December 2021 Division Update

Howdy!

As we begin the final weeks of the fall 2021 semester, I feel it is important that we all reflect on the significance of December 7 and what it meant for our nation and its citizens 80 years ago. Only twice in our history has the United States been attacked on its own soil: the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, by the Japanese Navy, and the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, in New York and Washington, D.C. These attacks thrust our nation into World War II and the Global War on Terror.

As we begin to transition to what we all hope will be a peaceful holiday season, I ask that we all pause for a moment on this 80^th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor to remember the 2,403 U.S. personnel, including 68 civilians, who lost their lives on Dec. 7, 1941. Because of their sacrifice, and that of so many others who served during World War II, we enjoy freedom and peace in our country today. We must never forget their sacrifice and selfless service to ensure that the mantle of freedom could be passed to the next generation of Americans.

I would also like to reiterate to all of you the pride that I have for the work you do in the Division of Student Affairs: for students, for each other, and for the Texas A&M community. As I look back on what we’ve accomplished together during the summer and fall semesters, I’m amazed at the leadership, “can-do” attitude, and collaborative spirit we have within our DSA team. I’m grateful that I have this opportunity to work with such an experienced, positive, and dedicated staff, and for our student leaders, who are second to none.

As you know, the MGT report and the feedback from students, staff, faculty and former students are under review, and we expect decisions about the findings and recommendations soon. I want to thank all of you in advance for your patience and leadership as we await the decisions that will impact the future of Texas A&M in a positive way. Your patience and professional attitude have made a big difference for the entire staff of the DSA, and I am proud of all of you. In the words of Warren Buffet, “Take the high road; it’s far less crowded.”

Thanks for all you do for our students and for Texas A&M. I hope you enjoy a well-deserved holiday break, and I look forward to seeing you all in the spring semester.

Happy holidays to all of you and to your families! God bless you.

BG Joe E. Ramirez, Jr. ’79 USA (Ret.)
Interim Vice President for Student Affairs

RESIDENCE LIFE

Residence Life welcomes Project Specialist Jim Scott and Resident Manager Cedric Freeman to the staff. Jim will be working on the Business Solutions Team, primarily on StarRez and Quickbase. Jim comes from TEEX and received his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University. Cedric comes to Residence Life from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and will serve at White Creek Apartments.

Congratulations to National Residence Hall Honorary Victoria White and Chapter President Dan Mizer for Victoria’s presentation on writing OTMs (Of the Months) at the Southwest Association of College & University Residence Halls. Both Victoria and Community Director Katie Campbell received Golden Duck Awards for their commitment to the region. VP Kendall Cunningham & RHA President Adam Jackson were in the delegation.

Congratulations to Outstanding Student Employee for November Erin Obregon ’23. Erin has served as senior coordinator/team lead with our facilities and operations team since January 2019. She handles scheduling and assignments for the student team, as well as linen/furniture inventories, recycling efforts, and more. Erin is self-motivated, detailed, efficient, personable, and accountable.Congratulations to the staff and residents of Underwood Hall! They have been showing their sustainable Aggie spirit! Approximately 25% of residents have been certified as part of the Green Dorm Certification program, the highest numbers since the program was started. Others are joining in. Learn more about how to participate here.

Residence Life tabled with the Aggie Eco Reps as part of Texas Recycles Day on November 15 (photo to left). The event, hosted by Utilities & Energy Services, highlights departments and student organizations that advance the university’s mission to cut down on waste and increase recycling. The department highlighted the Trex Plastic Film Challenge, e-waste recycling bins, and the upcoming eyeglass recycling bins.

RECREATIONAL SPORTS

The Group RecXercise interim schedule runs from Monday, December 6 through Jan. 16; all classes are FREE to faculty and staff! Check out the schedule and register for the class of your choice by visiting recconnect.tamu.edu. The spring schedule will begin Jan. 17.

Learn what Rec Sports has to offer during Rec Sports FREE week from Jan. 18-20. Each day Rec Sports will offer fun activities, highlight our spring events, give away swag through social media, and much more. Visit tx.ag/RecSportsFREEweek after Jan. 5 for more details.

