Fall 2020 A&M-SA Guidebook

Fall 2020

Guidebook

YOUR GUIDE TO TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY- SAN ANTONIO

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

Jaguar Welcome Campus Life Meet the JagX Leaders Patriots' Casa Esperanza Hall Central Academic Building Senator Frank L. Madla Building Science and Technology Building Modulars Campus Map History Traditions Events Involvement JagWire Blackboard JagSync Handshake Social Media Jaguar Day One Important Dates JagX 2020

A&M-SA MASCOT

SENATOR FRANK L. MADLA

A&M-SA COLORS MADLA MAROON BLACK

GENERAL THE JAGUAR

SILVER

Welcome, Jag! Hi, Jaguar! It's us- your summer 2020 JagX Leaders. We'll be the folks leading you through your transition to A&M-SA. We're all so excited to meet you this summer! We've worked hard all year long to ensure that you have everything you need from us to be successful in your first year here at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. We hope that this will serve as your go-to guide to the campus.

We know you missed a lot of special moments these last few months which is why we want to make your first year here spectacular . We have worked diligently to ensure that your JagX is a mix of all the fun you deserve, resources you need to be prepared for your first day of classes, and the precautions to keep you safe.

We are here to help you year round! You can visit us in the Office of Student Transition and Family Engagement located in Patriots' Casa 106. On pages 4 and 5, you'll get to meet us!

Want to join the fun?

Apply to be a summer 2021 Orientation Leader on Handshake!

Applications open this winter!

JagX 2020 Tiff Martinez

Zachary Franckowiak

Allison Alonzo

Sthefany Garcia

Elisha Bedford

Cisco Aguirre

Brianna Olvera

Lauren Mayes

Leaders Jessica Maldonado

Kari Salmon

Xavier Stephenson

Val Gallardo

Gregory Gonzoba

Shanell Vespry

Stephanie Martinez

Gabie Santiago

Cheyenne Zavala

PATRIOTS' ONE WHO LOVES HIS OR HER COUNTRY AND SUPPORTS ITS AUTHORITY AND INTERESTS. A MILITARY PATRIOT SERVICE MEMBER OR VETERAN AND HIS OR HER SPOUSE, CHILDREN, PARENTS, AND FRIENDS. CASA

HOME. HEARTH. A PLACE FOR FAMILY. A PLACE TO GROW.

MILITARY AFFAIRS

MILITARY MOTTO

About 10% of our university community is military affiliated. With active duty, reserve, veterans, and military families, A&M-SA easily has twice the military community of a typical university. Jaguars pride ourselves on our military pride. Our Military Affairs staff create a smooth transition from military service to academic life.

Veterans have sacrificed for their country and their buddies, some paying the ultimate price. We honor them. But veterans count their strength in both their personal faith as well as their families – spouses, children parents, siblings, good friends, and co-workers. Family members also serve; friends and neighbors also grieve when our service members are no longer with us. So, all of them are patriots – the wind under the wings of those who serve wearing our nation’s cloth. Consequently, we honor all our patriots in the building’s name.

GENERAL'S STORE

General's Store provides supplemental food to members of the A&M-SA community. This service is completely free and always available to Jaguars. General's Store is located in Patriots' Casa room 110 and open Wednesdays from 2 to 6 pm, Thursdays from 9 am to 1 pm, or by appointment.

CASA

FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE

First Year Experience supports first-year students. They run various programs including Jaguar Tracks courses, Common Experience, and Mentoring. Common Experience is a yearlong initiative that cultivates a common intellectual conversation among the A&M-SA community. Jaguar Tracks are courses designed to help students discover their place on campus and learn about valuable resources at A&M-SA.

JAGUAR ESPORTS

Jaguar eSports was brought to Texas A&M University-San Antonio in the spring of 2020 by The Department of Recreational Sports. They are located on the first floor of Patriots' Casa.

Tiff says: If you're using military benefits at A&M-SA, make sure to check in with M.A. at least once a semester!

Esperanza Hall Opened in August of 2017, Esperanza Hall is the sleek, comfortable student housing available only at Texas A&M-San Antonio. First-year students are highly encouraged to live on campus. But do not worry- Esperanza Hall was built for YOU. With study rooms, iMacs, printers, and complimentary WiFi available throughout the residence hall, you're set on the path for academic success. When you're done studying, you can play a game of pool or ping-pong with your friends in the Game Room, or hit the fully equipped gym exclusively available to residents only! Your safety is the number one priority at Esperanza Hall, with on-call staff and 24/7 UPD security.

On campus living is proven to promote academic success, resulting in a more immersive, involved and successful university experience so...

Allison says: Living here is a great way to create connections within the campus and the people around you!

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!

CENTRAL ACADEMIC BUILDING RESOURCES LIBRARY WRITING CENTER

DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES

PARKING AND

The Central Academic has been in

TRANSPORTATION

operation since 2013. CAB houses many essential resources for Jaguars

RECREATIONAL SPORTS TESTING CENTER DINING HALL BOOK STORE

like the library, writing center, book store, and dining hall. Disability Support Services is also housed in CAB. Jaguars can meet with a DSS case manager to explore accommodations and resources available to them if they have a

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

disability or injury that may impede usual classroom learning. President Teniente- Matson's office is located on the fourth floor- its quite hard to miss as it's at the end of the only teal hallway on campus. On the way

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

to her office, be sure to stop by and visit the black ghost knifefish located on the third floor!

Visit your major librarian for research help, reserve a study room, or work on creative projects in the library located on the second floor.Â

Rec Sports facilitates a rec field, sand volleyball court, outdoor basketball court, The Game Room, the Jaguar Fitness Center, and various fitness classes- all included in your tuition!

Located on the first floor of CAB, campus dining includes everything from burgers to salad to pizza. Head outside daily for various Tex-Mex cuisine food trucks!

Senator Frank L.

upd

The University Police Department works 24/7 on campus to ensure that every member of the Jaguar family is safe!

Download the SafeZone app in the App Store or Google Play to stay connected and quickly access UPD.

osrr

The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities promotes an atmosphere of student success and retention. OSSR staff advocate for Jaguars in the event that any type of academic, behavioral, or sexual misconduct occurs.

Madla Building

Financial Aid

The Office of Student Scholarships and Financial Aid is located on the first floor of Madla at the Welcome Center. Visit them for assistance with financial aid, scholarship opportunities, loans, and grants.

jaguar fitness center

The Jaguar Fitness Center is located on the first floor of Madla. In addition to knowledgeable staff who are always willing to help, the Jaguar Fitness Center is fully equipped with cardio equipment, free weights, benches, mats, racks, and more!

Testing Center

Already wrapped up in tuition, the testing center serves as a resource for students who have to test outside of the classroom, including tests separate from required coursework.

College of Education

Dr. Carl J. Sheperis is the Dean of the College of Education and Human Development. The Education Preparation Program is located in Madla 212. The Department of Counseling, Health, and Kinesiology is located across the third floor of Madla and Suite 142 in Sci Tech.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BUILDING JAGUAR JAVA Located just to the left of the large double door entrance of Sci Tech, Jaguar Java is A&M-SA's very own twist on Starbucks. Fully stocked with on-the-go-meals, quick snacks, and Starbucks classics, Jaguar Java is a your one-stop-shop to fuel up!

STUDY AREAS The Science and Technology building houses a plethora of different study areas throughout its three floors. From individual study rooms to large study areas with whiteboards perfect for group projects, Sci Tech has the best study areas on campus!

MAYS CENTER The Mays Center for Experiential Learning and Community Engagement thrives on their philosophy that students learn best by doing. The Mays Center provides students with opportunities to gain experience through community service, service learning, internships, and civic engagement.

CAREER CLOSET Hosted by the Mays Center, the Career Clothes Closet provides Jaguars professional attire for job interviews, career fairs, and graduate school interviews.

Located in Sci Tech Suite 111, the Career Clothes Closet is open 8-5, Monday-Friday.

Modulars Academic Advising As a first-year freshman, every new Jaguar is assigned an Academic Advisor who will help you pick the best major and register for classes. Advisors are even available for walk in appointments!

Academic Learning Center With specialized tutors available for every student, Jaguars are set up for success!

Academic Success Coaches Academic Success Coaches help Jaguars navigate campus life- from teaching the best study skills to goal setting.

Bri says: Meeting with your advisor prepares you for your next steps at the university and it feels great to see your progress within semesters!

Student Counseling and Wellness Services Licensed mental health professionals offer individual, couple, and group counseling services.

Their office is discreetly located through the back entrance of Mod C.

