Awareness Months
The Multicultural Student Center for Equity and Justice (MSCEJ) collaborates with campus departments to host events commemorating the history and heritage of various identities. Events scheduled to observe national awareness months are guided by UTSA registered student organizations. MSCEJ designs educational and entertaining programs to foster awareness and provide space for celebration. Programming includes:
Hispanic Heritage Month
The UTSA community celebrates the culture, contributions, and heritage of Hispanic Americans during Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The Multicultural Student Center for Equity and Justice hosts events including Calle UTSA, a street fair atmosphere with performances, activity tables, and food.
LGBTQ+ History/Pride Month
The Multicultural Student Center for Equity and Justice hosts programming commemorating LGBTQ+ Month in October along with a celebration of National Coming Out Day. Events include the LGBTQ+ Pride Month & Information Fair showcasing local LGBTQ+ service organizations. Events are planned in partnership with the Spectrum student organization.
Diversity Month
The Multicultural Student Center for Equity and Justice commemorates Diversity Month in November as a culmination of multiple observances including American/American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage, Homeless Youth Awareness, Hunger Awareness, Veteran and Military Families Awareness, and International Education Week. The signature event of the month is Celebrate UTSA. This large-scale collaborative event is an annual fair celebrating the diverse identities represented at UTSA and includes food, games, and performances.
African-American (Black) History Month
Throughout February, UTSA honors African-American heritage and the civil rights leaders who paved the way during Black History Month. The Multicultural Student Center for Equity and Justice, UTSA student organizations, and colleges/departments host events recognizing people, places, and events that have impacted black history. The Black Heritage Month Student Planning Committee at UTSA partners with the UTSA The Multicultural Student Center for Equity and Justice, the UTSA African American Studies Program, and Student Union Programs to schedule an event line-up to recognize the importance of Black history. Events include a student organization-led Black Alumni and Professionals Panel and the Black Heritage Banquet. The Banquet is typically held on the last Thursday of February and includes a keynote speaker, dinner, award presentation, and dance.
Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month
Due to the academic calendar, the UTSA community celebrates Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month in April instead of the national commemoration in May. The Multicultural Student Center for Equity and Justice hosts various events in partnership with the East Asia Institute and the Office of International Program. The signature event for the month is Asian FanFair. It is a fair-style event with performances, activities, and food that highlight the Asian and Pacific Island cultures and is held on the first Wednesday of April.
Patriot Day
Patriot Day is a collaboration between the UTSA AFROTC, AROTC, and the Student Union, where a moment of silence is shared in the Student Union Paseo to observe this National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Veteran’s Day
On Veterans Day, officially recognized on November 11, Americans remember and honor all who have served in our nation’s military. UTSA also honors their patriotic commitment and sacrifices of safety, comfort, and well-being and that of their families by hosting a series of events that are open to the UTSA and San Antonio communities.
World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day centers on raising awareness, remembering those who have died of HIV/AIDS-related illness and celebrating victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services. This event has become one of the most recognized international health days and is observed in more than 190 countries around the globe.
