Texas A&M University’s Technology Services team at the Division of Student Affairs, along with the SSG.NET Application team, assisted with Freshman Orientation Week (FOW) for the Corps of Cadets. Held on Aug. 7 and 10, these events welcomed new cadets to campus and provided them with a positive first impression of the university’s technology team and services.

The technology support teams facilitated check-in events for both band members and regular cadets. The collaboration provided comprehensive support for the four applications integral to the FOW process, including the FOW application, Get Involved, Corps Apps and StarRez. These tools allow personnel to efficiently track, manage and communicate with students throughout orientation.

Despite recent transitions in the development teams for two of the Corps applications, new technology employees quickly familiarized themselves with the applications’ operational needs, understanding how they worked together during check-in. Once the technicians were up to speed, David Swanson, IT Technology Manager of Technology Services, trained a group of existing cadets, known as a cadre, to manage the check-in process. This training included practice runs, equipping the cadets with the skills needed for a smooth onboarding experience. This resulted in a fully student-led process, a first for the Corps FOW.

More About the Applications

The FOW application plays a pivotal role in scanning and managing cadet movements through various check-in stations. It tracks the status of cadets, identifies those who may not have reported on time and provides real-time updates on overall progress. As freshmen complete check-in, they are activated in the Corps Apps for ongoing management of cadet information.

Additionally, StarRez, an external vendor application used for housing assignments, works in tandem with the FOW application, allowing for real-time updates and edits during the check-in process. This ensures that any last-minute changes to housing arrangements can be accommodated efficiently.

The Corps Apps continues to support cadets throughout their entire university tenure. It is a permissions-based roster application that hosts personalized profiles, tracking rank and organization — such as whether a cadet is in the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, special units or groups like the Fish Drill Team. Cadets can use it to submit requests for leaving campus, manage the approval process, and handle discipline issues and appeals. Additionally, it monitors fitness conditioning, recording metrics like height, weight, training progress and performance marks. The Corps Apps serves as a comprehensive management tool for cadets throughout the year.

Photos from the Event

Photographs from the events can be viewed below.

The successful collaboration between Technology Services and the Corps of Cadets during Freshman Orientation Week demonstrates Technology Services’ commitment to creating a positive and efficient experience for new cadets. By leveraging advanced applications and providing on-site support, the teams ensured that incoming Corps members were well-equipped to navigate their first days on campus. This initiative not only facilitates a smooth transition but also reflects our dedication to empowering students and fostering a strong sense of community as they embark on their academic journeys.