UTSA Residence Life Program

Fostering student success with community-based academic, personal, and professional growth programs.

On-Campus Students Achieve Greater Academic Success

7%

Higher Avg. GPA

First-year students living on-campus achieved higher average GPAs, and maintained this advantage even when moving off campus in later years.

11%

Improved Retention

First Gen students who live on-campus (rather than off-campus or at home) are more likely to stay in school.

UTSA Case Study On-Campus Students Perform Better

There is plenty of national research to support this fact, but we have data* from our own campus that tells the story of our students. For example, on-campus residents had higher GPAs – 0.3 grade points higher. The difference in retention for first generation students is 11%. Students who live on-campus their first year continue to enjoy a higher GPA their second year, even if they live elsewhere. We have a team who makes it all possible.

Our students reap the benefits of having 24/7 support from trained, live-in student and professional staff, who share your academic goals. Our students have access to Academic Peer Coaches who live in their communities. Our students can choose to take part in special communities that focus on their major or a specific interest. Our students thrive.

*Abunawas, M. (2019, February 5). Fall 2017 First Time Full Time Cohort Comparison (201901021), UTSA Institutional Research analysis.

Special Student Success Programs for residents of Alvarez Hall, Chaparral Village, Laurel Village, Guadalupe Hall, Chisholm Hall

Roadrunner ABC's
Our Proprietary Residential Education Model Designed and curated by professional staff specializing in Student Success and Housing.

Adjust

We help you adjust to both campus culture and the community in your building.

Balance

We share strategies on balancing academics, social well-being and other commitments.

Challenge

We support you as you become more involved in your community and college.

Roadrunner ABC's explained

What is a Residential Educational Model?

A residential educational model is put in place to help residents transition and carry out their lives while attending college. This model is based on creating intentional and influential relationships with residents, connecting them to UTSA resources and organizations, and facilitating programming to fit their needs and wants. We will be utilizing the Roadrunner ABCs to carry out our mission and hit our objectives as a department.

What are the Roadrunner ABCs?

The Roadrunner ABCs will focus on three educational components that UTSA residents will utilize during their college experience. They are as follows: Adjust, Balance and Challenge. Residents will enter our communities first learning to adjust to both campus culture and the community in their building. Throughout the year, residents will understand what it means to balance their academics, social well-being and other commitments. Both of these components will then give residents the opportunity to challenge themselves going into their second semester to become more involved in their community and college experience

Monthly Training Programs Monthly training programs delivered by RA’s

Academic Success

Strategies and tips for succeeding at UTSA and graduate school.

Social Justice

Raising awareness for the larger issues outside ourselves.

Student Health Topics

Group training led by professional trainers from UTSA Health Services.

Community Service

Opening ourselves to the needs of our university community, our city and beyond.

Healthy Relationships

Supportive discussions about how to build and maintain relationships.

Volunteering

Group activities that both teach and foster a spirit of volunteerism.

Connecting with UTSA

Tips on how best to get involved with all UTSA has to offer.

Cooking & Laundry

Both the how-to's and etiquette of sharing kitchens and laundry rooms.

Civil Discourse

Group work that builds personal capacity for listening and debating alternative viewpoints.

Homesickness

Group and individual support on making a positive transition into college life.

Living on Campus

How to make the most of your special status as an on-campus Roadrunner.

Self-Care & Mental Health

Learning healthy ways to manage stress, and how to ask for help.

Budgeting

Common sense, reality-based discussions about managing money in college.

Sustainability

Activities and discussions that build awareness of our impact on the environment.

School Spirit

Learning about UTSA Traditions and sharing events together with new friend groups.

What Roadrunners are saying...

“I have learned how to be a more effective communicator and form helpful study groups, and this has allowed me to improve intellectually, mentally, socially, as a person, and spiritually.”

“I have learned to be way more social and that having friends is actually mentally healthy and helpful.”

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Meet the Residence Life Team

Dedicated to student success

An award-winning residential life professional with 15+ years experience building programs that help students succeed.

Van Rolle

Assistant Director of Residence Life

Jerusha Thomas

Complex Coordinator

Victoria Thompson