News & Announcements

Aggies In Action With Resident Advisor John Mark Connally ’28

For aerospace engineering major John Mark Connally ’28, starting his sophomore year at Texas A&M University has meant stepping into a new role as a resident advisor.

“I really like interacting with people,” Connally said. “It was a great opportunity to help some people who are moving into campus on their freshman year feel more welcomed into the community and also be that first community that they interact with.”

A Day in the Life of an RA

As a first-year RA, Connally is quickly learning the ins and outs of the role. He explained that duty rounds are one of his main responsibilities.

“One of the nights of the week you’ll have duty, which involves making two rounds at night,” Connally said. “You do one between 8 to 10 p.m. and one after midnight. Rounds look like going through all the floors, all the stairways, and just making sure everyone’s OK…. It’s mainly just to make sure that no one’s out in the halls, you know, being too reckless or that everyone’s all right in general.”

Between safety checks and community interactions, no two nights look the same, and Connally said he’s learned to adapt quickly while keeping his residents’ well-being at the center of his routine.

At the beginning of the year, his role included more creative tasks.

“I had a lot of training and then I had to make some door decs, which are the fun little images that go on people’s doors with their name,” he said. “I also make bulletin boards, which are informational to help people”

Building Community Through Activities

Community builders are a key part of his work.

“I think that community builders are probably what is not seen or would not be expected from the resident standpoint,” Connally said. These events give students a chance to connect beyond their rooms and create lasting memories within the hall.

“For me, that looks like an intramural soccer team and intramural flag football team that I’ve put together,” he said. “Which has been a super cool experience to get to know the residents better, but also it’s just a lot of fun competing against other teams.”

Outside of RA work, Connally makes time to unwind and enjoy his favorite parts of campus life.

“My favorite spot on campus is probably Penberthy,” Connally said. “There’s a lot of people out there most of the time… and so that’s been a fun way to make friends and still compete in college without being a part of like the teams here.”

A Supportive Team

Behind every successful RA is a strong support system, and Connally said he’s grateful for the one he’s found.

“I have really enjoyed working with the other RAs,” he said. “We really have a good team... I was a little worried about all of the different tasks that you have to do and the learning curve of trying to know how to do everything. But my team has been super helpful, and the other RAs have really mentored me into the position and I definitely would not be able to do it without them.”

Making an Impact

Connally hopes residents know they can rely on him.

“I hope to be like someone that all of my residents can come to,” he said. “I really try to say hello to everyone in the halls, and I know that not everyone wants to be friends with the RA and that’s OK.”

Even so, he remembers what it was like to be new on campus and wants to be someone students can trust. “Like my freshman year, I wasn’t like exactly outgoing to my RAs. But I do want them all to know that they can always come to me with any issues they have.”

Students Build Leadership and Community at Camp F.I.R.E. Retreat

Camp F.I.R.E. (Forging Impactful Residential Experiences) returned to Camp Allen in Navasota, Texas, bringing together more than 85 students and 25 graduate and professional staff members for a weekend centered around leadership development, reflection and connection.

The three-day retreat, held from Friday, Oct. 17, to Sunday, Oct. 19, created opportunities for students from Living Learning Communities and student organizations within Residence Life to connect across campus, explore and exercise leadership concepts and strengthen teamwork skills.

This year marked the introduction of breakout sessions, which gave students the opportunity to choose from four interactive workshops centered on collaboration, self-awareness and navigating challenges. Students were also placed in small groups with mentors to explore their personal leadership styles and practice communication and problem solving.

“My favorite part was the new breakout sessions, especially those led by student leaders,” said one Residential Housing Association member, Class of '27. “It was inspiring to hear from peers who brought their own experiences and perspectives into each session. Their energy made the learning feel authentic and relatable, and I appreciated how the topics connected to real leadership challenges and personal growth.”

