Fall Brings New Services, Programs to TAMIU

The opening of the fall semester at Texas A&M International University will see the addition of new services, an easing of access to and from the University, course expansion, the dedication of the University’s Student Success Center and the beginning of the Student Center expansion.

Fall classes at TAMIU begin Thursday, Aug. 23.  Late registration continues through Aug. 29.

Among new services this fall will be the full implementation of a Quality Matters Program for the University’s distance education and instructional technology.  Quality Matters (QM) is a faculty-centered, peer review process that is designed to certify the quality of online and blended courses. QM is a leader in quality assurance for online education, receiving national recognition for its peer-based approach and continuous improvement in online education and student learning.

Also on the academic side, the fall will bring changes to the University’s popular Criminal Justice program including a five-week online graduate course program and expanded undergraduate criminal justice course offerings, including online courses. This fall, a special “wintermester” will be offered with a limited number of classes available from Jan. 3 to Jan. 18, 2013.

Other noteworthy new services include the campus’ 100% wireless upgrade  and the placement of digital signage monitors on campus. Recently expanded food services at the campus will also be “going green” by offering free refillable soft drinks in the Food Court to reduce the sale of plastic individual bottles.  Customers can also access free water dispensers without purchasing bottles.

The campus’ parking system has been revisited and paid permits are now only required for designated reserved parking areas. Traffic flow will be enhanced with the opening of a secondary entrance and exit on Loop 20 near the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.

On September 20, students and State dignitaries will gather for the official naming of the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center, the campus’ primary student information and services hub.

Also later this fall, construction will begin on the expansion of the Student Center.  

A 2012 student referendum vote made the expansion possible.   It will include the construction of a two-story addition connecting north and south sides of the Student Center across the east end patio.  The second floor addition will house a large, open computer lounge for students. The first floor will add seating to Dusty’s Diner and move Dusty’s Den, a student game room, downstairs to include a separate entrance and restrooms.

For additional information on new services and changes at Texas A&M International University, contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, email prmis@tamiu.edu, or click on tamiu.edu

University information is also available on its social media sites on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube and by free download of the University’s smartphone and tablet app, available at tamiu.edu

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu