Counseling and Disability Services

Counseling Services

TAMIU Student Counseling Services (SCS) exists to advance student development and academic success by providing our community with personalized and evidence-based mental health care. All of us encounter stressors, problems, and challenging events in our lives, and, for the most part, we can find an equitable resolution on our own or with the help of family and friends. And then, there are occasions when we struggle to find a solution to the problem(s) or have trouble talking about certain things going on with us to people close to us. This might be the time to reach out and take advantage of our services in a safe, welcoming, confidential, and compassionate environment that embraces diversity and inclusivity.

Our mission is to provide our students with timely and flexible access to wellness and mental health resources and to empower them to find solutions to their problems, imbue them with resiliency, help them achieve their goals, and feel better. Ours is a commitment to promote and support the whole person (intellectually, physically, emotionally, psychologically, socially, and spiritually) and improve our student’s well-being.

Our short-term, goal-oriented services align with the TAMIU semester terms. In addition to the myriad counseling services offered, we provide faculty consultations and outreach services to promote emotional wellness, prevention, stigma reduction, and psychoeducational programming.   Please visit our counseling website (https://www.tamiu.edu/counseling/) for more information about our services, hours of operation, treatment delivery platforms, suggested resources, etc.

We are in the Student Center, Suite 128. You may also call our office to learn more about what SCS offers and schedule an appointment at (956) 326-2230. If you are experiencing a crisis, call our office at (956)326-2230 and dial 3, 24/7, to be immediately connected to a crisis counselor.

Disability Services for Students (DSS)

Disability Services for Students (DSS) at TAMIU is dedicated to facilitating equal and integrated access to educational programs and opportunities so our students with disabilities can meet their academic and personal goals. We at DSS aim to promote a university-wide environment and attitudinal atmosphere where disability is seen as a valued aspect and are the principal forces driving accessibility and academic success.  Our DSS office coordinates appropriate accommodations for eligible students in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA Amendment Act of 2008 so that physical, programmatic, and attitudinal barriers are eliminated university wide.

Please visit our website  https://www.tamiu.edu/disability/index.shtml to explore who is eligible for disability services, how to request accommodations, the types of disability-related services available, what substantial impairment of functioning means, how reasonable and appropriate accommodations are determined, policies and procedures, and the like.   We are in the Student Center, Suite 124. You may also call our office to find out more about our services and schedule an appointment at (956) 326-3086.

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 Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner by appointment, subject to availability
• Immunizations; Texas Vaccine for Children (TVFC) provider
• Influenza vaccines for registered students
• Tuberculosis (TB) screening available Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, by appointment
• Blood pressure screening and monitoring
• Screening for infectious illness by healthcare provider, subject to availability (COVID-19, STREP, FLU A/B)
• Physical exams for program requirement (CSON, ROTC, Athletics, Study Abroad, etc.)
• 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 caused by the most common types of the bacteria, or serogroups A, C, W and Y, or meet certain criteria for declining such a vaccination at least 10 days prior to the first day of their first semester. Students who do not comply with the requirement are subject to being dropped from their classes.  Only the bacterial meningitis vaccine, or MCV4, will meet the vaccine requirement of the university. Meningitis B vaccines cannot be accepted as proof of meningitis vaccination.

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

Live, learn, and thrive! On-campus residential communities provide students walk-to-class convenience, tools that help you make the grade, and community events that keep you connected. All of this makes University Village and the Residential Learning Community the premier student housing choice at Texas A&M International University.
Get the lifestyle you want with our fully furnished units featuring private bedroom and bathroom floor plans. Our Academic Success Centers and Recreation Centers are just added amenities that all student residents will enjoy! Plus, our professional on-site management and staff dedicated to serving your needs and helping you enjoy your college experience at TAMIU.

To apply for housing, visit rlctamiuliving.com for the Residential Learning Community and tamiuliving.com for the University Village. 

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, Sul Ross State University, Texas A&M International University, Texas A&M-Kingsville University, Texas Woman’s University, 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 Experiences

The Office of International Experiences provides campus-wide internationalization initiatives advocating for, supporting, and implementing the University’s goals for international education, student mobility and exchange. International Experiences strives to be the hub for all international activities 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 Experiences provides the following services:

• Promote international education through cultural events, study abroad and study away opportunities, and student mobility which provide students with experiences that allow for an increased awareness of self and intercultural understanding.
• Develop 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.
• Support international students with their transition in academic, social, and cultural adjustment through integration initiatives.
• Guide TAMIU students and student organizations as they relate to university sponsored international travel.
• Aid faculty with the process of hosting international scholars.
• Establish and manage partnerships with educational institutions abroad.
• Serve as a U.S. Passport Acceptance Agency.

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

Recreational Sports

Discover TAMIU Rec Sports, strategically located on the southeast side of campus. Our expansive 55,000 sq. ft. Rec Center offers versatile recreation areas for indoor sports and exercise, complemented by an outdoor complex equipped with turf and heavy-duty workout equipment. Committed to enhancing the quality of life and educational experiences for our diverse University and local community, the Department of Recreational Sports goes beyond traditional offerings. Our programs now include personal training, specialty classes, and exciting outdoor adventures such as biking, hiking, and camping, along with nationally recognized ESPORTS teams.

Dive into the recreational possibilities at our game room, conveniently located in room 130 of the Student Center. Plus, get ready for an exciting collaboration! The Department of Recreational Sports has teamed up with the City of Laredo to introduce a cutting-edge tennis center on the northeastern side of the university. This upcoming facility will feature 18 tennis courts and comprehensive tennis programming.

For more details, contact us at (956) 326-2289 or explore our website at https://www.tamiu.edu/recsports. Your journey to a vibrant and active campus life starts here!

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 violation of the student code of 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. All programs are geared to provide you with career readiness and marketable skill development such as leadership, teamwork, intercultural fluency, critical thinking, and communication. SOLE, in support of the Division of Student Engagement 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, ensuring their successful transition to the Dustdevil community and know available resources. 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, Social Change 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
Scholarship. Leadership. Service. Connection. Multiculturalism. These are the values of the Greek community at TAMIU. 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, special interest organizations, performance arts organizations, political and advocacy 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: https://tamiu.presence.io/

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://tamiu.presence.io.  Proper documentation will be required to be submitted prior to travel taking place for approval.  For more information regarding student travel, please visit: https://www.tamiu.edu/compliance/documents/Rules%20and%20SAPs/13.04.99.l1studenttravelrule.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.