College Update – November 2024

Upcoming deadlines and dates | Professional development | Open office hours

Dean’s Team Updates

Congratulations!

• Dr. Vishal Gohil, a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, earned the 2024 Ivano Bertini Award. The award recognizes investigators who have uncovered fundamental aspects of copper biology.
• The 2024-2025 Montague – Center for Teaching Excellence Scholars were recognized at the 34th Annual Award Luncheon on Monday, Nov. 4. Dr. Felipe Alburto, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, and Dr. Daniel Spalink, Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, were among the ten recipients of this special early-career award. 
• Texas A&M announced the 2024 U.S. Senator Phil Gramm Doctoral Fellowship Award Winners, including Junepyo Oh, a doctoral candidate studying a vector-borne plant disease with Dr. Cecilia Tamborindeguy in the Department of Entomology.

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

• Friday, Nov. 8, 9-11 a.m.: First-Generation Celebration, The Shirley and Joe Swinbank ’74 AgriLife Center.
• Monday, Nov. 11, 11:30 a.m.: Graduate Students – Preparing Your Animal Science Resume Workshop. Virtual. Register online. 
• Tuesday, Nov. 12, 6 p.m.: Three-minute thesis competition — final competition and reception.
• Friday, Nov. 15: College deadline for registering summer 2025 international field trips.
• Thursday, Dec. 12, 2 p.m.: College undergraduate commencement.
• Friday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m.: College master’s and doctoral commencement and doctoral hooding ceremony.
• Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025: AgriLife Connect.
• Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, 8-2 p.m.: Spring 2025 New Graduate Student Orientation.
• Full fall semester schedule.

Faculty Affairs

• Teaching Community of Practice: The next meeting will be on Thursday, Nov. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. APT and T/TT faculty members are welcome to join, and a link to RSVP will be shared soon. Interested faculty are encouraged to complete the online survey and contact Dr. Craig Coates with questions.

• Bites & Insights Faculty Development Series: Recordings of the September and October 2024 Bites & Insights events are available and were previously shared with faculty via email. The series will continue in spring 2025. Contact Dr. Craig Coates with questions.

• 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 MarComm 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

• Summer 2025 international field trips must be registered with the College by Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. Contact Dan Putnam if you are interested or have questions.

• Spring 2026 faculty-led study abroad program proposals, including programs that will travel during winter break and May, will be due Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. Faculty-led study abroad programs are those where more than 50% of contact hours occur off-campus internationally. Contact Dan Putnam if you are interested or have questions.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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. Click here for the schedule. 

• 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.

• University Staff Council:
  • Have a suggestion specifically for your University Staff Council representative? Email Jamie Norgaard. 
  • Submit a suggestion or comment for University Staff Council.

Student Success and Development

• Join us for the First-Generation Celebration on Friday, Nov. 8, 9-11 a.m., in the Shirley and Joe ’74 Swinbank AgriLife Center. Register to help organizers plan.

• 25 students are currently participating in the College Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. The full list of scholars, their research project titles and faculty mentors online.

• 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.
  • After hours, HelpLine volunteers stand ready to provide peer support, information, crisis intervention and referrals to students, as well as those concerned about students, from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekdays and 24 hours a day on weekends when classes are in session. 
  • 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.
  • 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

• Monday, Nov. 11, 11:30 a.m.: Graduate Students – Preparing Your Animal Science Resume Workshop. Virtual. Register online.

• Three-Minute Thesis Competition: The final competition and reception is Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 6 p.m.

• The 2024-2025 Texas Aggie Graduate Grant application is now available. Submit applications by the priority deadline of Sunday, Dec. 1, for spring.

• Friday, Jan. 10, 8-2 p.m.: Spring 2025 New Graduate Student Orientation. NGSO is an optional event for graduate students starting a degree program in spring 2025.

• International Student & Scholars Services, ISSS, has an updated ISSS important dates and deadlines page. Students and academic departments can refer to this resource and plan accordingly.

