Commencement Ceremony Recognized by UTSA Faculty Member

Thank you so much for a well-structured and organized commencement! The planning was so meticulous, my part was a walk in the park.

Again, thank you!

CDC Celebrates "The Week of the Young Child"

The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The main purpose of the celebration is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. The UTSA Child Development Center celebrated the Week of the Young Child (WOYC) with several events throughout the week beginning April 11, 2016 through April 15, 2016. Several Student Affairs staff members also attended to show their support!

View the entire photo album here.

SLC Coordinates Social Justice 4 San Antonio Tour

SJ4SA took 30 students on a tour of social justice organizing on April 2, 2016. This tour was the culmination of efforts on the part of student researchers, the Student Leadership Center staff, Faculty, Fiscal Services and community agencies. The program was made possible by a grant from the UTSA Family Fund.

Student participants developed as engaged citizen leaders as a result of participation in the trip. They gained heightened awareness of local social justice organizing efforts, and came away with resolutions to remain involved.

We proudly recognize the ways this project aligns with UTSA strategic priorities of community engagement and leadership development, and look forward to continuing the program on an annual basis.

Career Center Hosts "March Into Your Major"

On March 23rd the University Career Center hosted the spring 2016 edition of “March into Your Major” in the HUC Ballroom. March into Your Major is a career exploration event, the purpose of which is to assist students in exploring majors, minors and certifications offered at UTSA as well as looking at possible career paths. 976 students attended and met with faculty, academic advisors, career counselors and student leaders. The following are just a few of the student responses to the event

• “Counselors asked us what we wanted to do with our major and guided us, even though it was a short time. It instilled confidence.”
• “The career counselors cleared any doubts about my path.”
• “Professors helped me know what classes to take.”
• “The advice and insight into different aspects of majors that I had never considered.”
• “Talking to the career counselors and advisors so that I can know and understand a true path for myself.”
• “All the stuff I was confused about was well answered and explained today, along with the extra helpful information.”

The fall edition of this event, “Fall into Your Major” is scheduled for Wednesday, October 12, 2016. For additional information or to host a table, contact Heidi Sawyer at the University Career Center at 210-458-4589.

A Long-standing Tradition Continues

United to Serve is a UTSA tradition and system-wide volunteer initiative involving UT System students, faculty, staff, alumni and student organizations in an effort to engage and mobilize volunteers in their community.

This year’s 12th annual United to Serve event was held on Saturday, April 9th, 2016. Over 100 members of the UTSA family volunteered in the San Antonio community and participated in a variety of service projects benefiting the San Antonio Food Bank, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, SA Youth, Open TRAIL Ranch, and many more. A total of 12 projects and over 440 hours of service were completed.

Program Director of Open TRAIL Ranch Kate Vasquez, had this to say about the volunteers; “We are touched beyond words for all of your time and hard work you put into building arena obstacles, cleaning saddles and cleaning up the chicken coop. There were projects that we were unable to get to because of the size of them and time and people needed. We cannot wait to use the new arena obstacles and each of you were a part of making them!”

The trip was sponsored by the Student Center for Community Engagement and Inclusion, Volunteer Services, and the Volunteer Organization Involving Community Education and Service (VOICES).

To learn more about United to Serve or how to get involved in the San Antonio community, please contact Volunteer Services.

Alternative Spring Break a Big Success

While some students spent their spring break back home, at a beach, and/or catching up on school work, a group of UTSA students spent their time volunteering in Wichita, Kansas and San Antonio.

Eleven UTSA students and two advisors traveled to Wichita, Kansas to volunteer with the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The group assisted the IRC with their refugee resettlement program by working with those in job placement/employment skills and English-language classes. The alternative breakers in Kansas also sorted and gave out clothing throughout the week, as well as provided child-care for those whose parents were in class.

“Alternative Break gave me a chance to learn firsthand what the issues are that New Americans face, thus providing me with the insight to then go forth and start implementing change in our surrounding communities,” said Freshman Mathematics Major, Brianna Diaz. “I met awesome people, who I never would have met otherwise, and they challenged my viewpoints and prompted me to rethink my notions.”

Meanwhile in San Antonio, 7 students worked with the SpiritHorse Rehabilitation Center and learned about the intricate process of managing and growing a non-profit organization that aims to provide an alternative method of physical and emotional therapy. The volunteers spent the week with SpiritHorse participating in service activities that ranged from facility upkeep, horse grooming, and grant research.

“Alternative Spring Break gives you the opportunity to be educated on both local and global issues,” said Sophomore Medical Humanities major, Amaka Obiajunwa, “You can see the world through someone else's eyes and have the opportunity to make a difference!”

Please check out our Facebook album for lots of great pictures!

The trip was sponsored by the Student Center for Community Engagement and Inclusion and the Volunteer Organization Involving Community Education and Service (VOICES).

To learn more about Alternative Breaks or how to get involved in the San Antonio community, please contact Volunteer Services.