Fall 2021 A&M-SA Guidebook

Welcome, Jag! Howdy! It's us- your summer 2021 Orientation Leaders. We'll be the folks leading you through your transition to A&M-SA, first with New Student Orientation then later in the summer with JagX. NSO is a one day event, either on-campus or virtually, where you'll get to meet some classmates, gain a bit of Jaguar knowledge, and register for classes. JagX is an extended orientation where you'll spend three days on-campus learning all about the university, meeting more Jaguars, and preparing for your first day of classes.

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 book will serve as your go-to guide to the campus. We are here to help you year round!

You can visit us in the Office of New Student Programs located in Patriots' Casa 106. Meet us on pages 4 and 5!

On the Cover

As you drive down University Way, you'll be greeted by our famous dome that sits on top of the Central Academic Building at the front of campus! Before you receive your class ring, it spends the night in the dome to soak up all magic of the campus!

Contents 4 6 7 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

Meet the OLs Inside Scoop Key Dates Our History Jaguar Traditions A&M-SA Events Getting Involved Patriots' Casa CAB Madla Sci Tech Modulars Residence Hall Your A&M-SA Portal Online Learning JagSync Finding a Job On-Campus University Website Technical Jag Directory Navigating Your Campus

Meet Your Tiff Martinez Senior

She / her / hers Her Campus, National Society for Leadership and Success, Military-Affiliated

Allison Alonzo Senior

She / her / hers National Society for Leadership and Success, Mexican American Student Association, YoungLife, Intervarsity, Catholic Student Association

Stephanie Martinez Senior

She / her / hers Cheerleading Vice President, Tau Sigma National Honor Society, Silver Liners, Transfer

Kari Salmon Senior

She / her / hers Ms. A&M-SA 21, Kinesiology Club, Presidents Leadership Club

2021 O S N

Orientation Team Bianca González Senior

She / her / hers Silver Liners, Mexican American Student Association, Sociology Club, National Society for Leadership and Success, Transfer

Gabie Santiago Senior

She / her / hers Presidents Leadership Club, Intervarsity

Here's a tiny summer goal you're sure to accomplish!

Start getting in the habit of checking your Jaguar email regulary. Check there for up-to-date information about NSO and JagX!

Tiffany Balderas Senior

She / her / hers Tau Sigma, Animal Hearts Association, Catholic Student Association, Silver Liners, Kapa Delta Phi, Council for Exceptional Children, First Generation, Transfer

David Mantiply Senior He / him / his Delta Chi Fraternity, Silver Liners, Transfer

A&M-SA Inside Scoop Senator Frank L. Madla- Texas Senator who wrote the bill authorizing the creation of A&M-SA

University colors

BLACK

Mascot- General the Jaguar

SILVER

Torre De EsperanzaA&M-SA's Tower of Hope that welcomes every Jaguar onto campus

MADLA MAROON

Inspired by the San Antonio Spurs

@jaglifetamusa

@cabtamusa

@tamusainvolved

@tamusa_pd

@esperanzahallsa

@prezmatson

@tamusanantonio

@tamusamays

@jagxjags @studentlifetamusa @tamusalibrary @tamusafye

@tamusarecsports @tamusamilitary @tamusa.transfers @tamusanantonio

Fall 2021 Key Dates *dates subject change

August 16th - 18th

JagX

August 19th

Weekday classes begin

August 21st

Weekend classes begin

August 27th

Last day to register for classes

September 6th

Labor Day holiday- no classes

October 22nd November 25th - 27th

Last day to drop with a "W" Thanksgiving holiday- no classes

November 27th

Weekend classes end

December 1st

Weekday classes end

December 2nd - 3rd December 6th - 11th

Reading Days Final Exams

December 11th

End of semester

December 17th

Grades available in JagWire

December 24th - January 2nd

Winter break

Texas A&M University1997 Texas Senator Frank Malda requests to establish an institution of higher education on the South Side of SA

2009 SB 629 passes, establishing A&M-SA as a stand-alone institution

2013 Patriots' Casa opens, making A&M-SA a home for militaryaffiliated students

2007

2011

The Verano Land Group donates 694

The Main Campus opens with

acres of land to begin construction and

the Senator Frank L. Madla

provides $1 million for scholarships

Building and an enrollment of over 3,500 students

San Antonio History 2018 The Science and

2016

Technology

The inaugural class

Building opens

of first-year students start classes

2017 On campus housing is opened with Esperanza Hall

2014 The Central Academic Building opens

2020 Classroom Hall, the newest building on campus, opens

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

Maroon Mon days

Jaguars support our troops by wearing red on Fridays to Remember Everyone Deployed.

Fridays R.E.D.

As you drive onto campus, you'll be greeted by 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 Torre de Esp eranza Jaguar is always protecting you for as long as you call this university your own.

San Antonio Traditions 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! uck Madla's L

One of the most anticipated 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&MSA's sacred seal for a picture with their ring.

Ring Ce remony

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

Texas A&M UniversityCampus life is never dull with all the events A&MSA hosts! 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 takes place during the first week of each semester! There's a different event each day so Jaguars can catch up with friends, grab free food and snacks, and win tons of Jag swag!

