College Update – February 2025

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Deadlines and dates | Open office hours | Save the date!

Dean’s Team Updates

Congratulations!

  • Dr. James Petrick, in the Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism, has been admitted to the International Academy for the Study of Tourism. This prestigious recognition is a testament to his exceptional contributions to the field and his unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and practice.

Dean’s Open Office Hours

  • Dr. Savell and Dr. Klein are holding Dean’s Open Office Hours. Please contact Jill Lee for scheduling or if you have any questions.

Upcoming Deadlines and Dates

Faculty Affairs

  • Gabrielle Sullivan has transitioned to a new role with Texas A&M University. Please contact Gaby Kocmoud, Dr. Craig Coates or Dr. Kim Dooley until her replacement is selected.  
  • Bites & Insights Faculty Development Series: The Bites & Insights Faculty Development Series will continue throughout the spring 2025 semester. Sessions will be held Feb. 27, March 19, April 10 and April 23. Calendar invitations have already been sent to faculty, with more details and a link to RSVP to be provided in advance of each event. Contact Dr. Craig Coates with any questions.
  • Faculty development lunches: The Dean’s Office will be hosting faculty development lunches throughout the spring semester. Calendar invitations were sent to faculty earlier this month and the full spring faculty development event schedule (pdf) is available on the AGLS Faculty Affairs Intranet page, login required. More details and a link to RSVP will be sent in advance of each event.  
  • Teaching Community of Practice: Spring 2025 meetings for the Teaching Community of Practice will be held on March 27 and April 16. An RSVP will be requested in advance of each event, as lunch will be provided. Interested faculty who have not previously joined the community should complete the online survey and then contact Dr. Craig Coates for more information.
  • Peer Learning Assistant Grants: The College has partnered with the College of Arts and Sciences to offer Peer Learning Assistant, PLA, Grants, an initiative to pilot innovative uses of undergraduate students to help facilitate active learning in the classroom. These pilot grants help improve student success by using specially trained peer assistants to facilitate active learning in class. More information, including the program timeline and informational sessions, will be announced soon. Interested faculty should contact Dr. Craig Coates.
  • From the Texas A&M Center for Teaching Excellence:
    • Center for Teaching Excellence has a formal Faculty Mentoring Academy to promote a culture of mentoring within and across Texas A&M University. For more information, visit the center’s page for the faculty mentoring academy.
    • The Center for Teaching Excellence proudly offers resources to empower faculty instruction and to create a more enriching classroom learning environment. Explore diverse topics, including peer feedback and collaboration engagement during lectures and ethical behavior in mentoring. 
  • Texas A&M encourages faculty to elevate the impact of their work by joining colleagues in publishing articles in The Conversation. The format is opinion pieces and requires the expert to have recent, peer-reviewed published research. Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications is happy to work with you to get you connected with the right editors at the right times. Please reach out to AgriLife Marketing and Communications for an introductory and exploratory call to discuss ideas, opportunities and more! Email Laura Muntean if interested.
  • Texas A&M University Faculty Affairs provides ongoing professional development opportunities for faculty at every career stage. Faculty are encouraged to regularly seek new ways to enhance and advance their careers at Texas A&M.

General Academic Affairs

  • International Travel Guidance update: The Texas A&M System Research Security Office updated the list of countries of concern to mirror the countries in the Governor’s Executive Order GA-48 and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s adversaries list: China, North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Russia and the Venezuelan political regime of Nicolas Maduro. According to the latest guidance from the Office of General Counsel, Texas A&M AgriLife will not approve new travel requests for professional purposes to these adversarial countries. Personal travel is not impacted at this time.
  • Doctoral Education Program update: The Texas A&M University System will sunset the Doctoral Education Program. The program will not accept new participants after May 15. All participants accepted into the program by May 15 will continue to receive funding until May 31, 2028.
  • The Educational Development and Engagement Instructional Design Consultant team provides comprehensive support for College of Agriculture and Life Sciences courses. Services include full-service accessibility renovation to redesign courses for optimal accessibility, video captioning in partnership with the Disability Resources Office, Canvas troubleshooting assistance and Universal Design for Learning consultation. These efforts have made College courses, including the 12 largest in the University’s Core Curriculum, fully accessible, benefiting over 15,900 students. For more information and resources, please visit the team’s intranet site for the College! If you have a problem accessing the intranet site, please use online instructions to gain access.
  • ARCS is the new system graduate students use to submit non-course requirements. Phase II is now in development and will bring degree plans and associated petitions into ARCS when implemented.
  • An Introduction to Evidence-Based Undergraduate STEM Teaching: The Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning at Texas A&M University (CIRTL@TAMU) is facilitating a weekly, Zoom-Local Learning Community for the National-Level Massive Open Online Course. Visit the CIRTL site to learn more. 
  • Libraries Workshops: Various workshops supporting curriculum and research by the University Libraries.
  • Disability Resources Testing Center: Instructors should complete the testing agreement for a student needing testing accommodations as soon as possible and send exams to the testing center at least three days before the exam. Learn more at Texas A&M Disability Resources.
  • Subscribe to the Graduate Advisors Listserv if you are a staff or faculty member working with graduate and professional students, and stay informed.

