no more than 30 semester credit hours, excluding those earned for dual or concurrent courses or awarded for credit by examination (AP, IB or CLEP).

OR

• have earned an associate’s degree from a public technical, state or community college in Texas, and
• enroll in any public university in Texas no more than 12 months after receiving their associate's degree.

Students entering the program from high school who continue in college and who meet program academic standards can receive awards for up to 150 semester credit hours, until they receive a bachelor’s degree, or for five years if enrolled in a four-year degree plan or six years if enrolled in a five-year degree plan, whichever comes first.

Students entering the program based on acquisition of an associate’s degree who continue in college and who meet program academic standards can receive awards for up to 90 semester credit hours, until they receive a bachelor’s degree, or for three years if enrolled in a four-year degree plan or four years if enrolled in a five-year degree plan, whichever comes first.

The academic requirements for continuing in the program:

• At the end of the first year, the student entering the program from high school must be meeting the school’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
  
  
• At the end of his/her first year in the TEXAS Grant program, the person entering the program on the basis of an associate’s degree must have completed at least 75 percent of the hours attempted, have an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have completed at least 24 semester credit hours during the year.
  
  
• At the end of the second year in the program or later years, all students must complete at least 75 percent of the hours attempted in the prior academic year, have an overall college grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and complete at least 24 semester credit hours per year.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

The Higher Education Amendment Act of 1965, as amended, mandates institutions of higher education to establish a minimum standard of “Satisfactory Academic Progress” for students receiving financial aid. UTSA makes its standard applicable to all federal, state, and institutional financial assistance programs for the purpose of maintaining a consistent policy for all students receiving financial aid.

To make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), students must meet all of the following standards:

1. Academic Standards

   
   

   Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average minimum requirement as determined at the end of each Spring Semester for all credit hours attempted at UTSA: undergraduate freshmen (with fewer than 30 hours) must have a 1.8 cumulative grade point average at the end of the first academic year; undergraduate students with 30 hours or more must have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average; and graduate students must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. If the cumulative grade point average drops below the minimum requirement, the student will no longer be eligible for financial aid.
   
   

2. Maximum Time Frames

   
   

   The number of semester credit hours a student attempts may not exceed 150 percent of the number of semester credit hours required for graduation in his or her program of study, as published in the University catalogs. For example, if the published number of semester credit hours required for graduation is 120, a student may not attempt more than 180 semester credit hours (120 x 1.5 = 180) and continue to receive financial aid. All periods of enrollment must be considered, even those for which the student did not receive financial aid as well as hours transferred from another school. If the number of attempted hours reaches 150 percent of the hours required for graduation, the student will no longer be eligible for financial aid.

   
   

   Attempted hours include all registered hours per semester whether or not the student earns a grade or receives credit. The following are considered hours attempted, but not completed:

   
   
   1. “F” grades for undergraduate students
   2. “D+,” “D,” “D-” or “F” grades for graduate students
   3. “W” or withdrawal from courses
   4. “IN” or incomplete
   5. all transfer hours.
   
   

   Completed hours include all semester hours for which the student earns a grade:

   
   
   1. “A+” through “D-” grades for undergraduate students
   2. “A+” through “C-” grades for graduate students
   3. all transfer hours accepted for credit.
   
   

3. Enrollment Status

   
   

   A student must successfully complete a minimum of 67 percent of all attempted coursework. The student will be reviewed at the end of each Spring Semester. If the number of completed hours drops below 67 percent of attempted hours, the student will no longer be eligible for financial aid.

   
   

   Examples:

   
   
   1. If a student attempts (registers for) 30 semester credit hours in an academic year, he or she must complete a minimum of 21 semester credit hours (67% x 30 = 20.10) in order to make SAP for the year.
   2. If a student attempts 36 semester credit hours, he or she must complete a minimum of 25 semester credit hours (67% x 36 = 24.12) in order to make SAP for the year.
      Note: All partial credit hours will be rounded up to the nearest hour.
   3. If, at the end of the second year, a student has attempted 60 semester credit hours, he or she must have completed a minimum of 41 semester credit hours (67% x 60 = 40.20) in order to make SAP for the year.

Review Policy

After grades are posted for the Spring Semester, Student Financial Aid will review the SAP progress of every enrolled student, regardless of whether or not they received financial aid. Students will be reviewed to ensure that they are meeting the following criteria:

1. cumulative grade point average of 1.8 (undergraduate freshmen) or
   cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher (undergraduate sophomore through senior) or
   cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher (graduate students)
   
   
2. successful completion of at least 67 percent of all attempted coursework for all periods of enrollment (cumulative), even those for which the student did not receive financial aid
   
   
3. total attempted hours does not exceed 150 percent of the published length of the program of study.

Financial Aid Termination

In the event the student does not meet the requirements for SAP during the review period, he or she will be placed on financial aid termination, effective beginning the Summer 2011 term. This means that the student will not be eligible for any type of federal, state, or institutional aid until he or she returns to satisfactory academic progress.

