MAGAZINE FOR FUTURE ROADRUNNERS // FALL 2020
ON PATH TO A
Bold Future
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We are Roadrunner Strong. #UTSATogether UTSA is dedicated to providing all the tools, resources, and flexibility you’ll need to accelerate your future. We’re committed to delivering a high-quality education and supporting the health of every Roadrunner. Although this is a challenging and uncertain time, we’re here to support you and help you keep your future on track.
STUDENT NOTE
HI!
Hi Roadrunners! My name is Taylor Edwards, and I’m a political science major from Cotulla, Texas. I was recently elected as the Student Government Association (SGA) president and am eager to serve Roadrunners this upcoming school year. Choosing UTSA was one of my best life decisions. Immediately, I was welcomed by a good-natured and friendly community. After my first semester, I looked for ways to get involved and make a difference on campus. Joining SGA fulfilled these desires and has been an amazing way for me to effect real change here. I believe you can't attain an enlightening higher education without first being exposed to diverse experiences, and UTSA does just that. My experiences here have motivated me to do everything I can to ensure all students feel equal and valued. Serving as SGA president grants me the unique opportunity to invest in your future and the future of this campus and community.
“The diversity and inclusivity here is unmatched. UTSA provides a strong education to traditionally underserved populations, distinguishing it as a university dedicated to social change and global activism.”
Community at UTSA is everything, and doing what we can to contribute to the inclusive nature of our campus is part of being a Roadrunner. From picking up trash on the way to class, to volunteering across San Antonio through our student organizations, everything we do has an impact. It is our responsibility to ensure that impact is positive.
Taylor Edwards Cotulla, TX Class of 2021 Political Science
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I urge you to get involved and contribute to the success of your fellow students. As Roadrunners, we are part of a distinguished group of global citizens striving every day to make the world a better place to live, work, and thrive in. COVID-19 is yet another obstacle in our journey to success, but together as Roadrunners, we will overcome. We are Roadrunner strong!
WHAT YOU MISSED
ROWDY Catch up on what’s been happening at UTSA these past few months.
REWIND
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MAY 26 // UTSA hosted Virtual Commencement events to safely celebrate every one of its 5,000 Roadrunners who graduated last spring. Thanks for the memories, #UTSA2020. @UTSASTUDENTS
INSIDE THIS ZINE
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Top-Tier Academics
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MAY 27 // The U.S. Department of Energy selected UTSA for a five-year, $70 million cooperative agreement to establish and lead the Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute, a federal research center focused on achieving energy efficiency. @UTSA
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Admissions & Financial Aid
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JULY 22 // UTSA and San Antonio ISD partnered on a five-year agreement to provide high-achieving SAISD students and alumni with a tuition-free pathway to pursue their bachelor’s degrees at UTSA. @UTSA
AUG 22 // After three years of construction, UTSA’s state-of-the-art $95M Science and Engineering Building opened its doors to Roadrunners for research and learning. @UTSA
#
On Path to a Bold Future
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UTSA distributed nearly $15 million in emergency aid and awarded grants to over 2,500 students to provide relief for expenses related to COVID-19.
JUNE 19 // Roadrunners celebrated Juneteenth, the day when enslaved people in Texas finally learned slavery had been abolished and that they were free. The event included a reading from Texas Poet Laureate nominee Christopher Michael Brown. @UTSA_STUDENTU
UTSA ranks #3 in Texas for awarding bachelor degrees to Latino students.* *EXCELENCIA IN EDUCATION, 2020
AUG 28 // As part of Roadrunner Days, UTSA’s official welcome week, there was a special discussion and Q&A live virtual event featuring actor, comedian, Emmy winner, and New York Times best-selling author Tiffany Haddish. @UTSASTUDENTS
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TOP-TIER ACADEMICS
Q&A
Esmeralda Acosta Center, TX Class of 2021 Music Education
Esmeralda has been playing the flute for 10 years and has been a member of the UTSA Flute Ensemble for two semesters. She was drawn to UTSA because a family member had attended and she loved San Antonio. She also liked the beautiful campus and felt that the size was just right. When Esmeralda transferred to UTSA in Fall 2019, she knew she had found the right place.
What makes UTSA stand out from other universities? The campus atmosphere is very warm and inviting. The amazing faculty and students have really made me feel at home, and I can’t imagine attending college anywhere else.
How have you maintained a high-quality online learning education during COVID-19? Online learning places more responsibility on self-motivation. Seeing peers and instructors is often what gives students energy, so at first there was a challenge in keeping my energy level
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the same. Focusing on why my education matters and keeping in contact with peers and friends to practice or do homework over Zoom calls made a world of difference.
What’s one piece of advice you’ve received from a mentor at UTSA?
I also tried keeping the same mindset and schedule at home that I usually have at school. Instructors contributed a great deal, too. I felt supported by all of my professors in the transition to online courses.
Take the time to take college in. As a musician, I know everything I do is a part of a journey. All the time spent practicing and working towards my education is building a foundation.
What advice do you have for someone interested in playing music? If you have the opportunity, then go for it! Even if your major isn’t music, being part of an ensemble is such
a rewarding experience that introduces you to great people.
What does it mean to be a Roadrunner? Being a Roadrunner means the world to me. It’s the last stepping stone before I become an educator, and I plan on cherishing every moment!