Sport Clubs had their 12th annual can drive and donated more than two tons of food to the KBTX Food for Families food drive. All Rec Sports facilities will observe modified operating hours during the semester break. Learn more here.

MULTICULTURAL SERVICES

ICYMI: The 14th annual Fusion Fiesta on November 10 showcased numerous student organizations and performers across campus.

The call for papers/programs for the upcoming 2022 Race, Identity & Social Equity (RISE) Conference is open until Friday, December 17. Proposals will be chosen by Tuesday, February 1. Submit papers and programs at tx.ag/RISE2022.

Registration for the 33rd Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference is open. This year's theme is "Project R.I.S.E (Revitalize, Innovate, Strengthen, Empower)." Learn more about registration details here.

ICYMI: Our department has displayed three new art pieces designed by Austin-based visual artist Vy Ngo. Ngo draws influences from her life as a Vietnamese-American, a physician, mother, and observer of the human condition. Swing by our department in the MSC and check them out! Learn more about Ngo and her work here.

COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS)

To extend access to a maximum number of students during high-traffic seasons, CAPS has switched to a single-session format for the remainder of the semester and introduced Quick Checks — 30-minute appointments designed to assess levels of stress, anxiety and depression, and identify targeted, empowering interventions. Single-session attendees needing extended services may be referred to the community.

The CAPS self-help resource page now showcases guided meditations. Produced in partnership with Texas A&M DSA Marketing & Communications team, the short videos introduce participants to a range of introspective practices curated specifically to support self-care in Aggieland. A CAPS social media campaign leading up to National Stress Awareness Day on Nov. 3 featured the videos, all of which you may view here.

CAPS Virtual group counseling and workshop registrations open Jan. 3 and 10, respectively. In safe, brave spaces, participants will unpack the challenges Texas A&M students face, including identity, anxiety and stress, depression, relationships, emotions and more. Once registration opens, students may fill out interest forms at this link.

The Aggies Reaching Aggies program, part of the Office of Suicide Awareness and Prevention, continues to take applications to train Texas A&M students in sharing the skills required to serve as gatekeepers for the Aggieland community. Participants "pass it back" for suicide awareness and prevention, learning to equip others on how to recognize and refer at-risk individuals to resources and support. Learn more about Aggies Reaching Aggies.

A Grief Processing Space conducted by CAPS in the Student Services Building in November welcomed students to process the effects of loss following the Astroworld music festival tragedy on Nov. 5, during which 22-year-old Texas A&M student Bharti Shahani sustained fatal injuries. Students preregistered to attend, and counselors provided support and resources.

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES (SHS)

SHS has provided over 3,000 flu vaccines to Aggies! Free flu vaccines are still available for TAMU students. Schedule your appointment to receive a flu vaccine. Bring your TAMU ID and any health insurance information to your appointment. Help protect Aggieland and get vaxxed.

Students, faculty and staff may schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 booster shot online at https://tx.ag/COVIDvaccine. SHS follows CDC guidance on booster vaccine eligibility.

COVID-19 spike antibody testing is available for students, faculty and staff. This test is available via self-referral in the SHS lab. Spike antibody testing determines if antibodies were created in response to a COVID-19 vaccine and/or previous infection. Contact our lab at (979) 458-8333 to learn more.

MUSIC ACTIVITIES

The University Bands finished up the fall semester with concerts on Dec. 5. The Wind Symphony performed a repertoire of works by Leonard Bernstein, Oscar Navarro, Paul Hindesmith, John Mackey and others. The Singing Cadets, Women's Chorus and Century Singers presented the "Holiday Spirit of Aggieland."

Lt. Col. Ray Toler, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), who served as director of bands at Texas A&M from 1989 to 2002, was one of 11 inducted into the Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame this year. Toler hired Dr. Timothy Rhea, now director of bands and music activities in the Division of Student Affairs, almost 30 years ago, and they remain close friends to this day. Read the story about Ray Toler, one of our Texas A&M musical greats!

We've already scheduled many of our 2022 events! Take a look at the events page and mark your calendars for our spring semester performances.