Conditions for Reinstatement

Students whose eligibility for financial aid has been terminated may appeal the decision, in writing, to Student Financial Aid and Enrollment Services (SFAES) if they believe that they had extenuating circumstances that led to their unsatisfactory progress. SFAES will notify students of the decision via the preferred e-mail account they designated in ASAP.

To appeal for the reinstatement of financial aid eligibility, students must complete and submit a Termination Review Form. A completed form must include:

1. Information explaining the student’s failure to make SAP (extenuating circumstances e.g., personal illness or medical problems, death in the family, etc.) and an academic plan that would allow the student to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress for the next evaluation.
2. If the student has exceeded the maximum time frame and is appealing based on a change of major, he or she should state the reason for the change and indicate the number of hours remaining to be taken in the new major. The student must also provide a statement from his or her academic advisor indicating the number of credit hours from the previous major that will apply to the new major, as well as an updated degree plan.
3. The student’s name, social security number and/or UTSA ID number, and e-mail address.

Students who have been placed on Financial Aid Termination because they do not meet the GPA or Enrollment Status requirements may do the following if they decide not to appeal, or if their appeal is not approved:

• Students may attend the next semester without financial aid or apply for alternative loans to cover their balance.
• If at the end of that semester the student meets the SAP requirements, he/she may submit an appeal to have his/her aid reinstated for the next and subsequent semesters for that award year only.
• Students will be reviewed again at the end of the Spring Semester to determine if they meet the SAP requirements and eligibility for aid will be reviewed during the regular review process.

TEACH FOR TEXAS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board administers a loan repayment program for teachers certified in fields in which there is a critical shortage of teachers who take jobs as classroom teachers in those fields in Texas, as well as a grant program to help teachers obtain certification in these fields. Details about this program are found in the Texas Education Code, Subchapter O, Sections 56.352–56.359, and additional information may be obtained by contacting the Office of Student Teaching in the College of Education and Human Development or on the Teach For Texas Loan Repayment Assistance Program Web site at www.hhloans.com/borrowers/TFTLRAPFactSheet.cfm.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS

Academic and need-based scholarships are offered for qualified first-time incoming freshmen, college transfers and currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students. First-time freshmen and transfer students can apply for UTSA General Scholarships awarded through Financial Aid and Enrollment Services at the same time they apply for admission to UTSA at www.applytexas.org. Please note that colleges and departments administer their own scholarship programs and therefore have separate applications. Check with the college or department to which you are applying to determine which scholarships you may be eligible for and obtain an application.

Continuing UTSA undergraduate and graduate students can complete and submit the online General Scholarship Application on the UTSA Scholarship Web site at http://utsa.edu/scholarships/. You may also conduct a thorough scholarship search utilizing the links on the same site.

IMPORTANT: The deadline for first-time freshmen, transfer and continuing students to apply for General Scholarships is February 15.

To receive priority consideration for scholarships, first-time high school graduates and transfer students must be admitted to UTSA by March 15 and submit a General Scholarship Application. High school graduates must have SAT and/or ACT scores on file with the Office of Admissions. Transfer students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5. All students must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program, and for a majority of scholarships, must attend as a full-time student.

Departmental and Honors College scholarships have varying deadlines and require a separate application. Please review carefully the requirements for all scholarships and obtain applications from the appropriate department. Some scholarships apply to incoming freshmen and transfer students; others apply only to upperclassmen, while others may be appropriate for undergraduate and graduate students.

Back to Top

ORIENTATION

Orientation and Family Programs

The mission of Orientation and Family Programs (OFP) is to provide support services and programs for new undergraduate students and their families during their first year at UTSA.

One of the primary functions of the department is to provide comprehensive orientation programs for new undergraduate students and their family members. Orientation programs for all new students, called “Roadrunner Roundup,” are offered in December and January for the Spring Semester; in April and May for the Summer Semester; and in June, July, and August for the Fall Semester. All freshmen and freshman-transfer students (0 to 29 semester credit hours) are required to participate in orientation and will meet with an academic advisor and register for classes as part of the orientation program. Transfer students who are transferring 30 or more semester credit hours to UTSA are not required to participate in orientation but are strongly encouraged to do so. The program includes a campus tour, information about University services and resources, and the opportunity to meet new and current students, faculty, and staff. OFP hosts “Rowdy Ties,” an orientation program for the family members of new students. This program introduces family members to UTSA’s campus resources, including academic programs, staff, and faculty. OFP also produces the Roadrunner Planner and Rowdy Ties Family Calendar to assist new students and family members.

Since 1993, Orientation and Family Programs has held Roadrunner Camp, a two-day, one-night spirit and traditions camp for freshmen the week before Fall classes begin. Orientation and Family Programs also provides support services and programming for family members of new students, including UTSA Family Weekend, Family Association, Family Newsletters, and Parent Council.

