Students begin new chapter at UTSA during Roadrunner Days

Roadrunner Days runs from Aug. 17-25 and gets students ready for the new academic year.

(Aug. 13, 2018) -- A new school year kicks off this week at UTSA with Roadrunner Days. Freshmen and transfer students will join Roadrunner Nation, participating in dozens of campus-wide events to get ready for the new academic year.   

From August 17 to 25, students will experience life as a Roadrunner through a series of activities that give them a sense of belonging. They will learn about UTSA resources to help them succeed, engage in campus involvement, make new friends and participate in time-honored UTSA traditions.

Roadrunner Days begins with Residence Hall Move-In Day on Friday, August 17. More than 4,300 excited students will arrive on campus to start a new chapter of their lives in their new homes. Move-in will continue Saturday, August 18.

After a day full of moving, the students and their families can relax and enjoy the Welcome Back Party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 17 at the Student Union Paseo. This is a perfect opportunity to pick up some iconic UTSA items, dance and enjoy sweet treats. Stick around for a performance from The Spirit of San Antonio (SOSA), UTSA’s marching band to get into the Roadrunner spirit.

The fun continues throughout the weekend with gatherings such as Late Night at the Rec, Kickback at the Union, Quest at the John Peace Library and Fast Action Trivia where new students can test their UTSA knowledge.

The Class of 2022 will come together on Monday, August 20 at 10 a.m. for Convocation. The ceremony is the first step the Roadrunners will take in their higher education journey of discovery. UTSA President Taylor Eighmy, UTSA Provost Kimberly Andrews Espy and fellow UTSA students will speak to new students about their experiences, mission and vision for the future. They will also learn Roadrunner traditions including the UTSA Fight Song, Roadrunner Creed and Alma Mater.

Following Convocation, Roadrunners explore their major, meeting with professors and advisors to create an academic plan specific to their degree goal.

Before heading to the first day of classes, students and the entire UTSA community will unite under the San Antonio sky for Midnight Light. The UTSA tradition takes place at 11:30 p.m. on Monday, August 20. Join President Eighmy, Rowdy and SOSA as UTSA lights the Monuments at the Main Campus entrance at the stroke of midnight to mark the start of the new academic year. The Student Union towers will also light up the Paseo.

Roadrunner Days fun continues all week. Between classes, get involved in several new and popular student activities on the Main and Downtown Campuses.

New this year, cool off and meet President Eighmy during Paletas with the Prez from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 21 in the Sombrilla on the Main Campus and from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 22 in Bill Miller Plaza on the Downtown Campus.

Before Paletas with the Prez, students at the Downtown Campus can stop by the Bill Miller Plaza at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, August 21 for Birds Up, Downtown, a fun gathering with music, food and giveaways. Students are also encouraged to learn about various student services during the Tomás Rivera Center Open House from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 22 and they can check out the Downtown Library during a special mixer from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 23.

There are also several opportunities to learn ways to get involved at UTSA including the Welcome Social for First-Gen and Transfer Students, Fraternity/Sorority Life Mix and Mingle, the Student Government Association Meet and Greet and Networking Socials, a series of campus-wide events that focus on UTSA’s diverse population. There's also a series of workshops on Roadrunner Life Hacks, to help students survive and thrive through college life.

Roadrunners have a lot to celebrate after completing the first week of classes. There are several fun, new activities to enjoy. The weekend gets started with a UTSA tradition, Howdy Rowdy Bash. This unique event from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, August 24 has moved to Six Flags Fiesta Texas and is open to the entire UTSA community. It will feature live music from Jesse McCartney, exclusive ride time and more. Student discount tickets are $25 and faculty, staff and family member tickets are $30 and are available for purchase at Roadrunner Express on the Main Campus. Each ticket includes admission to the park and bash, free parking after 5:30 p.m. as well as another ticket to visit Fiesta Texas in September 2018.

For those who prefer to stay on campus, Ocean’s Eight will be shown on Friday, August 24 at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. and Saturday, August 25 at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Retama Auditorium (SU 2.02.02).

Then on Saturday, August 25, the UTSA community will give back at Roadrunner Days Service Projects. Students, faculty and staff will ride shuttles to various non-profits throughout San Antonio to lend a helping hand. 

Roadrunner Days wraps up with football. UTSA Football Fan Day moves to the Alamodome this year. It offers fans a home game experience complete with tailgating, a Spirit Walk, a scrimmage and an autograph session with Roadrunner coaches and players. The fun begins at 11 a.m.; the scrimmage kicks off at 6 p.m.

Students will need to check into all Roadrunner Days events using Event Pass on their mobile device.  To do so, simply log in to RowdyLink, click on profile and download event pass using Apple Wallet, Google Play or screenshot.  Saving the event pass makes checking into campus events quick and easy.  In many cases, students will need their event pass or abc123 to get free swag, food and shirts at events.

— Courtney Clevenger

Learn more about UTSA Roadrunner Days and view the schedule of events.

Find more UTSA back to school information on the Welcome, Roadrunners page.

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