University of Texas at San Antonio

UTSA is San Antonio's largest university.

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is San Antonio’s largest public university and currently the second largest university in the University of Texas System.^[2] It currently holds the 5th largest enrollment in the state of Texas.

The main campus is situated on 600 acres (2.4 km²,) at the intersection of Interstate 10 and Loop 1604 near the northern edge of San Antonio, Texas in Bexar County. The university is also one of Texas' fastest growing universities.^[2]

History

The University of Texas at San Antonio was founded on June 5, 1969 by Governor Preston Smith.^[3] In 1970, The University of Texas Board of Regents appointed the university's first president, Arleigh B. Templeton, who served from 1970-1972, and received a land donation of 600 acres (2.4 km²) in northwest San Antonio for the site of UTSA.^[4] Architects Ford, Powell and Carson Inc. were assigned to design a master plan for the university.^[5] Although the university was established in 1970, students temporarily attended class at the Koger Center, where the administrative offices were held, until 1975 when construction on the northwest San Antonio campus was completed.^[2][4] UTSA began with five colleges: Business, Fine and Applied Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Multidisciplinary Studies and Science and Mathematics.^[5]

UTSA has grown to educate over 28,500 students in eight colleges and a graduate school^[6] offering 64 bachelor's degrees, 44 master's and 20 doctorate degrees. Ten more doctorate and five more master's programs are in the finalizing stage or in development.^[2]

New construction and additions to the campuses recently completed include the Downtown Campus Durango Annex, home of the UTSA Institute for Economic Development^[7]; a $20 million Recreation and Wellness Center and Child Development Center^[8]; the Main Building, a $52 million facility located just east of the John Peace Library Building on the 1604 Campus^[5]; and a $23 million Margaret Batts Tobin Laboratory Building that will be used to study emerging infectious diseases.^[9] UTSA completed its $84 million Biotechnology, Sciences and Engineering Building in early 2006.^[10]

In early 2007 UTSA entered into a contract to purchase an additional 125 acres (0.51 km²) of land, about half a mile west of the 1604 campus. This land will be home to the university's new sports complex with a cost estimated at about $80 million.^[11]

Academics

UTSA is one of the UT system's fastest growing universities both in enrollment and in research.

UTSA offers 63 Bachelor's degrees, 43 Master's degrees and 20 doctorate degrees with several other doctoral programs being developed. UTSA currently has eight colleges including:

• Business
• Education and Human Development
• Engineering
• Honors College
• Liberal and Fine Arts
• Public Policy
• Architecture
• Sciences

All programs are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the UTSA College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Research initiatives

In addition to the educational advantages UTSA offers, its economic impact directly and indirectly produces more than $1 billion in annual business activity in Texas, including more than 6,500 jobs and $200 million in personal income. Purchases by UTSA in FY 2004 totaled more than $30.8 million, with $6.5 million or 21 percent designated or obtained from historically underutilized business (HUB) vendors. The university currently has 7,000 employees.

UTSA has a goal to become a tier one institution (which recognizes at least 20 doctoral degrees a year in at least three disciplines) by 2007 and a doctoral/research extensive institution (at least 50 doctoral degrees a year in at least 15 disciplines) by 2015. As the premier doctoral/research university of South Texas and as a Hispanic-serving institution, UTSA will continue to provide educational opportunities for the underrepresented population of the region. In a 2007 study released by Academic Analytics, UTSA was ranked fifth for faculty scholarly productivity among other large research universities in the state of Texas. ^[12]

Athletics

Main article: UTSA Roadrunners

UTSA Roadrunners baseball at Houston in 2008

UTSA is San Antonio's only NCAA Division I institution with 16 intercollegiate sports including basketball, cross country, golf, indoor track & field, men’s baseball, outdoor track and field, tennis, women’s soccer, women’s softball, and women’s volleyball. UTSA's rival in most sports is considered to be Texas State.

The sport that attracts the most student attention is men's basketball. The UTSA team plays at the Convocation Center and is a member of the Southland Conference.

UTSA is one of the largest universities in the United States without a football team. However, students passed an athletic fee referendum that will double the athletic fee and likely bring the addition of a Division I FBS football team, playing at the Alamodome, by 2010 or 2011. The plan still has to be approved by the University of Texas System board of regents.^[13] In 2007 UTSA added hockey to their athletic department. The UTSA Roadrunners Hockey Team plays at the Northwoods Ice & Golf Centre which is located at US 281 & Loop 1604 on the North side of San Antonio.

