2022 Student Affairs News

A&M-San Antonio welcomes Dr. Zeak Naifeh to the Student Success and Engagement team as the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students. Dr. Naifeh joins us from Cameron University, where he has served as the Dean of Students for six years and has over 15 years of experience in higher education.

Dr. Naifeh has a plethora of experiences in many areas of Student Success and Engagement and publications and presentations at the national level. Upon interview, we learned just how much expertise he brings to our university. He has worked within Academic Advising, SGA, Greek Life, Student Union, Rec Sports, Leadership Engagement, Dean of Students, Create Services, housing, student wellness– everything that builds Student Success and Engagement.

When asked about his new role Dr. Naifeh said that he was incredibly excited to jump right in and interact with students. He wants students to know most importantly that as Dean of Students, “I am here for students, and my office is open. I look forward to seeing you around campus, and don't hesitate to ask for our assistance!” 

Students who want to read a message directly from Dr. Naifeh can visit the DOS website.

he Student Government Association has had a highlight year, So much so that they created their very own “Fall 2021Wrap Up” flipbook! 

Please flip through virtually to see all the fantastic work your Student Government does.

Transfer Week at Texas A&M University-San Antonio is summed up by most as “extra.” Everything celebrating our transfer students should be extra in the eyes of Juan Espinoza, Assistant Director of Transfer Student Engagement for Transitions and Family Programs, and the mind behind transfer week.

NISTS (National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students) organizes National Transfer Student Week to “celebrate transfer students and the professionals who support them on their journeys.” A&M-SA hosted the first Transfer Week way back in 2019, and since then, it has become a semesterly event. 

Transfer students come in all forms at our campus, some work on campus, some are parents, and some are alumni that have found a permanent home here. Espinoza believes Transfer Week  “provides a unique, family-friendly atmosphere for our transfers. We have events multiple times each day for our students; some of them work an 8-5 and then come to campus at 6 for their classes.”

Spring 2022 Transfer Week theme is all things 80s. The mindset to branding and theming an event allows the Transfer Student team to create a multifaceted campaign. Through the years of Transfer Engagement programming, most events and ideas have been student-formed and executed. 

List of events Monday- Friday

• Transfer Week Kick-Off 
• Transfer Jazzercise Event
• Conchas & Coffee
• Lucky to Have You/TradeUp
• Painting with a Transfer
• Roller-skating

Please visit the Transfer Student Engagement Jagsync page for locations and times. 

Transfer students across campus can participate in the TradeUp Program. During this event, students can bring a t-shirt from another college or university and trade it in for a free university t-shirt. The Transfer Engagement host a t-shirt design contest for each transfer week that allows students to submit a design for what they want the next TradeUp shirt to look like. Check out Spring 2022’s 

Transfer students wanting to keep up to date with all things should check out the Transfer Student Newsletter. In January, Transfer Student Engagement recognizes the first transfer student of the month, Cat Naranjo; read the full write-up here.

The Student Counseling Center constantly updates and provides vital services to our students. This spring semester, they have rolled out new services such as a Grief Therapy Group and the LGBTQIA+ Support Group.

Virtual Grief Support Group:

The Student Counseling Center offers a 5-week Grief Group designed to help students process through grief and loss of individuals in their lives. Group members will have a safe space to explore and process thoughts, feelings, reactions, and behaviors related to their losses. In addition, group members will identify healthy coping strategies to manage their grief effectively. The Grief Group Therapy sessions will be held online, via WebEx, on Thursdays from 1:00-2:30 PM from February 17 until March 24. To learn more, please visit their webpage.

LGBTQIA+ Support Group:

The Student Counseling Center, Rainbow P.A.W.S., and the Coalition are excited to collaborate on a virtual support group for current students. Join others from the LGBTQIA+ Jaguar community to discuss the impact of sexual, romantic, and/or gender identities on crucial aspects of life. This group will allow members to share life experiences, improve relationships with others, and be part of an inclusive and supportive environment. To learn more, please visit Jagysnc. 

