Have you ever walked past the Memorial Student Center, Koldus or the Student Services Building, wondering what all those departments inside actually do? Or maybe you've seen flyers for events but weren't sure who was behind them? 

You might have heard "Division of Student Affairs" mentioned, or seen a logo on a sticker or t-shirt, but never really understood what it means for your college experience. Let’s remove the mystery: The Division of Student Affairs is here to help you make your time at Texas A&M fulfilling, and we’ll tell you how. 

So what exactly is the Division of Student Affairs?

Let’s start here: we believe that every Aggie has a place on campus and we’re on a mission to help the students at Texas A&M find it. As a crew of 350+ professionals dedicated to student success, we do that by making sure you are supported during your transition from high school to college and beyond, and have every opportunity to create an Aggie experience that's uniquely yours.

So, what aspects of the Aggie experience does the division cover? We're all about the co-curricular experiences, support services, and campus life opportunities that complement your academic journey and make college truly transformative. 

From helping you feel at home living on or off-campus to finding your first internship or job, we support you every step of the way. Whether you’re discovering your passion through the 1,300+ registered student organizations on campus, building lifelong friendships, developing leadership skills or tackling new challenges, the division is here to connect you to life in Aggieland. 

Your campus life toolkit: 13 departments ready to help

The Division of Student Affairs isn't just one office – it's actually 13 different departments, each focused on different aspects of your college journey. Here's your insider's guide to what each one offers Aggies:

Career Center – Your future self will thank you for visiting here early and often. Since 1939, the Career Center has been helping Aggies land dream jobs and internships. They're not just about resume reviews (though they do that too) – they connect you with employers who specifically want to hire Aggies and more. 

Disability Resources – Staff in Disability Resources use education and collaboration to promote an atmosphere where Aggies with disabilities can thrive. Supporting students with physical disabilities as well as those with ADHD and learning disabilities, they serve as comprehensive advocates for the diverse needs of the Aggie community. If you need academic accommodations or support, they're your advocates and resource hub. Whether you need testing accommodations, assistive technology or communication access services, Disability Resources is here to help.

DSA Marketing & Communications - The behind the scenes team that tells the story of the student experience at Texas A&M and more. They use resources like Instagram and the Division of Student Affairs podcast, “On Air with Student Affairs,” to share events, opportunities and the unique ways every Aggie can get involved and make their mark during their time at Texas A&M. You can also find the staff of DSA Marketing & Communications helping out at events around campus.

MSC Programs – If you ever attend a concert, lecture or a special event on campus, you'll probably experience their work. MSC Programs brings world-class entertainment and educational programming right to your doorstep, including art exhibits, immersive travel experiences and more. They also host the largest student org ‘open house’ on campus called Club Crawl, the official involvement festival at Texas A&M. Club Crawl showcases registered clubs and organizations twice a year so Aggies can find the perfect place for them on campus.

Multicultural Services (DMS) – Find your community here and take advantage of opportunities to develop as a leader through meaningful social engagement and holistic developmental experiences. From transition support to workshops and hands-on learning, DMS helps students foster connections, build confidence, and stay motivated as they thrive in the Aggie Family.

Music Activities – A department for all students who love making music. Music Activities provides platforms for student musicians to join concert bands, jazz bands, the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, orchestras, mariachi, and choir ensembles that perform locally, nationally, and even internationally. You can find your musical family in Music Activities.

Recreational Sports (Rec Sports) – Rec Sports is your gateway to staying active and healthy. From state-of-the-art facilities to group fitness classes and intramural sports, they make it easy to build healthy habits, get involved and  connect through the activities you enjoy. Rec Sports is also the largest employer of students on campus, so if you’re looking for a fulfilling on-campus job, check out what they have to offer!

Residence Life – More than just a place to sleep, on-campus living through Residence Life creates communities where you'll build lasting friendships and can get holistic support right where you live. Did we mention all of the amazing amenities they offer? From game rooms to Community Learning Centers to outdoor recreational facilities and more – our residence halls and apartments have all that you need, are conveniently located and are a great way to meet friends. 

Student Activities – The masterminds behind student organizations and leadership development. If you want to join a student organization or club, develop your leadership skills and get connected to amazing volunteer opportunities to give back to the community and your fellow Aggies, this is your starting point. With over 1,300 registered student organizations at Texas A&M, the Department of Student Activities also oversees Fish Camp, extended orientation, Greek life, and student government, providing countless pathways for students to discover their passions, build lasting friendships, develop essential leadership skills, and create memorable experiences. 

Student Affairs Planning, Assessment and Research (SAPAR) – When you participate in campus activities or use student services, this is the department that collects feedback and data to make sure student affairs departments know what experiences are valuable for Aggies. One of the only departments of its kind, SAPAR works directly with leadership in student organizations to help them become more effective. You might also get surveys from them from time to time that measure your well-being in Aggieland. 

Student Community Standards – Student Community Standards is there to make sure everyone feels safe and supported in the Aggie community. Think of them as your go-to resource when you need guidance on what's expected of you as a student - whether that's dealing with questions about rights and responsibilities or conduct and accountability. They're not just about enforcing rules; although they do that too. 

Student Life – Your go-to for navigating personal challenges like food insecurity or landlord concerns as well as educating you to make responsible college life decisions. Student Life provides comprehensive services to help students, as well as families, get the support they need. Through educational programming, outreach and resources, they support student development and engagement from New Student Conferences through graduation, ensuring Aggies have the tools and resources needed to succeed academically, personally, and socially.

Veteran Resource & Support Center – If you are an enrolled undergraduate or graduate student who previously served or are currently serving in the United States military (veterans, active duty, national guard, reserves), the Veteran Resource & Support Center (VRSC) is where you need to connect.  The VRSC provides comprehensive services, personalized support, and dedicated expertise as you navigate your experience as a student at Texas A&M and celebrates your accomplishments as you enter the next chapter of your life upon graduation.

How to actually use these resources (because knowing about them is only half the battle)

Here's where it gets real: having all these resources doesn't matter if you don't know how to access them. The beauty of the Division of Student Affairs is that we make it easy to get involved, no matter where you are in your college journey.

• Start with your interests – Love making music? Check out Music Activities. Passionate about fitness? Rec Sports has you covered. Want to work in business someday? Student Activities can help you join an entrepreneurship club. 
• Think about your goals – Planning for life after graduation? The Career Center should be your first stop. Want to make a difference on campus? Look into volunteer opportunities and leadership programs through MSC Programs or Student Activities. 
• Don't wait until you "need" something – The best time to discover division resources is before you have a crisis or urgent need. Building connections early means you'll know where to find support when you need it most.

Creating your unique Aggie Experience

Here's what makes Texas A&M special: every Aggie's path is different. Whether you're a first-year student trying to find your place, a transfer student looking to get connected or a senior preparing for the real world, there are programs and opportunities designed specifically for where you are right now.

The key is being intentional about your involvement. College flies by faster than you think, and the students who make the most of their time here are the ones who actively seek out opportunities to grow, connect, and contribute. Creating your Aggie experience is all about saying ‘yes’ to experiences that will make your time here memorable and help pave the path to your future.

Ready to dive in? Start by exploring the departments that align with your current interests or goals. Visit their websites, follow them on social media, or attend an upcoming event. Remember, the departments in the Division of Student Affairs are here to serve you – and we want to help you succeed.

The only question left is: what kind of Aggie experience do you want to create?