Student Success and Development

  • Thursday, Feb. 20, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 11th Annual Texas A&M Plant Breeding Symposium — From Field to Data: Evolving Roles of Plant Breeders. This one-day event is part of the Corteva Agriscience Plant Sciences Symposia Series. It promotes education and community within plant breeding and related plant sciences at Texas A&M University and beyond.
    • Location: Annenberg Presidential Conference Center.
    • Registration is open to everyone interested in the plant sciences.
    • For questions, email [email protected].
  • Monday-Friday, March 17-21: Student Research Week 2025. Student Research Week is the largest student-run research symposium in the country, providing an opportunity for all Texas A&M University students, from all disciplines, to present their innovative, any-stage research. Participants can register to present their work through oral (10 minutes) or poster presentations (symposium style), with over $22,000 in taxonomy-based awards and valuable feedback from expert judges. Presentations are broken into 11 different taxonomies, aimed at supporting all research around campus, and can be given individually or in groups. Register at srw.tamu.edu. Registration closes Sunday, Feb. 23.
    • In collaboration with the University Writing Center, we’re offering a workshop to help students prepare for oral and poster presentations for SRW. The workshop is free, and dinner will be provided. Registration required.
      • Workshop registration is at srw.tamu.edu.
      • Workshop date: Thursday, Feb. 20.
      • Workshop time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
      • Workshop location: Student Services Building, Room 108.
  • Thursday-Friday, March 20-21: The 25th annual Ecological Integration Symposium will be held at the Annenberg Presidential Center at Texas A&M University. This entirely student-run event promises to be a dynamic experience for those passionate about ecology and evolutionary biology. This year’s theme is “Novel Methods in Ecology.”
    • Day 1: Six highly influential plenary speakers from diverse fields in ecology and evolutionary biology will present their cutting-edge research. They will also engage in a thought-provoking discussion panel, offering valuable insights and perspectives.
    • Day 2: Student oral and poster presentations will showcase the exciting and innovative work being done by the next generation of scientists.
    • Register at https://u.tamu.edu/EIS2025.
  • AGLS 125: The College invites applicants for instructors and peer mentors for our fall 2025 first-year experience, AGLS 125. This course has been approved by the University as a Hullabaloo U course, a required experience for all incoming students. The University provides instructors and peer mentors $500 each, access to classroom supply funds and the opportunity to mentor our next class of Aggies! Instructors can use the $500 funds for professional development, and students receive the funds directly into their student account.
    • In addition to the development experience and terrific mentorship opportunity, the College provides professional development workshops for instructors and peer mentors, Canvas content for the semester, and several social opportunities to connect with students and others involved in AGLS 125. The estimated weekly time commitment is approximately 3-4 hours for instructors and 2-3 hours for peer mentors, including time spent in the classroom.
    • More information and the application link for peer mentors. Peer Mentor applications are due by Monday, Feb. 24.
    • More information and the application link for instructors. Instructor applications are due by Monday, March 3.
  • Early registration for parenting students: The university provides early registration for parenting students as it does for other populations of students. The early registration date for parenting students to self-certify is Friday, Feb. 28.
  • Undergraduate Research Scholars: 25 students are currently participating in the College Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. The full list of scholars, their research project titles and faculty mentors is online. Students interested in participating in academic year 2025-26 will be invited to apply later in spring 2025. Current participants will present the results of their research at a public symposium on Wednesday, April 30.
  • A Pocket Pantry is available at Suite 109 in Kleberg. It is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays when the university is closed.
    • Ongoing support is provided by the Texas A&M Foundation and a generous donation from Lennox International Inc. The pantry is available for students, faculty and staff in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences who are experiencing food insecurity.
    • Visitors interested in using this resource can scan the QR code posted on the entrance and check in with the reception desk. Those with questions, or those needing additional support, please email [email protected]. 
  • Algebra Video Series is a resource for students to ensure they are prepared for their math and statistics courses at Texas A&M. You can explore the Algebra Series online.
  • Mental health support for all students:
    • University Health Services offers mental health support options for Texas A&M University students 24 hours a day. 
    • During normal business hours, individual counseling, group counseling, and a variety of health and wellness workshops provide growth opportunities through both in-person and virtual formats.
    • Around the clock and regardless of location, the TELUS Health Student Support app provides 24/7 access to professional counseling in multiple languages via app, telephone and web, in addition to mental health assessments, a mental health content library and access to virtual fitness sessions — all free and confidential. Also, University Health Services maintains a robust library of mental health-focused self-help content to help students navigate challenges related to anxiety, depression, relationships and more.
    • HelpLine will officially transition to Aggie Peer Connect in April. Until Aggie Peer Connect launches, students can continue to access University Health Services resources and support options via the TELUS Health Student Support app, mental health self-help resources, mental health workshops and group counseling. If your department has materials that reference HelpLine, including syllabi, printed and digital resource listings, and other informational items, please work to remove the references to the HelpLine and replace them with Aggie Peer Connect.
    • The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has an embedded licensed professional counselor. Ms. Molly McCann dedicates her time to the wellness of students in AGLS, with an office located at BCBP 103C. Contact her at [email protected] or 979.845.5032.
  • Prospective Student Information Sessions occur weekly on Fridays – students can register for a visit with a recruiter at https://recruiter.tamu.edu/.