Learn more about the musical groups that are part of the Department of Music Activities on our FAQ page.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

The Maroon and White Leadership Fellows and Society has been off to a great start this fall. Fellows and coaches have engaged in numerous leadership development presentations ranging from CliftonStrengths, inclusive leadership, and navigating imposter syndrome. A cross-section of Fellows topped off the month of October with a dynamic Challenge Works Retreat.

Fish Camp is accepting nominations for Namesakes 2022! Please consider nominating someone who you feel has made a positive impact on the freshmen class and Texas A&M University! Nominations are due Friday, December 17, on MaroonLink. Nominate someone here!

More than 700 members participated in the Collegiate Panhellenic Council (CPC) hosted its annual Lead(her) Conference. Two speakers, Judy Le and Dr. Melanie Johnson, presented on the importance of genuine relationships and leading with authenticity.

DISABILITY RESOURCES

Tracey Forman presented on “How to Ensure You are Accommodated in the Workplace” as part of the Career Center and Department of Multicultural Services “Power of Diversity” series.

Erika Wise and Justin Romack gave a guest lecture on the role of assistive technology for low-incidence disability types for Dr. Whiteside's SPED 414 class.

Justin Romack presented on disability and social justice for an academic advising diversity certificate program being piloted this fall by the Office for Student Success.

Disability Resources staff are pleased to offer presentations on a number of topics regarding disability, accessibility and ways you can support our shared responsibility for equitable access for disabled students at Texas A&M University. View the presentations here.

MEMORIAL STUDENT CENTER

The MSC welcomes Joel Wiggins to the MSC L.T. Jordan Institute. He will support students traveling internationally through the many L.T. Jordan travel experiences as well as support the L.T. Jordan international awareness programs and the L.T. Jordan Collection.

Registration is open for MSC Open House. Claim your table today for the Jan. 23, 2022, event. Register online here.

Tickets are available for the 15th Annual Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast. Purchase tickets from the MSC Box Office or online. Tickets are $20 or $10 for Texas A&M students.

OFFICES OF THE DEAN OF STUDENT LIFE

Health Promotion is hosting a Step In Stand Up Workshop for faculty, staff and graduate/professional students on Tuesday, Dec. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the MSC. This free professional development opportunity includes the Green Dot Bystander Intervention Training and STAND Up Trauma-Informed Care Training. Learn more and register here.

Pride Mentors, the LGBTQ+ Pride Center’s mentorship program, will accept applications for spring 2022 mentors from Jan. 3-13. This program offers support and guidance to LGBTQ+ and Ally students by working through topics that may include career and academic goals, relationship/family problems, transitioning to college, gender/sexuality, and LGBTQ+ issues that arise in collegiate or professional settings. Learn more here.

Mark your calendars! Spring Howdy Week will be held from Jan. 18–21, 2022. The full schedule of events will be available at this link in early January.

The LGBTQ+ Pride Center staff is excited to invite you to our spring open house on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The open house will take place in the Student Services Building and will include free food, fun activities and information from student organizations. Learn more.

Health Promotion has invited UnBound BCS, a local human trafficking prevention and response agency, to host a Keeping Students Safe training on Thursday, Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in SSB 308. Open to staff, administrators, faculty, and any student leaders or assistants, the training equips educators, parents/caregivers and students on how to identify and respond to human trafficking. Register here.

CORPS OF CADETS

Cadet Michael Garner has earned the Craig Brown Outstanding Senior Engineer Award for the 2021-2022 academic year. The Outstanding Senior Engineer Award is the highest honor given by the College of Engineering. Michael, commanding officer of Squadron 11, is pursuing a degree in electrical engineering and a commission with the U.S. Air Force. Congratulations on this amazing honor, Michael!

Lt. Col. John Fleming (image) was selected for the Equine Services for Heroes Equestrian of the Year award. This award is presented annually by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH). Fleming has shown an unwavering commitment to veterans and their transition to civilian life after military service. His work with PATH and veterans is a true display of selfless service.

The Corps commemorated its 145th anniversary with a special video at halftime of the Auburn football game. Watch the video and read about our history here. The Corps' purpose during the past 145 years of developing well-educated individuals has not changed. We are confident the Corps of Cadets will continue to produce leaders that embody our core values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity & selfless service.

