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2014

2014

gigemweek.tamu.edu

August24-31

Gig ‘Em Week is Aggieland’s Official Week of Welcome. Each year thousands of students participate in the Gig ’Em Week tradition. This schedule of events provides opportunties that will help you meet people in the Texas A&M family, explore campus, and receive valuable information. Welcome Home, Aggies! #gigemweek

HOWDY!

Signature events are highlighted in the schedule!Find more information on these events inside.

SIGNATURE EVENTS

Sunday, August 24

Tuesday, August 26

Wednesday, August 27

Thursday, August 28

Friday, August 29

Sunday, August 31

Backyard Bash

AggieFest

Gig ‘Em Week GatheRing & Yell Practice

Ice Cream Carnival

Library Open House

Gig ‘Em Week Movies & Party on the Plaza

Student Activities Block Party

DMS Welcome Social

BTHO South Carolina Game Watching Party

Aggieland Market

Undergraduate Convocation

TAMU Campus @ MSC

979-691-2679

2307 Texas Ave. S979-694-2679

www.copycorner.com

Are you a Veteran, Transfer Student, or International Student and don’t know where to start? While every program is open to all

students, we’ve hand-selected a few we think you’ll enjoy! Look for the symbol below in the schedule to follow a track.

Veterans

International Students

Transfer Students

August 20 - 30 Freshman Orientation Week Corps of Cadets

August 24-30 Residence Hall Move-InAugust 24-30 Formal Panhellenic Recruitment

Register cpc.tamu.edu. Registration ends August 15.Everyday George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Free admission to Texas A&M students with a student ID. Open Monday - Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon - 5 p.m.

August 25-298 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Purchase the Official “Class of 2016, 2017, or 2018” or “Proud Aggie Family Member” t-shirt ($15). Cain Hall C-303.

August 26-301 - 5 p.m.

Tour the A&M Nuclear ReactorTexas A&M is the only university with TWO operational nuclear reactors. Don’t miss your chance to tour a nuclear reactor on campus. Daily sign-up sheets are available in the Zachry Engineering Center atrium. Tours begin on the hour from 1:00 – 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome but subject to availability. Contact Chris Crouch with any questions at 979-458-1061 or 979-820-4105. Sponsored by Nuclear Engineering

August 28 International Student ConferenceRegister Tx.ag/TAMUISC

Important Dates & Extended Events

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12:30 - 1:30 p.m.800 George Bush Dr.

Welcome Back BBQ: Join the Hillel community for kosher BBQ and shaved ice at the Hillel Jewish Student Center! Sponsored by Texas A&M Hillel

5 - 10 p.m.Spence Park

T-Camp Backyard Bash: The Backyard Bash will allow the recent campers and counselors of T-Camp to reunite with their camps, become familiar with the facilities and surrounding campus area, and provide an opportunity to continue the commitment of Aggie Transition Camps to its campers through an evening of outdoor fun and games. Sponsored by Aggie Transition Camps

9:30 - 10:30 a.m.110 Harrington

Money Management for College Students: Understand the importance of establishing a written budget and how to prepare one that is right for you. Sponsored by Money Wise Aggie

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.Cain Hall B118

Disability Services Open House: Stop by to meet the staff, tour the facilities, and inquire about setting up accommodations. Sponsored by Disability Services

1 - 2 p.m.110 Harrington

Jobs for Aggies: Learn how to use the Jobs For Aggies website as well as the benefits of working while attending college. Sponsored by Student Employment Office

2 - 3 p.m.110 Harrington

Financing Your Study Abroad: At this program we will discuss options for funding your study abroad experience. Sponsored by Money Wise Aggie

3 - 3:30 p.m.110 Harrington

Taking Out a Student Loan: Come learn about student loans so that you will be able to make an informed decision when accepting your financial aid. Sponsored by Scholarships & Financial Aid

6 - 8 p.m.Academic Plaza

Howdy Cookout: Join Sully and an abundance of Aggies on campus for an awesome evening of FREE food and new friends at HOWDY COOKOUT! Sponsored by Baptist Student Ministry

