As the end of the semester rapidly approaches, you may find yourself eagerly counting down the days until your student wraps up their final exams and travels back home for an extended winter break. Although you may be looking forward to busy days of family bonding activities and quality time with your student, you may be surprised to find that your student has other ideas for how they will spend their time away from campus.

With a little planning and intentional communication between you and your student, you can make the most of your student’s extended break at home. Here are a few tips provided by family members and current students to help you navigate an extended break. [Read more…] about What to Expect During Winter Break

The holidays are just around the corner, and the spirit of giving is in the air. Not sure what to get for your Aggie student this year? Cheer up! We’ve put together a list of 10 gifts your Aggie would love.

[Read more…] about 2018 Aggie Gift Guide

Lucero Ramirez ’20

As a first generation college student, one of my biggest motivators was to make my family, especially my parents proud of me. I always think about how they had done everything that was in their power and sacrificed so much to get me to my first year at Texas A&M University. My parents did not attend college, but I did have an advantage in that I am the youngest of three and the last one of my siblings to go to college and the second one to come to Texas A&M. This meant that my parents and I had a lot more knowledge about college than my oldest sister had when she began to apply for college.

However, I was not prepared for being in an entirely new environment and balancing school with my social life and the effect that would have on my mental health. In the beginning I was fine, mostly because everything around me was so new that I was focused on something new every day. After everything started to slow down, I noticed that underneath all the excitement I was not really happy here, even though I knew I wanted to be here. [Read more…] about A first-generation student’s transition to Texas A&M

We know it’s bittersweet to send your student off to college and challenging trying to be supportive without being overbearing. While your Aggie needs their independence, they will also benefit from the right encouragement from you, their parents and family members. We know you want to see your student succeed at Texas A&M, and so do we! So here are four things you can say during one of those elusive phone calls or texts from your student. [Read more…] about How to help your Aggie succeed in school

In the dark, early morning hours of November 18, thousands of Aggies will converge on the Bonfire Memorial on campus to honor the students killed in the 1999 collapse. The Bonfire Remembrance Ceremony is held on this same day each year at 2:42 a.m., the exact time the stack collapsed in 1999.

Aggie Bonfire began in 1909 as a scrap heap and grew over the years to be nearly 60 feet tall and built with about 7,000 logs stacked in a layer-cake design. Bonfire symbolized every Aggie’s “burning desire” to beat their rival, the University of Texas, in football and attracted tens of thousands of people to watch it burn.

Five years after the collapse that claimed the lives of 12 Aggies and injured 27, the Bonfire Memorial was dedicated on the exact location of the fallen Bonfire. 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. [Read more…] about Bonfire Remembrance

Texas A&M University is committed to providing an environment of academic study and employment free from harassment or discrimination to all segments of its community and will promptly address all complaints of discrimination, sexual harassment including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and related retaliation, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. As an institution, we have the resources and options to support any student involved in a situation involving sexual misconduct.  As Aggies, and family members of Aggies, we must be willing to assist those who may be afraid to come forward or who may not know where to turn for help.

This summer, Texas A&M University conducted internal and external reviews of our policies and processes related to discrimination, sexual harassment including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and related retaliation.  As a product of these reviews, we are engaging in ongoing improvements of our existing practices and communication. One way we hope to engage our community is through you as family members. Family members can encourage their Aggies to participate in educational program offerings on these topics and learn as much as they can. As we know and as we say, knowledge is power. We want our students, through their knowledge of these topics, to feel empowered to help themselves and one another when faced with situations involving sexual discrimination and sexual harassment. [Read more…] about Keeping Aggies Safe

Game day at Texas A&M University is a unique and exciting experience not only for our students, but also for our Aggie parents and family members. Planning your trip to Kyle Field can be a bit overwhelming, so here are 12 tips from our Aggie Parents & Family Advisory Council members to help you get the most out of your visit: [Read more…] about Parents and Family Guide to Game Day

Every year, millions of individuals are diagnosed with the influenza virus. At Texas A&M University, Student Health Services (SHS) is taking strides to keep thousands of students protected from the flu. SHS sponsors an annual Flu Shot Campaign that provides free flu vaccines to students. Last year, SHS distributed more than 4,000 free flu vaccines during a two-day campaign. This year, SHS is hosting its annual Flu Shot Campaign on October 3 and 4, 8am – 5pm and will be providing free flu vaccines to students. Students are highly encouraged to bring the TAMU Student ID and a copy of their health insurance information (card or photo accepted). If the student does not have health insurance, Student Health Services will pay for the vaccine.

The locations for this Campaign include: Emerging Technologies Building (ETB: First Floor Lobby), Evans Library (Main Entry near Starbucks), Memorial Student Center (MSC: Near Copy Corner), and Wehner (First Floor Lobby). The flu vaccines during this Campaign are available to currently enrolled TAMU students, and faculty/staff are able to receive a flu vaccine with their appropriate health insurance information. For additional information regarding this Campaign, please contact Patient Services at (979) 458-8310 or visit calendar.tamu.edu/shs. [Read more…] about Student Health Services Flu Shot Campaign

Howdy!

I am so excited to begin the 2018 school year! As an Associate Coordinator in New Student & Family Programs at Texas A&M, I have the distinct pleasure of overseeing our parent and family initiatives. In the six years I have served in this role, I have seen our program grow tremendously. We have an increased presence on social media, an enhanced communication strategy, a Parent & Family Advisory Council, and new Family Weekend events, just to name a few. All of these are great resources to you throughout your student’s time at Texas A&M. New Student & Family Programs believes this is a collaborative relationship. You, your student, and the university can work together to ensure your student’s success. While we offer many great resources to you, one of the best resources you can utilize is the Aggie Family.

[Read more…] about Welcome to the Aggie Family! Fall 2018

With well over 1,000 student organizations, Texas A&M University has an almost unbelievable number of ways that students can get involved. There is certainly a group on campus that will align with your students’ interests! Whatever this group may be, it will challenge them to grow, support them in their Aggie journey, and teach them new lessons and skills along the way. I will be the first to admit, however, that navigating the abundant opportunities available can feel daunting, especially as an incoming freshman with so much to consider.

I remember being so excited to start my freshman year, yet I was also nervous that I might not find an organization that was the right fit for me. I also worried about finding a group of friends outside the classroom environment. If any of the reservations I felt before the start of my freshman year are feelings your student might be experiencing, I would like to invite them to MSC Open House! Even if your student is not feeling anxious at all, MSC Open House is a great opportunity to mingle and to be welcomed to A&M by various groups! [Read more…] about A letter from MSC President Taylor Welch