College Update – November 2025

Congratulations! | Academic Affairs | Save the Date

Dean’s Team Updates

Congratulations!

• The American Geophysical Union has selected Dr. Binayak Mohanty, BAEN, as a Fellow.
• Dr. Ty Werdel, RWFM, was named a 2025-2026 Montegue-Center for Teaching Excellence Scholar.
• Lauren Wesolowski, ANSC, was named as one of this year’s U.S. Senator Phil Gramm Award winners.
• Maria Hurtado-Materon, ECCB, and Shikhadri Mahanta, BAEN, were named 2025-2026 Future Faculty Fellows.
• Abigail Dwelle, RWFM, and Prajina Neupane, SCSC, have been chosen as finalists in Texas A&M’s 13th Annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. Watch them compete on Friday, Nov. 14.

Dean’s Open Office Hours

• Dr. Savell and Dr. Klein are holding Dean’s Open Office Hours. Please contact Jill Lee for scheduling.

Upcoming Deadlines and Dates

• Wednesday, Nov. 19. Fall 2025 Q-Drop deadline, fall 2025 withdrawal deadline and degree requirement verification deadline.
• Wednesday, Dec. 17, 9 a.m., Reed Arena. Master’s and doctoral commencement ceremonies for the College.
• Thursday, Dec. 18, 9 a.m., Reed Arena. Bachelor’s degree commencement ceremony for the College.
• Full fall semester schedule.
• Wednesday, Jan. 7. AgriLife Connect, for all Texas A&M AgriLife employees.

Faculty Affairs

• Successful Conflict Conversations – this learning experience, presented by Faculty Affairs, provides an opportunity to reflect on your role in a successful conflict conversation, while also practicing and connecting with other academics. Both faculty and academic staff are welcome to attend these workshops. Learn more here.

• Friday, Feb. 6: Save the date for the Life Sciences Graduate Recruitment Symposium.

• From the Texas A&M Center for Teaching Excellence:
  • The Center for Teaching Excellence has a formal Faculty Mentoring Academy to promote a culture of mentoring across Texas A&M University. For more information, visit the center’s page for the faculty mentoring academy.
  • The Texas A&M Center for Teaching Excellence offers a series of dynamic workshops tailored to empower faculty instruction and to create a more enriching classroom learning environment. Explore a diverse range of 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 members are encouraged to regularly seek new ways to enhance and advance their careers at Texas A&M.

General Academic Affairs

• Canvas shells for spring 2026 courses were released Friday, Nov. 7.

• Digital accessibility makes sure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can access and use online content. The University has consolidated many Digital Accessibility Resources at https://lms.tamu.edu/digital-accessibility.

• Monday-Friday, Nov. 17-21. International Education Week. Aggies are invited to join Global Engagement as they celebrate and promote the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide!

• Thursday, Nov. 20. NIH Loan Repayment Programs. The current application cycle opened on Sept. 1 and will close Nov. 20. Read more in the August 28 issue of the NIH Nexus.

• Thursday, Nov. 20, Texas A&M’s 2025 Genome Editing Symposium. Registration is now open! Faculty, postdocs, grad students and undergraduates are encouraged to attend this free event. Students working in genetics/genetic engineering, molecular genetics and more are encouraged to present their research as a poster or lightning talk. Register by Wednesday, Nov. 12, to guarantee a spot. More details and registration links can be found on the GES 2025 website.

• From the University Staff Council:
  • Common Grounds Speaker Series: Sustainability Starts at Your Desk: Everyday Actions with Impact, Tuesday, Nov. 18, GSC 101A or Zoom, 8:30–9:30 a.m.
  • Have a suggestion or comment for University Staff Council? Submit your inquiry here. 
  • Have a suggestion specifically for your University Staff Council representative? Email Jamie Norgaard.

• Code Maroon is the university’s emergency notification system used to communicate health and safety information in an emergency. Sign up to receive alerts online and through the Code Maroon mobile app. Additional resources can be found on the emergency management website.

• 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.

• Pregnancy and Related Conditions: Title IX Protections, accommodations and other information. For more information on services provided to pregnant students, see Pregnancy and Parenting Accommodations and Resources for Students and Parenting Students Rights and Resources.

• Advancing learning through evidence-based undergraduate 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

• Students can obtain professional attire for interviews and career preparation by scheduling an appointment at the AGLS Career Closet. Students may be able to keep their professional items, depending on availability.

