For the past several years, UTSA has used the beginning of the school year as a time to reintroduce students to academic and campus life. A series of successful events were led by the 2009 New Student Convocation, which was held August 24th in the UTSA Convocation Center. The ceremony focused on welcoming all new students and introducing them to key UTSA administrators. As students were ushered into the Convo, they were asked to sit in areas designated by their College and area of study. They were then welcomed by each college dean, the student body president, football coach Larry Coker, UTSA President Ricardo Romo and keynote speaker, Julian Castro, San Antonio Mayor.
San Antonio Mayor, Julian Castro, addresses the 4, 093 people in attendance for the 2009 New Student Convocation.
Presidents BBQ
What better way to conclude the first day of classes, than by celebrating with the university president and community? The west lawn of the Convocation Center was the place to be on August 26th, as President Romo and his staff hosted the Presidents BBQ. In addition to the plentiful amounts of food, students were greeted with performances by the UTSA Spirit Teams and rock band, The Black Doves.
President Romo was on hand to personally welcome students at the 2009 President Bar-B-Q
An Evening with Seth Meyers
The night concluded with a hilarious performance by Saturday Night Live Comedian and Staff Writer Seth Meyers. As he continues to prepare for the new season at SNL, he is able to tour and perform at about 10 colleges throughout the year. His hour long performance included back and forth dialogue with the audience. Afterwards, he signed autographs and took pictures with several students.
Saturday Night Live Entertainer Seth Meyers performs at the 2009 Roadrunner Days. Afterwards, he took time to sign autographs and interact with fans.
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UTSA Responds to H1N1 Virus
Late last spring saw the introduction of the “Swine Flu” now known as the” H1N1 flu” virus for the first time. As the season progresses we begin to see more stories in the media concerning this threat, its potential severity and impact. It is important for the UTSA community to understand protective actions we as individuals can take, signs and symptoms of this virus and actions to take if infected.
UTSA relies on the advice of the United States Centers for Disease Control and information provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services and the City of San Antonio Metrohealth District for disease prevention and response information. UTSA has policies in place to address most of the issues that will result from an outbreak of H1N1 in the local area. By understanding this evolving situation and remaining up to date we are better able to distinguish fact from fiction. Through practicing protective actions, recognition of signs and symptoms of this virus and actions to take if infected we can react as a community to keep ourselves safe and lessen the impact of H1N1.
Please use the following links to stay informed about H1N1 and the actions being taken by the CDC, the State of Texas, San Antonio Metrohealth and UTSA.
Useful Links:
CDC H1N1 Informational Page
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
Texas Dept of State Health Services H1N1 Informational Page
www.texasflu.org
San Antonio Metro Health H1N1 Info Page
http://www.sanantonio.gov/health/H1N1.html
UTSA H1N1 Informational Page
http://www.utsa.edu/today/2009/08/swineflu4.cfm
Flu Immunizations
Beginning September 14, students may receive their seasonal flu immunization through UTSA Student Health Services. The immunization fee is $15 and it can be administered at the Main and Downtown campus locations. More information regarding the H1N1 Influenza immunization will be available soon.
UTSA to host town meetings of flu for students, parents, faculty and staff
The UTSA Office of Business Continuity and Emergency Management and Student Health Services will present four town meetings, “The Flu and You,” for UTSA students, parents, faculty and staff. See the schedule below of the meetings at the Downtown Campus and Main Campus. Presentations will center on influenza preventative actions, response measures and vaccination information. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about the evolving situation concerning both seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu virus.
The town meetings are co-sponsored by the UTSA Division of Student Affairs, Office of Residence Life, Office of Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management, and Office of Human Resources.
“The Flu and You” town meetings
Downtown Campus
Thursday, Sept. 17 -- 1:45-3 p.m., Frio Street Building Sam Riklin Auditorium (1.406)
Thursday, Sept. 17 -- 5:15-6:30 p.m., Buena Vista Street Building Aula Canaria (1.328)
Main Campus
Friday, Sept. 18 -- 9:45-11 a.m., University Center Retama Auditorium (2.02.02)
Friday, Sept. 25 -- 5:15-6:30 p.m., Business Building University Room (2.06.04)
The latest edition of the UTSA Police Department's newsletter, Runner Beat is now up. Get the latest information on campus safety and learn how the UTSAPD are working to make our campus safer.
View the latest Roadrunner Beat
View the latest UTSAPD Blotter
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Come back to campus October 23-24 for fall family weekend! Events and activities are now posted. Visit www.utsa.edu/family/weekend09 for all information regarding activities and registration.
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Five Majors on the Rise
New majors can arise in response to student demand, while other degree programs are meant to provide an industry with workers. Others cross disciplinary boundaries, such as combining environmental science with agriculture or bringing together chemists and computer scientists.
Here is a look at five up-and-coming majors or class offerings you are likely to see at more colleges in the coming years…. Read more by clicking here. (article courtesy of the The Chronicle of Higher Education)
Academic Planner Purchase for next year
All students that have attended orientation over the past seven years have received a complimentary academic planner as part of their experience. The planner is often a sought after item, as students begin the 2nd year at UTSA. Students and parents can now pre-order an academic planner for the 2010-2011 year! Give your student the hottest planner at UTSA, for only $5.40!!! Click here to download order form.
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Roughly seven months into that fundraising process, UTSA has secured commitments totalling roughly $900,000. And while a lingering national recession could slow the pace of giving, UTSA Athletic Director Lynn Hickey says the Roadrunners will kick-off their inaugural season in September of 2011 as planned. Read more by clicking here (article courtesy of the San Antonio Business Journal)
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