RowdyZine Spring 2023

The Making of The College Tour: UTSA

PAGE 8

New School of Data Science Opens

UTSA held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official grand opening of San Pedro I, the home of the new School of Data Science, located in the heart of San Antonio. This new building represents UTSA’s dedication to student success and will promote innovative research.

HI!

Hi ‘Runners, I’m Canaan Eggers, a second-year computer science major and Air Force ROTC cadet here at UTSA. My family has a long legacy of service in the Air Force, and growing up as a military brat offered me a wealth of unique opportunities and experiences that I strive to continue to harness: I even went to high school in Germany! I applied to UTSA because of my friend whom I met in middle school here in San Antonio. It has long been my goal to become a pilot in the Air Force, and UTSA provides excellent resources to help me achieve that.

Canaan Eggers San Antonio, TX Class of 2025 Computer Science

You might have seen me on The College Tour: UTSA! The College Tour is a series streaming on Amazon Prime TV, Apple TV, and their own website and app, which takes a deep dive into colleges around the nation. During the summer of 2022, UTSA held an open casting call for students who were interested in appearing in the episode. Shortly after I sent in an audition video, I began the process of joining the episode. Filming took place in September, and because I was in the Military City, USA segment, the crew followed me through some of my activities at AFROTC Detachment 842. It was a great experience, and the crew was all very friendly! I hope you enjoyed the episode, and if you haven’t seen it, be sure to scan the QR code below to check it out! Maybe my segment will make you consider a career with the world’s greatest fighting force.

To Future Roadrunners, I hope you are excited to join us! My advice as a new student here is to always keep an open mind and try as many new experiences as possible. If you see an event on campus that seems way out of your comfort zone, go out and try it!

My advice as a new student here is to always keep an open mind and try as many new experiences as possible.

Catch up on what’s been happening at UTSA these past few months.

UTSA Online is a rising leader among online programs. We’ve been ranked among the best according to U.S. News & World Report, placing us at the forefront of online education.

JANUARY 9 // UTSA opened the new San Pedro I building, which will house the university’s National Security Collaboration Center and the new School of Data Science. @UTSA

JANUARY 17 // UTSA opened the new Iris Booth –a way for Roadrunners to get professional-grade headshots on campus! This will help students prepare to enter the workforce. @UTSA

JANUARY 16 // Roadrunners joined the City of San Antonio in the annual MLK March. @UTSA

FEBRUARY 6 // UTSA Celebrated the 5th Anniversary of the Dreamers Resource Center –an initiative started by President Eighmy to help Dreamers and students with mixed-status families succeed from enrollment to graduation. @UTSA

FEBRUARY 8 // UTSA held an All-Majors Career Expo for students to make connections and start preparing for their careers. @UTSA

FEBRUARY 21 // Roadrunners put their party beads on and danced the night away for the annual Rowdy Gras celebrations on campus. @UTSA

No. 7

Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Texas

Top 25% Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in the Nation

No. 1

Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in San Antonio

Q& A

Fernanda Flores is a Roadrunner who is passionate about her studies. As an Environmental Science major, she was able to participate in the first ever UTSA-led study abroad program for the College of Science in Urbino, Italy. She gained so much from the experience that she hopes to attend graduate school abroad. Read on to learn more about Fernanda.

What do you enjoy about your major at UTSA?

I think what I enjoy about my major the most is the fact that I’m still involved in science without it being a focus on the medical field. Environmental science allows me to focus on all the science that I’m very passionate about, but it’s more tilted towards ecology, towards natural resources, towards wildlife, watersheds, and it’s everything I really enjoy.

What did you gain from studying abroad?

Studying abroad gave me a lot of different things. I did not realize this until I went abroad, but Italian lifestyle is slower paced. You have a time to sit down and reflect and see what you’re doing. Since I came back, I’ve really been trying to apply a calmer lifestyle. I still get my things done, but I’m not always rushed. I try to give myself time to rest. I also made a lot of friends. It was only twelve people from the College of Science, and by the end of the trip, they ended up becoming my family.

Why should students study abroad at UTSA?

Studying abroad, learning a new language in a different country with your peers, you develop incredible experiences. You develop incredible stories. It is extremely fun, and you also get to learn your classes from a different point of view. If you would like to study abroad, and it’s through a UTSA program, you can get financial aid to help cover the costs. There are a lot of scholarships out there.

Fernanda Flores San Antonio, TX Class of 2023 Environmental Science Scan here to learn more about Fernanda!

