Student Affairs

Visit the Web site at <www.ttu.edu/studentaffairs> for more information about Student Affairs.

Office of the Dean of Students. The Office of the Dean of Students, including Student Life, Parent Relations, and TECHniques Center, provides a range of programs and services recognizing that the academic mission of the institution is preeminent, each student is unique, bigotry cannot be tolerated, feelings affect thinking and learning, student involvement enhances learning, personal circumstances affect learning, out-of-class environments affect learning, a supportive and friendly community life helps students learn, the freedom to doubt and question must be guaranteed, effective citizenship should be taught, and students are responsible for their own lives (from "A Perspective on Student Affairs"). The major areas of responsibility include:

·Academic Integrity

·Leadership Development

·AccessTECH

·Parent Relations

·Alcohol Awareness

·Referral Assistance

·Code of Student Conduct

·Solicitation Requests

·Crisis Intervention

·Student Affairs Handbook

·Cultural Student Programs

·Student Grievances

·Dance Marathon

·Student Judicial Programs

·Graduate Assistantships and Internships

·Student Life

·Greek Life Programs

·TECHniques Center

·Grounds Use Requests

·Who's Who

Bookstore. The Texas Tech Bookstore is the supplier for all required and recommended textbooks and supplies for students. It has the highest percentage of used books possible for sale and will buy back books from students at the end of each semester.

The bookstore offers a wide selection of reference and supplementary books. Study guides, exam books, technical books, and bestsellers are all available. In addition to books, the bookstore carries a variety of Texas Tech apparel and giftware; art, school, and engineering supplies; academically priced software; and much more.

The bookstore accepts personal checks, major credit cards, and Tech Express. Store hours are 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday. The bookstore is located at 15th and Akron; telephone 742-3816.

Career Planning and Placement Center. This office, located on the third floor of West Hall, provides a number of services designed to assist all Texas Tech University students and alumni in their career development and job search efforts.

Each year, representatives from hundreds of organizations visit the campus to conduct employment interviews with graduating students. Degree candidates are strongly urged to use this service, normally beginning within one year of their graduation. In addition to an extensive on-campus interviewing program, many other employers will list specific vacancies within their organizations or ask the center for referrals of graduates seeking employment. An extensive series of workshops and seminars covering such topics as writing effective resumes, job search strategies, and interviewing techniques is offered each semester and all students are encouraged to participate. Graduating students and students seeking internship or co-op opportunities should also take full advantage of individual career counseling, the Career Planning and Placement Library, the annual Career Information Day, establishment of a placement credential file, and the resources available through the World Wide Web.

Underclass students may participate in career exploration programs, visit with counselors to discuss career goals, use the career library, participate in Career Days, and use the computerized career guidance systemsSIGI-PLUS and Discover. These are particularly helpful to students who are undecided about their career goals. The office also has a summer employment program that covers a range of opportunities.

Students may register with the center through their Web site, making most of the center's services accessible continuously.

Forensics and Dramatics.. Students who meet general eligibility requirements may participate in intramural and intercollegiate debate and the full range of individual events, both public address and oral interpretation. Both contest and noncontest events are held on campus and at other colleges. The Forensics Union (housed in the Communication Studies Department) and Delta Sigma Rho are active in sponsoring campus-wide speech activities.

Students may also participate in the plays presented by the Department of Theatre and Dance and in activities of its related organizationsAlpha Psi Omega, Chi Tau Epsilon, and the U.S. Institute of Theatre Technology. Students may participate in acting, stage makeup, costuming, lighting, scene design and construction, publicity, and other activities connected with play production. Main stage productions, laboratory theatre productions, and a summer repertory season are presented each year.

Grievance Procedures. Opportunities are available to students for redress of grievances. Generally, students wishing to review the action of a faculty or staff member or department should direct their questions to the supervisor responsible for the department in the university organizational structure. Procedures for handling specific problems have been established to expedite the filing and hearing of student concerns. Questions involving academic matters should first be directed to the appropriate academic college or department office. Grievance procedures are described in the Student Affairs Handbook and questions may be directed to the Office of the Dean of Students, 250 West Hall, (806) 742-2192.

