november 2012 aggie family newsletter

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Aggie Quick Connection What’s Inside: November 2012 November is a time of mixed emotions on campus. Many exams and papers are due before Thanksgiving, and students have a feel for their standing in classes after midterms. With Thanksgiving break soon to arrive (November 22 nd -23 rd ), students often feel both excited and anxious about their trip home. Thanksgiving is the last break students have before final exams kick into gear so it is important to encourage them and stay active with their college life. Use the time at home for family bonding while also checking on your student’s status at A&M, both emotionally and academically. We encourage you to visit the Aggie Family web site for additional updates and helpful resources. You can visit us at http://parents.tamu.edu. Please feel free to contact the Office of New Student and Family Programs at (979) 845-5826, or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions. Thanks and Gig `Em! Howdy! Like our page at: www.facebook.com/AggieParentsAndFamily to receive campus information and connect with other Aggie Families. Page 2-3: Preparing For Finals Page 4: Staying Healthy Page 5: Bon fire Remembrance Day Page 6-7: Campus Spotlight: Student Conduct Page 8: Campus Happenings Page 9: Thanksgiving in Aggieland Page 10: December Commencement An Aggie Family enjoys the New Family Welcome BBQ.

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The November 2012 edition of the Aggie Quick Connection!

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Page 1: November 2012 Aggie Family Newsletter

Aggie Quick Connection

What’s Inside:

November 2012

November is a time of mixed emotions on campus. Many exams and papers are due before Thanksgiving, and students have a feel for their standing in classes after midterms. With Thanksgiving break soon to arrive (November 22nd-23rd), students often feel both excited and anxious about their trip home. Thanksgiving is the last break students have before final exams kick into gear so it is important to encourage them and stay active with their college life. Use the time at home for family bonding while also checking on your student’s status at A&M, both emotionally and academically.

We encourage you to visit the Aggie Family web site for additional updates and helpful resources. You can visit us at http://parents.tamu.edu. Please feel free to contact the Office of New Student and Family Programs at (979) 845-5826, or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Thanks and Gig `Em!

Howdy!

Like our page at: www.facebook.com/AggieParentsAndFamily to receive campus information and connect with other Aggie Families.

Page 2-3: Preparing For fiFinals

Page 4: Staying Healthy

Page 5: Bonfififfiire Remembrance Day

Page 6-7: Campus Spotlight: Student Conduct

Page 8: Campus Happenings

Page 9: Thanksgiving in Aggieland

Page 10: December Commencement

An Aggie Family enjoys the New Family Welcome BBQ.

Page 2: November 2012 Aggie Family Newsletter

2Aggie Quick Connection November 2012

Academic Support

The end of the fall semester can be a stressful time for any student, but especially for freshmen and other students new to an institution. Your student will soon be busy with end-of-the-semester projects and papers and preparing for their set of final exams. Students could easily have three, four, or even five exams during the four day final exam period, and many students have more than one exam scheduled on the same day. How can you help your student succeed?

One key to managing final exams is proper time management. The last day of classes at Texas A&M is Tuesday, December 4th. Wednesday and Thursday are termed “reading days,” in which there are no classes so students can prepare for exams. Many students feel overwhelmed, and rather than using reading days to study, will use this “downtime” to focus on socializing. To help your student avoid this common pitfall, encourage him or her to begin devising an exam study schedule well in advance.

The fall final exam schedule is posted online at: http://registrar.tamu.edu/general/finalschedule.aspx

Final Exams

Academic SupportStudent Learning CenterIf your student’s grades do not seem to reflect their academic ability, you might want to discuss their study habits and maybe even remind them of services on campus designed to help students improve their academic proficiency. A resource available to your student is the Student Learning Center located in 200 YMCA Building. The Student Learning Center offers a variety of programs and services such as Supplemental Instruction (SI) and tutoring. These services are free of charge to Texas A&M students and available for traditionally difficult core curriculum courses. To find out more information about the Student Learning Center visit, http://slc.tamu.edu/.

University Writing CenterFor students who are looking for writing assistance, encourage them to visit the Writing Center. The University Writing Center (UWC) can help students with any kind of communication project (written or oral) and at any stage of the creative process. They can help clarify ideas, narrow topics, organize and research, overcome writer’s block, proofread, etc. Your students can take advantage of this resource by making an appointment for a consultation (online or face-to-face). The Writing Center also has extensive online resources at http://writingcenter.tamu.edu.