Resources for Graduate Students

  • Tuesday, Feb. 18: Registration deadline for the 52nd Annual Texas Genetics Society Meeting, which will take place Thursday-Saturday, March 20–22, at the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center in College Station. The registration website for the 2025 Texas Genetics Society Annual Meeting is open. 
  • New minimum graduate student stipends: Provost Sams approved the establishment of a university minimum Graduate Assistant, GA, stipend, effective starting Sept. 1. The minimum stipend rates are: Graduate Assistant Teaching/Research/Lecturer positions: $1,826 per month for 50% FTE; Graduate Assistant Non-Teaching positions: $21 per hour. 
  • The Graduate and Professional Student Government, GPSG, is looking for graduate student representatives from your departments to serve in various capacities. Please visit the GPSG website for more information.
  • From the Center for Teaching Excellence:
    • Center for Teaching Excellence English Language Proficiency, CTE-ELP, programs provide training and testing for international students. Current teaching assistants who are not language-certified are required to participate in the CTE-ELP program.
    • Graduate Student Professional Development in Teaching, GSPDT: Take advantage of resources from the Center for Teaching Excellence in collaboration with the Graduate and Professional School. Visit GSPDT to learn more.
  • The University Writing Center hosts the Writing Cafe for graduate students on the first Friday of every month in the Evans Library Grad Lounge, Room 611.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council

Save the date!

Girl holding a live python

Darwin Day

Friday, Feb. 28.
  • When: 5-8 p.m.
  • Where: The Gardens at Texas A&M University.

Darwin Day is an annual celebration of all things biology, hosted by the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program. This free, family-friendly event aims to make science accessible to the public through hands-on demonstrations, live animal interactions, museum specimens, and arts and crafts. Additional attractions include a kids’ scavenger hunt with prizes, food trucks and local artists. This event is open to all ages, with free parking in lots 97 and 100 after 5 p.m. Support funding is provided by the Good Bull Fund. Come and explore the Darwin Day event to see how Texas A&M researchers and their science are illuminating fundamental aspects of biology and making a difference in the real world.