“I found it easy to overcome feelings of uncertainty, because of the positive environment I was submerged in. I felt like I found my place as a student.”
extracurricular music programs at UTSA
Not majoring in music? No problem! Check out our extracurricular programs to see which one strikes a chord. In these programs, you’ll fine-tune your skills through practice and performance, and meet other Roadrunners who are just as passionate about music as you are. The Spirit of San Antonio Marching Band (SOSA)
UTSA Symphonic Band
The “Spirit of San Antonio” marching band has over 300 members and performs at standard pre-game shows, halftime shows, and various UTSA events and traditions. In 2014, SOSA performed at the 70th anniversary D-Day Memorial Parade for WWII veterans in Normandy, France!
The Symphonic Band consists of 50 student wind players who perform a variety of historical pieces for ensembles of various sizes. The band spends its time studying and performing works from the standard symphonic band repertoire. In 2017, the band performed alongside the 323rd Army Band from Ft. Sam Houston.
Flute Ensemble
UTSA Concert Choir
Devoted to performing music written for flute choir, the Flute Ensemble has an active schedule, performing at UTSA receptions and other collaborations. The ensemble is scheduled to perform three new student-composed works at the National Flute Association convention next year in Washington, D.C.
Conducted by Dr. Yoojin Muhn, the UTSA Concert Choir is an auditioned ensemble consisting of 50 singers. The choir has performed at division and national conferences, concerts, and the Texas Music Educators Association, and they tour Texas every spring. In the past, they even toured Mexico, Austria, and the Czech Republic!
Saxophone Association Led by Dr. Rami El-Farrah, the Saxophone Association provides an opportunity for talented student saxophonists to develop their abilities and perform for the university and greater San Antonio community.
Wind Ensemble The Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Professor Ron Ellis, is composed of students who have achieved a high level of musicianship. They maintain a vigorous performance schedule with three concerts a semester, as well as an ensemble tour.
UTSA Women’s Choir The UTSA Womenʼs Choir, conducted by Dr. Yoojin Muhn, is a non-auditioned ensemble open to female students. The choir performs regularly off-campus and has been an active participant and host for the Texas Collegiate Womenʼs Choir Festival. They performed with the Yellow Rose Singers at the 2017 International Festival of the Aegean in Syros, Greece, and toured with the group throughout England and Ireland in 2019.
Students of all majors are welcome to audition! Several of these programs are made up of non-music majors, so you’ll easily fit in like you’re one of the band.
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FEATURE
On Path to a
BOLD FUTURE Be BOLD about your future. At UTSA, we are!
THE BEST WAY TO PREPARE FOR A BOLD FUTURE IS TO CREATE IT. What do you envision when you think of the future? You’re probably not picturing crystal balls, flying cars, or having long conversations with artificial intelligence, but we’re sure you’ve at least thought about your career goals. Have you also considered the path you’ll need to take to get there? YOUR FUTURE SELF WILL THANK YOU. We asked UTSA professors and staff what next-gen Roadrunners will need to do to prepare for a successful bold future. Flip through to see what these field experts have to say and how UTSA can help you develop the skills and live out the experiences you’ll need to create a bold future.
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FEATURE
Roadrunners who achieved their bold futures Check out what these recent grads have to say about their time at UTSA and how it helped them achieve their bold future!
ILEANA GONZALEZ, Business Administration ’16 Operations and Community Engagement Manager Tech Bloc “UTSA set the stage for me to become a ‘connector.’ Throughout my career at UTSA, I was honored with the opportunity to connect students with UTSA administration and San Antonio. I’m proud that as a result of my time at UTSA, I am able to continue my role as a connector towards the future growth and evolution of our city.” MATTHEW RANDAL, Biochemistry ’18 Lab Manager Freetail Brewing Co. “UTSA’s faculty helped hone my skills and find internships, research programs and jobs. My off-site internships were made possible by nominations and reference letters from my faculty mentors. You will never be alone as a Roadrunner. The opportunities at UTSA are unending.” RAVEN DOUGLAS, Political Science ’18 Leadership Manager MOVE Texas “UTSA has played an integral role in developing my career path. The values I attained and the people I met while at UTSA will continue to shape my path in the years to come.” DAVID RAMOS, Civil Engineering ’16 Engineer I City of San Antonio Development Services Dept. “My College of Engineering professors helped me achieve success on campus and now professionally. I am forever grateful for my time as a Roadrunner.” REBECCA SMITH IANNO, Kinesiology & Health ’14 Doctor of Physical Therapy Elam Sports Oahu “When I was lost or unsure about anything, there was a UTSA faculty or staff member there to listen and guide me in the right direction. The people that I met in San Antonio along with the memories that I made will stay with me forever.”
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FEATURE
No dream is too big
as long as you have all the tools to accomplish it. The skills you develop at UTSA will be the foundation on which you launch your professional career.
Jill Ford is the assistant dean for the College of Engineering and the director for the Student Success Center, which is a unique place for UTSA Students to learn about the many opportunities available for their professional growth and development. What skills should students have for their future? Adaptability and embracing change are two important skills, and communication and collaboration are also very critical. You can have the best idea in the world, but if you cannot communicate effectively, it will be tough to be successful. How is UTSA preparing students for the job market? Many of our degree programs have industrial advisory boards that meet regularly to provide guidance and input on curriculum and industry trends. This is imperative for us to adapt and change, when necessary, to ensure our graduates can succeed in a world where technology is ever-changing.
