ABOUT ExCEL!!
ExCEL is a student organization and program designed to help freshmen find an academic, social, and personal balance at Texas A&M. ExCEL assists first-year freshman in making a smooth transition from high school to Texas A&M University. ExCEL supports students by: encouraging them through high school-to-college challenges, fostering a community where students can culturally identify, forging new relationships & integrating into life at Texas A&M, informing students about various campus opportunities and services, and building a support system through upper-class students.
Orientation Conference
The ExCEL Orientation Conference launches the complete ExCEL Program. This two-day celebration of culture, education and leadership is held the week before Fall classes begin, familiarizing participants with the program and life at Texas A&M University. Participants are divided into “teams” led by two upper-class Texas A&M students called Team Leaders. The orientation consists of:
• Motivational speakers addressing issues on student life and academics.
• Performances by student organizations and other social activities.
• Introductions to freshman peers and peer mentors (Team Leaders).
• Peer group discussions and bonding facilitated by student leader volunteers.
• Meet and greet activities with faculty and staff across campus.
Following the orientation, a two-part developmental seminar series and social networking, relevant to the first-year student, begins and continues through the end of the Fall semester. An Executive Staff of 14 students and approximately 22 elite peer mentors work all year to plan and carry-out the orientation and the semester-long activities. Students planning to participate in ExCEL must register for the Orientation Conference.