Newsletter
The Family Association Newsletter provides you with insight into UTSA events, resources, opportunities, and talking points for supporting your student.
November Highlights
During the month of November, many programs and events shift to help students manage the stresses of studying for class, work shifts, and friendships. Read about what is coming up on at UTSA, including a few events just for Roadrunner families.
Vote at UTSA
UTSA students and the public are encouraged to participate in the November 8 general election. Early voting continues through Friday, November 4. Election day takes place Tuesday, November 8.
Registered Bexar County voters may cast their ballot at the H-E-B Student Union Bexar Room (HSU 1.102) on the Main Campus. The Downtown Campus community can vote at the nearby Bexar County Elections Office, located at 1103 S. Frio St.
Voters will need to show a valid photo ID or secondary supporting ID and may take a personalized sample printed ballot to the polls. Visit the Rowdy Votes website for additional information.
First-Gen Family Social
The Family Association is partnering with First Generation and Transfer Student Programs for a November virtual social during First-Gen Fest, a week of programs that promote a culture of visibility for the first-generation community at UTSA.
On Monday, November 7 at 6:30 pm, the First Gen Family Virtual Social will focus on first-generation students and their families. Meet and hear from first-gen students and their families to better understand what goes on during college, learn about how to support each other through the process, and hear about similar experiences you may have with other first-gen Roadrunner families. Register to attend this Zoom event.
Unwind Before the Grind
Unwind Before the Grind is a series of events designed to help students find time to relax and learn strategies for relieving stress leading up to finals. Running from November 1 through December 9, the events include activities such as meditation, therapy dog sessions, group exercise, aromatherapy, creative projects, snacks, and giveaways.
Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is a nationwide initiative to bring awareness to the issues of homelessness and hunger in our local communities and across America. Students are invited to join Leadership and Volunteer Services (LVS) at the Student Indoor Tailgate on Saturday, November 12 to kick-off the start of events and receive an orange ribbon in recognition of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
Running from November 12 through November 17, the events include activities such as the Hunger Banquet, Blanket Making, Thanksgiving Packaging, and the HHAW Walk and Guest Speaker. All events can be found on the LVS RowdyLink Page.
Lighting UTSA for the Holidays
Roadrunner families are invited to watch the lighting of UTSA Main and Downtown Campuses for the holiday season at one of two events throughout our campuses.
Student Activities will host Light the Plaza at the Downtown Campus on Tuesday, November 15 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Enjoy music and food, support local businesses, and get into the festive spirit! A short program will be held to watch the Bill Miller Plaza light up.
Light the Paseo will be on Wednesday, November 30 at the Main Campus. This annual event will have a variety of traditional holiday foods to eat and live performances to watch. Witness the Student Union Paseo light up the night from 6:00 to 11:00 pm. We can’t wait to see families at these events!
Transgender Awareness Week
Transgender Awareness Week happens each year to help raise the visibility of transgender people while addressing issues members of the community face. From November 13 through November 19, the Multicultural Student Center for Equity and Justice (MSCEJ) will recognize the week with programs open to the UTSA community.
Roadrunners are welcome to join the Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil happening Thursday, November 17 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Student Union Paseo. The evening vigil honors the transgender lives lost in the past. A candlelight vigil, reading of names, a moment of silence, and reflections will be shared.
MSCEJ offers support for identifying students and training for allies throughout the year. Learn more about what educational and celebratory programs and events are available to UTSA students by visiting the MSCEJ website.
Upcoming Events
Fall Finals
Finals are known as a time of stress, sleep, and frantic studying. Check on your student to make sure they are getting enough food and rest! Also encourage them to stop by one of the Unwind Before the Grind events for a moment to destress. Finals for your Roadrunner start Monday, December 5 and continue through Friday, December 9.
Commencement Celebrations
Get ready to celebrate your graduating Roadrunner! Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral graduates have a variety of options for celebrating this great accomplishment. Families can keep up with all event details happening Thursday, December 8 through Tuesday, December 13 by visiting the Commencement Website.
2023 Roadrunner Days
The Spring 2023 semester is quickly approaching! Mark your calendar for Spring Roadrunner Days. Welcome events for new and returning students will be from Saturday, January 14 through Saturday, January 21. Daily event details coming soon.
Resources and Opportunities
First-Gen Fest
With the First-Gen student population at UTSA being nearly 50% of the overall student community, the First-Generation & Transfer Student Council (FGTSC) coordinates a week-long experience that promotes first-generation community awareness for students, faculty and staff. This program promotes a culture of visibility for the first-generation community that displays the unique strengths, experiences, and achievements that these students bring to the university.
Join FGTSC for a week of celebration, community building, engagement, and fun from Monday, November 7 through Friday, November 11.
Blood Drive
Last blood drive of the semester! The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center will be on campus Monday, November 28 and Tuesday, November 29 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm in the H-E-B Student Union Bexar Room, 1.102. Students can schedule an appointment or walk in to donate. Summer themed shirts or an e-gift card of your choice through the donor store will be available.
Texas Conference for Women
Students are invited to apply for a chance to receive an admission to the 2022 Texas Conference for Women that is taking place virtually on Thursday, November 10 and will feature renowned keynote speakers including Shoshana Johnson, Laysha Ward, Dr. Brene Brown, and Selena Gomez. Leadership and Volunteer Services is accepting applications via RowdyLink on the Texas Conference for Women Application.
Participating in an Identity and Cultural Graduation Celebration
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 December. Families are invited to attend these celebrations in support of our Dreamer/Undocumented graduates, LGBTQIA+ graduates, and Black/African American graduates. Details for the individual celebrations can be found on the Commencement website.
Graduating roadrunners interested in participating in one of these special celebrations need to sign up on RowdyLink by Monday, November 21.
Conversations With Your Roadrunner
Unwinding through the End of Semester
Finals are just a few weeks away. Your student may be swamped with exams, projects, papers and presentations. Stress levels may increase as students balance work and relationships on top of studying. Find time to talk about stress and how your roadrunner can relax by attending one of UTSA’s Unwind Before the Grind events or creating moments of their own. It may also help to discuss the semester during Thanksgiving Break.
- What is your class workload for the remainder of the semester?
- What are you doing for self-care and relaxation?
- Which event on the Unwind Before the Grind event calendar looks fun for you to attend?
- Give an update on the friends you’ve made at college.
- What do you hope to do while you are at home for Thanksgiving?
- Will you be visiting friends from high school during your visit home?
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
