Student Life

This is an archived copy of the 2020-2021 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.tamiu.edu/.

Counseling and Disability Services

Counseling Services
Counseling services are available to all Texas A&M International University students. Student Counseling Services offers a broad range of services and is supported by the student health fees paid each semester; therefore, counseling services are available to currently enrolled students. Early College High School and/or concurrent enrollment high school students may seek counseling services from their designated high school counselor.

The Office of Student Counseling and Disability Services provides an environment supportive of the intellectual, emotional, spiritual and physical development of all TAMIU students. We strive to empower them to be capable and competent adults while adjusting to the challenges and transitions to University life as well as ensuring equal access for students with disabilities to all curricular and co-curricular opportunities offered by the University.

Student Counseling Services staff understand that psychological adjustment is connected to the health of the whole person —including the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of the individual. As such, staff clinicians may use testing and assessment to assist in diagnosis, treatment planning and to facilitate the helpfulness of therapy. Assistance is often provided for concerns such as stress management, adjustment to college, study skills, time management, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, and self-destructive behaviors.

The Student Counseling Services provides a variety of services for the TAMIU community. Our main service is counseling/psychotherapy provided individually, as a couple, or as a group. Psychological education is also offered through workshops and presentations held periodically around campus during regular semesters.

In general, our staff’s work with individuals emphasizes short-term treatment, which utilizes an issue of focus for counseling determined by both the individual and the clinician, and aims at management of that particular issue within a relatively brief amount of time. Student Counseling Services offers support for a variety of challenges and concerns that at times do require professional assistance as well as referral to medical and/or other appropriate community resources to maximize health and wellbeing. Additionally, the staff is qualified to assist individuals in identifying long-term or more intensive treatment options in the community in cases where extended care is indicated.

Through our endeavors, we support the educational mission of Texas A&M International University. As a staff, we attempt to facilitate mutual respect and understanding among people of diverse backgrounds, spiritual beliefs, sexual orientation, physical ability and other types of diversity.

Student Counseling Services is located in the Student Center 128. Hours of service are Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 8am to 5pm (Friday is only until 3pm after the 20th class day) and Wednesday-Thursday from 8am to 6pm.

The staff is on call after regular hours of operation of the University. In the event of a crisis after regular hours of service or during university holidays, campus police may be contacted at 326-2911 and a counselor will be made available.
For questions, please call (956) 326-2230 (voice/TTY), or stop by to make an appointment to speak with a counselor at the Student Center 128.

Disability Services for Students (DSS)
Texas A&M International University is aware of and deeply concerned with the unique challenges that students with disabilities face. Texas A&M International University is committed to reducing and eliminating a number of barriers that such students may encounter as they work towards their educational goals.

Disability Services for Students promotes a supportive learning community to empower students with disabilities to accomplish their academic goals by ensuring accessibility to university programs. We aim to foster greater awareness both of, and for, persons with disabilities in our multilingual, multicultural international environment.

Disability Services for Students will assist any student who has an appropriately documented disability with coordinating needed support services. These services will be coordinated between the University and if available, with government or private agencies.

Students with appropriately documented disabilities may request reasonable accommodations that will afford them equal access to all educational programs and activities that Texas A&M International University provides. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, states that qualified students with disabilities have the right to request and obtain reasonable accommodations to afford students equal access to courses, program services, activities, and facilities offered through the University.

Although students with disabilities may request services at any time during the school year, students are encouraged to meet with the Disability Coordinator or Director of Student Counseling and Disability Services to request services prior to the first day of class. To be eligible for services, a student must be fully admitted and enrolled at Texas A&M International University, has submitted appropriate and current documentation concerning the disability to DSS, and request accommodations.

Each request for services made to DSS will be taken into consideration on an individual basis. Students have the right to due process proceedings to challenge or correct actions the University or DSS has taken, may take, or has not taken for an individual student's benefit, or if DSS has failed to aid the student in a reasonable fashion. If the student feels that her or his documented disability is not being appropriately accommodated by Texas A&M International University's DSS, the student has the right to obtain outside legal counsel or proceedings.

