Parent and Family Relations

Vol. 10  Issue 8                                                Parent and Family eNews August 2011

In this issue...

News and Important Dates

Move-in Information

Family Weekend

Extracurricular Activities

Texas Tech Parents Association

 

Not working right as an email? View the online version here.

 Registration for Thanksgiving bus trips begins September 1st

Tech Parents is pleased to work with our Chapters in Houston, Austin, and Dallas/Fort Worth along with parents and family members in El Paso to bring you bus trips to get students home for Thanksgiving 2011. Tech Parents organizes these bus trips to help students travel home at a lower cost ($100 round trip) who might not otherwise be able to make it home for Thanksgiving. The buses will leave Lubbock on Wednesday, November 23rd and return on Sunday, November 27th. Trips are planned to Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and El Paso. Seating is limited and based on bus availability. You will be able to register for the bus trips beginning September 1st.

For more information, please visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/bustrips.php

El Paso area Tech Parents: In order for Tech Parents to offer the bus trips, a parent chaperone is required, and we are still looking for chaperones for the El Paso Trip. The Tech Parents Association will fly you to/from Lubbock and put you up in a Lubbock hotel as well as reimburse you for meal expenses. If you are interested in serving as a chaperone, please email parent@ttu.edu or call 806-742-3630 and ask for Christine Self. We will not be able to offer a bus trip to El Paso without chaperones for the November 23 and November 27 trips, so please consider serving.

 

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 2011-2012 Parent and Family Guide

Don't forget to bookmark the electronic version of The Parent and Family Guide, your comprehensive guide to being a parent or family member of a Texas Tech student. Inside the guide, you will find important telephone numbers, information about departments who support student success, web sites you should know, and much more. Click the links below to view the Parent and Family Guide:

English

Spanish

 

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 Billing information

Parents and family members surveyed after attending Red Raider Orientation indicated they needed to know more about billing. Below is information from Student Business Services.

Information about Texas Tech University's Billing Process

In case you missed it, here is the Paying the Bill RRO Presentation

To view and pay bills online, your student must set you up as an authorized user. How to set up an authorized user

Tuition and fees are due on August 19th, 2011.

Student Business Services Contact Information
Student Business Services, Student Financial Center
Broadway &Akron, 301 West Hall, Lubbock, Texas 79409
Phone: 806-742-3272 or toll free (866) 774-9477
Web address: www.sbs.ttu.edu

 

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 Student Health Services information

Parents and family members surveyed after Red Raider Orientation also said they needed to know more about Student Health Services.

Student Health Services is the primary care clinic for the students of Texas Tech University. The clinic is staffed with licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, nursing staff, health educators, and support staff to provide high quality care for illnesses and injuries, including mental health issues. Students who pay a medical services fee are entitled to access the 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. 806-743-2848

Hours
Clinical Hours
Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Summer Clinical Hours
Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Location

Student Health Services location: Texas Tech campus in the Student Wellness Center at 1003 Flint Ave. (intersection of Main St. and Flint Ave.)

Mailing Address:
Student Health Services
210 Student Wellness Center
Box 43095
Lubbock, TX 79409-3095

Phone Numbers:
Appointments: 806-743-2848
Administration/Info: 806-743-2860
Pharmacy: 806-743-2636

Fax:
Administration: 806-743-1071
Immunizations: 806-743-2122

Web site:
http://www.ttuhsc.edu/studenthealth/

 

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 Texas Tech University Student Handbook

Text: Students are expected to abide by policies and procedures in the Student Handbook. Please review the Student Handbook via this link:

http://www.depts.ttu.edu/dos/docs/Student%20Handbook%202011-2012.pdf

 

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 SOAR Learning Center empowers students in pursuits of success

The SOAR Learning Center’s mission is to empower students in their pursuit towards academic success while providing an encouraging and safe learning environment. The Learning Center works to enhance the academic endeavors of all currently enrolled Texas Tech students by offering a variety of free services such as Peer & online tutoring, Academic mentoring, and Supplemental Instruction. Tutoring and Academic Mentoring is available Monday thru Thursday from 8am-8pm and Friday 8am-5pm. 

An additional resource available to students at the Learning Center is access to a licensed professional counselor with over 25 years in education. Stacy Elliot, M.Ed., LPC is a LEARNING SPECIALIST/SENIOR COUNSELOR available to work holistically with students striving to be successful in college. As a counselor, she works to help students resolve personal issues that may hinder their academic success. The Learning Specialist is available Monday through Friday 8am-5pm by appointments and accepts walk-ins. 

The SOAR Learning Center is located in Holden Hall Room 80 and our office number is (806)742-3664. Visit us at www.lc.soar.ttu.edu. 

