Quick Connection
November 2013
What’s Inside: Page 2-3: Campus Happenings Howdy! Page 4: Mentors Page 5: Finals and Commencement Page 6: Bonfire Rembrance
November is a time of mixed emotions on campus. Many exams and papers are due before Thanksgiving, and finals are just around the corner. With Thanksgiving break arriving soon (November 28th-29th), students often feel excited and anxious about their trip home. Thanksgiving is the last break students have before final exams, so it is important to encourage them. Use the time at home for family bonding while also checking on your student’s status at A&M, both emotionally and academically. We encourage you to visit the Aggie Family web site for additional updates and helpful resources. You can visit us at http://parents.tamu.edu. Please feel free to contact New Student & Family Programs at (979) 845-5826, or email us at AggieFamilies@tamu.edu if you have any questions. Thanks and Gig `Em!
Page 7: Announcements Like our page at: https://www.facebook.com/ AggieParentsAndFamily to receive campus information, and connect with other Aggie Families.
Campus Happenings Upcoming Events
Aggie Health Hut Has your student seen the Aggie Health Hut yet? They can visit the Aggie Health Hut in Rudder Plaza on Wednesday, November 13 (12-2pm) and Thursday, November 14 (10:45am12:45pm)! Free SWAG and health information! Grocery Store Tour: “Stretch your Dollar: Healthy Shopping on a Budget” If your student has ever wandered the aisles of the grocery store wondering what to pick or is trying to plan healthy meals and snacks, but don’t know what to choose, they can join Meghan Windham, MPH, RD, LD as she walks through the local HEB on Holleman Drive, and shows students how to shop efficiently, healthy, and smart! A small fee of $5 gets students a reusable grocery tote, lots of coupons, and the opportunity to sample tasty recipes! Students can visit http://shs.tamu.edu/events to sign-up and reserve their spot today! Great American Smokeout Display November 21, 11am-1pm, Rudder Plaza November 21st is Great American Smokeout, the American Cancer Society’s day to finally quit. Students can learn how to beat smoking at this informative display, and make a plan to quit smoking for good.
University Art Galleries Current exhibition: Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist Works on Paper by the Artist & His Circle, August 29 - December 15, 2013 The exhibition was organized by Landau Traveling Exhibitions, Los Angeles, CA in association with Denenberg Fine Arts, West Hollywood, CA. Generously supported by the Division of Student Affairs. Forsyth Galleries, 2nd floor of the MSC: • FREE Adult Scratchboard Workshop, Sunday, November 10 from 2:00 (http://uart. tamu.edu/adult_scratchboard) Current exhibitions: Forsyth Favorites: Faculty & Staff Selections from the Permanent Collection, October 19 - December 15, 2013 George Woodall and the Art of English Cameo Glass, August 2 - December 15, 2013
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Campus Happenings Upcoming Events
It was a half-century ago, in 1963, when president Gen. James Earl Rudder opened our doors to African-Americans and women – a landmark decision that put our university on a clear path toward preeminence as a major teaching, research and service institution. To launch the celebration of “50 Years of Inclusion at Texas A&M University,” a campus-wide committee, led by the Office of the Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity, invited a large number of outstanding individuals to be part of telling our remarkable story and began to plan a variety of commemorative activities and hallmark events. “As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we take pride in the university’s development into one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the nation...” President R. Bowen Loftin ‘71 There are several events planned to celebrate diversity and inclusion at Texas A&M University. For a full calendar listing please visit: http://calendar.tamu.edu/ inclusion/?upcoming=upcoming. For more information on this initiative please visit: http://inclusion.tamu.edu/.
Campus Spotlight: The Offices of the Dean of Student Life The Offices of the Dean of Student Life (ODSL) strive to enhance student opportunities to participate fully in the university experience. We do this by providing information, services, programs and involvement opportunities that facilitate responsible life choices and promote awareness of self and community. Each of the office areas within ODSL have a specific mission, but share one common goal: to provide education, outreach, and support to you and your student. Services and programs offered by ODSL include: Adult, Graduate & Off-Campus Student Services; Alcohol & Drug Education Programs; Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center; New Student & Family Programs; Student Assistance Services; Student Conduct Services; Student Legal Services; Student Media; and Women’s Resource Center. For more information visit: studentlife.tamu.edu and like ODSL on Facebook!
Aggie Football In the final month of College Football, there are still a few chances to catch the Aggies play! Saturday, November 9 vs. Mississippi State at Kyle Field, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, November 23 vs. LSU at Baton Rouge, La., Time TBA Saturday, November 30 vs. Missouri at Columbia, Mo., Time TBA
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Mentors
Campus Resources As your student wraps up the end of the semester, they may find themselves needing extra guidance and support. If they haven’t already connected with a mentor on campus, we highly recommend they utilize our Mentors program, which has an online matching system. More information on Mentors can be found below!