High Tech Computer Store. The campus computer store is located in the east basement of the University Center. High Tech offers hardware, software, and peripherals at discount prices. High Tech is open to all students, faculty, and staff of Texas Tech. In addition, High Tech houses a factory authorized service department as well as professional staff to assist in selecting computers and software. High Tech is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., weekdays.

Music Organizations. The University is represented by the following official touring musical organizations: University Choir, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, Music Theatre, and Symphony Orchestra. Students may also participate in the University Singers, University Chorus, Madrigal Singers, Lubbock Chorale, Court Jesters, Concert Band, Jazz Bands and Combos, Brass Choir, Mixed Chamber Orchestra, Woodwind Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, String Ensemble, Harp Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Clarinet Choir, French Horn Ensemble, Trombone Ensemble, Trumpet Choir, Tuba Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Drum Bands, New Music Ensemble, two university bands, and piano accompanying. Each organization is under the direction of a faculty member of the School of Music and is open to any student who is officially enrolled in the university and meets academic and audition requirements. Each group studies a broad repertoire and gives a number of public performances annually.

Participation in Cocurricular Activities. An array of opportunities awaits students, ranging from involvement in over 300 student organizations and community service learning experiences to Leadership Tech, student government, and student publications. Choices abound for students to participate in activities that are both educational and fun. Through their involvement students can acquire invaluable interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills. These interactive experiences will challenge them to apply classroom theory, further enhancing their educational development. Moreover, students have the chance of meeting and networking with a diversity of students, faculty, and staff. For more information, students should pick up a Guide to Registered Student Organizations, which is published annually by Campus Activities and Involvement.

Each student participating in an off-campus activity of any type does so on a voluntary basis. Parents and students should understand that students are responsible for their own safety and welfare while participating in an off-campus activity and that such participation is at the student's own risk. Texas Tech University assumes no responsibility for students participating in off-campus activities. Texas Tech students are responsible for making their own individual arrangements with instructors for class work missed while participating in an on-campus or off-campus activity.

For students involved in Big 12 sports, eligibility rules for the Big 12 Conference are administered by the Texas Tech Athletics Council.

Additional information on registered student organizations and involvement in other campus opportunities may be obtained from Campus Activities and Involvement, University Center, (806) 742-3621, or e-mail <studentorganizations@ttu.edu>, or Office of the Dean of Students, 250 West Hall, (806) 742-2192, or the Division of Student Affairs Web site, <www.ttu.edu/deanofstudents/>.

Student Conduct. Responsible citizenship among college students includes honesty and integrity in class work, regard for the rights of others, respect for local, state, and federal laws and for campus standards. Specific standards concerning the rights and responsibilities of students and registered student organizations at Texas Tech are contained in the Code of Student Conduct and Student Affairs Handbook. Students are expected to become thoroughly familiar with and abide by these standards. Copies of the Code of Student Conduct and Student Affairs Handbook may be obtained from the Office of the Dean of Students, 250 West Hall, (806) 742-2192, or the Division of Student Affairs Web site, <www.ttu.edu/deanofstudents/>.

Student Government. The Student Government Association is Texas Tech's student government. The SGA provides students with opportunities to excel through involvement with committees, the Student Senate, and executive offices. The SGA also provides many services to students, including student insurance information packets, housing guides, the WORD magazine, new students guide, information maps about Citibus routes, Moment's Notice, and other programs and publications.

The Student Government Association also supports student organizations through a funding process that allocates a portion of student services fees to individual groups. The three executive officers­President, Internal Vice President, and External Vice President­work to represent the views and needs of students to the administration and local and state government. The Student Government Association is always receptive to new programs and practices that can benefit our students. The office is located in Room 230 University Center; telephone 742-3631; Web site <www.sga.ttu.edu>.

Student Health Insurance Plan. All registered undergraduate students taking 6 or more credit hours may subscribe to a supplemental Student Health Insurance plan that provides 24-hour coverage on or off campus while in any hospital or under the care of any qualified physician (according to the policy provisions). The 12-month plan covers all vacations and remains in force even though the student graduates or drops out of school. The policy is effective for the academic year or can be purchased by term (see policy for details). Students may include their spouse and children for an additional premium. New spring students may enroll at a prorated premium with coverage terminating at the end of that academic year. Complete information on the insurance program is mailed to each new student. Information is also available in the Student Government Association Office in the University Center and the Office of the Dean of Students, 250 West Hall. For further information or assistance, contact Student Affairs, 213 Administration Building, (806) 742-2131.

