2002-2003 Edition
Texas A&M University Graduate CatalogTexas A&M University Graduate Catalog
Catalog Contents
Academic Calendar
Board of Regents and System Administrative Officers
Texas A&M University Administrative Officers
Office of Graduate Studies
General Information
Degree Information
Admission
Registration and Academic Status
Tuition, Fees and Other Financial Information
Housing
Orientation
Resources for Students
Texas A&M University at Galveston
Course Descriptions
Faculty
Appendices


Resources for Students

Library Facilities

Sterling C. Evans Library

The University Libraries complex consists of the Sterling C. Evans Library and Annex, the Cushing Memorial Library and Archives, the West Campus Library and the Policy Sciences and Economics Library located in the Robert H. and Judy Lee Allen Building at the George Bush Presidential Library Center and the Medical Sciences Library. The University's principal research collections, numbering approximately 2.8 million volumes and 5.2 million microforms, are housed in the centrally located Sterling C. Evans Library and Annex with seating for more than 4,000 readers. Currently more than 50 group study areas are available for students, faculty and staff.

The Advanced Studies Division staff provide assistance in using the reference collections as well as the general collection and specialized collections such as government documents and microform materials. Over 550 national and international electronic citation databases are available to students in the library and remotely. Scores of these files comprise citations to research literature, and a growing number of databases of full-text information from journals and other information sources are also available. Reference services provide a broad program of library instruction, ranging from orientation tours to class sessions on subject-specific resources and research techniques.

The Cushing Memorial Library and Archives, repository for rare books, manuscripts, special collections and archives, is located on the west side of Evans Library, across from the Academic Building.

The Educational Media Services (EdMS) on the fourth floor of the Annex provides audiovisual and multimedia services and videotape resources. It offers database and website searching for reference purposes. Multimedia authoring and development software such as Authorware, Director and Photoshop is also available.

Through the online catalog, LibCat, users can access the Library's books and thousands of journal articles by author, title, subject and keyword searching. The bulk of the collections are organized according to the Library of Congress classification system. An "open stack" arrangement allows free access to all materials except those in Cushing's Special Collections and Archives.

Approximately 36,632 serial titles are currently received, including some 150 state, national and foreign newspapers. The library is a depository for selected U.S. Federal documents. The library is also a depository for Texas State documents and U.S. patents. An extensive collection of technical reports is also housed in the library.

The West Campus Library primarily serves the Mays Business School and departments within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences that are located on the west campus. It has a limited, specialized collection of 650 periodicals, reference works and current monographs in business and agriculture. The Library has reading space for 1,000. A document delivery service delivers materials between the Evans Library and the West Campus Library. The focus of the West Campus Library is the R. C. Barclay Reference and Retailing Resources Center. The Barclay Center offers a variety of electronic resources, including compact disk and online databases as well as access to the website, to serve the needs of business and agriculture. Staff offer instruction on searching databases and consultation for specific information needs.

The Policy Sciences and Economics Library in the Allen Building--West has a limited, specialized collection of periodicals, reference works and current monographs in political science, government and public service and economics. It also offers several hundred electronic journals and databases.

Information and services for these libraries can be accessed on the web at library.tamu.edu.

Medical Sciences Library

Serving the College of Veterinary Medicine and The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, including the College of Medicine and School of Rural Public Health, the Medical Sciences Library (MSL) houses a specialized collection of biomedical books, journals and electronic resources. The Medical Sciences Library's collection includes more than 100,000 volumes of journals and books in print and other media, including electronic formats. The library currently receives 1,803 subscriptions to American and international biomedical journals, as well as thousands more available electronically. MEDLINE, the premier medical and health services resource, and other biomedical and health sciences databases are accessible online through the University computer network.

While in close proximity to its primary clientele, the College of Veterinary Medicine and The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, the Medical Sciences Library also provides services and resources to the hospital libraries at Scott & White and the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, both located in Temple, Texas. In addition, as the only veterinary library in Texas, the Medical Sciences Library serves veterinarians state-wide. Increasingly, the Medical Sciences Library is providing services and resources to remote users throughout the state of Texas and the nation.

While the professional staff provides reference services to local and remote customers, the staff also provides instruction in database searching and managing biomedical information to students, faculty and staff in the Colleges of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. In addition, librarians attend rounds in veterinary clinics, and offer services to local health institutions and practitioners through outreach programs. The Medical Sciences Library administers the only Clinical Veterinary Librarian program in the state.

Open extensive hours to serve the students, staff and faculty of The Texas A&M University System, the Medical Sciences Library offers remote access to its catalog and other electronic resources through its website at library.tamu.edu. For more information about the library's services and policies, please visit its website or call (979) 845-7428.

George Bush Presidential Library Center

In 1997, Texas A&M became the home of the George Bush Presidential Library Center, comprised of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, the George Bush School of Government and Public Service, and the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation. The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, a 69,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility, is dedicated to the preservation, research, and exhibit of the official records, personal papers, and memorabilia of George Bush, the 41st President of the United States. The Library also sponsors numerous exhibits. The George Bush School is a graduate school that offers a master's degree in public service and administration and a master's degree in international affairs, conducts research and service, and is the setting for numerous academic conferences. The activities of the Library and the George Bush School are supplemented by a wide variety of programs supported by the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation. Since its opening, the Library Center has attracted over one million visitors to the A&M campus.

Computing Resources

Students enjoy a rich computing environment at Texas A&M University. All students have full access to the Internet, e-mail, personal Web pages, and computer labs. Resources range from hundreds of microcomputers to multi-user systems to supercomputers. Campus offices, labs and libraries have Ethernet connections and off-campus access is supported by a large modem bank and by high-speed connections to Internet service providers. Help is available around the clock, and free short courses on computing topics are offered throughout the year.

E-mail accounts can be set up for viewing on a student's own computer whether at home, in their apartment, or online at any of the computer labs. A Web server is provided for students to create personal Web pages. Many classes provide online information and communication using the WebCT course management system.

Access to the Internet is also part of each student's resources. The university's network is connected directly to the Internet via two 155 megabit per second connections. Texas A&M is a member of the Internet2 consortium and is connected to its high-speed Abilene network. There are over 35,000 computers connected to the campus computer network, ranging from departmental microcomputers to the university's supercomputers.

For those living off-campus, Texas A&M provides dial-up access to the Internet through a modem bank of over 1,100 56K V.90 modems. Texas A&M's Computing and Information Services (CIS) department also offers virtual private network (VPN) service and support for high-speed cable and digital subscriber line (DSL) access. Wireless Internet access is available at select campus locations including the library, CIS Open Access Labs and most campus dining facilities. For more information about connecting to the TAMU network and Internet access, visit http://net.tamu.edu/.

There are also seven generally accessible computing facilities located around the campus. The 1,300 microcomputers in these Open Access Lab facilities are open to all Texas A&M students and provide a variety of resources including black and white and color printers, graphics equipment, scanners, film recorders and CD/DVD burners. Facility locations, equipment, hours, and usage are posted on the Open Access Labs Web site at http://oalinfo.tamu.edu/.

Students have easy access to support for computing issues. There are fully staffed help desks located in each of the Open Access Labs, and CIS Help Desk Central at (979) 845-8300 provides students with 24-hour a day telephone support.

Each semester, CIS employees teach free short courses, with topics ranging from Microsoft® Word and PowerPoint to SAS and UNIX. Classes are free, but pre-registration is required. Course descriptions and schedules are available on-line at http://cis.tamu.edu/shortcourses/.

Some students may need specialized resources. Along with supporting both Windows and Macintosh platforms, Texas A&M offers multi-user and mainframe systems that are primarily UNIX-based. Texas A&M also provides adaptive technology support resources for students with disabilities including textbook scanning, adaptive software, specialty hardware and equipment training.

CIS manages TAMU's supercomputing facility. The facility operates and maintains one IBM and two SGI supercomputers for those students and faculty with high-performance computing needs. A network-connected robotic tape system provides supercomputer users with automatically managed mass storage. For more information, including obtaining and setting up accounts, visit the Supercomputing Web site at http://sc.tamu.edu/.

In addition to generally accessible resources, there are many departmental computing systems providing support to particular groups of users. These include local area networks, microcomputers and several hundred high performance workstations. There are also a variety of other plotters, scanners, film recorders and video capture devices available on campus. Almost all of these resources are connected to the campus-wide network.

For more information contact:

Computing & Information Services (CIS)
104 Teague Building
Help Desk Central: (979) 845-8300
E-mail: helpdesk@tamu.edu
Web site: http://cis.tamu.edu/

Division of Student Affairs

The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs serves and supports the departments within the Division of Student Affairs, students, student families, former students, administration, staff and faculty of Texas A&M University. This is accomplished by providing administrative services, financial support, and human resources to fulfill Division and department goals, and by working with the departments to create environments that help students grow, develop, learn and enhance the quality of their lives. Further, the Office of the Vice President promotes collaboration by encouraging and coordinating efforts that affect the entire Division, such as strategic planning, budgeting, diversity and community development, research, assessment, public relations, fund raising and technology. The Vice President for Student Affairs provides leadership in building alliances within the Texas A&M University community and between the University and its various stakeholders. If students experience problems or difficulties or just need advice about where to go for assistance, they are encouraged to stop by the office located on the 10th floor of Rudder Tower, or call (979) 845-4728.

Recreational Sports

The Department of Recreational Sports is committed to offering a wide variety of opportunities that promote an active, healthy lifestyle for persons of all abilities, experience and interests. We invite persons with disabilities to contact Member Services to inquire about accommodations. In addition, children are welcome to use the Rec Center with adult supervision and in accordance to our age and time policies. Please check with Member Services for specifics on our policies and services.

The Walk of Champions is located in front of the Student Recreation Center. This program features two sizes of bricks engraved with the names and affiliations of those contributing to the Walk of Champions brick campaign. Current students and current or retired faculty and staff receive a discount on bricks if they are purchased before they leave the University. Information on the Walk of Champions Brick Campaign is available at the Student Recreation Center or on the department's web site. (http://recsports.tamu.edu).

Aquatic Program offers a variety of water instructional classes including adult swimming, diving, SCUBA, first aid and lifeguard training.

Group exercise classes are seven day a week including early morning, afternoon, and night classes. A variety of class formats are offered such as: step, kickboxing, power dance, group strength training, indoor group cycling, athletic conditioning, and water aerobic classes. Classes are geared to beginner, intermediate, and advanced. At least one class a day is free and all others require a pass that may be purchased at Member Services.

Personal Training is also available to Rec members. Nationally certified Rec Sports Personal Trainers can design a fitness program to meet the client's individual exercise needs. The Personal Trainer will help assess the client's fitness goals and develop a workout plan that will provide safe and effective techniques that get results. The Trainer can also perform fitness assessment and body composition analysis' that takes approximately 30 minutes and includes heart rate and blood pressure measurement, body composition measurement, 3-minute step test, push-up test, sit-up test, flexibility test, and height/weight measurement. The client will receive a packet of information that includes fat-free mass, fat mass, recommended calorie intake, and blood pressure analysis. Personal Training sessions and Personal Fitness Profiles may be purchased at Member Services.

The Healthy Living Lecture Series offers a variety of free lectures that are offered in the Rec Center on Wednesday evenings at 5:30 p.m. in room 281. These lectures cover issues related to fitness, supplements, nutrition, eating disorders, etc. Schedules are available at the beginning of each semester.

Instructional classes are offered to A&M students and Rec Members that want to learn a new skill or refine ones already learned. The class schedule varies each semester due to the availability of instructor. Traditional classes offered are Yoga, Pilates, dance (country western, salsa, swing), karate, and self-defense, etc. There is a nominal charge for each class and there are a limited number of spaces available. The schedule is available at the start of each semester.

Massage Therapy is offered most days of the week. Our licensed therapists are available to perform Swedish and deep muscle massage. A brochure is available at the Member Services desk that explains the benefits of massage and commonly asked questions. Appointments must be made in advance and the charge to A&M students and Rec Members is $35.00 and $45.00 for non-members. Gift certificates are available. Call 845-7826 for more information.

Drop-in Recreation encompasses the use of recreational facilities such as swimming/diving pools, walking/jogging trails, handball/racquetball courts, indoor soccer, basketball, volleyball, and badminton courts located in the Student Recreation Center (Rec Center). The Rec Center also features an indoor rock climbing facility, outdoor basketball courts, outdoor sand volleyball courts, a 14,000 square foot weight and fitness room and a natatorium with an outdoor free-form and lap pool and three indoor pools with an Olympic venue and spring and platform diving. Facilities may be used on a drop-in basis except when reserved for classes or University functions. Student Rec Center Members need only present their student I.D. cards for entry. Daily guest passes are available for visitors.

Intramurals is a highly organized competitive program with various divisions and skill levels of competition to meet the needs and interests of the Texas A&M University students. Events are scheduled each fall, spring and summer semester. Divisions include Fish, Corps, Independent, Residence Hall, Fraternity, and Co-Rec. Three skills levels-(A)advanced, (B)moderate, and (C)novice, are offered in most divisions. In the four major team sports-flag football, volleyball, basketball and slow pitch softball-a recreational class (D) level is also offered. In addition, our sports officiating program allows students the opportunity to learn how to officiate various sports while earning money.

The Texas A&M Sport Club program consists of 29 clubs that offer skill enhancement and competition for members. Any student may join a club, regardless of his/her ability, provided the student has an interest in developing the athletic skills necessary to participate. It is suggested that new participants inquire within the first two weeks of school since many organizations determine traveling teams in September. Every club is run by students, has practice times, use of facilities, and receives some monetary support. Although the only criterion to be a sport club is to represent Texas A&M at competitive events throughout the state, many have gone on to receive national recognition for their efforts.

TAMU Outdoors is comprised of an outdoor equipment rental and retail sales outlet, an indoor rock climbing structure, resource library, basic skill development clinics, and adventure trips. All of these areas form a program designed to provide outdoor experiences for A&M students, faculty/staff, and the local community. Examples of activities include backpacking, camping, canoeing, horseback riding, kayaking, mountain biking, rafting, rock climbing, SCUBA diving, and sea kayaking. Outdoor equipment available for rental includes: six, four and two person Timberline tents, sleeping bags and pads, backpacks, canoes, kayaks, and other camping accessories. For a complete list of trips, clinics, and rental/retail products, please call 845-4511.

Texas A&M Golf Course, Pro Shop and Driving Range is available to meet your golfing needs. Whether you are already on campus or coming to visit, the Texas A&M Golf Course offers everyone the opportunity to golf on a great course at reasonable rates. Contact the golf course at 845-1723 for more information. Open to the public.

For more information on any of the above programs or facilities, please call the Department of Recreational Sports at (979) 845-7826 or come to the Member Services Desk at the Student Recreation Center.

Memorial Student Center/Texas A&M's College Union

The Memorial Student Center (MSC) is one of the busiest and most exciting buildings on campus. It is a living memorial to the students and former students of Texas A&M who gave their lives in defense of freedom.

The MSC is sometimes called a student union. But the MSC is much more than a place only for students--it is the community center of the University. It is the one place on campus where all members of the University family can come together in free association as citizens and partners.

The MSC provides a number of essential services and facilities for the University community: meeting rooms, three art galleries, a craft shop, food services, the bookstore, a browsing library, a ticket office, spacious lounges, a recreation area with bowling and billiards, a ballroom, hotel rooms, the Student Organizations Finance Center, music listening facilities, a copy center and the Student Programs Office.

The MSC offers a learning environment which enhances the quality of life at Texas A&M and gives individual students an opportunity to get involved. Last year more than 2,000 students involved in the MSC produced more than 1,500 cultural, recreational, educational and entertainment events which attracted an audience of nearly 450,000 people--mostly their fellow students. Any student can become involved by either attending an activity or by participating in the planning and organizing of these events.

Memorial Student Center Council

The Memorial Student Center Council is the major programming body at Texas A&M University. It consists of the MSC Council, which is the administrative body, and more than 25 programming organizations. Texas A&M's student center programs are unique in that they are substantially managed by students.

Working with an MSC committee gives students many significant opportunities. In the process of selecting programs, they evaluate artists, speakers, entertainers and a variety of other program resources. Students assess the market to see if a program will be of sufficient interest to the campus community to justify the expense of booking that event. Students organize their committees, schedule the needed facilities, plan the advertising campaign and do everything necessary to produce a program that is of professional quality. MSC student leaders accept major responsibilities, learn to establish productive working relationships and meet many interesting people.

Involvement in the MSC also provides students with opportunities to make friends, establish a sense of identity, be of service to their University, and become part of the MSC network of current and former students.

The following MSC committees and programming organizations are located in the Student Programs office located on the 2nd floor in the MSC: Academic League, ALOT (Aggie Leaders of Tomorrow), Abbott Family Leadership Conference Committee, Asian Cultures Education Committee, Black Awareness Committee, CAMAC (Committee for the Awareness of Mexican-American Culture), Cepheid Variable, CIA (Current Issues Awareness), Class Councils, Conversations, E. L. Miller Lecture Series, Fall Leadership Conference, Hospitality Committee, LEAD (Leadership Enrichment, Action and Development Committee), L.T. Jordan Institute for International Awareness, Literary Arts Committee, Film Society, OPAS (Opera and Performing Arts Society), Spencer Leadership Conference, Spring Leadership Trip, Visual Arts Committee, Wiley Lecture Series, and Champe Fitzhugh Jr. International Honors Leadership Seminar.

In addition to the opportunities afforded to students through these programming committees, the MSC Council also has resource areas that help students develop professional business skills. The six resource areas are marketing, development, assessment and finance, human resources and operations, and programming. For more information, please call (979) 845-1515 or visit the website www.msc.tamu.edu.

Department of Residence Life

The Department of Residence Life has responsibility for the operation of on-campus residence halls and University Apartments. Only undergraduate students may apply to live in on-campus residence halls during the fall and spring semesters. However, summer occupancy of on-campus residence halls is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. University Apartments are available to married students with or without children, single-parent families and single graduate students. See the specific section of this catalog for further information on University Apartments, or call (979) 845-2264. For information about on-campus residence halls, call (979) 862-4744 or 1-888-451-3896.

The Residence Hall Association (RHA), advised by the department, is the voice of the on-campus student as well as a sponsor of educational and social programs in the residence halls. If you would like more information, please contact the Residence Hall Association at (979) 845-0689. They are located in Room 134 of the Koldus Building.

The Central Office for the Department of Residence Life can be reached at (979) 862-3158, fax (979) 862-2434, email housing@tamu.edu and website reslife.tamu.edu.

Corps of Cadets, Office of the Commandant

The Office of the Commandant plans, coordinates and implements programs of the Corps of Cadets. Army, Navy/Marine and Air Force ROTC programs are offered. The Office of the Commandant is located in Room 102 of the Military Sciences Building (Trigon), the department number is (979) 845-2811, fax (979) 845-8066.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Texas A&M University does not discriminate on the basis of disabilities in admission or access to its programs. The University has a strong commitment to its students with disabilities and provides a variety of services and resources through the Department of Student Life's Services for Students With Disabilities, located in 126 JohnJ.Koldus Building, (979)845-1637, (voice/TDD), email at ssd@tamu.edu or the website at studentlife.tamu.edu. Students with documented disabilities such as mobility, hearing or visual impairments, learning and/or psychological disorders are eligible for services. Services for Students With Disabilities coordinates such services as registration assistance, tape recorded texts, adaptive technology, testing accommodations and attendant referrals. The Adaptive Technology Services lab, located in Ramp B of Hart Hall, contains specially adapted computer equipment and other adaptive technology for students with disabilities. The office also works closely with the Texas Rehabilitation Commission (TRC) and other community resources to assist students with disabilities.