During March, SCC will highlight the HealthyMinds Study. The HealthyMinds Study is an annual web-based survey study examining mental health, service utilization, and related issues among undergraduate and graduate students. Using validated measures, HMN’s survey research provides a  detailed look at the prevalence of mental health outcomes, knowledge, and attitudes about mental health and service utilization. HMS emphasizes understanding help-seeking behavior and examining stigma, knowledge, and other potential barriers to utilizing mental health services. Students interested in participating in this study should keep updated with SCC’s social media pages. Find them on Instagram here.

NASPA’s Campus Safety and Violence Prevention Knowledge Community has awarded our campus the Best Practices Award for the Student Counseling/Student Involvement suicide prevention and mental health collaboration with Erika Kendrick this past September 2021 (National Suicide Prevention Month). This award recognizes any program or practice that creates safer campuses and learning experiences for students and professionals.

National Women's History Month is designated to celebrate women's contributions to the United States and recognize women's specific achievements over American history in various fields.

Throughout the History of AM-SA, we have celebrated March as such while recognizing the current powerful women we have across campus actively making history. 

This year, the heritage committee and student involvement partner to host Women's Employment Week, a week of programming designed to celebrate and support women. The events ranged from sexual health to self-defense and small women-owned businesses selling their goods. 

Texas A&M University-San Antonio's hosted its fourth annual Jag Women Rock! Awards at the end of National Women's History Month. The awards are designed to highlight some of this past year's outstanding female alumni, current students, faculty, and staff. Ten awards were handed out, all named after remarkable women of notoriety, from A&M-SA's own Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson to philanthropist Oprah Winfrey. 

This year most notably, the Frida Kahlo Award was created to highlight "a woman who has a gift for making anything she touches come to life. She is gifted in the arts and creates masterpieces."

Jag Women Rock! Awards 2022 Winners:

The Malala Yousafzai Award – Elissa Gallegos

The Sandra Oh Award – Ashley Scribner

The Melissa Sanchez Award – Demi Villarreal

The Oprah Winfrey Award – Maria Selgado

The Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson Awards – Addinelly (Addy) Moreno (alumni)

The Dr. Maria Hernandez Ferrier Award – Jacqueline Valdes

The Michelle Obama Award – Iris Castillo

The Shonda Rhimes Award – Destiny Pappas

The Frida Kahlo Award – Tiffany Martinez

The Sheryl Sandberg – Sara Gerrish (alumni)

Student Affairs continued its #SmallBuisnessSaturday social media campaign and highlighted female students running small businesses across campus. 

President Dr. Matson and Vice President Dr. Mari honored their fellow women in leadership but shooting some pics with their staff. 

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is an annual campaign observed in April to help raise awareness about sexual assault and educate the public on how to prevent sexual violence.  The goal of SAAM is to highlight sexual violence as public health, human rights, and social justice issue.  

The Teal Ribbon is the symbol of sexual assault and awareness and prevention. 

Denim Day was created in response to an Italian Supreme Court case in which a rape conviction was overruled because the victim’s tight jeans implied consent. 

The Student Counseling Center, Title IX, and Student Organizations participate in Denim Day on Wednesday, April 27th, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm in the CAB Court Yard.  Tabling events and activities will focus on awareness, education, and prevention of Sexual Assault.

 With the odds against Tiffany Balderas, A&M-SA Transfer Student, she pushed past her adversity and created a beautiful student experience for herself and her peers.  

Balderas has had a difficult educational journey, to say the least. After her experience in high school, dealing with a low GPA, TSI, and SAT scores, she never had the desire to continue her education at a collegiate level. With some hesitation, she attended Northeast Lakeview and graduated with her associate's degree in Fall ‘19. While she believed her journey had come to an end, her family knew she had more left in her.   

After taking a year off school, Tiffany decided to make A&M-SA her new home in Fall ‘20. This time, she was determined to be involved in any and every club, making her experience a memorable one. She was quickly welcomed to the Jaguar Family by Juan Espinoza, Assistant Director of Transfer Student Engagement, where she applied and was then offered a job under Mr. Espinoza as a Transfer Student Coordinator.  

 Tiffany’s job on campus has been nothing but a push to her success. From having weary feelings towards her entire educational experience and even changing her major, risking her graduation date, Balderas has maintained a 3.9 GPA and has involved herself in various organizations.  