Professional Services Updates

AgriLife Administrative Services

Employee Wellness

  • Learn to Live February Webinars.
    • Thursday, Feb. 20, noon-12:30 p.m. CST. Resilience: The Role of Optimism in Overcoming Life’s Challenges. Will we succeed or fail? Will tomorrow be bright or gloomy? Many of us don’t realize that how we view our past can have a huge impact on our future. In this webinar, we’ll share a new lens for viewing setbacks in order to build resilience and create optimism for the future.
      • Access code: BETTERME
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Education.
    • Wednesday, Feb. 26, 3 p.m. Nutrition and Heart Health: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and it affects over 12% of adults. However, it is possible to prevent heart disease by following a heart-healthy diet that includes nutritious and delicious foods. Learn more about how healthier eating can help with heart health and ideas for meal and snack planning at home and while eating out. Also, learn about Hello Heart, a new partner of The Texas A&M University System benefits.  
    • Thursday, Feb. 27, 3 p.m. Women and Heart Disease: Heart attack symptoms in women may be different from those experienced by men. This educational class will review the differences in heart disease between men and women and signs and symptoms of a heart attack and stroke. In addition, the class will review several tips for improving heart health and introduce Hello Heart, a new partner of The Texas A&M University System benefits. 
  • Catapult Health clinics.
    • Catapult Health is offering free onsite preventive health checkups that can lower plan premiums for employees and spouses enrolled in the A&M Care Health Plan with Group ID #039993 (this does not concern retirees, A&M Care J Plan participants and graduate assistants, who receive a lower premium). Completing a Catapult exam and one WebMD One checklist activity by June 30 qualifies for a $30 monthly premium reduction for the next year. The WebMD One platform is accessible online. Covered spouses should register for their own account using the employee’s assigned UIN as the registration ID. Employees can access WebMD One on the Single Sign On (SSO) menu. Learn more at the linked pdf.
    • The following Catapult Health Checkups are by appointment only. Sign up by going to www.TimeConfirm.com/TAMU/AgriLife or www.virtualcheckup.com/h/tamu. The TVMDL event is limited to AgriLife employees with building access, and the May clinic will be opened for sign-ups at a later date.
      • Thursday, March 20, AGSV first floor.
      • Wednesday, March 26, Richard and Patsy Wallrath AgriLife Extension Building.
      • Thursday, April 3, TAMFS/TEEX Headquarters Bldg.
      • Monday, April 21, AgriLife TVMDL.
      • Thursday, May 29, AGSV first floor.

Professional Development

Visit Administrative Services

AgriLife Educational Development and Engagement

Access Aspire: Invest in Your Future

Join us Wednesday, April 9, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Stella Hotel for Access Aspire, a FREE one-day event focused on investing in leaders at every level of AgriLife.

Explore building a strong culture, goal setting and developing individual strengths.

Each attendee will receive a personal CliftonStrengths profile, gain insight from experienced speakers and network with colleagues across the organization.

Instructional Design Consultant Team

The Educational Development and Engagement Instructional Design Consultant team provides comprehensive support for College of Agriculture and Life Sciences courses. Alongside Technology Services and the Center for Teaching Excellence, the Instructional Design team will be setting up tables to provide information and resources regarding Canvas and digital accessibility in late February through early April. Faculty and students are invited to drop by with any questions or problems that they may have. 

Information on Canvas training sessions will be offered by CTE, and the EDE academic ID team will share guidance on creating accessible course materials in Canvas. The dates and times are as follows:

  • Kleberg Center Atrium: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • HEEP Center Atrium: Tuesday, March 18, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Agriculture and Life Sciences Building Atrium: Tuesday, April 1, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Visit AgriLife Educational Development and Engagement

AgriLife Information Technology

With Windows 10 reaching its end of life on October 14, departments must take immediate action.

  • If a computer is not already running Windows 11, it must either be upgraded or replaced without delay.
  • If a computer is eligible for a Windows 11 upgrade, it must be upgraded now. If a computer is not eligible, it must be surplussed and replaced immediately.

Failure to act promptly may result in significant delays. Computers that are not ordered by May 2025 risk not arriving before the deadline due to supply chain constraints.

To determine if a computer is eligible for an upgrade or if it needs to be replaced, visit the AgriLife Computer Inventory Dashboard.

Additionally, departments that purchase new computers through TechBuy will be automatically entered into a monthly $1,000 TechBuy contest, providing an opportunity to secure additional funding. Visit the AgriLife IT SharePoint site for further details.

To avoid disruption, check your system today and take the necessary steps. 

Visit AgriLife IT

AgriLife Marketing and Communications

Branding and Social Media Virtual Office Hours are back! 

Every second Friday of the month, 9 a.m. to noon, join Rudy Ruedas and Shelby Dittman on Microsoft Teams to chat through your branding and social media questions.  

These virtual office hours are open to all Texas A&M AgriLife employees, and you do not need to stay the whole time. You can join, talk with Rudy and Shelby, and leave (feel free to come back if you would like).  

Virtual office hours dates: 

No registration is required. Just click on “Join virtual office hours” when you are ready to join.  

Please visit the new Training and Development: Branding and Social Media page to view all the upcoming trainings and key resources.  

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News: Our Mission in Action

  • Read the latest news of our faculty, staff and student accomplishments in research, teaching and service at AgriLife Today, the home for Texas A&M AgriLife news and feature stories.
Visit AgriLife Today

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