INSIDER
Texas A&M to mark 25th anniversary of campus bonfire collapse that killed 12
Read full article: Texas A&M to mark 25th anniversary of campus bonfire collapse that killed 12Texas A&M University is set to mark the anniversary of the campus bonfire tragedy that killed 12 people and injured dozens more 25 years ago.
Texas A&M regents overrule faculty, cut 52 “low-producing” programs including LGBTQ+ studies minor
Read full article: Texas A&M regents overrule faculty, cut 52 “low-producing” programs including LGBTQ+ studies minorAfter conservative criticism over the LGBTQ+ minor, university officials started looking at all its programs. Faculty say they were excluded from the process.
College costs weigh heavily on Texas students as they wait on late financial aid offers
Read full article: College costs weigh heavily on Texas students as they wait on late financial aid offersDelays in the new FAFSA led students to take out debt, enroll in community college over their top-choice universities or opt out of going to college.
Queer students look for alternatives after Texas A&M ends transgender health care services
Read full article: Queer students look for alternatives after Texas A&M ends transgender health care servicesThe students saw the move as part of a political environment that has become increasingly hostile against LGBTQ+ people in Texas.
Weeklong heat wave loosens grip slightly on US Southwest but forecasters still urge caution
Read full article: Weeklong heat wave loosens grip slightly on US Southwest but forecasters still urge cautionThe weeklong heat wave that baked most of the U.S. Southwest in temperatures well into triple digits is on its last legs, but forecasters are still urging people to be cautious.
Push to enforce occupancy rule in College Station highlights Texas A&M students’ housing woes
Read full article: Push to enforce occupancy rule in College Station highlights Texas A&M students’ housing woesThe new fines underscore the challenges college students face when looking for affordable housing — and how cities struggle to provide it.
New anti-DEI law for public Texas colleges goes into effect in 2024: What to know
Read full article: New anti-DEI law for public Texas colleges goes into effect in 2024: What to knowA new law dismantling the state’s diversity, equity and inclusion offices at publicly-funded universities and colleges will go into effect in 2024.
Thousands gather to remember 12 killed in Texas A&M bonfire collapse 24 years ago
Read full article: Thousands gather to remember 12 killed in Texas A&M bonfire collapse 24 years agoThousands of people gathered early Saturday morning to remember the 12 lives lost in 1999 when a bonfire collapsed during construction at Texas A&M University.
Texas A&M Board of Regents names Mark Welsh III sole finalist for president
Read full article: Texas A&M Board of Regents names Mark Welsh III sole finalist for presidentThe Texas A&M University System Board of Regents named the former dean and four-star general as the sole finalist for president Friday. Many believe Welsh is the right person to move the university forward after a pair of controversies bruised the school’s morale.
Texas A&M Interim President Mark Welsh will get nod to keep permanent position
Read full article: Texas A&M Interim President Mark Welsh will get nod to keep permanent positionA&M System Chancellor John Sharp will recommend Welsh, a retired Air Force general, as the sole finalist for the job at a Board of Regents meeting later this week. Welsh has held the position in the interim since July.
Texas to get four new maternal health research centers amid mortality crisis for moms
Read full article: Texas to get four new maternal health research centers amid mortality crisis for momsTexas continues to struggle with maternal mortality and morbidity, despite a decade of tracking and reviewing these cases. Four new research centers will pilot innovative solutions.
Proposition 5 on Texas ballot would create new endowment for ‘emerging’ research universities
Read full article: Proposition 5 on Texas ballot would create new endowment for ‘emerging’ research universitiesIf approved, the new fund would provide tens of millions of dollars to the University of Houston, Texas Tech, Texas State University and University of North Texas.
Interim Texas A&M University president sets new tone for reforms planned under his predecessor
Read full article: Interim Texas A&M University president sets new tone for reforms planned under his predecessorMark Welsh said that Texas A&M will stay the course on many controversial changes made by former President Kathy Banks. Professors welcomed Welsh’s commitment to faculty input moving forward.
Federal judge throws out hiring discrimination lawsuit against Texas A&M
Read full article: Federal judge throws out hiring discrimination lawsuit against Texas A&MThe judge tossed the suit after the university argued a new state law that will go into effect in January, Senate Bill 17, already prohibits preferential treatment in hiring at public universities.
Texas A&M System’s guidance on the state’s DEI ban shows compliance might be a hard needle to thread
Read full article: Texas A&M System’s guidance on the state’s DEI ban shows compliance might be a hard needle to threadThe guidance asks universities in the system to avoid using the acronym DEI on their websites and walk a fine line between organizing events that “support diversity in a general way” but don’t “promote preferential treatment of any particular group.”