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!

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 takes place each fall. Bring family and friends to campus for a pumpkin patch, fantastic street food, live music, organization booths, and endless fun and games!

Jaguars love Fiesta! We celebrate Fiesta with our very own on-campus event. The event includes live music, food, a petting zoo, a Cascarones smash, the crowning of Mr. & Ms. A&M-SA, and more!

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 band performances, food trucks, and pictures with General Claus!

If you want to get involved at the University and attend events, check JagSync regularly for event information! Be on the lookout around campus for event flyers and signs, as well!

A&M-SA Involvement s b o J s u p m a On-C

Did you know that your Orientation Leaders work on-campus? Working on-campus while attending A&M-SA is a great way to get involved with campus life and earn some money!

Student workers get to participate in fun events, build their leadership skills, and work closely with A&MSA's professional staff. Once the fall semester starts, you can check out Handshake to browse jobs!

Athletic s

A&M-SA launched our intercollegiate athletics program in the fall of 2020.

This program will build upon the tradition and spirit of A&M intercollegiate athletics, enhancing the campus and student life experience. The introduction of intercollegiate athletics is a first for South Bexar County.

From clubs focused on plants to music to cheerleading, there's a place just for you on campus!

s n o i t a z i n a g r O

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&M-SA! Each club is unique and has its own perks. Head to JagSync to find the perfect organization for you to join!

PATRIOTS' CASA

Military Affairs

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 take great pride in our military-affiliation.

Our Military Affairs staff create a smooth transition from military service to academic life. Interested in ROTC? Contact Military Affairs!

Military Motto

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 or by appointment.

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

Casa

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

1:6 Military Benefits

Military connected Jaguars

If you will be using any educational benefits, such as Hazelwood or the GI Bill, contact Military Affairs as soon as possible for information on how to apply your benefits at A&M-SA.

CENTRAL ACADEMIC BUILDING RESOURCES Library Writing Center Disability Support Services Parking and Transportation Rec Sports Testing Center Dining Hall Book Store

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

The Central Academic has been in operation since 2014. CAB houses many essential resources for Jaguars 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 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

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

on campus. CAB is even home to our 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.

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

The Dining Hall offers quick snacks, full meals, healthy options, energy drinks, soda, water, candy, ice cream, and much more!

Senator Frank L.

The University Police Department works 24/7 oncampus 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.

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 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. The Welcome Center is the best contact regarding any TSI related questions!

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!

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.

Dr. Carl J. Sheperis is the Dean of the College of Education and Human Development. The Education Preparation Program is located in Madla room 212.

The Department of Counseling, Health, and Kinesiology is located throughout 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 Modulars Academic Advising As a first-year student, every new Jaguar is assigned an Academic Advisor who will help you pick the best major and register for classes. You'll meet with an Advisor during NSO to register for your classes for fall 2021!

Academic Learning Center With specialized tutors available for every student, Jaguars are set up for success throughout their entire college journey!

Academic Success Coaches

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

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.

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 worryEsperanza 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!

Stop by the Game Room to play some pool!

Study in sunny, cozy areas by yourself or with friends!

Each resident's room has a bathroom complete with a shower and sink!

There are fabulous views overlooking the city!

Have fun studying or hanging out with your roommate!

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 Jaguar essentials!

Go to jagwire.tamusa.edu.

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

From your homepage you can access important links to A&M-SA resources. Under your "New Student Resources" tab, you can access housing information, meningitis details, and your AlcoholEDU course that you'll complete in the fall.

Blackboard Blackboard houses your A&M-SA courses. It's important to familiarize yourself with Blackboard to stay 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 your credentials.

Your dashboard will show you 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.

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

Log into JagWire to access JagSync.

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

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 to start viewing job listings!

A&M-SA Website You can locate the university's official website at tamusa.edu.

You can search for anything A&M-SA related by typing just a few keywords into the search bar in the top right of the site.

You can also access the most up-to-date information about COVID19 guidelines on-campus and find links to student support services like Military Affairs, the Student Counseling Center, General's Store, and much more!

Apps for Success Write a paper or take notes on the go!

Check grades or assignment details any time!

Turn on app notifications to ensure you never miss an update from your Jaguar email!

A&M-SA Directory 4-1300 8 7 ) 10 (2 : r te n e C e m o lc We ITS: (210) 784-4357 84- 1911 UPD Emergency: (210) 7 4-1900 8 7 ) 10 (2 : y c n e g r e m E n UPD No 1397 4 8 7 ) 10 (2 s: ir a ff A y r Milita 84-1331 7 ) 10 (2 : g n li se n u o C t n e Stud 4-2035 8 7 ) 10 (2 s: e ic v r Se ss e n Student Busi 84-1354 7 ) 10 (2 : ts n e d u St f o n a De 84-1452 7 ) 10 (2 s: m a r g o r P t n e d New Stu

X questions!

Call us for any NSO or Jag

Students can park in Lots 2 and 3 and in the parallel street parking.

We'll give Jags more upto-date info on fall 2021 parking during JagX!