A university consists of more than classrooms. In addition to teaching, faculty are engaged in research, publication, professional growth and development activities, university service and advisement. Students grow through participation in the extracurricular activities the university sponsors. The following sections offer some indication of campus life at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. More detail can be found in the Student Handbook and the Faculty Handbook.

This survey omits a number of very important components of the university whose work, nevertheless, contributes to campus comfort and the smooth functioning of university operations including such divisions as accounting, bursar, development, facility management, human resources, payroll, physical plant, procurement and general services, among others.

Campus Governing Bodies
The Student Government Association is the highest governing body for students at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. It makes recommendations to the university administration for improving student life. The student government is composed of the executive, legislative and judicial branches. The student body elects the President, Vice-President, and the Senators during a general student election held each spring. The Dean of Students oversees the SGA.

The Faculty Senate, established by the Constitution of the General Faculty, is a body of 30 faculty members elected for three-year terms from the six undergraduate colleges and the library. The Faculty Senate is responsible for the overall educational policies of the university as well as noncurriculum matters that it feels the need to address. It is instrumental in creating the Faculty Handbook.

In 1990, the Staff Council was created to address the various specific concerns of five groups of personnel: secretarial-clerical, nonfaculty professional, technical, crafts and services. Consisting of 24 members elected for two-year terms, the council provides a means for this important group of campus employees to voice those concerns to the administration.

Extracurricular Activities
Although the focus of the university is intellectual, it also fosters the broad mental, physical and spiritual well-being of the campus community. To this end, a variety of non-academic programs are offered to enhance student learning and personal development.

Office of the Dean of Students
David Braverman, Dean of Students
Student Union Building 306. MSC 122. Extension 3606.

The Dean of Students (DOS) exercises broad responsibility for the student services of the university. The office is responsible for improving the quality of life for students and assisting them in attaining their educational goals; for promoting an environment which aids in the students' emotional, social, cultural and ethical development; and working with all academic colleges and departments as an advocate for students' rights. The Dean of Students assists the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs in creating and implementing programs, services and activities which are consistent with the university's mission. The Dean of Students oversees the Student Union Building, Student Development, Student Activities, New Student Orientation, the Student Government Association, the ID Center, the Post Office, student discipline, custodial services for the Student Union Building, scheduling of events by campus and community organizations and specific retention programs. In addition, the office has a liaison relationship with Sodexho Food Services and Barnes and Noble Bookstore.

Student Union Building
Joseph L. Cusack, Associate Director of the Student Union Building
Student Union Building 110. MSC 122. Extension 3104.

The Student Union Building (SUB) is the center of social life on the campus. It includes multiple dining areas, student lounges, a game room (extension 3113), two large ballrooms, meeting areas and student related offices. The Student Union sponsors dances, games and tournaments, welcome and hospitality programs and campus food service. Recognized student organizations may schedule use of the facilities; there is no charge for normal use. Outside organizations must pay a fee. The Office of the Dean of Students is located in the Student Union Building, along with the Office of Student Activities, the Women's Center, Student Financial Aid Office, Barnes and Noble Bookstore, the Post Office, Student Government Association, Sodexho Food Service and The South Texan student newspaper.

Student Activities
Seferino Mendietta, Director of Student Activities
SUB 301. MSC 133. Extension 2760.

The Department of Student Activities serves as the resource hub for all student organizations. Student Activities provides many services to the Texas A&M University-Kingsville student organizations, such as registering organizations, producing directories, providing counseling and advising services and helping student groups with operational assistance. The department provides many cultural, educational, recreational and social programs for the campus community. Some examples are Homecoming, Family Day, Fall Carnival, Spring Fling and the Mr. and Miss Texas A&M University-Kingsville Scholarship Pageants. In addition to serving over 125 student organizations, Student Activities also provides a variety of specialized leadership programs such as the Women's Leadership Institute, Freshman Leadership Academy and the South Texas Leadership Conference. The department provides full-time support to Greek Life, the Hoggie Days Orientation Program, the Javelina Mentor Program and the Campus Activities Board. The department also includes activities related to Recreational Sports and Activities. Believing extra-curricular involvement is essential to student success, the Texas A&M-Kingsville Department of Student Activities completes a student's education.