 Submerging herself within the Transfer Student Engagement family has shaped her as a whole. Tiffany has learned to work in a fast-paced environment, work with people of different backgrounds, and lead her fellow peers in the right direction. Juan Espinoza said, “She’s the prime example of a transfer student who didn't have the traditional journey or experience, fighting and advocating for herself and saying ‘no, I am going to grow, and I am going to find myself, and I am going to leave here that much better.’” 

 With just a year of working for the Transfer Student Engagement department, Tiffany was tasked with creating an event for transfers to feel special; the Transfer Ball. After several stressful weeks, the Transfer Ball finally arrived, and it could not have been more successful. To her surprise, Espinoza announced that the official name of this special event was to be called “Tiffany Ball.” Balderas was extremely flattered, “It’s cool to leave a legacy on an extremely growing campus.” 

 With just a year left until graduation, Tiffany still has goals to best serve the A&M-SA transfer community. Using her creativity and willingness to take big risks, Tiffany strives to be that person cheering for her peers and pushing them to do better. “She’s been a catalyst for the department. The department started in 2019, and it wasn't until Tiffany walked into the doors of this office that the department found its voice and its image… and it was through Tiffany that we were able to do that,” says Espinoza.  

Tiffany’s words of encouragement to our Transfer Student community: 

“Come to Patriots’ Casa 104C. We’ve built a beautiful community, and if you take the time to come over to Patriots’ Casa and experience 30 minutes of what the transfer center can offer, you would want to stay. The Transfer community can offer so much. If you want to get involved, follow our Instagram, get connected. Keep an eye out for the events- there’s always something for someone to attend.” 

The Outstanding Senior recognition honors graduating or graduated seniors who have made significant contributions to Texas A&M University-San Antonio through academic achievement, campus leadership, involvement, community service, honors, and awards. To be considered, a student must first be nominated by a faculty, staff, student, or alumnus. The Outstanding Senior Award Committee reviews applications from the nominated students, and a select few are invited for interviews with the committee, and, ultimately, the committee selects the outstanding seniors.

The committee then reviews those selected as Outstanding Seniors, and two individuals from among all the Outstanding Seniors are named our Seniors of Distinction. The Seniors of Distinction are given a monetary award and the prized Senior of Distinction Medal.

Winners of Outstanding Senior 2022:

• Annalisa Ruiz
• Cheyenne Zavala
• Eli Vale
• Helen Mora
• Leo De la Uso
• Lynn Fuller
• Maria Selgado
• Marisela Hernandez
• Richard Montemayor
• Roxanna Fernandez
• Stephanie Martinez
• Stephanie Gooding
• Victoria Ochoa 

The Seniors of Distinction are awarded to the Outstanding Senior who has shown courage and service above self, who has made significant contributions to A&M-San Antonio through academic achievement, campus leadership and involvement, community service, honors, and awards who embodies the Jaguar Spirit.

Winners of Seniors of Distinction 2022:

Alandrya Lynn Fuller & Cheyenne Zavala

Alandrya Lynn Fuller was born in Waco, Texas, and raised in San Antonio, Texas. She is receiving her degree in Business Management. Beginning her undergraduate at Prairie View A&M University, personal reasons brought her back home to San Antonio, where she transferred to A&M-San Antonio. As a first-generation college student, being a part of a campus-like A&M-SA provided her with various opportunities. Fuller was welcomed to the Office of Student Involvement as a student employee. Through her employment, she developed her organizational and people skills while also being involved in various student organizations such as the Black Student Union, the National Society for Leadership and Success, the Coalition, and the Campus Activities Board. "I will proudly be wearing my cords and stoles for those organizations at graduation and the stole and medallion I received for being an Outstanding Senior and a Senior of Distinction. During my undergrad years, I have been on the Dean's List and Honor Roll and been awarded for Outstanding Senior and Senior Distinction & nominated for Undergraduate Student Worker of the Year," says Fuller. 

Cheyenne Zavala is a first-generation transfer student receiving her degree in English with a concentration in Rhetoric Writing. Zavala began her undergraduate journey at Northwest Vista Alamo College and transferred to Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Her accolades will adorn her as she walks the stage in regalias from Tau Sigma National Honor Society, National Society for Leadership & Success, Silver Liners Mentorship Program, Delta Chi Fraternity, and Catholic Student Association. Additionally, she will have a first-generation stole, an honors cord, and her medallion awarded to the Seniors of Distinction. "My time at A&M-SA has been so fulfilling; I get to walk away with more than a degree, and I've made lifelong friendships & lasting memories. I must give a tremendous amount of credit to the organizations I'm a part of for allowing me to grow and leave my mark here on campus," says Zavala.

