Take a Peek... It's Fall 2023 at TAMIU
The Fall Semester at Texas A&M International University will bring new courses, events, experiences, and opportunities for students…and members of the community at large. The campus’ resources and environment will also see some changes.
Here’s a guide to this Fall at TAMIU.
Fall Semester face to face classes begin Monday, Aug. 28. Late Registration continues through Sep. 1, 2023. To learn more about TAMIU’s Registration processes, visit the dedicated Registration Hub at https://go.tamiu.edu/registration.
Campus News
TAMIU Steps into Fall
Things are “Falling” in to place for this Fall semester at TAMIU.
As a result of actions taken by the Texas Legislature to address affordability in higher education, all resident undergraduate academic costs, including tuition, mandatory academic fees, all academic-related general fees, and college course fees, have been frozen for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years at TAMIU. The University has not raised tuition and fees since 2021.
Over the summer, the campus has continued an aggressive program focused on indoor and outdoor maintenance and amenities’ additions and improvements.
This Fall, two new research labs are available for new science faculty in both the Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Building and Dr. F. M. Canseco Hall.
TAMIU continues its commitment to constantly improving our campus experience for our University community and visitors. Wi-Fi is a crucial part of delivering that experience.
This Fall, students will benefit from improved coverage throughout the campus with the addition of 92 Wi-Fi Access points, and the replacement of 180 legacy access points which will result in improved overall speeds throughout the campus for all.
We’ve continued the modernization and updating of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, classes in Bob Bullock Hall, Dr. Billy F. Cowart Hall, Dr. F. M. Canseco Hall and the Rec Center. A new roof has been completed for the Kinesiology Convocation Building (KCB) and a new court floor will be ready for Fall use.
Some areas of the KCB have been repurposed to build better training opportunities for student-athletes. The KCB IT infrastructure has also been expanded to better support live-stream technology for Intercollegiate Athletic programs.
Exterior upgrades and porch repairs to the Western Hemispheric Trade Center have been completed in preparation for the WHTC’s planned expansion beginning in March 2024.
We have continued our proactive exterior grounds and facility maintenance programs to provide the best possible outdoor experiences for the TAMIU community. A large part of this is being guided by the recently completed Master Plan produced through collaboration with Perkins & Will, one of the leading U.S. master plan and architecture firms.
The University is also coordinating closely with AEP, Spectrum, the City of Laredo and TxDOT to ensure the campus’ energy needs are linked to parallel planning for Loop 20’s update to Interstate Highway 69W.
We’re continuing a campus-wide Energy Services Conservation Project that keeps TAMIU environmentally conscious and strong with the addition of high efficiency faucet aerators, ultra-low flow standard bathroom toilet and urinal replacements, HVAC control updates to improve air temperature quality, and new automated exhaust hoods in all kitchens and science labs.
You’ll be part of the campus’ exciting changes and growth this Fall... so come grow with us!
Stay Connected to TAMIU
Students, faculty, and staff members at TAMIU can stay connected through several digital experiences, including social media channels and a weekly online newsletter.
Members of the campus and the general community are encouraged to follow TAMIU on social media to stay up to date with University accolades, local and regional events, ongoing initiatives, student and faculty achievements and the ever-charming campus video and photography.
Currently, the University maintains its digital presence in several social media sites, including Facebook (www.facebook.com/txamiu), Instagram (www.instagram.com/txamiu), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/school/texas-a&m-international-university), Twitter (www.twitter.com/txamiu), and YouTube (www.youtube.com/txamiu). The University’s latest addition to its digital portfolio is Threads (www.threads.net/txamiu).
While on campus, students, faculty, staff, alums, and members of the Dustdevil family are encouraged to share their story -- prominently featured through the student-driven #CongratsGrads campaign every Fall and Spring semester but also encouraged throughout the semester by sharing their campus experience through photos and video.
Individuals can use branded hashtags, #txamiu, and #GoBeyond in their social media posts to be re-shared and featured on TAMIU’s dedicated social media channels.
Social media followers can see a collection of their #hashtagged social media posts through an interactive display at https://go.tamiu.edu/social-media.
The Trailblazer, a dedicated online newsletter, is emailed every Monday to University students, faculty and staff members. The weekly email is also available for viewing at https://go.tamiu.edu/bulletin and includes information on University news, campus events, and an Athletics update.
Finally, individuals can view upcoming campus events on our events calendar at https://www.tamiu.edu/calendar.