Preparing For Finals

Student Counseling ServiceAdditionally, Student Counseling Service (SCS) offers many workshops focused on topics such as effective time-management, study skills, test-taking strategies, and writing skills. Visit the SCS Web site at http://scs.tamu.edu for more information on the services that SCS offers.

Page 3: November 2012 Aggie Family Newsletter

Aggie Quick Connection November 2012 32Aggie Quick Connection November 2012

Preparing For FinalsFinal Exams and Adderall Abuse Final exam time can be a stressful time in your student’s collegiate career. The pressure to succeed can often result in poor sleeping and eating habits, cramming of materials, and use ofvarious stimulants such as caffeine or Adderall. Nationally, increased Adderall use has been a cause of growing concern and at Texas A&M the percentage of students reporting other drug use, including Adderall, has increased from 2009-2011 surpassing the national average in 2011 by 0.7% (1,2). The National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that college aged students 18-22 were twice as likely to abuse Adderall as non-college students from the same age group (3).

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant, which contains a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control and is sometimes used to treat symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (4). Some students not diagnosed with ADHD and who do not have a prescription for Adderall will take the drug illegally during exam time to increase their focus and concentration, which is often cited as the reason for its use as a study aide. Some negative side effects include headaches, dryness of the mouth, difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite (5). Adderall is classified as a schedule II substance, under the Texas Controlled Substance Act, which is a drug with a high risk of abuse and dependence. Use of Adderall regularly over prolonged periods of time increases the risk of addiction. Possession or distribution of a schedule II substance in Texas can end in a felony punishable by up to 20 years in a state prison and fines up to $10,000. Ultimately, illegal use of Adderall can result in a criminal record which can negatively impact future job and career opportunities, licenses, and educational opportunities (6).

References1. “Texas A&M University Executive Summary.” National College Health Assessment American College Health As-sociation, Spring 2009-2011.2. “Reference Group Executive Summary.” National College Health Assessment American College Health Associa-tion, Spring 2009-2011.3. “National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings.” US Department of Health and Hu-man Services, 2011.4. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002518/ 5. “The effects of Adderall use.” Coalition Against Drug Abuse. http://drugabuse.com/library/the-effects-of-adderall-use/ 6. Health and Safety Code, Chapter 481 Texas Controlled Substances Act. http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/HS/htm/HS.481.htm

Continued

If you have concerns or questions please contact Alcohol and Drug Education Programs (ADEP) at 979.845.0280 or [email protected] http://studentlife.tamu.edu/adep

Page 4: November 2012 Aggie Family Newsletter

Staying Healthy

4Aggie Quick Connection November 2012

Student Health ServicesEnd-of-the-semester stress combined with cooler temperatures often leaves many students with colds, coughs, or the flu. To have the best chance of avoiding sickness, your student should:

• Get a flu shot: Students can set up an appointment to get their flu shot with Student Health Services online at http://shs.tamu.edu. Flu shots are now available at SHS for $20. • Wash their hands as often as possible and use antibacterial hand sanitizer.• Sleep: It is recommended that adults get 7-9 hours of sleep each night; many students do not get this amount.• Exercise: Whether it is a group aerobics class at the Rec Center, or simply taking a walk for relaxation,

• Eat healthy: Eat nutritious and balanced meals. A diet based on a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and dairy products provide the best nutrition. Visit www.choosemyplate.gov for more information and tips on how to eat healthy on a daily basis.• Limit alcohol consumption and avoid use of tobacco products.

Come celebrate the 10th Annual Cannonball 5K Run/Walk! The Cannonball Run course is a nice, flat 5k course around and through the Texas A&M campus. Water stations, split time indicators and cheering supporters make the course an enjoyable one; a great training run! On-site registration begins at 8:00 am, the race begins at 9:00 am. Registration is $20.

This chip-timed race will raise money for testicular cancer research as this is the most com-mon type of cancer found in college aged men. All proceeds benefit testicular cancerresearch at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.Visit http://shs.tamu.edu/events for more information! Location: TAMU Lot 51 (Bizzell Street and Polo Road)

Upcoming EventsGrocery Store Tours: November 7, 8, 14 & 15 (Times Vary)Holiday Eating - Adding variety and moderation during the holiday season

Has your student wandered the aisles of the grocery store wondering what to pick? Are they trying to plan healthy meals and snacks, but don’t know what to choose? They can join Meghan Windham, MPH, RD, LD for FREE Grocery Store tours! She will walk them through the local HEB on Holleman Drive, and show students how to shop efficiently, healthy, and smart! Each month will have a different theme, so students may sign up for more than one tour, and learn something new each time! To find out more information and sign-up, have your student visit http://shs.tamu.edu.

Cannonball 5K Run/Walk: November 10 (Registration-8am; Race begins-9am)

experts recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week.

Page 5: November 2012 Aggie Family Newsletter

Aggie Quick Connection November 2012 54

Cannonball 5K Run/Walk: November 10 (Registration-8am; Race begins-9am)

From its inception as a scrap heap to the more familiar and impressive stack of vertical logs, the Texas Aggie Bonfire symbolized every Aggie’s “burning desire” to beat t.u. (the University of Texas) in football. Attracting between 30,000 and 70,000 people each year to watch it burn, Bonfire became a symbol of the deep and unique camaraderie that is the Aggie Spirit.

In preparation for the much-anticipated annual football game against “t.u.”, as Aggies refer to their rival, the student-built Texas Aggie Bonfire would burn after Yell Practice. The lighting ceremony included the playing of “The Spirit of Aggieland” by the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band and the traditional reading of “The Last Corps Trip” poem. An outhouse, known as the “t.u. tea room” or “t.u. frat house” was built by sophomores in the Aggie band and sat atop the completed Bonfire. Aggie lore has it that if the Bonfire stood until after midnight, the Aggies would win the game versuses t.u.

On November 18th, 1999 at 2:42 a.m., Texas Aggie Bonfire collapsed, killing 12 Aggies and injuring 27 others. The 12 Aggies lost are remembered through the memories of Aggies everywhere and the construction of the Bonfire Memorial. These 12 Aggies are: Miranda Denise Adams ‘02, Christopher D. Breen ‘96, Michael Stephen Ebanks ‘03, Jeremy Richard Frampton ‘99, Jamie Lynn Hand ‘03, Christopher Lee Heard ‘03, Timothy Doran Kerlee, Jr ‘03, Lucas John Kimmel ‘03, Bryan A. McClain ‘02, Chad A. Powell ‘03, Jerry Don Self ‘01, and Nathan Scott West ‘02.

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. The Bonfire Memorial was dedicated in 2004 and is located on the university polo fields. Uniting Aggies past, present and future, the Memorial is comprised of three design elements: The Tradition Plaza marks the entrance to the memorial and reflects on the activities that bring Aggies

together. The Spirit Wall separates the outer world from the intimate experience of the memorial, while the Last Corps Trip Wall recites the poem traditionally read prior to the lighting of Bonfire each year.

The History Walk portrays the 90 years of Bonfire preceding the 1999 collapse. The granite timeline is comprised of 89 stones arranged in a north-south line and begins with 1909, the first year Bonfire was built on campus. The amber light and notch in each stone recalls the fire glow of Bonfire each November. A break in the time line in 1963 signifies the year John F. Kennedy was assassinated and the only year that Bonfire did not burn. Three previous Bonfire-related deaths are remembered on the time line in the years they occurred.

The Spirit Ring surrounds the site of the 1999 Bonfire and represents the Aggie Spirit that unites individuals into something greater than themselves. The twelve portals are oriented toward the hometowns of those who perished in the collapse. From different backgrounds, communities and beliefs, these students converged on this field, along with many of their fellow Aggies to celebrate the Aggie Spirit. Twenty-seven stones with bronze inlays representing the injured students connect these portals to complete the circle, recalling the Aggie Ring and the ring of Aggies who reunited to celebrate the Bonfire tradition year after year. Each bronze element symbolizes an Aggie, the ring itself represents the common bond connecting each one to the Aggie Spirit. Stepping into one of the oversized gateways on the circle, the visitor symbolically fills the void left by one of the twelve Aggies, embodying the spirit of the 12th Man.

For Aggies who participated in Bonfire, the meaning and power of the Aggie Spirit is understood. The Bonfire Memorial seeks to share that understanding with respect, remembrance and spirit.For more information about The Bonfire Memorial visit http://bonfire.tamu.edu/memorial.