Graduate Student Orientation

Graduate Student Orientation provides new master’s and doctoral students the occasion to receive an overview on how to be successful in graduate school and the resources and student services available to them. Graduate Student Orientation takes place the week before the semester begins, every Fall and Spring semester. Summer students are welcome to attend the Fall Semester orientation. New graduate students who attend orientation will have the opportunity to:

• network with faculty, staff and current graduate students
• receive literature on current academic and student services available for graduate students
• take part in a panel discussion on tips to be successful in graduate school
• attend workshops designed to introduce students to graduate writing and research

Academic departments also host orientations for their students, as well as the Office of International Programs that offers a mandatory orientation for all beginning international students.

UTSACARD

The UTSACard is a photo identification and all-campus debit card. With a prepaid debit account (Rowdy Dollars), it can be used at various locations campus-wide. All UTSA students are required to obtain a current UTSACard with their student identification number. It is mandatory that the UTSACard is carried at all times while on University property. This card is required to access various UTSA facilities, including student computer laboratories, the Recreation Center, and Health Services. In order to have a UTSACard processed, present a driver’s license, state identification card, passport, or military ID card. A $3 nonrefundable ID card fee is assessed each semester at the time of registration at UTSA. A $10 fee is charged for replacing an ID card when lost, stolen, or damaged through neglect. The card is valid as long as the student remains enrolled at UTSA. Students must obtain the card in person at the UTSACard Office on the first floor of the Multidisciplinary Studies Building (MS 1.01.52) at the Main Campus (210) 458-4639, or in the Frio Street Building (FS 1.506) at the Downtown Campus, (210) 458-2965. For more information, visit the UTSACard Office Web site.

OFFICE OF STUDENT SERVICES

The Office of Student Services oversees several departments at UTSA’s Main and Downtown campuses. These offices include the AlcoholEdu Program, Campus Recreation, Counseling Services, Disability Services, Health Services, the University Career Center, and the Women’s Resource Center.

AlcoholEdu Program

The AlcoholEdu Program is provided to educate students about the use and effects of alcohol. Each member of the first-year class is required to complete the online AlcoholEdu course. The course provides a detailed education about blood alcohol content level and its effects on the body and mind.

Campus Recreation

The Department of Campus Recreation is proud to offer the UTSA community, including students, faculty/staff, alumni and their spouses or partners, state-of-the-art recreation and wellness facilities. The Recreation Center and Recreational Field Complex are located on the Main Campus, directly across the street from the Convocation Center and there is a Fitness Center and outdoor Sports Court on the Downtown Campus. 

The Main Campus Recreation Center includes the following recreation and leisure spaces:

The Fitness Center at the Downtown Campus features weight and cardio equipment with cable TV integrated into each piece of cardio equipment and a group fitness studio for group fitness classes. Campus Recreation also offers fitness programs, lockers and massage therapy service at the Downtown Campus.

Aside from managing facility space, the Department of Campus Recreation is made up of program areas which facilitate recreation and wellness opportunities both on and off campus. Those program areas include: Operations, Intramural Sports, Fitness & Wellness, Club Sports, Aquatics, and Outdoor Pursuits. These program areas offer a variety of opportunities ranging from informal recreation, traditional sports, leagues and tournaments, to group exercise classes and outdoor adventure activities.

For information about memberships, hours of operation, Recreation Center amenities, and the services and/or facilities offered by the Department of Campus Recreation, please visit our Web site at http://utsa.edu/recreation/ or call (210) 458-7575 during normal business hours.

Counseling Services

Counseling Services provides confidential, professional services by staff psychologists, psychiatrists, and professional counselors to help meet the personal and developmental needs of currently enrolled students. Counseling Services has offices at both the Downtown and Main campuses. All services are confidential, voluntary, and most are free to enrolled students.

The transitions and stresses of university life affect all students to a greater or lesser degree. Students coping with these challenging human issues may, at times, need the assistance of a qualified professional. The counseling process helps the student resolve personal concerns and acquire the skills, attitudes, knowledge, and abilities that will enable her or him to take full advantage of the college experience.

Services at the Counseling Center include individual brief therapy for personal and educational concerns, couples relationship counseling, and group therapy on topics such as understanding sexual orientation and women’s issues. Counseling Services also screens for possible learning disabilities and has limited psychiatric services. Visit Counseling Services at http://utsa.edu/counsel/ or call (210) 458-4140 (Main Campus) or (210) 458-2930 (Downtown Campus).

Student Health Services

Services and Costs

The primary mission of Student Health Services is to provide acute ambulatory care for injuries and illness prevention through stellar medical and nursing care. In cases of severe illness or a serious accident, the student may be referred to a local treatment facility or hospital for evaluation at the student’s expense. The student medical service fee covers typical general usage clinic and routine on-campus physician visits. There may be reasonable charges for ancillary services such as clinic laboratory tests and medications.

Student Health Services utilizes a holistic bifurcated philosophy implementing interdisciplinary teamwork through health education and health promotion programming emphasizing prevention, wellness, and outreach to impact health choices in the student population. Student Health Services can be reached by calling (210) 458-4142 (Main Campus, RWC 1.500) or (210) 458-2930 (Downtown Campus, BV 1.308).

