Restructuring Academic Innovation to Better Support Faculty and Students
03/24/2023
The Office of the Provost has been engaged in developing strategic priorities over the past several months. Central to this effort was assessing the structure, organization and alignment of our component offices and services. One outcome of this process is a reorganization of the Office for Academic Innovation (OAI).
Celebrating First-Generation Students, Faculty & Staff Nov. 7-11
11/03/2022
A weeklong celebration at Texas A&M University next week, Nov. 7-11, will celebrate the determined spirit of students, faculty and staff who are, or were, the first in their families to earn a four-year degree.
Three Exemplars of Selfless Service
08/17/2022
I want to point out three exemplars of selfless service as they complete their terms as dean. As you know, the Path Forward called for the creation of the College of Arts and Sciences. This required that the colleges of Geosciences, Liberal Arts, and Science be merged.
Fall 2022 Semester Faculty Message
08/16/2022
Welcome to the fall 2022 term. I hope you have all remained healthy and safe over the summer. Thank you for your continued commitment to teaching excellence and student success. To help you better prepare for the start of the semester, please find information below with links that provide more detailed information about academic considerations or guidelines for the beginning of classes.
Nominations Sought for Interim Dean and Associate Provost, Graduate and Professional School
05/05/2022
Nominations are being sought from within Texas A&M University for candidates to serve as the Interim Associate Provost and Dean for the Graduate and Professional School. The Associate Provost and Dean is responsible for the leadership of the Graduate and Professional School and manages a $35 million budget, as well as more than 30 professional staff members.
Texas A&M To Award More Than 11,200 Degrees at May Commencements
05/04/2022
Texas A&M University will award approximately 11,203 degrees to spring graduates at 15 in-person commencement ceremonies this month. Commencements will be held May 7 through May 28 for undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students.
Advisor Appreciation Week 2022
05/02/2022
This week we celebrate our academic advisors and our entire advising community at Texas A&M University.
Distinguished Achievement & Distinguished Graduate Student Awards April 25
04/12/2022
The campus community is invited to honor recipients of the 2022 Association of Former Students’ Distinguished Achievement Award (DAA) & 2022 Distinguished Graduate Student Award (DGSA) during
2022 Distinguished Day on Monday, April 25 at Rudder Theatre Complex.
Graduate and Professional School Dean Stepping Down
04/06/2022
Dr. Karen Butler-Purry, Associate Provost and Dean of the Texas A&M Graduate and Professional School, has decided to step down from her administrative position at the end of the summer 2022 term in August. After having led graduate and professional education at Texas A&M for 12 years, Butler-Purry will return to faculty in electrical and computer engineering to resume research and teaching.
Nominations Sought for Interim Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
03/22/2022
Nominations are being sought from within Texas A&M University for candidates to serve as the Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The new College of Arts and Sciences will consist of 19 departments offering graduate and undergraduate degree options in the disciplines of liberal arts, sciences, and geosciences with a total enrollment approaching 14,000 students.
Support available for those impacted by the invasion of Ukraine
02/28/2022
Just as we celebrate the falling rates of the latest COVID-19 variant, last week we learned of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Realizing that we serve the globe and attract faculty, staff, and students from all over the world, there are those among us who may be greatly affected by this conflict. They have our full support. The anxiety that any war causes is palpable, regardless of ties to the region.
Update on Dean Search
01/19/2022
In light of the positive reports I have received from various sources, the time seems to me to be right to begin the search for a new Dean of Dentistry, particularly since the search process may take some time.
Guidance for Remote Teaching Requests
01/18/2022
Please find a quick clarification regarding the information that must be provided as you report the need for teaching remotely while self-isolation or self-quarantining. In the message that you send to the Vice President for Enrollment and Academic Services, please include the following:
Provost Office Changes
01/18/2022
Updates from the Provost's Office as we begin another semester in Aggieland.
Start of Semester Message Spring 2022
01/12/2022
Welcome back and best wishes for a healthy 2022 to all of you. In an effort to help you better prepare for the start of the semester, please find below more detailed information (with links) about academic considerations or guidelines for the beginning of classes. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions.
Thankful for You
11/12/2021
As we approach Thanksgiving later this month, I want to pause and express my personal appreciation to each of you for making Texas A&M University such a special place. I recognize that times have not been easy for many, given a global pandemic, changes in leadership, and potential changes described by MGT.
Faculty Guidance Regarding Face-to-Face Instruction
10/05/2021
I would like to address a concern brought to the Dean of Faculties by several college deans and department heads. They are seeking guidance regarding instructors who fail to teach their courses in the face-to-face format advertised during preregistration.
