October is a busy month on the UTSA Campus. Midterms are in full swing and so are opportunities for students to engage in campus life. Roadrunners can learn about the experiences of others, advocate and support each other in hard times, and participate in events to show their spirit for UTSA.

UTSA Homecoming and BestFest

Homecoming is one of the most exciting weeks of the year at UTSA. Our Roadrunner community comes together to celebrate spirit, tradition, and pride from Sunday, October 10 through Saturday, October 16. Students can enjoy the planned events and receive some giveaways. Visit the full schedule for the week. We encourage our Roadrunner Families to join in on the fun on Friday and Saturday.

• UTSA Spirit Day – Wear your best UTSA gear on Friday, October 15 to support the Roadrunners!
  
  
• Game Day – Be at the Alamodome early for the Spirit Walk and Student Indoor Tailgate prior to the big game. Halftime will include the Spirit of the Roadrunner announcement! Purchase your tickets today!

Spend Friday evening at BestFest, a family-friendly festival that supports student organizations. This year’s event will feature dozens of foods, beverages, and game booths hosted by student organizations; carnival rides; a surprise-themed area; fireworks; and live music.

Entry is free but you will want to skip the lines and purchase your booth tickets early. Festivities start at 4:00 pm and a concert follows the firework show at 9:00 pm. The concert will feature Dancing with the Stars contestant and 2021 CMA New Artist of the Year nominee, Jimmy Allen.

Can’t make the event? Consider purchasing booth tickets to be used by your student or just to support the student organizations.

Purchase Your $20 Ticket Sheet!

LGBTQIA History Month

UTSA recognizes the history and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community during the month of October as a part of LGBTQIA History Month. Cemetery Boys, by Aiden Thomas, is the book being read and discussed this month by the Racial Justice Book Club. The Pride Faculty Staff Association will be offering mentorship opportunities and hosting a keynote speaker. A stand-out event for the month will be on National Coming Out Day, Monday, October 11. Students can learn and show support to fellow roadrunners on that day in Central Plaza. They can also connect via the Multicultural Student Center for Equity and Justice social media accounts @UTSA_MSCEJ.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Wellbeing education and the safety of our students is a priority for UTSA throughout the year. This October, several campus departments are coming together to raise awareness, empower survivors, and educate allies on domestic violence. Visit the Safe Campus website to see upcoming events on sexual violence prevention, bystander intervention, and download virtual backgrounds. The PEACE Center and Wellbeing Services offer several of these events throughout the year.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Roadrunners continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the guiding theme, “Esperanza: A Celebration of Our Heritage and Bold Future.” Upcoming events, and some links to previous events, can be found on the Hispanic Heritage Month website, including the Dreamer and Undocumented Student Conversations event.

Awards Applications

There are a number of opportunities for students to be nominated for campus awards throughout the year. Student Affairs is currently taking applications for two awards.

Dean of Students Leadership Award
There are a variety of ways in which Leadership and Volunteer Services recognize the outstanding contributions of our students in the fields of volunteerism and campus leadership. We encourage students to nominate a deserving leader for the Dean of Students Leadership Award by midnight on October 15. Winners will be announced on November 1. This recognition is awarded monthly during the fall and spring semesters with a nomination deadline on the 15^th of each month.

Outstanding LGBTQIA+ Leadership Award
The Outstanding LGBTQIA+ Student Leadership award will honor a UTSA student who has shown strong leadership skills and service towards the LGBTQIA+ community. Multicultural Student Center for Equity & Justice (MSCEJ) is accepting nominations via the RowdyLink form. The deadline to submit is Monday, October 18 at 8:00 am.

Students can self-nominate or be nominated. The Award will be presented at the end of LGBTQIA+ History Month (October 2021).

Flu shots available by appointment at UT Health Wellness 360 

Flu season has already started, and this year it is more important than ever for students to do their part to protect themselves and the UTSA community by getting a seasonal flu shot. UT Health Wellness 360 is offering convenient, on-campus flu shots to current UTSA students. Shots are available by appointment, while supplies last. To make an appointment, students should visit the UT Health Wellness 360 at UTSA website or call 210-458-4142. For general flu shot information and to stay up-to-date about flu shot opportunities at UTSA, visit utsa.edu/flu. 

UTSA Scholarship Hub

The Financial Aid and Scholarships office administers a variety of scholarships funded by the university and donors who support UTSA. Find and apply to various scholarship opportunities through the UTSA Scholarship Hub. Be sure to review individual scholarship opportunity criteria and deadlines.

The Parent Council Scholarship for undergraduate students of UTSA Family Association members will be open for applications beginning Wednesday, October 20. Encourage your student to apply!