HIV/HBV

UTSA recognizes that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) are serious public health issues. UTSA’s policy on HIV and HBV infection, as well as educational pamphlets about methods of transmission and prevention of HIV and HBV infections, are available at Student Health Services.

Immunizations

The American College Health Association, the National Center for Disease Control, the Texas Department of Health, and The University of Texas at San Antonio recommend immunizations for the following diseases:

TETANUS – DIPHTHERIA vaccine – Initially, a series of three vaccines is administered within 10 years. People of all ages should have this vaccine.

MEASLES – MUMPS-RUBELLA vaccine – Students born after 1957 should have two doses of MMR vaccine administered on or after their first birthday, at least 30 days apart, and prior to beginning classes.

POLIOMYELITIS (A.K.A. Polio) vaccine – This vaccine is recommended for people under 18 years of age.

MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE (bacterial meningitis) – The American College Health Association recommends that students receive immunization against meningococcal disease. While the disease is rare, it can be fatal. More importantly, most cases can be prevented. Fact sheets, as required by the Texas Education Code, discussing this disease are widely distributed to incoming freshmen, international students, and transfer students during the admission process, at orientation, and attached to health information forms. Return of the student signature section of the fact sheet to Health Services is required.

In accordance with Texas Education Code, § 51.9192, the “Jamie Schanbaum Act,” UTSA requires all first-time and transfer students enrolling on or after January 1, 2010, who reside in or have applied for on-campus housing and been approved to reside in an on-campus dormitory or other on-campus student housing facility must be vaccinated for bacterial meningitis. This vaccine requirement must be met ten (10) days prior to the student moving into a student housing facility at UTSA. For information regarding this requirement, visit the UTSA Office of Housing and Residence Life Web site at http://utsa.edu/housing/vaccine.html.

It is mandatory for students to return the Health History form prior to registration. Students should complete immunizations prior to their first semester of attendance. Check with Student Health Services or the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District for current costs. Students can provide immunization records to Student Health Services at the following address: The University of Texas at San Antonio, Health Services, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, Texas 78249-0684, fax: (210) 458-4151.

Health Insurance

Student group health insurance is available to UTSA students and their dependents. Information and applications for the student health insurance can be found on the Internet at www.studentresources.net.

International Students

Tuberculosis

International students are required by UTSA to have a tuberculosis (T.B.) skin test or chest x-ray performed and read within 90 days prior to registration. The results must be read by a physician or nurse licensed to practice in the United States. The T.B. test may be obtained from the Student Health Services clinic (Main Campus, RWC 1.500) but must be completed prior to registering for classes.

Students who do not complete this test will not be allowed to register for classes. A student with positive results must have proof of appropriate follow-up and treatment and a confirmatory report submitted to Student Health Services.

Health Insurance

All international students holding nonimmigrant visa status are required, except under certain circumstances as outlined by The University of Texas Board of Regents, to purchase and maintain the UT System-approved comprehensive health insurance while enrolled at UTSA. All international students are automatically enrolled in the UT System Student Health Insurance Plan at the time of registration. The charge for the insurance coverage appears as a required fee on the student fee bill. The policy, recommended under the UT System Student Health Insurance Plan, offers $100,000 (U.S.) in major medical/hospitalization for each illness, accident, and injury, with a $300 deductible. Repatriation and medical evacuation benefits are also provided. Those international students classified as Texas residents for tuition purposes must still enroll in the UT System Health Insurance Plan.

It is necessary for students to have comprehensive health insurance to ensure that they have the best possible health care and to protect them from unexpected financial crises. The cost of health care in the United States is very expensive. If someone is in an automobile accident or becomes very ill and has to go to the doctor or hospital, it can cost thousands of (U.S.) dollars. To assist in diagnosing an illness, doctors often require laboratory tests. Medications are often also required and can be quite expensive. These medical expenses can cost a significant amount of money.

International students on nonimmigrant visas are not eligible to receive free medical care nor will the United States government pay the medical bills. Therefore, participation in the UT System Student Health Insurance Plan is required for all international students to protect them from huge financial burdens should they become seriously ill or involved in an accident.

Students with Disabilities

UTSA does not discriminate on the basis of disability. Special assistance is provided to students with disabilities through Disability Services.

Disability Services

Disability Services (DS) provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities as well as educational outreach to the UTSA community.  UTSA and Disability Services are committed to a diverse campus culture which embraces inclusion of all students. Disability Services encourages full participation and integration of students with disabilities in all student programs. Those students who qualify for services will receive equal access by removing possible barriers, both in campus structures and in the classroom environment. This is done through disability counseling, referral services, assistive technology, alternative media, sign language interpreters, reasonable accommodations, and the sharing of disability related information.

Eligible students should contact DS before the beginning of the semester for information on how to register for services and submit the appropriate documentation. For more information, please contact our offices at (210) 458-4157 (Main Campus) or (210) 458-2945 (Downtown Campus) or visit our Web site at http://utsa.edu/disability/.