“Learn to adapt quickly and make the best decisions possible with limited information.” 10 FUTURE.UTSA.EDU
Roadrunners build career experiences through volunteer work!
Christopher Combs is a professor for UTSA’s College of Engineering. He teaches courses in mechanical engineering and also sponsors the university’s aerospace engineering program. How is UTSA preparing students for the job market? We approach engineering with an emphasis on long-lasting technical skills. Being able to write code, draft technical drawings, and run simulations are all skills that are transferrable and will be important for a long time. Students must also learn how to collaborate, solve problems together, pitch their ideas, and communicate the results of their work. Can you think of any recent grads who have a unique success story? I’m proud of our first year with the aerospace program. I sponsored a senior design team to help build our Mach 7 wind tunnel nozzle and test section. They did a great job with the project, and now three of the four team members have jobs at Boeing!
“After you graduate, your professors will still be here for you. We’re happy to provide letters of recommendation, career advice, mentoring, or answers to technical questions. We love to know how you’re doing and hear about your success.”
FEATURE
Marina “Red” Madden creates partnerships for communication majors who are looking to curate new skills by taking for-credit learning experiences with professionals in the community. She also coaches UTSA’s National Student Advertising Competition team, in which students become a full-service agency for a year. How would you encourage students to prepare for new jobs that don’t exist today? We have to be generalist and specialist at a moment’s notice. Media and creative professionals are in the business of “making,” but this also includes other skills like gathering, curating, producing, editing, writing, filming, designing, coding, and more. What is your hope for Roadrunners as they graduate? Be patient! Seeking a career is a full-time job. Join a trade organization like AMA, AAF, PRSA, or AIGA, which focus on marketing, public relations, advertising, and design. Submit work to a juried competition, attend any free conferences, get certificates in tech skills, and join Adobe Communities.
“UTSA is the home of students who can outperform in the digital era.”
Ask a Career Counselor Lisa Vigil, a UTSA Career Center counselor, gives Roadrunners career prep advice. “Look at job descriptions from companies or industries that you’re interested in. Understand what skills employers are looking for and tap into the resources available at UTSA to develop them. Check out the Career Center website, make a one-on-one appointment with a Career Counselor, and sign up for events.”
Learn more at careercenter.utsa.edu.
NACE Competencies 8 Skills to be Career-Ready The UTSA Career Center reviews a survey of employers by the National Association of College of Employers (NACE) that lists the top identified job skills. The Career Center then takes these job skills and builds recommendations around them for UTSA students. Here are the top job skills needed to be career-ready:
1. Teamwork 2. Digital Fluency 3. Creativity 4. Work Ethic
5. Oral/Written Communications 6. Leadership 7. Global Fluency 8. Career Management
Over the past three years, Digital Fluency has moved up six spots. Teamwork and Work Ethic have gone up, as well. Career Management and Communication have gone down the most, followed by Creativity, Leadership, and Global Fluency.
Access our Creative Campus Last year, UTSA became the first four-year university in Texas to become an Adobe Creative Campus. This new program promotes digital literacy by providing Adobe Creative Cloud for free to all students—it’s a content-driven world after all! William Schaefer, an Adobe Creative Cloud Support Specialist at UTSA, believes digital literacy is crucial for students to have a bold future and encourages students to get familiar with Adobe’s software. These projects may not sound like much, but the technical skills learned by using the software can help you stand out and shape your career.
Students build teamwork and creativity skills!
• Create your own social media graphics with Spark • Experiment with video-editing on Premiere Rush • Take photos and clean them up with Photoshop • Create a logo for yourself on Illustrator
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FEATURE
Shape Our Future While Building Yours One of the best ways to build your bold future is by participating in cutting-edge research that relates to your field. Even first-year Roadrunners have opportunities to assist and learn from faculty who are pioneering new discoveries.
Experiences Forge Bold Futures UTSA is home to plenty of experiential “on-the-job” learning opportunities to help you prepare for your future career.
Engineering students collaborate and gain hands-on experience!
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES Tech Symposium: Dozens of student teams present their findings and ideas for a chance to win cash prizes. The event showcases many unique research projects that students have worked on throughout their senior year. Research Showcase: Every spring, Roadrunners from every area of study present their research and creative endeavors at the Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry Showcase. The showcase offers a unique applied experience that is personalized to each student’s interest. Federally-funded Research: UTSA offers federallyfunded research training programs, like RISE and MARC, that provide financial support for eligible students. You could gain funds for participating in these programs and also gain invaluable research experience.
