Be A Lifeline: Support Aggies Reaching Aggies Peer-To-Peer Suicide Prevention Program
Aggies Reaching Aggies is a new peer educator initiative created to raise awareness of and prevent suicide at Texas A&M University. The program will be managed under the Counseling and Psychological Services’ Suicide Awareness & Prevention Office, to promote and develop campus education and training programs for Texas A&M students about suicide prevention and mental health. As part of the program launch, Aggies Reaching Aggies is featured on Texas A&M's new Spirit of Giving crowdfunding platform. A gift of any amount will help fund this new CAPS program to prevent suicide on our campus. Not Another Aggie!
NOVEMBER NEWS FROM OUR DEPARTMENTS
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES (SHS)
SHS is offering a rapid COVID and flu A/B combo test for students, faculty and staff. Results for these tests are provided within two to four hours post-collection. The cost for students is $80; the cost for faculty/staff is $120. A portion of this test may be covered by health insurance; bring proof of insurance to your appointment. For more information, contact Patient Services during normal business hours at (979) 458-8310. To schedule an appointment, visit the Patient Portal and select the COVID-19 testing option.
COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS)
Due to time limitations associated with high numbers of students seeking support at the end of the semester, we are shifting our services to a solution-focused approach. Most appointments are single-session, emphasizing practical solutions to concerns and the importance of self-care while empowering students to determine what further steps to take for themselves. CAPS continues to offer phone/Zoom crisis intervention services.
Aggies Reaching Aggies, a new suicide prevention peer educator volunteer program, will facilitate Gatekeeper presentations on topics of suicide prevention, support, and mental health. Open to all majors. Applications are due Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. We are grateful to be part of the first cohort of fundraising campaigns on Texas A&M's Spirit of Giving crowdfunding platform. Check out our fundraising page, and join us in supporting this worthy cause. We appreciate gifts of any amount, as will our new student ambassadors.
Finals are just around the corner. One resource that may help is workshop slides on test anxiety that do not focus on eliminating anxiety but how to manage it and show what you know on the exam. Another resource called conquering exams shows students how to care for mental health during finals as well as how to create a study schedule. Check out our website to access these presentations.
We would like to express a warm welcome to our newest employee, Professional Counselor Leslie Casarez. We know she will be a great addition to our staff!
MULTICULTURAL SERVICES
The program submission deadline for the 2021 Black History Month calendar is Monday, November 30. This year's national theme is The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity. Students, staff, faculty, and other community members may submit program ideas on our event submission form.
The Let's Talk Program is extending its services throughout December to provide students of color the opportunity to meet with a counselor as they prepare for finals and winter break. Additional videos that aid in navigating anxiety, depression, and other concerns are also available on the CAPS website.
A new Cultural Explorations virtual experience has been added for the month of November. Explore more Native American heritage through the Sacred Springs Powwow virtual experience, organized by the Indigenous Cultures Institute. Attendees will also be entered into a raffle to win a Cultural Explorations trip voucher that may be used when in-person trips resume.
Mark Dawson was appointed as student affairs coordinator, a position in which he will have an increased role in campus-wide collaboration and diversity initiatives, alongside his existing diversity education duties.
MUSIC ACTIVITIES
The Texas A&M University Wind Symphony, conducted by Dr. Timothy Rhea, will present its final stream broadcast of the semester on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. The program will include pieces by Strauss, Zdechlik, Mahler, Holst, Grainger, Gershwin, King and Alford. The concert link, which is only viewable on the designated date, is http://tx.ag/TAMUMUSAFall2020.
The Texas A&M University Symphonic Winds, conducted by Travis Almany, along with the Symphonic & Concert Bands, conducted by Russell Tipton, will present their final virtual concert of the fall semester on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. Watch the concert on YouTube (tx.ag/MUSALive) or Facebook.
All choral groups in Music Activities, which include the Singing Cadets, Women’s Chorus, and Century Singers will present their Fall/Holiday Concert on KAMU-TV. The 90-minute program will be broadcast on KAMU-TV, as well as on KAMU-TV's Facebook and YouTube channel. The TV airing times are: Nov. 26 (7 p.m.), Nov. 27 (11 a.m.), Dec. 6 (8:30 p.m.), and Dec. 25 (11 a.m.).
The Texas A&M University Orchestras will present their final virtual concerts of the fall semester Sunday, Nov. 22. The Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at 7 p.m. and the Chamber Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. View the concerts on YouTube: tx.ag/MUSALive or Facebook.
The Texas A&M University Jazz Ensembles, directed by Chris Hollar, will present their final virtual concerts of the fall semester Sunday, Nov. 22. Visit our website for a full list of concert times and streaming links.
Meet five of our amazing Aggie student veterans
in a video created by the Texas A&M Foundation.
VETERAN RESOURCE & SUPPORT CENTER (VRSC)
We will not host our usual Veteran Graduate Cord and Coin Ceremony this semester, however, we are still issuing the cords and coins through the office. Please remind all student veterans to request their cord and coin by completing this form.