Student Health Services. Student Health Services is a primary care clinic staffed with licensed physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, health educators, and support staff who provide care for minor illnesses and injuries, with a focus on prevention.

Student Health Services is located in Thompson Hall at Drive of Champions and Flint Avenue on the north end of the campus. Services are available by appointment by calling 743-2848. Appointment hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Summer and interim hours may vary.

Students enrolled for 4 or more semester hours pay a medical services fee that entitles them to necessary visits to Student Health Services and access to other medical services, when appointments are available. A valid Texas Tech ID is required to access the clinic services. Approximately 150 appointments are available for care each day. Care is provided at Student Health Services in Thompson Hall, and physicians do not make residence hall or house calls. A student who is unsure about a medical issue or problem can call 743-2860 and speak to a nursing staff member privately and confidentially. If all appointments are filled for the day, an urgent care nurse will advise on care until the student can be seen. Students are not given excuses for missed classes due to a visit to the clinic. Students experiencing a lengthy illness that may affect their academic performance may consult their Student Health Services physician about obtaining a letter explaining the situation.

Services include primary health care clinic, Men's and Women's Health Clinics, Nurse's Clinic, and prevention education. The nursing staff provides blood pressure and cholesterol checks, immunizations, and advice about self-care. Prevention services include lifestyle and weight management consultations, tobacco cessation information, and educational programming on more than 100 health issues. Lab tests and x-rays ordered by Student Health Services providers and performed at Student Health are also covered by the medical service fee.

Pharmacy services (743-2636) are conveniently located in the same building. The pharmacy can fill most physician prescriptions, including those written by a family physician. Over-the-counter medications are available at reduced prices. Pharmacy purchases may be charged to major credit cards and Tech Express.

The Health Education department provides information and presentations on health-related topics. Student Health Services also offers anonymous HIV testing and counseling.

After-hours care is not covered by the medical services fee; however, Student Health Services has arranged for a discounted rate for Texas Tech students at University Medical Center's Emergency Center. The Fast Track Medical Clinic located at Texas Tech Medical Center Southwest also provides after-hours care at a discounted price. Hospital care and outside referrals are not covered by the medical services fee.

Student Health Services is not a substitute for major medical insurance. Students should have their own insurance policies or see that they are covered by their parents' insurance. Students who are thus covered should carry an insurance card in case they need medical care not covered by the medical services fee. Students who do not have insurance or who are not covered by a family policy may purchase student injury and sickness insurance through a plan offered by the TTU Student Association. Applications may be obtained from Student Health or from the Student Association, Room 230, University Center.

In accordance with state law, a student's medical information is kept completely confidential and cannot be released to anyone without the student's written permission unless otherwise authorized by law. Brochures detailing Student Health Services are available in several locations on campus. Students may contact Student Health at 743-2860 with any questions or concerns.

The university requires that all students born after December 31, 1956, provide proof of two MMR immunizations in their lifetime. The first immunization must have been received on or after the first birthday. The two immunizations must have been received at least 30 days apart. Students must meet this requirement by providing documentation of the immunization or receiving the immunization from Student Health Services by the fifth week of the first semester of enrollment. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a block being placed on the student's registration. Documentation may be mailed (Student Health Services Medical Records, 3601 Fourth Street, Thompson Hall S-208, Lubbock, Texas 79430) or faxed (743-2122). The immunization is available by appointment at Student Health Services in Thompson Hall for $5.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the American College Health Association recommend that all college students living in residence halls should consider obtaining the meningococcus vaccine. Meningococcus is a bacterial infection usually infecting young children and the elderly; however, young adults living in close quarters such as residence halls are also at an increased risk of infection. The risk for residence hall students is increased from 1 chance in 100,000 to 3 chances in 100,000. Students living off campus have no increased risk. It is recommended that students check into getting the vaccine with their hometown healthcare provider. Insurance carriers at home should be consulted regarding whether the insurance may pay for the vaccine. Students who wish to receive this vaccine while at Texas Tech should call Student Health Services Pharmacy to reserve the vaccine.

