More than 32,000 students begin fall semester at UTSA

(Aug. 26, 2019) -- More than 32,000 students, including 4,600 freshmen, will flock to the Main and Downtown Campuses today as Fall semester classes officially begin at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). As the students arrive, they will notice many new changes across the university. Much work was underway over the summer to prepare for the start of the new academic year.

This year, UTSA welcomes more than 70 new faculty members, including 52 tenured and tenure-track faculty members. The new researchers are joining UTSA from prestigious research universities such as Rice, Yale, UT-Austin, University of Pennsylvania, Virginia Tech and UCLA. Notably, six of UTSA’s new faculty members have robust expertise in artificial intelligence. They were part of a cluster hiring initiative to strengthen UTSA in this growing and critical area.

With visionary, research intensive degree programs, UTSA kicks off 2019 with a new undergraduate program and two new master’s programs. The first undergraduates will begin in UTSA’s new Aerospace Engineering certificate program this semester. To prepare students for success in today’s increasingly interconnected environment, UTSA is also offering a master’s degree program in Global Affairs and a master’s degree in Applied Demography for the first time this fall.

As UTSA advances its 10-year strategic plan, students will see construction underway on the Main Campus. UTSA made substantial progress on the construction of its Science and Engineering Building (SEB), which is located on the Main Campus adjacent to the Biotechnology, Sciences and Engineering building (BSE). The SEB is slated to open in Summer 2020. UTSA is also preparing a site adjacent to the Main Campus North Paseo Building where it plans to add a Centralized Advising Modular Complex. This 30,000 square foot modular complex, at the corner of Cook Rd. and Devine Ave., will offer access to essential resources for student academic success and is slated for completion in Spring 2020. 

Construction on an additional project will begin on the Main Campus this semester. Construction on Guadalupe Hall, a new residence hall designed to feature a live-learn environment, will begin soon just east of the Roadrunner Café.

New students will also experience more transportation and dining options this semester. Today, UTSA will celebrate its new partnership with VIA Metropolitan Transit. Starting this fall, the VIA U-Pass will give students and employees free, unlimited access to ride VIA. Route 93 is a quick, convenient option between the Main and Downtown Campuses, while routes throughout San Antonio make it easy to commute around the city at any time. 

Starting this fall, The Runner will add a shuttle stop at the Sterling Heights apartment complex. Students at Sterling Heights and Tetro Village will use The Runner Route 47 for quick service to the Campus Oval, while students at High View Place and Maverick Creek will ride the new route 45. Visit Campus Services for more information on The Runner, including routes and schedules.

This semester, the new Resident Lot 5 (R5) on Barshop Blvd. will provide parking for drivers with Resident “H” parking permits. With Guadalupe Hall construction set to begin soon in Resident Lot 2 (R2), R5 will offset the upcoming loss of some existing resident parking spaces.

On the go? Download The Runner GPS app to track your shuttle in real-time. It is available in the App Store and on Google Play.

Also new this year, Roadrunners are encouraged to fuel up pre- or post-workout with fresh, healthy, and convenient grab-and-go dining options at the new reFUEL Counter in the Recreation Wellness Center. The reFUEL Counter combines a corner store with the style of a modern market, featuring delicious options for lunch or any time of day. Items include freshly-prepared sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit, beverages, protein bars and shakes.

To celebrate the start of the fall semester, the UTSA community is encouraged to participate in Roadrunner Days, a 16-day celebration of fun, engaging activities to guide new and returning students into a successful academic year. This special UTSA tradition, which includes dozens of events and time-honored UTSA traditions, will last through Sept. 7.

— Pamela Lutrell

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Get involved during Roadrunner Days and find other fall 2019 information for all Roadrunners.

Celebrate UTSA’s 50th Anniversary and share social media posts about the 50th using the hashtag #UTSA50.

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