We want to congratulate these seniors for all their many achievements and wish them well as they bring the Jaguar Spirit into their communities. 

The Office of Student Involvement hosted the LeaderShape Institute at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch from May 22-25. Fifty-three students participated in the 4-day intensive program to learn more about themselves, others, and their community. They created a vision of what they would like their ideal world to look like and built steps to achieve their vision. 

Participant Hayde Gonzalez Cejas said, “LeaderShape was a moment, and I am so glad I got to live in that moment. I consider myself one of the lucky few who got to see a very vulnerable and authentic side of the student community here at TAMU-SA.”

Two Institute Alumni of the 2021 session attended as on-site coordinators and had this to say:

“As an alumnus of the program, I was excited to attend as an on-site coordinator and work behind the scenes. As a faculty member, I got to see the participants experience the program as they learned more about themselves and their world. I got to see them blossom with growth. This program is a great opportunity to build leaders! I can’t wait to see the 2022 participants active on campus!” - Ashley Scribner, Junior.

“I participated in the LeaderShape Institute last year, and it was honestly a very eye-opening experience where I felt very safe and supported. When I was asked to come back as an on-site coordinator, I was nervous but excited. I enjoyed being able to help out with the behind-the-scenes work along with my partner in crime, Ashley Scribner. To see the program unfold from an outside perspective was amazing. Meeting the students on Day 1 when they were boarding the bus, nervous and tired, and then seeing them on the last day at commencement where they were all laughing and smiling. Throughout their days at LeaderShape, they all formed many connections, and seeing that evolve is something I’m glad I witnessed.” - Lori Day, Senior.

Students were placed into small groups, called cluster families, and led by an A&M-SA staff member:

• Discovery Dancers, led by Victor Gomez, Career Advisor
• Sneaky Turtles, led by Elisa Avila, Service, and Experiential Learning Coordinator
• Thee Didgeridoos, led by Juan Espinoza, Assistant Director for Transfer Student Engagement
• Outlandish Bomb Squad, led by Dr. Reba Sims, Assistant Director for Family Engagement
• The Amendments, led by Sherry Patrick, Assistant Director of Assistive Technology
• Cristina Dominguez, Assistant Director for Student Involvement, coordinated the Institute. 

Look through the event photos here!

National Society of Leadership aspires to develop leaders who positively impact their communities. Through its life-changing leadership program, students can grow personally and professionally as part of NSLS. Learning new skills is essential for personal and professional development. NSLS provides students with resources and tools to identify and achieve their goals with proper support and dedicated action. 

Bud Martin is the recipient of the Spring 2022 New Members Scholarship at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. The New Members Scholarship is given to members in their first semester as NSLS, and only ten recipients are awarded. 

Learn about the rest of the winners here.

On Saturday, August 6, 2022, over 60 student leaders from various organizations attended the 4th Annual Student Organization Leadership Development (SOLD) Day. This was the first SOLD held in-person and on-campus since 2019. The objective of SOLD is to develop the individual leadership abilities of our student organization members and provide them with the skills, strategies, and best practices to support a successful organization. Throughout the one-day conference, students had the opportunity to attend sessions ranging from conflict resolution, communication, marketing, fundraising, campus resources, and more!

The day was started with Juan Espinoza, Strengths Coach, leading a Clifton Strengths workshop that energized the students, followed by a panel of former student leaders and A&M-SA Alumni:

•   Erick De Luna, Class of 2017
•   Clayton Jaskinia, Class of 2020
•   Emily Marquise, Class of 2020
•   La-Tieka Sims, Class of 2020
•   Karissa Mitchem, Class of 2021

In the panel, many students said they learned the importance of networking now and for their future careers. Dr. Mari Fuentes-Martin, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Dr. Zeak Naifeh hosted a session during lunch about Student Affairs divisional goals:  leadership/mentoring, retention, student engagement, and career readiness.

In order to have success in achieving or maintaining their organization’s status as a recognized organization, students also had the opportunity to attend the required training at the end of the day. It was a successful day for all involved!

