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.
Dean of Students
Kirsten Compary, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students
Memorial Student Union Room 306
361-593-3606
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 Vice President for Student Affairs and Community Relations in creating and implementing programs, services and activities which are consistent with the university's mission. The Dean of Students oversees the Associate Dean of Students, Student Activities, Student Health and Wellness, B&G Express shuttle program, Welcome Week, the Student Government Association, student discipline, shuttle and specific retention programs. The Dean of Students also has oversight of certain councils and committees that are charged with student programming, disciplinary issues and in providing cultural and enrichment programs to the University community.
Memorial Student Union
Crispin Trevino, Director, Event Planning and Auxiliary Services
Memorial Student Union
361-593-4173
The Memorial Student Union (MSU) is the center of social life on the campus. It includes multiple dining areas, student lounges, two large ballrooms, meeting areas, ID Center and student related offices. The Memorial Student Union hosts games and tournaments, welcome and hospitality programs and campus food service. Recognized student organizations may schedule use of the facilities at no charge for normal use. Outside organizations must pay a fee. The Office of the Dean of Students is located in the Memorial Student Union, along with the Javelina Enrollment Services, Javelina Bookstore (operated by Follett Higher Education Group), the Post Office, Student Government Association and Javelina Dining (operated by Aramark).
Student Activities
Erin McClure, Assistant Dean of Students
Student Activities Building.
361-593-2760
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 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 Fiesta, Fall Carnival, Spring Fling, Windows on the World and the Miss Texas A&M University-Kingsville Scholarship Pageant. In addition to serving over 125 student organizations, Student Activities also provides a variety of specialized leadership programs such as Leadership Month, Student Retreats and Conferences and an annual Student Leadership Conference. The department provides full-time support to Greek Life, International and Multicultural programming and the Campus Activities Board. The department also includes activities related to Community Services. Believing campus involvement is essential to student success, the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Department of Student Activities completes a student’s education.
Orientation Programs
Erin McClure, Assistant Dean of Students
Student Activities Building
361-593-2760
Javelina Camp is a high-intensity three-day experience designed specifically for incoming Freshmen. Students who participate in Javelina Camp will learn about the spirited traditions of TAMU-Kingsville, spend time in small “packs” centered on bonding and connecting with student in an interactive setting, participate in team competitions, reflect on their personal college goals and most importantly have fun with other future students.
Javelina Welcome, the University’s official orientation program, begins two days prior to each fall semester’s first day of class. During this program, students will move into their residence halls, attend study skill seminars and information sessions, as well as participate in the University’s Matriculation Ceremony. Families are encouraged to attend; participation by new students in encouraged.
International Student Orientation (ISO) is a program for all incoming international students in F-1 or J-1 student status, including freshman, graduate, professional, transfer, returning students from leave and exchange students. ISO is designed to help students learn about and understand important immigration regulations and procedures required of F-1 and J-1 students, confirm their arrival for required government reporting purposes, and to assist new students in adjusting to Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
The South Texan
The South Texan is an award-winning, student-operated bi-weekly newspaper with a web edition. It 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-in-Chief is selected by a committee and must have taken basic journalism classes, have served as a section editor, 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 as are students from all majors.
Recreational Sports
Marcus Wirth, Director
Student Recreation Center
361-593-4771
Cheerleading
Javelina cheer team strives to promote spirit and traditions. The Cheer Team consists of co-ed cheerleaders and the Javelina mascot “Porky”. The team’s main focus is to build campus spirit, unity, pride and serve as role models for the university. The cheer team members primarily lead cheers at home football and home men’s and women’s basketball games. Cheerleading/Mascot Tryouts are held every spring semester.
Competitive Sports
Competitive Sports offers students, faculty and staff the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of team sports and individual/dual sports. Opportunities are available to compete at a regional and/or national level through extramural sport tournaments. Outdoor sports like flag football, soccer and softball are played on the department’s lit outdoor Intramural natural turf fields. Students interested in competing against other sports clubs at other universities can receive funding and guidance through the Sports Clubs program. Competitive Sports also offers esports through on-campus/virtual tournaments, leagues, and sport clubs.
Student Recreation Center: Recreation and Fitness
The Student Recreation Center (STRC) is a 33,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility which provides unlimited opportunities for TAMUK students, faculty and staff to participate in open recreation, intramural sports and fitness programs throughout the year. The STRC includes a 5,493 sq. ft. cardio/weight room, two full-size gymnasiums, elevated indoor track (1/12 mile), an outdoor basketball court and men/women locker rooms. Membership to use the STRC is included in tuition the Rec. Fee for students. Faculty and staff have the opportunity to use the STRC on a paid membership basis.
Intercollegiate Athletics
Stephen P. Roach, Executive Director of Athletics
McCulley Hall Room 112
361-593-2800
NCAA II nationally ranked athletic teams for men and women are a tradition at the university. Athletic teams for women include volleyball, basketball, cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, softball, tennis and golf. Athletic teams for men include football, basketball, baseball, cross country and indoor and outdoor track and field. Each enrolled student may attend all scheduled regular-season home athletic events free of charge with a validated Student I.D.