Meet the newest class of Tribune fellows
Read full article: Meet the newest class of Tribune fellowsFellows play key roles in the most important work of the Tribune, helping with The Texas Tribune Festival and covering the biennial legislative sessions, education and the environment, among other important topics.
Scammer sentenced to 2 years for making fake accounts, using stolen credit cards to buy Texas A&M football game tickets
Read full article: Scammer sentenced to 2 years for making fake accounts, using stolen credit cards to buy Texas A&M football game ticketsA 48-year-old California man has pleaded guilty to a nationwide ticket scam that included a Texas A&M football game, the United States Department of Justice said.
Texas A&M interim president pledges more transparency after accusations of political interference
Read full article: Texas A&M interim president pledges more transparency after accusations of political interferenceIn his first comments as interim president, Mark A. Welsh IIII cast recent concerns over political interference in Texas A&M’s employment decisions as “communication breakdowns.”
Suspended Texas A&M professor denies saying Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick believes kids who die of overdoses “deserve to die”
Read full article: Suspended Texas A&M professor denies saying Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick believes kids who die of overdoses “deserve to die”Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham alleged Wednesday that opioids expert Joy Alonzo told students in a guest lecture that “Your Lt. Governor says those kids deserve to die.” Alonzo denied the claims.
Texas A&M University System regents name Mark Welsh interim president of flagship campus
Read full article: Texas A&M University System regents name Mark Welsh interim president of flagship campusThe board also gave university lawyers the green light to negotiate a possible settlement with Kathleen McElroy after the university bungled the hiring of the journalism professor.
Faculty worry about Texas A&M’s future after controversies over higher ed politicization
Read full article: Faculty worry about Texas A&M’s future after controversies over higher ed politicizationThe university has been rattled by two cases in which university officials were apparently rushed into making faculty employment decisions due to political pressure.
Texas A&M suspends professor accused of criticizing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in lecture
Read full article: Texas A&M suspends professor accused of criticizing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in lectureThe professor, an expert on the opioids crisis, was placed on paid administrative leave and investigated, raising questions about the extent of political interference in higher education, particularly in health-related matters.
For Black Aggies, questions over professor’s botched hiring persist after president’s departure
Read full article: For Black Aggies, questions over professor’s botched hiring persist after president’s departureIn the fallout from A&M’s failure to hire Kathleen McElroy, students and alumni lament the missed opportunity to revive the university’s journalism program and provide students with mentorship.
Texas A&M University president resigns after Black journalist’s hiring at campus unravels
Read full article: Texas A&M University president resigns after Black journalist’s hiring at campus unravelsThe president of Texas A&M University has resigned after a Black journalist’s celebrated hiring at one of the nation’s largest campuses unraveled over criticism of her diversity and inclusion work.
Texas A&M president says she didn’t know about job offer changes that led to professor’s botched hiring
Read full article: Texas A&M president says she didn’t know about job offer changes that led to professor’s botched hiringM. Katherine Banks told faculty she was unaware of successive, diminished offers to Kathleen O. McElroy, who was recruited to revive a journalism program. Professors demanded an investigation.
A&M faculty leaders decry “appearance of outside influence” in botched hiring of journalism professor
Read full article: A&M faculty leaders decry “appearance of outside influence” in botched hiring of journalism professorThe university announced the hiring of Kathleen McElroy, a Black former New York Times journalist, but later backtracked on its offer amid conservative pushback.
Texas A&M recruited a UT professor to revive its journalism program, then backtracked after “DEI hysteria”
Read full article: Texas A&M recruited a UT professor to revive its journalism program, then backtracked after “DEI hysteria”The university celebrated its decision to hire Kathleen McElroy to revive its journalism program. She says she’s staying at UT after she felt judged because of her race and gender.
With race-based admissions no longer an option, states may imitate Texas top 10% plan
Read full article: With race-based admissions no longer an option, states may imitate Texas top 10% planNow that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled the practice unconstitutional, admissions experts say other states could look to Texas’ Top 10% Plan as a way to diversify their student bodies.
Texas colleges offer job training for students with disabilities. Here’s how to use those programs.
Read full article: Texas colleges offer job training for students with disabilities. Here’s how to use those programs.Students with disabilities can succeed in college with the right kind of help. There are programs that can support them. The programs help them live on their own, find jobs, and make a difference where they live.
Texas colleges provide job training for students with disabilities. Here’s how to access it.
Read full article: Texas colleges provide job training for students with disabilities. Here’s how to access it.Students with disabilities can find success in college, live independently and get jobs with the right kind of help. Here are college programs that provide support.