University Career Center

The mission of the UTSA University Career Center is to assist students and alumni in identifying and developing the skills necessary to pursue their lifelong career goals. The Center provides comprehensive career planning, job search, and employment-related services for students and alumni. All students, freshmen through graduate students, are encouraged to take advantage of the many services provided.

Career Counseling

Career planning helps define and explore options that are compatible with individual goals and abilities. Career planning can also help determine a major and further clarify options that are available in a chosen field. The professional staff in the Career Center are committed to student success and offer a wide range of career resources and tools.

Individual career counseling is available to discuss any aspect of career development. Several online self-assessments are available to explore interests, values, and personality in terms of potential careers. Career counselors help interpret the assessment results and provide support throughout the career development process.

RowdyJobs

The University Career Center maintains an online job database at http://utsa.edu/careercenter/ that has listings for part-time jobs (on- and off-campus), internships, co-ops, and full-time professional jobs. Postings are updated daily and students can apply for the jobs online. Students can use the Online Résumé Wizard in the job database to create a résumé or upload their existing résumé for employers to view and download.

Professional Development Workshops

A variety of professional development workshops are offered each semester, including topics such as résumé writing, interviewing skills, job search strategies, dressing for success, salary negotiation and business etiquette.

Résumé Review

Students and alumni can e-mail a résumé or can schedule an appointment to meet with a career counselor for a résumé review and/or final editing.

Group Mock Interviews and Individual Mock Interviews

Practice makes perfect! Appointments for individual mock interviews can be scheduled with one of the professional staff members who will assist with preparation for the real thing. Additionally, group mock interviews are offered at different scheduled times to give students and alumni the opportunity to practice interview questions with our partner employers.

Career Fairs

Multiple career fairs are held each semester. Attended by hundreds of employers from a variety of disciplines, these events offer information about employment opportunities for full- and part-time jobs, internships and more.

On-Campus Recruiting

The University Career Center partners with thousands of employers throughout the United States to locate and post jobs for students and alumni. The RowdyJobs database allows employers to post vacancies, search résumés and schedule interviews.

Dozens of employers come to campus each year to interview UTSA students and alumni for internship, co-op, and full-time professional positions. Scheduled interviews are posted on the Career Center Web site. Students and alumni may submit a résumé to the employer and, if selected for an interview, can sign up for an appointment via the RowdyJobs system.

Live CHAT

Students and alumni can visit online with a career professional about any aspect of career exploration or a job search. CHAT is available Monday–Friday from 1:00–5:00 p.m. via the Web site.

For more information about these and the many other tools and resources offered by the University Career Center, please visit either campus location (Main Campus: UC 2.02.04, Downtown Campus: BV 1.304), call (210) 458-4589 for the Main Campus location or (210) 458-2910 for the Downtown Campus location, or visit the Web site at http://utsa.edu/careercenter/.

Back to Top

VETERANS ASSISTANCE

Educational benefits are available to veterans, dependents of veterans, and personnel actively serving in the United States Armed Forces. The UTSA Veterans Certification Office provides the required forms and information regarding educational benefits available to eligible veterans and their dependents. Offices are located at both the Main Campus, MH (formerly HSS) 3.01.26, (210) 458-4540, and at the Downtown Campus, FS 1.504, (210) 458-2077. Information is also available on the Internet at http://utsa.edu/va/.

Students receiving veterans assistance are responsible for understanding and meeting the academic standards of progress required of all Veterans Administration (VA) recipients. These standards are set by VA regulations and are monitored by the Texas Veterans Commission.

All students receiving GI Bill educational benefits must provide a copy of their DD 214 to the Veterans Certification Office and send all post-secondary educational institution transcripts to the UTSA Office of Admissions for evaluation of prior credit.

UTSA BOOKSTORE

The UTSA Main Campus Bookstore is located on the first floor of the University Center; the Downtown Campus Bookstore is located on the first floor of the Buena Vista Street Building. The bookstores maintain a complete inventory of required and recommended books for courses, as well as general school supplies, writing instruments, art materials, soft goods, decals, greeting cards, graduation rings, and a variety of gift items. A student of this institution is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from a University-affiliated bookstore (Texas Education Code, § 51.9705; 19 TAC 4.214 et seq.). The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Information regarding required or recommended textbooks and other course materials, if any, is available on the Schedule of Classes on ASAP (https://asap.utsa.edu/). The book title, author, International Standard Book Number (ISBN), edition and price is provided for each class section.

VISITOR CENTER

The Visitor Center is part of the Undergraduate Admissions Office and serves as UTSA’s front door. An admission professional provides campus visitors and prospective students with general UTSA information, college information, admission materials, campus maps, and directions. The Visitor Center provides walking tours of the campus and also organizes special group visits for schools, colleges, and outreach groups. The Center hosts various on-campus recruitment events throughout the year. The Visitor Center is located on the second floor of the Multidisciplinary Studies Building at the Main Campus. At the Downtown Campus, the New Student Admission Center, located on the first floor of the Frio Street Building, provides services for campus visitors. For more information visit the UTSA Visitor Center Web site or call (210) 458-5145 (Main Campus) or (210) 458-2000 (Downtown Campus).

