Transfer Student Engagement Guide: Fall 2021

TRANSFER STUDENT ENGAGEMENT GUIDE

WELCOME! Hello Transfer Jags! The Transfer Student Engagement office welcomes you to our university's campus life. Our department provides opportunities for you to be involved on campus and get familiar with resources that you may need in order to graduate successfully. We also provide mentorship programs for students who would like to connect more on campus and have a resource at their fingertips - while also focusing on academic health. For incoming transfer students, becoming a mentee is a huge step in the right direction. While providing these opportunities, we host events for you throughout the year to help your transition and to also help the overall engagement process. We welcome all transfer students and want your experience at our university to be the most memorable!

- Your Transfer Engagement Team

#TRANSFERJAGS

JAGUAR TRANSFER ASSEMBLY This event takes place the week before classes begin. We host the Jaguar Transfer Assembly to assist you and your family with your new transition to Texas A&M University-San Antonio! On this day, we start off with personalized tours, faculty and student panels, an information fair and end with a dinner where you have the chance to meet with the network of faculty, staff, students, and peers that will help you be successful during your academic journey. At the conclusion of the dinner, you get to participate in a tradition that many other transfer students have participated in: The Signing of the Scroll.

Monday, August 9th: College of Arts & Sciences 1:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, August 10th: College of Business 1:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 11th: College of Education & Human Development 1:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

2

MEET OUR TRANSFER TEAM Juan Espinoza is the Transfer Student Engagement Coordinator.

He's also a transfer student from the Alamo colleges and an alumnus class of 2016! Juan enjoys building and executing programming for all transfer students on campus and aims to provide the best experience from orientation to commencement.

When you see him on campus, don't be afraid to say "HELLO!" Fun Fact: Juan coached a National Championship drill team for 14 years!

Home Town: Houston, TX Favorite On-campus event/tradition: Ring Ceremony Festival de Cascarones

Karina Salmon is a Senior at Texas A&M University- San Antonio majoring in Kinesiology with a focus in Pre Physical Therapy. Throughout her time at A&M- SA she has worked for the Office of New Student Programs as an Orientation Leader and as a Transfer Student Coordinator. Also she is involved in the third cohort of the President’s Leadership Class.

Fun Fact: Kari is serving as the 2021 Ms. A&M- San Antonio Home Town: San Antonio, TX Favorite On-campus event/tradition: Lights of Esperanza & Festival de Cascarones

Tiffany is a Senior at Texas A&M University- San Antonio majoring in English with a teacher certification 7-12. Throughout her time at A&M- SA she has worked for the Office of New Student Programs as a Student Coordinator. Also, she is involved in the Tau Sigma National Honor society, Kappa Delta Pi National Honor Society, Silver Liners Mentorship program, Animal Heart Society, Cisneros Institute of Emerging Leaders Cohort, Catholic Student Association and she is First Generation Student

3

Fun Fact: I have taken a class at all of the Alamo Community Colleges.

Hometown: China Grove, TX Favorite On-campus event/tradition: Trunk or Treat & Festival de Cascarones

MEET OUR TRANSFER TEAM David Mantiply is a Senior at Texas A&M University- San Antonio majoring in accounting. Throughout his time here on campus he has worked for the Mays Center as a Financial literacy fellow, public health and safety assistant lead and is currently serving as the Lead Transfer Mentor. David is also a member of the San Antonio chapter of the Delta Chi Fraternity.

Fun fact: David became a dad in 2020 Hometown: I'm a military brat so San Antonio is home now Favorite on campus tradition: Transfer week

Stephanie Gooding is a Senior at Texas A&M University- San Antonio pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.

Throughout her time at A&M- SA, she has worked for the Office of Transfer Student Engagement as the Lead Mentor for the Transfer Engagement & Advocacy Mentorship (T.E.A.M.) Program, been a Mentor in the Silver Liners transfer mentorship program, is a Common Experience Committee, and is a member of Tau Sigma National Honor Society.

