SETTLING IN AT UTSA

1. The Office of International Programs Check-In
   
   Checking-in with the Office of International Programs is required for new students. This is done at Orientation which is why orientation is mandatory for all new students to UTSA. You should familiarize yourself with the location of our office in the event you need to visit our office during the semester.

Our office is located in the Main Building, room 1.210
Walk-in Hours:  Mon-Fri: 9am-4pm
Website:www.utsa.edu/intprograms
Email: internationalprograms@utsa.edu
Phone: (210) 458-7202
Fax: (210) 458-7222

2. International Student Orientation
   
   The Office of International Programs hosts this event every semester in order to inform new students of the rules and regulations of the university and their immigration status, as well as familiarizing the student with campus. Orientation is generally located in the Main Building and you will hear presentations from many offices providing services to UTSA students and you will be assisted in getting Tuberculosis (TB) screening, required placement exams, and academic advising. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES UNTIL YOU HAVE ATTENDED THIS ORIENTATION. International students must follow-up with the following items:
    
   
   1. TB Screening: In order to register at UTSA all students must have a negative PPD skin test for TB or a negative chest x-ray. Testing can be done individually before orientation week or during a designated time in that week at the Student Health Center for $5.00. If your PPD test proves positive, you will be provided shuttle transportation to a clinic where a chest x-ray will be taken. The number for UTSA Student Health Services is: 210-458-4142. Tests must be administered by Health Services and not in your home country.
   2. English Language Assessment Program Test (ELAP): This test will evaluate your academic language skills in the areas of reading, writing, listening, and speaking.  The test is administered during orientation week at no charge to the student. For more information on the ELAP test, visit the Intensive English Program (IEP) office web site.
      

You will need to take the ELAP test if:

• If you scored between 500-599 on the TOEFL paper version,
• If you scored between 173-249 on the computer version,
• If you scored between 61-99 on the internet version, or
• If you scored between 5-6.9 on the IELTS,
• You have not completed a 4-year degree from a university where classes were instructed in English
• You did not graduate from an American high school
• You do not have at least 45 transferable credit hours from an English-medium university (approved by UTSA)
  
  
• Academic Advising: During orientation, undergraduate students will be able to make an appointment with an academic advisor for later in the week. Graduate students can report to their departments to make an appointment with their advisor when they arrive on campus or after orientation.
• Accuplacer: This test is required for undergraduate students prior to enrolling for courses at UTSA unless you are exempt. The Accuplacer test consists of math, reading and writing sections. The writing section has an essay and a multiple choice section. This test is not timed; however, most students take two to three hours on the exam. The cost is $25 by check or money order (no cash). Students who are unable to pay by check or money order can pay in advance at Fiscal Services. Scores are electronic, so you will receive them immediately after your test. Visit the Testing Services web site for more information.

3. Registering for Classes
   
   Once all requirements have been met, you will be allowed to register for classes. This is done through the online student system called the Automated Student Access Program (ASAP). (https://asap.utsa.edu/) Here you will search for and register online for your classes. You will also be able to update your mailing address, view your personal information, and many more things! To access the site, you will need your student ID (also known as your banner ID) which is located on your admissions letter and begins with the @ symbol. The system will provide you with detailed information on what to do next. Remember, if you have not taken care of the above listed things

4. UTSA Student ID Card
   
   The UTSA Student ID card is the official identification card of the UTSA community. To receive your UTSA ID card, you must first be registered for classes. Not only is this your identification card, but you can use this card as a debit card to pay for on-campus meals, copier use and laundry services. To learn how to use your card to pay for items on-campus, visit the UTSA Card Office and click on Rowdy Dollars.
   
   
   

5. Health Insurance Coverage
   
   International Students are automatically assessed health insurance through United Healthcare because it is a requirement for all international students to have health insurance that meets a certain criteria. The charge for your health insurance coverage will be reflected on your bill. If you arrive in the United States already covered with your own health insurance, you may be eligible for an insurance waiver. This will refund the automatic charge for health insurance assessed to you when you arrived. In order to be considered for the health insurance waiver you must submit a request by the deadline date listed on the Office of International Programs website under health insurance.

6. Shuttle Service
   
   Routes begin from 7am to 10pm, Monday – Thursday and 7am – 7pm on Friday. For more information, view the Parking and Transportation web site.