What are Mentors?
Mentors is an organization of faculty, staff, and administrators who volunteer extra office hours to make themselves available to students who need any type of assistance; academic, social, or simply a listening ear. We have over 200 current mentors in almost every department on campus.
What do Mentors do?
• Mentors advise students in their area of experience and competence. • Mentors stay informed about current TAMU services so they can act as effective referral sources to students whose problems are outside the Mentor’s expertise. • Mentors provide a caring, nonjudgmental ear when a student just needs to talk. • Mentors provide a smile, a helping hand, and eagerness to serve as stepping stones instead of stumbling blocks.
The Mentors program does not attempt to replace or substitute for the programs provided by departmental advisers, the Student Counseling Service, and the many other valuable student services available at TAMU. On the contrary, Mentors work hand-in-hand with all of these services, helping students to locate and use them.)
Why was Mentors created?
The Mentors Program was established in 1979, when the University was undergoing tremendous growth. At that time, a small group of concerned faculty noticed a fast-growing campus was leaving some students feeling isolated and overwhelmed. They organized to form Mentors, and today Mentors continue to assist by listening and helping each student feel part of the Aggie community. There are many reasons to find a mentor: from getting course advice to working out a personal crisis. No matter what the issue good or bad, Mentors are always there to listen. Mentors is a mentorship program designed to operate on “your own terms.” Students and their mentor can determine how often they meet, whether they have set meetings, or if they just drop in from time to time. Students get out of the relationship what they put into it.
How do I get a mentor?
The easiest and most convenient way for students to find a Mentor is to use our online system at mentors.tamu.edu/findamentor. Students provide basic information about what they’re interested in talking about and get a list of faculty/staff mentors who want to help! Mentors have offices all over campus. To help students readily identify them, Mentors display Mentor plaques on their doors.
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Finals and Commencement
Preparing for the end of the Semester Final Exams
The end of the fall semester can be a stressful time for students. Your student will soon be busy with end-of-the-semester projects and papers and preparing for their set of final exams. Students could easily have three, four, or even five exams during the four day final exam period, and many students have more than one exam scheduled on the same day. As one of their biggest supporters, you may be wondering how can you help your student succeed. One key to managing final exams is proper time management. The last day of classes at Texas A&M is Tuesday, December 3. Wednesday and Thursday are termed “reading days,” in which there are no classes so students can prepare for exams. Many students feel overwhelmed, and rather than using reading days to study, will use this “downtime” to focus on socializing. To help your student avoid this common pitfall, encourage him or her to begin devising an exam study schedule well in advance. Some suggestions for supporting your student include encouraging them to do the following: • Plan a study schedule. Studying for an hour each day until the exam is more effective than studying several hours the night before. • Take breaks when studying. • Take care of themselves: nutrition and rest are essential for mental functioning! • Utilize academic support resources such as their professor’s office hours, SI classes, the Writing Center, the Academic Success Center, and Peer Academic Services. The fall final exam schedule is posted online at: http://registrar.tamu.edu/general/finalschedule.aspx
December Commencement Ceremonies: Commencement Convocation: Commencement ceremonies begin with a convocation that features one notable speaker. This year’s Commencement Convocation will take place on December 12 at Rudder Auditorium at 5:30 pm with speaker Dr. R. Bowen Loftin, President of Texas A&M University. Students are not required to wear academic regalia at Convocation, but will need to do so at the subsequent degree-granting exercises. Friday, December 13, 9 a.m. – Reed Arena Graduates and Undergraduates in Agriculture and Life Sciences Graduates and Undergraduates in Mays Business School Graduates and Undergraduates in Science
Congratulations December Graduates!
Friday, December 13, 2 p.m. – Reed Arena Graduates in Bush School of Government and Public Service Graduates and Undergraduates in Architecture Graduates and Undergraduates in Dwight Look College of Engineering Graduates and Undergraduates in Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Friday, December 13, 7 p.m. – Reed Arena Graduates and Undergraduates in Education and Human Development Graduates and Undergraduates in Geosciences Graduates and Undergraduates in Liberal Arts
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More information at: http://graduation.tamu.edu
Bonfire Remembrance Day November 18, 2013
Bonfire Remembrance Day On November 18th, 1999 at 2:42 a.m., Texas Aggie Bonfire collapsed, killing 12 Aggies and injuring 27 others. The 12 Aggies lost are remembered through the memories of Aggies everywhere and the construction of the Bonfire Memorial. These 12 Aggies are: Miranda Denise Adams ‘02, Christopher D. Breen ‘96, Michael Stephen Ebanks ‘03, Jeremy Richard Frampton ‘99, Jamie Lynn Hand ‘03, Christopher Lee Heard ‘03, Timothy Doran Kerlee, Jr ‘03, Lucas John Kimmel ‘03, Bryan A. McClain ‘02, Chad A. Powell ‘03, Jerry Don Self ‘01, and Nathan Scott West ‘02. Every year on November 18th, Aggies gather at the Bonfire Memorial at 2:42a.m. to pay their respect to the 12 Aggies we lost that day. MSC Hospitality members will be at the Bonfire Memorial from 9am - 5pm on Bonfire Remembrance Day to provide free tours of the memorial and answer questions to those who come to remember the tragedy of 1999.
