AUGUST 21, 2023 — Editor’s note: The following message was sent today via email from President Taylor Eighmy to all faculty, staff and students:
Welcome to a new academic year! If this is your first semester at UTSA, welcome to our Roadrunner community. If you are returning, welcome back. I hope the summer months gave you the opportunity to rest and recharge for all the excitement this semester will bring.
We have many celebrations, milestones and gatherings to anticipate this year. To name just a few:
Celebrating our achievement of NRUF eligibility
As shared earlier this month, UTSA has officially met the State of Texas’ eligibility criteria and passed the audit to participate in the National Research University Fund (NRUF), solidifying our position as a university capable of tackling society’s grandest challenges. Now, we look ahead to the National Research Support Fund (NRSF) for other, additional resources contingent upon legislative policy. As mentioned, I will share updates as we learn more about these projected increases.
Completing our strategic plan refresh
As Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Heather Shipley recently shared, the strategic plan refresh committee has completed its year-long work and presented a plan to shape the university’s future. For those employees who participated in a survey, town hall or listening session, thank you for your contributions and ideas. I know you’ll all be proud to see the results, and I look forward to sharing more details on next steps in the coming months.
Breaking ground on new buildings
Earlier this month, we announced plans for Blanco Hall, a new residence hall that will expand our housing options for first-year students and sophomores on Main Campus. Additionally, at our Downtown Campus, we have plans to break ground on San Pedro II, the Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Careers (IEC) building that will be home to interdisciplinary and collaborative programs in business, engineering and sciences.
Learning treasured traditions
Although UTSA is a fairly young university, our Roadrunner traditions run deep! For those new or returning students, I hope you’ll take time to immerse yourself in our community, culture and traditions. Through our traditions, you’ll quickly find why UTSA is such a special place. A great place to start is at Roadrunner Days—be sure to explore this year’s offerings.
Wellbeing services for all students
At UTSA, we take an integrated approach to student health that focuses on your wellbeing to set you up for success. I encourage you to explore our services, programs and events to help take care of your physical and mental health this semester and beyond. You may notice that the UT Health Wellness 360 front office is under construction; however, services will remain uninterrupted.
Supporting Roadrunner Athletics
As many of you know, UTSA recently joined The American Athletic Conference, elevating our Athletics program to the national stage. The increased name recognition our new conference will bring to the university will enhance the value of a UTSA degree — benefitting all students. Be sure to check out our 2023 Football schedule and other athletic events happening throughout the semester.
State of the University Address
Looking ahead, I invite you to join me at our next State of the University Address tentatively scheduled for January 22, 2024. Similar to our 2023 program, I’ll reflect on last year’s milestones, look ahead to next year’s opportunities, and explore pathways of future success for our students and university with fellow colleagues on stage.
Together, let’s make this new academic year safe, productive and fun. I wish you all a semester of new learning adventures and opportunities to grow.
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Archaeology 101 will introduce campers to archaeology and build on learned skills through experimental activities (like cave painting, weaving, and garbology).
Center for Archaeological Research, UTSA Main CampusJoin UTSA Professional and Continuing Education for an inspiring journey into the artistic universe of Dee Clements, where threads intertwine with creativity, sustainability and cultural exploration. This thought-provoking lecture delves into her past work, exploring the intricate threads that connect tradition, innovation and social impact.
Russell Hill Rogers Lecture Hall, Santikos Building, Southwest CampusThis academically rigorous mathematics-based summer enrichment program prepares middle and high school students for advanced studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Participants learn about problem-solving systems, develop greater awareness of STEM careers, strengthen their research and study skills, and participate in special events.
UTSA Main CampusArchaeology 201 will briefly go over the foundations of archaeology and related skills, followed by a different topic over the course of this week (like skeletal analysis, global cultures, and more).
Center for Archaeological Research, UTSA Main CampusThis one-week virtual camp introduces students to the world of white-hat hacking and penetration testing — two methods that cybersecurity researchers use to identify security vulnerabilities in an organization’s network.
Online via ZoomArchaeology 101 will introduce campers to archaeology and build on learned skills through experimental activities (like cave painting, weaving, and garbology).
Center for Archaeological Research, UTSA Main CampusThe camp exposes rising high school juniors, rising seniors and incoming college freshman to the many facets of the criminal justice system. Students will have opportunities to learn the functions of police in society, apply scientific theories to criminal investigations by examining a mock crime scene, and visit the Federal and County Courthouses, Bexar County Emergency Management Office and SAPD Public Safety headquarters.
UTSA 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, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .
The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.