7 - 8:30 p.m.Koldus 110

Women’s Self Defense Class: The goals of the class are to help women realize they can protect themselves and show how to respond to an attack. Sponsored by Texas A&M University Shaorin Kemp Club

7:30 - 9:45 p.m.2603 Rountree Drive Bryan, TX

Free Women’s Self Defense Class: An introductory class on self defense using basic principles of aikido. Sponsored by TAMU Aikido

10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.Southside (Golf Course)/ Northside (Fish Pond Plaza)

Target Shopping Event: Shop at Target after hours with awesome discounts, door prizes, and a fun atmosphere with free busing between campus and Target. Sponsored by New Student & Family Programs

MONDAY, AUGUST 25

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24

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STARTS HERET RA D I T I O N

A College Station staple, Freebirds World Burrito has been fueling the great minds

at TAMU for 25 years. We made our name here. Our roots are deep, but our foundation

is simple. We only use all-natural, fresh ingredients and proudly make everything

we serve in our kitchen, on the daily. From slow-simmered carnitas and hand-chopped

veggies to flavorful salsas, sauces and dressings, there’s nothing frozen here. Only

the good stuff.

On the go? Get it fast – Order online at freebirds.com.

4 College Station locations:Northgate

Gateway

Rock Prairie

Texas Ave

TUESDAY, AUGUST 267 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.San Marcos, Texas

Paddling the San Marcos: Come and enjoy a leisurely trip on the San Marcos River paddling in the outdoors. Register at Outdoor Adventures in the Rec Center. Cost is $60. Sponsored by Department of Recreational Sports/Outdoor Adventures

10 - 11 a.m.110 Harrington

Money Management for College Students: Understand the importance of establishing a written budget and how to prepare one that is right for you. Sponsored by Money Wise Aggie

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.110 Harrington

Understanding Credit Cards and Credit Scores: Learn how credit card lenders operate, avoid falling into credit card debt, and understand the importance of a credit score. Sponsored by Money Wise Aggie

12 - 3:30 p.m.Rec Center, Archery Room

Gig ‘Em Week Dance Workshop: Ready to dance? Come learn from some of the top dance groups at A&M! Search the event on Facebook for more info. Sponsored by Fade to Black Dance Ensemble

1 - 4 p.m.South East corner of YMCA Building

Predicting Your Future Success: An Academic “Wheel of Fortune” and other activities will be available for students to win prizes and meet ASC Staff. Sponsored by Academic Success Center

1 - 2 p.m.110 Harrington

Repaying Your Student Loans: Learn about the various options for repaying your student loans so that you can develop a plan that will work for you. Sponsored by Scholarships & Financial Aid

1:30 - 3 p.m.Cain Hall B-139

Focus 2 Career Exploration: Learn how to utilize the Focus 2 program for career self-assessment, choosing A&M majors, and exploring career directions. Sponsored by Student Counseling Service

2 - 3 p.m.110 Harrington

Financing Your Study Abroad: At this program we will discuss options for funding your study abroad experience. Sponsored by Money Wise Aggie

2 - 3:30 p.m.MSC lower level under the Memory Cloud

Fish & Chips at Aglantis: Come visit the Aglantis saltwater aquarium, enjoy a snack, and learn how and why we brought the Gulf of Mexico to Aggieland. Sponsored by Texas Sea Grant

4- 6 p.m.Simpson Drill Field

Aggie Fest: Come join RHA and meet fellow on-campus residents while enjoying FREE food, games, and music! Sponsored by Residence Hall Association, The Department of Residence Life

5:30 - 9:30 p.m.2406 MSC

Vet Camp: Calling ALL former/current military students: Join us at VetCamp to connect with all of the Aggie “Military-Friendly” resources. Sponsored by Veteran Resource & Support Center

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 26 continued6:30 - 9 p.m.Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center