Fun Fact: Steph won an all-expense paid trip to Napa Valley due to her high wine sales at her weekend job.

Hometown: San Antonio Favorite on-campus event/tradition: Ring Ceremony

4

CONTENTS

Jaguar Transfer Meet Our Assembly Transfer Team

Start Here!

Transfer Student Welcome Week Events

PAGE 2

PAGE 3-4

PAGE 5

10 Transfer TO DOs

Tau Sigma

Transfer Student Testimonials

PAGE 7

PAGE 8- 11

PAGE 12 & 26

PAGE 13

Transfer Tuesdays

Transfer Library

PAGE 28

PAGE 29

Meet the Silver National Transfer Student Week Liners!

PAGE 14-25

PAGE 27

PAGE 6 Semester Event Calandar Fall 2021

START HERE! MY ADVISOR IS : MY SUCCESS COACH IS: MY MASCOT IS: MY SCHOOL COLORS ARE: ONE EVENT I WON'T MISS: Student ORG I'M JOINING: My Mentor is:

5

08/19/2021

08/25/2021

WEEK OF WELCOME KICKOFF

GENERAL'S BIRTHDAY

11:30am- 2:00pm

11:30pm- 1:30pm

THE TRANSFER ENGAGEMENT OFFICE PRESENTS

TRANSFER STUDENT WELCOME WEEK EVENTS 08/26/2021 TRANSFERPALOOZA

11:00AM-2:00PM

Visit Jagsync For Full Event Details!!

6

@TAMUSA.TRANSFERS

10 Transfer TO DOs Visit the Transfer Office, virtual appointments available

Check JagSync for events with free food or swag

(CASA 104C)

Join a Mentorship Program

Visit the library CAB 2nd floor

Visit Chica's Bakery

Join a student organization

(9155 S Zarzamora St, San Antonio, TX 78224)

Take Clifton Strengths Assessment!

Visit our monthly office events

Visit the transfer library in the transfer engagement office

Follow all transfer social media platforms: IG: @TAMUSA.TRANSFERS Jagsync: Transfer Student Engagement

7

TAU SIGMA

Welcome all Transfer Students! Tau Sigma is a national honor society designed exclusively for transfer students. Our mission is to recognize and promote the academic excellence and involvement of transfer students. This organization at our university is an invite-only program for transfer students who have spent one semester at our institution and maintained a minimum 3.5 GPA. Tau Sigma provides its members opportunities to earn scholarships, attend leadership conferences, take leadership positions in the university, serve others at the university and in the community, all while developing friendships and becoming a more integral part of A&M-SA. Search "TAU SIGMA" in JagSync today!

8

MEET THE E-BOARD! Stephanie Martinez Classification: Senior Major: Communications Position: Chapter President Favorite memory with Tau Sigma: My induction ceremony

Cheyenne Zavala

Classification: Senior Major: English 7-12 teaching cert Position: Chapter Vice President Favorite memory with Tau Sigma: One was being able to travel to D.C. to attend the national conference, and the other is receiving the tau sigma scholarship, it was an honor to represent our chapter in both capacities.

Tiffany Balderas

Classification: Junior Major: English with a teaching certification in 7-12 Position: Chapter Social Media Coordinator Favorite memory with Tau Sigma: Volunteering at the diaper bank

9

MEET THE E-BOARD! Brenda Reyes

Classification: Senior Major: Education EC-6 Position: Chapter Social Media Coordinator Favorite memory with Tau Sigma: My Induction was virtually and unfortunately I didn't make it home so I didn't have my pin. I did make it to my sister's house and she cheered me on, very loudly if I may add, and pinned me with an imaginary pin. That was a great a memorable way to start my Tau Sigma journey. =)

Viridiana Gomez

Classification: Senior Major: English with teaching certification Position: Chapter Secretary Favorite memory with Tau Sigma: Many things! Volunteering for Ring day and Choose.Act.Impact to name a few.

