
The Family Association Newsletter provides you with insight into UTSA events, resources, opportunities, and talking points for supporting your student.
Highlights
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.
Upcoming Events
Roadrunners Give Back

On Sunday, October 10 at 9:00 am, Leadership and Volunteer Services is hosting Roadrunners Give Back, a variety of service projects on and off-campus in order to give back to the UTSA community while uniting with Roadrunners past and present.
Take Back the Night

The UTSA PEACE Center is organizing the annual Take Back the Night event on Tuesday, October 12 at 6:00 pm. Join us in solidarity for a night of music, poetry, and history as we support our survivors and advocates in the fight to end violence.
Celebrate UTSA featuring
Light Up the Paseo

This street fair style event features food from around the world, performances by student organizations, info booths to learn about UTSA’s cultural identity, and the fun of turning on the holiday lights in the Student Union Paseo. Families are welcome on Thursday, November 18 at 7:00 pm.
Resources and Opportunities
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 15th 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!
Quick Announcements
2022-2023 Financial Aid Applications are Open
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
complete the application by June 30, 2022 - TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid)
complete the application by January 15, 2022
UTSA is Hosting On-Campus COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics
- Happening the second Thursday of every month, starting October 14
- Walk-ins available during clinic hours. No appointment needed.
- All details on the Roadrunner Roadmap
My Student Support Program (MySSP) Mental Health Resource
- MySSP is the most accessible mental health resource at UTSA
- Students can arrange virtual appointments and on-going services
- Encourage students to download the MySSP app to call or chat at anytime.
Conversations With Your Roadrunner
Mid-semester Check-In and Spring Planning
Students have settled into a routine and built some habits at this point in the semester-some good, some not so good. When you speak with your student about how things are going, ask about what is going on now and how they are preparing for the Spring semester.
- What are you enjoying the most about being on-campus?
- What are you missing about home?
- What are you doing to take care of your emotional or physical health?
- How are you doing with your monthly budget?
- Have you made your appointment to see your advisor? What did you talk about?

Not Yet a Member?
Join the UTSA Family Association Today!
Family Association Membership is free, and members receive:
- Priority notice to register for Family Association events
- Access to members-only student scholarships
- Networking opportunities with Roadrunner families and staff
- Email copy of the Family Association Newsletter
August 2021