TAMIU Fall Preview

Front Door Changes

That's evident at the University's front door, the entrance from Loop 20, now known as IH 69W. This multi-year TXDOT construction project is upgrading the Loop to federal interstate standards and is approximately 27% complete. Students this Fall are advised that campus entrance construction work should be complete by October, but drivers should proceed with caution as frequent changes in lane availability, signage, and traffic shifts are anticipated.

Entrance and parking established, it's time to explore some new on-campus opportunities to refresh and recharge before or after class...how about a COFFEE?

Get Yer Brew On!

TAMIU is launching two new coffee concepts across four campus locations. A national fan favorite, Costa Coffee, is coming to TAMIU with fresh-brewed coffee and coffee-based drinks (hot and cold) in Bob Bullock Hall, Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center, and University Village. A new coffee bar will also be available at Dusty's Diner. Campus coffee lovers will be able to order their favorite coffee five-minutes from anywhere on campus.

Use Your Noodle... Ramen That Is!

In a pilot project between TAMIU's Student Government Association and TAMIU Hospitality, TAMIUNoodles, a Ramen Noodle Bar, will be housed inside of Dusty's Diner with a Noodles-only pass available to those not having a meal plan.

What's Going On?

Communicating the broad and vibrant range of campus activities and life has been further enhanced with five new digital video kiosks coming across campus. This initiative is spearheaded by the University's Office of Information Technology with content support from the Office of Public Relations, Marketing, and Information Services.

Life On Campus

For TAMIU students living on campus, housing updates have been underway to improve access, experience, and elevate room amenities.

• No more keys and student ID cards to access UV and RLC - New access control for residential and community amenities will be by Proxess, which allows residents to move around the communities by simply using their smartphones. Current summer residents have been doing so to great reviews. Incoming students will be emailed Proxess phone application access and verification information with their move-in materials.
• UV and RLC have had exterior repainting and pool deck repairs -- And upgrades at both facilities are focused on enjoyable relaxing by the pool.
• Upgrades – Select UV apartments will see kitchen and bathroom upgrades with new appliances, refreshed cabinets, counters, and tub tile surrounds.

Campus Grounds

TAMIU continues to commit to improving access, comfort and usability of its popular outdoor areas. This Fall sees the addition of a retractable canopy system installed above the Student Center patio, elevating the space to broader outdoor engagement opportunities.

On the Shelves

The Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library has a new Integrated Library System, which means users should have a better experience using the Catalog to search for materials. Library workshops are coming. Also, a second-floor project has optimized holdings, removed shelving, and added additional student seating.

Working It Out

New programming is available from TAMIU Rec Sports, the campus's workout central hub. Try something new and choose from programs like:

• Outdoor Adventures Kayaking Excursions
• Fall Semester Intramural Programming
• Fall Semester Fitness Class Schedule
• Personal Training
• City of Laredo Tennis Complex at TAMIU

Bright Start, Night Start

You can really rise and shine this Fall at TAMIU. The University is offering students a chance to start their day early with "Bright Start" classes starting at 7 and 8:30 a.m., providing a right start to accommodate busy working schedules while maintaining or speeding degree progress. A sister initiative, "Night Start," expands on classes available at 7:35 and 9:10 p.m. for classes after work and family obligations. Both options are consistent with TAMIU's commitment to meeting students at the intersection of needs and opportunity.

Changing Names

Some TAMIU office names and programs have changed to better reflect functions and support opportunities.

Among these, Student Conduct and Community Engagement is now Student Affairs to better reflect the full scope of support and services provided. This aligns with national standards in higher education and more clearly identifies Student Affairs as a central hub for student-focused resources—from conduct and community standards to student advocacy, care coordination, basic needs support, and civic engagement. In short, "Affairs" is intentional and reflects an expanded role in supporting any matter that impacts a student's ability to thrive, including unforeseen hardships, basic needs, and life circumstances beyond the classroom.

Examples include:

• Services such as Dusty Food Pantry
• Support for Parenting Students
• Support for Students with Foster Care Experience

The renewed Student Affairs identity will help students more easily recognize the resources available to them and know that Student Affairs is a place they can count on—for connection, encouragement, and guidance.

Umatter @TAMIU

As part of its enduring commitment to health, TAMIU provides enrolled students a convenient way to prioritize their mental health...with "Umatter," a free, confidential mental health care app as close as their smartphone.

The Umatter Health Student Support App provides TAMIU students with access to individual counseling, workshops, and a broad range of local and national crisis resources. It's part of a commitment by The Texas A&M University System for all 12 of its campuses to affirm the importance of students' mental health.

SafeZone for All

TAMIU continues to enhance security and support for the University community through its expanding use of SafeZone, a unified safety, communications, and well-being service. SafeZone is a free mobile app for all University faculty, staff, and students. With it, users can:

• Report safety concerns 24/7
• Get connected quickly with mental health professionals.
• Activate location sharing with authorities if alone and concerned for safety.
• Anonymously report incidents via text message, photograph, and location.
• Control profile data and what is shared; sharing location only when you raise alerts, check in, send reports, or request assistance.

Introducing Kortext

This Fall the TAMIU Follett Campus Bookstore is launching Kortext—a more intuitive, fully accessible, and feature-rich e-book experience. Designed for the way students learn today, Kortext empowers students and faculty with smarter study tools, built-in collaboration, and gives faculty ability to upload content and adopt open education resources. Kortext also features industry-leading accessibility features. Kortext offers a personalized and flexible reading experience, more ways to engage and learn in one platform, is integrated with existing TAMIU systems, and is built for security to protect student and University information. Details are coming on the TAMIU Follett Campus Bookstore website.

Getting Around

Campus wayfinding signage monuments are being refreshed and updated to reflect campus building additions opening next year, including the Clinical Health Sciences Center. The wayfinding project is coordinated by Campus Park and Planning.

Building Futures

Construction on campus is ongoing and includes a two-story extension of the Western Hemispheric Trade Center and the new three-story Clinical Health Science Center. Both are projected for completion in 2026.