• AGLS Pocket Pantry. College students experience food insecurity at a higher rate than the general adult population in the U.S. Anyone aware of a student, staff or faculty member in need of food resources can recommend the AGLS Pocket Pantry located on west campus in the Kleberg building, suite 109. The pantry 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. Explore the Algebra Series online.

• Mental health support for all students:
  • Learn about Aggie Peer Connect and its offerings for Texas A&M students at tx.ag/peerconnect.
  • 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.
  • College employees and partners concerned about a student can refer them to Ms. Molly McCann, an embedded mental health professional in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Students can make an appointment to visit Molly or to connect with the broader team of mental health professionals on campus. They can also contact Molly at [email protected] or 979.458.4584.

• Prospective Student Information Sessions occur weekly on Fridays – students can register for a visit with a recruiter at https://recruiter.tamu.edu/.

Information and Resources for Graduate Students

• The Graduate and Professional School is pleased to announce that Abigail Dwelle, RWFM, and Prajina Neupane, SCSC, will be presenting their research in Texas A&M’s 13th Annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Final Competition on Friday, Nov. 14, 6–8 p.m. CT. Everyone is invited to come out to this exciting event to support them!
  • Abigail Dwelle, RWFM. “From Helicopters to Habitat: Mapping Javelina Across Southern Texas.” Faculty Chair: Stephen Webb, RWFM.
  • Prajina Neupane, SCSC. “Mitigating Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Emissions through Chicken Manure Incorporation and Biochar Co-Application in Soil.” Faculty Chairs: Anil Somenahally, SCSC, and Terry Gentry, SCSC.

• Information for University fellows
  • Aggie One Stop important fellowship dates
  • Fellows insurance reimbursement details

• The University Writing Center has several programs for graduate students.
  • Writing Retreats, virtual graduate writing groups that meet Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., three times a year, during the interims. Facilitators start each day with a writing tip. Participants set daily goals in the morning, share their accomplishments in the afternoon, and meet with writing coaches to work through issues and stay motivated. The Dissertation and Thesis Office will present and answer questions on the third day. Registration is required and opens a month before each interim. 
  • Graduate Student Workshops, online workshops on writing and presenting at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays several times a year. Register for them.
  • Writing Cafe for graduate students on the first Friday of every month in the Evans Library Grad Lounge, Room 611. Coffee, tea and snacks are provided. If you need a block of time to complete writing to start the month off strong, this program is for you. Registration is not required.
  • English conversation appointments can help with speaking needs. You can book a conversation appointment for up to 45 minutes at the writing center. You can bring topics of discussion or they will provide some. Learn more or book an appointment.

• My Grad Journey is an online tool that supports the individual development plans of graduate and professional students at Texas A&M University. For more information, see the My Grad Journey student guide. 

• Emergency aid: Graduate students experiencing unexpected, unforeseen and urgent financial hardships can receive emergency aid. Information on the emergency aid application process is available on the Aggie One Stop Emergency Aid webpage. To access the application, students must first speak with an enrollment services advisor. International students must contact International Student and Scholar Services at [email protected].

• The Graduate Career Center has programming for fall 2025. Visit Career Center/Texas A&M University Events Calendar.

• From International Student and Scholar Services, ISSS.
  • ISSS has added an Immigration Policy Updates section to its website that tracks federal and state policy updates and provides document safety recommendations to students and scholars.
  • Find the ISSS important dates and deadlines page on the Texas A&M University calendar. Students and academic departments can refer to this resource and plan accordingly.
  • Find more information about ISSS important dates on the ISSS website.

• 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.

• Graduate Resources and Development for Aggies, GRAD Aggies, offers professional development programming. For more information, visit GRAD Aggies online or see the GRAD Aggies calendar. 

• From University Health Services:
  • The TELUS Health Student Support app allows students to text, call and video chat with professional counselors 24/7 via the app.  
  • Access personal counseling and other mental health and wellness services at Texas A&M on issues relevant to graduate students.
  • University Health Services Workshops for Graduate Students.

• Texas A&M University Graduate and Professional School resources:
  • Fall 2025 dates and deadlines are published on the Graduate and Professional School website.
  • Graduate Mentoring Academy: Learn, grow, connect and find support through the Texas A&M Graduate Mentoring Academy.
  • Graduate student travel: Need additional funding support for travel for conferences or research? Check out the available funding at Texas A&M.
  • Contacts at the Graduate and Professional School.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council

• Follow the Student Council!
  • Website: https://tamucoalscouncil.org/
  • Facebook: Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council.
  • Instagram: @coals_tamu.