Spirit and tradition

Alma mater

Lyrics by Alan Craven, former dean and professor of COLFA. Music by Clarence Stuessy, retired professor and former chair of Department of Music. "Hail UTSA"

From our hills of oak and cedar

To the Alamo,

Voices raised will echo

As, in song, our praises flow.

Hail Alma Mater!

Through the years our loyalty will grow.

The University of Texas at San Antonio.

School colors and mascot

The official colors of The University of Texas System are orange and white. Upon recommendation from the UTSA Student Representative Assembly, the Board of Regents approved the addition of navy to the orange and white for UTSA's school colors. The colors however will soon be changed to a darker blue and a brighter orange than it is currently.

The roadrunner, a bird representative of the Texas Hill Country and the Southwest, was voted the UTSA mascot in 1977. "Rowdy the Roadrunner" attends many university functions and games.

On March 1, 2008, UTSA Athletics unveiled its new logos during the Homecoming Game against Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. The athletic markings were changed due to noticeable similarities to the University of Kansas Jayhawk.^[14]

Roadrunner Camp

View of the breezeway between the Biotechnology, Sciences and Engineering building and the Engineering building

Roadrunner Camp is a two-day leadership and social retreat for entering freshmen held the week before the fall semester begins. Students sign up for camp during their Roadrunner Roundup Program. Started in 1993, Roadrunner Camp is designed to give new freshman an opportunity to socialize and learn about different leadership topics before the fall semester begins. At camp, students learn more about UTSA and socialize with other entering freshman. The camp has grown from 65 students in 1993 to over 250 students as of February 2007.

BestFest and Fiesta UTSA

BestFest and Fiesta UTSA, were started by Student Government in the early 1980s and continue under the organization of the Campus Activities Board (CAB). Both feature dozens of booths set up under the Sombrilla in a carnival atmosphere. The booths are run by Registered Student Organizations and feature food, drinks and games. CAB sponsors bands and other musicians throughout the day.

BestFest, in October, is UTSA’s answer to Wurstfest. It incorporates a Halloween theme with costume and booth-decorating contests. Fiesta UTSA is the kickoff event for Fiesta San Antonio each spring. The Fiesta royalty are present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony that marks the official beginning of Fiesta.

Housing

UTSA offers four selections for on-campus housing:

• Chaparral Village: Newly built apartment-like complex with 2- or 4-bedroom configurations, housing 1,000 students. Amenities include paid utilities and broadband internet access. Four "Neighborhood Centers" provide laundry and dishwashing appliances, pool/ping pong tables, and large widescreen televisions.
• Chisholm Hall: The oldest housing facility on campus, a 4-story building with traditional dorm-style housing for 500 residents. It offers some of the largest residence hall rooms in a Texas public university, with rooms in 1- and 2-person configurations. The recently remodeled lounge area includes a large projection television with a wide variety of movies on DVD available for viewing.
• University Oaks: Apartments with 1-, 2- and 4-bedroom configurations, second oldest housing complex on campus.
• Laurel Village: UTSA's newest housing complex and opened in Fall 2007.

According to UTSA's master plan, at least 3 new housing developments will be added to increase the amount of students living on campus to 5,600.

There are also many apartment complexes within walking distance of the campus: the newly opened Outpost apartments, the Maverick Creek Villas, Chase Hill Apartments, The Reserve, and opening August 2009 La Cantera Place and many others.

Food services and vending

UTSA features a monopoly of Pepsi products in the numerous vending machines around campus. Food services are provided by ARAMARK which operates three food courts, a Subway restaurant, Starbucks, Panda Express, Wendy's, Chik-Fil-A, the first on-campus Taco Cabana, and an Island Oasis smoothie bar (inside the Rec Center) on campus.

The campus also operates two cafes on campus. The Roadrunner Cafe is an all-you-can-eat buffet and features original artwork by current UTSA President Ricardo Romo. In the Fall of 2006, Einstein Bros. Bagels arrived on campus.

Additional campuses

UTSA's downtown campus.

UTSA also features an 11 acre (45,000 m²) campus located in downtown San Antonio that houses a variety of available classes, including an architecture program. The 15 acre Institute of Texan Cultures stands as the third branch of UTSA, holding one of the most complete libraries on Hispanic culture.