RESEARCH DISCOVERIES 3D Mapping in Bone Tissue: UTSA faculty and students propose an innovative approach to the 3D characterization of bone tissue by using light microscopy and MATLAB® to acquire microscopic 3D images of bone vasculature with enhanced spatial resolution. Anxiety vs. Social Support: This undergraduate study investigates how anxiety is inversely related to students’ future aspirations and goals, perception of university support, life satisfaction, and university guidance. How College Students Communicate about Race: This explores how racial conversations on college campuses lead to misunderstandings between white students and students of color that are based on perceptions of white privilege, attitudes about colorblindness, and willingness to engage in racial discourse. Expressing How We Feel About Revising College Essays: This undergraduate research study uncovers thoughts and language expressed when revising a college essay and suggests that tutors should be sensitive to the body and language signals students display during the revision process. Small Wind Energy Conversion System: Francisco Herbert, senior lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Mario Rodriguez, UTSA undergraduate student researcher, made strides in designing and manufacturing next-generation wind energy conversion systems to lower the cost of wind power.
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Seok Kang is the associate dean of research for the College of Liberal and Fine Arts (COLFA). He also teaches communication classes at UTSA. What initiatives does UTSA have to support its educational experiences? Professors are strongly encouraged to conduct collaborative research projects across multiple disciplines with students. Recently, COLFA created an initiative for the New Media Studies program that encompasses arts, information technology, music, and humanities. In this program, students can learn concepts and apply transdisciplinary ideas. What experiences do you hope Roadrunners have before they graduate from UTSA? Students should learn practical competencies that widen their scope to other subjects. Roadrunners should also take liberal and fine arts courses to develop creativity, engage in experiential learning, and realize the significance of ethics and human rights.
“UTSA’s integrative education will empower students to survive, thrive, and capture opportunities in the disruptive innovation era.”
Amina Qutub teaches biomedical engineering courses and conducts research on how to interpret the way human cells communicate during the process of growth and regeneration. What experiences do you encourage students to have during their time at UTSA? Students should gain experience programming. Many industries are now applying computational methods to their fields. For instance, computer modeling can be used in many practical ways from identifying the best type of training for an athlete to predicting recovery from viruses like COVID-19. How is UTSA preparing students for the job market? UTSA is investing heavily in creating opportunities that bridge computer science with other areas of study. UTSA has grown its cross-disciplinary initiatives with the AI Consortium, Brain Health Consortium, and a new School of Data Science. There are many new courses and seminars that provide training at the intersection of AI, math, and cyber with other fields. In the fall, I’m teaching a new coding course with applications in the biomedical industry.
“Explore the edge of your field. Always be curious, always learn. When you have a bedrock of diverse ideas and deep knowledge as your foundation, you can rapidly adapt to change, and moreover, be ready to lead the change.”
Terri Matiella teaches environmental science for the College of Sciences and is the co-director for UTSA’s Core Curriculum and Assessment for Environmental Science. She coordinates the introductory environmental science courses and helps the environmental science programs assess student learning outcomes. How is UTSA preparing students for the job market? UTSA leads the way in developing innovative research techniques. Many students have opportunities to participate in research at the undergraduate level, where they develop skills that will pave the way for their future. The ability to work in a team is a vital skill. Analyzing data and making valid conclusions relies on quantitative skills and critical thinking, which applies to any field. What experiences do you hope Roadrunners have before they graduate from UTSA? Today’s environment relies heavily on information accessed through digital platforms. Our students need to find, create, and share information in that medium. They should examine issues and propose original solutions. We need Roadrunners to lead the way in developing creative solutions to problems by analyzing data and working with others!
“Collaborating with other students from around the world can help propose inclusive solutions that work for more people.” ROWDY // FALL 2020
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ROWDY LIFE
Spotlight STUDENT
Student Leader
Nehemiah chose UTSA because his family is from San Antonio, and he felt it was the best choice for him. He was also fascinated by the university’s rich sense of community and inclusion, and intrigued by the opportunities that awaited him as a Roadrunner. In fall of 2017, Nehemiah was accepted to UTSA and the Honors College. Nearly a year later during the summer of 2018, he worked as an Orientation Leader for UTSA’s Orientation and Family Programs. This opportunity gave him one of his most rewarding and fun experiences at UTSA. “I was able to become really close with my fellow Orientation Leaders and form a positive work environment that led to lifelong friendships.” Last spring, Nehemiah interned with the Bexar County District Attorney’s office as part of UTSA’s Citymester program where he worked on a
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service-learning project that focused on increasing voter engagement in underserved populations. The experience helped him understand the policy issues that matter most in his local community and what Roadrunners can do to make an impact. “The Citymester program was a unique experience that exposed me to local community leaders, nonprofit founders, and business executives,” said Nehemiah. “It helped me develop skills that will be crucial to succeed in an ever-changing world.” This fall, Nehemiah will participate in the Bill Archer Fellowship, an exclusive Honors
College fellowship in which selected students travel to Washington D.C. to work with federal agencies and nonprofits in an internship experience that focuses on policy, history, and advocacy.
“[The Citymester program] helped me develop skills that will be crucial to succeed in an ever-changing world.” Nehemiah’s advice to Future Roadrunners is to develop strong relationships with your professors, because it can add greatly to your college experience. Nehemiah believes these connections not only establish a deeper foundation for your field of study, but can also lead to influential mentorships after you graduate college and begin your career.
Nehemiah Jackson San Antonio, TX Class of 2021 Politics and Law
Learn more about the Honors College, Bill Archer Fellowship, and Citymester program at honors.utsa.edu!
LOREM IPSUM
Alamo
Brackenridge Park
The most visited historic landmark in all of Texas, The Alamo is iconic to San Antonio. Stepping into this preserved structure is like walking back through time. It’s a must visit for every local resident.
