August 2013, Issue 8
Message from VPSA
Sam Gonzales
Welcome to August. We are looking forward to the start of the fall semester and all that it entails.
The events, traditions, renewed campus life and a chance to connect with new and returning students are just some of what we look forward to as the semester begins. My sincerest thanks go out to all the faculty, staff and students who have worked diligently to make our start of school events special. From the opening of the new San Saba Hall to Convocation, the Vendor Fair and the Student Organization Involvement Fair, each event in Roadrunner Days assists our students in making powerful connections to their college experience.
At this time of year, it is important to remember that fostering connections with students to the university’s traditions, academic programs and services is everyone’s responsibility. Here are three things each staff member can do.
1. Volunteer for a Roadrunner Days event (or two). Send us an email and tell us what you are interested in. We can connect you to the correct staff person.
2. Wear your nametag. It’s more than an expectation. It is a welcoming cue to our students and a helpful tool for the entire UTSA community. Your nametag is a symbol that represents you can help.
3. Remain focused on the fact that student success is our ultimate goal. Our actions relate to student learning. Connect. Communicate. Collaborate. Create. Help each student finish strong.
This year we will experience a lot of firsts. For example, our first season in Conference USA and our new beginning at the Park West Athletics Complex are highlighted in this month's Spotlight by Lynn Hickey, Associate Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.
It’s been exciting for me to hear about departments’ plans for the fall semester over the last few weeks. Thank you. Achieving excellence isn’t always about relying on the status quo. It’s about rising to meet the next challenge and designing the right programs and services to meet our students’ needs. If the items mentioned in this newsletter are any indication, we are well on our way.
Best wishes,
Sam
We Are UTSA! We Are Student Affairs!