Orientation is in full swing with hundreds of new Roadrunners visiting us each week. Orientation is an informative, spirited and moving experience for new freshmen, transfer students and families. Facilitators represent many aspects of the university community and the staff of Orientation and Family Programs keep it all running like clockwork.

This highly collaborative effort includes partnerships from on campus housing, academic advising and countless campus resources like dining, parking, student activities, campus recreation, university center and many more.

Here are just a few of the highlights from the 2015 orientation program.

• Freshmen orientation participants all reside in on campus housing during the session. Housing check-in is the participants’ first stop. (3 day sessions only)
• Each student receives assignment to a team led by an Orientation Leader complete with a group name and chant. Connecting in small groups allows the students to process the information received, ask questions and have fun.
• The Orientation season includes freshmen 3 day and 2 day sessions, transfer sessions and family programs.
• Transfer orientation is now a mandatory experience that includes visiting with campus resources and interacting with current transfer students.
• Families meet together in separate sessions and have many opportunities to connect with their student.
• Students have the opportunity to hear a mock lecture and receive classroom advice from one of our talented faculty members.
• Students attend a pre-advising session presented by their advising center as well as have a one-on-one appointment with an academic advisor.
• Students attend sessions on the first year experience, academic support initiatives, campus services, the bookstore and many more.
• An information fair allows students to visit with numerous campus resources.
• Students have the opportunity to learn about spirit, traditions and involvement in student organizations. They attend social events at Campus Recreation, University Center and experience a mock Rowdy Rush through Student Activities and Athletics.

The Class of 2019 and our incoming transfer students are well prepared for the UTSA experience thanks to the efforts of many staff, faculty and students.

Now and forever, we are Roadrunners.

Submitted by —
Jan McKinney
Director, Communications
Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs