Join us for the annual Employee Development Day this Thursday, May 28, 2026. This year’s theme, based on the popular show Stranger Things, is “Better Together: Building Skills Across Dimensions.” 

Things are changing rapidly across higher education and the workforce. Maybe you feel like you are sometimes in the Upside Down. This event is an opportunity for you to engage in activities aimed at enhancing your skills and knowledge around navigating change, collaboration, community, and growth. 

There is still time to sign up for sessions during three breakout times. 

This year’s keynote speaker is Juan J. Castillo - VP Emeritus Finance & Administration from Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). Castillo retired from TAMIU after 17 years of distinguished service as the institution’s second Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer. In November 2024, the Board of Regents appointed him Interim President of TAMIU following the untimely passing of Dr. Pablo Arenaz. He served in the interim role until the arrival of TAMIU’s new president in October 2025. During his tenure, Mr. Castillo supervised the Accounting, Budget, Payroll and Fiscal Analysis, Campus Card Services, Campus Police, Campus Safety and Planning, Environmental Health and Safety, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Purchasing Departments.  

He previously served on the Board of Directors of the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers, where he chaired the Audit Committee, and on the Texas Association of College and University Business Officers, most recently serving as President. In 2026, the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents honored Mr. Castillo with the title of Vice President Emeritus for Finance and Administration.

Day-of Schedule:

 

8:15 a.m. – 8:50 a.m. Breakfast (Vista room)

9:00 a.m. – 9:10 a.m. Welcome - Dr. Hector Ochoa, President (Vista room)

9:10 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Keynote speaker - Juan J. Castillo - VP Emeritus Finance & Administration from Texas A&M (Vista room)

10:05 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Walking Challenge Announcement (Vista room)

10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Bingo Stranger Things Activity (Vista room)

11:00 a.m. to 11:50 p.m. Morning Breakout Session 1 (STEC)

12:00 p.m. – 12:50 p.m. Lunch Break (CAB Dining Hall)

 

Afternoon Breakout Session:

Option 1 – Two Breakout Sessions

1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. Breakout session (STEC)

2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. Breakout session (STEC)

Option 2 – One Extended Breakout Session

1:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. Breakout session (STEC)

 

Closing Activities

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Afternoon activities and Snacks (Rec Center)

Texas A&M University-San Antonio Environmental Health & Safety Office provides resources and services to protect the health and safety of the University’s students, faculty, staff, visiting public, and the environment.

Environmental Health & Safety activities include, but are not limited to:

Employees also have an important role to play. They must adhere to all University, departmental, or office safety policies and procedures and comply with safety directives issued by their supervisors. All campus community members must remain vigilant and take the initiative to immediately correct and/or report unsafe conditions or activities they observe. The office also provides information on how you can submit a safety concern on campus. 

Transition University's mission is to offer a fully inclusive university experience for students with intellectual disabilities by providing them with access and opportunities to the same services, programs, and courses as other Texas A&M University-San Antonio students. 

Transition University addresses the critical needs in the community by establishing a sustainable program that:

Interested in tutoring or have teaching aspirations? Student success coaches are needed for Transition University students. 

This is a paid, part-time position. 

Reach out to Academic and Career Program Coordinator Darrell Guzman for more information about the job and application process. 

The A&M–SA Leadership Academy Program is now accepting applications for the upcoming cohort. This three-year interactive leadership development program is designed to explore leadership topics, strengthen existing leadership skills, and build a foundation for effective and influential higher education leaders. Participants will meet once a month over nine months each year (September–May) through engaging presentations, discussions, and activities.

Applications are open through June 25, 2026. 

Your hub for health and wellness resources for mental & physical well being.

Visit JagSync for more upcoming events.

A&M–San Antonio welcomed nearly 350 elementary and middle school students to campus for the new Passport to College Challenge Summit and Showcase. The year-long program engaged 16 classrooms in monthly activities to help build a college-going mindset through interactive “passport” workbooks focused on careers, goals, and the feeling of belonging in college. The program represents a significant expansion of A&M–San Antonio’s outreach initiatives, reaching students years before they ever fill out a college application.

Families filled the A&M-San Antonio auditorium for the inaugural Dual Credit and Early College High School (ECHS) Recognition Ceremony. Nearly 80 high school students walked across the stage to receive cords or a stole, signifying an impressive academic achievement: earning 42 or more college credit hours before graduating from high school. These students studied in college classrooms, learning from University faculty, and met the same expectations as traditional college students.

Check out A&M-SA Today for more University news and featured stories.

The Student Affairs office is currently accepting funding requests for student conference travel. Funding is available for Summer 2026 and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Please help us spread the word and share with students in your classes. 

Each student is eligible to receive funding once per academic year, with a maximum award of up to $500.

All requests must be submitted at least three weeks before the travel date. Summer travel must be completed by July 31. For questions, please contact Student Affairs at 210-784-1354.

The Growler is the campus newsletter for faculty and staff of Texas A&M-San Antonio. The Growler is published every Tuesday from the start of the semester, providing insight into A&M-SA news, events, and announcements. If you would like to promote a University-wide event or announcement in The Growler, submit this form by 5 p.m. CT on a Monday the week before publication.