The Texas Department of Health recommends that all foreign-born persons from areas with high prevalence of tuberculosis and those who have traveled to such areas be screened for TB. Call Student Health Services Head Nurse (743-2860 ext. 261) for more information.

The CDC recommends that adults who are sexually active may have an increased risk of Hepatitis B virus infection and should consider the Hepatitis B vaccination series. Students wishing to receive this vaccine while at Texas Tech should call Student Health Services Pharmacy to reserve the vaccine.

Student Legal Services. A program designed to bring legal advice and guidance within the reach of students was inaugurated at Texas Tech in 1973. The office is staffed by a licensed attorney, a secretary, and law clerks. The legal office is located on the third floor of West Hall; appointments are encouraged.

The primary objectives of the program are to afford the students confidential legal advice on individual problems and to establish an educational office designed to inform the students of their obligations and duties as well as their rights as defined by a system of law. Informal lectures on legal topics of concern to students are conducted on request.

The attorney for students is able to represent students in court under limited circumstances; however, most cases are resolved through negotiation, advice, and proper direction. The office is dedicated to the concept of preventive law.

Student Part-time Employment. The Student Financial Aid Office administers a Student Part-time Employment service to assist students in financing their education. This service is available to currently enrolled students at Texas Tech University. A listing of employment opportunities both on and off campus to which students may be referred is maintained. It is preferable for students seeking employment through this service to wait until they come to the campus to check on openings. See also the section entitled "Student Financial Assistance."

Student Publications. The University Daily, the university student newspaper, is published daily, Monday through Friday. La Ventana is the university yearbook, published annually. Amigos! New Student and Freshman Directory for incoming students is also published annually. Each of these publications is staffed with paid and volunteer personnel from the student body. The Student Publications Committee, a student-faculty-staff committee, selects the student editors and reviews the annual budgets for both publications.

Student Recreation Center. Especially attractive is the $6 million Student Recreation Center. It is located on the west side of the campus next to the Recreational Aquatic Center and has 131,000 square feet of recreation space. Included in the building are twelve handball-racquetball courts; a squash court; three multipurpose rooms that house the martial arts, wrestling, tumbling, fencing, aerobics, and indoor archery; a 280' by 115' gymnasium with five basketball courts, or six volleyball courts, or twelve badminton courts, or any combination of the above; two weight areas including a 5,100 square foot olympic weight area; cardiovascular workout machines; a punching bag room; a rock-climbing wall; two locker rooms with saunas; an outdoor shop; a recreational workshop; a classroom; offices; and a lounge. A 65,000 square foot addition is presently being planned with completion scheduled for the summer of 2001.

University Testing, Evaluation, Assessment, and Measurement (TEAM) Center. The University TEAM Center provides assessment services based on test samples of individual and group performances. Academic testing programs include national and institutional testing programs such as Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), Medical School Aptitude Test (MCAT), PCAT, SAT, ACT, and others. Academic institutional testing includes Credit-by-Examination, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and others such as CEEB. Programs include special testing for persons with certified handicaps, Differential Diagnostic Testing, and consulting for Academic Strengths, Vocational Interests, Career Aptitudes, and Learning Plans. Additional group and individual services are available as staffing and time allow. The Testing Office is located in 213 West Hall.

University Center. The University Center is one of the few buildings on campus specifically constructed and operated for the out-of-class activities of the campus community. The building features the outstanding Allen Theatre, a large covered courtyard, and numerous services and facilities for the use and convenience of its patrons.

The list of retail and service areas in the UC is extensive. Continued effort is expended to determine the goods and services that will most benefit the campus community and new areas are added to those available in the center. Service areas include Raider Express, Texas Tech's first convenience store; High Tech, the campus computer store that features many lines of computers, peripherals, and software; the American State Bank branch; and PostTech, the university retail postal and shipping service.

Numerous options are available in food services. In the fast food area, Chick-fil-A serves sandwiches and salads. Pizza Hut Express serves pizza and salads. Cappuccino's offers gourmet coffees, espresso, cappuccino, and a variety of fresh bakery items. The Sara Lee sandwich shop is also part of the fast food area. Complete lunch choices are available in a comfortable atmosphere at the Raider Rock Grill.

