The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) campuses came to life as classes began today for the 2018 spring semester. More than 28,400 Roadrunners, including more than 2,100 new students, have arrived in classrooms, laboratories and research centers to build their knowledge as they prepare for their futures.
Dozens of new courses will be offered at UTSA this spring, offering new pathways for UTSA students to develop their knowledge in architecture, construction and planning, education and human development, engineering, liberal and fine arts, public policy, sciences and business. Among the 34 new courses is Pharmaceutical Chemistry, which will help students understand drug discovery and development. Social Media Marketing students will explore the important role of social communication and how it has transformed marketing strategies in the business sector. Musical Mestizaje will examine how music influences the Mexican-American culture and experience at the borders.
Students, faculty and staff will notice new campus amenities to help them thrive at UTSA. Commuters to the Main Campus can now check on parking availability from their phones or before they leave home by visiting Campus Services’ new parking occupancy webpage. With information about UTSA’s three Main Campus garages and commuter parking lots, this resource will help streamline the commute to campus.
New lactation stations on the Main and Downtown Campuses will provide nursing mothers who learn or work at UTSA with added private spaces. They’re located in the John Peace Library (JPL 3.03.38) on the Main Campus and in the Frio Street Building (FS 2.436) at the Downtown Campus.
The University Center (UC) is a hub of entertainment where students can make new friends and participate in campus traditions. Activities include live music, free food, games and contests. Each week, students can watch new and classic movies in the University Center Retama Auditorium (UC 2.02.02). The first showing this semester is School of Rock at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12. After class, students can take a break at The Roost Game Room, located on the second floor of the H-E-B University Center. When you work up an appetite, stop by the UC Food Court, Chili’s Too, Subway or Starbucks. The UC also has plenty of study spots all semester long. It’s also home to the Roadrunner Pantry, Frost Bank, UPS, Campus Technology Store, Rios Hair Salon, Roadrunner Express, Rowdy Mart and the UTSA Bookstore. Students will find friendly faces to help them at the Information Center located in the center of the first floor of UC North. Stop by to say hi, ask a question and grab a free cup of cocoa or lemonade.
Students can maintain a healthy lifestyle thanks to the vast facilities, programs and services at Campus Recreation. Members can work out in nearly 117,000-square-feet of indoor recreation space, play on courts, take group exercise classes, climb a rock wall, attend a cooking session and borrow equipment from the Outdoor Resource Center. Students can also take fitness and nutrition assessments, work with personal trainers and soothe tired muscles with a licensed massage therapist. Outdoor facilities offer swimming, informal recreation and competitive sport activities. A second fitness center, located at the Downtown Campus, offers weight training and group exercise classes.
UTSA’s diverse campus and student population means there is something for everyone. UTSA offers more than 350 registered student organizations including student government, academic clubs, social and professional organizations, fraternities and sororities, cultural groups and service groups at its Main and Downtown Campuses. Getting involved is easy. Learn about all the student organizations at UTSA and sign up on RowdyLink or attend the Involvement Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17 located throughout the University Center.
UTSA colleges and offices also host a variety of free programs and events for students at both campuses. Additionally, UTSA students can show their ID to receive free admission to all home athletics events and to the Institute of Texan Cultures.
The start of the new semester also brings new opportunities to give back to the community. UTSA’s service-minded students, faculty and staff can attend numerous events. Initial highlights include walking in San Antonio’s Martin Luther King Jr. March on Monday, Jan. 15 and the Civic Engagement Summit, “Exploring the Civic Identity of San Antonio” on Thursday, Feb. 8 in the H-E-B University Center Ballroom (HUC 1.104). Sign up for more volunteer opportunities at UTSA Engaged.