Texas A&M Maritime Academy Residence Hall Construction Update & Information
September 25, 2024
Good morning,
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we continue to assess and address water intrusion issues in the Texas A&M Maritime Academy Residence Hall. I know this situation has been disruptive and frustrating. Our faculty and staff are fully vested in supporting you and helping you succeed here on the Galveston Campus. You will continue to receive additional information detailing resources and options to minimize the disruptions you’re experiencing.
We have nearly completed the removal of water-impacted walls and flooring in the 287 rooms damaged by Hurricane Beryl and subsequent weather events. Contractors have been working concurrently to identify the source of the problem. Not knowing the source of the issue, the rooms are in different stages of repair to quickly identify and address additional intrusion points, while ensuring a safe space for each of you. Due to space limitations on campus and within the area, we are unable to relocate students as this work is completed. A detailed report on the findings is due to me this week and will determine what repairs are needed. I’ll be able to share a timeline on these repairs with you in the coming weeks.
I understand your concerns with this process, and I am committed to keeping you updated. I encourage you to share this communication with those who support you, so they are informed as well. We will host a combined in-person and virtual briefing and Q&A soon to address the timeline and answer questions, and we encourage you to share the invitation, which is forthcoming, with those who support you. We are creating a webpage for ongoing updates, and you will receive regular email updates from me on this topic. You are also welcome to contact me directly with your feedback and concerns at any time.
In the meantime, we have established dedicated study space on the first floor of the Aggie Special Event Center for you all to use as needed and encourage you to access our great resources for mental health and well-being. We are here for you. Also, we are experimenting with alternate floor coverings to find better temporary solutions.
Our top priorities have been and will continue to be our students' and employees' health and safety while preserving the academic environment as much as possible.
I will have additional details to share with you in the coming weeks. Please feel free to contact me directly with your questions, concerns and feedback. Hang in there, Ags – we’ll get through this together!
COLONEL (RET.) MICHAEL E. FOSSUM '80
Vice President, Texas A&M University
Chief Operating Officer, Texas A&M University at Galveston
Superintendent, Texas A&M Maritime Academy