Expansion and growth

The university has focused its efforts on building the 680-room Laurel Village housing complex ($39,182,000), expanding the Recreation Center with an estimated completion date of November 2007 ($45,700,000), constructing a new power facility that will serve a dual purpose of hosting a parking garage as well estimated to be completed in February 2008 ($30,025,000), expansions to the student cafe estimated to be completed in May 2008($5 million), a new engineering building estimated to be completed in July 2009 ($82,500,000), as well as a South campus parking garage to be finished in March 2009. ^[15] An expansion to the University Center is also underway ($33,300,000), which will feature a student organization complex with a new Student Activities office, a ballroom to accommodate 650 people and seven meeting rooms to accommodate 50-150 people each. Student Activities will then take over the existing space and bring in new vendors to transform the building into retail space, including a bank, dry cleaners, post office and hair salon. The expansion is set to be finished by August 2008. ^[16] The recreation center expansion will host new outdoor and indoor gyms, as well as a "lazy river" tubing experience for students.

The library is undergoing design renovations and another engineering building is expected to begin construction in the next few years that will house more laboratories for researchers. UTSA has also entered into a contract to purchase 125 acres (0.51 km²) of land near the 1604 campus, part of which will be used for a new $80 million athletics complex.^[17][18]

Future outlook

In terms of long-term growth, UTSA has developed a master plan into 2030 for expanding the 1604 campus with several other new academic and research buildings, sports complexes, and additional student housing. The estimated cost of these long-term projects is $1.6 billion.^[19] One of the larger plans is an entire east campus to be added, which will provide housing for engineering and science students, along with having more research labs. There is also student interest in developing a radio station. Along with the development at the 1604 campus, nearly $200 million in projects are planned at the Downtown Campus over the next several years.^[20]

One prime goal for the university is the expansion of international programs and international reputation. Students from 88 countries studied at UTSA in the 06-07 school year, and many UTSA students are involved in a study abroad program which partners with major universities worldwide. Students are assessed an international fee as part of their tuition and fees bill that is used to help fund international programs, as well as bring professors from around the world to give weekend seminars for credit at the campus.

A feasibility report was recently completed that discussed future plans for UTSA to compete in NCAA Division 1 football, the possibility of changing to another conference division for sports competition, and to further expand the university's athletic program. In September 2007, a student referendum was passed to raise the $10 per hour athletic fee to $20 per hour. The referendum calls for a gradual increase in the fee over the next decade. With the highest student voter turnout in school history, the funds are intended to increase the athletics operating budget and add an NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision football program.^[21]

Student activities

At the heart of student life are 180 student organizations that represent a diverse array of interests: cultural, honorary, military, political, professional, religious, service, social Greek, special interest, and sports and recreation.

Among the most active groups are the sponsored organizations that receive funding from the University Student Services fee:

• Campus Activities Board (CAB)
• Greek Life
• Student Government Association (SGA)
• Volunteer Organization Involving Community Education and Service (VOICES)

The Paisano

UTSA also hosts a nationally recognized weekly newspaper, The Paisano. It has remained fully independent of the administration since its inception in 1981. The newspaper is published weekly every Tuesday.

The Independent

UTSA's second student-run news organization was founded in September 2006. The Independent ^[22] is an online newspaper experimenting with newer forms of media, such as podcasting. In Spring 2008, The Independent launched a monthly print issue. New online editions are published every Monday, print issues are published monthly.

Campus life

With the addition of more on-campus housing in recent years, campus life has evolved to become much more active. Before basketball games, tail-gate parties and body painting in the school's colors are common. There are many traditions as well, including Best Fest and Fiesta UTSA, both are events for students organizations to raise funds while providing entertainment and food to the student body.

A small percentage of incoming freshmen are in the CAP program, an agreement which allows students who are not initially accepted into UT - Austin to choose to come to UTSA. If they maintain a certain GPA and restrict themselves to taking specific classes, they will be granted admission to UT. The program is also in effect at other UT system schools, including UT–Arlington, and continues to draw more and more students every year. The CAP program has become more controversial as more freshmen are enrolled. UTSA officials have stated that only about 30% of those in the CAP program end up at UT - Austin the following school year. Despite this, however, many students are opting to stay at UTSA, as the university has been recognized for its growing research and business programs.