Catherine Millard

Classification: Senior Major: Sociology Position: Chapter Event Coordinator Favorite memory with Tau Sigma: My favorite memory with Tau Sigma is the day we we're inducted. It was a huge achievement in my college career.

10

MEET THE E-BOARD! Lauren Huerta

Classification: Junior Major: Special Education (EC-12) Position: Chapter Event Coordinator Favorite memory with Tau Sigma: Being Virtually inducted into Tau Sigma and my parents celebrating beside me.

GET INVOLVED!

11

Transfer Student Testimonials "With the help of the transfer student engagement office I was able to confidently walk on campus day one and not feel quite as alone. Also, through transfer student engagement I’ve met lifelong brothers."

- David Mantiply

"Experience is the biggest benefit of campus engagement. You can only learn so much in the classroom. Experience teaches you about your strengths and weaknesses. That experience also looks great on a resume!"

-Kenny Huynh

"One of the best memories I have from being engaged on campus definitely has to be transfer week! One of the perks about attending events on campus is that you get to meet other students that are just like you!"

-Stephanie Martinez

12

SEMESTER EVENT CALENDAR FALL 2021 Tuesday September 7th BOMB POP Transfer Event

Wednesday September 22nd Evening Tabling Event

Monday October 4th-5th Boo Scavenger Hunt (Social Media)

Thursday November 11th Candy Apple GIVEAWAY

Friday October 29th Trunk-or-Treat

Tuesday November 16th Transfer-Giving

Wednesday December 1st Finals Emergency Kit Giveaway!

Tuesday November 30th Lights of Esperanza

Check Jagsync For Full Event Details!

13

MEET THE SILVER LINERS! Read the mentor profiles below to learn about our Fall 2021 Texas A&M- SA Mentors! Request a mentor through our Transfer Student Engagement Office, located in Patriots' Casa on the first floor OR at the link provided on page 17.

Summary of the Silver Liners

The Silver Liners peer mentorship program is designed specifically to help new transfer students be successful in their transition year to A&M San Antonio. Silver Liner mentors are trained, successful transfer students who volunteer to share their experiences with new transfer students to help them navigate and acclimate to campus life. Benefits of signing up with the Silver Liners include someone who can relate to your experiences, professional development, opportunities to get involved on campus, and exclusive swag! As a member of the Silver Liners you’ll be in an organization that is committed to your growth and persistence from orientation through to graduation. By signing up to be a mentee, you are making a low risk - high reward investment into your future success as a Jaguar.

David Mantiply LEAD MENTOR My favorite tradition is our cording ceremony that we have during senior week. Our cord and ceremony are unique; our cord is made of three strands to signify the three roles you can have in the Silver Liners, Mentee, Mentor, and Alumni Mentor. The other thing that sets our ceremony apart is that you can have your mentor, mentee or the lead mentor drape the cords you've earned.

14

Viridiana Gomez

Major: English major with teacher certification Academic year: Senior Transferred from Texas Lutheran University/San Antonio College I’m a mentor because it’s amazing.. I get to introduce myself to someone new, and help them learn about the campus. We can be each other’s support for the semester and help meet our goals. And a new friend is always nice.

Brenda Reyes

Major: Education EC-6 Academic year: Senior Transferred from San Antonio College Unfortunately, thanks to the pandemic, I have yet to experience all our traditions but I have been a part of one and therefore will always be dear to my heart. Putting a coin on the Madla for good luck- legend says if you put a coin at the feet of the Senator Madla statue you'll pass your exams.

Catherine Naranjo

Major: English Major Academic year: Junior Transferred from Northwest Vista College I’m a mentor for two reasons. The first has been because of my experience with my own mentors. Having the sense of camaraderie and connection that you can only forge with someone who is going through the same stress and frustration that you are is really helpful. The second reason is that I have always wanted to make a difference in the world. Even if that difference is doing something so simple as to lend an ear to someone, or attend campus events with.

15

Rose McConnell Major: Kinesiology - Pre- Physical Therapy Academic year: Senior Transferred from Brookhaven College I am a mentor because I want others to feel as welcomed as I did!