Gig ‘Em Week GatheRing & Yell Practice: Join your classmates at The Association of Former Students for free food, the opportunity to try on an Aggie Ring, and to kick off the year with the Official Away Game Yell Practice! BTHO South Carolina! Sponsored by The Association of Former Students, Yell Leaders

8:30 - 10:30 p.m.Barnes & Noble @ Texas A&M University

New Student Shopping Event: Exclusive New Student Shopping event at Barnes & Noble at Texas A&M University with discounts, prizes, music, and more! Sponsored by Barnes & Noble @ Texas A&M University

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 277 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.San Marcos, Texas

Paddling the San Marcos: Enjoy a leisurely trip on the San Marcos River paddling in the outdoors. Register at Outdoor Adventures in the Rec Center. Cost is $60. Sponsored by Department of Recreationsal Sports, Outdoor Adventures

9 - 10:30 a.m.800 George Bush Dr.

Bagel Brunch: Start your day out right with the Hillel community with free bagels and lox and meet other students to learn the ins and outs of life at Texas A&M! Sponsored by Texas A&M Hillel

10 - 11 a.m.110 Harrington

Eating Smart on a Budget: Learn how to eat in a healthy way that benefits your pocketbook and your health. Sponsored by Money Wise Aggie

10 - 11 a.m.2500 MSC

Service as a Career: TEACH: There are opportunities for all students to participate in service as a public school teacher through certification programs at TAMU. Sponsored by College of Education and Human Development

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.Simpson Drill Field

Ice Cream Carnival: Join campus representatives to learn what Texas A&M has to offer while enjoying free ice cream and games! Sponsored by New Student & Family Programs

1 - 2 p.m.110 Harrington

Jobs For Aggies: Learn how to use the Jobs For Aggies website as well as the benefits of working while attending college. Sponsored by Student Employment Office

1 - 3 p.m.Evans Library Lobby & Concourse

Library Open House: Get to know your Libraries, the center of information and research for faculty and students. Join us for food, information, prizes, and fun. Sponsored by University Libraries

1 - 7 p.m.Physical Education Activities Program Building, Room 215

SHARP: Sexual Harassment & Rape Prevention: SHARP is a specially designed self-defense class designed for Women Only teaching easy to learn techniques. Sponsored by Texas A&M Police Department

2:30 - 5:30 p.m.The Zone Plaza

One Love Palooza: Join us for the ‘Make A Friend Ball Pit’ for new students to interact with fellow Aggies. Sponsored by One Love

3 - 5 p.m.Grassy knoll between the Liberal Arts Building & Jack K Williams Building

Graduate Student Blue Bell Bash: A graduate student social event! Enjoy free Blue Bell ice cream and receive helpful info about getting connected at Texas A&M. Sponsored by Office of Graduate and Professional Studies, Career Center

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3:30 - 6:30 p.m.Rudder Plaza

Snow Cones with SSC: Join SSC Services for Education in Rudder Plaza to enjoy a snow cone and learn about the services we provide on campus! Sponsored by SSC, Facilities Services

5:30 - 7 p.m.Spence Park

Freshman’s First Fuego Fajitas!: Enjoy FREE fajitas from Fuego provided by UCM, an ecumenical campus ministry supported by the PC(USA) & UCC. Sponsored by United Campus Ministry in Aggieland

6 - 8 p.m.Methodist Student Center, 201 Tauber

Pie Party: Enjoy free all-you-can-eat pie, see what the Methodist Student Center is all about, and worship with us at 8:00! Sponsored by The Wesley Foundation, Methodist Student Center

6:30 - 11 p.m.Rudder Auditorium/Rudder Plaza

Gig ‘Em Week Movies & Party on the Plaza: Free showings of Maleficent and A Million Ways to Die in the West (captioning available). Seating in Rudder Auditorium and Rudder Theatre begins at 6:30, movies begin at 7. Then enjoy free food and fun on Rudder Plaza following the movies. Music provided by the Emerald City Band. Sponsored by MSC Aggie Cinema, MSC OPAS, and the Memorial Student Center

