Texas A&M University, acclaimed for its influence on communities large and small and for producing civic-minded alumni, has recently made significant strides towards advancing a new Citizenship and Service Initiative.
Aimed at fostering a new generation of accountable, involved citizens, the initiative will furnish Texas A&M students with education, introspection, and service opportunities to engage with citizenship at local, state, and national scopes. University President Gen. (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III unveiled the Citizenship and Service Initiative in fall ’24, and a committee led by Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Kim Field contributed to formulating a conceptual framework and illustrative ideas for the initiative, which were refined through an internal summit for faculty, staff, and students that took place last week.
“Our state, nation, and globe need Aggies more than in any other time,” Welsh stated in his opening address. “It’s vital to remind our present Aggies that the honor code is not solely about compliance; it encompasses living a life of integrity. Selfless service transcends individual projects; it embodies a lifestyle of service. Respect involves leading a life that is respected and respectful once you depart Texas A&M. All these aspects relate to citizenship—something I firmly believe this outstanding educational institution ought to impart to our amazing students.”
Earlier this month, Field and Welsh shared the conceptual framework with The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, who provided feedback and expressed endorsement for the idea.
The initiative centers on the principle that all students will intentionally engage across four foundational pillars—character, knowledge, skills, and civic participation. Every graduate from Texas A&M University will be equipped and ready to serve as ethical, informed, and contributing citizens within their communities, the state of Texas, and the nation through instruction, impactful experiences, and leadership opportunities.
The summit featured speakers along with panel discussions involving students, faculty, and staff who addressed the framework as well as current programs, opportunities, and obstacles. In interactive sessions, participants contributed to shaping ideas that will aid in formulating a comprehensive implementation strategy.
“Throughout the summit, we experienced remarkable participation from faculty, staff, and students, deliberating on how we can integrate this concept as an intentional element of our students’ educational journey,” stated Field, who possesses extensive experience in public service. “A recurring sentiment echoed throughout the event was: ‘as Aggies, whatever our country requires, you can rely on us.’”
The initiative will leverage a wealth of existing resources and activities within the university, including government internship programs, community engagement activities, and a diverse array of government, ethics, leadership, and civic education offerings provided by Texas A&M’s various schools and colleges. Additional components aimed at connecting, strengthening, and enhancing existing activities will be developed.
“We’ve been producing exceptional Aggies and citizens for 148 years, but we can strive for greater achievements,” Welsh remarked during the all-day summit, which had approximately 100 participants. “The encouraging news is that we’re not commencing from scratch. There are abundant academic courses and leadership opportunities, along with excellent faculty and staff guiding students through these experiences. Students are engaged in service continuously. The pressing question now is: How do we tie all these elements together in a manner that acknowledges our students’ efforts and encourages more of them to get involved?”
Field anticipates developing a strategy this spring to present to leadership and commence progress.
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