Gina Ortiz Jones, Under Secretary of the Air Force, visited the SouthSide and spoke at A&M-SA to give some insight on the Air Force as well as the Cyber Career Fields.

Jesse Lopez, president of the  Student Veterans of America Chapter (SVA) on campus, attended the event and said, “It was an honor to have the Under Secretary of the Air Force speak to us about the opportunities in the Cyber Career fields of the Air Force and Space Force, as well as the ongoing expansion of those opportunities. As President of Student Veterans of America, I am always excited to see new opportunities leading to professional development in our military. Several conversations were had about ways to promote further the pathways offered.” 

Marie Williams, President of SALUTE National Veterans Honor Society and President of Women in CyberSecurity, is working on getting Ms. Jones to speak at Texas Cyber Summit. This connection can lead people to new heights, and we are more than happy to promote that message.

The Office of Military Affairs was honored to have such a valuable member of our Armed Forces visit and provide essential information for the betterment of the Jaguar community. 

View event photos here

The Summer 2022 Family Orientation season commenced on Saturday, June 16th, with a whopping 90 family members, and concluded on Saturday, July 30th. With intentionality in mind and a mindset of creating partners in student success, Family Orientation provides a well-rounded experience that includes experiential learning, resources, and informative information for initial enrollment and continuity with the institution. This year's attendees at orientation ranged from babies in strollers to grandparents serving as the primary guardians of their grandchildren. Within the first seven family orientations, the Office of Family Engagement has welcomed nearly 500 family members to campus and, as is tradition, walked them through the ceremonial pinning of the jaguar head lapel pin just before lunch on each orientation date.  

Family members are provided with various opportunities to ask questions of staff and administrators at the university to clarify any remaining questions, put minds to rest, and assist in university processes. Family members even have the opportunity to gain insight from a current student's perspective. Additionally, it is just as important for family members to experience some of the things their students will do during their transition. We do this through the initial separation of students and family after the welcome, networking bingo, assigning high five buddies, having them pin each other, and encouraging them to build their support group by getting to know other families during orientation by joining Family Association. 

This year, we achieved a new record for family attendance on Saturday, July 16th, with over 150 family members in attendance. 

After each day, family members always approach the orientation staff with gratitude for the information, appreciation of the flow and layout of the day, with a much better understanding given that the majority are first-generation family members, and many desire to be more engaged and involved at the university level for themselves and their students. 

"Research shows that family engagement plays a critical part in a student's academic success, and when students have school, parental, and community support, higher education is seen as the norm. Higher education becomes the expectation rather than the exception." -College Board.

Welcome Families to the Jaguar Family!

Check out the event photos!

We are looking forward to welcoming new and returning Jaguars at the first Weeks of Welcome event at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Weeks of Welcome is a 3-week event where students can connect with new and returning students, learn about how to get involved on campus and receive FREE spirit items and Jaguar gear!

A variety of events will take place almost every single day this month. Check Jagsync for a complete listing of events and their locations.

Texas A&M-San Antonio hosts Ring Days every semester; this is an opportunity for Jaguars with 60+ credits to receive their ring as they step on the University Seal surrounded by their loved ones. 

David Mantiply, the Administrative Coordinator for New Student Programs and A&M-SA Alum, reflected on his Ring Ceremony recently. “Receiving my ring was a big deal to me. It was a reminder of not only my hard work and sacrifice but also a reminder that I wasn’t alone in my academic journey. Ring days are special to all of us here on campus, and sharing this milestone with family and friends is a memory that will last forever. I would not have been able to have these memories if it weren’t for the help I received when purchasing my ring, which is why I have decided to pay it forward,”  said Mantiply.

Mantiply was a transfer student who joined the Delta Chi Chapter at A&M-SA, founded in 2018. Following graduation, he became a full-time staff member on campus. He has had the opportunity to continue connecting with his fraternity's new classes and was inspired to help them with their own ring purchases. 

He will be spending the month of August fundraising for a Ring Scholarship for one of his fellow Delta Chi brothers to have a Herf Jones graduation ring.

