Newsletter
The Family Association Newsletter provides you with insights into UT San Antonio events, resources, opportunities, and talking points to support your student.
Highlights
Family Get Together - Time to Relax
August is when thousands of roadrunners move on or near campus. After helping your student settle into their new home away from home, take some time to connect with fellow Roadrunner families at our Family Get Together on Saturday, August 15!
Meet fellow UT San Antonio families at Rock & Brews (5702 Landmark Pkwy at the corner of Hwy 1604 and I-10) from 5:30 to 7:30 PM before heading home. Share stories about move-in day, celebrate the excitement and challenges of this new chapter, and connect with parents who understand the mix of pride, anticipation, and emotions that come with sending a student off to college.
Registration for the Family Get Together is open through Monday, August 10 on the UT San Antonio Family Portal. For questions about the event, email family@utsa.edu.
Roadrunner Days
The beginning of the academic year kicks off with Roadrunner Days from Thursday, August 13 to Sunday, August 30. These two weeks are filled with fun and educational events to welcome students to UT San Antonio and the new year.
The first week will focus on connecting students with other Roadrunners at events like Late Night at the Rec, Rowdy Glow and the Get Involved Fair, just to name a few. Students have several opportunities to meet new friends, reconnect with previous classmates, and create lasting memories.
Week two of Roadrunner Days is all about connecting students to the services offered throughout campus. Roadrunners can learn about academic and wellbeing support services and opportunities available to them throughout the year.
Encourage your student to attend events throughout the two weeks of Roadrunner Days, held on both the Main and Downtown Campuses. Students can settle into the Roadrunner community and discover opportunities available to them at UT San Antonio.
Howdy Rowdy Bash
Howdy Rowdy Bash, UT San Antonio's exclusive night at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, takes place on Friday, August 28, from 5:00 to 11:00 pm. This beloved Roadrunner Days tradition gives students the chance to celebrate the start of the academic year with fellow Roadrunners while enjoying rides, games, music, and exclusive after-hours fun.
Each $35 ticket (plus tax) includes admission to Howdy Rowdy Bash and an additional one-day Six Flags Fiesta Texas ticket that can be used anytime during September.
It is the perfect way to celebrate your student's journey at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Howdy Rowdy Bash makes a great gift for your Roadrunner, giving them the opportunity to connect with classmates, build new friendships, and create unforgettable memories during their first weeks on campus. It's more than a night at the park. It's a chance to be part of the Roadrunner experience.
Preparing a Home Away from Home
Move-In Week for UT San Antonio runs Thursday, August 13 through Sunday, August 16. Each on-campus housing complex assigns dates and times for a smooth experience. Check out assignment details on the Housing and Residence Life website under Move-In Information or in your student’s email communications.
Here are a few quick tips to help with the transition of them living away from home.
- Talk about routines such as laundry, meals, and managing time.
- Set check-in plans and decide how often you'll connect - texts, calls, or visits.
- Encourage checking out organizations, support services, and events.
- Pack smart by labeling everything and bringing essentials, not everything they own.
- Check out the “ What to Bring ” list offered by Housing.
This is a big step; celebrate it, support them, and enjoy the journey ahead.
Free Food at Mobile Distribution
The UT San Antonio Roadrunner Pantry helps students focus on academics and their wellbeing, instead of worrying about how to find their next meal. With locations at the Main and Downtown Campuses, and in partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank, students can pick up food and personal hygiene items for free.
Throughout most of the year, the Roadrunner Pantry hosts a mobile food distribution on the last Friday of the month. The first mobile food distribution of the new academic year is August 28, in front of the Roadrunner Cafe in the Guadalupe Hall parking lot from 10:00 – 11:00 am Students attending should come in a vehicle or with a wagon, so they can easily transport the food they pick up.
From Mobile Distribution to Meal Kits and even a Grad Gown Lending Program, the Roadrunner Pantry combats food insecurity by providing services to address students' nutritional needs and support their overall wellbeing. Visit the Roadrunner Pantry to learn more about their services and how you can help through volunteering or donations.
