Newsletter
The Family Association Newsletter provides you with insight into UTSA events, resources, opportunities, and talking points for supporting your student.
Highlights
Hello Spring Semester
As your student returns for the Spring semester, the academic year continues with new opportunities and experiences. The Family Association remains committed to keeping our Roadrunner families informed and connected with the resources available to support students’ success. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events throughout the semester! The first day of classes is January 20.
Roadrunner Days
Roadrunner Days kick off the new semester with exciting opportunities for students to connect and engage with fellow Roadrunners. Welcome to Spring 2026! New and returning students are invited to participate in Roadrunner Days from January 15 through January 23, where they can explore programs and events designed to connect them with key resources, important campus spaces, and meaningful opportunities.
- Wellbeing at the Lounge - The Student Union Window Lounge will host a wellness-focused gathering on Wednesday, January 21 at 12:00 pm, bringing together campus resources that support your students’ mental, physical, and overall well-being. Students can explore programs, services, and tools designed to help them thrive.
- Get Involved Fair on Main and Downtown Campuses - Get ready to connect, explore, and level up your involvement! A dynamic mix of student organizations and community partners, including the Spurs, will be on hand to showcase exciting ways to get engaged on and off campus. All the action on Thursday, January 22, at 11:00 am in the H‑E‑B Student Union Ballroom on the Main Campus, and again at 4:00 pm in the Buena Vista Building Assembly Room on the Downtown Campus.
- College Classic Kickoff with the Astros and UTSA Baseball - Meet some of the members of the World Series Champion Houston Astros and the UTSA Baseball team, Friday, January 23, at 1:30 pm in the Central Plaza. Get some autographs and take some photos with team members and the World Series trophy!
Encourage your students to attend an event and strengthen their connection to the UT San Antonio community.
Thorns and Living Systems Exhibit
The Russell Hill Rogers Galleries on the Southwest Campus opens Thorns & Living Systems: Jayne Lawrence, Leigh Anne Lester, cactusBRA / cactusBARN. Curated by Dr. Scott A. Sherer and Lizzy Hayman, this exhibition showcases the creative work of artists Jayne Lawrence and Leigh Anne Lester, along with pieces from their long‑time collaborative projects, cactusBRA and cactusBARN—two gallery spaces they founded right here in San Antonio.
Opening Reception
Friday, January 23 | 6:00–8:00 pm
Enjoy an evening of art, conversation, and community!
Exhibition Dates
January 23 – March 28
Attending and exploring this engaging collection is a wonderful opportunity to experience local art and support UTSA’s creative community, highlighting imagination, collaboration, and the beauty of living systems.
Institute of Texan Cultures Opening Weekend
The Institute of Texan Cultures reopens to the public on Thursday, January 29, in a newly designed, purpose-built space at 111 W. Houston St., Ste. 100, on the corner of Camaron Street.
The main gallery, “Common Threads,” brings Texas stories to life through four thematic areas. Drawing on the institute’s collections and decades of collected stories, the gallery integrates multimedia projections and interactive and touchscreen discovery stations.
Additional attractions include the institute’s signature Neon Texas Flag, a new floor-to-ceiling mural called “Texas Tapestry: Patterns of Belonging”, and “Mumentous®: The Upsizing of a Texas Tradition,” a traveling exhibit exploring the evolution of the high-school homecoming mum.
Free admission to all UT San Antonio faculty, staff, and students.
Resources and Opportunities
In partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank and generously sponsored by the Najim Foundation , the Roadrunner Pantry will host the first Mobile Distribution of the Spring semester on Friday, January 30, at 10:00 am in the Guadalupe Hall parking lot. Pull up in a vehicle or walk up with a cart, and volunteers will load it with fresh and shelf-stable food items. Mobile distributions will take place on the last Friday of each month during the semester. If you would like to support by volunteering to assist with the Mobile distribution, RSVP on RowdyLink. For more information about the Pantry’s hours and services, visit the Roadrunner Pantry website .
Family Get Togethers are events for parents, siblings, and other supporters of students! Whether you want to meet other UTSA families or just need to relax, join the Family Association for our next FGT in February. Tune in for updates and watch for details on the Family Portal .
The Student Union hosts Rowdy Gras, a UTSA Tradition that celebrates Mardi Gras the roadrunner way. The goal of this cultural event is to celebrate and educate our campus about the rich culture of Mardi Gras, and bring together the UTSA community for a fun and memorable experience. Your student can save the date for Rowdy Gras on Tuesday, February 17, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm on the SU Lawn .
On your mark, get set, go! Register for the Diploma Dash presented by the UT San Antonio Alumni Association. This year's Dash will be on February 28, with check-in at 7:00 am and starting time at 8:00 am.
In the Heart of the UT San Antonio Campus, the Convocation Center will welcome both runners and walkers as our community comes together with one shared purpose: supporting student scholarships . It’s a fun and meaningful way for families to show their Roadrunner pride while helping make a difference in students’ educational journeys.
Spring Family Day is just around the corner. Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 28, at the Main Campus . Save the date and be on the lookout for additional details and ticket sales .
Support our Athletic teams this spring by cheering on our Roadrunners at Basketball, Baseball, Softball, and Tennis events this semester. Visit the UTSA Athletics page for the full schedule.
TimelyCare provides students with 24/7 access to virtual health and well-being support. Services offered through the program include:
- On-demand mental health and emotional support
- Scheduled mental health counseling sessions
- Health coaching
- Psychiatry services (by referral only)
- Guided self-care content
- Access to free or reduced-cost community resources
Encourage your student to download the app today .
Conversation Starters With Your Roadrunner
Conversation Starters:
Conversations with your Roadrunner
As students return to campus for the spring semester, it is a great time to check in, reconnect, and support them as they settle into new routines. Whether they’re adjusting to a new schedule and new classes, reconnecting with friends, or setting new academic and personal goals, a simple conversation can help them feel grounded and supported.
Let’s open the door to meaningful dialogue as they begin the semester strong.
Conversation Starters
- How are you settling into the new semester?
- How are you reconnecting with your friends on campus?
- What classes are you looking forward to this semester?
- What kinds of personal and academic goals are you setting for yourself?
- How are you balancing your new class schedule with self-care activities?
- What new organizations will you get involved with this semester?
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