Save the Date!

Professional Services Updates

AgriLife Administrative Services

Employee Wellness

• Planting Positivity: Fall 2025 Gardens Volunteering
  • Wednesday, Dec. 10, 3-5 p.m. Take a break, dig in and recharge by volunteering at The Gardens at Texas A&M. This is your chance to get your hands dirty and make a difference in a fun and rewarding way. Check out the AgriLife Register listing for more information.

• BCBSTX Meet the Programs
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and The Texas A&M University System work together to help you get the most from your health plan. Learn more (pdf) about the benefits available to you and your covered family members.

• Airrosti
  • Halt Headache Pain Now! Headaches can interfere with everyday productivity, decreasing your ability to focus, sleep and enjoy an active lifestyle. 
    • Thursday, Nov. 13, 3 p.m.
    • Tuesday, Nov. 18, noon.

• TIAA Webinars
  • Thursday, Nov. 13, 2 p.m. How to get the most out of your retirement income. Learn how to plan ahead and create income that lasts the rest of your lifetime. Develop a diversified income strategy that helps you manage risk and protects your financial security in retirement.

Professional Development

• Work/life solutions are available to Texas A&M AgriLife employees, including professional and personal training resources, through ComPsych GuidanceResources.
  • Website: http://www.guidanceresources.com.
  • WEB ID: TAMUS.

• AgriLife Aspire Home
  • Develop Specific AgriLife Competencies (Service-Minded, Teamwork, Quality of Work, Quantity of Work, Adaptability and Supervision).
  • ED TV: Library of videos categorized by AgriLife Performance Review Competencies.
  • Leadership Library: Library of books categorized by AgriLife Performance Review Competencies.

• AgriLife Employee Development SharePoint Page.
• HROE Professional Enhancement Courses.

AgriLife Educational Development and Engagement

Team Update: Welcoming a New Academic Liaison

After nearly two decades of dedicated service, Vidya Patil will be retiring from Texas A&M AgriLife. As one of the Academic Liaisons for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Vidya has played a vital role in fostering relationships across departments. Her contributions have left a lasting impact, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes as she embarks on her next chapter. 

We’re also excited to announce that Jenny Bollom will be stepping into the Academic Liaison role. Jenny brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to supporting our academic mission. We’re confident she will continue to strengthen faculty connections and enhance collaboration across the College. 

As we move through this transition, we appreciate your patience and understanding. Our team is working diligently to ensure a smooth handoff and continued excellence in support. 

Need Canvas Support?

If you have any Canvas support requests, please submit a request form and one of our team members will reach out to assist! Should you need help filling out the form, please refer to this short tutorial for step-by-step instructions.

Warm regards, 

AgriLife Educational Development and Engagement 

AgriLife Information Technology

Coffee, Compliance and Collaboration Symposium

A recent symposium hosted by the Center for Managed Technology Services, CMTS, brought researchers and staff together for breakfast, conversation and hands-on learning. Departments partnering early with CMTS are seeing measurable results: streamlined compliance, reduced costs and increased productivity. Missed it? Catch the recap and slides here.

Copilot Harvest: Grow Your AI Skills

Copilot Harvest is a month-long initiative in November to build Microsoft Copilot skills across Texas A&M AgriLife. Weekly themes include productivity, communication, data insights and teamwork. Have a Copilot win? Share it here.

AgriLife Web Strategy Transition

Texas A&M AgriLife is centralizing web management to improve compliance, security and branding. Sites are moving to a managed WordPress platform for easier updates and a more consistent visitor experience. Learn what’s changing here.

New AI Access for Employees

Employees now have access to https://chat.ag.tamus.ai/ using their AgNet IDs. This secure platform supports multiple large language models for enterprise-grade AI exploration.

AgriLife Marketing and Communications

November Social Media Toolkit

In the November Social Media Toolkit, you will find Adobe Express templates, messaging, sample alt-text and resources for Texas Arbor Day, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. 

Check out the Social Media Toolkits intranet page to access and customize new and old templates for your social media accounts. If you need assistance, feel free to join us during our virtual office hours on Friday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to noon. 

Updated AgriLife Copyright Guidelines and Best Practices Intranet Page 

The updated AgriLife Copyright Guidelines and Best Practices intranet page is now live. Find clear rules for using photos, videos, music and graphics in your marketing materials, including what you can and cannot use. There are also links to the correct multimedia release forms for photos, videos and third-party content. Visit tx.ag/AgriLifeCopyrightGuidelines for more details and support. 

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.

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