Veterans Services

The Office of Veterans Services is a part of the Department of Student Financial Aid and is located in Room 224 of the Pavilion, (979) 845-8075. This service is offered by Texas A&M to assist eligible students in securing educational benefits and services provided by the Veterans Administration. Additional information is available on the website financialaid.tamu.edu.

Vocational Rehabilitation

The Texas Rehabilitation Commission (TRC) assists students who have a substantial impediment to employment which results from a physical or mental disability. The student must require Vocational Rehabilitation services to prepare for, enter, engage in or retain employment and must be capable of attaining employment. Inquiries regarding services should be made with TRC located at 1115 Welsh, Suite B, College Station, TX 77840, (979) 693-8804.

Student Life

The Department of Student Life serves the ever-changing student population at Texas A&M. To complement the educational mission of the University, the Department of Student Life exists to enrich the academic experiences and to meet the needs of all students and their families. Each of the services and offices which comprise the Department of Student Life has a specific mission but common goals: to provide education, outreach and support. The department strives to enhance students' opportunities to participate fully in University experiences through information, services and programs that facilitate responsible life choices and promote awareness of self and community.

Services and Programs offered by the Department of Student Life include:

  • Adult, Graduate and Off-Campus Student Services
  • Alcohol and Drug Education Programs
  • Critical Incident Response
  • Gender Issues Education Services
  • Greek Life
  • New Student Orientation
  • Services for Students with Disabilities
  • Sexual Assault/Harassment and Victim Assistance
  • Silver Taps
  • Student Absence Notification
  • Student Death Notification
  • Student Judicial Services
  • Student Legal Services
  • Student Mediation Services

The Department of Student Life sponsors and/or advises the following student organizations: Aggie Orientation Leaders Program (AOLP), Aggies First, Aggies Plus, Aggies with Kids, Gender Issues Education Services Volunteers, Graduate Student Council, (GSC), Interfraternity Council (IFC), Interfraternity Council Judicial Board, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, NETWORKS (students with disabilities and other interested students), Off-Campus Aggies (OCA), Order of Omega, Panhellenic Council, Peer 1 Educators, Responsible Aggie Decisions (RAD), and TRANSITIONS Leaders (TLs). Staff members advise a number of other student organizations outside their professional responsibilities. Additionally, the Department of Student Life sponsors a number of programs and events for students throughout the year: TRANSITIONS, Greek Week, Women's Spirit Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week (NCAAW), Safe Spring Break, Coming Out Week and Sexual Assault Prevention Month, Gig'em Week. For additional information, please contact:

Department of Student Life
112 John J. Koldus Building
Texas A&M University
1257 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-1257
(979) 845-3111
studentlife@tamu.edu
studentlife.tamu.edu

Student Life Studies

The Department of Student Life Studies serves as a consultant to departments and staff in the Division of Student Affairs and to student organizations. The Department facilitates assessment and evaluation of services and programs and assists in expanding the knowledge base about Texas A&M students and their co-curricular experiences. Department staff can assist with the development of assessment instruments and the collection and analysis of data. The Student Organization Assessment Center serves as a resource to recognized student organizations interested in evaluation of their programs and services as well as in the development of missions, goals and strategic plans. For additional information, please contact:

Department of Student Life Studies
023 Memorial Student Center
Texas A&M University
1254 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-1254
(979) 862-5624
stls@vpsa.tamu.edu
studentlifestudies.tamu.edu

Multicultural Services

The Department of Multicultural Services enhances the personal and academic success of students by preparing them to lead in a multicultural world. Department staff members work with campus partners to create and sustain a living, learning and working community that is inclusive and responsive to diversity and facilitates success.

Multicultural Services' programming efforts are geared toward diversity education, student success, outreach and leadership development. The department is also the home of several culturally based student organizations that promote leadership development and personal growth. These include Ambassadors, University Awareness for Cultural Togetherness (U-ACT), Whoopstock Unity Festival, African American Student Coalition, Maximizing Educational Development through Academic and Leadership Skills (MEDALS), Asian Presidents' Council, Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference (SBSLC), ExCELlence uniting Culture, Education and Leadership (ExCEL) Student Success Program and Hispanic Presidents' Council.

