November 2021 Division Update

Howdy!

We are now approaching a break. A much needed time to rest, re-connect with loved ones, and take some time for self-care. When you hear a psychologist talk about self-care, you tend to think immediately, “I don’t have time for that!” or that it is “too difficult to practice”. Here are some of my very practical wishes for each of you:

1. May you make the time for a grateful practice. It could be as simple as taking 2 minutes every day to think about what you are grateful for . . . It could be intentionally telling the people in your life you love and are grateful for them. It could be starting a grateful practice journal.

2. May you slow down and explore what it means to be truly present in the space you are in. Some questions to ask are, “Am I really connected to what is happening in this moment? Am I so worried about what is going to happen next that I am missing what is happening now?” Slow down, breathe, connect with the now. Google mindfulness practices.

3. May you allow yourself some space to re-connect with your why. Why am I in the field I’m in? Why Student Affairs? How can I come back in January, re-energized and knowing what I do makes a difference? You are in Student Affairs and your efforts make such a difference in the lives of so many students . . . I’m betting you don’t even know how many students you have helped and impacted. Take the break to refocus your passion.

I wish you a wonderful, restorative break.

Gig’em – Mary Ann

Director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

RESIDENCE LIFE

Congratulations to Creative Manager Kara Humphreys and her team for being selected as a winner by the Association of College & University Housing Officers – International Marketing Awards for the brochure “Aggies Live On” presented during the Virtual Business Operations Conference this October.

We will host the South Western Association of College & University Housing Officers Resident Advisor Conference on Nov. 13. About 300 RAs from Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Mexico will participate virtually. The goal is to “Level Up the RA Experience” this year.

Our staff presented a First Gen Pep Talk (in-person and on Zoom) for campus residents. Resident advisors shared their lived experiences as first-generation students, talking openly about resources, mentors, and helpful experiences. Another talk is scheduled for November. These follow a welcome social the department hosted in August to help students connect with one another, with staff and to resources.

RECREATIONAL SPORTS

Become a Schwinn cycle coach in this interactive training taught by Lucy Waite, Schwinn master trainer. The class covers bike fit, cycling science, physiology and biomechanics, and proper riding technique. Email Anna Taggart to register or to learn more. The class is Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Rec Center Room 302.

There is still plenty of time to join Group RecXercise classes this semester and passes are now on sale for $30! Tons of options such as cycling, Pilates, yoga, kickboxing, cardio water, Zumba, and step. Download the Rec Sports app to purchase your all access pass today! Classes run through Dec. 5. Learn more.

Get outside with the Rec Sports Outdoor Adventures team! November activities include river paddling in San Marcos, mindfulness hikes at Lick Creek, climbing clinics at Rec Sports, and fly fishing basics at Penberthy Pond. Learn more.

Love the outdoors? Visit the Outdoor Adventures Rental Center for the gear you need including tents, sleeping bags, cooking items, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards! Send us an email or call 979-845-7035. To learn more about camping, knot tying, fire building, cooking outside and more, watch our videos.

MULTICULTURAL SERVICES

The annual Fusion Fiesta event is Nov. 10 in Bethancourt Ballroom at 6 p.m. The event, hosted by our three cultural councils, will feature numerous cultural showcases from student organizations across campus, musical performances, and free food.

The Dia de los Muertos annual ofrenda will be displayed on Nov. 2, in the Stark Galleries. Hispanic Presidents' Council, MSC CAMAC, and the Multicultural Greek Council collaborate to honor past loved ones across the Aggie community. The submission deadline is Nov. 1. Details here: tx.ag/ofrendasubmit

Asian Presidents' Council will host its Field Day Oct. 29 at Simpson Drill Field from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Field Day will consist of team games, relays, and friendly competition. Learn more and register your team.

Event submissions for the upcoming Black History Month calendar are now open. The 2022 theme is Black Health & Wellness. The submission deadline is Nov. 19. Submit your event here.

COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

On behalf of the TAMU Suicide Awareness & Prevention Office (SAPO), we would like to thank the campus community for its support during Suicide Awareness Month. We would also like to thank all of our partners who helped us convert a single day event into a month-long campaign. Thank you to Active Minds, Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors, TAMU REC, the TAMU AgriLife Extension, the JCK Foundation, and our CAPS staff.

Our most successful event was Virtual Suicide Awareness Walk, and consisted of 175 participants and over 30 teams! Through the AgriLife Extension’s Walk Through Texas Program we walked a combined 12,913.9 miles to raise awareness about suicide prevention in our communities!

Aggies Reaching Aggies is a brand-new peer educator program where A&M students learn about suicide prevention and mental health support and facilitate gatekeeper presentations to other Aggies. This is a great organization for getting actively involved in suicide awareness & prevention.

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

Free flu vaccines are available for Texas A&M students! Schedule your appointment to receive a flu vaccine here. Students should bring a TAMU ID and any health insurance information to the appointment. Help protect Aggieland and get vaxxed.

Since the pandemic began last year, our staff has managed over 75,000 COVID-19 tests for students, faculty and staff.

