Howdy!
As director of Student Life Studies, I can truly say that I love my job. I have a great staff, the job matches my strengths, and I get to know a little bit about a lot of things. I have been lucky enough to work in the department since its inception in 1998. We have grown tremendously over the years and have one of the largest student affairs assessment offices in the country. We are the only department in the country that directly serves student organizations. Some of my DSA director peers tell me that they would not want my job (I wouldn’t want their jobs either), but I think it is REALLY fun to help others answer important questions for all of us to better serve Texas A&M students and support student learning in the co-curricular.
I firmly believe that everyone does assessment, albeit not always formally, because we continually ask questions, observe, and use information to make decisions (if you looked at the weather report for today, you assessed). Informally, we have conversations with students and staff, but Division staff and student organizations also implement focus groups and surveys, develop rubrics, and use more creative methods such as reflective photography. In the last two decades, the Division of Student Affairs has developed a strong culture of assessment and continuous improvement.
Besides being director, I have the great fortune to teach assessment in the Student Affairs Administration and Higher Education (SAAHE) master’s program. Being able to bring my day job into the classroom exposes graduate students to the fundamentals and best practices of student affairs assessment. Because of my experience in the classroom and Student Life Studies, I had the opportunity to co-author the textbook we use, Student Affairs Assessment: Theory to Practice. Over the years, I have seen a shift in students from not valuing assessment to now entering the profession with a strong desire to use assessment for improvement. I love seeing students who begin the semester thinking they don’t have any experience with assessment blossom into confident and competent new professionals who champion assessment.
My wish for everyone is to embrace the voice inside of you that asks questions, seeks to do better, and keeps students at the forefront of our decision making. If we do that, assessment will be meaningful, easier, and fun!
Darby M. Roberts
Texas A&M University’s Staff Emergency Fund provides limited financial assistance to staff employees who are experiencing a temporary hardship due to a significant life event. Learn more.
UNIVERSITY ART GALLERIES
“Texas on Paper” Gallery Talk & Reception – Hear from collectors Judy and Stephen Alton as they share their knowledge of Texas printmakers from the early half of the 20th century in a tour of “Texas on Paper,” an exhibition featuring works from their extensive private collection. RSVPs are appreciated.
Wayne Stark Galleries | March 22–May 29
Gallery Talk & Reception: April 7 | 5:30 p.m.
Creative Corner – Join the Forsyth Galleries this semester for Creative Corner, an online break that will engage the creative corners of your mind to help you heal, think, and unwind…even if it’s only for five minutes. Each free session will be live on Zoom (link sent upon registration): TX.AG/CreativeRSVP
March 9 & 23 and April 6 & 20 | 2 p.m.
In Actuality: Social Realism and Its Legacy from the Robert B. Menschel Collection - This photography exhibition features the art movement of Social Realism through the 1920s and ’30s of working-class life and industrialized spaces.
Forsyth Galleries | Through April 10 | For more information, visit: TX.AG/InActuality
Taking Shape: Geometry in Art – This exhibition features works by artists who expressed themselves and the world around them through artistic reflections in geometric forms, optical illusions, and abstraction.
Wayne Stark Galleries | Through March 9 | For more information, visit: TX.AG/Geometry
Pulped Under Pressure: The Art of Handmade Paper – With traditional, hand papermaking at its core, this exhibition underscores important contemporary issues steeped in history and craft.
Wayne Stark Galleries | Through March 20 | For more information, visit: TX.AG/Pulped
MULTICULTURAL SERVICES
The 2022 Race, Identity & Social Equity (RISE) Conference will be held on Friday, March 25, in the Memorial Student Center. The conference is free and open to the entire Texas A&M community. Find registration details on the RISE website.
Registration for the 5th Annual Leadership Education for APIDA Development (LEAD) Conference is now open. The LEAD Conference is a two-day, student-led conference that is held to empower and unite the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Aggie community. This year's conference will be held April 22-23. Student registration ends Monday, March 28. Find more information on the LEAD website.
The Asian Presidents' Council (APC) is seeking events and programs for APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American) Heritage Month, which is held throughout the month of April. If your department is interested in hosting an event or program that's centered around the APIDA heritage, culture, and experience, please fill out the form. Event submissions are due Friday, March 4. Events can be submitted on the APIDA Heritage Month form page.
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES (SHS)
More than 30 students participated in the Von's Vision event we hosted in February. The next event will be held on March 22. To participate, students must be undergraduate, eligible for financial aid, and not have vision insurance. Find all event information online.
COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots are available for students, faculty, and staff. SHS follows CDC guidance on booster vaccine eligibility. Schedule appointments online.
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RECREATIONAL SPORTS
RECREATIONAL SPORTSOn Feb. 26, Rec Sports hosted the 25th annual TexFit conference for over 200 group fitness instructors, personal trainers, and health and kinesiology instructors from 16 universities. This collegiate fitness event provided participants with incredible opportunities to network, present, learn about current trends, and take back ideas and lessons to improve programming at their respective universities.
