MARCH 11, 2022 — Amid the excitement preparing for spring break, UTSA Chief of Police Stephanie Schoenborn encourages students to be cautious while having fun.
Schoenborn said it's a wonderful time for students to unwind, relax and take a break from their studies, but she hopes students remain safe while doing so. Most importantly, she suggests taking advantage of ride-shares during the spring break holiday.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were 872 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes over the course of spring break last year, resulting in 30 fatalities and 107 serious injuries.
“If there’s one thing that is so preventable, it’s not getting behind the wheel of a car when you’re impaired,” Schoenborn said. “We are the largest state institution of this region and we want our campus and our community to be safe.”
Officials from TxDOT visited the UTSA Main Campus this week and presented the “Drive Sober. No Regrets.” campaign as a reminder of the consequences that result from driving drunk. The event included a video exhibit featuring testimonials and vision alcohol-impairment goggles that students were able to try on while attempting to drive or walk in a straight line.
UTSA senior Jose Pague thought the event provided a good perspective for students.
“You think you can drive, but all it takes is one mistake and the likelihood of that happening while drunk is way higher than being sober,” Pague said.
In addition to using ride-shares or securing a designated driver, Schoenborn said there are plenty of measures students can take prior to enjoying their spring break plans. She noted students should be aware of their surroundings and have conversations with friends to establish boundaries.
“If they’re in a situation they don’t feel comfortable in, they need to speak up and make sure they communicate with their friends that something is not right,” Schoenborn said. “It is so important to advocate for your own safety and for others as well.”
Schoenborn recommended the Green Dot Bystander Intervention initiative, facilitated by UTSA Wellbeing Services, as a critical resource that could be of aid to students, not only as they prepare for spring break but for any time throughout the year.
Green Dot is a nationally recognized anti-violence initiative aimed at decreasing and preventing the occurrence of harassment through workshops. Overview sessions introduce students to the basic issues of power-based personal violence prevention, while Green Dot Training sessions equip students with skills to increase their proactive and reactive bystander behaviors. A “green dot” is any behavior, choice, word or attitude that promotes safety and counteracts any form of violence.
Students are also encouraged to download the LiveSafe App. The app crowdsources safety and security notices, offers a SafeWalk feature that allows families and friends to track their loved ones as they walk home, includes an anonymous reporting feature, and allows students, faculty and staff to share their location in an emergency.
“The important piece is we want everybody to return safely and be able to graduate and move forward with their lives,” Schoenborn said. “We’re here to give everybody the tools to succeed.”
UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
Join the doctoral candidates for the Doctoral Conferreal Ceremony and celebrate their accomplishments.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusCelebrate the graduates from the biology, health and environment program.
Denman Galleria (SU2.01,) Student Union, Main CampusJoin us for the Veteran Cording Ceremony, a special graduation event honoring the journey of our veteran students. This ceremony celebrates your achievements and the unique path you've traveled to reach this milestone. You will have the opportunity to be corded on stage by someone of your choice—a loved one, mentor, or friend—or by our Director of Veteran and Military Affairs.
Richard Liu Auditorium (BB 2.01.02,) Main CampusCelebrate the graduates from the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, College of Education and Human Development, Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design and University College.
AlamodomeCelebrate the graduates from the College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and College of Sciences.
AlamodomeUTSA Staff Senate will be sponsoring the UTSA Great Staff Appreciation event for all staff employees.
H-E-B Student Union Ballroom 1 & 2, Main CampusThe 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.