Thirty-seven students participated in the October Von's Vision event and had the opportunity to receive a free pair of glasses. The last event of the semester is Nov. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more.

MUSIC ACTIVITIES

Our ensembles have completed their first public performances of the semester to record audiences. The bands, orchestras, Women’s Chorus and Century Singers have all performed to standing-room-only crowds in Rudder Theatre. Viewers of the department’s live stream remain high as well.

Our next performances this semester:

At Rudder Theatre:

University Jazz – Nov. 21 at 2 p.m.
University Orchestras – Nov. 21 at 5:30 p.m.
University Wind Symphony – Dec. 5 at 2 p.m.
University Bands – Dec. 5 at 5 p.m.

At Rudder Auditorium:

The Holiday Spirit of Aggieland – Dec. 5 at 3 p.m.

(Singing Cadets, Century Singers and Women’s Chorus)

The Singing Cadets will continue to take open rehearsals on the road, and will perform Nov. 5 at Brookshire Brothers Stage 12.

The Singing Cadets hosted the annual Association of Former Singing Cadets Reunion Oct. 22 and 23. Over 200 former students returned for the sing-a-long, dinner, and all the festivities leading up to the football victory over South Carolina. The group also performed at TAMU Galveston's Family Weekend on Oct. 15 as they helped the Galveston County Aggie Moms celebrate their 60th anniversary.

Students interested in auditioning for a choral group (Singing Cadets, Women’s Chorus, Century Singers) for spring 2022 can begin auditioning Nov. 1. To audition please email David Kipp. No advance preparation is needed for the audition. Students interested in auditioning for the bands and orchestras for spring 2022 should email Russell Tipton (bands) or Travis Almany (orchestras.)

The Association of Former Students is once again sponsoring live streams of ensemble performances. View the livestream at http://tx.ag/MUSALive.

DISABILITY RESOURCES

Tracey Forman co-hosted a webinar with Career Services on Oct. 25 to share resources and guidance on job searching for disabled students.

Disability Resources is excited to introduce Nick Russell as its newest access coordinator. Nick graduated Class of '19 and '20 with a bachelor of arts in psychology and a master of education in educational psychology. He also spent time as a graduate assistant with the Testing Center. We’re excited to have him with us in this new role. (possible photo coming of Nick.)

Brianna Bazan, a student employee with Disability Resources and president of Aggie Adaptive Sports, hosted a student discussion panel Oct. 20 regarding mental health for disabled students at Texas A&M University.

MEMORIAL STUDENT CENTER

MSC OPAS welcomes Kayla Shepherd as event and operations coordinator along with Kendall Walker as marketing and development coordinator.

MSC OPAS hosts two upcoming shows this month:

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Nov. 9 and 10 in Rudder Auditorium
7000 Miles to Broadway on Nov. 16 in Rudder Theatre

Both shows begin at 7:30 p.m., with tickets available for purchase from the MSC Box Office.

Registration is open for the 2022 Spring MSC Open House. Read about the registration process and register your organization.

OFFICES OF THE DEAN OF STUDENT LIFE

Libby Daggers has been promoted to director of New Student and Family Programs and assistant director for the Offices of the Dean of Student Life. Libby has worked with family engagement and New Student Conferences at Texas A&M since July 2012. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Illinois, a master's degree in College Student Personnel Administration from Illinois State University and is enrolled in the higher education administration doctoral program at Texas A&M. Congratulations, Libby!

During winter break, the LGBTQ+ Pride Center will host Pride Pen Pals, a program designed to keep LGBTQ+ students connected to a supportive community while they are away from campus during the summer and winter breaks. Applications are open Nov. 1-22.

LGBTQ+ Pride Center staff will host Rainbow Relaxin’ Days weekdays Dec. 9-15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On these days, staff convert the lounge of the Pride Center into a quiet study space with snacks, crafts and refreshments to help students prepare and unwind for finals.  

New Student and Family Programs welcomed the Aggie Parent and Family Advisory Council to campus for its fall meeting. The council is a group of family members who provide feedback/suggestions on campus events, communication and resources. In this meeting they provided feedback for 2021 New Student Conferences, brainstormed future communication efforts and heard from Dr. Tim Scott, interim provost and executive vice president, regarding COVID and student success.

VETERAN RESOURCE & SUPPORT CENTER

Please remind students that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the university scholarship app are now open for the ’22-’23 year and encourage them to complete both. The VRSC has more than 120 veteran scholarships available through the app!

The VRSC extends our deepest gratitude to all our student, faculty and staff veterans. You truly embody the core value of selfless service through your commitment and dedication to our great nation and for that, we are forever grateful. We encourage everyone to take part in one or more of the upcoming community Veterans Day celebrations and spend the day honoring our nation's finest.

CORPS OF CADETS

Squadron 11 hosted nearly 200 students at its annual barbecue event for low-income students. Since 2018, these cadets have welcomed students from Ferris Junior High and Ferris High School to the Quad for an afternoon filled with delicious food, great company, and plenty of fun. Many of these students will be the first in their family to attend college.

