UTSA Inspire allows students to connect with academic advisors more easily

DECEMBER 6, 2023 — This semester, UTSA launched a new student success tool, UTSA Inspire, to allow students to easily self-schedule appointments with their academic advisor. UTSA Inspire now is available to all currently enrolled UTSA students, coinciding with open registration for the spring 2024 semester.

Offered through Civitas Learning, UTSA Inspire enables students to schedule advising appointments directly by viewing their advisor’s open appointment slots and picking the time and modality that best fits their schedule.

Detailed instructions for scheduling a meeting with an academic advisor through Inspire are available on the UTSA Inspire resources webpage.

“This tool will empower students with the ability to choose an appointment time and modality that best fits their needs and availability.”

“We are excited to provide this new avenue for students to schedule an appointment to meet with their advisor, as it is something they have inquired about in recent years,” said Vince Hernandez, UTSA executive director for academic advising. “Our advising community strives to support our students because academic advising is one of several critical elements that can help with both student persistence, as well as a student’s sense of belonging here at UTSA.

"This tool will empower students with the ability to choose an appointment time and modality that best fits their needs and availability," Hernandez continued.

UTSA first partnered with Civitas, an Austin-based education technology firm, in 2020 to offer a suite of intelligence-based software solutions to expand UTSA’s student success initiatives.

Other Civitas tools in use at UTSA include Illume, which helps identify students who are at risk of dropping out, and Impact, a data-analysis tool that helps the university evaluate the efficacy of its student success programs. In February, the UT System Board of Regents approved an extension of the university’s services agreement with Civitas through 2027.

“Our partnership with Civitas allows us to take a more personalized approach to student success and to provide real-time support customized for each student,” said Tammy Wyatt, UTSA senior vice provost for student success. “As example, (UTSA) Inspire promotes stronger advisor-student relationships, encourages open communication, and ultimately results in more effective academic planning and support.

“Moreover, it streamlines the academic advising process, reducing scheduling conflicts and ensuring that our students can seek assistance when they need it most, ultimately contributing to improved academic outcomes and student satisfaction,” Wyatt added.

— Rebecca Luther