Dr. Sidai Dong | February 20, 2024 | 10:00am-12:00pm | Zoom

March 13, 2024 | 11:00am-12:00pm | Zoom

Monteigne Long & Megan Wilkinson| April 4, 2024 | 11:00am-12:00pm | Zoom

Register for free here! 

Dr. Hallmark | Missed the presentation? See the recording here!

With the noise and anxiety that has surrounded SB 17 implementation, coupled with changes within the university, it can be easy to forget why we are here. James Hallmark, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the A&M System, will share some thoughts regarding purpose and the current tensions in what (he hopes) will be a positive discussion of our current challenges in the context of our mission. 

Speaker Bio: Dr. James Hallmark currently serves as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the Texas A&M University System overseeing faculty, curriculum, student affairs, student success, enrollment management/admissions, and special projects for the 11 universities and 155,000 students in the A&M System. Prior to this appointment, Hallmark served as Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs at West Texas A&M University (where he also served as interim president in 2016) as well as a lengthy term as Dean of the Graduate School and Research at that institution. In addition, he has served as Interim President at Texas A&M University Kingsville in 2022 and President of the Texas Council of Chief Academic Officers 2011-2012. Hallmark received his Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of Oklahoma in Communication with a focus on organizational socialization, and his Bachelor of Arts from Oklahoma Christian College with a double major in American Studies and Communication.

Austin Community College Representatives | Missed the presentation? View the recording here!

Creating a supportive and inclusive environment for neurodivergent students in college is essential for their academic success and overall well-being. Cultivating a sense of purpose and belonging for these students can significantly contribute to their positive college experience. Through strength-based learning opportunities, Austin Community College provides essential wrap-around services to foster neurodivergent student's sense of purpose and belonging.  

Join Samantha Thomson, Austin Community College's Transformation Coach, and her neurodivergent student leaders from Austin Community College's student-led organization NeuroBats of ACCess Autism. In this presentation, we will provide insight into the neurodivergent brain and how it operates. Through a first-hand experience with our neurodivergent student leaders, you will hear their stories, learn strategies to help ease executive functioning barriers and gain insight into the wrap-around services offered at ACC that have changed their trajectory moving them through persistence and toward academic, professional, and personal success. Austin Community College believes in the students' voice, so please sit back, relax, and learn as the student leaders provide you with how a strength-based approach can create a sense of belonging for ALL students.  

Samantha Thomson identifies as neurodivergent, holds a Master's in autism spectrum disorder, and has over 15 years of experience working with autistic adults. Samantha is also an Advanced Certified Autism Specialist (ACAS), a Certified Neurodivergent Professional (CNP), and is currently working on her Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist Intensive Training (ASDCS).  

See bios from 5 presenters below!

Samantha Thomson, she/her

Samantha has worked for Austin Community College for 9 years and holds an advanced certification as an autism specialist, a master's in Autism Spectrum Disorder, and is a certified neurodivergent professional. In her current role as a Student Experience and Outcomes Transformation Coach at Austin Community College, Samantha Thomson works to increase equitable outcomes, bridging the gap between ACC and employment for neurodivergent persons. One of Sam’s specialties is providing comprehensive training in social cognition, executive functioning, and self-advocacy skills to increase professional success rates, including the long-term, professional goals of her students. Additionally, Sam provides training and workshops to establish meaningful and supportive connections with community partners to scale services for the neurodiverse population. In addition to her role as a transformation coach, Samantha is also the advisor for ACC's student-led organization NeuroBats of ACCess Autism, an ACC GROW supervisor, and the creator of the ACC virtual realty program for neurodivergent students, BatVntR.

The Office of the Registrar is excited to offer Registrar 101 (REGI 101) training on Monday, October 23, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Rudder Tower 601. To provide accessibility for those who cannot attend in person, the workshop will also be offered via ZOOM.

REGI 101 is a collaborative full-day workshop designed for academic advisors with all levels of experience. It will provide a comprehensive overview of the Office of the Registrar’s services and in-depth procedural guidance on processes housed within and supported by the Office. REGI 101 learning outcomes are aligned with the NACADA Academic Advising Core Competencies to ensure applicable professional development for participants.