7:30 - 9:00 p.m.MSC 2300 A&B

AMCF Freshmen Connect: We invite you to join us for worship, teaching, and info. Get involved early with other freshmen who want to live all-out for Christ in their time at A&M. Sponsored by A&M Christian Fellowship

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27 continued

The Offices of the Dean of Student Life strive to enhance your opportunities as a student to participate fully in the University experience. We do this by providing you with information, services, programs and involvement opportunities that facilitate responsible life choices and promote awareness of yourself and of your community. Each of the program areas within the Offices of the Dean of Student Life has a specific mission, but one common goal: to provide education, outreach, and support to you.studentlife.tamu.edu

Offices of the Dean of Student Life

7 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.Reimer’s Ranch & Hamilton Pool

Climbing with a Splash: Climb and swim in the beautiful outdoors with your friendly Outdoor Adventures staff. Register at Outdoor Adventures in the Rec Center. Cost is $60. Sponsored by Department of Recreationsal Sports/Outdoor Adventures

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.Bethancourt Ballroom, Memorial Student Center

International Student Conference: The ISC is a daylong conference featuring informational sessions and a resource fair for international students and guests. Sponsored by International Student Services

10 - 11 a.m.110 Harrington

Money Management for College Students: Understand the importance of establishing a written budget and how to prepare one that is right for you. Sponsored by Money Wise Aggie

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.110 Harrington

Jobs For Aggies: Learn how to use the Jobs For Aggies website as well as the benefits of working while attending college. Sponsored by Student Employment Office

12 - 3 p.m.Rudder Plaza

Jewish Aggies Social: Come meet fellow Jewish Aggies and get acquainted with Jewish life on campus while cooling off with refreshing treats. Sponsored by Chabad Jewish Student Group

1 - 3 p.m.John J. Koldus Plaza

Student Activities Block Party: No one can turn down a block party especially when Student Activities is hosting! We welcome you to our headquarters where you can find information on how to get involved in one of our 900+ student organizations. You will interact with some of our in-house student organizations such as Student Government Association and its committees, Class Councils, and Fraternity and Sorority chapters. Oh, did we mention free goodies and snacks? Sponsored by Student Activites

2 - 3:30 p.m.MSC 2400

DMS Welcome Social: The Department of Multicultural Services’ Cultural Councils including Asian Presidents’ Council (APC), Black Student Alliance Council (BSAC), and Hispanic Presidents’ Council (HPC) welcome freshmen to campus through networking with current students, student organizations, faculty and staff. Sponsored by Department of Multicultural Services

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28

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Want to win prizes?

Stay connected! Loving Aggieland?

TWEET US @NSFPTAMU for prizes and updates all week!

Exploring campus?#gigemweek

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28 continued9 a.m. - 3 p.m.Varying locations, Check TAMU E-mail

Engineering Scavenger Hunt: Come meet other students, get to know campus, and win prizes! Must be an incoming freshman or transfer student and register online by Friday, August 22. Sponsored by Department of Engineering Academic & Student Affairs

4 - 5:30 p.m.2405 MSC

Black Graduate Student Association Welcome Social: We welcome you to come and socialize with us. Learn about our commitment to the Black graduates at A&M and what we can offer you. Sponsored by Black Graduate Student Association

4 - 6 p.m.MSC 1400

GLBT Resource Center Open House: We would like to personally invite ALL students, faculty, and staff to join us for the open house for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgender Resource Center. Sponsored by GLBT Resource Center

4 - 9:30 p.m.Clayton W. Williams, Jr Alumni Center

BTHO South Carolina Game Watching Party: Join us as we watch the Aggies BTHO the University of South Carolina in the first football game of the season with free food and prizes! Bring your own chair or blanket! Sponsored by the Office of New Student & Family Programs

6 - 8 p.m.Forsyth Galleries Learning Gallery

Gig ‘Em Date Night at The Forsyth: An evening of sweet treats and art making, register at uart.tamu.edu. Sponsored by University Art Galleries