Throughout the weekend, students participated in sessions and reflective activities designed to help them understand their strengths and styles of leadership. Upon arrival Friday evening, participants were welcomed with dinner and an opening ceremony to kick off the tone for the retreat’s focus on growth. Later that afternoon, small group introductions and team breakout activities allowed attendees to meet their mentors and peers.

Saturday was filled with activities to further explore their strength. The morning started with leadership sessions before heading into their chosen breakout topics. Between workshops, participants enjoyed the outdoors and community challenges that encouraged collaboration and deepened connections.

In the afternoon, Assistant Managing Director of Mentorship and Business Operations Kelli Hutka ’97 from the Career Center shared a keynote speech, to reaffirm the importance of leadership development and reflection.

“I’ve learned that there’s no one right or wrong way to lead, and that everyone contributes in their own way,” said a Living Learning Community member, Class of '29. “After learning my leadership styles, I can more easily use my skills and talents.”

Evenings at Camp F.I.R.E. gave students time for reflection on takeaways from the day’s sessions by writing in personal journals and discussions. The retreat concluded Sunday morning with a closing ceremony and group reflections, where participants came together to celebrate their growth and the relationships formed throughout the weekend.

Funded by the Department of Residence Life, Camp F.I.R.E. continues as a signature leadership experience where students leave with confidence and connection with other student leaders and peers.

Residence Life Hosts 12th Annual Sustainability Dinner

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M University’s Department of Residence Life hosted the 12th Annual Sustainability Dinner and Awards on Oct. 8, bringing together exceptional students, faculty and staff to celebrate and recognize campus-wide sustainability initiatives.

The afternoon combined networking and conversation on sustainability. Guests and faculty in attendance included Dr. Kyle McCracken, interim executive director of Residence Life; Kenya Reeves, sustainability coordinator for Residence Life; Caroline Gamble, sustainability specialist at Texas A&M; Tyson Livingston, creative manager for Residence Life; Dr. Zofia Rybkowski, professor of construction science; Dr. Gunnar Schade, professor of atmospheric sciences; and Dr. Jorge Alvarado, professor of engineering technology and industrial distribution, among others.

The dinner also featured a locally sourced vegan meal from Century Oak Catering, including items from truffle potatoes to vegan steak topped with mushrooms.

Residence Life recognized several individuals for their contribution to sustainability efforts:

Adam Gruver, Creative Innovator award
Mason Marsh, Friend of Sustainability award
Breanna Allen, Waste Reduction award
Mary Gruver, Green Tradition award

The annual dinner reflects Residence Life’s continued commitment to ongoing sustainability efforts within the community, inspiring students to take part in sustainable living practices and activities on campus to make sustainability an Aggie tradition.

Avoiding Destructive Behaviors

When stress builds, it can be tempting to fall into habits that hurt more than they help, like skipping class, neglecting health or leaning on risky coping strategies. The key to avoiding destructive behaviors is knowing when to reach out for help, using the available resources around you and leaning on the Aggie community to help support your success.

Take care of your mental health

Stress, anxiety and burnout are common in college, but falling into destructive habits shouldn’t be. Reaching out makes a difference.

University Health Services offers medical and mental health services as well as medication management.

Counseling & Mental Health provides individual counseling, group therapy and crisis resources.

Psychology Clinic offers affordable, sliding-scale services to students, staff, faculty and community members, providing therapy, psychological evaluations and developmental disability assessments regardless of ability to pay.

National Crisis Text Line is available anytime. Text or call 988 for free support.

TELUS Health Student Support App connects you with confidential help 24/7, even during breaks.

Students who feel supported and connected in their living environments are more likely to thrive academically and personally. According to a 2021 national housing study by the Association of College and University Housing Officers, students who live on campus often report stronger feelings of safety, belonging and engagement, all of which contribute to healthier behaviors.

Stay on top of your academics

Academic stress can lead to destructive behaviors like procrastination or skipping class, but small, consistent healthy habits can help prevent burnout.

Academic Success Center provides tutoring, supplemental instruction and academic coaching.

Student Resources (Office for Student Success) connects you to wellness, food and engagement services alongside academics.