Lori Prieto Major: Marketing Academic year: Junior Transferred from Northwest Vista College My favorite TAMUSA tradition is transfer week. The events are so much fun, and it is an opportunity to meet other transfer students.

Gabriella Villegas

16

Major: Kinesiology- Pre Pt Academic year: Junior Transferred from San Antonio College After completing my first semester at a university, covid edition, I thought I had beat the impossible. I didn’t know how many obstacles you have to go through as a transfer student so I wanted to make sure every other incoming transfer student had someone to guide them through this process. It’s not easy but it is doable, and you meet some great people along the way.

Catherine Millard

Major: Sociology Academic year: Senior Transferred from Texas State University I’m a mentor because I know how much of a trial the journey through higher education can be. I've made a couple mistakes, but I've learned from them. If I had someone to guide me on my journey, I might have had an easier transition. I want to make the journey through higher Ed easier for future Jaguars, so that they don't have to repeat my mistakes.

Mercedes J Rodriguez

Major: Exercise Science Pre-Physical Therapy Academic year: Senior Transferred from Northwest Vista College Choose. Act. Impact. Is my favorite tradition. Once a semester we as a campus organize a whole weekend of volunteering throughout our community.

Kristen Vargas

Major: Kinesiology/ Pre-PT Academic year: Senior Transferred from Northwest Vista College I am a mentor because I would like to contribute to the welcoming culture we have and to help incoming transfers adjust to university.

17

Tiffany Balderas

Major: English with a teaching certification in 7-12 Academic year: Junior Transferred from Northeast Lakeview College My favorite TAMUSA tradition is trunk or treat because my favorite holiday is Halloween.

Clay Clemons

Major: Accounting Academic year: Alumni Class of 2021 Transferred from Palo Alto college I am a mentor because I enjoy getting to see and aid someone in the position I once was.

Karissa Mitchem

Major: Accounting Academic year: Alumni Class of 2021 Transferred from Northwest Vista College Festival de Cascarones is my favorite tradition. You get to experience the fun of Fiesta without fighting crowds downtown. You can support local vendors, get fiesta medals, enjoy great food, and spend time with your family and Jagfam.

18

Miranda Milum

Major: Interdisciplinary EC-6 SPED EC-12 teacher certification Academic year: Junior I wanted to become a mentor because I think this program is a huge blessing to new transfer students.

My favorite tradition at TAMUSA is by far the ring ceremony. On the eve of giving them out, they store them in the famous dome, which story says, that holds the spirit of the Jaguar.

Victoria Ochoa

Major: Accounting Academic year: Senior Transferred from San Antonio College I am a mentor to offer guidance and support to others, all while being able to meet new people, have fun, be involved on campus, and create lasting friendships.

Doroteo Peña III

Major: History with a Minor in Kinesiology-Coaching Academic year: Junior Transferred from South Texas College My favorite TAMUSA tradition has been transfer week because that's when we get the best swag, we meet other transfer students, and I get to see all my friends, plus build new friendships. Lastly, attend all the cool events that happen that week.

19

Bianca Gonzalez

Major: Sociology Academic year: Senior Transferred from Houston Community College I love being a mentor because I enjoy meeting new people like me that have been through a similar process as a transfer student. I love helping others especially if I can relate to their troubles and experiences. I believe the mentorship program helps me build new relationships and leadership skills!

Angela Martinez

Major: Biology Academic year: Alumni class of 2021 Transferred from UT Austin When I first transferred to TAMUSA, everything was so new and different; new city, new lifestyle, new job... I was scared, until a complete stranger helped me sign up for classes, study and became my best friend along the way. I want to give that feeling of security to everyone who is scared of the New.

Thelma Lara

20

Major: Criminal Justice Academic year: Senior Transferred from Sul Ross State University- Rio Grande College I am a Mentor because it’s amazing knowing I am a role model for other students throughout their educational journey. I get to interact with other students about their goals & dreams and what inspires them to be successful in life. It’s a blessing to know that I made a tiny impact in their lives and to see them transition from the person they were when we first met to the person they are becoming.