As a result of actions taken by the Texas Legislature to address affordability in higher education, all resident undergraduate academic costs, including tuition, mandatory academic fees, all academic-related general fees, and college course fees, have been frozen for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years at TAMIU. The University has not raised tuition and fees since 2021.
Registration for Fall 2023 at TAMIU is currently underway. To learn more about TAMIU’s Registration processes, visit: https://www.tamiu.edu/reghub/ .
Classes begin Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Late registration ends Friday, Sept. 1.
University news and information can also be found online at tamiu.edu and on TAMIU’s social channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Student Support Services
TAMIU offers a bevy of support services pointing students toward a successful semester.
Through TAMIU's Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), students can access tutoring services throughout the Fall semester. Both online and in-person tutoring services are available.
ACE also offers academic advising and peer-led supplemental instruction sessions. Additional resources include a free premium Grammarly subscription, a GPA calculator and studying tips. Learn more by visiting www.tamiu.edu/uc/ace/.
Students needing healthcare while on campus can visit the Office of Student Health Services for first aid, health consultations, immunizations, women's health services screenings, free and confidential HIV/STD testing, blood pressure screenings, and more. For additional information, visit https://www.tamiu.edu/health/index.shtml.
Student Counseling services are also provided, which include access to consultations, short-term counseling, and referrals. Additional information on the 988 Lifeline, mental health apps, and community resources are all available at https://www.tamiu.edu/counseling/.
Students looking to stay active are encouraged to take advantage of the University's REC Sports, which offers programming like group fitness and personal training, an outdoor recreational program, intramural sports, Esports, and more. Visit them at https://www.tamiu.edu/recsports/ for additional information.
Students facing food insecurity will always have a place they can visit. Through Dusty's Food Pantry, students can access free food and personal care items. Fill out a yearly registration form to access the Pantry by visiting https://www.tamiu.edu/foodpantry/.
As a result of actions taken by the Texas Legislature to address affordability in higher education, all resident undergraduate academic costs, including tuition, mandatory academic fees, all academic-related general fees, and college course fees, have been frozen for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years at TAMIU. The University has not raised tuition and fees since 2021.
Registration for Fall 2023 at TAMIU is currently underway. To learn more about TAMIU’s Registration processes, visit: https://www.tamiu.edu/reghub/ .
Classes begin Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Late registration ends Friday, Sept. 1.
University news and information can also be found online at tamiu.edu and on TAMIU’s social channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Your Degree is Closer Than Ever
A TAMIU program helps former students’ return to the University to complete their degrees.
Scheiby González Fisher, TAMIU interim associate vice president for Student Success, said there is no time like the present to come back and complete a degree, and this Fall is a great time to do so.
“The University has new scholarship opportunities that can assist students in their comeback to the University. TAMIU also has programs and emergency grants available for students experiencing financial hardship, housing and food insecurity, medical expenses, and lack of educational support and supplies,” González Fisher said.
Launched in 2018, TAMIU’s “Closer Than Ever” program helps students determine the best options available to them to complete their degree. Interested students take their first steps to do so by visiting a dedicated TAMIU website: https://www.tamiu.edu/closerthanever/.
To date, 429 students have completed their undergraduate degrees, González Fisher noted. A dedicated staff member helps guide and support students through the individualized re-enrollment processes.
“We’re conducting a targeted outreach to our former students to encourage them to renew ties with the University and establish next steps so that they can once again enjoy their full University experience," González Fisher explained, "We’ll help them confirm their time to completion with an easy online form that collects basic information on the student’s academic history.”
She continued, "We’ll then establish contact and discuss options. We encourage all former students who haven’t completed their degrees to explore these new and continuing options available to them. We understand how life’s complexity can often derail our degree plans. Now’s the time to reassess…and we believe they’ll find that they really are closer than they think.”
For more information, contact Nydia Perales at 956.326.3163, email outreach@tamiu.edu , or visit offices in the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center, room 222.
As a result of actions taken by the Texas Legislature to address affordability in higher education, all resident undergraduate academic costs, including tuition, mandatory academic fees, all academic-related general fees, and college course fees, have been frozen for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years at TAMIU. The University has not raised tuition and fees since 2021.
Registration for Fall 2023 at TAMIU is currently underway. To learn more about TAMIU’s Registration processes, visit: https://www.tamiu.edu/reghub/ .