Texas A&M International University's DSS offers a variety of services for students with disabilities, including the following: accessible furniture in classrooms, assistance in recruiting note takers, assistance in ordering audio books, equipment loan (e.g., recorders, colored overlays), materials enlarged (e.g., exams, handouts), sign language interpreters, alternative testing arrangements, and other reasonable services.

Students with disabilities at Texas A&M International University are expected to: meet the University's qualifications as well as essential technical, academic, and institutional standards; provide documentation from an appropriate professional explaining how their disability limits functioning in courses, programs, services, etc.; identify themselves in a timely manner to the Office for Disability Services for Students when seeking reasonable accommodations; meet qualifications and maintain essential instructional standards for courses, programs, services, etc.; seek information, counsel, and assistance as necessary; and follow specific procedures for obtaining reasonable accommodation(s) and/or auxiliary aid(s) and services.

This office is part of the Student Counseling Services. To make an appointment, call (956) 326-3086 (voice/TTY), or stop by the Student Center 126.

Health Services

Student Health Services is staffed with qualified healthcare professionals. The mission of Student Health Services is to enhance the educational processes of students by reducing or eliminating health-related barriers to learning. In addition, Student Health Services is directed at improving wellness, enabling students to make informed decisions about health related concerns, and empowering students to be self-directed consumers of their health care. Some of the services provided are:

  • First aid for illness and injury
  • Referral to medical facilities or services
  • Consultation with Physician by appointment, subject to availability
  • Consultation with Family Nurse Practitioner by appointment, subject to availability
  • Immunizations; Texas Vaccine for Children (TVFC) provider
  • Tuberculosis (TB) screening available Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, by appointment
  • Blood pressure screening and monitoring
  • Physical exams for program requirement (CSON, ROTC, Athletics, ISA Study Abroad)
  • Sexual health education and birth control
  • STI (sexually transmitted illness) screening and testing, by appointment
  • Health promotion and disease prevention for individuals and groups
  • Condom distribution site
  • Free and confidential HIV/Hepatitis C screening and testing, by appointment
  • Medication and laboratory prescriptions, as ordered by Physician
  • Women’s Health services, by appointment
  • Travel health appointments and online training using Travel Health 101 for study abroad programs
  • Individual appointments to meet TAMIU Trailblazers requirement  
  • Online management of Bacterial Meningitis vaccine records using Med+Proctor.
  • Electronic Medical Records

For more information or to make an appointment, please call 956.326.2235 or visit Student Center 125.

Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine Requirements
As of January 1, 2012, Texas law (Senate Bill 1107 and Senate Bill 62) requires that students* entering institutions of higher education either receive a vaccination against bacterial meningitis or meet certain criteria for declining such a vaccination at least 10 days prior to the first day of their first semester.  Student who do not comply with the requirement are subject to being dropped from their classes.  

The vaccination requirement applies to new students, transfer students and students returning to TAMIU who have experienced a break in their TAMIU enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester.  You are exempt from the vaccination requirement only if any of the following apply:

  • You are 22 years of age or older as of the first day of the semester
  • You are enrolled only in online or other distance education courses
  • You are enrolled in a continuing education course or program that is less than 360 contact hours
  • You are enrolled in a dual credit course which is taught at a facility not located on the TAMIU campus

Important Considerations:

  • The bacterial meningitis vaccination must be administered by a Health Practitioner authorized by law to administer an immunization.
  • Vaccinations administered more than 5 years prior to the start of the semester will require a booster.
  • International students are strongly encouraged to obtain the bacterial meningitis vaccination before entering the United States. International vaccine records must be submitted in English. 
  • All vaccine records must be submitted electronically using Med+Proctor.

For more information on bacterial meningitis vaccine requirement visit http://www.tamiu.edu/health/MeningitisVaccineRequirement.shtml.

Confidentiality
All information obtained at the Student Health Services office of Texas A&M International University is strictly confidential as protected by law and professional ethics. Medical records are set apart from all other records at the University and are not released to any other person or agency within or outside the University without the patient’s written consent, except as described by law.  

