Connect & Engage
At Texas A&M, connection is at the heart of the Aggie experience. Students thrive when they feel supported, encouraged, and part of something meaningful. The Department of Multicultural Services (DMS) helps students create those connections — to peers, mentors, traditions and communities — through programs that build confidence, strengthen resilience and foster social wellbeing.
Our engagement initiatives are not one-time events; they are stepping stones that help students persist through challenges and succeed in college and beyond. Research and student feedback consistently show that strong connections increase motivation, deepen purpose and reinforce the skills needed for long-term success. Whether through a DMS Welcome Social, a reflective tour of Aggie traditions or an off-campus exploration, students discover spaces where they can grow, recharge and find encouragement for their journey.
Why Connection Matters
The transition to college can feel overwhelming, whether a student is beginning as a first-year, transferring from another institution, coming from a rural or small-town background or simply adjusting to the pace of campus life. DMS recognizes that these moments of transition are critical. That’s why our programs are designed to make Texas A&M feel both welcoming and supportive from day one.
Connection is more than making friends — it’s about building networks of support, learning how to navigate new spaces and creating a sense of stability that allows students to focus on academic and personal goals. When students feel grounded and supported, they are better able to develop resilience, manage stress and pursue opportunities that enrich their college experience.
DMS programs are rooted in theory and standards of student learning and development. Research consistently shows that the more students are connected and intentionally integrated into both academic and social systems, the more likely they are to persist, learn and succeed. Our mission turns that research into practice, creating pathways where every Aggie can connect and thrive.
