Counselor Connect offers Texas A&M University students an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the counseling process and resources within University Health Services. Students can pick from various activities to participate in while interacting with counselors, creating an informal and laid-back environment. During these 15-minute sessions, students learn strategies for self-care that can improve any area in their lives! Counselor Connect aims to reduce the stigma around mental health and create a safe space on campus for connection. Although this is NOT an individual counseling session, it is an opportunity to engage with a mental health professional and discuss strategies for self-care to give students the tools to achieve their academic goals. By attending a Counselor Connect event, students acknowledge that University Health Services cannot guarantee the confidentiality of the conversations that occur during each event.

Staff are encouraged to attend the next University Staff Council (USC) meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 2:30 p.m. (immediately following the Common Grounds Series) in person at the General Services Complex in Room 101 or via Zoom. The vision of the USC is to help staff feel supported, included and valued at Texas A&M University, where we live the Aggie Core Values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity and selfless service. Come to the meeting and let your voice be heard or learn more about what the USC is doing for you. You may access full meeting minutes from previous meetings on the USC website.

With their concert entitled "PEACE," the multi-Grammy® and Emmy Award®-winning SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR returns to North America to perform a joyful program of South African freedom songs, traditional spirituals and some classics. The inspirational concert will also feature the spirited music of Aretha Franklin, Harry Belafonte, Leonard Cohen and more! Formed in 2002, the Choir was created to celebrate the unique power of African gospel music and quickly established itself as a group that is "undeniably synchronized, appears unshakable, and simultaneously expresses universality and individuality" (San Francisco Classical Voice). Heralded by Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and Oprah Winfrey, SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR excites audiences worldwide, uplifting the soul and spreading joy through its earthy rhythms, rich harmonies, brilliant costumes, and infectious spirit. It's perfect for the entire family! Visit Soweto Gospel Choir - Peace (https://www.opastickets.org/soweto-gospel-choir-peace/) for more information about this program. Order tickets now at the Box Office. To see all of the shows coming to OPAS Season 53, visit our full schedule page (https://www.opastickets.org/2025-2026-full-schedule/).