During the University of Alabama home football game, members of the Corps of Cadets proudly wore pink carnations on their uniforms in honor of breast cancer awareness month. A yearly tradition in the Corps of Cadets, the pink carnation serves as a symbol of respect for those who are fighting, have survived, or have passed away as a result of breast cancer.

During their return to College Station from the Southwest Classic football game Sept. 25, five cadets from company K-2 were quick to help a family in need of assistance on the highway. Fellow Aggies had a flat tire and were pulled over on the side of I35. Without a moment of hesitation, these cadets stopped to assist the family in replacing their flat tire.

Several cadets from the Aggie Eagle Post spent a weekend volunteering at Camp Bovay in Navasota. Camp Bovay is a Boy Scout campground that hosts nearly 1,200 Boy Scouts several times a year. These cadets performed a variety of tasks for Camp Bovay, including cleaning up the camp trails and organizing decorations for the camp’s upcoming Spookaree.

On Oct. 16, the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Football team traveled to Faurot Field to take on Missouri. The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band looked sharp as they stood as the 12th Man and supported the football team from the stands. Seniors from B-Battery served as the officers of the day, and did an excellent job of representing the Corps of Cadets from the sidelines.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

The Aggie Recruitment Committee will be hosting almost 100 high school seniors on campus for a three-day program known as S.E.A.L. (Seniors Experiencing Aggie Life). Participants will take part in discussion groups with students, attend a mock lecture, take a campus tour, and enjoy Midnight Yell and a Fightin’ Texas Aggie football game as they get a first-hand look at what Texas A&M University is all about.

The Student Government Association hosted a successful round of fall 2021 elections, with the Class of 2025 voting for Ramón Rodríguez as class president. Various student senate races were also filled during the cycle. The spring 2022 elections will take place in February and will include student body president, yell leader, student senate, and class president races, among others.

The Maroon Out student organization sponsored the 20th Anniversary of 9/11: Standing For America event at the Kent State game on Sept. 4. More than 75,000 red, white and blue shirts were sold, recreating the iconic Red, White, and Blue Out game from 2001, with $100,000 of the proceeds going to the Points of Light Foundation ($50,000) and the Texas Task Force Foundation ($50,000).

BECKY GATES CHILDREN'S CENTER

In honor of Veterans Day, the children will make cards for the Don & Ellie Knauss Veteran Resource & Support Center to be distributed to our Texas A&M student veterans.

Members of our staff invited families and other staff to celebrate the beautiful holiday Dìa de los Muertos by bringing or emailing a picture of deceased loved ones to be included on the altar in the front lobby.

November is family conference month. Families and teachers get the opportunity to share information about the whole child's growth and development.

UNIVERSITY ART GALLERIES

“A Garden of Earthly Delights”
This collaborative exhibition explores how nature inspires art by pairing specimens from Texas A&M’s Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, the S.M. Tracy Herbarium, and the TAMU Insect Collection, with a range of items from the University Art collections. Forsyth Galleries | Through Dec. 17, 2021 | TX.AG/Delights

“Strokes of Genius: Texas Impressionism”
This exhibition highlights exemplary impressionist works from award-winning Texas artists from the late 1800s through the 1930s. See sweeping brushstrokes of Texas landscapes, fields of wildflowers, and people going about their daily lives in this homage to color, light, and atmosphere. Stark Galleries | Through Dec. 17 |

TX.AG/Strokes

“North and South: Berenice Abbott’s U.S. Route 1”
In 1954, Berenice Abbott drove along U.S. Route 1 from New York to Key West and then retraced the route up to Maine. See historical photographs Abbott took along the way as she sought to capture the U.S.’s character, beauty, and incongruities. Stark Galleries | Through Dec. 17 | TX.AG/North

“Villarreal/Felix”
Artists Jorge Villarreal and Nathan Felix use natural elements, objects, and subjects to depict the cycles of birth, life, and death in this collaborative, contemporary exhibition. Their photographs and films communicate a 21st century perspective on late 19th and early 20th century techniques and themes.

Forsyth Galleries | Through Dec. 17 | TX.AG/VilFel

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Our DSA Flickr channels is full of new fall photos featuring Midnight Yell Practice, the Yell Leaders, football games, the Football 101 event hosted by the International Student Association, BG Ramirez horsing around with Parson’s Mounted Cavalry, the Afro-Latinx Festival, ODSL and Rec Sports Run for Recovery, Southerland Aggie Leader Scholarship reception, and more!

On Twitter? Follow @AggieVPRamirez and @TAMUDSA! Since starting his Twitter channel this fall, BG Ramirez has more than 300 followers.

Our Communications Coordinator Veronica Gonzalez Hoff and our team have been busy this fall with My Aggie Story, our campaign to feature Texas A&M students with a connection to our division and university. Take a look at our stories about Katy, Ayde and Marco, and watch for more coming soon.

Need help with a marketing plan, press release, photography or a video? Fill out our project request form and let us know how we can be part of your marketing project!