COPIER AND DUPLICATING SERVICES

Twenty walk-up copiers are located on the Main and Downtown campuses. These units are capable of making 8½ x 11 copies for $0.10/copy. If you require special copying ability such as enlargements or more advanced printing, please use the Copy Express Plus located at the U.T. Health Science Center at San Antonio (Medical School Building, room 406L) or at The UPS Store in the University Center.

Print and copy services available at the Copy Express Plus include color copy duplicating, desktop publishing, four-color Heidelberg Press offset printing, multimedia and Web development services, photographic services, and television production. For more information, call (210) 567-2315 or visit the Copy Express Plus Web site.

LOST AND FOUND

Back to Top

CAMPUS LIFE

OFFICE OF STUDENT LIFE

The Office of Student Life develops and directs the activities of several areas at UTSA, including the Child Development Center, the Inclusion and Community Engagement Center, the Office of Housing and Residence Life, the Office of Student Activities, the Office of Student Judicial Affairs, the Office of Student Leadership Development, the Special Events Center and the University Center. More information is available by calling (210) 458-4720 or visiting the Student Life Web site.

Child Development Center

UTSA’s Child Development Center, located off UTSA Boulevard on the southwest side of the Main Campus, serves the early childhood educational needs of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers whose parents are UTSA students, staff, or faculty. The Center can house 96 children, with spaces for classrooms, a gross motor skills room, and outdoor play areas. The Center is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. More information on the Center can be obtained by calling (210) 458-6364 or visiting the Child Development Center Web site: http://utsa.edu/cdc/.

Inclusion and Community Engagement Center

The Inclusion and Community Engagement Center located on the Main Campus facilitates experiences that provide students with a sense of place and belonging while preparing them to be responsible, engaged citizens in a rapidly changing global environment. The Inclusion and Community Engagement (ICE) Center advances that mission through outreach and programming that promotes cultural appreciation and by facilitating meaningful involvement through volunteer service activities. The ICE Center coordinates volunteer service opportunities and identifies and develops ways to foster a civil and respectful campus climate in which all members of the campus community feel safe, welcome and valued. More information on events and activities can be obtained by calling (210) 458-4770 or visiting the Inclusion and Community Engagement Center Web site.

Living Accommodations

Students can explore the on-campus living accommodations offered at UTSA with the help of the Office of Housing and Residence Life. On-campus housing options include Chaparral Village and Laurel Village, both of which are owned and operated by UTSA. Chisholm Hall and University Oaks on-campus housing facilities are owned and managed by Campus Living Villages on UTSA’s behalf. All on-campus housing is on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible after they are admitted to UTSA.

Campus Suites

Chaparral Village and Laurel Village provide living accommodations to approximately 1,680 students in private 2-or 4-bedroom units. Each fully furnished unit has a living room and a kitchenette with a microwave and refrigerator.

The rate includes all utilities, cable, wireless or high-speed Internet, phone, free laundry and free long distance within the United States. There are several community centers that include laundry facilities, study rooms, full-size kitchens, and recreational/program areas. The City Centers have room for larger gatherings, a computer laboratory, and conference room. Other amenities include basketball courts and a swimming pool. Residential Learning Communities are also available for students. Residents must purchase a meal plan. For more information, call (210) 458-6200, or apply online at the Office of Housing and Residence Life Web site.

Campus Residence Hall

Chisholm Hall is a traditional residence hall providing students with an active-student living environment. Chisholm Hall offers 365-square-foot double- and single-occupancy furnished rooms with private baths, large closets, and all utilities paid. Utilities include electric, local and long distance telephone, and Internet access. The hall has a community kitchen and lounge. Mini-refrigerators and microwaves may also be kept in the residents’ rooms. Meal plans are optional. The Activity Center has an indoor lap pool, digital surround-sound theater with gaming outlets, and computer lab. Contract options include Fall/Spring or Spring semesters. Special programming is available such as The Living and Learning Community, Quiet Floor, Female Wing, and Academic Rebate Program. The Academic Rebate Program honors per-semester rebates for students who achieve a grade point average of 3.25 or higher. For further information, contact the office at 1-800-377-6933, or complete an application and contract online.

Campus Apartments

University Oaks Apartments offers five different floor plans with private bedrooms, full-service kitchens, and built-in dining/study areas. Amenities include three swimming pools and hot tubs, three laundry centers, sand volleyball courts, a basketball court, and limited-access gates. Resident programming is available in the student clubhouse, and an Academic Enrichment Center provides a study environment and computer lab. Housing is available year-round, with 9- and 12-month leases, and 3-month summer term leases. Individual leases are available in which a student is solely responsible for the rent of his/her room. Roommate matching is provided in order to accommodate both parties. Rates include an electricity allowance, Internet, and extended basic cable. For further information, contact the office at 1-800-379-3974, or complete an application and deposit form online.

