(Jan. 10, 2019) -- Texas lawmakers got back to work this week for the 86th legislative session, spending the next several months addressing the state’s needs and funding priorities.
In a message sent to the campus community just before the holidays, President Taylor Eighmy acknowledged the significant impact the legislature can have on current and future programs offered at the UTSA.
“We have a vested interest in the Legislature’s priorities and the political tides that impact higher education,” said Eighmy. “I will spend a lot of time up in Austin this winter and spring, advocating as much as I can for UTSA’s priorities.”
Eighmy pointed to UTSA’s Legislative Appropriations Request, which outlines the funding requests the university has put forward to lawmakers. Higher education institutions are expected to present their priorities to the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees in mid- February.
UTSA’s representatives in the Texas Senate and House are an experienced group with a deep ties to education. They include:
State Senator José Menéndez - Representing both the Main Campus and Downtown Campus, Menéndez was elected to the Texas Senate in 2015. He currently serves as the Senate Committee on Higher Education, Criminal Justice, Intergovernmental Relations and Nominations.
State Rep. Trey Martinez-Fischer - Representing the Main Campus, Martinez-Fischer is an alumnus of UTSA and the first member of his family to graduate from college. He was first elected to the Texas House in 2000 and re-elected in 2018
State Rep. Diego Bernal - Representing the UTSA Downtown Campus, Bernal was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in February 2015. He currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Public Education and is also a member of the House Committee on Urban Affairs and the House Committee on House Administration.
Plans for a UTSA Day at the Texas State Capitol are in the works, which will provide an opportunity to highlight the university’s programs and priorities with legislators. In addition, the UTSA will join forces with the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce for VIVA Day at the Capitol on March 5. Both events will involve delegations of students, alumni, faculty, staff and community supporters traveling to Austin to advocate for the university.
For more information, visit the Texas Legislature website.
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Move-in Day is an exciting time for incoming students. Students living in Chaparral Village move in from August 20-21. The UTSA Housing and Residence Life (HRL) team looks forward to welcoming you all and helping you settle into your room.
Chaparral VillageMove-in Day is an exciting time for incoming students. Students living in Laurel Village move in on August 22. The UTSA Housing and Residence Life (HRL) team looks forward to welcoming you all and helping you settle into your room.
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Outdoor Learning Environment 2 (OLE), Flawn Building, Main CampusWe're excited to welcome the new class of UTSA College of Liberal and Fine Arts (COLFA) students to campus! Move In To COLFA is strongly recommended for new students in COLFA because it gives you the chance to learn about the Student Success Center, learn how to do college successfully and meet new friends.
Galleria (MH 2.01), McKinney Humanities Building, Main CampusBuild connections with your Alvarez College of Business peers and learn more about the Career Compass program! This opportunity will provide fun interactions, giveaways and a chance to meet your next friend!
Richard Liu Auditorium (BB 2.01.02,) Business Building, Main CampusCelebrate the end of summer and the start off a great fall semester with The Housing Block Party! This event will have live music, carnival-style treats, artists, games, and activities galore. Come and join us for a night of fun!
Multipurpose Room/Lawn, Guadalupe Hall, Main CampusBe part of an unforgettable night as SOSA takes the field for its first public performance of the season! Experience the power, pride, and pageantry of UTSA’s marching band. Learn beloved traditions, practice cheers, and feel what it means to be a Roadrunner.
Campus Rec FieldsThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
