Editor’s Note: The following is a back-to-class message from UTSA Student Government Association President Aydan Villarreal.
SEPTEMBER 6, 2024 — To all my new Roadrunners, welcome to UTSA! To my returning peers, welcome back to the nest! My name is Aydan Villarreal, and I have the truly distinct honor of serving as your 2024-2025 student body president. It’s such a joy to see everyone back on campus learning and creating amazing things.
UTSA is a remarkable Tier One research institution and a cornerstone of the San Antonio community. Thanks to our vibrant and diverse student body, we are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic Serving Institution. As Roadrunners, your contributions are vital to our continued success. Every day, you help shape a brighter future for UTSA.
Now onto how I work for you. The UTSA Student Government Association (SGA) is a sponsored student organization dedicated to supporting UTSA students. Alongside my fantastic executive cabinet, my role is to be your primary advocate and voice. We're here to help you access resources, address concerns and foster an inclusive environment where every student feels welcomed and valued.
While SGA has room for growth, I'm excited to be stepping into this role with a clear vision for improvement. There’s plenty of work ahead, but you can trust that we are fully committed to doing everything we can to empower you and enhance your experience. My plan for SGA this year includes advocating for your wellbeing, improving student life, and realigning SGA to its purpose. When SGA thrives, Roadrunners thrive.
We know that Roadrunners want to be heard. This is your voice, vision and student body.
I have some advice to share with you, my fellow Roadrunners.
Tip #1: Ask questions
UTSA is a large institution. If you ever need directions to a class or have a question about a resource, just ask a fellow Roadrunner. Everyone is here to support you and help you succeed.
Tip #2: Engage with others
I love to #GetInvolved but I understand that so many of our Roadrunners are busy with their families, jobs and of course, their education.
Being involved at UTSA can happen in many ways. Maybe you go to your college student success center to learn about an internship opportunity. Maybe you attend a resume workshop in our career center. Maybe you join an organization or become an officer. Maybe you attend a cycling class at the campus recreation center. Maybe you go to a UTSA athletics game. Hopefully you attend an SGA meeting and engage with your peers in class. However you engage with other Roadrunners, you are contributing to what makes UTSA a great place to work, learn live and discover.
Tip #3: Take care of yourself.
While SGA is dedicated to advocating for your well-being, we already have many resources at our disposal as students. The TimelyCare app offers 24/7 mental health support in various formats, and our Wellness 360 clinic provides in-person counseling sessions. Best of all, these resources are available to students at no cost.
Your Student Government Association is here to serve you. We understand how busy your lives are, and we’re dedicated to supporting your success as a student and as an individual. Together we will build a Roadrunner community that is informed, engaged, and proud.
I can’t wait to see you on campus. Birds up!
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Individual projects will each have their own Rowdylink, please make sure to only sign up for one. Check-in will begin at 8:30 am on the Student Union Paseo, breakfast will be provided and all materials will be provided by our team.
Student Union Paseo, Student Union, Main CampusSupport the UTSA Volleyball team as they take on Holy Cross! Join the crowd of cheering Roadrunners in the Convo.
Convocation Center, Main CampusWelcome back to campus with a cookout at Roadrunner Café!
Roadrunner Café, Main CampusCome learn about Campus Services and how we help keep UTSA moving.
John Peace Library Food CourtSupport the UTSA Volleyball team as they take on Abilene Christian! Join the crowd of cheering Roadrunners in the Convo.
Convocation CenterIt's a battle of the birds! Support the UTSA Volleyball team as they take on the Cardinals! Join the crowd of cheering Roadrunners in the Convo.
Convocation CenterGrab your friends, put on your favorite orange and blue shirt, and join us for an epic football watch party for UTSA Football as we join the American Athletic Conference and take on the University of Houston Cougars.
H-E-B SU Lawn and Ballroom, Main CampusThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .
The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.