Aggie One Stop helps with financial aid, registration and emergency relief funds.

Routh First-Generation Center supports first-generation college students by providing tailored resources, mentorship and community to help them thrive academically and personally.

Getting Connected: How to Build a Lasting Community

For many students, moving into a residence hall is the first step into independence, which is equally exciting and overwhelming. Community on campus makes a difference. When living on campus, students are surrounded by opportunities to connect, but building a
lasting community on campus is more than simply sharing a hallway. It’s about getting involved and creating meaningful relationships that can last throughout college and beyond.

Attend Events
Residence Life offers many opportunities and events to connect. Shared events that RAs host, Study Spectacular or Dessert with a Dean are what turn a residence hall into more than just a place to sleep. To make the most of them, stay in the loop: follow Residence Life’s social media for event updates and keep an eye on the bulletin boards in your hall for
flyers.

Show Up Consistently
Trust and belonging grow when you spend more time with others. Keep showing up. Maybe that means going to hall events, attending wellness events, or even going around campus with your roommate(s) or neighbors. Consistency shows others you care, and those small actions add up to stronger and long-lasting bonds.

Use Empathy
College is a time for much growth and change, and it looks different for everyone. Being open to listening, offering support when a roommate is stressed, or sharing resources or cool spots on campus, helps create an environment where everyone feels valued.

Treat Others How You Want to Be Treated
Help a neighbor with class notes or even invite someone to go to the dining hall with you. Celebrating others’ successes builds support and an encouraging environment.
Community starts with small steps, and the best way to begin is by taking advantage of what’s right outside your door. Check your hall’s bulletin board, follow @tamureslife on social media, and pick one event to show up to this week.

Aggies in Action with O&E Student Coordinators Mia & Alisa

Residence Life at Texas A&M is more than just housing, it’s where students grow as leaders, find community and discover new opportunities. For two Aggies, living in a suite-style residence hall not only introduced them to campus life but also to the behind-the-scenes support that keeps it running smoothly. When Mia Rincon '28, and Alisa Sexton '28, saw how dedicated the Operations and Events team was to making them feel at home, they were inspired to join the department themselves. Today, Rincon and Sexton serve as student coordinators, helping fellow residents feel at home and continuing the cycle of Aggies supporting Aggies.

Their story of leadership and friendship all started with one maintenance request. While Rincon and Sexton were not roommates, they were suitemates sharing an adjoining bathroom. The concerns raised in the request prompted staff to revisit an issue that had previously been reported. During that process, both rooms in the connecting suite were temporarily relocated. Rincon recalled that they “ended up getting in touch with Emile [and he] basically saved the day” throughout the relocation. They were impressed with the level of communication and care given by the Operations and Events team and as encouraged by program coordinator Emile Medrano, the two applied for open student worker positions.

Since the spring 2025 semester, both have held the title of student coordinator for the department. “We do a little bit of everything,” Sexton said. “It’s a lot of walking through the dorms, making sure that everything looks like it’s supposed to, doing inspections of different things, and there’s always an odd task here or there.” Both highlighted the wide variety of responsibilities and the busy seasons that keep their roles dynamic and themselves adaptable.

When asked about their favorite part of the job, Rincon said she enjoys the people and environment most. “It’s always teamwork stuff … I really like being in a team, like working with other people,” she said. Sexton said she enjoys the variety and unpredictability. “We do a little bit of everything …it’s always something different every day and you never really know what to expect.”

As student coordinators, the two not only take on diverse tasks and responsibilities but also gain important and valuable skills they will carry into their future careers. When asked about what they’ve learned on the job, they each had a different answer but one equally impactful. “[Here] you really learn how to adapt to situations quickly and do the best with what you have,” Sexton said. Rincon’s answer tied directly to the practice of one of the Aggie Core Values: leadership. “Some days you kind of have a leadership role … when we’re in team situations someone usually has to lead in that group and make sure everyone stays on task,” she said.