Honors Intentional and Sustainable Living in Costa Rica

Students will spend 10 days living and working off the grid on a sustainable farm and yoga retreat—Rancho Margot Eco Lodge—in the Costa Rican rainforest.

“This study abroad experience opened my eyes to see life behind our screens. Besides the study abroad experience, the faculty organized [discussions] every night that accompanied our mindful and intentional lifestyle journey.”

– Carolina Gonzalez ’25, Neuroscience

Business Immersion — European Innovation Academy (EIA)

This three-week opportunity will allow students to travel to Porto, Portugal, to learn the ins and outs of business. Students will join teams of five and simulate the real-life process of creating their own startup, mentored by powerhouse companies like Google, Uber, and Amazon, as well as academic thought leaders.

At UTSA, there are plenty of opportunities to study abroad throughout the year and resources to help any student participate. Many students take part in our UTSA-led programs, where they travel with faculty to other countries to study or engage in special experiences. Here are just a few of the amazing locations where these study abroad programs are held.

“You will meet new people and broaden your perspectives on the world. Experiencing a new culture will make you a more globalminded person.”

Folayemi Oyeleye ’25, Global Affairs; East Asian Studies Minor

Study Abroad in Mexico –Guanajuato, Puebla, and Mexico City

This summer-long program will take students to three cities in Mexico to study all elements of its geography and demographics. The experience includes speakers from local universities as well as excursions to historic, social, and economic landscapes.

Study

Abroad Locations for UTSA

Summer Language and Culture in South Korea

Architecture Semester in Urbino, Italy

Students spend a full semester taking classes at the University of Urbino, a city filled with classical examples of Architectural study and inspiration.

Students will travel to Seoul, South Korea for three weeks in this summer program. The experience will allow students to immerse themselves in Korean culture through various programs and excursions at Kookmin University.

THESCENES

BEHINDTHESCENESBEHINDTHESCENES

BEHINDTHESCENES

BEHINDTHESCENESBEHINDTHESCENES

In the Fall of 2022, UTSA had the amazing opportunity to showcase our campus, programs, and exceptional students on Amazon Prime’s The College Tour, a television series that highlights universities through the eyes of its students. Read on for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of UTSA’s episode. »

UTSA’s episode of The College Tour features many incredible students. Here are what a few of them shared about their filming experience.

Maren Kitogo:

“I had the most fun experience. Everybody was so welcoming. It made the experience a whole lot better. I enjoyed myself and I hope you guys enjoy [the episode].”

Juan Ramirez:

“I thought [The College Tour] was such a blast and so much fun. [The film crew] were really nice to talk to. They bring so much joy. I had a lot of laughs too. It was really easy to work through the script and work with them.”

Erica McFarland:

“[I enjoyed] representing The University of Texas at San Antonio in The College Tour, because I’ve been able to develop community intelligence by sharing my wellbeing message.”

Rashad Wisdom:

“I had a great time, and it was great to have the opportunity to do this for the university. I’m really excited to see the finished product on Amazon Prime.”

The College Tour: UTSA features many Roadrunners, each with an amazing story. Here’s a sneak peek at just a few of those student stories in the episode, told in their own words.

MEET EMILY PEREZ

Major: Microbiology & Immunology

Year: Junior

Hometown: Katy, TX

“One of the big reasons I chose to go to UTSA was the community. I knew I wanted to go somewhere that respected both my identity as a Hispanic person and also my identity as a queer person.”

MEET KAITLYN PAGE

Major: Marketing

Year: Senior

Hometown: Houston, TX

“I have built countless connections at UTSA by living on campus. When you live on campus, you’re always in the middle of all the action, and you’re super close to amenities such as our dining halls and the campus recreation center.”

MEET ESTEBAN MEJIA

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Year: Senior Hometown: Weslaco, TX

“I came to UTSA to study engineering and join the Air Force ROTC program. Along the way, I ended up getting really attached to the college because of the student body, faculty and staff, and, really, the opportunities that the college presented to me.”

Want to learn more about the stars of The College Tour: UTSA? Scan this QR code to view their stories, and don’t forget to watch the full episode on Amazon Prime!

Recent Grads: Where are they now?

A few of our starring students have graduated since filming. Here’s what they’re up to now!

FARAH HAMED – “ I am working with USAA as a Financial Analyst III and will be getting my MBA at UTSA!”

JOSHUA BARRON – “Since filming, I was selected by the MIT Lincoln Laboratory as my GEM Fellowship sponsor. This means I will have a full ride to graduate school, and I will be interning at MIT Lincoln Laboratory for the next two summers.”