Hoggie Days Orientation
The "Hoggie Days" orientation program is the first step that a newly admitted student, with fewer than 29 credit hours, takes in becoming a part of Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Hoggie Days is designed to aid in making this transition a smooth and enjoyable experience by addressing the common needs of incoming students.

The South Texan
The South Texan, a weekly newspaper, offers a means to bring student concerns to the academic community, to ascertain and express student opinion, to train future professional journalists, to publish official announcements and policies and to provide the campus with a general interest newspaper from the student perspective. The editor is selected by the Student Publications/Media Committee, and must have taken basic journalism classes and have an overall grade point average of 2.5 or better. A paid staff, chosen by the editor with the advice and consent of the faculty adviser, is chiefly responsible for newspaper production. Volunteer help from throughout the student body is always welcome.

Recreational Sports
Stephen A. Tribble, Associate Director for Recreational Sports
Steinke Physical Education Center, Room 8. MSC 198. Extension 2372.

Intramural Sports
A wide variety of individual, dual and team sports are offered each semester. Individuals are provided the opportunity to socialize, learn leadership skills, exercise and obtain the ever-elusive title of INTRAMURAL CHAMPION. Championship T-shirts are awarded in every sport. Teams work hard in every sport to earn points with the hopes of being crowned TEXAS A&M-KINGSVILLE ALL-CAMPUS INTRAMURAL CHAMPION. In a select number of sports, opportunities are available to compete at regional and national levels.

The Fitness Center
The Fitness Center is housed in the Steinke Physical Education Center (SPEC) and is available to all Texas A&M-Kingsville students, faculty and staff and has a wide range of exercise equipment available (treadmills, stair climbers, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes, selectorize weight machines, dumb bells and a smith machine). A full cardio theater is also available to make workout routines more enjoyable. The Fitness Center also provides programs in the areas of wellness, fitness, training, aerobics and nutrition.

Cheerleading
Team spirit is a vital part of any college atmosphere. The Texas A&M-Kingsville cheerleading program offers students the opportunity to get involved, learn leadership, develop athletic skills and promote team work. In support of the athletic department, the cheerleaders perform at all basketball and football games and attempt to cheer at other athletic events when possible.

Informal Recreation
The Steinke Physical Education Center (SPEC) is home to Javelina basketball and volleyball and is also available to all students for recreational use. The SPEC offers the following recreational facilities: a multi-purpose gym (basketball, volleyball, etc.), racquetball courts, a swimming pool and the Fitness Center. Equipment is available for check out from the "cage."

Intercollegiate Athletics
Jill O. Willson, Athletic Director
Javelina Stadium. MSC 202. Extension 2411.

Nationally ranked athletic teams for men and women are a tradition at the university. Athletic teams for women include volleyball, basketball, cross country, track and field and softball. Athletic teams for men include football, basketball, baseball, cross country, and track and field. Each enrolled student may attend all scheduled home athletic events free of charge with a validated Student I.D.

University Services
The university provides a number of services for the university community. These are free or have minimal charges.

Life Services and Wellness
Dianne Brown, Director
Life Services and Wellness. MSC 112. Extension 3991.

Life Services and Wellness (LSW) serves the physical, emotional and special academic needs of Texas A&M-Kingsville students. Special emphasis is placed on preventive services and lifestyle management to encourage students in leading healthier and emotionally fulfilling lives. Visit the web site at www.tamuk.edu/sass/lifeservices or call 361-593-3991. Office hours are Monday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding university holidays. Five areas of service include health care services, personal and career counseling, services for students with disabilities, testing, and wellness. All services provided are confidential. No information is released without written permission of the student.

All currently registered Texas A&M-Kingsville students who have paid the health care fee each semester are eligible to receive services. However, special prevention, wellness programs and testing services are offered to faculty, staff and interested individuals at a minimal fee.

Health Care Services
Health Care Services provides care for minor medical situations and related problems to students enrolled at Texas A&M-Kingsville while classes are in session. All registered students pay a health service fee that includes unlimited visits to see medical providers and to obtain medications at low or no cost. Additional lab services, minor surgical procedures and immunizations have a minimal fee. Students are responsible for any financial obligations stemming from referral to a private physician's office, lab tests, x-ray or hospital. The health service fee is not intended to be construed as health insurance. A student health insurance application is available at Life Services and Wellness, the Dean of Students Office and Students Affairs Office.