Tina Chapoy

Major: Psychology Academic year: Alumni Class of 2017 Transferred from St Phillip’s College My favorite tradition on campus is Jaguars Remembered. Through this ceremony, our community pays tribute to those who are gone, but never forgotten, embodying the sentiment: Once a Jaguar, Always a Jaguar.

Cheyenne M Zavala, Senior, English 7-12 teaching cert.

Cheyenne M Zavala

Major: English 7-12 teaching cert.

Academic year: Senior Transferred from Northwest Vista college My favorite tradition on our campus is Ring Ceremony, I love all that it celebrates and symbolizes, and often times Jags will order their rings before their last semester, so the ring also serves as a reminder and motivator to finish strong. Our rings get put into the dome the night before ring ceremony so that they can imbued with the jaguar spirit so it can with us forever and ever amen!

Lauren Huerta

Major: Special Education Academic year: Junior Transferred from Palo Alto College I want to help make the transition to TAMUSA a better experience for new jags.

21

Essie Richardson

Major: Sociology Academic year: ECHS, Junior Transferred from St Phillips College My favorite TAMUSA tradition is RED Fridays. We wear red on Fridays to celebrate our members of the JagFam who are military affiliated.

Demi Villarreal

Major: History Academic year: Senior Transferred from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi I love interacting with students and helping them out when I can. When I was a transfer student, I didn't know much about our campus or the opportunities that were available. I hope to be able to create a positive and welcoming environment for transfers and encourage them to engage with campus resources.

Che’Tara Baty

Major: Sociology Academic year: Senior Transferred from Houston Community college I’m a mentor because college can be a scary place and I just want to be able to help make it a little less overwhelming.

22

Victoria Cohen

Major: Psychology Academic year: Junior I am a mentor because I want new transfers to have someone they can talk to and able to help them get used to the school.

Rosa Barajas

Major: Kinesiology Academic year: Senior Transferred from Transferred from Texas A&M International University My favorite tradition at TAMUSA is the ring ceremony because you can see the joy and feel the pride of their family You can really see it the relief in the face of the recipient having come so far in their journey and they are right there so close on graduating is just amazing.

Melissa Ward Major: Accounting Academic year: Senior Transferred from Northwest Vista College I am a mentor because the mentor program gave me a feeling of inclusion and belonging that helped me succeed my first semester and I hope to pass that along to other incoming transfer students.

23

Samantha Muñiz

Major: Generalist EC-6 education major Academic year: Alumni class of 2021 Being a mentor allows me to help new transfer students not only help them avoid what I went through, but it allows me to grow new connections with peers. I can be their cheerleader or support system and cheer for them through their journey. I love being able to say, “that’s not just my mentee, that’s my friend right there.” These bonds through the mentorship program are ones that will last a lifetime.

Cary Farrow IV

Major: Management Academic year: Junior Transferred from San Antonio College I'm a mentor because I know what it's like being at a new school, not knowing anyone, and anxious about whether I can keep up. I want to help others feel less alone and reach their potential.

Stephanie Martinez

24

Major: Communications Academic year: Senior My favorite tradition is ring ceremony! I love seeing all the jaguars receive their rings, it’s like seeing all their hard work paid off. Being able to volunteer as a ring leader also has a lot to do with why it’s my favorite tradition. I get the opportunity to make each ring recipient feel special as they receive their ring, or as Walt Disney would say, I get to create the magic.

FALL 2021 Transfer Mentorship Program Orientation Dates APPLY TO BECOME A MENTOR

APPLY TO BECOME A MENTEE

Wednesday 09/1/2021 Thursday 09/2/2021 Friday 09/3/2021

25

Transfer Student Testimonials "The biggest benefit to being engaged on campus is that more often than not you are provided with experiences that enable you to build relevant skills. Being engaged is also a direct route to feeling more connected to the A&M-SA community."