The Corps conducted a wreath-laying ceremony on Memorial Plaza at 11 a.m. on November 11 in honor of Veterans Day. This ceremony honored Aggie veterans who've given their lives in all major and minor conflicts since the Spanish American War. Members of the Ross Volunteer Company conducted a 21-gun salute in honor of veterans and a bugler performed taps. View photos from the event here.

Ahead of the Texas A&M versus South Carolina football game, the Corps of Cadets welcomed 572 former cadets to the annual Rally To The Guidons event. Participants were welcomed back home to Aggieland and The Quad for a weekend of camaraderie and good bull. Former cadets were able to partake in their outfits’ barbecues, get to know our cadets and march into Kyle Field. Watch our Rally To The Guidons video here.

BECKY GATES CHILDREN'S CENTER

Our students enjoyed a fall friendship feast prepared by our talented kitchen staff. The students are working on serving themselves as well as passing food to their classmates. Our parents were able to Zoom in to share in the feast while they watched the children enjoy their delicious meal with their friends! We also hosted our annual Fall Family Fun Night on our playground. We had a pumpkin patch along with many other games and activities for all our students, families, and friends! Check out more photos from Fall Fest on our Facebook page, and follow us while you’re at it.

The Becky Gates Children’s Center is looking for someone with exceptional communication and problem-solving skills to handle office duties and administrative-related operations in our fun and engaging environment. Candidates for administrative coordinator II may apply here.

We are thrilled that some of our student parents are graduating and having great success finding dream jobs so quickly. Due to this wonderful news, we will have a few preschool openings for the spring semester. To learn more, contact Krista at kvandeflier@bgcc.tamu.edu or call 979.458.5437.

UNIVERSITY ART GALLERIES

Kick off the holiday season with cookies, cocoa, and choral singers at the Forsyth Galleries! Bring your family and friends to this free event featuring art exhibitions and local choral group Tetrachord, on Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Forsyth Galleries. RSVPs encouraged at tx.ag/Holiday21.

Both the Stark and Forsyth Galleries are great places to relax, recharge, and get inspired before the holiday rush. See these exhibitions before they’re gone:

A Garden of Earthly Delights – through Dec. 14, 2021. Featuring insects, plants, and other natural specimens alongside selections from the galleries’ permanent collection. Forsyth Galleries.
Villarreal/Felix – through Dec. 14, 2021. A modern, contemporary take on 19th century techniques while depicting the cycles of birth, life, and death. Forsyth Galleries.
Strokes of Genius: Texas Impressionism – through Dec. 17, 2021. Early Texas Art expressed through the vision and brushstrokes of noted Impressionist painters. Stark Galleries.

• North and South: Berenice Abbott’s U.S. Route 1 – through Dec. 17, 2021. A look at America in 1954 through the black and white images of famed photographer, Berenice Abbott. Stark Galleries.

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Our DSA video team — Garrett Goad, Caitlin Stansbury, Max van Otterdyk and Adnan Yusuf — have been busy this fall creating videos to highlight DSA programs and services. Watch the Bonfire Remembrance video (right) and visit our YouTube channel to watch these new videos:

With some great writing and photography, this fall we have continued the My Aggie Story student engagement campaign in which we highlight the stories of Texas A&M students through video and narratives. Kudos to Veronica Gonzalez Hoff, Avery Abernathy and Olivia Garza for their work on these stories. Our most recent story is about George Hass ’22, who is “finding his path toward making a difference in this world.” Visit the DSA My Aggie Story landing page to read the stories. Visit our My Aggie Story video playlist on YouTube. We will continue this campaign through the spring 2022 semester.

In spring 2022 we will launch a DSA employee spotlight campaign, Behind the Scenes With Student Affairs, to highlight the lives and work of some of the unsung heroes of DSA. Thanks to all of you who have nominated DSA staff for these features. It’s not too late to nominate a DSA colleague who has an inspiring story. Email Sondra White with your nomination.

Visit our DSA Flickr channel to look at the latest images from our photo team, including shots from an upcoming photo essay on the Albritton Tower, student images from select football games and Midnight Yell Practices, and Fusion Fiesta. All images are available for download and use by Texas A&M entities.

Follow the Division of Student Affairs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Howdy!

DECEMBER NEWS FROM DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS

EVERYBODY GAINES