The Jag Family Connection Keeping you in the know
Updates from the University & the Office of Family Engagement
Operation Graduation – Curbside Edition While universities across the nation are having to grapple with postponing and canceling graduation traditions, Texas A&M University-San Antonio is honoring its spring graduates with weeklong commemorative activities – including offering all graduates a special keepsake photo with an iconic campus backdrop. Dubbed “Operation Graduation – Curbside Edition,” the on-campus event will take place May 15 during two sessions: 9-11 a.m. and 5-7 p.m. To ensure their health and safety at the event, each graduate will be asked to drive to campus, where a special traffic flow will be established to allow them to wait in their cars. Each graduate will then be able to park their car, walk a short distance to
a specially designated spot at the edge of the courtyard near the University’s courtyard fountain, and have their picture taken. A map and details will be provided for each graduate, and University police will help maintain traffic flow and safety during the event. Once they are in line, graduates will be provided with an online registration form to receive their commemorative class of 2020 photo. An alternative plan that also maintains social distancing in the event of inclement weather has been created. For more information, visit tamusa.edu/commencement. (Below is a list of other planned commemorative events.)
Reminders ●
Jaguar Lift Student Emergency Relief Fund: Across the nation and close to home, students are facing uncertainty and increased need. For many, the impact of COVID-19 is immediate and significant. A&M-SA students are experiencing unprecedented loss of income as well as unexpected expenses. Please consider making a gift to the Jaguar Lift Student Emergency Relief Fund or General's Store to help our students and their families during this crisis. In the future, your student will be able to apply to receive these funds. Donate using the following link Make a Gift: Giving
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Your student can apply to receive these funds by filling out the application Jaguar Lift application: https://www.tamusa.edu/studentengagementsuccess/emergency-aid.html
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Your student can also apply for Emergency Aid through Financial Aid: https://www.tamusa.edu/financialaid/emergency-aid.html
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Texas A&M University-San Antonio is conducting a brief survey to help capture student, faculty, and staff feedback on the changes to the academic environment and University operations necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Students can access the link through JagWire. It will show up once they log in. Click here for the survey.
For more live updates from the University, click here.
THIS WEEK’S TOP STORIES
Jaguar Day One Program Helping students battle the cost, time, and research related to books The University is pleased to announce the start of the Jaguar Day One program, which Texas A&M University- San Antonio has developed to help students pay for books and required course materials. Jaguar Day One is a new program this semester that allows students to pay a flat $25 per credit hour fee instead of paying for books and required course materials in one lump sum at the beginning of the semester. The program is voluntary and students can opt-out of the program if they want to purchase books another way. "The Jaguar Day One is a great option for many students to cover their book costs without getting one big bill," said Brandy McLelland, Vice President for Enrollment Management. "We're committed to doing whatever we can to make Texas A&M- San Antonio both affordable and attainable." In addition, A&M-San Antonio has partnered with Follett Higher Education Group to provide students with up to seven free eBooks from participating publishers, as part of the University's ongoing efforts to ensure students have what they need to continue their learning despite the COVID-19 outbreak.
Family Association Member Spotlight Family Association is an organization run by family members of jaguar students with the Coordinator of Family Engagement as their advisor. The Executive Board meets monthly and aims to assist in staying connected with the university while serving A&M-SA students. The Office of Family Engagement established the Family Association January 2020 and held its first meeting on February 15 at the Cove in San Antonio. The current Executive Board consists of five family members holding various positions. Below you will meet one of the five. Mission Family Association at Texas A&M University-San Antonio is designated to empower family members to connect with Jaguar students on and off-campus, promote a sense of home in the A&M-SA community, and provide opportunities for local cultural learning.
Meet Ramon & Betty Orendain ▪ Name: Ramon Orendain o
Position: President
▪ Name: Betty Orendain o
Position: Event Coordinator
▪ What brought you to Family Association? ●
The family First Seminar where we met several families and learned about the resources available to the students.
▪ What do you enjoy about being in Family Association? ●
We enjoy meeting and sharing ideas with other parents on how to provide additional support for A&M students.
▪ Your student’s classification? ● ▪
Our son is classified as a junior.
Advice for other family members? ● Get involved with the A&M community to learn about available support and resources for the students and their families.
If you are interested in joining the Family Association as a general member or serve on the Executive Board, please contact Reba Fuggs, Coordinator for Family Engagement at family@tamusa.edu or sign up for/log in to Family Connect and opt into the Family Association Member community.
Comedy Corner: Encouraging Lightheartedness and Laughter The Office of Family Engagement recognizes the difficulty faced locally and globally. Remember that there’s a rainbow after a storm and that laughter is good for the soul.
Here is a link to our Facebook.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at family@tamusa.edu. You can also submit questions to President Matson here.
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