Notable alumni

• Bruce Bowen - NBA player for the San Antonio Spurs, attended and received credit for public relations classes^[23]
• Devin Brown - NBA player for the Cleveland Cavaliers^[24]
• Jeff Clarke - Dell Product Group Senior Vice President^[25]
• Dayna Devon - Journalist and co-host of the infotainment show Extra^[26]
• Johan Edfors - Professional golfer^[27]
• Derrick Gervin - Former NBA player (brother of George Gervin)^[28]
• Arlen Glenewinkel Jr. - Vice President and Controller of Tesoro^[29]
• Rolando Gomez - Author and Professional photographer^[30]
• Leroy Hurd - Professional Basketball Player currently with Italian team Sebastiani Rieti^[31]
• Janet Krueger - Master of Fine Arts, artist of south Texas ranching life^[32]
• William E. Morrow - Founder of Grande Communications^[33]
• George Muller - Vice President of Imperial Sugar^[34]
• Mario Marcel Salas - African-American civil rights leader^[35]

Notable faculty and staff

• Norma Elia Cantú - Author and professor of English
• Peter Tyrrell Flawn - Former UTSA President
• M. Neal Guentzel - Expert on Infectious Disease, Professor of Microbiology
• Steven G. Kellman - Author and professor of English
• Ken Little - Artist and professor
• Que McMaster - Former Track and Field Coach
• Steven Murdock - Current director of the Census Bureau, former state demographer of Texas, and former Chair of Demography and Organization Studies at UTSA
• Mark Olberding - Former NBA Player and UTSA basketball coach
• Zorica Pantic-Tanner - Former dean of the College of Engineering
• George Perry (neuroscientist) - Alzheimer's disease researcher, dean and professor
• Darhyl S. Ramsey - Author and former professor
• Tomás Rivera - Chicano author and activist (d. 1984)
• Ricardo Romo - UTSA President and respected photographer
• Rodolfo Rosales - Author, professor of Politics, and husband of LULAC President Rosa Rosales.
• David J. Schneider - Psychologist and former professor
• Nevil Shed - Student Program Coordinator at the UTSA University Center and former NBA player. Played for the 1966 Texas Western Miners who's story was made into the movie Glory Road.
• Brooks Thompson - Former NBA Player and current UTSA head basketball coach
• Lynda de la Vina - Former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy

2008 Honor Code controversy

In March 2008, UTSA was accused of plagiarizing a new honor code from that which is in use at Brigham Young University.^[36][37][38] The UTSA honor code in question was a draft that students of UTSA put up on the Internet for review. Some of those who read it noticed it looked similar to that of BYU's. The final draft of the honor code that goes to the Faculty Senate will have to include proper citation before approval.^[39]

See also

• List of largest Texas universities by enrollment
• University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

References

External links

• The University of Texas at San Antonio
  • Student Life Initiative
  • Student Organizations Directory
  • Campus Activities Board (CAB)
  • Greek Life
  • Student Government Association (SGA)
• UTSA Master Plan
• UTSA Athletics
• Volunteer Organization Involving Community Education and Service (VOICES)
• Google Maps satellite view of UTSA

• University of Texas at San Antonio is at coordinates

City of San Antonio Attractions The Alamo · Arneson River Theater · Aztec On The River · Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower · Cathedral of San Fernando · Fiesta San Antonio · HemisFair '68 · Institute of Texan Cultures · Japanese Tea Gardens · San Antonio Missions National Historical Park · The Majestic Theatre · Museum of Aerospace Medicine · The River Walk · San Antonio Zoo · Texas Transportation Museum · Tower Life Building · Tower of the Americas · San Antonio Botanical Garden · Witte Museum · Blue Star Contemporary Art Center · McNay Art Museum · San Antonio Museum of Art · Artpace Entertainment Alamodome · AT&T Center · Fiesta Noche del Rio · Freeman Coliseum · Nelson W. Wolff Stadium · San Antonio Missions (Baseball) · San Antonio Rampage · San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo · San Antonio Spurs · San Antonio Silver Stars · San Antonio Symphony · SeaWorld · Fiesta Texas · Splashtown Companies AT&T · Clear Channel · Frost Bank · H-E-B · Harte-Hanks  · San Antonio Express-News · Tesoro · USAA · Valero · Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas · CSRHC  · NewTek  · Taco Cabana  · Rackspace  · M7 Aerospace Military Brooks City-Base · BAMC · Fort Sam Houston · Lackland Air Force Base · Randolph Air Force Base Research & education San Antonio Public Library · South Texas Medical Center · St. Mary's University · Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research · Southwest Research Institute · Trinity University · UTSA · UT Health Science Center · UIW · OLLU · ACCD · CTRC · Texas A&M University–San Antonio · CCRI · TNI · University Hospital Other Bexar County Courthouse · Culture · Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center · Neighborhoods · North Star Mall · Pearl Brewery · Rivercenter · San Antonio International Airport · San Antonio Springs · The Shops at La Cantera · VIA