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Student Services
Student
Services
Quick Links
Started in 1927 by the first graduating class, the Texas Tech Alumni Association has grown to a membership of more than 27,000 alumni, current students, and friends of Texas Tech.
Located in the Merket Alumni Center, which is part of the original President’s Home, the Alumni Association provides academic support to the university through scholarships, professorships, and faculty and staff awards, as well as by sponsoring Red Raider Camp for entering freshmen. In addition, the organization sponsors many on-campus activities, including class reunions, homecoming events, and pregame parties at the Frazier Alumni Pavilion.
A national and international alumni chapter network helps members stay in touch with the university. The association also publishes the bimonthly Texas Techsan magazine, hosts ceremonies for The Official Texas Tech Class Ring, and provides lapel pins to all graduates at commencement.
Contact information: 806.742.3641, www.TexasTechAlumni.org
The campus bus system, funded by the Transportation Fee, provides transportation throughout the campus and to nearby off-campus residential areas. On-campus routes provide service from the residence halls and commuter parking lots to the interior of the campus. Off-campus service runs from 7:25 a.m. until 6:45 p.m. Students can access Citibus van shuttle service from 7 p.m. until 3:18 a.m. by calling 806.742.NITE (6483). Students also can ride any Citibus route in Lubbock using their Texas Tech ID.
The Center for Campus Life promotes each student’s learning experience by offering programs and services that focus on student transitions, connecting students to the university and campus traditions, establishing positive relationships with students and families, and maintaining collaborative partnerships. The center offers services related to the following areas:
- First Year Raider Experience
- Transfer Connection
- Greek Life
- Sophomore Year and Off-Campus Initiatives
- Community Engagement
- Leadership Development
- Texas Tech Spirit and Traditions
- Student Emergency and Crisis
- Study Abroad Student Services
- General Student Services
Contact information: Center for Campus Life, 201 Student Union, 806.742.5433, www.campuslife.ttu.edu
Check Cashing / ATM Services (Back to Top)
The Texas Tech Credit Union has free check cashing services for members of the credit union at three on-campus locations: 166 Administration Building; 1A-98 Health Sciences Center; and the main office at 1802 Texas Tech Parkway (at Knoxville Avenue). ATMs are available 24 hours a day at the main office, the SUB, and the Student Recreation Center.
The Student Union has four automatic teller machines available for student use. Anyone having ATM access cards honored by financial institutions may use these machines for a variety of transactions. The ATMs are normally accessible 24 hours a day in the east lobby of the Student Union.
Students attending Texas Tech have an endless array of experiential opportunities. The Student Union and Activities Department boasts nearly 400 registered student organizations representing academic, professional, honorary, graduate, religious, service, athletic, and special interest groups. Additionally, students can gain volunteer leadership experience through involvement in the Homecoming Committee, the Tech Activities Board and the Annual Arbor Day event. Students can enroll in leadership programs, participate in Greek letter organizations, and experience multicultural programs through the Center for Campus Life. The value of these experiences is immeasurable as students enjoy the luxury of having a practical forum in which to cultivate leadership skills and develop peer and faculty staff/networks.
Student participation in an off-campus activity is strictly voluntary. Students are responsible for their own safety and welfare. Participation in off-campus activities is at the student’s own risk and the university assumes no responsibility. Students are responsible for making their own individual arrangements with instructors for classwork 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.
Contact information: Student Union and Activities, 203 Student Union, 806.742.3636; Center for Campus Life, 201 Student Union, 806.742.5433
Fraternities and sororities have been an active part of university life since 1952 by complementing the academic and co-curricular activities of the university’s community life. With more than 40 chapters recognized at Texas Tech University, about 3,600 students are involved in Greek life at Texas Tech. The university promotes a self-governing community, reaffirming an attitude of cooperation, support, and encouragement. The Center for Campus Life is the liaison between Greek-letter organizations, their alumni, and the university administration.
Contact information: Center for Campus Life, 201 Student Union Building, T 806.742.5433, greeklife@ttu.edu, www.greeklife.ttu.edu.
Opportunities are available to students for redress of grievances. Generally, students wishing to review the action of a faculty or staff member or a 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 Handbook and questions may be directed to the Ombudsman, 237 Student Union, 806.742.4791.
Intercollegiate Speech,
Debate (Back to Top)
The Red Raider speech and debate team historically ranks among the top teams
in the nation and emerged out of a field of 234 teams from 87 schools to win
the 2008 national hampionship. Texas Tech has won four other national
titles in recent years and state championships in debate, persuasive
speaking, and impromptu speaking. 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 (administered in the Communication
Studies Department) is active in sponsoring campus-wide speech activities.