Notification: Because medical services are confidential for students 18 years of age or older, parents are not notified of routine treatment given at TAMIU Student Health Services. In case of emergency requiring a student’s hospitalization, the physician, staff, or student will communicate with parents or guardian

Alcohol/Drug Education and Prevention
Please refer to the Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Policy of the Student Handbook for applicable restrictions.

Housing

On-campus residential communities provide students with outstanding living and dining facilities, a staff devoted to students success, and easy access to university resources and services. Campus housing facilities can accommodate 712 students in residence hall and apartment style living.

Each student living in the residence halls or apartments is expected to respect individual rights and follow community living standards.

Campus housing facilities can accommodate 464 students in the residence halls and 248 students in apartment styled facilities. The amenities featured in housing are designed to provide a resort-like atmosphere.

Release from a housing contract is granted only if the student is no longer enrolled with the University. The Terms and Conditions of the contract should be reviewed with specific details. If a student leaves residence, he/she is still liable for all the room and board charges per the Terms and Conditions of the contract. For answers to additional questions, contact the Office of Housing and Residence Life.

Intercollegiate Athletics

Texas A&M International University is a Division II member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Lone Star Conference. The NCAA is a voluntary organization through which the nation’s colleges and universities govern their athletics programs. The Lone Star Conference is a NCAA Division II conference comprised of the following institutions: Angelo State University, Cameron University, Dallas Baptist University, Eastern New Mexico University, Lubbock Christian University, Midwestern State University, Oklahoma Christian University, St. Edward’s University, St. Mary’s University, Texas A&M International University, Texas A&M-Commerce University, Texas A&M-Kingsville University, Texas Woman’s University, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, University of Texas Permian Basin, University of Texas at Tyler, West Texas A&M University, Western New Mexico University.

Texas A&M International University currently sponsors the following 11 NCAA Division II programs: Baseball, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Men’s Cross Country, Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Golf, Women’s Golf, Softball, Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer and Volleyball. TAMIU students with valid ID cards are admitted without charge to all regular season home athletic contests.

International Engagement

The Office of International Engagement provides campus-wide internationalization initiatives advocating for, supporting and implementing the University’s goals for international education, student mobility and exchange. International Engagement strives to be the hub for all international activities as a means to prepare all students for a global society through a supportive environment anchored on student success, by offering guidance to international students, leading students through study abroad experiences, and the promotion of innovative multi-cultural programs focused on dialogue that encourage the exchange of ideas and opportunities for self-discovery.

International Engagement provides the following services:

  • Promote international education through events, study abroad opportunities and student mobility which provide students with experiences that allow for an increased awareness of self, groups, social and cultural diversity.
  • Create study abroad opportunities and guide students through the process.
  • Assist faculty with program development and courses taught abroad.
  • Educate and inform international students and scholars of U.S. immigration regulations pertaining to their student visa.
  • Assist international students with their transition in academic, social and cultural adjustment through integration initiatives.
  • Provide guidance for TAMIU students as they relate to university sponsored international travel.
  • Assist faculty with the process of hosting international scholars.
  • Establish and manage partnerships with educational institutions abroad.
  • Serve as a passport facility.

More information on International Engagement may be found: http://www.tamiu.edu/international/

Recreational Sports

The 55,000 sq. ft. Rec Center is located on the southeast side of campus. The Rec Center features open recreation areas for indoor sports and exercise as well as scheduled fitness and intramural programming. The department of Rec Sports is committed to providing programs, facilities, and services to enhance the quality of life and educational experiences of our diverse University and local community. The experiences gained through participation with Rec Sports programming are aligned with the University's core values that include respect, integrity, service and excellence. In addition to our services and programs, the Rec Center also provides our students opportunities to engage in non-recreational activities at our Dusty’s Den game room located in room 130 of the Student Center. For more information, come tour our facility or call (956) 326-2289. We are also available online at www.tamiu.edu/recsports.

