Texas A&M at Work: Dec. 22
Student commencement speakers exemplify Aggie Spirit, Texas A&M Women’s Volleyball team sweeps Kentucky for its first NCAA volleyball championship and Texas A&M conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters upon forensic nursing pioneer Virginia A. Lynch during fall commencement.
Texas A&M at Work is a biweekly email designed to keep employees up to date on the most vital and relevant information, news and events across all Texas A&M University campuses. Note: Due to the Winter Break, the next issue will be Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. Happy holidays!
Student commencement speakers exemplify Aggie Spirit
Unlike many universities that feature alumni, politicians or celebrities at commencement, Texas A&M University places the spotlight on those who have spent years working toward this milestone. Speaking on behalf of their peers, student speakers embody the spirit, values and shared experience of Aggieland.
“Commencement is a moment grounded in tradition, but it is the voices of our students that make each ceremony distinct,” said Dr. Alan Sams, provost and executive vice president. “Their reflections capture the challenges, accomplishments and aspirations of the graduating class in ways only they can. By sharing their stories, our student speakers honor the spirit of Texas A&M and remind us of one of the reasons why this academic journey matters.”
Each semester, graduating students can self-nominate by submitting their speech to the appropriate office — the Division of Student Affairs for undergraduates and the Graduate and Professional School for graduate students. After review, selected speakers are approved by the Office of the Provost.
This semester, six student speakers were chosen.
Clarifications to System Policy 08.01 Updates
On Thursday, Dec. 18, The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents voted on changes to System Policy 08.01, which sought to clarify the prior revisions related to course materials and curricular content. The Office of the Provost is reviewing the prior guidance released in consideration of the clarifications from the board. The university’s goal is to provide useful guidance, timelines and next steps as quickly as possible to faculty and staff. In the meantime, steps already taken connected to the policy changes remain aligned with the policy’s intent, and deans and department heads will share any necessary adjustments.
University and campuswide survey approval process
University and campuswide surveys can provide critical insight into the experience of our faculty, staff and students. Strategy and Business Services helps coordinate and streamline surveying across Texas A&M’s campuses and teaching sites, working closely with partners like Student Affairs Planning Assessment and Research, as well as the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Evaluation. Details related to the university’s survey approval process, including the request form, approved exceptions, timing considerations, sampling and distribution, and data privacy, are available online.
CTE Spring 2026 workshops now available
Explore this coming spring’s highlighted Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) workshops designed to support engaging, research-informed teaching across Texas A&M. CTE programming offers sessions for new and experienced faculty, ranging from motivating today’s learners and cultivating critical thinking to strengthening assessment, digital accessibility, course design and effective use of generative AI. Educators, join us to reflect on your teaching, refresh your strategies and reimagine new possibilities for student success.
Aggies sweep Kentucky for first NCAA volleyball championship
Entering the tournament as the No. 3 seed in the Lincoln Regional, the Texas A&M Women’s Volleyball team completed a postseason sweep of three of the tournament’s No. 1 seeds, beating Nebraska and Pitt before winning it all against Kentucky. The last three teams the Maroon and White beat were a combined 93-6 before their respective seasons were ended.
The Aggies’ victory earned Texas A&M’s first-ever NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship, and in the 45-year history of the NCAA Championship, the Aggies are just the ninth team to sweep both of their Final Four matches.
‘Mother of Forensic Nursing’ receives Texas A&M honorary doctorate
Texas A&M conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters upon forensic nursing pioneer Virginia A. Lynch during a fall 2025 commencement ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 18.
Regarded as the “Mother of Forensic Nursing,” Lynch is credited with defining the scientific framework, educational foundations and ethical principles that established forensic nursing as a distinct discipline.
Honorary doctorates, a rarity at Texas A&M, require approval by the Board of Regents. Lynch received the nomination from the Texas A&M Health Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing, which has used her foundational work as the basis for its world-renowned continuing education and outreach activities since its establishment. With formal approval from the Board of Regents in 2019, the Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing became Texas’ first state- and federally funded center. The designation significantly expanded the capabilities and funding the College of Nursing relies on to honor its commitment to advancing forensic nursing education, outreach and research.
Navigating holiday stress: Finding balance in food and festivity
The holiday season is often a time of family, festivity and food, but for nearly 30 million Americans with eating disorders — and countless others struggling with food shame or guilt — this time of year also brings unique challenges. While many celebrate with traditional feasts, others may find it difficult to join in, especially as diet culture and social media amplify the pressure and scrutiny surrounding eating habits.
Two registered dietitians at Texas A&M University Health Services offer advice for navigating dietary choices and maintaining a healthy relationship with food during the festive season.
Technology Services resource tables January 2026
In January, Technology Services will host a series of resource table events offering employees and students at our main campus an in-person opportunity to receive help with their technology needs. From setting up DUO multifactor authentication on a new device to assisting with software or other tech-related questions, Help Desk Central will be on hand and collaborating with the local IT professionals to provide support and guidance.
Stop by any of the following locations from 12:30 to 4 p.m. to help make sure your technology needs are met:
- Tuesday, Jan. 20: Aggie One Stop, General Services Complex
- Wednesday, Jan. 21: University Libraries, Sterling C. Evans Library Lobby
- Thursday, Jan. 22: College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, VENI lobby
- Friday, Jan. 23: The Bush School of Government and Public Service, Allen lobby
Upcoming Events
- University Holiday-Winter Break
Dec. 24 – Jan. 1
- Driving Your Career Forward – Virtual (registration required)
Jan. 7
- Social Security Strategies (registration required)
Jan. 14
- Performance Management – Employee Best Practices (registration required)
Jan. 14
- Creating a Learning & Development Plan – Virtual (registration required)
Jan. 15
- Maroon and White Night
Jan. 16
- University Holiday – Martin Luther King Jr.
Jan. 19
- University Staff Council Meeting
Jan. 20
- Moving Into Retirement (registration required)
Jan. 21
- OPAS Presents “The Choir of Man”
Jan. 21-22
- Successfully Transitioning Through Change: It Starts With You (registration required)
Jan. 22
- Moving Into Retirement – via Zoom (registration required)
Jan. 23
- Resilience: Building Strength in the Face of Workplace Stress (registration required)
Jan. 27
- Taking Control of Conflict (registration required)
Jan. 28
- Performance Management – Supervisory Best Practices (registration required)
Jan. 28
- OPAS Presents Richard Thomas in “Mark Twain Tonight!”
Jan. 28-29
In Case You Missed It
A team’s on-field performance can shape many aspects of fan behavior, including how fans act, the language they use, what they wear and even their self-esteem.
Yahirnitza Leytzali Torres Cruz turned a 2,000-mile move from Puerto Rico into a remarkable journey in chemistry at Texas A&M.
Texas A&M researchers are developing a way to interconnect industrial facilities in order to enhance efficiency and support a net-zero emissions future.