Bonfire Memorial

November 18Bonffiire Remembrance Day

Page 6: November 2012 Aggie Family Newsletter

Campus Spotlight

6Aggie Quick Connection November 2012

Student ConductPartnering With Students and Families to Promote High StandardsWhen a student attends Texas A&M University she or he assumes important community obligations and in doing so, agrees to abide by standards of conduct which “are generally much higher than those imposed on all citizens by the civil and criminal law.” General Order on Judicial Standards of Procedure and Substance in Review of Student Discipline in Tax Supported Institutions of Higher Education, 45 F.R.D. 133, 141 (W.D. Mo. 1968) (en banc).

Much like members of various professions (e.g., accountants, attorneys, engineers, finance and insurance professionals, physicians, teachers) and members of organizations (e.g., religious groups, board members, community groups) which all agree to hold themselves to high standards of conduct, Aggies also agree to abide by certain high standards of conduct. These standards are set forth in the Texas A&M University Student Conduct Code (“Code”) as contained in Section 24 of the University Student Life Rules (available at: http://student-rules.tamu.edu). Community expectations established by the Code are implemented through the Student Conduct Process.

An Educational ProcessThe focus of the Student Conduct Process is on providing a supportive and educational experience for the student, while also ensuring fundamental fairness through due process. Unlike a civil or criminal court proceeding, the Student Conduct Process is not an adversarial process but rather, a flexible academic proceeding that is a fundamental “part of the teaching process” itself. General Order, 45 F.R.D. at 142.

The Student Conduct Process begins when a Student Conduct Services staff member receives a report indicating that a violation of the Code may have occurred. Reports are typically submitted by the Department of Residence Life, Texas A&M University Police Department, students, staff, faculty, and other persons who have knowledge of potential Code violations. When sufficient information exists to support an allegation that a Code violation may have occurred, the student will receive an informational letter in his or her official University e-mail account. This letter will inform the student of the alleged Code violation(s) and provide them with a date and time to attend a Student Life Conduct Conference. Students may schedule an informational session with a Student Conduct Services staff member to discuss the Student Conduct Process prior to their scheduled Conference.

During a Student Life Conduct Conference, a student is encouraged to share her/his individual perspective regarding the incident, and she/he is asked to present all relevant information about what happened. At the conclusion of a Student Life Conduct Conference, the Conduct Administrator(s) will determine whether sufficient information exists to support a finding that the alleged Code violation(s) occurred. The burden of proof rests with the University and the student is presumed not responsible for an alleged violation until found otherwise. To find a student responsible for a Code violation, the Conduct Administrator(s) must reach the conclusion that there is a preponderance of the information to support the alleged violation(s). The preponderance of the information standard is 51% or to put it another way, whether a reasonable person believes that it is more likely than not that the violation or violations occurred.

Student Outcomes When a student is found responsible for violating the Code she or he will be assigned one or more University sanctions in accordance with the Universtiy Student Rules. University sanctions include, but are not limited to, conduct probation, conduct review, campus housing probation, and a written letter of reprimand. Students may also be assigned educational sanctions including, but not limited to, workshops, community service, and reflective writing assignments. In particularly serious cases, sanctions might include a period of separation from the University. Sanctions are contained in Section 27 of the niversity Student Life Rules (available at: http://student-rules.tamu.edu/rule27).

The most common sanction is conduct probation. During a period of conduct probation, a student is considered “not in good standing” with the University and becomes ineligible for certain University privileges. These privileges include: holding an elected position in a recognized student organization, participating in an official off-campus function such as an intercollegiate athletic event, a research conference, a club event or competition, or even study-abroad programs. Conduct probation may also negatively impact certain University administered scholarships.

Page 7: November 2012 Aggie Family Newsletter

Aggie Quick Connection November 2012 76

Student ConductCampus Spotlight

Student Conduct ContinuedStudent Privacy Rights The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. 20 U.S.C. § 1232; 34 C.F.R. Part 99. When a student attends a college or university, the rights afforded under FERPA are held by the student. 34 C.F.R. § 99.5. This means that parents and other family members of students cannot directly obtaininformation from Student Conduct Services related to a student’s incident or conduct case because this information is part of a private education record. Students may however, complete a FERPA waiver, available at the Student Conduct Services office, if they wish to permit a par-ent or family member to speak with a staff member about a specific situation. 34 C.F.R. § 99.30.Parents and other family members should also remember that the individual student is the best source forinformation about a given situation and that FERPA in no way proscribes having candid, voluntary conversations with a student about conduct related matters.

