News Summary
Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh recently confirmed that 12 out of 23 international students have regained their legal status in the U.S. The university is enhancing support services and ensuring safety during anticipated travels. Additionally, leadership transitions are underway, including the search for new vice president positions. Meanwhile, the College Station City Council approved a five-year recycling extension valued at $8 million, reflecting a commitment to sustainability despite rising costs. Community discussions surrounding effective recycling solutions continue in response to closing local centers.
College Station, Texas — In a recent update, Texas A&M President Mark Welsh announced the immigration status of 23 international students who had their U.S. legal status revoked. As of April 25, 12 of those students have successfully returned to legal status in the United States. Welsh emphasized the importance of providing support for international students, both practically and emotionally, as the university works to address the challenges they face.
President Welsh also acknowledged faculty concerns regarding travel outside the U.S. this summer, indicating that the administration is taking steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its faculty and students during their travels. Additionally, the university is moving forward with leadership changes, having identified finalists for the vice president of student affairs position following a series of candidate forums. An updated job description for the vice president for research position has also been established, and a search committee has been formed to facilitate this process. Furthermore, the announcement of a new dean for the pharmacy college is anticipated soon, following a series of campus interviews. This week, three finalists for the dean of the college of veterinary medicine and biological sciences will participate in campus forums.
In addition to updates at Texas A&M, the College Station City Council, during its April 24 meeting, approved a five-year extension of the residential recycling agreement, valued at nearly $8 million. This decision will result in an increase in the monthly recycling cost for single-family households from $3.15 to $4.80. College Station’s solid waste division manager reported that 76% of collected materials are recycled, which reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. However, residents were reminded that certain items, such as plastic grocery bags and greasy pizza boxes, cannot be recycled. Approximately 26,000 single-family households in College Station utilize the city’s recycling service.
In related news, Brazos County has approved a $92,000 contract for soil testing for a new office complex being developed across from the courthouse, addressing concerns related to soil quality and safety. Community members raised questions regarding soil testing at the former Bryan ISD administration building site as well. With the closing of the recycling center at Walmart, alternative options are being explored to maintain recycling access for the community, particularly for Bryan residents who have utilized a drive-in recycling center since 1991. As services change, adaptation to new recycling options will be necessary for the community.
The recent permanent closure of a free recycling option in Bryan has prompted discussions about sustainability and effective recycling solutions within the community. The city’s Environmental Operations Supervisor acknowledged the necessity for a better understanding of recycling services in the region. Curbside recycling remains available to College Station residents at no additional cost, funded through their monthly sanitation fees.
The recycling efforts of College Station and Bryan highlight significant differences in waste management. In 2017, Bryan collected 750 tons of recyclables, whereas College Station collected 2,690.33 tons, indicating a more robust recycling program in the latter. Environmental studies students like Hollie Schaper are advocating for increased recycling awareness, noting personal efforts to recycle despite limited services available to their apartment complex. Both cities continue to work toward improving their recycling programs and understanding the community’s needs as they adapt to changing circumstances.
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Additional Resources
- KAGS News
- Wikipedia: Recycling
- Patch News
- Google Search: Plastic Film Recycling
- WTAW News
- Google Scholar: Residential Recycling
- The Battalion News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sustainability
- Recycling Today News
- Google News: Critical Metals Supply Chain