To fundraise and honor Delta Chi Founder's Week (October 9th-15th), Mantiply will be dying his hair one of the five main colors. His choice of hair color will be determined based on a voting poll (($1= 1 vote); the colors are Red, Buff (Blonde), Maroon, Silver, and Black.

You can vote as many times as you would like, and a winner will be announced on the 27th of August. 

Donate here: https://linktr.ee/dmantiply 

Or drop cash in the New Student Programs office on the first floor of Patriots’ Casa.

In conjunction with LatinX Heritage Month, we are incredibly proud to celebrate our 5th anniversary of being designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). This designation underscores our mission and commitment to intentionally serve the LatinX student through providing equitable, high-quality education and experiences. We commemorate this journey with our first HSI Week: Celebrating Cinco. A&M-SA will include events and discussions to foster and promote inclusive conversations about the Hispanic culture and the benefits of being a Hispanic Serving Institution. 

HSI's are defined by federal law as accredited, degree-granting, public or private nonprofit institutions of Higher Education. With 25% or more total undergraduate Hispanic full-time equivalent (FTE) student enrollment, which also has an enrollment of low-income students and low average educational and general expenditures per FTE student, compared to similar institutions

Among the events scheduled is a multipart series titled T.A.M.A.L.E.S.: Talking About Making all LatinX Experiences Successful. Each of these opportunities showcases the vibrant LatinX community on campus and in San Antonio while providing beautiful experiences for all participants.

Event list:

Movie Night with Selenas 

Sept. 12 at 7 PM in the Auditorium 

“Talking About Making all LatinX Experiences Successful: T.A.M.A.L.E.S.” Series

Part I: HSI Week: The National Landscape. Presented by Dr. Deborah Santiago

Part II: HSI Week: Texas landscape for HSI – Demographics. Presented by Dr. Wenzer-Serrano

Part III: Next Steps for Latinx Success at Texas A&M- S.A. Presented by Dr. Adriana Santos, and Dr. Mari Fuentes-Martin

If you are interested in learning more about A&M-SA’s relationship being an HSI., please visit our HSI page here.

On Saturday, September 24, 2022, more than 180 Jaguar students, staff, and faculty volunteered their time at four local nonprofit organizations and on campus. These sites included the San Antonio Food Bank’s Urban Farm, San Antonio ISD Foundation’s Book Buddies program, Morgan’s Wonderland, the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, as well as at the ¡Vivan Los Niños! Children and Culture Celebration held on campus. 

These volunteers helped the community organizations and events meet their mission by volunteering at crafts tables, packaging books for students in underserved communities, helping to harvest the urban farm for those suffering from food insecurity, landscaping an amusement park for children of all abilities and helping a cultural center prepare for their Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos celebration. 

Save the date for the next Paws Up Service Day on February 25, 2023!

A&m-SA recognizes Veterans Week November 7-11, 2022. This annual event features programming that educates and celebrates the experiences and sacrifices of those who have served our country. 

This memorial day began as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country's service and was initially called Armistice Day. When first celebrated, the day marked the end of World War I, formally recognized on the "11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month" in 1918. The holiday was changed to "Veterans Day" to account for all veterans of all wars. Today, we celebrate the day as Veterans Day, still recognizing the original tie with November 11.

With over 800 military-affiliated students enrolled in Fall 2022, The Office of Military Affairs continually organizes programming and resources for Jaguars.

Nov 7-11 Veterans Week Events at Texas A&M University-San Antonio:

Nov. 7, Red, White, & Thank you with Student Counseling and Wellness

Express gratitude for your fellow service members

11 A.M. - 1 P.M. | Bookstore Lobby

Escape Room- The Search for the Internship!

This year’s annual Internship Week was held October 17-21st, with many fun Halloween-inspired educational activities for students to learn about internships. From the Defeat Bowser gaming event to Haunted House Trivia, all events were a Spooktacular way for students to engage at the Mays Center.

One event that stood out was a unique, newly created Internship Escape Room. In the style of traditional escape rooms, this one took the concept to the next level by providing students with clues to find the perfect internship. In a genuinely experiential learning style, the students also engaged in a reflection after their escape. Many students reported learning about career advising, searching, and using Handshake.