An effort to ban faculty tenure in public universities has failed in the Texas Legislature
Read full article: An effort to ban faculty tenure in public universities has failed in the Texas LegislatureThe state Senate originally passed a bill to ban tenure, but on Saturday it approved the House’s counterproposal, which enshrines tenure in state law.
Prairie View A&M University’s National Center for Infrastructure Transformation gets $2.5 million commitment
Read full article: Prairie View A&M University’s National Center for Infrastructure Transformation gets $2.5 million commitmentThe Texas A&M University System will supercharge the development of Prairie View A&M University’s new National Center for Infrastructure Transformation with a $500,000 boost for the next five years.
How Republicans’ threats to tenure and diversity might undercut their own efforts to advance Texas’ universities
Read full article: How Republicans’ threats to tenure and diversity might undercut their own efforts to advance Texas’ universitiesTexas lawmakers are poised to create a new multibillion-dollar endowment to boost emerging research universities in national rankings. But faculty members say banning diversity offices and tenure would stymie those efforts.
University of Texas System pauses new diversity, equity and inclusion policies
Read full article: University of Texas System pauses new diversity, equity and inclusion policiesThe system leaders’ decision comes weeks after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to stop considering diversity in hiring. Texas A&M University also recently changed its hiring practices.
Man sentenced to 50 years in prison for leading officers on chase, killing 2 women after crashing into Uber in 2020, DA says
Read full article: Man sentenced to 50 years in prison for leading officers on chase, killing 2 women after crashing into Uber in 2020, DA saysA man accused of crashing into an Uber vehicle and killing two women while leading police on a chase in northeast Houston in 2020 was found guilty of murder, Crime Stoppers announced.
Watch: Texas A&M students accuse Brazos County of voter suppression after moving on-campus voting site
Read full article: Watch: Texas A&M students accuse Brazos County of voter suppression after moving on-campus voting siteThe Texas A&M on-campus early-voting location had the second-highest voter turnout in the county during the 2018 and 2020 presidential elections.
‘All-clear’ given at Texas A&M University after police sweep stadium, football complex following bomb threat, officials say
Read full article: ‘All-clear’ given at Texas A&M University after police sweep stadium, football complex following bomb threat, officials sayThe “all-clear” has been given for students and staff to return to normal operations after police investigated a bomb threat at Texas A&M University.
Texas A&M’s early voting location was popular during general elections before it was moved off campus
Read full article: Texas A&M’s early voting location was popular during general elections before it was moved off campusThe Brazos County commissioner who represents the precinct where the university is located cited low turnout as a partial reason for relocating the polling location.
Professor, NASA researcher pleads guilty in China ties case
Read full article: Professor, NASA researcher pleads guilty in China ties caseA NASA researcher and Texas A&M University professor pleaded guilty to charges related to hiding his ties to a university created by the Chinese government while accepting federal grant money.
Lowry Mays, Texas A&M graduate and business school namesake, dies at 87
Read full article: Lowry Mays, Texas A&M graduate and business school namesake, dies at 87Lowry Mays, a 1957 graduate of Texas A&M University and the namesake of its business school, died on Monday at the age of 87, according to the university.
Texas A&M faculty leaders say President Kathy Banks is leaving them out of major decisions
Read full article: Texas A&M faculty leaders say President Kathy Banks is leaving them out of major decisionsFaculty members say Banks could have been more communicative and transparent about a variety of organizational changes she put in motion during her first year as president.
Kyle Rittenhouse now says he’s going to Blinn College, after Texas A&M said he’s not a student at their school
Read full article: Kyle Rittenhouse now says he’s going to Blinn College, after Texas A&M said he’s not a student at their schoolRittenhouse corrected himself on Monday saying he was attending the Brenham-based community college. Over the weekend, he made a splash when Texas A&M refuted his claim he was an incoming Aggie.
Former Texas A&M team physician accused of sexually assaulting 2 women
Read full article: Former Texas A&M team physician accused of sexually assaulting 2 womenA former Texas A&M team physician has bonded out of jail after being accused of sexually assaulting at least two women, Brazos County Sheriff's Office records show.
Jury awards UT-Austin professor $3 million in pregnancy and sex discrimination suit against university
Read full article: Jury awards UT-Austin professor $3 million in pregnancy and sex discrimination suit against universityA jury awarded Evdokia Nikolova damages for past and future pain and suffering after finding UT-Austin illegally discriminated against her when the school denied her tenure.
Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp orders school leaders to sever research ties with Russian entities
Read full article: Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp orders school leaders to sever research ties with Russian entitiesThe chancellor instructed universities and agencies in the system to dissolve all agreements, especially those related to academics, research and intellectual property.
Texas A&M students protest after president ends print publication of 129-year-old Battalion newspaper
Read full article: Texas A&M students protest after president ends print publication of 129-year-old Battalion newspaperThe student newspaper will continue as an online-only news organization after the spring semester. But the university’s unilateral decision to end the print edition without student input has students and faculty concerned about its editorial independence.
Texas A&M looms large in primary between GOP incumbent and challenger with strong Aggie ties
Read full article: Texas A&M looms large in primary between GOP incumbent and challenger with strong Aggie tiesJohn Harvey Slocum, the son of a famous A&M football coach, is seeking to unseat state Rep. John Raney, R-College Station.
Texas scientists search for potentially virulent new omicron COVID-19 variant as state health officials push vaccination
Read full article: Texas scientists search for potentially virulent new omicron COVID-19 variant as state health officials push vaccinationSo much is unknown about the new COVID-19 variant: the severity of the illness it causes, whether it can resist vaccines and natural antibodies and whether it’s more contagious than the delta variant that has burned through Texas and the U.S. for months.
UT Rio Grande Valley to offer free tuition and fees to students with family income $100,000 or less
Read full article: UT Rio Grande Valley to offer free tuition and fees to students with family income $100,000 or lessUTRGV’s decision to offer free tuition to more students comes after more students’ families lost jobs during the pandemic.
After Texas A&M student died from COVID-19, students and faculty rally for more safety precautions
Read full article: After Texas A&M student died from COVID-19, students and faculty rally for more safety precautionsUniversity leaders have encouraged mask-wearing and getting vaccinated, but they say Gov. Greg Abbott has prevented them from requiring either.
Houstonians, Texans contribute plenty to USA medal count from Tokyo Olympics
Read full article: Houstonians, Texans contribute plenty to USA medal count from Tokyo OlympicsThe Houston area was well represented at the Tokyo Olympics and contributed plenty to America's effort atop the overall medal count.
Texas universities, committed to full returns, face fall terms with surging COVID-19 numbers and no mask mandates
Read full article: Texas universities, committed to full returns, face fall terms with surging COVID-19 numbers and no mask mandatesMany public university officials say they are moving forward with reopening plans as faculty and students worry about rising COVID-19 cases across the state.
Hullabaloo, Caneck! Caneck!: Texas A&M university seeking 5,000 maroon-clad football fans for national commercial
Read full article: Hullabaloo, Caneck! Caneck!: Texas A&M university seeking 5,000 maroon-clad football fans for national commercialCalling all Aggies: Texas A&M University is seeking 5,000 maroon clad football fanatics for a Midnight Yell Practice reenactment which will be filmed for a national football commercial. The commercial will air during the fall games, Texas A&M Today reported.
Houston-area COVID-19 outbreak — including delta variant cases — should be a wake-up call for Texans, health expert warns
Read full article: Houston-area COVID-19 outbreak — including delta variant cases — should be a wake-up call for Texans, health expert warnsThe latest, most transmissible coronavirus variant is spreading rampantly in countries with low vaccination rates, and health experts are bracing for impact in Texas.
Fort Bend Christian Academy Magazine: Leaving the Nest!
Read full article: Fort Bend Christian Academy Magazine: Leaving the Nest!IT WAS YET ANOTHER BUSY YEAR FOR NATIONAL SIGNING DAY FESTIVITIES AT FORT BEND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY. IN APRIL THE SCHOOL HONORED 13 STUDENT-ATHLETES WHO HAVE SIGNED TO PLAY COLLEGE ATHLETICS.
KPRC 2 Senior Scholarship: Meet Chloe Short, the senior who says her disability has helped motivate her dedication to push forward
Read full article: KPRC 2 Senior Scholarship: Meet Chloe Short, the senior who says her disability has helped motivate her dedication to push forwardKPRC 2 and Texas Mattress Makers are surprising 20 deserving high school seniors with scholarships. All students selected for scholarships have been nominated by their high schools.
KPRC 2 Senior Scholarship: Meet Elijah Ellison, the senior who hopes to use his leadership skills to make a difference
Read full article: KPRC 2 Senior Scholarship: Meet Elijah Ellison, the senior who hopes to use his leadership skills to make a differenceKPRC 2 and Texas Mattress Makers are surprising 20 deserving high school seniors with scholarships. All students selected for scholarships have been nominated by their high schools.
Texas A&M’s incoming president says she’s planning for a campus in “normal mode” this fall
Read full article: Texas A&M’s incoming president says she’s planning for a campus in “normal mode” this fallWhen M. Katherine Banks became the new engineering school dean at Texas A&M University in 2012, an associate dean drove her to the Zachry Building, the heart of the university’s engineering program in College Station.
Some Texas colleges keep spring break while others adapt due to pandemic concerns
Read full article: Some Texas colleges keep spring break while others adapt due to pandemic concernsPeople gathered on the beach in front of Clayton’s Beach Bar during spring break on South Padre Island on Wednesday. In the early weeks of the pandemic in March 2020, colleges across the state extended spring break and then moved to online-only classes afterward largely due to initial fears about facilitating the spread of the coronavirus. AdBut spring break for many is now coinciding with Gov. Ad“With spring break, the biggest high risks are going to be people who are young adults,” Cervantes said. “We encourage you to make good decisions during spring break, just as you did during winter break, and follow the university’s public health guidance: wWear a mask (double up!
5 things for Houstonians to know for Tuesday, March 9
Read full article: 5 things for Houstonians to know for Tuesday, March 9Texas A&M University opted for a three-day weekend instead of a whole week off. Ad“The trans community is one of the most overlooked communities in times of disaster,” said Austin Ruiz, communications and marketing manger at The Montrose Center. When COVID-19 hit, The Montrose Center, which serves Houston’s LGBT community, saw a sharp increase in requests for help among Houston’s trans community. “For a trans community member, during the pandemic, it’s incredibly difficult to find places where they can get treatment, whether that’s for COVID-19 or otherwise,” Ruiz said. AdNew state guidelines require all students, teachers, staff and visitors to wear masks on school property, unless school boards vote otherwise.
Several Texas college campuses to keep mask mandates after governor’s order
Read full article: Several Texas college campuses to keep mask mandates after governor’s orderGraduates at a Texas A&M University's commencement ceremony at Reed Arena in College Station in December. Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas TribuneNeed to stay updated on coronavirus news in Texas? Greg Abbott announced that he will lift the statewide mask mandate and other COVID-19 restrictions starting Wednesday. Austin Community College, Baylor University, Paris Junior College, Rice University, Southern Methodist University, Southwestern University, the Texas A&M University System, Trinity University, the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas at El Paso are keeping their current COVID-19 guidelines — which include mask mandates — in place. Disclosure: Baylor University, Lamar University, Rice University, Southern Methodist University, Texas Tech University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at El Paso and University of Houston have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Texas A&M engineering dean M. Katherine Banks named sole finalist for president
Read full article: Texas A&M engineering dean M. Katherine Banks named sole finalist for presidentM. Katherine Banks, dean of the Texas A&M engineering school, has been named the sole finalist for president of the flagship university. M. Katherine Banks, dean of the college of engineering at Texas A&M University, has been named the sole finalist for president of the flagship university based in College Station after a national search. AdIf approved, Banks will become the second woman president in Texas A&M history after Elsa Murano, who served in the role from 2008 to 2009. Texas A&M is one of a kind and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”Banks also oversees the Texas A&M System’s engineering programs. AdWhen Banks started at Texas A&M, the engineering college had a little more than 11,000 students.
Texas experts believe construction changes can cut destruction from weather events down
Read full article: Texas experts believe construction changes can cut destruction from weather events downHe made it clear to us he was in favor of changes being implemented in Texas construction. “We could do a lot better with better building codes in Texas and better enforcement of the building codes that do exist,” he said. Thompson said spray foam is a big help during a freeze. Ad“I think that spray foam insulation and pex pipe is the way to go,” he said. “The spray foam used to be really expensive but now it’s come way down because it’s getting used so much,” said Thompson.
Dwindling food, flooded halls, unflushable toilets: Texas’ university dorms descend into chaos during winter storm
Read full article: Dwindling food, flooded halls, unflushable toilets: Texas’ university dorms descend into chaos during winter stormWhile some campuses have slowly regained power over the past 24 hours, many dorms still lack access to consistent water and food. Ad“I feel like I’m in hell, like I’m in prison,” said Texas State University freshman Nicholas Ware, who spent three days without heat and power until Wednesday evening. Texas State officials did not return a request for comment. At Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, students have been without water, which has limited their access to toilets. “People have just assumed that that's not something they need to worry about right now.”Disclosure: Facebook, Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University and University of North Texas have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Texas A&M again delays decision on moving Sul Ross statue, as committee warns inaction will damage university
Read full article: Texas A&M again delays decision on moving Sul Ross statue, as committee warns inaction will damage universityA diversity committee at Texas A&M University said school officials must resolve the decades-long debate over moving or removing the statue of Lawrence Sullivan Ross, a former Texas governor and Confederate general, or else the university risks long-term damage to its reputation. Three university fundraising foundations were interviewed by the committee, including the Texas A&M Foundation and 12th Man Foundation. Instead, many Texas universities decided to address diversity and inclusion issues by investing in diversity training, scholarships and professional development to boost diversity. That’s very disappointing.”The report noted that current students believed the university cared more about wealthy, white donors than their desires. Caston, who graduates this spring, said she’ll continue to push Texas A&M to move the statue even after she‘s no longer a student.