Department services include academic and personal advising; access to scholarship opportunities; mentoring and tutoring; a resource library of multicultural books, articles and audio/video tapes available for checkout; and the AggieCulture newsletter which provides information about department events and activities.

The Department of Multicultural Services is an excellent resource for ALL students. We believe that it is important to celebrate differences while uniting as an Aggie family.

For more information, please contact:

Department of Multicultural Services
137 Memorial Student Center
Texas A&M University
1121 TAMU

College Station, TX 77843-1121
(979) 845-4551
Fax (979) 862-2640
dms@aggieculture.tamu.edu
aggieculture.tamu.edu

Student Counseling Service

Students are invited to talk with counselors and psychologists about any concerns that affect their academic progress, educational goals, choice of career, personal-social effectiveness or emotional well-being. In counseling, the focus is on assisting students with developing academic, career choice and personal skills; understanding themselves and their concerns; and making decisions and changes that they judge are best for them. The following services are provided for students:

Learning Skills Assistance provides individual and group help with study skills, test-taking, time management, etc. Also available is a self-help lab and information about academic support services such as tutoring and help desks.

Educational Planning helps students choose an academic major (departmental or college academic advisors assist students with selecting classes).

Career Counseling assists with learning about one's interests, personality, values and various career opportunities in order to make informed career choices.

Computer Assisted Career Guidance assists with matching interests, abilities and values with career alternatives.

Personal Counseling gives students an opportunity to talk about behaviors and feelings, values and beliefs, relationships, sexual development, and other concerns. Couples, premarital, marriage and divorce counseling are also available.

Relaxation Training (Biofeedback) assists with learning to cope better with stress and anxiety in order to become a more effective student and person.

Group Counseling/Workshops include choice of academic major workshops, career decision-making workshops, international and minority student groups, and groups focusing on the development of effective personal-relationship skills and the resolution of various specific concerns.

HelpLine provides support information, referral and/or crisis intervention. Available evenings and weekends by calling (979) 845-2700.

Crisis Counseling is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Student Counseling Service (Henderson Hall). After 5 p.m. and on weekends, call the Student Counseling HelpLine at (979) 845-2700.

Test Interpretation of study skills, career interest and personality inventories assigned by counselors assists students with improving learning skills, selecting a major and career, and developing self-understanding.

Academic and Career Resource Center includes up-to-date and comprehensive libraries of academic, educational and career self-help information which are available for use without an appointment.

Referral Resource provides counselors who can refer students to other specialized services, including long-term counseling resources, found within the University and the surrounding geographic area.

The Student Counseling Service respects the confidential nature of counseling sessions to the limits provided by law, and no record of a student's visits is made on an academic transcript or in a placement file. Except for certain special services, no fees are charged for counseling.

Information about limited duration counseling services may be obtained from the website scs.tamu.edu, by calling (979) 845-4427, or by going to the Student Counseling Service located in Henderson Hall.

In a CRISIS/EMERGENCY situation, the student should come to the Student Counseling Service during weekday, daytime service hours. At night or on weekends, the student should call the Student Counseling HelpLine at (979) 845-2700. During University holidays, the student should call the Mental Health Authority of the Brazos Valley at (979) 822-6467, or go to the emergency room at St. Joseph Hospital or the College Station Medical Center.

Student Health Services
(accredited by Accreditation Association for
Ambulatory Health Care)

Student Health Services is an accredited ambulatory health care provider serving the Texas A&M University student body by providing primary health care services and promoting health through prevention and education.

Appointments to see a health care provider are available Monday-Friday, 7:40 a.m.-5:00 p.m. To make appointments, call (979) 845-6111, between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All current students who have paid the Student Health Services fee are entitled to receive services at the A.P. Beutel Student Health Services. Visits to medical care providers, physical therapy, ambulance service on campus, consultation with certain medical specialists or health educators, and health programs, and resources are available at a reduced cost.