As students worked together, mostly with peers they had never met, they were inspired by the four primary skills they developed: communication, teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking. These key skills are part of the 8 National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Competencies, which the Mays Center works to teach students about daily. The 8 include communication, teamwork, critical thinking, equity and inclusion, technology, career and self-development, leadership, and professionalism. We dare say these students actually used all eight skills in the Escape Room event!

The week of events was a great success because students gained resources and confidence in their understanding of internships overall. As well, many students reported they would be searching for internships and connecting with their career advisors in the future- aMAYSing!

By Jesse Lopez, Marketing Manager, Mays Center for Experiential Learning and Community Engagement

Career READY gets new life, providing A&M-San Antonio students with monetary support for real-world work experience.

The Texas A&M University-San Antonio announced the renewal and enhancement of the Career READY Program, enabling work-study eligible students to be paid $15 per hour at traditionally unpaid, off-campus internship sites across the San Antonio area and remotely.

“This year, we received $200K to award students – the highest amount we’ve been given in any one year of this 3-year program,” said Mysti Frazier, Assistant Director for Internships at the Mays Center for Experiential Learning and Community Engagement.

Student and Community Impact

Many students have already benefitted from participating since its inception in December 2020. Since then, 48 student participants have made significant work contributions for 42 employers while gaining invaluable real-world work experience. A&M-SA provided this program to 26 students for the Fall 2022 semester and is excited to offer similar opportunities to eligible students in the Spring 2023 semester.

“[Career READY] helped me narrow down what I want to do after I graduate college. It taught me what it takes to succeed in my chosen career field,” said Gabriel Manjarrez, a senior A&M – SA student majoring in Kinesiology. “The program has helped me connect with people I may not have connected with alone. The program put me in a position to succeed!”

Program Availability

Career READY is coordinated with the Mays Center for Experiential Learning and Community Engagement, the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, Human Resources, all academic colleges, and several community employers. Our partners and employers continue their commitment to providing students the opportunity to “learn and earn” during their internship experience, to be READY for their field of work. Product The program will reopen in the spring of 2023. For this and other internship programming and resources from the Mays Center, please visit our website to review the application qualifications and guidelines starting January 3, 2023.

Generation Esports is a nonprofit that builds community through gaming, education, and charity. We're the largest league for high school esports and rapidly growing middle school and college leagues. Their mission is simple; educate teens by playing games, create a space for mentorship and community, and partner with schools and charities to create opportunities for youth. The foundation of generation esports is scholastic gaming and the positive impact of video games in schools. Students in our leagues learn teamwork, leadership, communication, time management, and other valuable life skills that help them succeed academically and in life. In the last school year alone, we gave out hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to students in our program!

The esports team at Texas A&M University-San Antonio is a WINNER of the 2022 Learn and Build STEAM (LABS) program! Gaming equipment was provided to schools by Generation Esports in partnership with AMD and ASUS. In addition to hundreds of college applicants nationwide, A&M-SA was chosen as one of five winners! The program is designed to increase the presence of competitive collegiate esports at universities across the country and help expose a new generation to the benefits of STEM subjects like computer science and coding. As winners, the school will receive six all-new gaming PCs to be used in their esports lab. This will significantly benefit our students as they compete in tournaments against other colleges and universities nationwide.

"Receiving these six gaming stations is an incredible boon for our program – we will continue to succeed at the highest levels of collegiate esports and create great content for our community,” said A&M-SA Head Esports Coach Aaron Jaggers. “Six additional gaming stations empower A&M-SA esports to host collegiate events for local high schools and our community at large.”

The Mays Center would like to congratulate A&M-SA graduate Paul Poianco for receiving a position as a Data Engineer at the United States Airforce AFMAA. We are excited for you! 🥳#BlueShirtSuccess

"I'm extremely blessed. The Mays Center was able to assist me with Handshake. This job will help me with my career goals because I will be able to use my skills."

Meet Taryn Deppe, a Graduate Intern in Writing and Communications at the Office of the President, Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Look below to see how she was able to get help from the Mays Center.🥳 #BlueShirtSuccess

"With my general career goal being Higher Ed, specifically Student Success or DEI, this opportunity will not only prepare me for professional writing in Higher Ed and offer experience in inter-departmental collaboration."

"A career advisor helped me prepare my cover letter for my graduate school application, later landing me this Graduate Internship. In general, the Mays Center as a whole has greatly contributed to my collective success."