Any student in need of health care is encouraged to visit LSW; there is always qualified staff available during office hours. Students may walk-in or schedule appointments and must present validated ID for health care services. Also, the office does not routinely provide class absence excuses. It is the student's responsibility to convey information regarding illness to the professor.

After hours emergency care is available at Christus Spohn-Kleberg Memorial Hospital, 1300 General Cavazos Boulevard. 361-595-1661 or call emergency service at 361-595-9745. Fees and transportation to these facilities are the students' responsibility. In case of an extreme emergency, please call 911.

Personal and Career Counseling
A professional counselor is available to provide personal or group counseling in interpersonal issues, educational or academic, career or life-decision concerns. All services, with the exception of selected specialized tests, are free. Also available to staff are free counseling assessments and referrals to community resources. However, faculty and staff may obtain free counseling (three to five one-hour sessions) on stress or time management and career exploration. Scheduled appointments and walk-ins are welcome.

Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
This office assists in academic adjustment and provides auxiliary aids to students with disabling conditions, as defined under the law, who are otherwise qualified to meet the institution's academic requirements. To qualify for services from SSD, a student must: apply and be accepted for admission to Texas A&M University-Kingsville through the regular admissions process; provide current and comprehensive documentation of a temporary or permanent disability that requires accommodation; and schedule an initial interview with the SSD Coordinator/Counselor to discuss needs and to register for services. Faculty are encouraged to call or meet with the SSD Coordinator/Counselor to learn more about accommodations and accessibility issues. Faculty and student handbooks are available.

Testing Services
The Texas A&M-Kingsville testing office provides comprehensive testing services for students and prospective students. The Testing Office serves as a national testing center for such tests as the American College Test (ACT), College Level Examination Program-computer based exam (CLEP), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), Miller Analogies Test (MAT), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP). General Education Development (GED) testing is also administered through this office. Also provided is the Quick TASP and ACT Residual to accommodate students who register at Texas A&M-Kingsville and who cannot take these examinations during national test dates. Examinations are normally scheduled at the beginning and/or end of each semester; summer session testing may vary. Call the testing office for next available test dates.

Wellness Program
The main goal of the Wellness Program is to assess present health status and practices, to educate and counsel, and to provide opportunities for individuals to participate and experience positive lifestyle practices in the university setting. The "Don't Cancel Class" program is available to all faculty requesting educational presentations on prevention, positive lifestyle management, and academic issues. Trained counselors and master's level practicums present on the following: stress or time management, alcohol and drug prevention, prevention of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, self-care, career exploration, personality type, study skills improvement, note taking, etc. Contact the office to schedule presentations, selection of topic, room number, date and time of presentation and target audience. The program also offers students an opportunity to be a part of a successful peer education program, PEP Talk, that encourages leadership development and community service. Contact the PEP Talk Coordinator at 361-593-2374.

Center for Young Children
Lisa A. Turcotte, Director
Center for Young Children. MSC 138. Extension 2219.

The center is the laboratory in which students observe and gain practical experience in working with young children and their parents. Several of the programs in the Department of Human Sciences require observation and/or participation at the center. Students from other disciplines, such as early childhood education, psychology; speech communications, and kinesiology are also provided opportunities to observe and interact with young children. In May 1999 the Center for Young Children received full accreditation status from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

The Center for Young Children was established in 1941 and is housed on the corner of University Boulevard and Santa Gertrudis Avenue. It meets the needs of 60 children ages six weeks through five years. Fenced playgrounds provide a large assortment of play structures and equipment, shade and sun areas, and open play space. Learning centers are provided in each room to stimulate and encourage exploration and discovery. The philosophy that young children learn through creative play is evident in planned activities that enhance the children's emotional, social, physical, and cognitive development.

A highly qualified staff works with the children. The school's close proximity to campus and its high quality program make it especially attractive to university students with children. Parents are encouraged to register their children early since a waiting list quickly forms as the fall semester nears. Parents are welcome to visit at any time.

Veterans Services
M. Ester Salazar, VA Coordinator
College Hall 150. MSC 105. Extension 2812.

Courses at A&M-Kingsville are approved for veterans training and benefits. The Veteran Affairs Office, located in the Office of the Registrar, assists veterans with problems relating to their training programs.