Classes begin Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Late registration ends Friday, Sept. 1.
University news and information can also be found online at tamiu.edu and on TAMIU’s social channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Get Connected
Upcoming Events
College & School News
College of Arts and Sciences
As TAMIU’s largest College, the College of Arts and Sciences will welcome 15 new faculty members this Fall.
Faculty and their respective departments are as follows:
- Department of Social Sciences: Visiting Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Dr. Mohammed Alqahtani and Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Dr. Seungmug Lee.
- Department of Mathematics and Physics: Instructional Assistant Professor of Mathematics Dr. César Contreras and Instructional Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Aaron L. Modic.
- Department of Humanities: Assistant Professor of History Dr. Asli Berktay; Assistant Professor of English Dr. Zach Hernández and Visiting Assistant Professor of English Dr. Jessica Walker.
- Department of Engineering: Endowed Professor of Petroleum Engineering - Dr. Reza Barati and Visiting Assistant Professor of Systems Engineering Dr. Prachita Humane.
- Department of Biology & Chemistry: Assistant Professor Developmental Biology Dr. Ahmed Giasuddin; Assistant Professor Ecology Dr. Vijayan Sundararaj, and Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dr. Seyed Mohammad Davachi.
- Department of Fine and Performing Arts: Assistant Professor of Trumpet Dr. Michael Mann; Visiting Assistant Professor of Voice Dr. Jiyeon Hwang and Visiting Assistant Professor of Art Crystal Wagner.
Special Events This Fall
Sandra Cisneros, iconographic figure in Chicano literature and author of The House on Mango Street, My Wicked, Wicked Ways, Have You Seen Marie, A House of My Own and Martita, I Remember You will visit and lecture at TAMIU on Nov. 7. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship; the American Book Award, the MacArthur Genius Grant and one of 25 new Ford Foundation Art of Change fellowships.
A virtual monthly seminar titled, "International Seminar in Screen Culture," will be organized by TAMIU’s Communication program, led by Dr. Carlos Lozano, Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology and Communication, with Ghent University and the University of Antwerp. Scholars from all over Latin America and Spain will participate.
Ongoing Studies, Projects and Conferences
College faculty will continue groundbreaking research studies, in addition to new projects and conferences this Fall.
- Dr. Anna Cieslicka, Professor of Psychology, is leading a project investigating neural correlates of bilingual code-switching among Spanish-English bilinguals with Dr. Omar García, Assistant Professor of Psychology.
- Dr. Cieslicka is also principal investigator for a Brain and Cognition Laboratory EEG project studying bilingual brain activity. Collaborators are: Dr. Roberto Heredia, Regents Professor of Psychology, Dr. Omar García, Assistant Professor of Psychology, and Dr. Katarzyna Jankowiak, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland.
- Conference presentations are planned this Fall on the establishment of a center for identifying the remains of undocumented border crossers who perish while crossing. Presenters are Dr. Kate Houston, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice/Psychology & Communication, and Dr. Alison Hadley Hilburn, Assistant Professor of Anthropology. Dr. Houston is also leading a new project using virtual reality to study memory and decision making.
- Organization and setup of a Presidential Grant-funded digital lab space is led by Analee Paz, Assistant Professor, Department of Fine and Performing Arts, and Dr. Arthur Soto-Vásquez, Assistant Professor of Communication. Paz and Dr. Zackary Vernon, associate professor, Cal State Los Angeles, are also working on a virtual workshop series on "Creative Authenticity for Students."
New Grants/Major Research Projects
College professors will lead new grants and major research projects totaling over $3.3 million and include the following:
- Dr. Peter Haruna, Professor of Public Administration - Presidential Research Development Award.
- Dr. Brittany Hood, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice- Presidential Research Development Award.
- Dr. Fei Luo, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, and Co-Director of Criminal Justice Program - Presidential Research Development Award.
- Dr. Mehnaaz Momen, Associate Professor of Public Administration - Presidential Research Development Award.
College of Education
The start of the Fall Semester will bring about the first cohort of College of Education Online Graduate Programs to include: Bilingual Education, Special Education, Education Diagnostician Certificate, and the Superintendent Certificate.