Talking to Students about ReportingTransitioning to college life can be both challenging and exciting as students navigate new experiences. Thus, it is essential for students, parents, and other family members, to intentionally create a forum to openly discuss the difficulties students may face when they are away from home. Having conversations with students about their choices and decisions can be challenging. A good starting point is to encourage them to “Know the Code” and to consider the importance of the community standards and expectations they accepted when they joined the Texas A&M University Community. Students can also be encouraged to consider the impact that a Code violation might have on their interests in holding student leadership positions, competing in sports, studying abroad, andmaintaining scholarships.

In situations where a student has been impacted by, or becomes aware of, a suspected Code violation she/he can report an incident by submitting a Campus Community Incident Report on-line, by printing the form andsubmitting it directly to the Student Conduct Services Office, or by speaking with a Student Conduct Services staff member. The Campus Community Incident Report is available at: http://studentlife.tamu.edu/scrs/ccironline. Students who have questions about anonymous reporting can contact the Student Conduct Services office directly for assistance. In appropriate situations students should also file reports with the Texas A&M Uni-versity Police Department or another law enforcement agency with jurisdiction such as the College Station Police Department or the City of Bryan Police Department.

The section below contains links to additional resources that might be of assistance to you or a student you know. For answers to questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us via telephone (979.847.1257), via e-mail ([email protected]), or by visiting the Student Conduct Services Office located in room C-315 of Cain Hall.

Alcohol and Drug Education Programs: http://studentlife.tamu.edu/adepCampus Community Incident Report: http://studentlife.tamu.edu/scrs/ccironline

Department of Residence Life: http://reslife.tamu.eduOffices of the Dean of Student Life: http://studentlife.tamu.edu

Stop Hazing Information: http://stophazing.tamu.eduStudent Conduct Services: http://studentlife.tamu.edu/scrs/scs

Student Counseling Service: http://scs.tamu.eduStudent Legal Services: http://studentlife.tamu.edu/scrs/sls

Student Mediation Services: http://studentlife.tamu.edu/scrs/mediationTexas A&M University Police Department: http://upd.tamu.edu

Texas A&M University Student Rules: http://student-rules.tamu.edu

Links fiFor Parents!

Page 8: November 2012 Aggie Family Newsletter

8Aggie Quick Connection November 2012

Campus Happenings November 2012

This has been an exciting debut season in the SEC for the Aggies. The Aggies move into the final month of the season with a 7-2 record. Cheer on the Fightin’ Texas Aggies throughout November!

Aggie FootballNovember 10 vs. Alabama-- Tuscaloosa, Ala., 2:30 pm

November 17 vs. Sam Houston State-- College Station, TX, 2:30 pm

November 24 vs. Missouri-- College Station, TX

Bonfire Remembrance DayEvery year on November 18th, Aggies gather at the Bonfire Memorial at 2:42a.m. to pay their respect to the 12 Aggies we lost that day. MSC Hospitality members will be at the Bonfire Memorial from 9am - 5pm on Bonfire Remembrance Day to provide free tours of the memorial and answer questions to those who come to remember the tragedy of 1999.

Forsyth Gallery Events• Painting with a Purpose Fundraising Event to benefit the Stark and Forsyth galleries--http://www.paint-ingwithatwist.com/events/viewEvent.aspx?eventID=84811—November 8th from 6:00 to 8:00.

Free exhibitions currently on display:• Highlights from the Bill (’35) and Irma Runyon Collection, featuring English Cameo Glass, American paintings and artwork by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Steuben Glass Works and Mount Washington Glass Company• Majolica from the Marion E. Byrd CollectionThe Forsyth has docent positions available and needs volunteers! For more information about the Forsyth Galleries, please call 979-845-9251, or visit: http://forsyth.tamu.edu

Stark Gallery EventsFlow, which opens on November 8th at the J. Wayne Stark Galleries, takes as its theme an element at once commonplace yet crucial to human existence—water. Like its physical character, water as subject has assumed a variety of roles and meanings, from being a source of life to an instrument of destruction and death. It holds fascination for us as a natural wonder, recreational resource, and ecological concern. As symbol, it is associated with sustenance, tranquility, purity, power, movement, and continuity.

Organized into three broad themes of Water as Power, Water as Life Source, and Water as Environmental Concern, Flow explores the many meanings associated with water through a selection of twenty-nine works drawn from the collection of the Sheldon Museum of Art at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Flow is organized bySharon L. Kennedy, Curator of Cultural and Civic Engagement at the Sheldon Museum of Art, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The exhibition is toured by ExhibitsUSA, a national program of Mid-America Arts Alliance. ExhibitsUSA sends more than 25 exhibitions on tour to more than 100 small- and mid-sized communities every year. Mid-America is the oldest nonprofit regional arts organization in the United States. More information is available at www.maaa.org and www.eusa.org.