- Zachary Franckowiak

"Take advantage of the great opportunities our school offers. Whether it’s for your college life, your career, networking, resources, or even meeting new friends, it won’t hurt to get out of your comfort zone."

- Danielle Balandran

"Your calendar and your email are your best friends. Set reminders for the day before and stay on top of everything. Time management is key. All my time was scheduled, so I didn't fall behind in my classes."

- Karissa Mitchem

26

10/18/2020 Kick Off & Giveaway

Transfer Tuesday FIELD DAY!

Donuts & Coffee

10:00 AM - NOON

NOON - 2:00 PM

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

10/19/2020

10/20/2020

THE TRANSFER ENGAGEMENT OFFICE PRESENTS

10/21/21

10/23/21

Induction Ceremony

Painting with a Transfer

Transfer Ball

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

10/21/21 Tau Sigma

Black-Tie event

10/22/21

Movie Night @ Wolff Stadium 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

27

LET'S LET'SMAKE MAKE MEMORIES MEMORIESTOGETHER! TOGETHER! JOIN JOINUS USFOR FOR TRANSFER TRANSFERTUESDAYS TUESDAYS!!

9/7/2021 TRANSFER

MIXER 11 AM - 1 PM PATRIOTS' CASA CEREMONY ROOM

11/9/2021 BINGO NIGHT 6 - 8 PM CAFETERIA

28

9/28/2021 KARAOKE NIGHT 6 - 8 PM PATRIOTS' CASA CEREMONY ROOM

10/19/2021 FIELD DAY 11 AM - 1 PM PATRIOTS' CASA APRON

11/30/2021 TRANSFER BRUNCH 10 AM - NOON PATRIOTS' CASA CEREMONY ROOM

Transfer Library

Hey Transfer Jags! This is our transfer library that is located in Patriots' Casa on the first floor.

We have chosen these selected books to allow you to read up on life changing moments. Be sure to stop by and take a look to see what interests you! Below are just a few books we have chosen. Be sure to visit the library to see all that we have!

Vote for Us: How to Take Back Our Elections and Change the Future of Voting by Joshua A. Douglas Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, Second Edition Kerry Patterson , Joseph Grenny How to win friends and influence people Dale Carnegie

The art of gathering by Priya Parker The Obstacle is the way Ryan Holiday Man’s search for meaning Victor Frankl Ego is the enemy Ryan Holiday Relentless Tim Grover Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life Bill Burnet & Dave Evans Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less Michael Hyatt The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book) Part of: A Toltec Wisdom Book (6 Books) | by Don Miguel Ruiz and Janet Mills Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations About Race Beverly Daniel Tatum Get Better: 15 Proven Practices to Build Effective Relationships at Work Todd Davis Dear America, Notes of an undocumented Citizen Jose Antonio Vargas Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald Grit: The power of passion and perseverance Angela Duckworth

29

TRANSFER STUDENT PROGRAM TRANSFER EVENTS

MENTOR PROGRAM

TAU SIGMA

TRANSFER RESOURCES

30

TRANSFER ENGAGEMENT GUIDE BOOK INSTAGRAM: @TAMUSA.TRANSFERS JAGSYNC PORTAL TRANSFER STUDENT MENTORS SILVER BULLET NEWSLETTER

A WORD FROM YOUR TRANSFER STUDENT ENGAGEMENT COORD:

AS YOU BEGIN YOUR ACADEMIC JOURNEY HERE AT A&M-SAN ANTONIO, LET ME REMIND YOU THAT YOU ARE MORE THAN CAPABLE OF BECOMING AN INVOLVED, SUCCESSFUL STUDENT. THIS CAMPUS CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH THE RESOURCES AND THE TOOLS TO SUCCEED FROM ORIENTATION THROUGH GRADUATION LET US BE THERE FOR YOU. REACH OUT TO ME IF YOU HAVE ANY UNMET NEEDS: JUAN.ESPINOZA@TAMUSA.EDU