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Freshman | Fall Orientation What to Expect at Orientation

Roadrunner Roundup—Spirit, Pride & Tradition

  • Designed to meet the needs of all incoming freshman and freshman transfer students and introduce them to the UTSA community
  • Three-day, two-evening program (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
  • Timing for the program:
    • Tuesdays 8:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
    • Wednesdays 7:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
    • Thursdays 7:45 a.m.—5:30 p.m.
  • Participants must be available during this entire time
  • All freshman and freshman transfer students (regardless of orientation housing choice) are required to attend all orientation sessions, including those that take place in the evening, and all meals must be eaten on campus due to the full orientation schedule. Failure to comply will result in students not being able to register for classes.

Schedule at a Glance

Students will receive a detailed schedule at their orientation program. This schedule is subject to change without notice.

Tuesdays

Show your spirit by bringing your community service project donation with you to check-in.

Class of 2017 Community Service Project: School Supply Drive
Join your fellow Roadrunners and help to give back and "Stuff the Bus"; the UTSA Class of 2017's service project will be a School Supply Drive.

Wednesdays

Show your PRIDE by wearing your UTSA gear—hats, t-shirts, pants, backpacks—show them off.

Thursdays

Now that YOU are a part of the TRADITION—wear your blue or orange this day or stop by the University Bookstore for some new UTSA apparel.

Walking Note:
Please be aware that the orientation experience includes EXTENSIVE WALKING. Please plan accordingly as the university does NOT provide any mobility assistance equipment.

Online Orientation- Fall Orientation for Freshman

Freshman students who cannot attend an on-campus orientation program will have the opportunity to participate in an online orientation experience.

  • The online orientation is filled with valuable information about UTSA services, resources, academic policies and much more!
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  • Online orientation will only become available in mid-August, after all on-campus orientations are complete and prior to classes beginning for the Fall semester.
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  • No exceptions will be made for completing online orientation prior to this time.
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  • Students will register for the online orientation program in ASAP and complete the modules in Blackboard.
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  • The online orientation DOES NOT include academic advising therefore students must contact their academic advising center to schedule an advising appointment.
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  • Please note that course registration can only happen AFTER you successfully complete all online orientation modules and your orientation hold is lifted.
 

UTSA’s Qualitative Literacy Program (QLP)

Quantitative Literacy Assessment Test (QLAT)

The QLAT is a requirement for all students entering UTSA

  • It will be taken during Orientation

    Note: Online Orientation students will need to contact Testing Services directly to take the exam on their own; the QLAT is not available through online orientation.

  • This exam will not be used for math placement but for course enrichment purpose
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  • REQUIRED of all majors
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  • Exam time is 30 minutes
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  • Multiple choice format

What to Bring

Directions and Parking

Driving Directions from Downtown San Antonio

  • From I-10 West & UTSA Blvd
  • Turn left on UTSA Blvd
  • Turn right onto campus on Edward Ximenes Drive
  • Turn left at the first stop sign (George Brackenridge Rd)
  • Turn right at the next stop sign (Walter Brenan Rd)
  • Follow the windy road to the north side of campus
  • Turn left into Chaparral Village Parking Lot R2
  • Park in any unmarked parking space in Resident Lot 2 (R2), formerly Lot 1A

Parking

A temporary orientation parking permit is required and must be displayed to park on campus during orientation. Below is more information on parking for orientation:

  • The temporary permit can be found in your confirmation letter after you register in ASAP
  • Follow all parking policies listed on this permit. Failure to do so will result in a parking citation
  • The temporary permit will be marked with the dates that the permit is valid
  • The temporary permit is good for unmarked spaces only in the designated parking lot listed [ex: Brackenridge Rd Lot 1, BK 1 (formerly Lot 5)]
    • DO NOT park in Faculty/Staff or 24 HR RESERVED spaces
    • DO NOT park in fire lanes, reserved spaces, service areas, loading zones, University Vehicle spaces or restricted areas
  • The permit must be visible on your dashboard at all times to avoid receiving a citation
  • Pay-by the hour parking is available in the Bosque Street Garage (located on the opposite / south side of campus)

 

Any vehicle parked in violation of UTSA parking regulations will be cited. If you receive a citation at orientation, you will need to file an appeal with UTSA Parking and Transportation.

Orientation Housing & Meals

Orientation Students Staying On-Campus

Enhance your orientation experience by choosing the orientation housing option during registration. This option will provide you with accommodations for three days and two nights at one of UTSA’s on-campus residence halls, Chaparral Village. It will also provide participants with two dinner meals at the Roadrunner Cafe. Why worry about paying for dinner, commuting back and forth, dealing with traffic, finding parking each day, and risk being late when you can stay on-campus?* Total fee $70 (added to your tuition and fees bill). Orientation housing is filled on a first-come, first-served basis—space is limited. Don't miss out, reserve your spot today.

Orientation Students Not Staying On-Campus

Roadrunners who opt out of on campus housing will be responsible for their own dinner meals during Roadrunner Roundup.*

*All Roundup students regardless of housing choice are required to attend all orientation sessions, including those that take place in the evening and all meals must be eaten on campus due to the full orientation schedule.

Meals at Orientation

Orientation participants will be given a meal card at check-in. This meal card is preloaded with money for your meals and can be used at a variety of dining venues on-campus. Below is a list of which meals are provided and which meals are not provided.

List of which meals are provided and not provided at orientation.
Tuesdays
Breakfast No On your own. Please eat prior to arrival
Lunch Yes All orientation students (UC dining venues)
Dinner It Depends If you're staying the night in orientation housing: Yes (Roadrunner Café).

If you're not staying in orientation housing: No. Please bring cash for your on-campus meal.
Wednesdays
Breakfast No On your own. Roadrunner Café will be open. Please bring cash to pay at the door if you choose this option.
Lunch Yes All orientation students (UC dining venues)
Dinner It Depends If you're staying the night in orientation housing : Yes (Roadrunner Café).

If you're not staying in orientation housing : No. Please bring cash for your on-campus meal.
Thursdays
Breakfast No All Thursday meals will be on your own. Please bring cash for meals.
Lunch No
Dinner No

Family and Guests

Family and guests that wish to attend the Family Orientation program need their student to register them in advance. Family Orientation is a separate program for guests that runs concurrently with Roadrunner Roundup (new student orientation). Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Student Orientation program is a closed program for pre-registered new students only. Guests cannot attend sessions with students.

Walking Note:
Please be aware that the orientation experience includes EXTENSIVE WALKING. Please plan accordingly as the university does NOT provide any mobility assistance equipment.