• 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. Click for more information.
  • 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. 

• 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.

• 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 unique to graduate students.
  • University Health Services Workshops for Graduate Students.

• Texas A&M University Graduate and Professional School resources:
  • The Spring 2025 Dates and Deadlines Calendar is now live.
  • 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 RAP Travel Award at Texas A&M.
  • The Graduate and Professional School Calendar.
  • Important dates for international students.
  • Contacts at the Graduate and Professional School.

• If you would like to have support for your writing, consider joining a POWER Writing Studio and/or a POWER Writing Group. Fill out a request form online.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council

• Follow us on social media!
  • Facebook: Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council
  • Instagram: @coals_tamu
  • Website: tamucoalscouncil.com

Save the date!

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All employees of Texas A&M AgriLife, its agencies, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are invited and encouraged to attend. This one-day event will focus on the importance of trust across all of our connections.

Invitation and registration link forthcoming.

Professional Services Updates

AgriLife Administrative Services

Employee Wellness

• Airrosti: Halt Headache Pain November webinars
• Monday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m.: Nutrition and Diabetes webinar
• Monday, Nov. 18, 2 p.m.: Diabetes Resources and Benefits for TAMUS Employees webinar
• Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 20 and 21: Onsite Mobile Massage Events 
• Thursday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m.: Breathe Easy: Living Tobacco-Free webinar

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

Learn more on the AgriLife Intranet about upcoming events, resources and other numerous ways to partake in the AgriLife Employee Wellness initiative!

AgriLife Educational Development and Engagement

The Educational Development and Engagement, EDE, Instructional Design Consultant team provides comprehensive support for College of Agriculture and Life Sciences courses at Texas A&M University. 

Services include: 

• Full-service accessibility renovation to redesign courses for optimal accessibility
• Video captioning in partnership with the Disability Resources Office 
• Canvas troubleshooting assistance 
• Universal Design for Learning, UDL, consultation

These efforts have made AGLS 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 Canvas Courses intranet site! If you have problem accessing the intranet site, please use online instructions to gain access.

AgriLife Information Technology

Struggling to manage both your Texas A&M University (@tamu.edu) and AgriLife (@agnet.tamu.edu) email accounts? Join one of our virtual or in-person sessions this November, where we’ll guide you through setting up separate browser profiles in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox and Safari to keep your accounts organized. 

Whether you prefer the convenience of our virtual sessions held every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. until Wednesday, Dec. 18, or the in-person sessions with more dates coming soon, we’ve got options that work for everyone. You can view the full list of sessions on our AgriLife IT Events page. For additional support, check out our step-by-step guide on Microsoft Sway, open to all without a login, at https://tx.ag/multipleaccounts.

While you’re there, don’t miss our cybersecurity posts from October’s National Cybersecurity Month. We covered critical topics like phishing, AI, obsolete operating systems, securing personal devices and how AgriLife IT keeps your systems updated and protected. You can find all of these posts on the AgriLife IT SharePoint site.

AgriLife Marketing and Communications

Photo booth in AGLS

A temporary photo booth is set up in the AGLS building’s east lobby through Friday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m.! Stop by for fun or to get professional headshots made. A permanent booth will arrive in early December.

Web | PDF Use Guidelines 

A new page on the intranet provides a comprehensive guide on best practices for using PDFs on AgriLife websites. This resource offers key insights for approved PDF use, optimizing PDF accessibility, file management and user experience across our platforms. Learn more about AgriLife PDF use guidelines. 

Brand Initiatives | E-mail Signatures

Did you know we have an editorial style for signatures? Emails from your “ag.tamu.edu” address are official correspondence, and as such, they should not use quotes, logos, icons or images. Confidentiality statements are unnecessary. Use one AgriLife tagline and hyperlink at the bottom. Click here for the e-mail signature template.  

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 AgriLife news and feature stories.

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