1. On-campus shuttle
   
   The on-campus shuttle can take you anywhere on campus within 20 minutes. A map of the shuttle route is located at Shuttlemap. The shuttle routes on-campus are as follows:
   

• North Shuttle Route: Services Lot 12, Tobin Lab, the Activity Center at Chisholm Hall, Chaparral Village in Lot 14, HSS, and the Main Building.
• South Shuttle Route: Services BSE/Lot 8, Lot 11 and the University Oaks Apartments Phase III
• Lot 13 Route: Services Lot 13 (located off Valero Way), and Rhoderick Key Art Building. This route only operates during the Fall and Spring semesters on class days.

2. Off-campus shuttle routes

• North Apartment Shuttle: Services the Bluebonnet Hill, Chase Hill, Las Colinas, Alpin, and Maverick Creek apartment complexes and the Lot 3.
• South Apartment Shuttle: Services the Highlands, Broadstone Ranch, Campus Side and the Outpost apartment complexes and BSE/Lot 8.

3. Shopping Shuttle

Every Saturday from 12 noon to 4pm, when classes and exams are in session, a shuttle bus will be available to take you to the main shopping areas around UTSA. The route is as follows:

• Chisholm Hall Stop
• Chaparral Village
• University Oaks Phase III
• Wal-Mart (in front of the Garden Center)
• Huebner Oaks Shopping Center (in front of Border’s Book Store)
• HEB on De Zavala (left entrance)
  
  

7. Campus and Student Activities
   
   Part of being at an American university means being involved in student activities. Although it is not a mandatory requirement, the knowledge and bonds of friendship you gain from being involved in campus activities will be valuable. The Office of Student Activities can get you started on learning what UTSA has to offer students from Student Council, volunteering, and Student Government – the possibilities are endless!

8. Eating on campus
   
   UTSA has many locations to eat on campus. Please visit for the 1604 Campus Food Services locations. UTSA Food Services offers students the option of purchasing meal plans as well. This will ensure healthy meals all semester. To find out more about the meal plan options, visit www.utsa.edu/utsacard and click Meal Options.

9. Student Health Center
   
   As a UTSA student you can visit the Student Health Center either by appointment or by walk-in – all visits are private. The Health Center can provide you with assistance for minor illnesses and will be able to refer you the administrators, nurses, physicians and health educators believe in treating you with consideration and confidentiality. The Health Center provides Peer Education Programs such as SHADES, SHAC, and SHO and also provides a large Health Fair at both the 1604 and Downtown campus.  The Health Center also provides a self-care station where you are able to pick up certain over-the-counter medications and items free of charge. United Healthcare is accepted at the Health Center. Check with Health Services and your insurance company to know which services are covered.

10. Counseling Services
    
    Counseling Services provide a confidential atmosphere where students may discuss concerns that are important in their lives at no-charge. Many times, international students experience culture shock or have difficulty adjusting to an American university. Someone at Counseling Services understands and can help you. Some services include, individual counseling, psychotherapy, relationship and career counseling and group counseling. Counseling Services also provides Self Help information through different UTSA groups and online resources: Allies at UTSA, the CURE, Women’s Resource Center, and The Recovery Center. For more information on Counseling Services, stop by or visit.

11. Tomas Rivera Center for Student Success
    
    This center is an academic support unit dedicated to providing you services that will promote your success. Services include tutoring, Study Skills Workshops, Academic Coaching, Graduate Student Learning Assistance, Supplemental Instruction, and Learning Communities. For more specific information visit the Tomas Rivera Center website.

12. Student Computing Services AND AIR ROWDY
    
    Student Computing Services offers students access to the many computer labs on campus. As a UTSA student you are authorized to use any of the computer labs with only a minimal charge for copies that go over 200 pages each semester. Software is also available to students at a university student rate for you to purchase. Check the list of available software. Air Rowdy is the UTSA wireless network service which allows you to work online practically anywhere on campus. Click here for more information.

13. University Center Information Desk
    
    There are a number of services provided from the Information Center in the University Center building. They sell software, exam items, fax documents, and are a licensed Ticketmaster outlet.

14. Campus Recreation
    
    As a student at UTSA you can use the campus recreation facilities at no-charge. You will be able to use all of the gym equipment, enjoy nutrition and fitness classes, take part in fitness competitions, use the climbing wall, borrow outdoor equipment, and join club sports, including soccer!
    
    

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