The Brackenridge Park is a great place to have picnics and play sports! The park is also home to the San Antonio River, the Japanese Tea Garden, the San Antonio Zoo, and much more!
Alamodome The Alamodome is the home to the UTSA Roadrunner football team. Gather your UTSA friends and bring your Roadrunner Spirit to a game day!
McNay Art Museum
Enchanted Rock
The McNay Art Museum has over 22,000 works and includes Medieval and Renaissance art. They have works of art including European and American paintings, sculptures, photographs, and print collections.
Do you enjoy hiking, camping, and nature? Check out the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, and climb the ancient dome for an amazing Texas Hill Country view. Itʼs the perfect place for birdwatching and stargazing!
¡VIVA SA!
UTSA is located in San Antonio, home to a vibrant, diverse culture with iconic landmarks. Check out these world-class attractions and see why Roadrunners enjoy great weather, amazing food, and everything in between!
Pearl Historic District Located just north of downtown San Antonio, the Pearl provides top culinary and cultural experiences. Itʼs a great place to shop, dine, and hang out with fellow Roadrunners!
Natural Bridge Caverns Ready for an adventure? Grab your exploring gear and visit the Natural Bridge Caverns, one of the region’s premier show caves. Wander through large underground chambers and view timeworn cavernous formations.
River Walk This San Antonio treasure is the largest urban ecosystem in the nation and is filled with restaurants, shops, and fun activities. The River Walk is one of the city’s greatest attractions, and it’s a sight to see on the weekend!
San Antonio Museum of Art The San Antonio Museum of Art holds one of the most comprehensive ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian art collections in the southern United States. If you’re planning to be an art or history major, this is the place to visit!
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COST & AID
A Promise for a
Bold Future The process of determining how to pay for college can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but UTSA offers several resources that can help you with affording college and achieving your educational goals. UTSA’s Bold Promise
Cost of Attendance
Tuition and Fees Covered 100%
The first step to paying for college is knowing how much it will cost.
UTSA's Bold Promise is our commitment to offer high-quality, affordable education to incoming freshmen who come from middle – and low-income Texas families. Students who qualify can have their tuition and fees covered 100% for eight fall/spring semesters as long as eligibility is maintained. To qualify, students must: » » » » » »
Be a Texas resident Have a family income up to $50,500 Submit a FAFSA/TASFA to UTSA by Jan 15 Be admitted as a fall freshman by Jan 15 Rank in top 25% of high school class Enroll full-time each semester
Learn more at future.utsa.edu/promise.
Submit your FAFSA or TASFA First, you will need to complete your financial aid application. U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens will complete the FAFSA. UTSA’s FAFSA code is 010115. Then you’ll receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) which lists your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This will give you an estimate (not a guarantee) of what to expect in federal aid. If you are a non-citizen, Texas resident, (including Dreamers and certain international students) you will complete and submit the TASFA to UTSA in order to be considered for state financial aid.
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It’s important to understand what makes up the Cost of Attendance (COA) and remember that college is an investment. Every year, we determine a COA, which not only factors in your tuition and fees but also includes other estimated expenses that are typically associated with college, like housing, books, meals, etc. NET PRICE CALCULATOR The Net Price Calculator will give you an estimate of the direct and indirect UTSA costs of attendance, along with the total estimated funds needed to attend for the academic year. Learn more at future.utsa.edu/netprice.
COST & AID
Financial Aid
Scholarship Hub
Once you know the cost of attendance, your next step is to apply for financial aid.
After you’ve applied to UTSA, you’ll be able to access the Scholarship Hub. Check out UTSA’s Scholarship Hub at onestop.utsa.edu/hub to see what UTSA scholarships are available, including the General Application which pools together all kinds of scholarships into a single application.
After you complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA or the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA), you’ll receive a financial aid offer that will provide an updated estimate of your total annual cost for college. It’s important to understand what makes up this number and combine it with what you plan to pay out-of-pocket.
» PRO-TIP Scholarships will continually be added to the Scholarship Hub as they become available. Bookmark the hub’s webpage and check back regularly to see if there are any new scholarships.
Types of Financial Aid
Scholarship Hub's General Application
FREE MONEY Grants and scholarships are funds that you don’t have to pay back—it’s basically like free money!
When you first log into the Scholarship Hub, you’ll be asked to fill out the General Application. Be sure to complete the General Application by the priority deadline on January 15 to maximize your scholarship opportunities.
» PRO-TIP File your FAFSA or TASFA by our priority deadline of January 15! There are typically more aid options available if you apply by the priority deadline.
MONEY YOU PAY BACK Student loans can come from either the federal government or a private source like a bank. » PRO-TIP Federal loans usually offer lower rates and are more flexible, so opt for them first if you need additional funds for college.
MONEY YOU EARN Work study is an employment opportunity for students who demonstrate financial need. Unlike other financial aid awards, work study is paid out in the form of a paycheck. You can find and apply for a work study job through Handshake, the UTSA Career Center’s job bank. » PRO-TIP If you want to be considered for this program, you must indicate so on your FAFSA.
Freshman and transfer students are also encouraged to apply for outside scholarships. Learn more at onestop. utsa.edu/scholarships.
Distinguished Scholarships Qualified first-time freshman and transfer students who display exceptional scholastic achievement will be given automatic consideration You can access the for our merit-based scholarship hub after Distinguished Presidential you apply for UTSA admission and Distinguished Transfer and receive your myUTSA ID. To Scholarships. maximize your opportunity for general scholarships, you need to complete To be considered, qualified the Scholarship Hub’s General fall freshmen must be Application by January 15. It admitted by January 15 never hurts to apply early! and fall transfers must be admitted by May 1. Learn more at onestop.utsa.edu/distinguished.
THE FAFSA
THE TASFA
ONE STOP ENROLLMENT
If you’re a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, then you’ll apply for financial aid with the FAFSA. UTSA’s FAFSA code is 010115. You can use the MyStudentAid App for this. To download it, search for “myStudentAid” on your app store.
If you are a non-citizen, Texas resident, (including Dreamers and certain international students), you’ll submit the TASFA to UTSA to be considered for Financial Aid. Learn more at onestop. utsa.edu/TASFA. The Dreamers Resource Center provides resources and support for Dreamers and students with mixed-status families. Learn more at utsa.edu/dreamers.
UTSA’s One Stop Office will assist you with anything related to enrolling at UTSA, whether it’s checking your admission or FAFSA/ TASFA status, submitting required paperwork, answering questions about registration or troubleshooting unexpected hang-ups. Learn more at onestop.utsa.edu.
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GENERAL INFO
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.
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!
future.utsa.edu/cost
Transfer Credit Calculator Estimate how many of your credits could transfer to UTSA as a Transfer student by using this free tool.
Apply to UTSA 1
future.utsa.edu/transfer
Visit future.utsa.edu/admissions to view the UTSA application requirements and instructions for freshman, transfer, and international students.
Campus Sneak Peek Take a 360° virtual tour online or schedule a virtual visit with a UTSA Student Ambassador. future.utsa.edu/visit
Review UTSA requirements
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Experience UTSA Day
Have questions about the application process or requirements for admission? Find your admissions counselor at future.utsa.edu/contact.
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.edu/deadlines.
See all that UTSA has to offer during our virtual open house. future.utsa.edu/utsaday
Follow Us on Social
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A fee waiver is available for freshman applicants who meet certain criteria and demonstrate financial need. Visit utsa.edu/feewaiver.
Check us out on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for the latest #FutureRoadrunner news and updates. @UTSAFutureRR
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Contact your Counselor
Ready to Go? Start your Roadrunner journey by following the steps to becoming a Roadrunner.
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Send transcripts and scores You can view instructions for submitting documents to UTSA at utsa.edu/documents. To see which majors have extra admission requirements, visit utsa.edu/studies.To view information on the Honors College and its requirements, visit utsa.edu/honors.
Have Questions? Find out more about UTSA. future.utsa.edu/contact
Pay $70 application fee
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SAT and ACT test score requirements are suspended through Spring 2020.
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 (asap.utsa.edu), your online student portal. Select the Future Roadrunner tab and then click “Check Your Admission Status.”
TIMELINE
Future Roadrunner Timeline Key dates and deadlines to know!
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 To-Do List 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 setting your preferred email address, signing up for Orientation and taking the TSI Assessment. Learn more about becoming Rowdy Ready at future.utsa.edu/ready.
Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid UTSA is one of the most affordable Texas public universities in a major metropolitan area. See the 2020-2021 cost of attendance (COA) at future.utsa.edu/cost. Be sure to consider what you plan to pay out-of-pocket and add it to the amount you’re awarded from financial aid and For the FAFSA, UTSA’s School scholarships. To receive financial aid, Code is 010115. you must submit your FAFSA on FAFSA. ed.gov. You can apply for it every year starting October 1.
Freshman Transfer Both
OCT 1
FAFSA and TASFA apps open for Fall 2021 (onestop.utsa.edu/apply)
OCT 15
Distinguished Transfer Scholarship Priority Deadline for Spring 2021
VIRTUAL UTSA DAYS October 10 | November 14 Register at future.utsa.edu/utsaday
NOV 1
Financial Aid Priority Deadline for Spring 2021
NOV 15
Admission Final Deadline for Spring 2021
Scholarship Information
DEC 1
UTSA Top Scholar Program Fall 2021 Application Deadline
Scholarship Hub
JAN 15
Admission Priority Deadline for Fall 2021
JAN 15
Financial Aid Priority Deadline for Fall 2021
JAN 15
Scholarship Hub's General Application Priority Deadline
JAN 15
Distinguished Presidential Scholarship Priority Deadline for Fall 2021
After you’ve submitted your UTSA admissions application and have received your myUTSA ID, you can begin applying for scholarships. If you complete the Scholarship Hub’s General Application by January 15, you’ll maximize your opportunity to receive general scholarships. Check out our scholarship hub website at onestop.utsa.edu/hub to see what UTSA scholarships are available.
Merit-Based Automatic Considerations Visit onestop.utsa.edu/distinguished for details on the Distinguished Presidential Scholarship or Distinguished Transfer Scholarship.
Phi Theta Kappa Transfer students who want to be considered for Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships need to apply on the UTSA Scholarship Hub. Learn more at future.utsa.edu/ptk.