GISELE GEORGE — “I am currently waiting to hear back from medical schools, but in the meantime, I am putting my Physics degree to use at the Extreme Environment Materials Lab here at UTSA under Dr. Elizabeth Sooby! Here, I am the Lab Space Manager, Post-Baccalaureate Researcher and Program Manager for CONNECT.”

Premiering The College Tour

In preparation for The College Tour’s release of UTSA’s episode on Amazon Prime, UTSA rolled out the orange carpet and hosted a special premiere in the campus’ Retama Auditorium. Roadrunners showed up in droves to view the episode and celebrate the starring students, who even received their own chocolate statuettes at the end of the viewing!

Spotlight

Isaiah Walker is a dedicated student athlete and member of the Honors College with a passion for his studies in Mathematics. He gives 110% on the baseball field, in the classroom, and on campus, making him a shining example of what it means to be a Roadrunner. Read on to get Isaiah’s story.

Isaiah Walker was drawn to UTSA for the same reasons as many other students. He’d heard about the university’s glowing academic reputation, guaranteeing a rigorous curriculum, as well as UTSA’s diversity, bringing the promise of a sense of community.

UTSA has since lived up to its reputation for Isaiah as he discovered what it means to join the Roadrunner family.

“From different staff members and faculty, to other students, we’re always trying to help each other,” he said.

UTSA’s athletic program was also a big factor in Isaiah’s decision to attend UTSA. It’s no secret that UTSA has been making a name for itself in the world of collegiate sports, earning nationwide praise and set to join the American Athletic Conference in July 2023, and it’s something Isaiah is particularly proud to be involved with.

“We’re putting UTSA on the map right now. It’s exciting to be a part of,” Isaiah stated.

Isaiah also stays connected with other student athletes outside of the UTSA baseball team. He’s a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and helped found the UTSA chapter of Black Athletes Striving for Excellence (BASE). Both of these student organizations allow Isaiah to have a sense of community and get involved on campus.

After Isaiah graduates, he plans on attending flight school and becoming a commercial pilot. Thanks to the skills and opportunities provided to him at UTSA, he’s well prepared to reach his bold future.

about Isaiah!

Honors College Student

STUDENT Isaiah Walker Houston, TX Class of 2025 Mathematics

“We’re putting UTSA on the map right now. It’s exciting to be a part of.”

UTSA Athletics has always striven for excellence both in competition and in the classroom. UTSA was a force to be reckoned with during its decade as a member of Conference USA and now will be moving to the American Athletic Conference on July 1, 2023.

Soccer

UTSA made a historical run through the 2022 C-USA Tournament, ultimately winning the C-USA crown for the first time in program history, its second league title ever. The Roadrunners earned their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 12 years after capturing the tournament title and were ranked as high as No. 5 in the United Soccer Coaches’ South Region poll.

Academic Excellence

UTSA’s average GPA for our athletic teams is 3.27, a department record. The average fall semester team GPA was a 3.26, a department record.

31.7% of student-athletes were named to UTSA President’s List, Dean’s List or Honor Roll for the fall semester.

Football

UTSA finished 11-3 in 2022 and captured its second straight C-USA Championship with a 48-27 win over North Texas on December 2. The Roadrunners were nationally ranked in all three major polls for the second straight season and played in a bowl game for the third year in a row under the direction of two-time C-USA Coach of the Year, Jeff Traylor.

In Roadrunner History

UTSA has won 80 total conference championships. UTSA has had 51 AllAmerican and 23 Academic All-American students. UTSA has made 60 NCAA postseason appearances.

We are on of our game.

Get to Know Us

Want to learn more about UTSA? Check out these helpful tools and virtual experiences to see if we’re the right fit for you.

Net Price Calculator

Estimate how much it would cost to attend UTSA.

 utsa.me/rz-cost

Transfer Credit Calculator

Estimate how many of your credits could transfer to UTSA as a Transfer student by using this free tool.

 utsa.me/rz-transfer

Campus Sneak Peek

Take a 360° virtual tour online or sign up for an in-person campus tour or virtual visit with our Student Ambassadors.

 utsa.me/rz-visit

Experience UTSA Day

See all that UTSA has to offer during our on-campus open house.

 utsa.me/rz-utsaday

Follow Us on Social Check us out on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for the latest #FutureRoadrunner news and updates.

 @UTSAFutureRR

Have Questions?

Contact your Counselor Find out more about UTSA.

 utsa.me/rz-contact

Ready to Go?

Start your Roadrunner journey by following the steps to becoming a Roadrunner.

BECOMING A ROADRUNNER

Applying to UTSA is easier than you think. You just need to know where to begin, and give yourself enough time to turn everything in!