Campus Map JAGUAR PKWY

S.T.F.E.- Room 106 General's Store- Room 110 Ceremony Room- First Floor

Patriots Casa

Dining / Cafeteria- First Floor Book Store- First Floor Library- Room 202

CAB

Madla

Welcome Center- Room 111 Fitness Center- Room 128 Business Services- Room 135

Mays Center- Room 111 Jaguar Java- First Floor Lobby

Sci Tech

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Jessica says: Every year, the campus gets a new building so being able to be a part of this history is so amazing!

2007 The

passes,

establishing

institution

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629

2013

The

2011 Main

opens

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San Antonio History 2016 The

2018

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Texas A&M UniversityMadla Maroon Mondays On Mondays, Jags wear maroon to honor late Senator Frank L. Madla for all that he did for our university and the San Antonio comunity.

R.E.D. Fridays

Jaguars support our troops by wearing red on Fridays to Remember Everyone Deployed. Be on the lookout for special events throughout the semester to snag your very own red shirt!

Torre de Esperanza

As you drive onto campus, you'll see an enormous tower- that's Torre de Esperanza. Each of the Jaguar gargoyles, the Jaggoyles, serve a purpose to you. The Jaggoyles to the East watch over you in the dawn of your new beginning. The Jaggoyles to the South look after you and welcome you to your new home. The Jaggoyles to the West keep you grounded and ensure that you don't forget your roots as you pursue your goals. The Jaggoyles to the North look ahead in your life as you gain knowledge, intellect, experience, and logic learned on and off campus. The tower is your token of hope.

Know that the Jaguar is always protecting you, for as long as you call this university your own.

San Antonio Traditions Ring Ceremony One of the most important events for Jaguars is the Ring Ceremony. Graduating Jaguars are presented with their class ring and have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to walk across A&M- SA's sacred seal for a picture with their ring.

Patriot Cord Ceremony

The Patriot Cord Ceremony takes place each semester. This special ceremony honors the service of our Active Duty, National Guard/ Reserve, and Veteran Jaguars.

Madla's Luck

If you're looking for a bit of extra luck as a big exam approaches, head to the Senator Frank L. Madla statue that sits in front of the Malda Building. Flip a penny onto the statue and you're guaranteed extra luck!

Texas A&M UniversityA&M-SA Events

Campus life is never dull with all the events A&M-SA hosts! Check JagSync and flyers around campus to stay up to date with upcoming events. From free food to Jag Swag, there's something for every Jaguar! You can find out about just a few of our favorite events below!

Week of Welcome

Week of Welcome takes place the first week of each semester! There's a new event each day where Jaguars can catch up with friends, grab some free food and snacks, and win all sorts of Jag Swag!

President's Picnic

President's Picnic kicks off the new semester as part of Week of Welcome! Join President Matson, faculty, and staff on the West Lawn for lunch, music, vendors, prizes, and the chance to meet several different campus organizations!

Choose. Act. Impact.

Each semester, The Mays Center puts on a day of service for the San Antonio Community.

Breakfast, limited edition event swag, and transportation to and from volunteer sites is provided. Students, alumni, family, friends, and guests are all welcome!

San Antonio Events Fall Fest

Fall Fest takes place each fall. There are pumpkins, fantastic street food, live music, organizations, and endless fun and games!

Festival de Cascarones

Jaguars love Fiesta! So much so that even though we couldn't celebrate together in the spring, we'll still be doing it this November! Mark your calendars for this celebration on Sunday, November 15th from 1-8 pm. There will be live music, food, a petting zoo, a Cascarones smash, the crowning of Mr. & Ms. A&M-SA, and more!

Lights of Esperanza

Lights of Esperanza takes place in early December. This free family-friendly event is sure to bring joy to your holiday season! Enjoy ice skating, snow slides, curling, a petting zoo, live performances, food trucks, and pictures with General Claus!

Cisco says: There are always so many different events on campus- you're sure to find one you'll love!

Texas A&M UniversitySGA If you'd like to be at the forefront for ensuring that students are heard, the Student Government Association is perfect for you! SGA bridges the gap between staff and students to ensure that Jags' opinions, concerns, and issues are heard.

Kari says: Campus involvement is so important whether you join a club, org, study group, or find an on-campus job!

ON-CAMPUS JOBS A great way to get involved at A&MSA is to work here! There are tons of fun on-campus jobs. Browse Handshake to discover positions from Orientation Leaders to Tutors!