Find more information on virtual event registration and schedules at future.utsa.edu/virtual. Deadlines and requirements are subject to change. For up-to-date information, please visit future.utsa.edu/changes.
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GENERAL INFO
AREAS OF STUDY
Majors / Degree Programs A
Accounting Δ Actuarial Science Δ + American Studies + Anthropology + Architecture Δ* Art Art History & Criticism + Artificial Intelligence (Multidisciplinary Studies Degree)
B Biochemistry Δ Biology + » » » » » »
Cell and Molecular Biology Integrative Biology Neurobiology Plant Biology Pre-Medical Sciences Biology Teacher Certification (Grades 7–12)
Biomedical Engineering Δ Business Analytics Δ
C-D Chemical Engineering Δ Chemistry Δ + Civil Engineering Δ Classical Studies & Humanities Communication + » Digital Communication » Health Communication » Public Relations
Computer Engineering Δ Computer Science Δ+ » » » » » »
Cloud and Systems Cyber Operations Cyber Security Data Science Software Engineering Teacher Certification (Grades 8–12)
Construction Science & Management *Δ Criminology & Criminal Justice *+ Cyber Intelligence
(Multidisciplinary Studies Degree)
Cyber Security Δ+ Data Science
E-F
Economics Δ+ Education Interdisciplinary Studies » Early Childhood - Grade 6 - Core Subjects - Bilingual Core Subjects - ESL Core Subjects » Grades 4–8 - Language Arts/Reading/ Social Studies - Mathematics/Science - Bilingual Core Subjects - ESL » EC-12 Special Education
Electrical Engineering Δ English
» Creative Writing » English Language Arts & Reading » Professional Writing
Environmental Science + Environmental Studies Finance Δ+
G-K General Mathematics Studies Geography & Environmental Sustainability + » Social Studies (Education)
Mechanical Engineering Δ Medical Humanities » Health Careers » Pre-Advanced Practice Provider » Pre-Medicine
Mexican American Studies* » » » » » » » » »
Anthropology Communities-Families-Children History Interdisciplinary Studies Literary & Cultural Studies Nonprofit Management Political Science Sociology Spanish
Microbiology & Immunology Modern Language Studies Multicultural Early Childhood Development » Early Dual Immersion
Multidisciplinary Science (Science Education)
Multidisciplinary Studies Music Δ+ (audition required) » » » »
Music Composition Music Education Music Marketing Music Performance
N
Geoinformatics
Neuroscience
(Multidisciplinary Studies Degree)
(Multidisciplinary Studies Degree)
Geology + Global Affairs + Health History +
Nutrition & Dietetics Δ
» Social Studies (Education)
Information Systems Δ+ » Cyber Analytics » IT Project Management
Interior Design Δ* Kinesiology » » » »
Athletic Training Exercise Physiology Health Science Physical Education
M Management Δ
» Human Resource Management
Management Science Δ+ » Business Analytics » Operations & Supply Chain
Marketing Δ+
» Sport, Entertainment & Tourism
Mathematics + Mathematics of Data & Computing
P Philosophy + Physics + Political Science +
» Social Studies (Education)
Politics & Law + Psychology + Public Administration & Policy *+ Public Health » Epidemiology & Disease Control » Health Promotion & Behavioral Science
The following degrees are available fully online. Please note the cost of attendance is different for these programs. For more information, visit future.utsa.edu/online.
Cyber Security Δ Multidisciplinary Studies
» Customize your degree program » Select from multiple focus areas that interest you
Minors Available for all majors (including any programs indicated with a + in the majors listings): Adaptive Decision Models for Business African American Studies American Indian Studies Archaeological Practice Astronomy/ Astrophysics Bicultural Studies Business Administration Civic Engagement Classical Studies Community Health Comparative Literature Dance Digital Forensics East Asian Studies English as a Second Language English Literature Film Studies Foreign Languages
French German Humanities Intelligence and Security Studies Jazz Studies Latin American Studies Linguistics Museum Studies Music Marketing Music Technology Network & Data Center Management Nonprofit Management Professional Writing Religious Studies Russian Sport Management Statistics Technology Management Translation and Interpreting Studies Wellness
Certificates Available for all majors:
R-S Real Estate Finance & Development Δ Sociology + Spanish + Statistics & Data Science
Athletic Coaching Business Analytics Community Engaged Leadership Engineering Projects in Community Service Geographic Info. Systems
U-Z
Available to specific majors only:
Undecided (Exploratory) Women’s Studies +
Aerospace Engineering Artificial Intelligence Data Center Design Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
(Multidisciplinary Studies Degree)
» Concentration, Certification, Minor or Track within degree * Majors housed at Downtown Campus
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Fully Online Degree Programs
Δ
Majors that have additional admission requirements
Healthcare Interpreting Legal Studies Operations & Supply Chain Mgmt Professional Writing & Rhetoric
Oil/Gas Pathogenic Outbreak Investigations
+ Available as a Minor
Can’t decide? It’s okay! You have time to figure it out. Apply as Undecided and spend your first semester exploring your options. Interested in many areas? Apply as a Multidisciplinary Studies student and build your own program. Admission Requirements Check for major specifics at future.utsa.edu/studies.