Vaccination Requirement

In accordance with Texas Education Code, § 51.9192, the “Jamie Schanbaum Act,” UTSA requires that all first-time and transfer students enrolling in public institutions of higher education on or after January 1, 2010, who reside in or have applied for on-campus housing and been approved to reside in an on-campus dormitory or other on-campus student housing facility, must be vaccinated for bacterial meningitis. A student is exempt from the bacterial meningitis vaccination if the student, or a parent or guardian of the student, submits to UTSA any of the following:

1. a certificate signed by a health care practitioner evidencing that the student has been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis; or,
   
   
2. an affidavit or certificate signed by a physician duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States in which it is stated that, in the physician’s opinion, the vaccination would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student; or,
   
   
3. an affidavit signed by the student stating the student is aware of the risks of bacterial meningitis and is declining the vaccination due to reasons of conscience or a religious belief, except that such exemption does not apply during a disaster, public health emergency, terrorist attack, hostile military or paramilitary action, or extraordinary law enforcement emergency declared by an appropriate UTSA official or other authority.

This vaccine requirement must be met ten (10) days prior to the student moving into a student housing facility at UTSA. To receive a copy of the affidavit form, visit: https://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco/affidavit.shtm. The Certificate of Vaccination form required by state statute can be found on the UTSA Office of Housing and Residence Life Web site at http://utsa.edu/housing/vaccine.html. Documentation must be returned to the Office of Housing and Residence Life no later than ten (10) days prior to the scheduled move in date.

Off-Campus

Although it does not make recommendations regarding off-campus housing options, the Office of Student Life does make information available to help students find accommodations in the San Antonio area. You may contact the Office of Student Life, located in UC 2.02.18, for off-campus housing information at (210) 458-4720, or e-mail them at StudentLife@utsa.edu.

Student Activities

The Office of Student Activities (located at both the Main and Downtown campuses) provides the University’s diverse student population with a broad range of programs in a student-centered learning environment. Programs and services include student organizations, campus-wide events, fraternity and sorority life, risk management education, student government, campus activities board, leadership development, cultural events, and annual student recognition programs. Staff members work with students to help tap their potential in a way that will allow them to complete their education by getting involved in a campus activity, club, or organization.

With over 250 student organizations, UTSA provides a dynamic campus student life. Students can become involved in a variety of organizations, including academic clubs, honorary organizations, social organizations, Greek fraternities and sororities, professional organizations, and special interest groups. Student leaders are integral to the planning of many activities on campus including, Homecoming, campus festivals such as Fiesta UTSA, Best Fest, Roadrunner Days, and many other programs.

There is something for everyone and participation in activities, programs, and services is encouraged at both the UTSA Main and Downtown campuses. More information on events and activities can be obtained by calling (210) 458-4160 or visiting the Student Activities’ Web site at http://utsa.edu/sa/.

Student Leadership Development

The Office of Student Leadership Development creates and coordinates leadership development opportunities for UTSA students. This office serves as a resource both for students that are interested in enhancing their leadership skills and student organizations needing to address specific organizational issues. Programs include, but are not limited to, the Distinguished Lecture Series, Networking Lunches and Leader Summit. This office is located in the University Center on the first floor of UCIII directly under the Roost. More information on events and activities can be obtained by calling (210) 458-7967.

University Center

The University Center (UC), located on the Main Campus, is the focal point for programs, meetings, dining, and relaxation first for students and then for faculty, staff, and University guests.

Space dedicated to student activities and student organizations consists of the Student Activities Complex and Student Organization Complex with cubicles for student organizations, offices for the Student Activities staff, offices for the Campus Activities Board, the Student Government Association, the Volunteer Organization Involving Community Education and Service (VOICES), Honors Alliance, the Greek Councils, and the University Center Program Council (UCPC).

The UCPC (advised by UC Programs) offers regularly scheduled activities in the University Center throughout the week and special programs throughout the semester. Activities include Coffeehouse Wednesday acoustic concerts, Open Mic Nights and Poetry Jams, UCinema movie nights with free popcorn as well as barbecues, casino nights and game nights.

Many other University departments are also found in the UC: Alumni Programs, Associate Dean of Students, University Career Center, Events Management & Conference Services, the Inclusion and Community Engagement Center, the Office of Student Life & Dean of Students, the Office of Student Activities, the Office of Student Judicial Affairs, the Special Events Center, the Student Leadership Center and UC Administration.

The UC is also home to a wide range of services and amenities to support daily campus life:

• Campus Technology Store: featuring service and academic pricing for both PC and Apple hardware, software, and peripherals
• Rios Golden Cut Salon: a full-service salon for men and women
• Frost Bank Financial Center: ATM and a full-service bank with hours and services designed for the University community
• The UPS Store: offering complete mail and shipping services including UPS and U.S. Mail as well as mailbox rental, document duplication, binding, lamination, posters, banners, etc.
• The UC Retail Center: offering discounted testing supplies (SCANTRONs, PARSCOREs, blue books, pens and pencils) at convenient hours as well as discounted movie tickets, Fiesta Texas tickets and a Ticketmaster® outlet
• Information Center: providing directions and answering general questions about the campus and San Antonio area.
• The Roost: UTSA’s student game room with billiards, table tennis, air hockey, foosball, board games, four 42-inch flat screens for video game play and an extensive student-selected video game library for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii.
• The UTSA Bookstore: Your official source for textbooks, UTSA apparel and gifts
• Dining: brand name eateries including Panda Express, Taco Cabana, Starbucks, Burger King, Subway and Chili’s Too.