Texas Tech teams actively compete in both debate and individual event
competitions across the country.
Contact information: Director of Forensics, 806.742.1328
The university is represented by the following official touring musical organizations: University Choir, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, Music Theatre, and Symphony Orchestra. Students may also participate in the University Singers, Chamber Singers, Women’s Chorale, Men’s Chorus, Lubbock Chorale, Court Jesters, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, University Band, Jazz Bands and Combos, Brass Choir, Chamber Ensembles, Chamber Orchestra, Woodwind Ensemble, String Ensemble, Harp Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Clarinet Choir, Horn Ensemble, Trombone Ensemble, Trumpet Choir, Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Drum Bands, Collegium, Celtic Ensemble, and piano accompanying. Each group studies a broad and representative repertoire and maintains an annual public performance calendar. Each organization is under the direction of a faculty member of the School of Music. Participation is open to any university student who meets audition requirements.
Office of Parent and Family Relations,
Texas Tech Parents Association
(Back to Top)
The mission of the Office of Parent and Family Relations is to promote each student’s learning by providing programs, services, and activities designed to meet the educational, informational, and constructive involvement needs of their parents and families. The office is also home to the Texas Tech Parents Association (Tech Parents) and serves all parents, families, and students.
The purpose and mission of the association is to build bridges of mutual support and serve as a network for parents to share their concerns. One of the most significant activities of the association is the annual awarding of scholarships made possible by contributions and memberships to the association. Applications are available to all students after December 1 and are due by February 1. As an incorporated non-profit organization, the association provides valuable programs and services.
The Parent and Family Relations/Tech Parents partnership provides a toll-free hotline and email for parent questions and concerns, an interactive Web site, transition programs for parents at New Student Orientation, publication of The Parent’s Guide, move-in event for parents, “Road Raiders” Safe Travel Parent Network to promote student safety and serve as an emergency network, Family Weekend in the fall, Spring Scholarship Weekend, faculty awards for excellence, student academic-citizenship awards, a Distinguished Visiting Professor program to bring Nobel Laureates to campus, summer area/chapter Red Raider Rally send-offs for Texas Tech students, and the Annual Tuition Draw.
Contact information: 025 Student Union Building; 806.742.3630,
toll free 888. 888.7409; fax 806.742.0330; email parent@ttu.edu, or www.parent.ttu.edu
The Ombudsman for Students provides informal, neutral, and confidential dispute resolution services for students and can assist with interpersonal misunderstandings as well as with concerns about academic or administrative issues. The Ombudsman’s Office operates independently as a supplement to existing administrative or formal grievance procedures and has no formal decision-making authority. The Ombudsman does not act as an advocate for either side in a dispute. Instead, the Ombudsman acts as an advocate for fairness for all parties involved. The Ombudsman’s Office is a safe place for students to bring concerns and find solutions. Services are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and at other times by appointment. Walk-in visitors are welcome.
Contact information: 237 Student Union, 806.742.4791, www.ttu.edu/ombudsman
Sponsored by the Student Government Association and the Student Union Building, RaiderGate is the university’s premier student tailgating event. For students it is the most exciting on-campus activity for Texas Tech football’s pregame entertainment.
Contact information: Student Government Association, 806.742.3631; Student Union Building, 806.742.3636
Red Raider Student Employment Center (RRSEC) (Back to Top)
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 and provides a listing of on- and off-campus employment opportunities available to students. Students seeking employment through this service are encouraged to check openings at any time via the internet at www.financialaid.ttu.edu. To learn more about other forms of financial assistance, see “Student Financial Assistance” in the Finances section of this catalog.
Red to Black is a group of volunteer students offering free and confidential financial counseling, planning, and education. Peer Financial Planners are Personal Financial Planning (PFP) majors in the College of Human Sciences trained to provide financial help through presentations and seminars as well as individual counseling sessions. All volunteers are supervised and are trained regarding general financial questions as well as specific issues such as paying off debt, creating a budget, choosing a credit card or bank, comparing job offers by looking over employer benefits, reading a credit report, and starting a financial plan. The program also provides many useful online financial tools and resources to help individuals find answers to general questions and download helpful worksheets (www.r2b.ttu.edu).
Contact information: 806.742.9781, redtoblack@ttu.edu
The Student Counseling Center provides professional psychological services to address the variety of concerns affecting a college student’s personal life and academic performance. Services are provided by doctoral-level psychologists who are licensed to practice psychology in the state of Texas and by their supervisees.