Apply to UTSA

1 Review UTSA requirements Visit utsa.me/rz-adm to view the UTSA application requirements and instructions for freshman, transfer, and international students.

Have questions about the application process or requirements for admission?

Find your admissions counselor on Page 22.

2 Submit your app on ApplyTexas or the Common App

To be considered for admission, all required documents, transcripts, fees, and test scores must be received by UTSA by the stated deadlines on utsa.me/rz-deadlines.

3 Pay $70 application fee

A fee waiver is available for freshman applicants who meet certain criteria and demonstrate financial need. Visit utsa.me/rz-fee

4 Submit academic records and scores

You can view instructions for submitting documents to UTSA at utsa.me/rz-apply

SAT and ACT test score requirements are suspended through Fall 2023.

To see which majors have extra admission requirements, visit utsa.me/rz-studies.

View information on the Honors College and its requirements at utsa.me/rz-honors.

5 Check your admission status

First, you must activate your myUTSA ID through an activation email that you’ll receive after your application is received by UTSA. Once your myUTSA ID is activated, you can check your admission status any time on ASAP (utsa.me/rz-asap), your online student portal. Select the Future Roadrunner tab and then click “Check Your Admission Status.”

Admitted Students & Rowdy Ready

Once you’ve been admitted, you’ll receive an email and a letter letting you know. Then it’s time to start getting Rowdy Ready! Your Rowdy Ready Checklist will help you track and complete your required to-dos after you’ve been admitted. It’s your general guide to beginning life as a Roadrunner and includes important items like signing up for Orientation and taking the TSI Assessment. Learn more about becoming Rowdy Ready at utsa.me/rz-ready

Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid

Future Roadrunner Timeline

Key dates and deadlines to know!

Freshman Transfer

Both

MAY 1 Admissions Deadline for Summer 2023

Priority Deadline for Fall Admission is January 15

UTSA is one of the most affordable Texas public universities in a major metropolitan area. See the 2022-2023 cost of attendance (COA) at utsa.me/ rz-cost. Be sure to consider what you plan to pay out-of-pocket and add it to the amount you’re offered from financial aid and scholarships. To receive financial aid, you must submit your financial aid application (FAFSA or TASFA). You can apply for it every year starting October 1. For the 2023-2024 academic year, you’ll need to fill out the 2023-2024 application. Get more information at utsa.me/rz-fa.

Scholarship Information Scholarship Hub

After you’ve submitted your UTSA admissions application and have received your myUTSA ID, you can begin applying for scholarships. Check out our scholarship hub website at utsa.me/rz-hub to see what UTSA scholarships are available, which includes the General Application. The General Application pools together all kinds of UTSA scholarships into a single application so you only have to apply once.

Distinguished Scholarships

Visit utsa.me/rz-distinguished for details on the Distinguished Presidential Scholarship (deadline is January 15) or Distinguished Transfer Scholarship (deadline is May 1 for fall and October 15 for spring).

JUNE 1 Admissions Deadline for Fall 2023 (for Freshmen)

JULY 1 Admissions Deadline for Fall 2023 (for Transfer)

MORE EVENTS

Find more information on events and schedules at utsa.me/rz-visit

Deadlines and requirements are subject to change. Visit utsa.me/rz-deadlines for latest dates.

Can't decide?

It's okay! You have your whole life in front of you. Apply as Undecided and you'll spend your first semester exploring all your options. Interested in many areas? Apply as a Multidisciplinary Studies student and you can build your own program.

Other Programs

Health Professions Office

UTSA’s Health Professions Office supports students interested in pursuing careers in the following health professions.

 utsa.me/rz-hpo

» Pre-Medical

» Pre-Dental

» Pre-Dental Hygiene

» Pre-Nursing

» Pre-Occupational Therapy

» Pre-Optometry

UTSA + UT Health Physical Therapy

» Pre-Pharmacy

» Pre-Physical Therapy

» Pre-Physician Assistant

» Pre-Respiratory Care

» Pre-Veterinary Medicine

The Physical Therapy Early Acceptance Program is a 6-year B.S./D.P.T. dual-degree program, earning a bachelor’s degree in Biology or Kinesiology from UTSA and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from UT Health San Antonio.

UTSA + UT Health Nursing

This joint program allows UTSA students who are admitted to UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing the opportunity to earn both their multidisciplinary studies and nursing degrees in four years.

UTSA + UT Health Dental

The Dental Early Acceptance Program (DEAP) is a seven-year B.S./D.D.S. dual-degree program with UTSA and UT Health San Antonio Dental School.