6 - 8 p.m.Simpson Drill Field

Gig ‘Em Week Quidditch: Come out and learn about the sport of quidditch with your internationally recognized Texas A&M Quidditch team! Sponsored by Texas A&M Quidditch

7 - 10 p.m.MSC 2400

SHPEs and Salsa: Join SHPE for food, prizes, and fun while we share our freshman year experiences and advice for having a successful transition to college; followed by salsa lessons and dancing with Salsa Fusion. Sponsored by Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

Save the Date: October 17-18, 2014New Family Welcome is an opportunity for family members of new Aggies to return to campus to enjoy Aggieland. Join us for a Dessert Social, BBQ, Gamewatching Party and more! Ticket information is available online at: studentlife.tamu.edu/nfw. A ticket includes materials for the weekend, the Friday night dessert reception, and the Saturday BBQ/Gamewatching. Tickets are limited.

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10 - 10:30 a.m.110 Harrington

Taking Out a Student Loan: Come learn about student loans so you will be able to make an informed decision when accepting your financial aid. Sponsored by Scholarships & Financial Aid

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.Academic Plaza,Sul Ross Statue

Aggieland Market: (a.k.a. Free Stuff Friday!) is a vendor fair showcasing departments and local businesses including restaurants, bookstores, entertainment, and more. Students can browse the market and pick up free give-a-ways, information, and food. Sponsored by Adult, Graduate, & Off-Campus Student Services

1:30 - 3:30 p.m.In front of Psychology Building

“Life’s a Circus” in Psychology: Step right up and join Psychology under the big top for games and prizes as we welcome our students back to Aggieland! Sponsored by Psychology

2 - 3 p.m.Back porch of Richard Coke Building

Liberal Arts: Let’s Get Social: Stop by for FREE snow cones and popcorn with the College of Liberal Arts! Find us on Facebook and follow us on twitter @tamuliberalarts for instant updates. Sponsored by College of Liberal Arts

2 - 3:30 p.m.MSC 2500

National Hispanic Institute Welcome Social: We want to welcome any incoming students interested in joining the National Hispanic Institute at Texas A&M. Sponsored by National Hispanic Institute at Texas A&M

2:30 - 3:30 p.m.110 Harrington

Repaying Your Student Loans: Learn about the various options for repaying your student loans so that you can develop a plan that will work for you. Sponsored by Scholarships & Financial Aid

2:30 - 4:30 p.m.Startup Aggieland, 1700 Research Parkway, Suite 150

Startup Aggieland Red Bull Floats Party: Join Startup Aggieland for a FREE Red Bull Floats Party and visit some of our student-owned companies that we helped get funded! Sponsored by Startup Aggieland

2:30 - 4:30 p.m.MSC 1400

MSC OPAS Gig ‘Em Week Social: Come and join the MSC OPAS student committee for a fun social to find out what performances will be at Texas A&M for the 2014-15 season. Sponsored by MSC OPAS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29

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11 a.m. - 1 p.m.O&M courtyard

GeosFest 2014: Festive event to meet & greet new students to the college; food and snacks provided. Sponsored by College of Geosciences

6 - 8 p.m.The lower level of the MSC, near the aquarium

Karaoke Night: This event is an opportunity for all singers to have fun singing with fellow Aggies and learn more about the Department of Choral Activities at Texas A&M. Sponsored by Choral Activities

7 - 8:30 p.m.Rudder Forum

Freudian Slip Gig ‘Em Week Improv Show!: Come out and see Texas A&M’s only source of improv comedy perform an entirely unique and wonderfully hilarious show! Sponsored by Freudian Slip

9 p.m. - 12 a.m.Baptist Student Center (in Northgate)

Coffeehouse!: Savor your last homework-free moments with coffee brewin’ and great live music groovin’ - All FREE! Sponsored by Baptist Student Ministry

5:30 - 7 p.m.Academic Plaza

Sno Cones with Treehouse: Come chill with Treehouse, an open campus ministry welcoming to all students, for FREE sno cones, fun games, and merriment! Sponsored by Treehouse/ Aggie Lutherans –ELCA

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.800 George Bush Dr.