Texas A&M to host first Texas Conference on Student Success
09/29/2021
In October 2022, our campus is planning to host the Texas Conference on Student Success, the first statewide conference on student success in higher education.
Communication to Faculty on Positive COVID-19 Tests
09/28/2021
Following discussions with Faculty Senate Speaker Dale Rice, the university has worked with the Office of General Counsel in the System to allow you to be notified when a student reports testing positive for COVID-19. In partnership with the Division of Information Technology, you will received an email like the one attached.
Dean of Faculties Returning to Faculty
09/22/2021
Dr. Blanca Lupiani is leaving her position as Dean of Faculties and Associate Provost at Texas A&M University. She will return to her faculty appointment of Professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences on Oct. 1.
Reminder about Academic Integrity
09/08/2021
With the fall semester underway, I want to remind you about your commitment to the Aggie Code of Honor: An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do.
Innovation School Closure and Staff Transitions
08/31/2021
The Texas A&M University School of Innovation (I-School) will be dissolved on September 1, 2021, after four years of operations
Your Success in the Texas A&M Digital Learning Environment
08/23/2021
With the start of the fall semester fast approaching, I encourage you to watch the brief video below featuring Student Body President Natalie Parks. Natalie will share tips to ensure your success in Texas A&M University’s digital learning environment, which includes Canvas, Zoom, and Google, to name a few.
Welcome back!
08/19/2021
Welcome to the fall 2021 term! I hope you have all remained healthy and safe over the summer. Thank you for your continued commitment to teaching excellence and student success. As we concluded another series of commencement ceremonies these past weeks, it is clear that your dedication and resilience have contributed to the success of our students.
Nominate a Student for the Honor Council
08/13/2021
Thank you for the work you do for students in various ways. The Aggie Honor System Office is reaching out with a request: As you prepare for the semester, would you take a few moments to reflect and identify a student for us who embodies integrity, academic excellence, and steadfast service to Texas A&M University?
Recent legislation impacts Q drops
08/12/2021
The Texas Legislature recently passed SB 165, a law impacting Q drops in courses during Spring 2020, Summer 2020, as well as academic year 2020-2021 (Fall 2020, Spring 2021, and Summer 2021).The law permits Texas A&M University to exempt these drops from counting against the student’s institutional and state drop limits.
Critical Office for Academic Innovation Updates
08/03/2021
The Office for Academic Innovation is preparing for the launch of the fall semester while trying to serve as many instructors as possible and complete migration of course content from eCampus to Canvas. Please be aware of the changes outlined below:
Q-Drop Deadline Extension
06/23/2021
Due to the Juneteenth holiday observed on June 18, 2021, and with the unanimous support of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, the Q-drop and withdrawal deadlines have been extended to 5 p.m. on Friday, June 25.
Fall 2021 Classes and Registration
03/22/2021
Given the progress our state and community are making with vaccinations, the university’s successful testing and contact tracing operations, and a decreasing campus caseload, I am writing to let you know we are planning for a near normal offering of coursework for the fall semester. Students should plan to attend courses in person this fall.
Changes to Spring 2021 Classes - Employees
02/18/2021
This week’s cold weather and unanticipated power outages have significantly disrupted university operations as well as the safety and well-being of our Aggie community. While we are hopeful for a reprieve with warmer weather next week, in order to resume academic coursework, it is likely that some employees and students will have lingering issues with power, internet connectivity, and infrastructure.
Changes to Spring 2021 Classes - Students
02/18/2021
I hope you are all safe and warm after this week’s weather events. I wanted to write briefly and let you know about some changes when we return to class next week. I am urging your instructors to remain as flexible as possible with the understanding that some of you may have lingering power and internet connectivity issues. Please keep your instructors informed. For remote classes, much like last spring, you may need to seek out public or university WiFi or use the OAL on campus.
Guidance on Face-to-Face Classes With No Remote Option
01/22/2021
Instructors and students engaged in a
traditional face-to-face course with no remote option have requested guidance from the Office of the Provost on accommodating students who either were exposed to or are sick from COVID-19.
Start of Spring 2021 Message from the Provost
01/13/2021
I’m pleased to welcome you back to Texas A&M for the spring 2021 semester. I hope each of you had an enjoyable and restful holiday break.
Important December Graduation Guidelines
12/07/2020
Texas A&M University is still planning to hold commencement ceremonies beginning this Wednesday, December 9
th, in Reed Arena. Attendance is limited and individuals must have a ticket to enter the premises.