Resources and Opportunities
Flashing back to orientation and trying to remember all those resources available to you and your student can be a challenge. Don’t worry, we got you. Our Welcome Roadrunner Families webpage is full of helpful links to find what you need and what you want. From services to events, involvement opportunities to health and wellbeing support, use this page as your go-to resource for connecting to departments at
UT San Antonio.
One of the best ways to support your student is by staying informed about key academic dates. Check the UT San Antonio Academic Calendar to know when classes begin and end, and, most importantly, when finals are scheduled. This helps you avoid calling, texting, or planning visits during critical study periods. Your support from a distance can make a big difference.
Navigating campus is easy with the UT San Antonio Interactive Map. Your students can explore the Main, Downtown, and Health Campuses, including parking areas, on-campus housing, walking paths, and academic buildings. With live directions and location search features, they can confidently find their way and make the most of their UT San Antonio experience.
A valid parking permit is required to park on all UT San Antonio campuses. A wide variety of permits are available to suit your Roadrunner’s needs and budget, including surface, garage and other types of permits. Order online through MyParking. Permits are mailed within five to seven days, and a printable temporary permit is available for immediate use until the permanent permit arrives. Roadrunners can pay at the time of purchase or add the cost to their tuition and fees.
While you’re preparing your Roadrunner for the fall semester, we encourage you to check out the Campus Services online parking and transportation guide. It has helpful tips for parking and getting around campus, whether they commute, attend remotely, live on campus or live nearby. Also, be sure to review the color-coded parking maps to explore parking options based on permit type.
Roadrunner language can be a little confusing. Beak Speak can help you navigate the acronyms, abbreviations and terminology that are part of everyday operations on Campus.
Attending college sporting events is a great way to feel a part of the Roadrunner family! Check out the UTSA Athletics page to see the home and away game schedule for fall sports like soccer, volleyball, basketball, and of course, UTSA Football.
Students get free admission to all UTSA home games and can purchase discounted tickets for their guests. Roadrunner families can purchase tickets via the UTSA Athletics page.
The September Family Get Together will be a Family Association meeting on Tuesday, September 15, from 5:30-7:30 pm in the H-E-B Student Union Bexar Room.
Details are still being organized, and more information about how to attend and RSVP will be available soon. Mark your calendar to attend.
Conversation Starters With Your Roadrunner
Conversation Starters:
Conversations with your Roadrunner
As your Roadrunner begins the semester, they are developing the skills and confidence that come with college life. Although they are becoming more independent, family support continues to play a vital role in their journey. Consistent communication, genuine interest in their experiences, and a willingness to listen can help your student stay motivated, connected, and prepared for success both inside and outside the classroom.
New Students
- What has been the biggest adjustment so far?
- Which Roadrunner Days events are you planning to attend, or which have you already attended?
- Tell me about three organizations you discovered at the Get Involved Fair. Which one interests you most and why?
- What was your first day of classes like?
- Tell me about someone new you have met.
- What has surprised you most about college so far?
- What jobs have caught your attention on Handshake?
- What is your plan for managing stress and taking care of your wellbeing?
Returning Students
- What campus resources have you learned about that you didn't know existed?
- What is one goal you have set for yourself this semester?
- Are you taking on any leadership roles this semester?
- How will you balance academics, involvement, work, and personal time?
- What are your academic goals for this semester?
- What are you doing to maintain your wellbeing and avoid burnout?
Graduate Students
- What are your priorities for this semester?
- How does your coursework connect to your career goals?
- What research, projects, or practicum experiences are you working on?
- What professional development opportunities are you exploring this semester?
- What Challenges do you anticipate, and how do you plan to address them?
- What skills are you hoping to strengthen this year?
- How are you balancing your graduate studies with work, family, and other responsibilities?
- What milestones are you working toward in your program?
- What are you doing to recharge and support your overall wellbeing?
Not Yet a Member?
Join the UTSA Family Association Today!
Family Association Membership is free, and members receive:
- Priority notice to register for Family Association events
- Access to members-only student scholarships
- Networking opportunities with Roadrunner families and staff
- Email copy of the Family Association Newsletter
