The Academic Introduction and Strategies (AIS) program offers a set of core curriculum courses required for all first-time freshmen and students entering the university with less than 30 hours. Each student takes one AIS course during their first year at UTSA and it’s a signature part of the Roadrunner First Year Experience.

 

Karen Daas, Ph.D. - AIS Program Director

Contact

Karen Daas, Ph.D. - Program Director

(210) 458-6866

Main Campus: GSR 2.104

AIS@utsa.edu

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Stay connected and engaged with AIS on Instagram!

AIS Faculty

Elena Camargo

Elena Camargo

Assistant Professor of Practice, Academic Introduction & Strategies

Karen Daas, Ph.D.

Karen Daas, Ph.D.

Program Director, Academic Introduction and Strategies Multidisciplinary Studies

Judith Dones

Judith Dones

Associate Professor of Practice, Academic Introduction & Strategies

Karen Engates, Ph.D.

Karen Engates, Ph.D.

Professor of Instruction, Academic Introduction & Strategies

Aaron Galliher, Ph.D.

Aaron Galliher, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Practice, Academic Introduction & Strategies

Morgan Grace

Morgan Grace

Assistant Professor of Practice, Academic Introduction & Strategies

Jesse Harasta, Ph.D.

Jesse Harasta, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Instruction, Academic Introduction & Strategies

Katheryne Harrell

Katheryne Harrell

Associate Professor of Practice, Academic Introduction & Strategies

Tinney Leveridge, Ph.D.

Tinney Leveridge, Ph.D.

Professor of Instruction, Academic Introduction & Strategies

Frances Matos, Ph.D.

Frances Matos, Ph.D.

Professor of Practice , Academic Introduction & Strategies

Michael Newell, Ph.D.

Michael Newell, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Instruction, Academic Introduction & Strategies

Erin O'Brien

Erin O'Brien

Assistant Professor of Practice, Academic Introduction & Strategies

Candelario Ramirez

Candelario Ramirez

Senior Lecturer, Academic Introduction & Strategies

Lauren Riojas-Fitzpatrick

Lauren Riojas-Fitzpatrick

Assistant Professor of Instruction, Academic Introduction & Strategies

Naomi Rubal

Naomi Rubal

Assistant Professor of Practice, Academic Introduction & Strategies

Alyssa Vikesland, Ph.D.

Alyssa Vikesland, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Instruction, Academic Introduction & Strategies

Colleen Witt

Colleen Witt

Professor of Instruction, Academic Introduction & Strategies

What to expect in your AIS course

Every AIS course has the same objectives:

  • Build and enhance students’ fundamental skills necessary for success in college.
  • Explore majors related to students’ interests.
  • Engage in career exploration consistent with students’ professional goals.

Every AIS course falls within an Academic Studies section:

While each AIS course has the same objectives, they are organized by different disciplines – what we call Academic Studies -- that map to certain majors. Students are placed in one of the seven AIS courses below based on the Academic Studies section that includes their declared major.

Taught by all AIS faculty

  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Undeclared

Taught by Lauren Riojas-Fitzpatrick

  • American Studies
  • Art
  • Art History and Criticism
  • Classical Studies and Humanities
  • English
  • History
  • Medical Humanities
  • Mexican American Studies
  • Modern Language Studies
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Spanish
  • Women's Studies

Taught by Judy Dones, Erin O’Brien, and Morgan Grace

  • Accounting
  • Actuarial Science
  • Cyber Security
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Information Systems
  • Management
  • Management Science
  • Marketing
  • Real Estate Finance and Development
  • Statistics and Data Science

Taught by Alyssa Vikesland, Karen Engates, and Cande Ramirez III

  • Architecture
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Science and Management
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Geology
  • Interior Design
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Physics

Taught by Tinney Leveridge and Aaron Galliher

  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Multicultural Early Childhood Development
  • Kinesiology – Physical Education

Taught by Rebecca Schroeder, Naomi Rubal, and Elena Camargo

  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Environmental Science
  • Health
  • Kinesiology
  • Kinesiology - Athletic Training
  • Kinesiology - Kinesiology & Health Science
  • Medical Humanities
  • Microbiology & Immunology
  • Multidisciplinary Science
  • Neurobiology
  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Public Health - Health Promotion & Behavioral Science

Taught by Mike Newell, Erin O’Brien, Jesse Harasta, and Kate Harrell

  • Anthropology
  • Communication
  • Criminal Justice
  • Geography and Environmental Sustainability
  • Global Affairs
  • History
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Political Science
  • Politics and Law
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Public Health - Epidemiology & Disease Control
  • Sociology

Find your AIS course

Not sure about your major or what AIS course is right for you?

UTSA students interacting with their academic advisor

First-Year Experience

AIS is just one part of your First-Year Experience at UTSA. It also includes mentoring, resources and dedicated support to help you adjust to college and be successful in and outside of your classes.

UTSA student holding AIS "Two Cents" card

Two Cents for Success

At the end of every AIS course, your professor will hold a special Two Cents for Success celebration. This tradition is centered around two pennies. Professors hand out cards that have an inscription of the tradition and two pennies attached. The first penny symbolizes the wisdom that you have accumulated throughout your life, and the second represents the experiences, ideas, hopes and fears that encompass your “self.” Together, these pennies signify the “two cents” that you will always have to offer, and that you will carry with you as you continue through college and through life.

“The Two Cents tradition follows you throughout your lifetime, providing you with opportunities to succeed by allowing you to receive and offer information you have learned as a student. Since my freshman year, I've been able to use the tips and methods that my professor provided me in my AIS class throughout my academic career and beyond.”