Good health is important to achieving full potential in academic, career and personal goals. A variety of health care services are available to help maintain and promote optimal health.

Medical Clinic/Immediate Care. Health care practitioners provide medical care through the diagnosis and treatment of short-term, acute illness and on-going health problems. Referrals are made as necessary.

Preventive Medicine. Services include immunizations for students, overseas travel or employment purposes. Tuberculosis screening is also available. Allergy injections can be given at the Health Center. The student must provide the antigen and care orders from their allergist.

Women's Clinic. The Clinic offer gynecological services, clinical breast exams, contraception counseling and prescriptions, and other primary care services relating to women's health.

Specialty Clinics. Specialists in the fields of orthopedics, gynecology and general surgery are available for consultation in the Student Health Service upon referral by health care providers.

Medical Laboratory. Registered medical technologists perform a wide range of routine hematological, chemical and bacteriological diagnostic tests in the College of American Pathology (CAP) accredited medical laboratory. Laboratory services are available at a reduced cost.

Radiology. Registered radiologic technologists provide a variety of diagnostic radiographic procedures (x-rays). Copies of films may be provided. Radiological services are available at a reduced cost.

Ambulance Service/EMS. EMS provides ambulance service to all students, faculty, staff and visitors on the Texas A&M University College Station campus 24-hours a day/365 days a year. If a situation requires an ambulance, call the campus emergency telephone number 9-911. The cost of this service is covered by the Student Health Service fee for enrolled students only.

Dial-A-Nurse. Staffed by registered nurses, Dial-A-Nurse is available 24 hours a day, 365 days each year by calling (979) 845-2822. Nurses advise students regarding self-care for minor ailments, and over-the-counter medications.

Health Education. Health Education provides information, presentations and individual counseling on health issues including HIV/sexual health, nutrition and general wellness. Health education also coordinates campus-wide health events including the annual TAMU Health Fair.

Pharmacy. Staffed by registered pharmacists, the pharmacy dispenses student prescriptions from Student Health Services providers and personal physicians. Individual counseling on all new prescriptions is provided. Over-the-counter products are also available.

Physical Therapy. Licensed physical therapists provide preventive and rehabilitative services for conditions that affect the muscles, bones and joints with a prescription from a health care provider.

NOTE: Any charges for medical treatment off campus are the responsibility of the student. To supplement the services provided by the Health Center, students are encouraged to carry a Sickness and Accident Insurance Policy.

Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU)

Since 1950, students and faculty of Texas A&M University have benefited from its membership in Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU). ORAU is a consortium of 85 colleges and universities and a contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. ORAU works with its member institutions to help their students and faculty gain access to federal research facilities throughout the country; to keep its members informed about opportunities for fellowship, scholarship and research appointments; and to organize research alliances among its members.

Through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), the DOE facility that ORAU operates, undergraduates, graduates, postgraduates, as well as faculty enjoy access to a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Students can participate in programs covering a wide variety of disciplines including business, earth sciences, epidemiology, engineering, physics, geological sciences, pharmacology, ocean sciences, biomedical sciences, nuclear chemistry and mathematics. Appointment and program length range from one month to four years. Many of these programs are especially designed to increase the numbers of underrepresented minority students pursuing degrees in science- and engineering-related disciplines. A comprehensive listing of these programs and other opportunities, their disciplines and details on locations and benefits can be found in the ORISE Catalog of Education and Training Programs, which is available on the website at www.orau.gov/orise/educ.htm, or by calling either of the contacts below.

ORAU's Office of Partnership Development seeks opportunities for partnerships and alliances among ORAU's members, private industry and major federal facilities. Activities include faculty development programs, such as the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Awards, the Visiting Industrial Scholars Program, consortium research funding initiatives, faculty research and support programs as well as services to chief research officers.

For more information about ORAU and its programs, please contact Richard E. Ewing, ORAU Councilor and Texas A&M University Vice President for Research, at (979) 845-8585; Monnie E. Champion, ORAU Corporate Secretary, at (865) 576-3306; or visit the website www.orau.org.