Update on Fall 2020 Commencement Ceremonies
11/19/2020
Texas A&M University is planning for 15 in-person commencement ceremonies for fall 2020 graduates at Reed Arena in College Station. Please visit graduation.tamu.edu for a complete schedule of events.
Reminders before Thanksgiving break
11/17/2020
We’re almost to the end of the semester! Next week’s holiday break offers a welcome respite to a challenging year. Thank you for all your hard work this fall to help us get through the semester.
First-Generation College Celebration Week begins Nov. 2
10/28/2020
We hope you will join us next week — the week of November 2nd — to celebrate first-generation students at the first-ever virtual First-Generation College Celebration. The Routh First-Generation Center and the Office for Student Success warmly invite all students, faculty, and staff to celebrate first-generation students, meaning those whose parents or guardians have not earned a bachelor’s degree.
Campus Update and Planning for Spring for Employees
09/22/2020
Tomorrow marks the beginning of our sixth week of classes. Thank you for all your work during this very unusual semester that set yet another enrollment record.
Campus Update and Planning for Spring for Students
09/22/2020
Tomorrow marks the beginning of our sixth week of classes and midterms are right around the corner. We welcome all students to join a face-to-face class this week as you feel comfortable. Here are a few updates for this week.
Faculty: Honorlock Online Proctoring Solution Available in Learning Management Systems
09/11/2020
Honorlock
automated plus live pop-in proctoring for online exams is now available to all Texas A&M University course instructors via Canvas and eCampus. Honorlock requires the use of a learning management system. As a reminder, all Fall 2020 courses have been provisioned a course in both Canvas and eCampus.
Faculty update, teaching tips, and Zoom changes
09/08/2020
As you know, we made many changes over the summer to make the classroom as safe as possible. To date, we have no evidence of COVID-19 transmission in the classroom. Nonetheless, in-person attendance has been lower than expected.
Student Updates, Resources, and Changes to Zoom
09/08/2020
I hope your fall classes are going well and that you are adjusting to the new semester.
As you know, we made many changes over the summer to make the classrooms as safe as possible for our students and faculty. To date, we have no evidence of COVID-19 transmission in the classrooms. Please remember:
Exam Proctoring, Creative Teaching, and LMS Update
08/28/2020
I am writing to update you on three instructional matters: proctoring tools and initiatives, creative solutions for in-person and remote classroom teaching, and the learning management system (LMS) migration to Canvas.
COVID Dashboard & Campus Updates for Students
08/25/2020
Welcome back to campus! Please remember that our ability to teach classes face-to-face depends on minimizing COVID-19 on campus. We absolutely need your help.
COVID Dashboard & Campus Updates for Employees
08/25/2020
As students have returned, we are seeing an increase in COVID-19 diagnoses in this population and in the community. Texas A&M understands the importance of COVID-19 testing and the critical nature of sharing data with the Aggieland community.
2020 Syllabus COVID-19 Safety Reminder
08/18/2020
Welcome to the Fall 2020 semester. I want to acknowledge and thank you for all the extra time you have spent preparing your courses. Without a doubt, this week will have its challenges, so I appreciate your patience and persistence as we move forward to deliver the best education we can to our students.
Fall 2020 Explanatory Absence Form for Students
08/17/2020
Per Student Rule 7, students are responsible for providing documentation for personal injury or illness that is too severe or contagious for the student to attend class.
Fall 2020 Explanatory Absence Form
08/17/2020
As approved by the Texas A&M University Faculty Senate for Fall 2020, students may use the Explanatory Statement for Absence from class in place of a note from their medical provider. The COVID-19 syllabus addendum is located here.
Fall 2020 Updates
08/10/2020
Message to Texas A&M College Station Students
Fall Courses Available in Learning Management Systems
07/15/2020
All Fall 2020 courses have now been loaded in both Canvas and eCampus. Courses in Canvas are unpublished and courses in eCampus are inactive. Per the Provost’s email on June 29, 2020, the expectation is that all course instructors communicate to students in the syllabus which learning management system will be used to teach each course.
Canvas Practice Course Shells Now Live for Fall Course Instructors
07/06/2020
You should now have access to a practice shell in Canvas. We encourage you to follow the steps below to get started with Canvas and explore additional resources to support your entrée into Canvas.
Fall 2020 Courses at Texas A&M University
06/29/2020
As we approach mid-summer, I want to share the most current information available on how Texas A&M University plans to implement classes this fall. As you know by now, it is incredibly difficult to predict just how the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the COVID-19 disease will impact us locally.
