About DMS

DMS is dedicated to connecting and engaging students in ways that enhance their overall educational experience. Programming supports students as they navigate their transition into Aggieland, and helps them persist to graduation and thrive beyond. Our work is rooted in guidance, resources and collaboration to ensure Aggies have the opportunities and support they need to succeed.

Every student brings their own experiences, values and goals to Texas A&M. DMS recognizes the whole student, providing programs that help them become and remain fully connected to the intellectual and social life of the university. This approach helps students thrive academically, socially and personally.

Research shows that students stay enrolled when they are integrated into both academic systems (such as coursework and faculty interaction) and social systems (such as peer networks, mentoring and co-curricular involvement). DMS programs are intentionally designed with this in mind — combining co-curricular learning and peer interaction to foster the kind of meaningful engagement that strengthens confidence, purpose and success.

Our Impact

DMS initiatives directly contribute to the university’s undergraduate learning outcomes by providing opportunities to:

• Strengthen critical thinking and reflection skills.
• Practice effective communication in both personal and professional settings.
• Grow through teamwork and collaboration with peers and mentors.
• Engage in intentional learning experiences that connect academic growth to real-world applications.

While Texas A&M offers over 1,300 student organizations, DMS provides uniquely integrated opportunities that help students connect their passions to purposeful involvement. Students are encouraged to explore, lead and learn together in ways that support both their personal goals and their persistence to graduation.

Students arrive at Texas A&M with different goals, backgrounds and needs. DMS helps them get connected and engaged through intentional programming:

• Freshman students seeking support in navigating campus, managing expectations, building routines, making connections and finding resources can attend DMS Welcome Socials and Backyard Explorations trips to build early connections and engage in programming focused on self-management and personal responsibility. Students can also learn about and engage in campus traditions through DMS Aggie Spirit Tours and participate in A WHOOP! for informal engagement with campus resources.
• Transfer students seeking to understand campus systems quickly, navigate college transitions and connect socially without feeling like they are starting over can engage in tailored check-ins with staff to identify gaps. Students can also receive personalized support to translate previous experiences into opportunities on campus, participate in efforts to align co-curricular experiences with their remaining academic journey and make their new campus their own through connections built through the DMS Welcome Social and DMS Aggie Spirit Tours.
• First-generation students who seek to navigate unwritten college norms, build confidence in asking for help, and balance academic and personal roles can engage in several supportive activities. These activities include one-on-one coaching to develop personal skills, learning about pathways to campus services and how to utilize them, participating in program series designed to decrease the potential of falling behind or feeling isolated and accessing professional development through the Level-Up to Lead initiative.
• Students from rural, small-town high schools or remote areas seeking help with acclimating to a large campus, feeling overwhelmed by pace or scale, and social readjustment can feel supported through structured programs like DMS Explorations to feel more connected to Texas. DMS also provides peer engagement in smaller settings to reduce social anxiety and build community, opportunities to explore leadership development and tools for managing independence without pressure through our monthly programming series.
• Any student who seeks structure, grounding, direction or meaningful connection to make the most of their university experience can engage in several developmental and holistic practices through DMS. These practices include personalized engagement focused on growth, reflection and self-management. Students may also participate in workshops on marketable competencies with digital credentials and receive coaching to build effectiveness around group dynamics and networks. They can take part in programming that cultivates community and supports positive relationships, engage in an open and welcoming office environment and student spaces and foster feelings of stability through Empower Hours.

What We Provide

• Developing Competencies: We help students grow the personal and interpersonal skills they need to succeed — now and in the future. Through co-curricular learning, peer engagement and collaborative experiences, students gain competencies essential to navigating college, building relationships and preparing for life beyond Texas A&M.
• Fostering Meaningful Connections: Students succeed when they feel they belong. Our programs are designed to help students form authentic, lasting connections with peers, mentors and the campus community. We create spaces where students feel visible, valued and supported — building well-being and persistence alongside involvement.
• Advancing Student Success: We support students not only in staying enrolled but in achieving their academic, personal and professional goals. DMS initiatives help students navigate their transition into college life with confidence, strengthen persistence through community, coaching and skill-building, and prepare for post-graduation outcomes through reflection and applied learning.

Every student benefits from the intentional approach to engagement through DMS. Whether they are seeking grounding, direction or meaningful connection, DMS provides holistic practices to help them thrive academically, socially and personally.