Benefits
Programs are approved for those who wish to attend and receive benefits under the Veterans Readjustment Benefits Act of 1966, Post-Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program, the Veterans Educational Act of 1984, Chapter 1606 (formerly 106), Reservists Education Bill, Chapter 30, Veterans Administration (VA) Education Bill of 1986, and dependents qualified for VA Educational Benefits.

Students attending with the aid of veterans benefits should inquire about Veterans Affairs through the Office of the Registrar, prior to registration, to obtain needed information relative to their enrollment and "certification" of attendance to the Veterans Administration. All new students must furnish the Veterans Affairs Office a copy of their DD214 or a certified DD214 from the county court clerk of their respective county. The Veteran must also furnish certified copies of marriage certificates, divorce certificates and dependents' birth certificates, if applicable.

Students must provide approved, signed degree plans to Veterans Affairs prior to certification of their initial semester. Degree plans are available through the Counseling Office or through departmental advisers. Transfer students should have copies of all previous college transcripts for initial counseling sessions. It is the student's responsibility to inform Veterans Affairs of any changes in enrollment status. The monthly rates of payment to veterans are provided for by Public Law 94-302. Students receiving VA benefits must inform the Office of Student Financial Aid to avoid any financial aid discrepancies.

Veterans should have military credit evaluated at the close of the first semester or upon the successful completion of 12 semester hours and furnish Veterans Affairs with a copy of their updated degree plan. Also, any transfer credit from prior education needs to be evaluated before the close of the first semester and a copy of an updated degree plan must be furnished to Veterans Affairs. All active duty personnel receiving Tuition Assistance must process their paperwork through the Business Office.

Standards of Progress for Veterans
A student receiving full or part-time veteran's education benefits must maintain a cumulative 2.0 grade point average on work taken. Students who wish to receive veteran's benefits and who transfer from another institution without the required 2.0 GPA must visit the VA coordinator in the Office of the Registrar before registering for classes to determine whether or not they are eligible for certification. The scholastic status of a student receiving veteran's benefits can be changed by attending summer school and meeting the same standards that apply in the long semester.

Veterans Semester Hour Classification
The Veterans Administration uses the semester hour classification scale below to determine a veteran's payment. The number of semester hours enrolled at this university are those reported to the Veterans Administration. This classification scale is used only for the fall and spring semesters. The summer sessions are calculated differently. To ensure classification contact the VA Coordinator in the Office of the Registrar.

12 hours or more Full-time
9-11 hours 3/4 time
6-8 hours ½ time
4-5 hours Less than ½ time; more than 1/4 time
1-3 hours 1/4 time (constitutes tuition and fees only)

Career Services Center
Susan D. Dollar, Director
Eckhardt Hall 102. MSC 106. Extension 2218.

The mission of the Career Services Center is to provide assistance to students and alumni in planning careers and securing employment, including developing, evaluating and effectively initiating and implementing career, education and employment decisions and plans. The Career Services Center is designed to provide a diverse student population with a variety of information and assistance to achieve their professional goals. It is the aim of Career Services to provide a quality center that meets the needs of the students, alumni, employers, faculty and staff and to provide a superior level of service.

Students should register with Career Services in order to obtain assistance with their employment search. On-campus interviews, job-skills workshops, career fairs and "how-to" information are available through the center. The Cooperative Education/Internship Program provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain work experience in their major field of study by alternating paid work periods with semesters of school. Summer internships are also available. The Off-Campus Part-Time Employment Program provides students with job opportunities in the local community while attending school. Students who have not yet chosen a major may contact the center for career guidance and counseling about various occupations. An interactive computer guidance program is available to help students with self-assessment and career exploration. For more information, see the Career Services Center home page at www.tamuk.edu.

Women's Center
Becky Maez, Director
Student Union Building 301C. MSC 135. Extension 2166.

The Women's Center was established in 1993 through a presidential initiative. The Women's Center works to improve the lives of all women on campus including students, faculty and staff through academic, research and service programs and activities. The center offers educational and social programming on campus for all students, such as Women's History Month, Sexual Assault Prevention, Family Violence Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness and the Winterfest Craft Party for children of faculty and staff. The center is open and available for informal advising, crisis intervention and generally serves as a support unit on campus. The center's new conference room is available for scheduling meetings, studying and/or meeting area for students/student organizations.