UT-Austin keeping most classes virtual through January as coronavirus infections soar in Travis County
Read full article: UT-Austin keeping most classes virtual through January as coronavirus infections soar in Travis CountyThe flagship university is keeping most classes online through January as coronavirus infections soar in Travis County. The University of Texas at Austin is shifting more spring semester classes completely online through the end of January as COVID-19 cases continue to ravage the city and state. When UT-Austin shifted entirely online the week of Thanksgiving, average daily cases hovered around 240 in Travis County. Texas A&M University is also requiring students who live on campus to get tested within the first week of classes, on or before Jan 22. Disclosure: Rice University, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University and University of Texas at Austin have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Texas A&M investigating "large scale" cheating case as universities see more academic misconduct in era of online classes
Read full article: Texas A&M investigating "large scale" cheating case as universities see more academic misconduct in era of online classesBut officials are investigating a 'large scale' cheating case in a finance class this fall as universities across the country see an increase in cheating in remote classes. The University of North Texas saw a 20% increase, and Texas State University saw reports of cheating increase by one-third over the previous fall. According to Powers’ email, Texas A&M’s online learning platform, Canvas, tracks how long test questions are displayed on a student’s screen. Davenport said there’s even websites where students can pay someone to take their entire online class for them. There’s something questionable there.”Disclosure: Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, University of Texas at Austin and University of North Texas have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Frassati Catholic Magazine: Curtain Call
Read full article: Frassati Catholic Magazine: Curtain Call"I wanted to focus on the younger age range, students either in high school or early college," Medina said. In the Fall of 2013, Medina was drawn to Frassati Catholic as it opened its doors. So, what if you have no acting, singing or dancing background? Medina welcomes one and all to at least "Be Our Guest" as they will "Put our Service to the Test" to find a place for everyone in the Frassati Catholic theater program. They do smaller performances, see shows, host acting and stage workshops and host a variety show as a performance opportunity as well.
Despite rising COVID-19 cases, universities including Texas Tech and Texas A&M are planning in-person fall graduations
Read full article: Despite rising COVID-19 cases, universities including Texas Tech and Texas A&M are planning in-person fall graduationsTexas Tech University senior Klay Davis is thrilled he'll have the chance to graduate college in-person this December. Texas Tech administrators said last month the university will host multiple in-person commencement ceremonies over a two-day period, as well as a virtual ceremony. At Texas Tech, students helped drive the effort to bring back in-person commencement. Other universities plan to hold in-person commencement ceremonies throughout spring 2021 for those who graduated in spring 2020, depending on the status of the pandemic. Disclosure: Lamar University, Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University, Texas Southern University, Texas Tech University, University of Texas at El Paso, University of Texas at San Antonio and University of North Texas have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Texas A&M's football game postponed after player, staffer test positive for COVID-19
Read full article: Texas A&M's football game postponed after player, staffer test positive for COVID-19Credit: Allie Goulding/The Texas TribuneThe Southeastern Conference has postponed this Saturday’s Texas A&M football game against the University of Tennessee to Dec. 12 after an A&M football player and staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, bringing the program’s total number of positive cases to three. A second player had tested positive prior to the South Carolina game. In June, 13 University of Texas at Austin athletes tested positive for COVID-19. Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist University postponed a game in early September. Disclosure: Texas A&M University, Baylor University, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas Christian University, Southern Methodist University, the University of North Texas and the University of Texas at El Paso have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Texas colleges offer free coronavirus tests. Why aren't more students getting tested?