Bonfire Memorial The Bonfire Memorial embodies many layers of meaning associated with the Aggie Spirit—a deep sense of belonging, a strong spirit of teamwork and leadership and an enduring sense of tradition that unites thousands. The Bonfire Memorial celebrates the tradition, history and spirit of Texas A&M, and the dedication of those involved in the tragic collapse of the 1999 Bonfire. The Bonfire Memorial was dedicated in 2004 and is located on the university polo fields. Uniting Aggies past, present and future, the Memorial is comprised of three design elements: The Tradition Plaza marks the entrance to the memorial and reflects on the activities that bring Aggies together. The Spirit Wall separates the outer world from the intimate experience of the memorial, while the Last Corps Trip Wall recites the poem traditionally read prior to the lighting of Bonfire each year. The History Walk portrays the 90 years of Bonfire preceding the 1999 collapse. The granite timeline is comprised of 89 stones arranged in a north-south line and begins with 1909, the first year Bonfire was built on campus. The amber light and notch in each stone recalls the fire glow of Bonfire each November. A break in the time line in 1963 signifies the year John F. Kennedy was assassinated and the only year that Bonfire did not burn. Three previous Bonfire-related deaths are remembered on the time line in the years they occurred. The Spirit Ring surrounds the site of the 1999 Bonfire and represents the Aggie Spirit that unites individuals into something greater than themselves. The twelve portals are oriented toward the hometowns of those who perished in the collapse. From different backgrounds, communities and beliefs, these students converged on this field, along with many of their fellow Aggies to celebrate the Aggie Spirit. Twenty-seven stones with bronze inlays representing the injured students connect these portals to complete the circle, recalling the Aggie Ring and the ring of Aggies who reunited to celebrate the Bonfire tradition year after year. Each bronze element symbolizes an Aggie, the ring itself represents the common bond connecting each one to the Aggie Spirit. Stepping into one of the oversized gateways on the circle, the visitor symbolically fills the void left by one of the twelve Aggies, embodying the spirit of the 12th Man. For Aggies who participated in Bonfire, the meaning and power of the Aggie Spirit is understood. The Bonfire Memorial seeks to share that understanding with respect, remembrance and spirit. For more information about The Bonfire Memorial visit http://bonfire.tamu. edu/memorial.
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Announcements
Information and Reminders November Academic Dates
November 14-December 3 Thursday-Tuesday. Preregistration for 2014 spring semester. November 15 Friday. 5 pm · Last day for all students to drop courses with no penalty (Q-drop). · Last day to change Kinesiology 198/199 grade type. · Last day to officially withdraw from the University. November 28-29 Thursday-Friday. Thanksgiving holiday.
Silver Taps
Silver Taps is a final tribute paid to an Aggie who, at the time of their death, was enrolled in courses at Texas A&M. It is held at 10:30 pm on the first Tuesday of the month in the Academic Plaza. We encourage students to attend to pay their respects to their fellow Aggies and their family members. This month’s Silver Taps was held in honor of: Jae Hoon An - Psychology Caleb Tate- University Studies
2013 Family Calendar
We are pleased to let you know we have 2013-2014 Family Calendars available for purchase for $10 (includes tax) plus applicable shipping. These calendars are a great resource for you as a family member! They include important deadlines, helpful campus phone numbers, university holidays, final exam dates, and information about several campus resources available to your student. To purchase the 2013-2014 Aggie Family Calendar please go to http://parents.tamu.edu. If you need assistance ordering please contact our office at 979.845.5826.
Break Shuttle
If your student is in need of a ride to the Houston, Austin, San Antonio, or Dallas area for Thanksgiving Break, have them check out BreakShuttle. The Texas A&M BreakShuttle is the official provider of break transportation for Texas A&M and the easiest and most efficient way for students to get to and from campus for major academic breaks. The TAMU BreakShuttle departs from the University Apartments and travels to destinations throughout Texas. At the end of break, the shuttles pickup students in their home cities and brings them back to Campus on the day before classes begin. Thanksgiving break will be here before you know it. We want to make sure that your student’s travel plans are set and ready. Visit www. breakshuttle.com to view Thanksgiving break travel options available at Texas A&M University. To stay updated on upcoming trips “Like” their Facebook Page and follow them on Twitter.
Do you know other members of the Aggie Family who might want to receive this newsletter? Please feel free to forward it to them, or tell them how to sign up for the listserv. Visit: http://parents.tamu.edu/listserv for instructions to subscribe/unsubscribe
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