September 2023

The University Staff Council cultivates a collaborative work environment for Texas A&M staff under the Office of the President through quality representation, impactful service, innovative programs and open workplace communication.

 Join our Common Grounds presentation with Greg Hartman, chief operating officer and senior vice president, as he shares updates on operations at Texas A&M on Tuesday, Sept. 19. Discussion will begin at 10 a.m., following the 8:45 a.m. University Staff Council (USC) meeting, at the General Services Complex in Room 101 B/C. Staff are encouraged to attend in-person or via Zoom for both the USC meeting and the Common Grounds presentation. You may access full meeting minutes from previous meetings on the USC website.

Past and newly elected officers were honored at the August University Staff Council retreat. From left, General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, interim president; Sarah Franke, past USC chairperson; LaTia Wilson, current USC chairperson; and Damon Slaydon, vice president of Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness.

Your executive officers embody the vision of the University Staff Council to help staff feel supported, included and valued at Texas A&M, where we live the Aggie core values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity and selfless service. These leaders will guide the USC to meet the FY24 goals established at the August retreat:

Congratulations to our newly elected USC executive officers who took office on Sept. 1.

And a very special thank you to the outgoing executive officers for their dedicated service to our staff. We greatly appreciate all that you did to make a difference at Texas A&M.

With your support, the USC raised nearly $1,000 for the Staff Emergency Fund with our summer scavenger hunt. All donations from this event were matched dollar-for-dollar by the Office of the President, bringing our total to almost $2,000. Whoop! 

Remember, this fund is for people like YOU! Donate any time throughout the year by:

Donations to the Staff Emergency Fund (SEF) have a profound impact on the lives of fellow staff members facing temporary hardships resulting from significant life events.

An anonymous recipient of the SEF had this to say about the program:
“Thanks to the Staff Emergency Fund, I was able to get my son a surgery he desperately needed. I was in a tough place and didn't know where to turn for help. Then I remembered Texas A&M offered this fund. If it wasn't for the Staff Emergency Fund, I would have had to put off his surgery again and he would have been in constant pain. I will be forever grateful for this fund!”

September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. University Health Services works to raise awareness, reduce stigma and increase interpersonal connections and support through programming and events across the Texas A&M University Bryan-College Station campuses throughout September. Learn more about these programs, and how you can get involved, with a full listing of events online.

Texas A&M Health has partnered with H-E-B to provide influenza (flu) vaccines at no cost to Texas A&M University System employees, their eligible dependents and retirees covered under the A&M Care Plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. Other private insurance holders are eligible to receive their vaccine during these clinics as well. For those without health care benefits, the flu vaccine is available at a discounted rate. The schedule and locations are now available online, and appointments are encouraged but not required.

Join us for a fun-filled day at the Employee Wellness Fair at the Texas A&M Student Rec Center on Tuesday, Oct. 3. Discover a wide range of sessions and resources to promote your well-being. From movement classes to professional development workshops, Living Well at Texas A&M has you covered. Explore various booths offering fun activities, helpful resources, lifestyle tips and much more. Don’t miss this opportunity to prioritize your wellness and connect with fellow employees.

Stop by the USC table in the vendor hall to meet Jasmine Zavala (pictured above), USC administrative support, and some of our USC reps!

Employees attending in person must register for the vendor hall and desired sessions. Virtual admission available.

The PerksConnect employee discount program is a lifestyle product and service discount savings program where employees and retirees can find cost savings on items and services available for local restaurants, gym memberships, movie theater tickets, vacations, online retail purchases and insurance.

With the Blue Points program, employees can earn points for regularly participating in different healthy activities. Points earned can be redeemed online for a wide variety of merchandise including  gift cards, electronics and clothing.

Also, Texas A&M employees are eligible for discounts on personal cell phone plans through AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.

Next time, skip the line! Aggie Dining offers mobile ordering for use at dining locations like Houston Street Subs, Rev’s American Grill, Copperhead Jack’s, 1876 Burgers and more. Place orders for quick pick-up, or schedule in advance to better fit your schedule. And remember, purchase any faculty/staff meal plan and get a FREE 16 oz. coffee everyday this fall!

To help our faculty, staff and students better manage the flow of information, non-administrative campuswide email communications are supported via opt-lists. All faculty, staff and students may opt-in to the list(s) of their preference to receive a once daily digest email regarding research participation opportunities, special events and more. To update your preferences, visit the email settings portal at gateway.tamu.edu.

Tuesday, Sept.19 
8:45 - 10:45 a.m.

General Services Complex

Room 101 B/C  or via Zoom

Consider donating to the Staff Emergency Fund.

Contact USC | USC website

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