APRIL 1, 2021 — Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) programming is a series of events that invite UTSA students, faculty, and staff to raise awareness about sexual violence. This year’s theme centers around creating safe online spaces.
SAAM happens every April and includes opportunities to learn more about UTSA's culture of responsibility, discover support services, and get involved at UTSA. These events will help students learn more about supporting and believing survivors, building safe communities, and promoting healthy relationships.
Most events will occur online to promote safety and include as many Roadrunners as possible, wherever they may be. Interested participants will need to RSVP for these events via RowdyLink.
April 6 • Day of Action
Members of the Roadrunner community—on campus or off—are encouraged to wear teal (hats, shirts, and masks) and post a selfie on social media with the hashtag #UTSASAAM. This year, 'Runners can support survivors all month long by continuing to wear teal on Teal Tuesdays.
April 7 • Start By Believing: Survivor Panel
5 p.m.
On this day Roadrunners are encouraged to take the Start By Believing pledge. Start by Believing is a public awareness campaign designed to end the cycle of silence and change how we respond to sexual assault. The Survivors Faculty & Staff Alliance will then present the Start By Believing: Survivor Panel at 5 p.m. Students are encouraged to attend the online panel to hear from three survivors in their very own Roadrunner community.
April 8 • RAINN Day
This is an opportunity for UTSA students to demonstrate that they are allies in the fight against sexual violence. Roadrunners can participate by drawing a blue megaphone on their hands to show support and using the hashtags #RAINNDAY and #LetsGetLoud when they share their photos. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network—or RAINN—will be hosting a celebration for survivors that will take place on Facebook and YouTube.
April 10 and April 17 • Trauma Healing Yoga
7:30 a.m., Recreation and Wellness Center, Main Campus
Led by UTSA Campus Recreation, these in-person group exercise sessions provide survivors a safe space to focus on their bodies' power to foster a sense of agency. Bring your mask and yoga mat and experience a soothing sound bath at sunrise. Students must register online before attending these sessions.
April 13 • Trivia Night
6:30 p.m.
This online event will be hosted by Eta Sigma Gamma. The Trivia Night winner who best demonstrates their knowledge about consent and sexual violence resources will win a gift card.
April 14 • PHC April Trilogy
6 p.m.
The Panhellenic Council and the UTSA PEACE Center are collaborating for this online session to give students a presentation on healthy relationships and bystander intervention strategies.
April 15 • Into the Light: A Discussion on Military Sexual Trauma
11 a.m.
This online event, hosted by UTSA Veteran and Military Affairs and UTSA military liaison Lisa Carrington Firmin, will consist of an expert panel discussing and answering questions regarding sexual trauma in the military.
April 17 • Rowdy Wellbeing: Healthy Relationships
6 p.m.
Mr. UTSA, Scott Johansen, is partnering with Counseling and Mental Health Services to bring you this event. It will start with a short presentation, followed by a student-led panel discussion featuring voices from student leaders, and a Q&A session where students can participate and ask any questions they have. Attendees also have an opportunity to win a swag bag containing giveaways from Counseling and Mental Health Services.
April 19 • Sexual Assault Prevention, Advocacy and Mental Health Resources
6 p.m.
This presentation is hosted by Alpha Omicron Pi and facilitated by UTSA PEACE Center and Counseling and Mental Health Services.
April 21 • Bystander Intervention Training
5 p.m.
This online peer-led sexual violence prevention program will help students identify the continuum of inappropriate sexual behavior, develop empathy for sexual violence survivors, understand their role in bystander intervention, understand barriers to intervention and how to overcome them, and develop skills to intervene as an active bystander.
April 22 • SAAM 101 Virtual Scavenger Hunt
5 p.m.
Hosted by the PEACE Center, Counseling and Mental Health Services, and Student Health Services, attendees will be led on a virtual scavenger hunt for facts about Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the PEACE Center and sexual violence resources.
April 28 • Denim Day
Denim Day is an annual national day of awareness that encourages participants to wear denim as a symbol of believing survivors and asserting that consent has nothing to do with your clothing. On this day students, faculty and staff are invited to wear their jeans with a purpose—to support survivors and those who fear sexual violence during the pandemic and require solidarity and increased support. Speak out on social media using the hashtag #DenimDay.
April 29 • Women Warrior Empowerment
11 a.m.
In this virtual event veteran trailblazers will discuss various ways they empowered themselves and others regarding military sexual trauma.
Anyone needing accommodation to fully participate in any program or event should contact UTSA Student Affairs at least 72 hours before the event via email at studentaffairs@utsa.edu.
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Come to the Alamodome for the season's first UTSA Football Home Game and participate in Rowdy Rush! Wear your best orange UTSA fit for this Orange Out game. Come to the Student Indoor Tailgate before kickoff to play games, eat food, and get hyped to cheer on the Roadrunners as they take on the Owls! Then be part of Rowdy Rush to form the tunnel for the players' entrance before kickoff.
AlamodomeCheer on the UTSA Soccer team as they take on Colorado State. Head over to Park West for this spirited experience!
Park West Athletic ComplexIn observance of Labor Day, UTSA will be closed on Monday, September 2. Plan a day exploring San Antonio with your roommate(s) and new friends.
Main Campus and Dowtown CampusLearn some planning, researching, and writing tips to help you with upcoming writing assignments.
Writing Center, (JPL 2.01.12D,) John Peace Library, Main CampusUTSA Police Department and Office of Risk and Emergency Management will host a safety information center with giveaways and interactive demonstrations. Both departments will provide information on services available to the UTSA community.
Student Union Window Lounge, Main CampusExplore ways of engaging with the community through our community-based work-study program. Voter registration and voter engagement opportunities with our community partners will also be shared.
McKinney Humanities Breezeway, Main CampusEnjoy an ice-cold paleta while learning about the parking options.
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