UTSA + UT Health Respiratory Care

The Respiratory Care Early Acceptance Program (RCEAP) is a five-year B.S./M.S. dual-degree program with UTSA and UT Health San Antonio.

UTSA + UT Health Medical Laboratory Science

The Medical Laboratory Science Early Acceptance Program is a 5-year B.S./M.L.S dual-degree program, earning a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry or Microbiology/Immunology from UTSA and a Master of Medical Laboratory Science from UT Health San Antonio.

Joint Admission Medical Program

UTSA participates in the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP), which helps Texas resident students pursue a medical education. Visit texasjamp.org for more information.

Institute for Law & Public Affairs

UTSA’s Institute for Law and Public Affairs supports students interested in pursuing a legal career through pre-law advising and events, Certificate in Legal Studies, and its hallmark, the Summer Law School Preparation Academy.  utsa.me/rz-ilpa

Air Force & Army ROTC

UTSA provides opportunities for students to work toward becoming commissioned officers in the U.S. Air Force or Army while completing their degree. ROTC students can also minor in Aerospace Studies or Military Management and Leadership.  utsa.me/rz-rotc

Teacher Certification Program

UTSA is approved by the State Board for Educator Certification to recommend students for teaching certification in various baccalaureate degree areas.

Elementary School

Students wanting to be an elementary school teacher should major in Equity and Education.

Recent Grads

Cindy R. Vela ’20

SAN ANTONIO, TX

B.S. MANAGEMENT SCIENCE

Product Manager, Ficks Music

“UTSA prepared me for post-college life by fostering an environment that supported and catalyzed my growth personally and professionally. The campus is so warm & welcoming, and I received so much value from the relationships I developed with my peers, professors, mentors, and fellow community members during my time at UTSA!”

Joseph Mark Hilkemeier ’21

BLUE SPRINGS, MO | B.A. HISTORY (WITH A CONCENTRATION IN SOCIAL STUDIES)

Social Studies Teacher at Holmes High School for Northside ISD in San Antonio, TX

“UTSA helped me prepare myself to become a professional teacher by providing me the experience I needed through student teaching, as well as helping me become a certified teacher while earning my degree.”

Crystal Ann Lawless ’20

SAN ANTONIO, TX

B.A. PUBLIC HEALTH

Program Assistant, Endeavors

“At UTSA, the education I received allowed me to successfully jump into program planning with Endeavors. This work directly supports serving Veterans and their families which is meaningful to me being the spouse of a disabled veteran.”

Trenkell Reeves ’22

HOUSTON, TX

B.A. COMMUNICATIONS (WITH A CONCENTRATION IN PR)

Signed Model, Natural Models LA & Guest Services Coordinator

“I give all the credit to the career center and my PR professors for the preparation into my career. The support the UTSA staff provides is like no other and for 1st generation students it’s greatly appreciated.”

Tirzo O. Martinez ’21

SAN ANTONIO, TX

Middle/High School

To teach middle or high school, students need a bachelor’s degree in their academic specialization.

BACHELOR OF ARTS

Art Teacher

“UTSA facilitated self-exploration that allowed me to grow creatively and become adaptable.”

Freshmen

CONTACT US Transfer

Antonio De La Cruz utsa.me/rz-antonio

Evette “Gabby” Flores utsa.me/rz-gabby

Out-of-State / International

Evelyn Betancourt Martinez utsa.me/rz-evelyn Out-of-State Transfers

Destiny Jones utsa.me/rz-destiny

Clarisa De La Fuente utsa.me/rz-clarisa

Rahnuma Islam utsa.me/rz-rahnuma International Students

Noah Murray utsa.me/rz-noah

Preston Garrahan utsa.me/rz-preston

Colleges / Programs

Luisa Ramirez utsa.me/rz-luisa

Jessica Hartley utsa.me/rz-jessica

Lauri Garcia Jones utsa.me/rz-lauri College of Liberal and Fine Arts

Alicia Torres-Alanis utsa.me/rz-alicia

Mariah Neumeyer utsa.me/rz-mariah

Elliott Warner utsa.me/rz-elliott

Victoria Gorena utsa.me/rz-tori

Jennifer Cantu utsa.me/rz-tori

Tim Powell utsa.me/rz-tim Freshman Military-Affiliated Students, San Antonio Area

Jennifer McDaniel utsa.me/rz-jennifer Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design

Victoria Stephens utsa.me/rz-victoria Honors College and Out-of-State Freshmen

UTSA Online OnlineEnrollment@utsa.edu