The chatter of students mingling in Sombrilla Plaza and the sounds of notebooks opening in lecture halls have returned to campuses as the university welcomes a new, exciting fall semester. From the anticipated merger between UTSA and UT Health San Antonio to the opening of new college, the fall 2025 semester is bound to be special.
New college, degree programs
The University of Texas at San Antonio will launch its newest college, the College of AI, Cyber and Computing, on Monday, September 1. The new college will serve more than 5,000 students in the areas of computer science, computer engineering, information system and cybersecurity and statistics and data science.
Housed downtown in San Pedro I and San Pedro II when it opens in Spring 2026, the college’s location in the urban core will allow for proximity to government and community partners, allowing for real-world opportunities.
A number of new degree programs are also launching at the university, including a bachelor’s degree in journalism in the College of Liberal and Fine Arts. This new degree will address the rising demand for skilled media professionals.
The Interdisciplinary School for Engagement in Humanities and Social Science in the College of Liberal and Fine Arts is offering two new bachelor’s degrees in Community Arts and Dramatic Arts. The Community Arts degree will prepare students for leadership roles in nonprofit and community arts organizations. The Dramatic Arts degree, the only program at a four-year university in San Antonio, will train in performance, script writing and stagecraft.
The College of Education and Human Development is welcoming a new bachelor of science in behavioral science. This innovative program will meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in counseling, educational psychology and applied behavioral analysis, particularly in Texas and rural communities where health service gaps continue to widen.
Several graduate programs and certificates are also launching, such as an MS in Business Research from the Carlos Alvarez College of Business and an MS in Chemical Engineering from the Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Growing downtown presence
The university’s downtown presence is growing this semester. The recent acquisition of One Riverwalk Place in March has become the home for the School of Architecture + Planning. This semester over 900 students, faculty and staff will get to enjoy the 18-story, 265,000-square-foot building, located across the San Antonio River from the Southwest Campus.
In Spring 2026, the Institute of Economic Development will make its move into the building along with other academic programs and support services that will be determined in the coming months and years.
Students and faculty can celebrate the opening of the new building at Back in the City Bash, an official Roadrunner Days event, on September 4.
Main Campus updates
Those looking to grab a bite to eat on Main Campus will discover new treats and enhanced services via UTSA Dining.
The RowdyMart at Roadrunner Café has been refreshed and transformed into a modern, welcoming market to allow for a more convenient pitstop. The reimagined space has an expanded selection of snacks, beverages and everyday essentials.
UTSA’s popular dining spot, Chick-fil-A, also underwent a summer refresh with improvements made toward production and service efficiency to help keep busy lines moving.
A new food truck is hitting the Student Union Paseo this fall. Slow Boogies, a retro-inspired ice cream truck, will be serving up handcrafted floats, sundaes, and ice cream cups.
With the recent opening of the College Park H-E-B, students, faculty and staff will have easier access to the new grocery store with the help of VIA Link. The new H-E-B is now part of the VIA Link’s “Mainland Zone,” which means the Roadrunner community can use the service to and from the store with a VIA U-Pass.
Becoming a part of the Roadrunner community
UTSA’s annual Roadrunner Days are back this school year for new and returning students. The 16-day celebration includes events meant to immerse students in the culture and traditions of the university, all while making them discover a sense of belonging.
Some key events include the Get Involved Fair on Wednesday, August 27 and Howdy Rowdy Bash at Six Flags Fiesta Texas on Friday, August 29.
This year’s lineup also has some very special pop-up events to celebrate the merger of UTSA and UT Health San Antonio. The Main Campus community can stop by Swag & Spirit: Celebrate the New UT San Antonio in Sombrilla Plaza on Tuesday, August 26, for exclusive swag and interactive photo opportunities. On Thursday, September 4, there also will be an opportunity to explore the new UT San Antonio at the Birds Up Downtown event in Bill Miller Plaza.
UTSA Football will close out Roadrunner Days with their first game of the season against the Texas State Bobcats on Saturday, September 6, at the Alamodome. Those in attendance have the opportunity to help raise funds for the Huddle for Hunger challenge, which aims to end food insecurity on both campuses.