New Faculty:
The College is excited to welcome additional faculty members to help drive its mission and service to our students. Please help us welcome:
Assistant Professor in Educational Administration & Supervision – Dr. Cynthia Gallardo
Assistant Professor in Educational Leadership – Dr. Lina De La Garza
Associate Professor – Dr. Ricardo Lozano
Associate Professor – Dr. Kele Anyanwu
Clinical Prof - Field Experiences – Kristina Chapa
Administrative Assistant Victoria Ortiz
New Initiatives:
Dr. María de Lourdes Viloria, Associate Professor, department of Educational Programs, will be the team lead in a Texas Education Agency (TEA)-funded Self Study targeting improving Principal preparation.
New Scholarships:
The Texas A&M International University Robert Noyce Scholarship Project "Preparing STEM Majors as Outstanding Certified Secondary Mathematics Teachers for South Texas" prepares talented undergraduate biology, chemistry, earth science, mathematics, or physics students to become outstanding certified teachers at the high school level. It’s available to TAMIU Juniors and Seniors.
Fall Events:
A variety of offerings will help students to succeed and explore career options available to them through the College of Education.
Among these are:
The Unidos Para Texas Conference in September. Local District Career Fair for all majors and all levels (FFR to Seniors) seeking tutors, teacher aides, after-school programs, and substitute teaching.
Formal Launch of The Bilingual Review Journal.
Career Fair Aviation, Aerospace Aeronautics
Pediatricians and OBGYN School Readiness Summit end of July.
The Laredo Medical Center will also be collaborating with the College to launch the Brain Bag Program as part of its School Readiness Initiative.
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
This Fall, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and its Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing is launching a new course for students in the BSN program.
“Strategies for Success” will assist students with test-taking skills, test anxiety, reading comprehension, and coping skills to enhance student retention. This course targets the first semester of the BSN program. It was piloted last Spring and resulted in a 78% student retention rate.
Scholarships for Qualified Students:
All nursing students who qualify can apply for scholarship monies. The College of Nursing and Health Science has grant funds available from private donors, state, and federal agencies to award scholarship monies to qualified students. Visit with or contact your academic advisors to inquire about requirements and deadlines.
Important Changes:
The one-year work experience admission requirement for the Family Nurse Practitioner Program and MSN Nursing Administration Program is waived for recent BSN graduates to enable them to proceed to Graduate School right after completing their baccalaureate degree.
Advancement Opportunities:
In our RN to MSN Nursing Administration program, nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing may go straight to a Master’s in Nursing Administration, bypassing a baccalaureate degree.
Recently added programs include the RN to Nursing Administration and Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practitioner Post-Masters Certificate Program.
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practitioner Post Masters Certificate Program is an ideal program for Nurse Practitioners who want to retool themselves and specialize in mental health, which is experiencing dynamic growth and needs.
University College
This Fall, University College is celebrating 15 years of Reading the Globe (RTG)!
RTG is a University-wide initiative aimed at engaging all members of the University and surrounding community in a common, academically-oriented intellectual activity. The RTG book selection is also featured in Laredo’s One City, One Book Lecture, part of a renewed partnership with the City of Laredo Public Library.
This year’s common read is “Where the Dead Pause and the Japanese Say Goodbye: a Journey” by Marie Mutsuki Mockett. It explores how the Japanese cope with grief and tragedy and is set against the backdrop of the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster in Japan. These themes will be explored further in UNIV 1201 courses.
RTG also provides a remarkable opportunity for First-Year students enrolled in UNIV1201 to travel to Japan in Spring 2024 (March). Students submit an essay to a judged competition to be considered for trip selection. As part of the 15th Anniversary RTG Celebration, special displays and events will be hosted all Fall to promote the program for First-Year students.
RTG events will include:
- RTG History lecture
- RTG Author talk
- Cultural Explorations: history of Japan, food demonstration, documentary screenings
- RTG book display at Sue & Radcliffe Killam Library
- Laredo Public Library: One City, One Book lecture (open to the public)
- and more!
We Serve Students!
TAMIU-enrolled students can visit ACE-Academic Support for FREE tutoring and supplemental instruction services. Tutoring is available for both online and face-to-face sessions. Academic Center for Excellence tutoring services will continue to be offered 7 days a week. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday: 12 - 4 p.m.; Sunday: 12 - 10 p.m.
Students can book tutoring appointments through TracCloud. Learn more about booking your appointment.
ACE-Advising and Retention services are offered six days a week. Hours of operation are Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Advising sessions are available for freshmen, honor, MDS, and student-athletes both in-person or online.