The VRSC would like to extend its deepest gratitude for all the displays and words of appreciation shown across campus for our student veterans and their fellow former service members on Veterans Day. The amount of veteran and military support at Texas A&M is very encouraging for student veterans, current and prospective.
The Regalia Rental Closet is open to all graduating College Station UG and GR student veterans. Our supply is limited, but we will do our best to accommodate all requests. Please encourage student veterans to complete the "Regalia Rental Request" form.
Aggie Shields Textbook Lending Library applications are now open for spring 2020. The deadline to apply is Sunday, Jan. 10 at 11:59 p.m.
Need a smile today? Watch a video created by our marketing assistant, Rachel Racicot '20, of some of our students doing what they do best: Being joyful children! Happy Thanksgiving!
BECKY GATES CHILDREN'S CENTER
We have preschool openings available for the spring semester. Email or call Krista Vandeflier or call us at 979.458.5437 to learn more. Enroll today!
Ten of our employees attended the National and Texas Association for the Education of Young Children conferences.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
The Big Event registration is open! The Big Event at Texas A&M University anticipates the event will take place during spring 2021. Registration is open to student volunteers and to members of Bryan and College Station community with job requests. Students may sign up here. Community members may request a job here.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DoIT)
More than 50 staff members within our division participated in Microsoft Teams training with DoIT. Morgan Hammond and Courtnie Ridgway from our Project Management Office navigated the audience through the different features. They created a public "sandbox" to help you explore Teams, review Microsoft Office integrations, and create a path for questions. Visit here for more information.
DISABILITY RESOURCES
Texas A&M University is featured in New Mobility's top 20 wheelchair-friendly campuses nationwide. The publication interviewed Dr. Kristie Orr, our director, and several Texas A&M students about disability culture and accessibility on campus. We hope you can take a few minutes to read the article!
UNIVERSITY CENTER & SPECIAL EVENTS
Congratulations to Fritz Kocher on his promotion to senior audio/visual specialist supervisor.
Amanda Merrifield of our Rudder Theatre Complex has been selected into the Leading Others program within the Division of Human Resources & Organizational Effectiveness.
We will continue to offer support for face-to-face and virtual classrooms in our facilities for the spring semester.
STUDENT LIFE STUDIES
Learn how to turn your assessment results into a meaningful story. Read our November blog, "Storytelling as Your Narrative."
Wondering what others in our division are assessing and learning? Take a look at the summary reports on our website! The most recent report on Student Activities' Block Party and Volunteer Opportunity Fair.
MEMORIAL STUDENT CENTER
Let’s break Instagram again! Register TODAY for MSC Open House, Jan. 25-29. The deadline to register is Jan. 5, 2021 at noon.
MSC OPAS presents “A Celtic Family Christmas, featuring Natalie Macmaster and Donnell Leahy,” streaming on demand. Purchase your tickets by Dec. 18 at the MSC Box Office or visit mscopas.org.
MSC SCOLA invites you to save the date for the 33rd Annual Student Conference on Latinx Affairs, a three-day event in which delegates across the nation discuss issues impacting the Latinx community. This year’s conference theme is Del Pasado al Futuro: Reframing our Masterpiece. Learn more and register today.
Registration is open for the 66th MSC Student Conference On National Affairs, Feb. 9-13, 2020. This year’s theme is Sailing Uncertain Waters: Navigating America through a Changing International Paradigm and will feature keynote speakers and a hands-on policy creation in roundtables led by expert facilitators. Learn more and register today.
OFFICES OF THE DEAN OF STUDENT LIFE
Health Promotion hosts weekly SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training) Recovery meetings free of charge for any Texas A&M student struggling with substance use or addiction. Students may register at tx.ag/SMARTform.
The LGBTQ+ Pride Center is gearing up for Rainbow Relaxin’ Days. Join in on any of the fun-filled, stress-relieving, and action-packed days planned with students in mind! From knitting to game nights and everything in between, we have something for everyone. For a full schedule of events, visit tx.ag/RainbowRelaxinDays.
The Women's Resource Center, Aggie Women Network and Messina Hof Winery & Resort would like to invite all Texas A&M community members to attend the monthly First Thursday Speaker Series on Dec. 3 for “Prioritizing Your Mental Health in a Pandemic.” For more information or to register, visit here.
Grateful for the support she received from The Association of Former Students through Student Assistance Services, Kobi Ajayi '20 is giving back to her fellow Aggies by starting a student organization committed to providing support to other parents who are earning degrees: the Aggie Pregnant and Parenting Student Organization. Watch the video, which includes an interview with our own Dr. Cynthia Hernandez, associate vice president for student affairs!
Learn more about Student Assistance Services or donate to the program.
RESIDENCE LIFE
Residence Life is welcoming new staff and bidding long-time staff farewell:
- Austin Ray joins our Business Services team from the Department of Mathematics.
- Vicki Burns-Schmidt and Bonnie McDonough are retiring.
- Carly Smith replaces Bonnie as the White Creek Community Center coordinator.
- Aravind Jayachandran, a graduate assistant working on software solutions, joins our Res Life team.
