Welcome to the new academic year! We are so excited you are here. It’s going to be a really special time because UTPB will celebrate our 50th anniversary this fall. There will be many different events and celebrations of the first 50 years at UTPB. You’ll get updates in your student portal and via the weekly newsletter. In addition, there are so many new updates to share from new technology support, campus construction updates, new food service locations, and extended office hours. Take a look at what you can expect.
Payment Plans
We have added a new payment plan option this year. The UTPB3 allows students to enroll and start attending classes with just a $35 down payment. After the enrollment fee of $35, a first payment of 33% will be due the on the 15th of the following month. Two additional payments of 33% will be due on the 15th of the next two months.
UTPB 3 was created with students in mind. This new plan allows students to spread out their payments and enroll in courses sooner. We get it, college is expensive but we’re here to help. Learn more about other payment plans, financial aid and scholarships by visiting our website: utpb.edu.
Extended Hours for Offices
- Admissions, Financial Aid, Registrar, and Student Accounts will be open until 5 pm this Friday, to help you with any last-minute enrollment needs.
- The Advising Office will be open extended hours on business days from August 24-29. On August 30, they will be open from 8am – 5pm.
Campus Construction Update
There are four construction projects in different stages at UTPB. Here is a quick look at where we are with each of them:
- Mesa Building: Design work is underway and construction activities could begin as soon as April 1, 2024. Right now, the larger of the two elevators is not operational while it is replaced. It should be complete in October. The smaller elevator is working. Give yourself extra time if you plan to use the elevator this fall.
- Bright Stars Memorial: This project is located on the backside of the UTPB Park and is underway. Expected completion is next summer.
- Campus Signage: This project is out for bid. Once that process is complete, the work should begin quickly, likely later this Fall.
- Quad: The design work is nearly complete. Construction documents are next. Construction could begin in Summer 2024.
Student Portal
When students log into myUTPB this semester, they will notice that things look a little different. Instead of logging into PeopleSoft, duo mobile will log them into their new personalized student portal.
The portal is a single point of access and hub to all applications, information, and content students use on a regular basis. You will only need to sign on once to access everything you use daily: email, canvas, PeopleSoft, OneDrive, EAB, and more.
The student portal will provide centralized, secure access to your information by connecting multiple systems and pulling key information into the portal. It is individualized to each student, showing relevant information about courses you are taking, advising, messages, university alerts, finances and even a surprise on your birthday!
Students will be able to see key information like their schedule and financial information right within the portal – no need to log into PeopleSoft or other platforms for quick access.
New Technology Support
Starting Tuesday, September 5, the Help Desk is going to 24/7 service every day of the year.
To provide the expanded services, we are making the following changes effective 9/5/23.
You can submit a help ticket via phone, email, chat, or a form.
- On campus call: HELP (4357)
- Off-campus call: 432-552-4357
- Email: help@utpb.edu
- Chat support now available on the https://help.utpb.edu page
- Complete the form https://help.utpb.edu
Not all issues can be resolved outside of typical office hours. Some issues will be escalated to the next business day. Following ticket closure, the requestor will receive a satisfaction survey link to let us know how we did.
Campus Food Update
There are lots of updates and changes to food offerings on campus this year. Please download the Boost Mobile Ordering App to place your order ahead at any of these locations. https://boostapp.io/
SAC: You can still get a burger, but new items are coming! Items like brisket tacos, crispy tender sandwich, BBQ sandwich and a cobb salad will be available. It will also be open for breakfast, serving breakfast tacos. Many of the items will be part of the meal exchange program.
Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8:00am-3:00pm
Friday: 8:00am-1:00pm
(New) Dunagan Coffee Shop: The coffee shop will move from the SAC to the library and have new offerings, including Nitro on tap, grab n go drinks, and an upgraded food program to sell both hot and cold snacks.
Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 7:00am-4:00pm
Friday: 7:00am-1:00pm
Mesa Market and Coffee Shop: Located on the second floor of the Mesa Building.
Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 7:00am-6:30pm
Friday: 7:00am-12:00pm
RDH: RDH Dining hall opens on Friday, August 25. If you have purchased a campus meal plan you may begin using it this Friday. If you do not have a meal plan you can purchase one in the Housing office in RDH.
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 7:00am-8:30pm (Closing from 10:30-11:00 and 4:30-5:00 for reset)
Saturday and Sunday: 11:0am-7:00 pm
(New) Catalyst Café @ the CEED- This new location will be a great place to grab a to-go meal, drink, or snacks. There will also be a freshly made to order menu featuring sandwiches and loaded fries.
TimelyCare
We are excited to launch TimelyCare for students this semester! With TimelyCare, you will have free, 24/7 access to providers from anywhere in the United States, regardless of your insurance status. So, you’ll never have to spend time or money looking for care, whether you’re on or off campus. You will soon receive an email from the University Mental Health and Wellness Center with information about signing up for TimelyCare, which provides:
- TalkNow: 24/7, on-demand emotional support available via phone, video,
or chat, to talk about about anything, including anxiety, relationships, depression, and school-related stressors. - Scheduled Counseling: Choose the day, time, and mental health provider that works best for you. (9 visits per year)
- Health Coaching: Develop healthy lifestyle behaviors for nutrition, sleep habits, time management, and mindfulness.
- Psychiatry: Appointments are available through referrals.
- Self-Care Content: Visit the Explore page within TimelyCare for guided self-care content.
- Basic Needs Support: Access to free or reduced-cost community resources, including food and housing assistance, transit support, childcare, and finances.
Emergency Support
We’re here to help! Through individualized consultation, the Office of the Dean of Students and the UTPB CARE team provides assistance, intervention, and referrals to support students navigating challenging or unexpected issues that impact their well-being and academic success. Emergency situations include but are not limited to: Missing Student, Family Emergency, Fire or Natural Disaster, Medical or Mental Health Concern, Academic difficulties due to crisis or emergency situations, Interpersonal Violence (stalking, harassment, physical and/or sexual assault). E-mail care@utpb.edu.
Welcome Week & Falcon First Days
UTPB is hosting a multitude of events during the first two weeks of school to welcome students back to campus. Come out, make friends, get acclimated, and have fun! Crowd favorites like Grocery Bingo, with a grand prize of a PS5 being given away, and the Welcome Back Splash return, but we also have new events. One such new event that we are excited about is Freddieville 1301; come for the tailgating experience, food, and school spirit! This will also be the first event we are giving out the Welcome Week T-Shirts. Weeks of Welcome Fall 23.png
The first football game is on Saturday, September 2. Kick-off is at 6pm and Falcon Walk is happening at 4pm. Student Orgs are eligible for a free tailgating space. Reach out to studentlife@utpb.edu if you have questions or would like to reserve your space! Shuttle transportation is available and will be leaving campus at 3:30pm and returning at the conclusion of the game.
Falcon Guides will be available Monday through Thursday in the lobbies of buildings across campus to welcome you, help you find your classrooms, and supply you with snacks to get through the day.
Student Housing Move-In
New First Year Student move in starts on Thursday, August 24. Returning students (apartments) move in starts on Friday, August 25. Please refer to your assignment email for your assigned time. If you have questions about move-in or your housing assignment you can email Housing@UTPB.edu.