Welcome Back Shabbat: Join the Hillel community for some festive music and dinner at our first Friday evening Shabbat services of the year! Sponsored by Texas A&M Hillel

7 - 8:30 p.m.Koldus 111

Self-defense Class: The goals of the class are to help students realize that they can protect themselves and show how to respond to an attack. Sponsored by The TAMU Shaorin Kempo Club

7:30 - 9:30 p.m.Agriculture & Life Sciences Building, Room 114

Texas A&M Collegiate 4-H Club Meet & Greet Social: Join members of the Texas A&M University Collegiate 4-H Club for a fun meet and greet social! Learn about how you can become a member of our organization and the activities we participate in throughout the year (collegiate4-h.tamu.edu). Sponsored by Texas A&M Collegiate 4-H Club

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29 continued

2 - 3:30 p.m.Reed Arena

Undergraduate Convocation: Undergraduate Convocation officially welcomes new undergraduate students to our community of scholars. Join us as we celebrate the start of your path towards a degree from Texas A&M University. Sponsored by Office of the Provost and Office of Undergraduate Studies

4 - 7 p.m.Academic Plaza

Freshman Event: Come join us for pizza and games in the beautiful Academic plaza. It’s a great chance to get to know friendly students! Sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31T

In support of Texas A&M University’s mission, the goal of New Student & Family Programs (NSFP) is to facilitate the success of new students through their first year at A&M, thereby, retaining them for their second year and through graduation. Recognizing the important role that family members play in a student’s college success, we strive to equip families with the resources to aid their student throughout their student’s college career. Programs and services provided by the Office of New Student & Family Programs include:

New Student Conferences are an integrated effort among all colleges, divisions, and departments of the University community to assist entering students with the transition from their previous environment to the Texas A&M University environment and to enhance their success in college.newaggie.tamu.edu

Aggie Orientation Leader Program is a student organization that strives to continually connect new students to Texas A&M by personally supporting, serving, and using all available resources to help ease the transition for them and their families. These students play a significant role supporting the the New Student Conference experience. aolp.tamu.edu

Gig ‘Em Week is Aggieland’s Week of Welcome held the week before fall classes begin. Gig ‘Em Week provides new and returning students an opportunity to learn more about the campus, each other, and college life in general through a series of educational and social events sponsored by university departments, colleges, student organizations, residence halls, and community groups.gigemweek.tamu.eduMentors is an organization of faculty, staff,

and administrators who volunteer extra office hours to make themselves available to students who want to talk about anything from academics to the college transition. Students can find a mentor through our online matching system.mentors.tamu.edu

New Family Welcome, held each fall, is an opportunity for family members of new Aggies to return to campus and visit students during their first semester. This weekend provides families with the chance to experience unique traditions first hand.studentlife.tamu.edu/nfw

Publications There are several publications for all populations served by NSFP. For newly admitted students, there is the New Aggie News and the New Student Handbook. Family members can receive a monthly e-mail newsletter and a semi-annual publication, the Aggie Connection. newaggie.tamu.edu/publications

Aggie Families can find support resources and information through a variety of information sources. Family members can sign-up for the Family Member Listserv and receive monthly e-mail updates about campus events and services. Additionally, families can connect with New Student & Family Programs and each other by liking us on Facebook (/AggieFamilies). For more information, visit parents.tamu.edu

Parents’ Weekend is a tradition that has existed at Texas A&M University since 1919. This weekend is dedicated to all Aggie parents and family members, and provides students a chance to express their gratitude to those who have impacted their lives. Parents’ Weekend has become the official “HOWDY!” to Aggie Family members. parentsweekend.tamu.edu

New Student & Family Programs

/NewAggie /AggieParentsandFamily@NSFPtamu/nsfptamu