page_title: Glossary of Texas A&M University terms
section_title: S
hierarchical_section_title: Glossary of Texas A&M University terms / S
caption_attribution_description: Boots worn by seniors in the Texas A&amp;M Corps of Cadets.
context_page_description: Many terms are unique to, or hold a special meaning connected with, Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. The University, often called A&M or TAMU, is a coeducational public research university and is the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System. It opened in 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, the first public institution of higher education in that state. In 1963, the Texas Legislature renamed the school to Texas A&M University to reflect the institution's expanded roles and academic offerings. The letters "A&M" no longer have any explicit meaning but are retained as a link to the university's past.
  As a Senior Military College, Texas A&M is one of three public universities with a full-time, volunteer Corps of Cadets. It provides more commissioned officers to the United States Armed Forces than any other school outside the service academies.
  Texas A&M University's history as an all-male military institution has led to a unique traditions and terminology. Some phrases come from traditions that include Aggie Bonfire and the athletics program. Other phrases are locations and landmarks around the campus.
context_section_description: "Saw Varsity's Horns Off"
  A verse from the Aggie War Hymn, it refers to defeating the Texas Longhorns, who use a Longhorn steer as their mascot.
  Sbisa
  Sbisa Dining Hall is on North campus near most of the north campus dorms. It was opened in 1912 and named after Bernard Sbisa who was in charge of feeding the corps during the late 19th century. It is frequented by many freshman and is one of two dining halls on campus.
  Sea Aggies (or Sea Ags)
  Students or alumni of the school's branch campus, Texas A&M University at Galveston.
  Senior Boots
  Distinctive brown leather boots worn by Corps seniors, or Zips.
  Serge Butt
  A nickname for a junior. Refers to the "serge" material used in making pants for junior cadets pre-1960.  Usually abbreviated as just "butts."
  Singing Cadets
  An all-male choir, one of the three Choral Activities choirs at A&M, called the "Voice of Aggieland". While Corps members may join the Singing Cadets, one does not have to be a member of the Corps to join the Singing Cadets.
  Silver Taps
  A ceremony, held monthly, to honor all enrolled students who died in the previous month.
  "Sit down bus driver"
  An Aggie Yell used in athletic events to taunt opposing team's coaches when they are arguing with an official or otherwise holding up the game. "Bus driver" refers to the fact that coaches used to drive the buses for road games.
  Southside
  Residence halls on the far southeast portion of campus.
  Aggie Spirit (or Spirit of Aggieland)
  Describes the unity and devotion Aggies have for their school and to each other. "The Spirit" also refers to the school song, "The Spirit of Aggieland".
  Spirit of '02
  an M1902 field gun found during the construction of the 1974 bonfire. Fully restored, it is fired when the Aggie football team scores a touchdown.
  Stack
  The third phase of Aggie Bonfire construction, where students would wire the logs together in their final shape.
  Sully (or Sul Ross)
  Short for former Texas A&M President Lawrence Sullivan Ross. Modern usage generally refers to the prominent statue of him on campus, often covered in pennies from students as a "good luck" tradition.
caption: Senior boots
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