Practice Courses Available in Canvas July 6 for Fall Course Instructors
06/28/2020
On July 6, 2020, all faculty assigned to teach in the fall will be issued one practice course shell in Canvas. This will provide a space for you to get familiar with Canvas’ tools, practice importing content from eCampus, and build content from scratch in Canvas.
Fall Semester Classes and Scheduling
06/15/2020
While 2020 has been anything but conventional, I hope this message finds you healthy and safe. Once again, I want to thank each of you for the hard work, patience, and tenacity in completing the spring semester. Although it was incredibly difficult, you rose to the challenge. Thank you.
Keep Teaching Updates for Summer 2020 Terms
05/11/2020
If you are teaching in Summer 2020, you should now have access to your course in eCampus. We recommend you use Texas A&M University's Learning Management System –
eCampus – as the university continues its
Keep Teaching initiative.
Graduation Celebrations Online Friday, May 8
05/06/2020
This is an exciting week for you as we celebrate this important milestone in your life. I invite you to view the university’s graduation celebration and virtual conferral of your degree, which will be available at gradcelebration.tamu.edu at
9 a.m. on Friday, May 8th. While this is not intended to replace your in-person commencement, it will provide you and your loved ones the opportunity to share in this very special accomplishment. The video will continue to be available for you to enjoy through the next week.
Guidance on Spring 2020 Final Exams
04/24/2020
The Office for Academic Innovation seeks to support instructors in preparation for final exams. The resources included below are for instructors who need assistance creating and administering exams in eCampus.
Deadline Extended to Change Grades to S/U
04/24/2020
President Young has approved a recommendation by the Faculty Senate executive committee to extend the time that students have to opt-in to S/U grading.
Guidance on Spring 2020 Final Exams
04/21/2020
The following provides guidance and clarification for final exams as well as new information about students who are ill.
Feedback on 2020 Remote Access to Coursework during COVID-19
04/16/2020
Earlier this month, you were asked to complete a brief survey about your experience with our temporary transformation to remote delivery of our courses. The survey was developed and is being administered by Hanover Research on behalf of Texas A&M University, and authorized by the president and provost. Your responses will be confidential, with no personally identifying information provided to the university. This is a friendly reminder to please take 2 – 3 minutes to complete this survey to help university leadership refine and improve the educational experience of our students at Texas A&M during these uncertain times.
Online Delivery for Summer Courses
04/02/2020
All summer courses offered through Texas A&M University in the first, second, and 10-week summer terms (including the May “minimester”) will be delivered online. We had hoped to resume coursework on campus for the second summer session, but with preregistration underway, some uncertainty on the apex of COVID19, and the need for both our students, faculty, and staff to plan, we have decided to move forward with the decision to teach all summer courses online.
Guidance for S/U Grading
04/01/2020
Relationship between A-F grades and S/U grades—The relationship between letter grades A-F and S/U is described in Student Rule 10 Grading and varies depending on the academic level of the course:
Faculty Resources, Internet, and Study Areas
03/20/2020
Classes resume online no earlier than Monday, March 23. Please communicate no later than today with your students and provide a revised syllabus. Syllabi should be updated through Howdy, as well.
As a reminder, no student may be required to be on campus. Information about changes to all university operations is here.
Texas A&M Spring Graduation Ceremonies Postponed, Finals Go Online, Family Weekend...
03/17/2020
Due to the global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and restrictions on event sizes announced by the White House, Spring graduation ceremonies will be postponed. The university is planning mail delivery of diplomas to graduates (with normal shipping costs waived) and is also considering opportunities for in-person ceremony options later this summer for those May graduates wishing to do so. There is no impact at this time to August in-person graduation ceremonies.
All Courses Now Loaded into eCampus
03/15/2020
Thank you for your patience as we move our courses online. I am writing to update you on several developments related to course delivery.
Guidance Regarding Online Classes March 16-20
03/14/2020
Below is an update which has also been shared with department and college leadership to help clarify the March 16-20 online classes. This information is also being posted on the central website today and shared via social media to help clarify.
Faculty Resources and Training for Online Instruction
03/13/2020
To facilitate the move to online instruction beginning March 23, 2020 there are several resources and training opportunities available on campus and via Zoom next week. If you have graduate teaching assistants who would benefit from this information, please share this with them.
Time Sensitive Faculty Guidance for March 16-17
03/10/2020
Classes on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17 are suspended and will resume as scheduled on Wednesday, March 18.