Congratulations to Tawyna Moehlman, facilities reservation coordinator, for earning her event planner certificate from the International Association of Professions Career College!
Unified Sports basketball is back this semester. Games are on Monday nights at 6:45 p.m. at the Student Rec Center on courts 1 and 2. If you ever want to come check out one of the most inclusive programs on campus, we would love to see you there! Read more about Texas A&M Unified Sports program.
Rec Sports is always hiring for a variety of part-time student positions including graduate assistants! Details for open positions can be found on our website.
Congratulations to Intramural Sports’ student employee Matt Amezaga for being selected as one of 24 student officials nationwide to officiate at the NIRSA Flag Football National Championship. Matt was also named an All-American Official, an award given to the top-performing officials at the tournament!
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COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS)
COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS)Hundreds of students registered with My SSP @ TAMU following a Jan. 18 launch, reaching more than 400 users in less than two weeks. The self-care resource with clinical features provides Texas A&M students access to professional counseling, mental health assessments, self-care resources and virtual fitness sessions — all free and confidential, available 24/7. Visit our website for more info.
More than 50 students, faculty and staff have undergone suicide awareness and prevention training through CAPS Suicide Awareness & Prevention Office (SAPO) during the spring 2022 semester, as SAPO continues to schedule educational initiatives like QPR (Question Persuade Refer), Campus Connect and Gatekeeper 2.0. For information and upcoming events, check our website.
CAPS workshops and groups continue adapting to student needs, adding new focus topics to the spring 2022 lineup, including workshops devoted to making sense of anxiety and body acceptance, along with groups specifically geared toward male-identifying students, members of the Latinx/Hispanic community and survivors of relationship abuse. For information on available groups, visit our website.
Walk-in initial appointments at the Department of Multicultural Services (DMS) elevate accessibility to CAPS services on Mondays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. CAPS counselors reserve two time slots each week, so DMS visitors may access professional mental health care with no prior registration required. Visit our website for more information.
The annual Social Justice in College Counseling Conference closed its call for proposals for the 2022 theme, “Exploring Religion, Faith and Spirituality in College Counseling.” In addition to unpacking vital social justice-related issues at the May 19-20 virtual conference, attendees may earn up to 12 hours of continuing education unit (CEU) credits. Visit our website for information and updates.
![Bringing back the Big Band swing. Aggieland Orchestra March 10, 2022 7 p.m. Stage 12 at Brookshire Brothers. 455 George Bush Dr. W. College Station]()
MUSIC ACTIVITIES
MUSIC ACTIVITIESMark your calendars for the first weekend of March! The Jazz Ensembles will perform Friday, March 3, at 7 p.m. at Rudder Theatre. The Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Symphonic Winds will perform Sunday, March 6, at 3 p.m. at Rudder Auditorium. Get your tickets on our website.
The University Orchestras will welcome internationally known conductor Jeffrey Grogan, who will guest conduct the University Chamber Orchestra on the Shostakovich String Quartet #8. The concert will be at 3 p.m., Saturday, March 5, in Rudder Auditorium.
The Aggieland Orchestra returns! Come and experience the sounds of the big band era! This group of Aggie Band members will perform at Brookshire Brothers Stage 12 on March 10 at 7 p.m., or you can catch them at the Dosey Doe in The Woodlands on March 27. More information on our website.
The University Wind Symphony returned from a successful trip to perform in East Texas. Their next project is to perform as Dr. Tim Rhea films a video clinic on conducting marches. This video is for Conn-Selmer as part of an educational series for concert bands and directors.
The Singing Cadets will tour Texas this month, including stops in Fredericksburg, Kennedale, Kingwood, Brenham, Cleveland, Katy, and Houston. Find more information on the Singing Cadets’ website.
The Century Singers are rehearsing for their spring tour which will hit the road on April 1.
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OFFICES OF THE DEAN OF STUDENT LIFE
OFFICES OF THE DEAN OF STUDENT LIFEMarch is National Nutrition Month®! National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education and information campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Each March, this campaign focuses on the importance of informed nutritional behaviors and physical activity habits. Health Promotion is pushing forward to promote National Nutrition Month with a variety of events addressing these barriers to prevent consequences in the future health of our student population.
New Student and Family Programs recently trained 30 new Orientation Leaders. At the retreat, the students participated in team bonding activities, learned about the personal and social identities of their team, shared fears and excitements about being an Orientation Leader and wrote positive words of encouragement to each other. Each year, the Orientation Leaders welcome thousands of new Aggies and their family members to Texas A&M during New Student Conferences.
Registration for Student Research Week has been extended to March 8, 2022. This event gives hundreds of graduate and undergraduate students the opportunity to present their research through oral or poster presentations. Encourage your students to register or come support us by volunteering or judging! For more information, please visit our website.
The LGBTQ+ Pride Center staff will host a Gayme Night on March 29 at 6 p.m. in Student Services Building 210. Come play games in the center, enjoy snacks, and find new company. This event is designed to provide LGBTQ+ students and their allies a safe space and an opportunity to find a community here at Texas A&M.
