Texas A&M University-San Antonio continues to provide students with resources amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
University’s food pantry offers curbside pickup
By Armando Villarreal III
Texas A&M University-San Antonio is responding to the coronavirus pandemic by offering curbside pickup at the campus food pantry.
The General’s Store provides supplemental food and helps with food insecurity in the A&M-San Antonio community.
“We’re going to continue to keep that open as long as we can. Especially in this moment of crisis,” said Miguel Garcia, a civic engagement associate at the Mays Center at A&M-San Antonio.
The San Antonio Food Bank partner is different from other food pantries. He said customers are allowed to walk inside the pantry, and select the items that they want.
“Now with this happening, we can’t do that because we have to keep social distancing,” he said.
Garcia said the General’s Store is up to date with the new coronavirus guidelines and limiting the amount of volunteers.
“Don’t go on and volunteer, because we’re trying to keep social distancing. But we are open for donations, monetary and definitely food donations,” he said.
The food pantry provides items including canned fruits, vegetables, tuna, peanut butter, jelly, bread and produce.
“We typically have milk and eggs. So anything that’s going to help you get by within a week or two,” he said.
Customers now request virtually by filling out a form and selecting pickup times through the university’s website.
The food pantry is in Room 110 in Patriots’ Casa. It is open:
2 p.m. – 6 p.m. — Wednesdays
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Thursdays
A&M-San Antonio initiated The Jaguar Lift on April 16 to support the student emergency fund and The General’s Food Pantry, due to the increased need students are facing.
People can donate to the university campaign for students affected by the impact of COVID-19.
To donate to The Jaguar Lift Student Emergency Relief Fund:
https://www.tamusa.edu/giving/make-a-gift.html
To place a curbside order, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUqRY_5RN_YNSvzSpQHhm5PtMxCN30dPZM3eTXeuUo6RugvA/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1
Military affairs brings stability to students
By Ramon J. Martinez
The office of Military Affairs at A&M-San Antonio has moved programming and benefits online during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Currently our services have not changed. We are working from the office in order to help bring some stability to our students,” said Richard Delgado, director for Military Affairs.
All A&M-San Antonio military veterans should refer to the Military Affairs on JagSync and social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @tamusamilitary for updated information concerning programming, benefits and other announcements.
Upcoming programs and events include a Patriots’ Wellness Circle Online at 2 p.m. April 23 and I Spy Online at 2 p.m. April 27.
For more information on veteran programming and benefits call the A&M-San Antonio Office of Military Affairs at 210-784-1397 or email military@tamusa.edu.
Writing center provides students with online tutoring
By Aseneth Rosado
Writing Center director Katherine Bridgman said the quick transition to online operation was big for the Writing Center but the staff members handled it with professionalism and kindness.
“I am so proud of our team during this time…In addition to how well our staff has been doing working in a completely new environment online, I am so grateful for the ways we’ve pulled together, checking up on each other, offering words of encouragement and showing grace to each other and students who are also not accustomed to online tutoring,” Bridgman said.
The six student and staff tutors are working remotely, offering eTutoring and online appointments. Services are available Monday 9 a.m- 6 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m- 8 p.m., Wednesday 8 a.m- 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m- 4 p.m. and Friday 11 a.m- 4 p.m.
Online appointments happen in real time. Students work with a tutor chat box or a webcam and a microphone. For online tutoring, students upload their rubric and assignment draft and wait for feedback from a writing tutor. The center has also updated its website to include descriptions and pictures of what each session type looks like.
For more information, email Writing.Center@tamusa.edu. Students without internet access can email Bridgman at Katherine.Bridgman@tamusa.edu