College life is brimming with new challenges and choices. Counseling focuses on the common issues students frequently encounter in this process. This can involve relationship loss, coping with grief, body image concerns, depression, anxiety, stress/time management, alcohol or other substance abuse, gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender identity concerns, communication skills, general adjustment to college, or simply help in understanding oneself better.
Counseling can be conducted on an individual, couple, or group basis. The Student Counseling Center offers a variety of topic-specific groups to meet the needs of Texas Tech students, including cutting-edge biofeedback technology to expand students’ stress management techniques. Relationship counseling for students and their partners or family is available during select evening hours as well as the daytime. Student Counseling Center therapists also educate the campus community about strategies for positive mental health through outreach presentations to classes, residence halls, and on-campus organizations. Topics of these presentations span the wide range of issues that students experience. Student Counseling Center services are available to enrolled students and on a consultation/referral basis to faculty and staff. All information is strictly confidential within limits of the law. To make an appointment or request an outreach presentation for a campus group, contact the Student Counseling Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Contact information: 201 Student Wellness Center, 806.742.3674, www.depts.ttu.edu/SCC.
The Student Government Association (SGA) provides students with opportunities to excel through their participation in leadership activities and university-wide committees. Students can get involved through Freshmen Council, Freshmen Advisory Board, Student Senate, and executive offices. The SGA also provides many services to students, including SafeRide (806.742.RIDE), night shuttle (806.742.NITE), housing guides, the WORD magazine, new student guide, information maps about Citibus routes, 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 registered student groups. The four executive officers—President, Internal Vice President, External Vice President, and Graduate Vice President—work to represent the views and needs of students to the administration as well as local and state governments. The SGA is always receptive to new programs and practices that can benefit students.
Contact information: Student Government Association, 302 Student Union, 806.742.3631, www.sga.ttu.edu
Optional student health insurance is available for all students registered at Texas Tech University. For information contact Student Health Services, 210 Student Wellness Center, 806.743.2843.
Student Health Services is a primary care clinic staffed with licensed physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, health educators, and support staff that provide care for illnesses and injuries, as well as mental health issues. Student Health Services is located in the Student Wellness Center at the corner of Main and Flint on the west side of the campus. Services are available by appointment by calling 806.743.2848. Appointment hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.
Students generally pay a medical services fee that entitles them to access clinic and pharmacy services. There is a nominal charge for each physician visit. A valid Texas Tech ID is required to access the clinic services. More than 200 primary care appointments are available each day. A student who is unsure about a medical issue or problem may call 806.743.2860 and speak confidentially to the triage nurse. If all appointments are filled for the day, the triage nurse will advise on care until the student can be seen. Students are not given excuses for missed classes or exams due to a clinic visit. 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.
Student Health Services includes a primary health care clinic and several sub-specialty clinics. The nursing staff provides blood pressure and cholesterol checks, immunizations, and advice about self-care. Lab tests and x-rays ordered by Student Health Services providers and performed at Student Health are also covered by the medical service fee. Prevention services include lifestyle and weight management consultations; confidential/ anonymous HIV testing; and comprehensive alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention, intervention, and education.
Pharmacy services are also conveniently located in the Student Wellness Center and can be contacted at 806.743.2636. The pharmacy can fill most prescriptions, including those written by an outside physician or transferred from another pharmacy. Over-the-counter medications are available at reduced prices. Pharmacy purchases may be charged to major credit cards, TechExpress, and prescription insurance cards.
The medical services fee does not cover after-hours care, hospital emergency room visits, hospitalization, and referrals to providers outside of Student Health Services. Students who are between semesters in the summer and want to continue to use Student Health Services may do so by paying a bridge fee. Please contact Student Health Services at 806.743.2860 for more information and eligibility.
Student Health Services is not a substitute for major medical insurance. Students should have their own insurance policies or coverage on 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 endorsed by Texas Tech University. Contact Student Health Services at 806. 743.2860 for enrollment information.
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 by the fifth week of the first semester of enrollment. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a hold being placed on the student’s records. Documentation may be mailed to Student Health Services, Medical Records, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock TX 79430-7208 or faxed to 806.743.2122. Include your birth date or ID number on all documentation. Students may obtain the immunization by appointment at Student Health Services. Questions regarding MMR status should be directed to Student Health Services at 806.743.2860 ext. 240.
The university also requires that non-U.S. residents from countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis receive a Mantoux skin test for tuberculosis. This requirement is in accordance with recommendations from the American College Health Association and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The tuberculosis screen test must be administered either by Student Health Services or a U.S. health care provider. The test will be at the student’s expense. Student Health Services can administer this test. Required students should provide documentation of the test and results or receive the test at Student Health Services by the fifth week of the first semester of enrollment. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a hold being placed on the student’s records.