While Rincon and Sexton are only two individuals from the Operations and Events team, their individual contributions leave an impact on the residents. When asked about how they feel their work impacts the student resident experience, both responded as true Aggies, exemplifying their care for selfless service. “[Residents] want it to feel like home, so we’re really a big part of making it feel like home,” Sexton said. As Aggies committed to creating a welcoming environment, Rincon added, “We want to make sure it’s the best we can make it be for them.”

For Rincon and Sexton, the Department of Residence Life has become more than just a place to work. It’s a place where they have grown as leaders, built a friendship and found a way to give back to fellow Aggies. What started as a simple connection through a maintenance request turned into an opportunity to help others feel at home on campus.

Navigating Campus Life: Resources Every Aggie Should Know

Aggies have a wide range of resources that make the campus feel like home, from academic support to a wide range of amenities. According to a University of Connecticut report, first-year students who lived on campus were 21 percent more likely to return for their second year than those who lived off campus.

Academic Support at your Doorstep

Aggies living on campus never have to go far for academic assistance. Community Learning Centers (CLC) provide computer labs, printers, tutoring resources and quiet study areas. Many of these are open 24/7. Students can also connect with Academic Peer Mentors (APMs) who offer guidance in study skills, time management and strategies for academic success. Large events like Study Spectaculars give students a structured time and stress-reducing space to prepare for finals.

Support for Both Body and Mind

Aggie well-being is a top priority throughout the year. Through Residential Support Services, students can get in contact with mental health resources, academic coaching and spiritual wellness assistance. Programs such as the Wellness Ambassadors provide peer-led outreach on health and well-being. Residence staff host events like Dessert with the Dean and Dinner with a Professor.

Building Community

Living Learning Communities (LLCs) allow students with shared academic or personal interests to live together and build relationships through programs and events. All residents are held to the standard and guidelines in the Resident Handbook to ensure a safe and respectful environment.

The Aggie Advantage

All resources and amenities, like study centers and mental health resources or professor dinners and peer mentors, are designed to support the whole student. For Aggies, these programs and services turn residence halls into communities where learning, wellness and friendships come together to make the best home away from home.

Your RA Is Here to Help: What to Know About Your Resident Advisor

Moving into a residence hall is incredibly exciting and a very pivotal moment in students’ college experience but can also be overwhelming. That’s where your resident advisor, or your RA, comes in. RAs are your student leaders who live in the halls and serve as the first point of contact for guidance, support and connection for residents. If you’re new to Aggieland or just adjusting to your life on campus, your RA is here to make your experience smoother.

What does an RA do?
Your RA helps to enforce community standards and rules, answers questions about campus life and keeps the hall running smoothly. They also plan events, support and help the well-being of residents. They are essentially the bridge between students and Residence Life staff. They are there to listen, connect you to resources and make sure your hall feels like home.

Support You Can Count On
Sometimes questions and concerns pop up: How do I submit a maintenance request? What do I do if I am having conflict with a roommate? Your RA can point you in the right direction. They’re trained to help with conflict resolution, safety concerns and connecting you with different on-campus resources like tutoring and wellness assistance.

Why It Matters
The community is one of the key components to campus life. Your RA helps create that sense of belonging by encouraging respect, leadership and selfless service - all Aggie core values. They’re here to make sure your housing experience is the best it can be.

How to Connect with and Contact Your RA
Getting to know your RA is easier than you may think! Use their contact information, stop by when their door is open or just say howdy in the halls. They’re there to help and are eager to get to know you. Building a relationship with your RA can make your hall and resident experience more comfortable, giving you a go-to person for questions or challenges when needed. Your RA can be more than just a resource, they’re part of the Aggie network and support system that is here for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out, ask questions or get involved in events in your hall.

Ways to Personalize Your Aggie Residence Hall Room

Now that you’re moved in, unpacked, and falling into your new class schedule and routine, your residence hall room is more than just four walls. It’s your home away from home for the year. A space that feels both comfortable and welcoming can truly make all the difference in your Aggie experience. The good news is it doesn’t take much to transform your room into a place where you can study, relax, and build new Aggie memories!