Other Programs Health Professions Office
Want to be a health professional? UTSA’s Health Professions Office advises and supports students interested in pursuing careers in the following health professions. utsa.edu/hpo Pre-Medical Pre-Dental Pre-Dental Hygiene Pre-Nursing Pre-Occupational Therapy Pre-Optometry
Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physical Therapy Pre-Physician Assistant Pre-Respiratory Care Pre-Veterinary Medicine
UTSA + UT Health Nursing Program
The Facilitated Acceptance to Nursing School (FANS) 2+2 program offers guaranteed acceptance into B.S. Nursing at UT Health School of Medicine.
UTSA + UT Health Dental Program
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 Program
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.
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.
RECENT GRADS
Recent Grads Carla Brayton ’17 from SAN LUIS PROTOSI, MEXICO CIVIL ENGINEERING
Graduate Engineer M&S Engineering “Attending UTSA allowed the opportunity to meet mentors that gave me the confidence to learn that it’s okay to stand out.”
David Sanchez ’19 from SAN ANTONIO, TX PHYSICS
Ph.D. Student Pennsylvania State University Department of Materials Science and Engineering “My professors in the physics department and the McNair Scholars program prepared me for graduate school by giving me opportunities to conduct hands-on research in materials science and present my research in local and national conferences.”
Institute for Law & Public Affairs
Andrea Ramos Fernandez ’18
Want to be a lawyer? UTSA’s Institute for Law and Public Affairs supports students interested in pursuing careers in law through advising, internships, special events, and its hallmark, the Summer Law School Preparation Academy. utsa.edu/ilpa
Coalition Manager Texas Business Immigration Coalition
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. future.utsa.edu/rotc
Teacher Certification Program Want to be a teacher? UTSA is approved by the State Board for Educator Certification to recommend students for teaching certification in various baccalaureate degree areas. Elementary School
Middle/High School
Students wanting to be an elementary school teacher should major in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Students wanting to teach in middle school or high school will need a bachelor’s degree in their academic specialization.
from MEXICO CITY, MEXICO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
“From being a student leader to being involved with the Dreamer Resource Center, UTSA provided me leadership opportunities that I never thought could be attainable. UTSA provided me with all of the support I needed to succeed. My only regret was not transferring in sooner.”
Trase WestBrook ’19 from SALINA, KS COMPUTER SCIENCE
Software Engineer Google “UTSA gave me the opportunity to work on the skills that got me where I wanted to go.”
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WHAT’S NEXT?
YOUR NEXT STEPS AS A
#FutureRoadrunner Ready to learn more about UTSA and work on becoming a Future Roadrunner? Then you’re in the right place! Follow these next steps and you’ll be well on your way to starting your academic career at UTSA.
FIND YOUR ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR
APPLY TO UTSA
You’ve got questions, and we’ve got answers. We have admissions counselors standing by to help answer any questions you have about UTSA or our application process. Our admissions counselors are dedicated to specific regions so that they can serve you better. To find the admissions counselor for your region, visit future.utsa.edu/contact.
You can apply to UTSA on either ApplyTexas (applytexas.org), the Texas public university application website or on the Common App (commonapp.org), a non-profit organization that provides students around the U.S. and the world with a unified college application process. Step-by-step instructions for both ApplyTexas and the Common App can be found at future.utsa.edu/apply.
EXPLORE OUR VIRTUAL TOURS & EVENTS Some of our physical offices are closed at this time, but we still look forward to serving you online. Whether it’s through virtual visits or leisurely live chats, we have several online outlets that are designed to help you learn more about UTSA. Check them out at future.utsa.edu/virtual.
CHECK YOUR ADMISSION STATUS After we’ve received your application, we’ll send you an activation email with your very own myUTSA ID. Once your myUTSA ID is activated, you’ll be able to check your admission status any time on ASAP (asap.utsa.edu), your online student portal. Select the Future Roadrunner tab and click Check Your Status. After you’ve been admitted, you’ll have to get Rowdy Ready. Learn more at future.utsa.edu/ready.
LET’S GET SOCIAL
APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
Stay up-to-date with all the latest #FutureRoadrunner trends and tools that will help you breeze through our admissions process. @UTSAFutureRR posts regularly on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, so be sure to give us a like or a follow. That will help us keep you in the loop on all things admissions.
It’s never too early to start thinking about financial aid and scholarships! Starting on October 1, you can apply for the FAFSA (U.S citizens or eligible non-citizens) or the TASFA (Dreamers and certain international students). Once you’ve been admitted and have received your myUTSA ID, you’ll have access to the Scholarship Hub (onestop.utsa.edu/ hub) where you can apply for UTSA scholarships!
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ROWDY’S REMINDER
Donʼt forget! Check us out at Virtual UTSA Day! Learn more about our university on October 10 or November 14 at Virtual UTSA Day, our online open house! At Virtual UTSA Day, you’ll be able to attend online presentations from our professors and staff, get one-on-one help with financial aid and scholarships, and take virtual visits led by our student ambassadors. Sign up at future.utsa.edu/ utsaday and download the UTSA Guide App on your smartphone to build your own schedule and attend virtual presentations.
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Undergraduate Admissions One UTSA Circle San Antonio, Texas 78249
Stay safe and connect with us online!  future.utsa.edu/virtual