Non-U.S. residents from the following countries are exempt from this requirement: American Region: Canada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Virgin Islands. European Region: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom. Western Pacific Region: American Samoa, Australia, and New Zealand. Non-U.S. residents from any country not listed above are required to have a Mantoux skin test.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the American College Health Association recommend that all college students living in residence halls 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. Students interested in getting this vaccine should check with their insurance carriers to see if the cost of this vaccine is covered. If you have any questions or would like to receive the vaccination for bacterial meningitis, please contact Student Health Services at 806.743.2860.
In recent years, Hepatitis B vaccinations have been added to required childhood immunizations. Many young adults missed receiving this vaccination. Hepatitis B is a chronic infection of the liver transmitted through sex and/or contact with blood and/or body fluids. Students can obtain this immunization through Student Health Services.
In accordance with state law, a student’s medical information is kept completely confidential and cannot be released to anyone, including parents and/or guardians, without the student’s written permission unless otherwise authorized by law. Student Health Services brochures are available in several locations on campus.
Contact information: 806.743.2860, www.depts.ttu.edu/studenthealth
Student Judicial Programs is responsible for maintaining and adjudicating alleged violations of the “Code of Student Conduct” as it is found in the Student Handbook. It is the responsibility of this office to ensure that student rights are afforded to all students and that due process is part of every judicial hearing. In addition to adjudicating alleged violations of university policy, this office also serves as the clearinghouse for academic integrity issues at Texas Tech.
The Student Judicial Programs office works in conjunction with the Texas Tech Police Department and University Student Housing to provide accurate information for the Jeanne Clery Disclosures of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crimes Statistics Act reporting. The office provides background checks for current and previous students as well as notary services.
Contact information: 020 Student Union, 806.742.1714, www.depts.ttu.edu/studentjudicialprograms
Student Legal Services is a program designed to bring legal advice and guidance within the reach of students. It was inaugurated at Texas Tech in 1973 and is staffed by three licensed attorneys, a legal secretary, a clerical specialist, law clerks, and student interns from the Texas Tech School of Law. Appointments are encouraged.
The primary objectives of the program are to provide students with confidential legal advice on individual problems and to establish an educational office designed to inform 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 are conducted on request. Mediation services are also available.
The attorneys for students are 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.
Contact information: 307 Student Union, 806.742.3289
The Daily Toreador, the university student newspaper, is published daily, Monday through Friday. La Ventana is the university yearbook, published annually. KTXT-FM is licensed as a noncommercial educational radio station at 88.1 MHz. The publications and the radio station are staffed with paid personnel from the student body. The Student Media Committee, a student-faculty-staff committee, selects the student editors and station manager and reviews the annual budgets.
Student Organization Advisory
Congress (SOAC) (Back to Top)
The Student Organization Advisory Congress (SOAC) is a melting pot of all registered student organizations on campus. It allows students to have a fair and equal say in university-related matters, to promote the events of their organization, to educate and diversify the campus, and to promote events sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA).
Contact information: SGA, 806.742.363
Copies of a student’s transcript are available free of charge upon written request to the Registrar’s Office. Please allow 72 hours for transcript processing. To request a transcript, contact the Office of the Registrar, Box 45015, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409-5015 or visit online at www.depts.ttu.edu/registrar. Official transcripts may be withheld from students who have administrative holds on their records until the holds have been released. For information about administrative holds and the status of holds on students’ records, refer to the section on “Administrative Holds” in the Academic Information section of this catalog. Transcripts furnished from other institutions become the property of Texas Tech University.
University Career Services (Back to Top)
University Career Services provides a number of services designed to assist all Texas Tech students and alumni with their career development and job search efforts. Representatives from hundreds of organizations visit University Career Services each year to conduct employment interviews with students in an effort to fill internship, Co-Op, and full-time positions. To obtain interviews and submit a resume, students may register at www.careerservices.ttu.edu. To assist students who are undecided about their majors or career plans, University Career Services offers career assessment inventories which include Strong Interest Inventory, MBTI, and Strengths Quest Program.
University Career Services also sponsors various job fairs that include graduate and professional schools, school districts, summer camps, and two large career expos. Resources include job listings, internship information, mock interviews, resume assistance, and an extensive career library. Counselors are available to meet individually with students to discuss job-related topics (resumes, cover letters, etc.).
Contact information: University Career Services, 150 Wiggins Complex, 806.742.2210
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