University Engineering, Facilities Planning and Construction Office
Joseph C. Calusio, University Engineer and Director of Campus Planning
Support Services Building 102. MSC 111. Extension 2645.

Engineering design, analysis and project planning for construction-related changes or additions to the university's facilities are the responsibility of the University Engineering, Facilities Planning and Construction Office. This office also houses the blueprint master file, campus maps, construction documents and other records of university facilities. The principal objective goal of the office staff is to manage the renewal, upgrade and modernization of university facilities through construction project work.

Environmental, Health, and Safety Office (EHS)
J. Chris Tweddle, Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Support Services Building. MSC 111. Extension 2346.

The university strives to provide a safe and healthful working environment for all employees, students, and visitors. The EHS Office works with university personnel and student organizations in striving to minimize work place incidences. This office is responsible for ensuring the university's compliance with state and federal safety and environmental regulations.

Priorities of this office are to establish and promote proper attitudes and procedures within all areas of the university community concerning reduction in work place incidences, fire safety, occupational safety, environmental management and emergency action procedures.

University Police
Sandra Jefferson, Chief
Seale Hall. MSC 126. Extension 2611.

The University Police Department's primary purpose is to protect the security of the campus. This department controls traffic and parking, maintains a quiet and orderly atmosphere in which students can pursue an education without disturbances and interference, provides information to visitors on the campus and assists in emergencies. The department consists of 15 state certified police officers, including the director, four state certified dispatchers, dispatcher/clerk supervisor and a clerk.

All faculty, staff and students, full or part-time, who operate or expect to operate a vehicle on university property, regularly or occasionally, are required to register those vehicles with the University Police Department and obtain a parking permit assigning a designated area or areas for parking. Information regarding vehicle registration, parking zones, permit display, parking penalties or other information with respect to parking and traffic regulations may be found in the separate brochure available at the University Police Department.

Identification Card Service
Barbara Collins, Coordinator for I.D. Center
Student Union Building. MSC 122. Extension 2243.

The university operates an identification card system in SUB 110. All members of the university community need an I.D. card. An optional I.D. can be issued for spouses and for children between the ages of 4 and 18. I.D. cards provide access to the library, Business Office, Student Health Center, Physical Education Center, Student Union and certain other areas. Further information concerning the student I.D. Card is available in the Student Handbook.

Check Cashing
The Business Office in College Hall will cash checks for students (up to $50), faculty and staff with a valid I.D. card.

Mail Service
Alice A. Huerta, Postal Supervisor
MSC 100. Extension 2400.

The federal post office located in the Student Union Building provides complete postal service to all faculty, staff and students. Services include selling stamps, money orders, self-stamped envelopes, aerogrammes, renting post office boxes and mailing packages. Other services include express mail, priority, registered, certified, insured and delivery confirmation. Next to the federal post office is the campus post office, which is responsible for delivering and processing all departmental mail. Mail service is also provided to the residence halls and the student family apartments. Service window hours are 8:30 a.m. to -4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lobby hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

Bookstore
Mary Jane Torres, Manager
Student Union Building. MSC 127. Extension 2601.

The university bookstore provides the campus community with new and used textbooks, other required course material, trade and reference books, office supplies, academically priced software, imprinted gift items and academic regalia.

Public Affairs
Jo Ann Castro, Director
College Hall 130. MSC 114. Extension 3901.

This office is the university's official link with the news media. It gathers and disseminates news of the university's programs and people to print and broadcast media throughout the state, and also responds to media inquiries. It is also responsible for university publications, including the web page, advertising and internal communications. The office also conducts an extensive marketing and advertising program for student recruitment and assists in special event planning. The Public Affairs Office publishes the faculty-staff newspaper, The Javelina Bulletin, and the Javelina Alumni Association newsletter, The Tusk.

Special Programs
Mary L. Gonzalez, Director
Eckhardt Hall 219. MSC 181. Extension 2708

The purpose of the Office of Special Programs is to promote the completion of high school, the pursuit of college and the acquisition of life skills among at-risk, disadvantaged youth. The Office of Special Programs is located in Eckhardt Hall, second floor. The following programs are housed within the area of special programs.

High School Equivalency Program
The High School Equivalency Program recaptures migrant students who have dropped out of school and/or migrant adults who have not completed their high school diploma, and prepares them to master the high school equivalency exam. They are placed in the work force or matriculated to the university.