Student Conduct and Community Engagement

The Office of Student Conduct and Community Engagement (SCCE) makes every attempt to meet the needs of the University’s globally diverse students through various resources and programs designed to enhance the experience of all students. For this, students can request assistance to learn about their rights and responsibilities, unforeseen financial assistance, crisis intervention support, unforeseen medical leave request, and other special needs the student may encounter.  Staff is dedicated to give students the highest quality customer service, and we’re happy to help you when you need it.  Contact SCCE (scce@tamiu.edu) at 956.326.2265 or visit Student Center 226.

In addition, all University students must be acquainted with and bound by the University rules and regulations as stated in the Student Handbook which is available on-line at https://www.tamiu.edu/scce/studenthandbook.shtml.

Texas A&M International University reserves the right, through due process, to place on probation, suspend, or expel any student for improper conduct.

Student Orientation, Leadership & Engagement

The Office of Student Orientation, Leadership and Engagement (SOLE) fosters dynamic, student-centered co-curricular experiences that challenge, support and empower students to develop critical navigation skills and strengthen their unique Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) experience and success. SOLE, in support of the Division of Student Success and university values, creates an innovative student experience that empowers students to become active and engaged citizens and leaders in a global society. 

New Student Orientation
Hundreds of students enter the University each year and new student orientation has been developed to address the needs of students. A $150 nonrefundable, one-time fee is assessed to all new undergraduate freshmen and transfer students for this program. Orientation is mandatory for all new undergraduate students, excluding concurrent students and is offered in January of each year and throughout the months of June, July and August.  Specific orientation sessions for international students that address their particular needs, in addition to new student orientation activities, are offered throughout the year as well.

Co-Curricular Leadership Programs
SOLE offers various opportunities for students to explore their leadership potential. Co-curricular leadership experiences provide students with a great addition to your resume and prepare students for life after TAMIU. Whether your passion is working in teams, impacting positive change or developing your personal strengths, there is a program for you. Programs include the Freshman Leadership Organization (FLO), Sophomore Leaders Involved in Change (SLIiC), Leadership TAMIU, International Leadership Series, National Society of Leadership and Success, SOLE Summit and TAMIU Trailblazers.

Student Government Association
The representative governing body of all students at TAMIU is Student Government Association (SGA). This elected student member body is directly responsible for representing the interests of the student body to the administration and to the entire University community. The SGA interacts with the administration of the University on issues such as changes to rules and regulations, allocation of some student service fees, and student membership on university committees. It also conducts programs that are of service to the students including voter registration, conferences on student government and student leadership activities.

Campus Activities Board
The Campus Activities Board (CAB) is responsible for bringing entertainment to the entire campus community. Through its programming, CAB engages students with our vibrant campus life while providing members and the student body at large leadership development opportunities.  Events include the Welcome Week, Loteria, Halloween Fest, Spirit Week and Pre-Exam Jam.  In addition, CAB partners with various University offices to co-host various other events that leave a lasting impact on the community.

Greek Life
The Greek community at TAMIU amplifies your undergraduate experience by challenging Dustdevils in the areas of service, involvement, academics, sisterhood or brotherhood. These organizations create a sense of belonging and play an integral role in student development and life on the TAMIU campus.  In addition to the various sororities and fraternities available to join at the University, the TAMIU Greek Council provides specific support and guidance to our growing Greek life while promoting unity among member organizations.

Student Organizations
TAMIU is home to over 100 recognized student organizations. Academic honor societies, community service organizations, faith based groups and Greek life all offer opportunities to get involved on campus. SOLE provides support to these organizations as they host annual events, fund raise and advocate for their respective mission and goals. To learn more about how to get involved at TAMIU, visit: trailblazers.tamiu.edu

Student Travel

Student travel that includes both student organization(s) and non-student organization(s) traveling internationally or domestic, must submit electronic paperwork via the Trailblazers webpage: https://trailblazers.tamiu.edu/.  Proper documentation will be required to be submitted prior to travel taking place for approval.  For more information regarding student travel, please visit: http://www.tamiu.edu/compliance/documents/Rules%20and%20SAPs/13.04.99.L1StudentTravel.pdf

For more information, please contact the Office of Student Orientation, Leadership and Engagement at 956.326.2280 or the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at 956.326.2194.