Soccer and Volleyball Football is not the only fall sport having a great SEC debut. The volleyball team is 17 - 5 and 9 - 4 in the SEC. The team’s next home match is Fri, Nov 16th (vs. Missouri) at Reed Arena at 6:30 p.m.

The soccer team is currently competing in the SEC finals tournament. Overall this season the team is 17 - 3 - 1 and 10 - 2 - 1 in the SEC. NCAA finals begin November 9th.

For more information on these and other sports visit AggieAthletics.com

Page 9: November 2012 Aggie Family Newsletter

Aggie Quick Connection November 2012 98

Texas A&M University is closed November 22-25 in observation of the Thanksgiving holiday. Many students will head home for a long weekend, while others will choose to stay in Aggieland. Typically, every other year the Fightin’ Texas Aggies play a home football game over the holiday weekend. On Saturday, November 24th the Aggies will face off against the Missouri Tigers. Many Aggie Families have started a new tradition of joining their student in College Station this weekend.

Texas A&M vs. Missouri

Parents’ Weekend Silent AuctionOn Saturday, November 24th the Parents’ Weekend Committee will host their annual silent auctionfundraiser. This year is the 94th Parents’ Weekend, and to ensure the continued success of this longstanding tradition and the success of the committee the group relies heavily on the generosity of the Aggieland Community. The items auctioned off during this silent auction generate a large portion of the funds needed to create an exciting and fun-filled Parents’ Weekend. If you are in Aggieland, visit the silent auction before the Miz-zou game. The auction will take place 3 hours prior to game time in front the John J. Koldus Student Services Building.

Thanksgiving in AggielandNovember 22-25

Update Regarding Campus EmergenciesMany of you are likely aware of recent events in which Code Maroon Alerts were sent to the campus community. These situations reiterate the importance of your student registering for Code Maroon text alerts. Texas A&M students, faculty, and staff should visit http://codemaroon.tamu.edu for registration details. Families can receive public access to Code Maroon alerts by following “TAMUCodeMaroon” on twitter and by registering to receive the twitter feed via text message. Details for public access can be found at http://codemaroon.tamu.edu/publicaccess.html. Additionally, all emergency alerts are posted at http://emergency.tamu.edu/.

Please discuss with your student their course of action in an emergency. We also encourage you to discuss com-munication plans with your student in the event of an emergency. Consider the likelihood that cell phone com-munication may be limited as thousands of people try to reach family and friends. Short text messages often work best in these moments, along with brief emails and social media posts. Suggestions for emergency proce-dures can be found at http://www.tamu.edu/emergency/

In the event of an emergency, the Office of New Student & Family Programs first priority is the safety of the staff and students working in the office. Therefore we may not be able to post timely information. Once our staff and students are safe we will do our best to provide information as it is available. We highly encourage you to use text alerts and twitter as they are the quickest manners for receiving accurate information about an emergency on campus.

If you have questions or concerns about the above information please do not hesitate to contact us.

Page 10: November 2012 Aggie Family Newsletter

Campus HappeningsNovember 2012

Do you know other membersof the Aggie Family who might

want to receive this newsletter?

Please feel free to forward it to them, or tell them how to sign up for

the listserv.

Visit: http://parents.tamu.edu/listserv for instructions to subscribe/unsubscribe/

The following schedule has been approved for the December commencement ceremonies:

Friday, December 14, 9 a.m. – Reed ArenaGraduates and Undergraduates in Agriculture and Life Sciences

Graduates and Undergraduates in Mays Business School Graduates and Undergraduates in Science

Friday, December 14, 2 p.m. – Reed Arena

Graduates in Bush School of Government and Public ServiceGraduates and Undergraduates in Architecture

Graduates and Undergraduates in Dwight Look College of EngineeringGraduates and Undergraduates in Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Saturday, December 15, 9 a.m. – Reed Arena

Graduates and Undergraduates in Education and Human DevelopmentGraduates and Undergraduates in Geosciences Graduates and Undergraduates in Liberal Arts

Saturday, December 15, 9 a.m. – Moody Gardens Convention Center

Graduates and Undergraduates at Texas A&M – Galveston

Congratulations December Graduates!

More Information at http://graduation.tamu.edu