By Mariah Patrick, Texas A&M University Division of Student Affairs
Student Life strives to enhance students' opportunities to participate fully in the university experience. Through programming, services, and involvement opportunities, Student Life provides students with the information they need to facilitate responsible life choices, including the awareness of themselves and their community. Each program area within Student Life has a specific mission but one common goal: to provide education, outreach and support to students.
Some of the department's programs provide individualized care and support for students, making the Texas A&M University campus feel smaller as the student population surpasses 75,000.
- The Closet is a campus resource that provides all Aggies lightly used clothes and shoes at no cost. Students who may have experienced an apartment fire, natural disaster, or financial hardship, who may identify as homeless, or have other circumstances requiring support can stop by the Student Life Center on the second floor of the Student Services Building and pick up the needed clothes.
- Student Assistance Services (SAS) seeks to work with students on their options and refer them to appropriate on and off-campus resources to help ensure their success. Last year, SAS managed 2,279 cases concerning students experiencing food, housing or financial insecurity, mental health struggles, and academic support. SAS also assists in cases from the Critical Incident Response Team and Tell Somebody reporting system.
- Pocket Pantry: With over two dozen locations on campus, Pocket Pantries can provide temporary and immediate relief to your students by providing non-perishable food and toiletries.
- Swipe Out Hunger - Allows students to donate unused meal swipes at the end of each semester to other students who cannot afford a meal plan.
- Women's Support Services (WSS) provides support and resources for pregnant and parenting students, including The Little Aggie Workbook and a list of lactation spaces on campus and coordinates early registration for parenting students.
- Green Dot is a nationally recognized, evidence-based violence prevention program that provides students, administrators, faculty, and staff with the skills and knowledge to (1) identify when acts of power-based personal violence are occurring and (2) intervene appropriately and safely during high-risk situations. The Health Promotion office facilitates numerous workshops for the campus community throughout the academic year. Through Green Dot Training, participants are equipped with knowledge and strategies to be more proactive in helping keep other students and the community safe.
- Alcohol & Other Drugs Education: Alcohol misuse is a prevalent concern in the college population. Surveys of students at Texas A&M indicated that more than 68% of students reported consuming alcohol regularly. Prevention and education are essential steps to preventing the harmful impacts of alcohol misuse. Health Promotion provides one-on-one risk reduction, educational presentations, and campus programming to help change the culture around drinking and drug use. Student supporters can play an important role in preparing students for college by discussing alcohol use with them early and often. Check out "A Parent Handbook for Talking with College Students About Alcohol" for conversation starters, tips, and important information to prepare students to navigate substances safely.
- Off Campus Student Services (OCSS) supports students living off-campus through educational programs, resources, and individual consultations on various topics. OCSS staff can assist students with everything from understanding their rights and responsibilities in the leasing process to navigating disputes with roommates or landlords. OCSS offers Leasing 101 workshops, conflict mediation services, and advice to address housing-related challenges.
OCSS also works to help students understand how to be a positive presence in their neighborhoods by educating them about how to be good neighbors and comply with local ordinances. Finally, the office liaises with local government agencies, non-profits, and residents to help address issues that impact off-campus students. - The Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) exists to work in cooperation with the Texas A&M administration to advocate for the needs of graduate and professional students. GPSG also hosts Grad Camp and Student Research Week, which serve as meaningful community-building and professional development opportunities for your student.
- Student Legal Services: All Texas A&M students can access legal services appointments and consultations at no additional cost through student service fees. Our in-house lawyer gives counsel on various student needs and topics, including landlord/tenant disputes, criminal law, expunctions, auto accidents, traffic tickets, consumer protection, and more.
- The New Student Conference (NSC) is a two-day orientation program required of all new undergraduate students. Student Life's New Student and Family Programs (NSFP) office helps coordinate this campus-wide event to prepare all incoming students for the upcoming semester. Students learn about the many resources available, spend time with a peer during orientation groups, and register for classes with their academic advisors by the end of the two-day conference. NSFP is available year-round as a resource for students or their family members via phone, text message, and email.