Student Support Services
The Student Support Services Program is an undergraduate program that provides academic support services, retention and financial aid assistance. The program fosters an institutional climate supportive of the success of low income, first generation or students with disabilities. The Student Support Services helps to increase graduation rates, and as appropriate, facilitate participants' entrance into graduate and professional programs.

College Exploration Summer Program
The College Exploration Summer Program transitions high school graduates to the university by offering an opportunity to earn semester hours of post-secondary credit. In conjunction with a variety of academic support workshops on study skills, TASP tips, career awareness opportunities, and cultural exposure, the CEP Program provides a variety of student services geared toward retaining participants in higher education.

Upward Bound Year-round Program
The Upward Bound Year-round Program offers outreach services to high school students from area independent school districts by enhancing students' academic skills and enabling them to continue beyond high school. The Upward Bound Program objective is to develop the participant's full potential and prepare them for post-secondary success.

Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program
The Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program is designed to increase the number of undergraduate low-income students, especially under-represented groups, to enroll in graduate studies and eventually pursue a doctoral degree. The Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program is made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This grant supports undergraduate students' scholarly activities throughout the academic year with an intensive internship research study component. Through this support, Texas A&M-Kingsville is playing a very important role with faculty/ student mentorships. Exposure to graduate work and mentorship programs are important contributions for students to realize their full potential. The McNair Program prepares undergraduate juniors and seniors aspiring to study at the graduate level.

College Assistance Migrant Program.
The College Assistance Migrant Program's (CAMP) purpose is to identify, recruit and enroll migrant and seasonal farm worker high school graduates and provide them academic, social and financial support to enable them to complete their first year of college and offer follow-up student support services until completion of their degree plan.

Upward Bound Math and Science Center
The Upward Bound Math and Science Center selects students with math and science strengths from high schools throughout the state and brings them to Texas A&M-Kingsville each summer for research sessions. The center provides the state's high school students appropriate role models by identifying and hiring undergraduates and/or postgraduate students as instructors and tutors in math, science, computer science and technical writing during the summer project. Collaborative learning and team building is developed among participants. The center provides the students an opportunity to enhance their math and science skills and to observe and get involved with ongoing math, science and computer research. Faculty and graduate student mentors assist the research and send Upward Bound projects during the academic follow-up year. The center's goal is to increase student competency in challenging subject matter and to encourage more students to pursue programs that will lead them to careers in mathematics and science.

Auxilary Academic Resources
Much of the learning and the research in a university occur outside organized classes. The following units of Texas A&M University-Kingsville support faculty and student educational and research pursuits.

Computing and Information Services
Stanley J. Yuraitis, Director
College Hall 240. MSC 185. Extension 2599.

The Office of Computing and Information Services (CIS) operates several hundred digital microcomputers and their associated peripheral equipment in College Hall, the McNeil Engineering Laboratory, the Business Administration Computer Laboratory and in the Jernigan Library Computer Laboratory. The combined resources of these computer complexes and those located in the Howe Agriculture Laboratory Building, Rhode Hall, Sam Fore Hall, and Eckhardt Hall provide the major information resources for the administrative staff, faculty, research and student communities at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The university's Trans-Texas Videoconference Network (TTVN) classrooms are located in the Jernigan Library and the Human Sciences Building providing distance learning opportunities. A TTVN conference room is located in College Hall.

The campus is supported by a 10/100Mb switched network with a fiber-optic Gigabit backbone utilizing Cisco Systems technology, and a 4.5Mbps connection to the Internet. Our Student Information Systems consists of an IBM RISC6000, model 7015R50, midrange computer, with 2 billion characters (GIG) of primary memory and 172 GIG of direct access storage serving academic and administrative needs. Additionally, a SUN Enterprise 450 (E450) Server with 1(GIG) of primary memory and 54 GIG of direct access storage serves as the university's gateway to e-mail and Internet. More than 2500 IBM compatible and Macintosh microcomputer systems are installed in various locations throughout the campus not including student dorms. Over 90% of these systems are linked to a local area network, giving the users access to both mainframe and microcomputer resources, as well as a variety of software, data sources, e-mail, and the Internet.

Services provided by the computing complexes include administrative applications, some purchased from third parties, some developed in-house, and all maintained in-house; language processors for academic instruction, statistical and simulation software for instruction and research, and various packages accessed by all users as well as technical assistance to the university's computer users.

