Technology Services’ Open Access Labs (OAL) team was recently honored by the Athletics Department for their dedicated work supporting Texas A&M University’s student-athletes. Led by Liaquat Ali, Technology Services was presented with a framed 12th Man jersey for helping move equipment during the previous football season.  For each home game, the OAL team moved computers and other equipment out of Kyle Field suites, then moved them back before the start of the week.

When their current education facility was affected by renovations, student-athletes needed a new, temporary location to work. Kyle Field was ultimately selected, but space needs for home games required the equipment to be moved in and out of the stadium. Technology Services’ Dinah Logan, IT Manager I, assisted with almost all of the necessary equipment moves between facilities throughout the fall, including moving computers and printers on Sundays in preparation for the school week. In addition, Michaela Salkin, Senior IT Supervisor, provided expertise on re-imaging computers and ensuring that keyboards, mics, power, and ethernet were prepared for each location change.

In this temporary location, student-athletes could access computers and printers to complete homework and assignments and work with academic staff for tutoring. The convenient proximity to practice and training facilities was monumental for athletes during this transition period.

A Texas A&M tradition, the 12th Man represents a spirit of service and generosity that addresses needs where and when they arise. In the card accompanying the gifted 12th Man jersey, the athletics department describes the team’s display of this value: “Particularly, we’re grateful for your hard work and unquestioned flexibility during our 2023 season at Kyle (Field). You truly embodied the spirit of the 12th Man.”

Assistant Athletic Director for IT Operations Daniel Roberts further explained the OAL team’s work and its benefits. “Liaquat Ali and his team were instrumental in our efforts while we were in our temporary Academics locations at West Kyle Field. That meant breaking down our learning labs, advisor offices, study hall spaces and printing before every game and rebuilding Sunday evening before the start of the next week. During the Spring of 2024, our athletes collectively achieved the highest GPR in the school’s history and that is largely in part to the OAL team’s efforts.”

The equipment movement also reflects the collaboration between two departments to benefit students and the university community. The OAL team worked closely with Texas A&M Athletics to determine facility and equipment needs throughout the process. The partnership was essential in moving OAL equipment for other events including the Brazil vs Mexico soccer match and the George Strait concert.

With the opening of the new Sinn Academic and Wellness Center, the OAL team also helped set up more permanent learning spaces for student-athletes. According to Roberts, “The OAL team was instrumental in getting 80+ computers imaged and deployed to the new lab and tutor spaces. We had a tight window between the opening of the building and the first day of classes, but the OAL team worked hard to get everything in place. Ali’s attention to detail and diligence in completing every one of those details provided our student-athletes with a first-class computing environment facilitating academic success.”

While the student-athletes and the equipment have a permanent home, there are always ways to serve. The OAL team continues to work toward the Technology Services’ mission of an IT environment that contributes to teaching, research and service.  Liaquat Ali said, “We are willing to do all we can to support campus members with their needs.”