Roadrunner Days offers sense of belonging for new and returning students

UTSA students enjoy the Howdy Rowdy Bash at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in 2018. This year’s Howdy Rowdy Bash, one of several Roadrunner Days events, will take place on Friday, August 27. Multi-platinum-certified R&B artist Tinashe will perform at the event.

AUGUST 18, 2021 — UTSA is welcoming new and returning students for the start of the new academic year. From academic open houses to information about career growth and volunteer services, this semester’s Roadrunner Days will serve as an opportunity to welcome students to the university and show them how they can succeed during their time at UTSA.

Roadrunner Days will take place from Friday, August 20, to Friday, September 3, with a mixture of in-person and virtual events that will immerse new and returning students in the culture, traditions and values of UTSA. At Roadrunner Days events, students will have the opportunity to engage with faculty, staff and fellow Roadrunners during programs and events that connect them to the resources, places and people that make up the university’s diverse community, contribute to their success and help them transition to their new home.

“The valuable memories made through Roadrunner Days will be an important and lasting part of the student experience.”

Thousands of students take in the fireworks show at the 2018 Midnight Light event on the UTSA Main Campus. This year’s event will be held at 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 22, with social distancing measures put in place.

At the same time, students will participate in a wide range of in-person and virtual events, including wellbeing, career building and social opportunities.

This semester also marks the return of campus traditions such as Midnight Light and Howdy Rowdy Bash. Other big ones like Kickback at the Union and Late Night at the Rec will be held later in September.

Midnight Light and Howdy Rowdy Bash event planners are working to modify the audience area of these two events to practice social distancing.

All other Roadrunner Days events will also take into consideration safety measures such as implementing hand sanitization, pre-packaged foods and encouraging the wearing of face masks.

This year’s Howdy Rowdy Bash, which will be held at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, will feature multi-platinum-certified R&B artist Tinashe. Tinashe’s full-length debut album Aquarius broke into the top 20 of the Billboard Top 200. Tickets are available for students, faculty, staff and alumni to attend the outdoor event.

“These traditions are an integral part of the student experience and create a strong sense of community and connection to campus,” said UTSA Dean of Students LT Robinson. “The valuable memories made through Roadrunner Days will be an important and lasting part of the student experience.”

Events like Roadrunner Days are the perfect opportunity for new students to learn about the campus and get involved, said Lisa Alonzo, senior director of New Student Programs and Events.

“Starting your first semester at UTSA is an exciting time in a new student’s journey. This is especially true for all of our freshman Roadrunners who completed online orientation during the pandemic,” Alonzo said. “This semester, students will have the opportunity to experience spirit and traditions through in-person participation in various events and to engage with faculty and staff. The Orientation team encourages all new students to take advantage of all that Roadrunner Days has to offer.”

— Valerie Bustamante