In partnership with Rec Sports, Residence Life hosted Drop-in Dodgeball last Saturday (11/14) on Haney Drill Field by the Southside Commons. Ten students played while social distancing and wearing masks. This new partnership will carry over into the spring semester to provide students an opportunity for outside activities.
Making the most of professional development, a Department Pass allowed Res Life staff to attend several ACUHO-I conferences (Association of College & University Housing Officers International), the premiere association for housing professionals, virtually. Ti Broussard presented.
We hosted the 7th Annual Residence Life Sustainability Dinner virtually on Nov. 17. Attendees networked with students, faculty, and staff who share a passion for sustainability while enjoying a plant-based meal they learned to cook via slow cooker. The recipes were provided through a partnership with the AgriLife Extension Office.
Grocery Give & Grab (#G3) is underway through the end of semester. All are welcome to donate unopened, unexpired, non-perishable food at the Hullabaloo Desk, Commons Desk, White Creek Activity Center and/or the Gardens Activity Center bin locations. Residents are encouraged to take any items they need. Any remaining food will be donated to the Brazos Valley Food Bank. Help make sustainability an Aggie tradition.
RECREATIONAL SPORTS
The Rec Sports Interim Group RecXercise schedule begins on Monday, Nov. 30. We're offering free in-person and virtual classes through Jan. 15 to all faculty and staff. Check the schedule and register for classes on the Texas A&M Rec Sports app for iPhone or Android (under Fitness & Wellness) or online at recconnect.tamu.edu.
Get ready! The Polo Road Rec Center is coming soon! The new 28,000-square-foot facility, located near the Zachry Engineering Education Complex (across University Drive from Century Square) will offer members strength and conditioning space, a fitness and multi-purpose room, and towel and equipment services. Visit our website for more details.
Just because Rec Sports will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26 through Saturday, Nov. 28, doesn't mean you can't work off your Thanksgiving feast! Go to our YouTube channel for our Wednesday Workouts and virtual RecXercise classes. We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving!
CORPS OF CADETS
We recognized Veterans Day with on- and off-campus activities. On campus, cadets laid four wreaths at the Memorial Student Center, the Spanish-American War Memorial, WWI Memorial, and the Post-WWII Memorial in the Corps Memorial Plaza. The Ross Volunteers performed at 21-gun salute and the Corps bugler played taps. Off campus, the Ross Volunteers participated in the Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park.
For cadet George Hass '22, November is more than just Thanksgiving. The month of November is Native American Heritage Month, which signifies a celebration of culture and a chance to honor his heritage. George views the regalia he made himself as an opportunity to pay homage to what the month is all about. Read about George and how he celebrates his heritage.
On Nov. 10, the Texas A&M Navy ROTC program celebrated the United States Marine Corps’ 245th birthday with a small celebration and cake cutting ceremony in Rudder Auditorium. Fred McClure ’76, executive director of The Texas A&M University Leadership Initiative, was the guest of honor and keynote speaker. Happy 245th Birthday to the United States Marine Corps!
UNIVERSITY ART GALLERIES (UART)
Looking for a safe activity to get out and about? Our two large art galleries (Stark and Forsyth) on the first and second floors of the MSC can be a source of calm and inspiration. See paintings by renowned artists, photos of the Italian countryside and architecture, and beautiful art objects from our collections. Admission is always free.
Hours: Tuesday –Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Visit uart.tamu.edu for more information.
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Thank you for continuing to help the Division of Student Affairs keep its COVID-19 resource page updated on the web. Email Veronica Hoff with updates.
Got Live Whale? We do! We're excited to begin using the Live Whale calendar system to help our students find programs and activities. Check out the calendar on our website and contact Veronica Hoff to find out how you can add Live Whale to your department website. The platform gives you the option to share your programs and events on the division and Texas A&M University Live Whale calendar.
Take five to look at some photos we shot this semester, including Midnight Yell Practice, Aggie Replant, The 12th Can, and Reveille in the Art Galleries! All of our images are available for download on our DSA Flickr channel. We are grateful for our talented photographers: Audrey Bratton, Sergio Garcia, Corey Khanhkham, Olivia Garza, and Kamrey Mantz!
The final monthly meeting of the fall semester for the DSA MarComm Committee is Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Zoom. Presentation topics include development, including crowdfunding, and Live Whale.
STAFF WELLBEING AND APPRECIATION COMMITTEE
Want to appreciate another DSA staff member for helping out or going out their way to serve others? Consider nominating that staff member for the DSA Thanks and Gig 'em Award! This is a fun award and way to show appreciation to others throughout the division.
We're offering wellness grants to provide the opportunity for funding for a wellness-related activity that promotes a healthy working environment. Apply here!
STAFF DEVELOPMENT TEAM
The Staff Development Team encourages continued learning as we review fall's programming. September brought us up-to-date information about COVID-19 and fall plans. October explored the First Amendment and free speech. We concluded in November with a focus on Black male student success. We hope you found these programs informative and helpful in our work with students!
For the spring semester, we're excited to preview coming attractions. We'll see you in February 2021!
Feb. 3: Reflect, Restart, Renew
March 3: The Division’s Strategic Goals
April 7: Developing Student Employees into Leaders