Read full article: Texas colleges offer free coronavirus tests. Why aren't more students getting tested?The University of Texas at Austin said it could test up to 5,000 asymptomatic students, faculty and staff weekly. Texas A&M University trumpeted a similar goal of testing more than 5,000 students each week – about 7% of the student body. UT-Austin, which has more than 50,000 students, has only required students to be tested before attending football games. That included the 1,198 students tested for the first home football game on Sept. 12. Disclosure: The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at El Paso, the University of North Texas and Baylor University have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
SH-249 Expansion: A faster route to get to Aggieland is on the way
Read full article: SH-249 Expansion: A faster route to get to Aggieland is on the wayHOUSTON – A new section of the SH-249 project opened in early August in one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation. This new stretch of concrete is a very important piece of the SH-249 expansion project as it helps lead construction into the Todd Mission area, just west of Magnolia. Section 1a of the SH-249 project is 6.4 miles long, with two lanes traveling in each direction. “The State Highway 249 expansion will be a great future new highway alternative route for Aggies traveling to and from Houston. TXDOT invested just shy of $800 million on the SH-249 expansion project.
Student athletes get COVID-19 tests three times a week, while experts say testing for other university students is lagging
Read full article: Student athletes get COVID-19 tests three times a week, while experts say testing for other university students is laggingPublic health experts say Texas universities should increase testing of all students to prevent community spread of the coronavirus as classes resume. Texas A&M University reported 327 new positive tests the week ending Aug. 29, down slightly from the 371 it reported a week prior. UT-Austin, Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University encourage participation in asymptomatic testing but stop short of requiring it. Texas Christian University does not offer routine testing for students without symptoms, according to The Dallas Morning News. Disclosure: Baylor University, Texas A&M University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University, University of Texas at Austin and University of North Texas have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Texas A&M President Michael Young says he will retire May 31 to return to faculty
Read full article: Texas A&M President Michael Young says he will retire May 31 to return to facultyMichael K. Young has been president at Texas A&M University since 2015. Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas TribuneTexas A&M University President Michael Young will retire at the end of the academic school year, he said in a letter obtained by The Texas Tribune. Young has expressed a desire to retire and return to teaching and research as a tenured faculty member of the Bush School, Sharp wrote in another letter obtained by the Tribune. The creation of the Institute not only achieves President Youngs desires, it also will allow for an orderly transition from President Young to his eventual successor, Sharp wrote. Our hope is to have the new President chosen and in office by June 1, 2021, Sharp wrote at the time. Disclosure: Texas A&M University and the Texas A&M University System have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
2 sororities at Texas A&M University placed in quarantine after 14 positive COVID-19 cases
Read full article: 2 sororities at Texas A&M University placed in quarantine after 14 positive COVID-19 casesCOLLEGE STATION, Texas – As classes begin for many colleges across the country, campus officials are starting to see a growing number of positive cases among students. On Thursday, Texas A&M University says there are more than a dozen cases of the coronavirus in two sororities. The University said there were 14 cases of the coronavirus linked to Kappa Kappa Gamma and Delta Delta Delta sororities. The vice president of student affairs, Daniel J. Pugh, Sr., addressed the positive cases on Thursday. Pugh said the university is working with Texas A&M ambassadors Greek life leaders, county and health officials to educate students and organizations about COVID-19 guidelines by the CDC.
Were being treated as guinea pigs: Faculty members fear in-person return to Texas universities
Read full article: Were being treated as guinea pigs: Faculty members fear in-person return to Texas universitiesIf faculty members didn't fit in those categories and still wanted to teach remotely, they were asked to have conversations with their department heads about specific accommodations. Texas A&M will have around 1,800 faculty members teaching courses with an in-person component and 1,300 teaching online-only classes, Fierke said. But allowing faculty members to work from home because of individual safety concerns does not seem to be the norm, Kelchen said. There will be around 1,200 faculty members teaching courses with an in-person component. Disclosure: Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University, the Texas A&M University System, Texas Christian University, Texas State University, the University of Texas at Austin and The New York Times have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
What losing football to COVID-19 would mean for Texas college towns: "Its like losing Christmas"
Read full article: What losing football to COVID-19 would mean for Texas college towns: "Its like losing Christmas"Texas five major conference football teams Baylor University, Texas Christian University, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University and the University of Texas at Austin are massive economic drivers for their cities of Waco, Fort Worth, College Station, Lubbock and Austin, respectively, generating a flood of seasonal business for hotels, restaurants and bars in a typical year. Across Texas, university leaders have supported allowing football to move forward if conference division leaders allow it. We want to play football in the fall, said Texas A&M System John Sharp in a statement to The Texas Tribune on Monday. For college towns, its like losing Christmas, Berg said. Disclosure: Baylor University, Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University and University of Texas at Austin have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Texas A&M can't remove Sul Ross statue without the Legislature's approval, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says
Read full article: Texas A&M can't remove Sul Ross statue without the Legislature's approval, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton saysThe Lawrence Sullivan Sul Ross statue on the campus of Texas A&M University. Shelby Knowles for The Texas TribuneOnly the Texas Legislature has the authority to permanently remove the Lawrence Sullivan Ross statue at Texas A&M University, Attorney General Ken Paxton said in an opinion released Friday. Those task forces will ultimately make a recommendation on how best to address concerns about Sul Ross and other monuments, Young said. A&M System Chancellor John Sharp previously opposed removing the statue, then later said that he supported the task forces' review. "While my personal opinion has not changed about the importance of Lawrence Sullivan Ross to Texas A&M, we Aggies must stand united against racism and love one another," Sharp's statement said.