The Catering service is capable of serving the needs of every event from the most extravagant dinner service for hundreds to a simple refreshment break for a very small group. Every function that could possibly fall between the two can be done by University Caterers. The whole of UC Food Service is dedicated to providing the absolute best in products and services whether it is a cup of coffee before classes or a comprehensive banquet function.

The UC also offers twelve meeting rooms, including two ballrooms, which may be used by any campus department at nominal charges. Registered student organizations can use meeting spaces at no charge. The Games Room has free play pocket billiards, snooker, billiards, and table tennis. In addition, more than 35 electronic games are there to test players' skills. The center offers a check cashing service; automated teller machines; a posting area for services, housing, and for-sale notices; and houses the Student Government Association.

Besides providing many facilities for student and faculty use, the University Center has a multifaceted activities area that provides programs for the Texas Tech and Lubbock communities, skill development opportunities for individual students, services for campus organizations, and coordination for major campus events. Campus Activities and Involvement (CA&I) is located in two office suites on the second floor of the University Center. Component areas include University Artists and Speakers, the Texas Tech Student Activities Board, Student Organizations Services, Community Service Learning, and the UC Ticket Booth.

The goal of University Artists and Speakers is to provide the campus with the highest quality of distinguished speakers and performing artists. These programs are recommended by a committee composed of faculty and students. The programs are implemented by a professional staff and the budget is supplemented by funding from the Student Service Fee committee and grants.

The mission of the Texas Tech Student Activities Board is two-fold: while providing the Texas Tech community with entertaining and educational activities, the SAB volunteers receive invaluable out-of-class experience by selecting and implementing those very activities. A professional staff serves as advisors to the committees, which are Films, Concerts, Cultural Exchange, Fine Arts, and Ideas and Issues.

The student organizations support area provides resources and services for the over 300 registered student organizations at Texas Tech along with providing individual leaders with the tools and support that will assist them in becoming better leaders. Located in UC Room 210, this area sponsors student organization fairs, organization registration seminars, and recognition events, and provides numerous other services and resources. Community Service Learning is also located in Room 210. This component area seeks to provide meaningful community service experiences, enhance learning outside the classroom, and promote interaction with the Lubbock community through service. The area coordinates tutoring, community action days, alternate spring breaks, the holiday Spirit of Sharing program, and Tech-Lubbock Community Day. Through ongoing student programs, students, faculty, and staff can become involved in projects that meet their needs in terms of time committed, type of service, and degree of participation.

The UC Ticket Booth serves as the major outlet for advance ticket sales for all of the Cultural Events and UC Programs functions. The service is also provided free of charge to any registered student organization. The Ticket Booth is also a location for Select-A-Seat, the computerized ticketing service that allows campus access to events at venues in Lubbock and across the region including major concerts and shows. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Hours of operation of the University Center are 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., weekdays; 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday; 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Saturday; and 2 to 10:30 p.m., Sunday.

University Counseling Center. The Counseling Center provides professional counseling in the areas of career decision, selection of academic majors, social adjustment, and all other personal concerns affecting a college student's life and academic performance. Career interest testing, a computer-assisted career exploration program SIGI-PLUS, and a career library help students make informed decisions related to their academic success and future career. Getting Ready For College workshops are offered to first-year students during each summer period.

When the ordinary and extraordinary stressors inherent in a college student's life interfere with optimal academic or social adjustment, individual and group counseling services provided by professional, licensed psychologists and psychologists-in-training are available. Examples of issues that might prompt a student to seek counseling include test anxiety, relationship loss, body image disturbance or eating disorders, roommate tension, sexual assault or early childhood trauma, gay or lesbian identity issues, stress and time management, or simply an interest in understanding oneself better. A peer mentoring program, Tech P.R.I.D.E., provides support to first-year and transfer students in their adjustment to campus life. The Relationship Enhancement Center is a program focusing on the emotional needs of couples and families who want to improve their communication and overall relationship satisfaction. Evening hours are available for appointments in these two programs. The Counseling Center staff also provides crisis management, consultation, and outreach presentations for faculty, staff, and student organizations.

Counseling Center services are available to enrolled students and on a consultation basis to faculty and staff. All information is confidential within the limits of the law. The office is located at 214 West Hall and hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For an appointment, call (806) 742-3674. Visit the Web site at <www.ttu.edu/~ccenter/>.


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LAST UPDATE: 6-1-00


Jan 21, 2020