Newsletter

Identity and Cultural Graduation Celebrations

The Multicultural Student Center for Equity & Justice is honoring UTSA graduates and their many identities and cultural backgrounds at three graduation celebrations during the first week of May. Families are invited to attend these celebrations in support of our Dreamer/Undocumented graduates, LGBTQIA+ graduates, and Black/African American graduates.

Each celebration will feature a keynote speaker and present participating graduates with a custom stole to be worn at their commencement ceremonies. Stoles have been designed with the respective culture or identity being celebrated.

The Lavender and Ujima graduation celebrations will include special recognition for their respective student leader awards. These awards are presented to graduating students who have shown leadership and services toward their communities during their tenure at UTSA.

At the conclusion of each celebration, there is an opportunity to visit with fellow graduates, their families, and members of the UTSA community at a brief reception with light refreshments.

Details for the individual celebrations can be found on the Commencement website.

Commencement Drive

Family and friends of graduating Roadrunners are invited to come to the Main Campus for the UTSA Commencement Drive on Friday, May 13 at 5:30 pm! Graduates are encouraged to bring someone along to drive, so they can wave and take photos from the vehicle. There will be parking locations around campus for families and friends to ensure a great view.

The Family Association will have washable car paint to help decorate vehicles and a few giveaways available in the staging area at Brackenridge Ave. Lot 5. We will also be cheering on the graduates near one of the Family Viewing Areas by the Recreation Wellness Center.

We hope to see all families of graduating Roadrunners at Commencement Drive. If your student will be graduating in a future semester, consider volunteering with the Family Association to welcome families or cheer along the route at this special event. To volunteer, email family@utsa.edu.

Help us Welcome New Roadrunner Families

The Family Association is looking for volunteers to assist at Family Orientation this summer. This is an opportunity to help us welcome new Roadrunner families to UTSA and the Family Association Membership. There are various options where you can assist and speak with families through a presentation or by mingling with families. We have both in-person and virtual opportunities. Take a look at the following dates and times to see when you may be able to join us in meeting new Roadrunner families.

In-Person Family Orientation

• Every Monday and Tuesday from June 6 through 28 and July 11 through 26, from 12:20 – 12:50 pm in the Student Union Denman Ballroom (SU 2.01.28)

Virtual Family Orientations from 7:45 – 7:55 pm

• Wednesday, May 25
• Wednesday, June 15
• Wednesday, July 13
• Wednesday, August 10

Please email the Family Association if you are interested in volunteering or would like more details about UTSA Family Orientation.

Free Snacks During Finals!

It is important for your student to keep their body and brains fed while they are preparing for projects and studying for exams. Here is a list of fun activities with free snacks happening on campus throughout the finals schedule! Each event will give snacks while supplies last so let your student know to get there early!

• Late Night Breakfast – Students can take a break from studying and stop by the Roadrunner Café on Tuesday, May 3 from 9:00 to 11:00 pm for some free food!
• Giving Day Reward: LT's Ursula Cosplay and Snack Giveaway - LT Robinson, Senior Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, will be in costume as the Disney villain Ursula on Thursday, May 5 at 9:30 am. Have your student come to the Sombrilla Plaza for free snacks on the first morning of finals.
• Exam Week Snacks – Campus Rec will be offering snacks from 6:00 to 10:00 am beginning Monday, May 2 through Wednesday, May 11. Snacks will be distributed from the Member Services Desk.
• Study Union – Students can visit the SU Window Lounge for breakfast or dinner snacks, coloring, Play-Doh sculpting, button making, and words of encouragement wall during the following times.
  • Weekdays from Thursday, May 5, through Wednesday, May 11 - 9:00 – 11:00 am
  • Thursday, May 5, and Friday, May 6 – 9:00 – 11:00 pm   

UTSA Giving Day

The Family Association would like to thank all donors who took the time to donate as part of UTSA Giving Day! We appreciate the donations we received for the UTSA Family Fund. These gifts will make it possible to foster a sense of belonging with students and their families at traditional UTSA events.

Mailings will begin for the Mama Bird, Papa Bird, or Bird Fam shirts eligible for individual donations of $25 or more, the week of May 9.

All About UTSA

History & Traditions
For a university that has only been around for a little over 50 years, UTSA has strong traditions that tell our story of community and cultural diversity, as well as a rich history filled with stories of success. Check out our new Traditions and History pages to find your favorite Roadrunner tradition or discover something new about UTSA's past!

Recognitions
As one of only 20 Hispanic Serving Institutions in the nation that also claim a Tier One designation for research, UTSA is gaining attention as a model for the future of higher education in our nation. Visit our new Fast Facts & Accolades page to see how a ‘Runner education sets you apart!

Explore UTSA Summer Camps!

As the school year winds down, UTSA summer camp programs are ramping up. Dozens of camp opportunities are available that cater to youth—from kindergarten through high school—as well as young adults. Throughout the summer, UTSA will host half-day and full-day camps at both the Main and Downtown campuses. Families can register campers by visiting the UTSA Summer Camp website.

Summer Work Study Positions Available

Your student can have a hand in many of the great departments and programs that directly serve students. There are several UTSA departments hiring students with work-study awards for summer positions. Check out Handshake for more information about the positions below as well as graduate assistantships, teaching assistant positions, and more!

• Student Activities Front Desk
• Multicultural Student Center for Equity and Justice Peer Facilitator
• Student Conduct and Community Standards Front Desk
• Family Association Student Assistant
• Student Affairs Front Desk

Volunteer with VetStrong

UTSA is partnering with VetStrong to donate furniture from Chisholm Hall to previously homeless veterans. Campus Services and VetStrong are looking for families to volunteer to help remove the current furniture from the residence hall on May 12 and 13 between 8:00 and 11:30 am. Free lunch and bottled water will be provided to all volunteers. If you and your family are interested in this opportunity to engage with your Roadrunner community and support our veterans, we encourage your family to sign up now!

• UTSA students: Register here
• Friends and Family: Register here

The Spring Semester is Over!

The end of the Spring semester marks a number of transitions for students. For those graduating, the job search or continued graduate studies will be at the top of minds. Continuing students may be enjoying a summer break, gaining career experiences, taking classes, or a combination of these options.

Speak with your Roadrunner about their plans, how you can support them through the transition and how you all will adjust to shared living space again if they are moving home.

Graduating students:

• How can I support you in your continued job search? Tell me about what types of jobs you are applying for.
• How can I help you transition into graduate studies? Have you received any scholarships or graduate assistantships?
• What will you miss most about your time at UTSA?
• Do you plan to join the Roadrunner Alumni Association?

Continuing students

• Is your fall semester course schedule finalized?
• Will you be applying to, or have you accepted an offer for, a summer internship?
• How do you plan to re-energize yourself over the summer?

All students

• Overall, what are your feelings about how this year went? Were your expectations met? Did anything surprise you?
• How will you use what you learned this year?
• What are some of your favorite memories from this past school year?