Add Personal Touches

Don’t be afraid to add your personality to your room! Think items like cozy bedding, throw pillows, pictures of loved ones, your favorite band poster, or a plant. Even the small details go a long way in making your room reflect your personal style. Bonus points for maroon accents to show off your Aggie pride!

Decorate Safely

Before you hang string lights or cover your walls with posters, make sure your décor follows the Department of Residence Life’s safety rules. Some items like candles, nails, and decorations on the ceiling are not allowed. Others, like Command Strips or poster putty, are great tools for decorating!

You can view the full list of dos and don’ts in our official Residence Life decoration guidelines.

When in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask your RA or hall staff.

Stay Organized

A room that is both neat and functional feels more inviting and homey. Use under- the- bed storage bins, closet organizers and small shelves to maximize your space. Designating space for studying, relaxing and getting ready each day can make your room more efficient, structured and organized. Staying organized makes sharing space with a roommate or suitemates much smoother!

Create a Routine

Decorations help, but feeling at home is also about the habits you build. Whether it’s setting up a cozy study corner with items like a bean bag, making space for a coffee maker to get a morning cup of joe, or adding a speaker to wind down to some music with your roommate, routines can help you organize your space for easy mornings.

Get Involved in the Community

Home isn’t just where you sleep - it’s where you live. Take time to get to know your hallmates, suitemates and RAs. Small interactions like saying howdy in the halls or attending the next hall event can turn into friendships that make your hall feel even more like a community!

Welcome home, Aggies - we’re glad you’re here.

Aggies in Action with Senior APM Kate Hudson

At Texas A&M University, the Academic Peer Mentors (APMs) are a cornerstone of Resident Life’s programs and services for student success, fostering a supportive and enriching academic environment within the residence halls. One of the shining stars of this program is Kate Hudson, a passionate and dedicated senior APM who has been making a significant impact on her fellow Aggies.

Kate Hudson, a member of the class of 2026, is majoring in human resource development with minors in business and psychology. Her journey as an APM began two years ago, driven by a desire to give back to the Aggie family and build strong, meaningful relationships with her peers.

“I became an APM to give back to the Aggie family, and I really enjoy building strong one-on-one relationships, which is what our program really focuses on,” Hudson said.

One of the key responsibilities Hudson holds as an APM is organizing and presenting REVTalks—campus-wide programs that are akin to TED Talks but tailored to the unique needs and interests of Texas A&M students. These REVTalks cover a wide range of essential college topics, including study abroad opportunities, Engineering to a Major (ETAM), financial management, course registration and the process of dropping a course (Q-drop). Hudson’s enthusiasm for these events is palpable:

“Some responsibilities I have as an Academic Peer Mentor are putting on programs that are campus-wide called REVTalks. They’re kind of like TED Talks, except REVTalks are the Aggie version.”

In addition to REVTalks, Hudson excels at creating in-hall programs that foster a sense of community among residents. These programs provide a platform for students to connect, share experiences and learn about the various services offered by the APMs.

“One thing that I really enjoy doing is putting on in-hall programs, just to build that community and to talk with residents. It’s really nice because, not only am I talking to residents, but residents are talking to each other,” Hudson said.

The APM program offers a variety of services designed to help students succeed academically. Academic Check-Ups (ACUs) are one-on-one meetings where students can discuss academic strategies, campus resources, or general college life with an APM. These sessions are tailored to the individual needs of the students, providing personalized support and guidance.

APMs also hold office hours where students can drop in to ask questions about their academic progress, schedules and campus involvement. This accessibility ensures that students have the support they need when they need it. Additionally, APMs collaborate with residence hall staff to plan academic programs that promote a well-rounded university experience.

Hudson’s approach to her role as an APM goes beyond merely educating her peers, she actively works to create opportunities for students to bond and build connections. By facilitating interactions among residents, she helps them form friendships and support networks that enhance their overall university experience.