Texas college football is limiting stadium capacity, mandating masks and testing athletes. Heres what you need to know.
Read full article: Texas college football is limiting stadium capacity, mandating masks and testing athletes. Heres what you need to know.Many athletics officials seized on that number, including UT-Austin Athletics Director Chris Del Conte as recently as last week. At Texas Tech University, officials are also looking at capping stadium capacity at 25%. The Texas Tech athletics department is projecting a loss of $14.1 million from interrupted ticket sales and other pandemic-related expenses, athletics director Kirby Horcutt has said. The Big 12 Conference which includes Baylor University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech and the No. Disclosure: Texas A&M, Baylor University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University and University of Texas at Austin have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Texas A&M System will provide free COVID-19 tests, but its a mixed bag for other schools
Read full article: Texas A&M System will provide free COVID-19 tests, but its a mixed bag for other schoolsAllie Goulding/The Texas TribuneThe Texas A&M University System is expected to begin offering free on-campus COVID-19 testing for students, faculty and staff by the end of the week. The university system will send out about 15,000 mouth swab test kits each month to be distributed across its 11 university campuses. System officials have $16 million set aside for the COVID-19 testing program, said Laylan Copelin, system spokesperson. The University of Texas at Austin, one of Texas most populous schools, will charge for a COVID-19 test. Disclosure: Texas A&M System, University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas-Arlington, University of Texas at El Paso, and Texas Tech University have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporcate sponsors.
Its insane that this is not even up to me: International students at Texas universities cant return without in-person classes
Read full article: Its insane that this is not even up to me: International students at Texas universities cant return without in-person classesIf I'd known, obviously I would have chosen in-person classes." But ... theres a tidal wave of online classes coming our way, to hybrid schools. At UT-Austin alone, there are more than 5,000 international students, according to the schools international office. He views this as a necessary way to protect international students an "already vulnerable" group. Disclosure: Texas A&M University, the University of Houston, the University of Texas at Arlington, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of Texas at El Paso have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Texas A&M announces more online offerings, classroom capacity caps and daily cleaning schedules for fall return
Read full article: Texas A&M announces more online offerings, classroom capacity caps and daily cleaning schedules for fall returnTexas A&M University announced on Tuesday its plans to navigate school instruction for the fall semester. Allie Goulding/The Texas TribuneWith universities and colleges continuing to navigate teaching in a pandemic, Texas A&M University announced on Tuesday that half of its classes will be taught exclusively online. But safely hosting students for the fall semester will lead to a series of adjustments. This comes after Texas A&M officials floated the possibility of holding Saturday classes to spread students out. The university previously announced that classes would begin three days earlier and that final exams would be moved online after the Thanksgiving break.
Texas A&M announces task force to weigh removing statue of Sul Ross, Confederate general and former governor
Read full article: Texas A&M announces task force to weigh removing statue of Sul Ross, Confederate general and former governorThe Lawrence Sullivan Sul Ross statue on the campus of Texas A&M University. Shelby Knowles for The Texas TribuneAn ongoing struggle between Texas A&M students and university officials over a Confederate statue on campus has reached new heights in recent weeks. The statue commemorates Lawrence Sullivan Ross, a Confederate general and former Texas governor that students at Texas A&Ms College Station flagship have zeroed in on as the campus' most flagrant reminder of systemic racism. "Earlier today I met with Chancellor John Sharp to discuss continued racism on the Texas A&M campus," Young wrote in a letter. Young said he would ask this group to make a recommendation for Ross' statue in the near future.
Texas A&M System approves $100 million scholarship fund to address "diversity issues"
Read full article: Texas A&M System approves $100 million scholarship fund to address "diversity issues"The Academic Building on the Texas A&M University campus on March 26, 2018. Sharp also emphasized the need for A&M's student population to reflect that of the state. Currently, white students comprise more than half of the student population at A&M's College Station campus, while black students make up less than 4%, according to 2019 data. Hispanic and Asian students students make up 21% and 8% of the student population, respectively. Disclosure: The Texas A&M University System has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.