The next AAUW Start Smart Salary Negotiation workshop will be in-person on Tuesday, March 8 from 5:30 – 8 p.m. This workshop is ideal for students who are preparing to enter the professional workforce for the first time. In addition to learning how to negotiate for a fair salary, students will learn how to research the cost of living in the location(s) in which they plan to live and how to construct a basic budget, which informs their negotiation strategies.
DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Read a new story by David Swanson about a few of DoIT’s data-driven digital poets, who create specialized applications for our student organizations and other DSA customers. These software developers are graduate assistants by day and sometimes hackers by night. “Ordinary computer jockeys merely write programs; hacking is the domain of digital poets. Hacking is a subtle and arguably mystical art, equal parts wit and technical ability, that is rarely appreciated by non-hackers.”
Microsoft Teams is a powerful tool for organizing people and tasks. Teams has a number of apps that integrate with it to help with brainstorming, mind mapping, and project management. These apps can give you the ability to chart ideas, create goals, assign tasks to team members, and share files. Learn more on our Microsoft Teams: Chat, Conference, Collaborate, and So Much More page.
Have you considered your department’s business continuity procedures when storing information in locations such as Google Shared Drive or Microsoft SharePoint? Can your department access information if you are out? Have you considered E-Discovery or open records request processes when leveraging these cloud tools? To help answer your questions, visit our website.
Texas A&M Division of IT actively supports two phone systems on campus, the current Cisco VoIP and the original Polycom VoIP. You may see previously used phone systems on campus, but the Division of IT only supports the two systems listed above. Resources given at our website will help DSA departments plan their phone needs and stay on supported phone systems.
![Governor Perry talking to cadets]()
CORPS OF CADETS
CORPS OF CADETSThe Corps of Cadets has had a busy semester filled with welcoming several notable figures to the Quad! On Feb. 15 we welcomed former governor and member of Squadron 6, Rick Perry ’72, who shared stories from his time in the Corps and offered cadets advice on life after graduation.
The Corps of Cadets had the privilege of welcoming Gen. David Berger, commandant of the United States Marine Corps, to the Quad. Berger was a keynote speaker at this year’s MSC Student Conference on National Affairs (SCONA); he was also the reviewing officer for a special SCONA pass in review, which served as one of the kick-off events for the conference.
On Jan. 24 Chancellor John Sharp visited with members of Squadron 6. A former member of Squadron 6, Sharp shared words of wisdom with his fellow Flying Tigers on life after graduation. This opportunity gave members of Squadron 6 the chance to speak with one of their outfit’s most prestigious alumni and gain valuable insight on how to successfully navigate the professional world.
On Jan. 28, Squadron 17 traveled to NASA’s Johnson Space Center to honor the seven lives that were lost in the Challenger Space Shuttle tragedy 36 years ago. Squadron 17 cadets make the trip to NASA each year on the anniversary of the Challenger explosion. In addition to participating in NASA’s memorial ceremony, the group hosted an echo taps ceremony on the Quad that same evening.
Members of Parsons Mounted Cavalry (PMC) traveled to San Antonio to participate in the 14th annual Western Heritage Parade & Cattle Drive, the kick-off event for the San Antonio Livestock Show & Rodeo. For their excellent showing throughout the parade, PMC was awarded the Executive Choice Award.
Visit our Flickr channel to see photos from these and other Corps of Cadets events.
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BECKY GATES CHILDREN'S CENTER
BECKY GATES CHILDREN'S CENTERMarch 2 is Read Across America, the nation’s largest celebration of reading, launched in 1998 by the National Education Association. This year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone. We invite all DSA employees to volunteer to read to our children at the center!
The Becky Gates Children's Center is participating in Strengthening Families, sharing tools and resources weekly to help strengthen families and help children thrive. Weekly themes are centered around parental resilience, social connections, concrete supports, knowledge of parenting and child development, and the social and emotional competence of children.
All classrooms at BGCC are participating in Walk Across Texas, an eight-week program designed to help people of all ages establish the habit of regular physical activity. The goal is for each class to walk at least 830 miles, which is the distance across the state of Texas.
A special thanks to the Corps of Cadets for sharing Reveille with our children in February. She made a special visit to our “Reveille” classroom and spent time with all our other classrooms, as well. Gig ’em!
![Attention Yolks (young professional folks) March 14th, 5:30 p.m. Rx Pizza in Bryan. Appetizers provided.]()
STAFF WELLBEING AND APPRECIATION COMMITTEE (SWAC)
STAFF WELLBEING AND APPRECIATION COMMITTEE (SWAC)DSA SWAC will be meeting at RX Pizza in Bryan on Monday, March 14, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to chat with anyone who identifies as a young professional within the division. Our goal is to brainstorm gatherings for young professionals and we need your input. Food will be provided. Spouses, significant others, and children are welcome to attend.