Transfer (and current) students, we’ve also got help for you as you navigate your academic journey at TAMIU. The ACE Transition program provides great resources and support. Find out details by going to the ACE Transition Program website.
Students can check the ACE website for Study Skills Workshops offered during the semester.
Interested in Research?
Join the University Honors & Undergraduate Research Program to collaborate with TAMIU faculty!
This program provides students with faculty mentorship for undergraduate research and community engagement opportunities.
Students can apply throughout the Fall semester to be eligible to join in the Spring. Admitted students to the program are automatically considered for an Honor Scholarship. Requirements: Full-time student, 3.2 TAMIU GPA, and having at least three full-time semesters left before graduation. Merit Scholarship recipients may apply to the program without a TAMIU GPA. Visit the Application link.
Some New Stuff
TAMIU students have access to an additional licensed professional counselor under Counseling and Disabilities Services as part of the Title V: Academic Recovery and Data Analysis (ARDA) Grant.
Students enrolled in UNIV 1201 can count on the support of Peer Mentors during UNIV 1201!
Peer Mentors are an integral part of the First-Year Experience by helping students transition to University life! Peer mentors are upperclassmen that have experience with University life, and have shared challenges and obstacles as they’ve acclimated to TAMIU. Their insight can enhance new students’ learning experiences, develop academic and personal skills, and identify helpful campus resources.
Degree Opportunities
University College is home to the Multidisciplinary Studies degree (MDS), providing students an innovative degree option that allows the individualized selection of areas of concentration to create their personal Bachelor’s degree.
So, Time to Mark Your Calendar!
- Reading the Globe: Go Beyond Activities will be hosted between September 25 - October 12
- Reading the Globe Author Lecture: Friday, October 13, 2023
- Partnership event: Laredo Public Library: One City, One Book lecture: Saturday, October 14, 2023
- Four Years, Many Futures Celebration: 12th Annual Celebration in November
And…Let’s Get Social!
University College’s social media shares fun events each semester.
Follow on:
The Graduate School
In response to growth and dynamic program expansions, TAMIU’s Graduate School continues to work with all TAMIU Colleges and Schools to increase program offerings and online courses in addition to adding accelerated online learning programs.
The Graduate School provides a graduate experience that not only delivers enhanced career or professional growth, but does so by being accessible, affordable, and convenient. The School further accelerates online delivery with a trouble-free, competitive admission process.
Programs that are currently especially popular with graduate students are the RN to MSN, the MS in Bilingual Education, MS in Special Education, and MS Curriculum & Instruction with a specialization in Master Teacher, Educational Diagnostics Professional Certificate, Principal Professional Certificate, or Superintendent Professional Certificate. The School regularly evaluates University programs for online, accelerated delivery.
The Graduate School also encourages student participation in the 19 th Annual Texas A&M University System Pathways Student Research Symposium to be held in Spring 2024 at a soon-to-be-announced Texas A&M University System campus.
The TAMUS Pathways Student Research Symposium is open to all A&M System students and includes separate categories for undergraduate, master, and doctoral-level research entries.
The Symposium provides opportunities for students to present research in an oral or poster format, while interacting and discussing research with faculty, judges, and other participants. It also provides broader exposure to the TAMUS community of campuses and additional learning and research opportunities available to System students.
And Don't Forget...
Continuing Education
TAMIU’s Office of Continuing Education (CE) provides opportunities for certificates, test prep, and enrichment through courses offered by learning partners. Courses can offer the chance to start a new career or add new skills to one’s professional toolbox.
CE courses can empower individuals, organizations and communities to enhance careers, lives, and social development and provide quality, value-added, solutions-based programs that fulfill the needs of learners.
CE also provides youth outreach and education through its Dusty’s Junior University Summer Camp as well as prep/enrichment classes for students. OCE also shares knowledge and resources to support pre-K–12 students across Texas.
For more information, contact Susan Foster, director, at mary.foster@tamiu.edu or call 956.326.2765.
The Julieta and Frank Staggs Academy of International and STEM Studies
The Staggs Academy, located on TAMIU’s campus, provides a rigorous program for highly motivated high school students to take University classes starting in their junior year. The Academy offers free tuition, fees, books, and a supportive staff to help guide students through the University process.
An Information session for potential students and their families is scheduled for September 23, 2023 at 10:00 am, in TAMIU’s Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 111.
For more, visit www.tamiu.edu/coas/theacademy/ phone 956.326.2860, or email academy@tamiu.edu
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