San Antonio Involvement ORGANIZATIONS Here at A&M-SA, there are three levels of campus organizations; interest groups, recognized organizations, and sponsored organizations. From Animal Hearts to Anime Club, there's an organization for everyone at A&MSA! Each club is unique and has its own perks. Listed below are just a few campus organizations. Head to JagSync to search for your next organization!

Catholic Student Association Coalition Delta Chi Fraternity Fraternity & Sorority Life History Club Immigration Empowerment Club K-Pop Dance Club Mariachi Interest Group Plant Club Psychology Club Tau Sigma Theater Club

How To Use JagWire

JagWire is your primary A&M-SA portal. From here, you can register for classes, view your degree plan, pay for college, look for upcoming events, and access many other essentials!

Go to jagwire.tamusa. edu.

Sign in using your credentials or click on "First Time Logon".

Once you're signed in, your dashboard should look something like this.

Take a bit of time to explore JagWire. Important aspects for your first year at A&M-SA can be found under the New Student Resources tab in your dashboard!

How To Use Blackboard

Blackboard houses your A&M-SA courses. It's important to familiarize yourself with Blackboard to keep up to date with your classes. There's even an app for your phone!

Blackboard can be easily accessed through JagWire or at tamusa.blackboard.com.

Sign in using the same credentials as used with JagWire.

Your dashboard will look similar to this.

You'll have a quick view of announcements, classes, and tasks.

You can access classes through "My Courses" or by clicking on your name at the top right corner.

How To Use JagSync

JagSync is where Texas A&M University-San Antonio events, organizations to join, and volunteer opportunities are listed!

JagSync can be accessed through JagWire by scrolling down your dash to "Get Involved" on the right side.

Upcoming events

Organizations to join Campus news

Volunteer opportunities

How To Use Handshake

Handshake is where Jaguars can search for job opportunities on campus and in the community.

The easiest way to get to Handshake is through JagWire! JagWire > Students > Student Services > Student Centers > Handshake.

If prompted, create an account.

You can find jobs on campus and around the community.

Elisha says: Need help with your resume?

Make an appointment with the Mays Center!

Social Media @jaglifetamusa @tamusamays @cabtamusa @tamusanantonio @tamusainvolved @esperanzahallsa @tamusarecsports

@tamusa_oia @tamusasga @tamusamilitary @prezmatson @tamusa_pd @tamusafye @tamusadeltachi

@jagxjags @studentlifetamusa @tamusasga @tamusalibrary @tamusa_advising @tamusadeltachi @tamusafye

@tamusarecsports @tamusamilitary @tamusa.transfers @tamusainvolvement @tamusadss @cabtamusa @tamusanantonio

Texas A&M University- San Antonio: Student Government Association Engaging Families at Texas A&M University- San Antonio Student Activities at Texas A&M University- San Antonio Student Life at Texas A&M University- San Antonio The Jaguar Way- Texas A&M University- San Antonio Texas A&M - San Antonio Police Department Texas A&M University- San Antonio

JAGUAR DAY ONE Register for classes Your course list will be sent to the Campus Store

The Jaguar Day One program includes course material fees in tuition and ensures that you have them on the first day of class.

The Campus Store will find your materials

Materials will be sent to you 1 week before classes begin Return your materials at the end of the semester

For the most up to date information go to tamusa.edu and search "Jaguar Day One"!

Important Dates Tuition and fee payment deadline for students registered before July 31st

Tuition and fee payment deadline for students registered after July 31st

Fall 2020 classes begin

August 3rd

August 13th

August 20th

AlcoholEdu course opens

Labor Day Holiday, campus closed

AlcoholEdu part 1 due

September 1st

September 7th

October 1st

Thanksgiving Holiday

AlcoholEdu part 2 due

Last day of fall 2020 classes

November 15th - 28th

November 30th

December 2nd

Final Exams

Reading Days

December 3rd - 4th

Jules says: Planners are your best friend during your academic career- write these and other important dates down!

December 7th - 12th

JagX 2020 You will attend one of the following two-day JagX sessions: During JagX, you will have the opportunity to...

Monday, August 3rd & Tuesday, August 4th

meet new friends and classmates learn how to make a positive impact while at A&M-SA learn the importance of good money management skills

Wednesday, August 12th & Thursday, August 13th

find out how your top strengths can benefit you discover events happening on campus in the fall evaluate your mental and physical health

Monday, August 17th & Tuesday, August 18th

plan out and schedule your semester ask all your questions about your first year in college

Fall 2020

Guidebook

YOUR GUIDE TO TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY- SAN ANTONIO