For more information, contact the University Center at (210) 458-4735 or visit the UC Web site at http://utsa.edu/uctr/.

CAMPUS DINING

Dining facilities are available in the Biotechnology, Sciences and Engineering Building, the Business Building, the John Peace Library Building, the Recreation Center, Roadrunner Café, and the University Center at the Main Campus; the Frio Street Building houses dining facilities at the Downtown Campus. Menu selections vary by location and venues may include entrees and vegetables, burgers, pizza, pasta, grilled sandwiches, desserts, and beverages. UTSA’s Roadrunner Café, which provides dining for residents of campus housing and other students on UTSA’s meal plan, is also open to the public for a fixed price. Visit the UTSA Business Auxiliary Services’ Web site to view more information concerning meal plans and rates.

PARKING, TRANSPORTATION AND SHUTTLE SERVICE

Parking on all UTSA campuses requires either 1) the purchase of a UTSA parking permit, or 2) the payment of an hourly fee at a short-term parking space. For more parking information, including permit types, prices, and parking locations, go to http://utsa.edu/parking/. Shuttle bus service is also available on the Main Campus from outlying parking lots and residence halls to the core of campus. Off-campus shuttle bus service is also available for nearby apartment complexes. Information is available online at http://utsa.edu/transportation/.

VIA buses provide transportation between the Main Campus and the Downtown Campus on routes 93 or 94. Routes 603, 605 and 660 also serve the Main Campus. Students, faculty, and staff may ride on any of these routes by paying normal fares or by purchasing a discounted VIA pass. VIA passes include a Monthly Big Pass, a Half-Fare Big Pass if qualified, or a student Semester Pass. For more VIA Bus information, go to www.viainfo.net/.

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

UTSA fields men’s and women’s teams for intercollegiate competition in Division I of the NCAA. Men’s sports include basketball, baseball, cross-country, golf, indoor and outdoor track, and tennis. Football was recently approved by the U.T. System and the first season of competition is slated for Fall 2011. Women’s sports are basketball, cross-country, indoor and outdoor track, softball, volleyball, soccer, golf, and tennis. UTSA is one of 12 universities from Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas that comprise the Southland Conference, a NCAA FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) conference.

All currently enrolled students receive free admission to any on-campus UTSA athletic event.

UTSA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Since 1977, the UTSA Alumni Association promotes UTSA and its 82,000 alumni by supporting academic, athletic, and alumni events and activities.  Moreover, the association is building pride and tradition among the University’s students and alumni, as well as the San Antonio community.

The UTSA Alumni Association is an incorporated, 501(c)(3) organization in the State of Texas. As a dues-paying membership organization, it is governed by a 21-member elected board of directors. The Office of Alumni Programs located on the UTSA campus manages the daily operations of the Alumni Association.

Alumni and friends, including students of UTSA, can join as annual members. At the time of graduation, new graduates may sign over their UTSA property deposit for their first year’s membership in the association. Members have access to a wide variety of exclusive benefits including: UTSA football loyalty points, professional networking events, discounted campus Recreation Center membership, low cost insurance, and shopping discounts.

As part of this, the association publishes alumni interest articles and class notes in the Sombrilla, and sends a monthly electronic newsletter. Alumni can join the association, volunteer for a variety of activities, search for other alumni, and register for events on the Web site: http://utsa.edu/alumni/. Popular alumni gear such as the UTSA Ring, diploma frames, and Pave the Paseo bricks are also available on the Web site. 

In addition, the Alumni Association fosters life-long learning for alumni by giving them access to University Career Center, the Center for Professional Excellence, and travel opportunities. Membership in the association also gives members access to discounts for extended education courses at UTSA as well as GMAT, LSAT, and GRE preparation workshops.

Lastly, the Alumni Association serves its future alumni by providing scholarships to UTSA students. The Alumni Association Endowment Fund has surpassed $1,000,000 which will allow the Association to award even more scholarships than the $72,000 awarded this fiscal year. Since the scholarship fund was established in 1982, the Association has awarded over $865,000 in scholarships.

Alumni-sponsored activities include:

• The Alumni Gala (August)
• The Diploma Dash® 5K Run/City Championship Race (February)
• The UTSA Ring
• Annual recognition of the Alumnus of the Year, Distinguished Service Award, Outstanding Faculty
• Homecoming activities, college events, and networking opportunities for alumni and students

As UTSA grows, it needs the support of its alumni and friends more than ever. Members of the Alumni Association can get involved with their alma mater as we build pride and tradition at UTSA.

For more information about the UTSA Alumni Association, call (210) 458-4133 or 1-888-ONE-ALUM, visit online at http://utsa.edu/alumni/, or email to alumni@utsa.edu.

Back to Top