Topics will include:

• Registration and Classroom Scheduling

• FERPA

• Records Administration

• Curriculum, Advising and Program Planning (CAPP) 

• University Adjustment System (UAS) and Curriculum Maintenance 

• Graduation Clearance 

• State Policies 

• Athletic Certification

Registration is now open through TrainTraq. The course number for REGI 101 is 2114676. Please note that there are two sections of this course – one for individuals participating in person and another for individuals participating remotely. Please register accordingly. You must be logged into SSO for these links to take you directly to the course registration site.

For the in-person section please register for Registrar 101, Section 10064.

For the Zoom section please register for Registrar 101, Section 10065.

The check-in desk will be inside Rudder 601. A continental breakfast and box lunch will be served at the Rudder Tower location. If you have any dietary needs or need any special accommodation, please contact Kelleen Stine-Cheyne at kelleen@tamu.edu.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Marc Huffstickler | Missed the presentation? View the recording here!

- Communicate the decommissioning of the Howdy Dashboard degree planner and auto-audits with planned courses

- Present on upcoming Howdy Portal enhancements planned for 2024

- Communicate upcoming Class Roster changes planned for 2024

Mark is an associate director in IT in the EIS/EAS group.  His team is responsible for many of the student/faculty/advisor facing web services associated with the student information system (Banner/Compass) as well as the Howdy Portal.

Madalyn Smith | Missed the presentation? View the recording here!

Interested in presenting at a conference? Not sure where to start? Feeling overwhelmed by submitting a proposal? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are in the right place. Join me for an informative and interactive session on how to create a totally rockin’ conference proposal. I will share my top tips and tricks for creating and submitting a conference proposal that is sure to get accepted. This session will provide you valuable how-to’s for your proposal journey whether you have your eye on local, state, or national conferences. 

Madalyn Smith is an Employee Wellness Coordinator with Texas A&M University. Before transitioning into this role, she served as an academic advisor for nearly 10 years at multiple institutions. She is an accomplished public speaker and workshop leader. She has presented at local, state, and national advising and other professional development conferences. She has even won the “best of” title at multiple conferences. She has become a wiz at conference proposals and is excited to share her experiences and tips for success with other professionals. 

Eva Magallan  | November 2, 2023 | 1:30-3:00pm CST | Zoom

Register for free here!

What does it take to be a daring advisor?

This session will review how academic advisors can embrace vulnerability in their academic style. Advisors will learn how daring advisors care and connect with their advisees through vulnerability and empathy. We will also discuss how to rumble with feedback and discuss tips to practice empathy. Additionally, we will go over the daring advisor leadership approach to discover your leading advising style. By understanding your leading style this will help in being self-aware of how you advise and assist students.

Eva Magallan is an academic advisor for the School of Nursing at Texas A&M where she advises undergraduate and graduate students. She has been advising for nearly 10 years at A&M. Eva earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English and a graduate certificate in Mexican American studies from The University of Texas-Pan American-Edinburg, Texas. Eva is in her final semester of the master's in educational psychology program and graduate certificate program in adult education at Texas A&M University-College Station.

Taylor Louder | November 7, 2023 | 12:00-1:00pm CST | Zoom

Register for free here!

Join Taylor Louder, Career Services Coordinator for Texas A&M University, for a presentation that explores the unique challenges faced by first-generation students on their path to career success. In this session, we will delve into the barriers that often hinder students’ career learning and development and provide practical strategies to overcome these obstacles. Discover how to empower first-gen students to navigate the journey towards fulfilling careers while also involving and educating their families to become valuable allies in their pursuit of success. Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of first-gen students and help them unlock their full potential in the professional world!

Taylor Louder is a Career Services Coordinator at Texas A&M University, a renowned institution recognized for its commitment to excellence in education and innovation. She serves the diverse student population of the Higher Education Center at McAllen, a branch of Texas A&M dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities to students local to the Rio Grande Valley.

With over 10 years of experience in leadership and talent development roles, both in industry and higher education, Taylor has played a crucial role in establishing and enhancing the Career Center at Texas A&M's Higher Education Center at McAllen. Through collaboration with faculty, creative engagement with students, and customized programming tailored to the unique needs of her student demographics, she has created a strong presence for career services within the university community.

Taylor's passion lies in guiding students and graduates to clarify their career goals and achieve them. Through personalized advising, comprehensive programming, and access to valuable resources, she empowers individuals to navigate the complex job market with confidence.