Office of Institutional Research
Alan Tipton, Director
College Hall 233. MSC 215. Extension 2244.

The Office of Institutional Research supports institutional planning, policy formulation and decision making through the development and dissemination of accurate and timely data, reports and analysis. The office is committed to providing support and expertise for the evaluation and assessment activities throughout the university. The office is also responsible for ensuring the timely submission and accuracy of reports to external agencies including the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Legislative Budget Board and The Texas A&M University System.

Office of International Programs
Mark M. Walsh, Director
Cousins Hall 223. MSC 163. Extension 3994.

Mildred Slaughter, Assistant Director
Cousins Hall 226. MSC 163. Extension 3317.

The Office of International Programs (OIP) is committed to the incorporation of international content materials, activities and understanding into the teaching, research and public service functions of Texas A&M University-Kingsville to enhance its relevance in an interdependent world. OIP recognizes the fundamental and indispensable importance of faculty, students and members of the surrounding community in carrying out the university mission to serve ethnically and culturally diverse populations.

Therefore, OIP pledges to establish and maintain a positive university and community environment which encourages faculty, staff, students and local citizens to participate in appropriate ways in the internationalization process. In view of the increasing interdependency of nations for economic vitality and the resulting need for greater awareness of cultural, ethnic and ideological differences, OIP will promote and encourage the development of mutual understanding among peoples and cultures interacting with our university.

The Office of International Programs is divided into four separate areas: 1) International Student Services, 2) Study Abroad Experiences, 3) Study Abroad Scholarships and 4) Exchange Agreements.

International Student Services
Specialized services for international students include new student orientation, assistance with matters dealing with U.S. immigration and naturalization, social security, health insurance, employment and academic and personal conferences. The International Student Organization is coordinated through this office and provides an opportunity for social interaction, information and cultural exchange. Multicultural events are also sponsored through this office each semester.

Study Abroad Experiences
Recognizing the importance of a study abroad experience, Texas A&M-Kingsville strongly encourages undergraduate students to spend a minimum of one full semester and preferably one year studying abroad. This will provide students an in-depth experience of international understanding and cultural awareness which is ever more important for today's global citizenry. Contact the staff at OIP for additional information.

Study Abroad Scholarships
Many students are not aware that they can earn Texas A&M-Kingsville college credit for their study abroad experience and continue to use their current financial aid allotments. In addition, competitive scholarships are available to students through the International Exchange Education Fund which is administered by this office. These funds are generated by a $1 student fee assessed each semester and summer term. Other funding sources are available through governmental agencies and/or private foundations, e.g. U.S. Department of Education (International Studies and Foreign Language Programs and International Education and Graduate Programs), Institute of International Education, Fulbright Scholarships, etc. OIP staff are continually searching for other financial resources to assist students. Contact OIP for the latest information available.

Exchange Agreements
Texas A&M-Kingsville has signed many international exchange agreements with foreign countries to facilitate the internationalization of the university's student body and faculty. OIP develops and promotes two-way exchange programs for both students and faculty. Two-way exchange programs envision more A&M-Kingsville students and faculty involved in study programs abroad and more foreign faculty and students coming to the university for educational and cultural benefits. Active international agreements have been established with Argentina, Chile, France, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Spain and Venezuela. In addition, OIP is willing to negotiate new agreements with additional foreign countries as requested by students and/or faculty.

For additional information about any international program area, please call 361-593-3994.

Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
Sandra Rexroat, Director
College Hall 230. MSC 201. Extension 3344.

The office helps secure external funding for research at the university. It coordinates campus research activities, acts as a liaison for interdisciplinary research and community outreach programs, and provides various automated services. All proposals for external funds are submitted through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

John E. Conner Museum
Hal Ham, Director
Conner Museum. MSC 134. Extension 2849.

The museum, owned by the State of Texas and operated by The Texas A&M University System, specializes in South Texana of the 19th and 20th centuries and in the natural history of the region. Its primary function is educational, with a general exhibit program in regional and in natural history and a gallery for special exhibits and programs.

Major permanent exhibits include Native American artifacts; South Texas history in graphics; weapons; household, farm, and ranch items; and natural science exhibits. In 1981 the King Ranch gave the museum a natural history collection and a large grant to develop the Caesar Kleberg Hall of Natural History.