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 Settling in for academic success

For many students the month of August is the last taste of home that they will get for a few months, so it is unlikely that they are thinking much about academics. However, preparation this month for the upcoming semester is an important element of your student’s success. The summer has brought approximately 6000 new students to Texas Tech University, and some of those students will be venturing away from home for the first time. Others are returning to an environment that is now familiar and comfortable to them for another semester of progress toward their degree. Here are a few ways that you as a parent might be able to help in the transition:

Finalizing a Class Schedule. Even veteran students with a pretty decent schedule of classes may want to change a few classes around to suit their liking. Because students have the freedom to add and drop classes without penalty until August 30th, many schedules will be in flux and therefore classes may be open that were not open when the student registered. If your student decides to make a significant change in his or her schedule, encourage them to contact their academic advisor to ensure that the changes will still apply toward the student’s degree.

Confirm Key Dates. Each semester, there are important dates and deadlines that all students (and parents) should be aware of that have implications for academics. I will list a few important dates to keep in mind:

• August 25th – Classes begin (hopefully they won’t miss this one!)
• August 30th – Last day to add a course
• September 12th – Last day to drop a course without penalty (it won’t count against their drop limit)
• September 15th – Final Cancellation for non-payment (student will be dropped from classes)

For the complete TTU Academic Calendar, visit: www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/calendar/

Encourage Simple Living. I must say that I am all for simple living, but this guy really takes it to the extreme: http://j.mp/tinyhouse1. I recognize I probably need to tread lightly on this subject, but most first time students will not have the space to bring everything they might ever need from home. To be frank, it is likely that bringing too much “stuff” might actually be a distraction for students once the semester begins. Most dorm rooms are about the size of the tiny house in the video, so packing light can help eliminate unnecessary distractions and allow students to concentrate on their school work with greater ease. You know your student best, but my advice is “If they may not need it, don’t bring it.”

Hopefully you can be a positive force in helping your student transition back into the mindset of academics after the summer. Don’t forget that our office welcomes questions and specializes in helping students make the jump back into academic life here at TTU.
Next month’s topic: An Apple a Day…Tips for Keeping your Student Healthy. For more good advice from Texas Tech University Advising, visit: http://blog.advising.ttu.edu/blog/

Collin Foster
Senior Academic Advisor
Texas Tech University Advising
www.advising.ttu.edu

 

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 Remind your student to complete AlcoholEdu

We know that your student’s ability to learn and strive for honor is enhanced when they are part of a safe and healthy community. Part of creating such a community is providing campus-wide approaches to health by using tools such as AlcoholEdu® for College, a requirement for all first-year freshmen. AlcoholEdu® is an online, research-based alcohol prevention program that provides a tailored educational experience focusing on the impact of alcohol on the mind and body. Whether or not your student ever uses alcohol while at Texas Tech, AlcoholEdu® will assist them in making well-informed decisions as well as cope with the potential drinking behavior of their peers.

AlcoholEdu® becomes available July 25, 2011 and includes three surveys that will assist your student in measuring his or her alcohol-related attitudes and behaviors. All survey responses are strictly confidential; Texas Tech will only receive information about the student body as a whole and will never see individual student answers.

The AlcoholEdu® course has two sections. Both must be completed to fulfill the requirement:
• Part 1 of the course takes about 2.5 hours to complete. This section ends with an exam and survey. The deadline for finishing this section of the course is August 22, 2011.
• After your student has been on campus for a few weeks, they will receive an email encouraging them to complete Part 2 of the course. This section will take about 15 minutes and must complete by October 21, 2011.

What is AlcoholEdu®?
AlcoholEdu® is an online, research-based alcohol responsibility program that provides a tailored educational experience focusing on the impact of alcohol on the mind and body.

Who takes AlcoholEdu®?
All first-year freshmen are required to complete the course.

What are the deadlines?
July 25th: Students can begin logging into the first year student account.
August 22nd: Part 1 is due.
October 21st: Part 2 is due.

How can the student log in to the course?
They go to http://alcoholedu.ttu.edu and follow all log in instructions.

Is there an incentive for students who complete the course on time?
The students who complete the entire course by the stated deadlines will have their name entered into a drawing for some great prizes, including free parking, free textbooks, and Tech Treat packages.


Parents are encouraged to take AlcoholEdu® as well. To do so, log on to the parent course http://parents.alcoholedu.com/parent_login.aspx and use the following user ID to create an account, 11P229115PARENT.

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 Pre-order your 2011 Official Texas Tech Ornament today!

For 40 years, Raider Red has been a proud member of the Red Raider family and served as one of the university’s most recognized traditions. The 2011 Official Texas Tech Ornament was designed to commemorate the 40th birthday of Raider Red. These handcrafted keepsakes make the perfect gift and add a touch of Texas Tech spirit to any home, so pre-order yours today. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each ornament goes toward scholarships.

Order yours today at www.ornaments.ttu.edu or by calling (806) 742-2121. Ornaments from previous years may still be ordered.

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 Lynda.com training available in all campus buildings

Proudly Provided by the University Libraries: Now anyone on campus from any building on campus (yes, even in the Residence Halls!) can access our subscription to Lynda.com – all-you-can-learn online software training library – FREE!

Students simply go to http://iplogin.lynda.com, create an account profile and begin learning!

Students can choose from more than 40,000 video tutorials including Adobe, Apple, Blackboard, Microsoft and more. Remind your student about this great training opportunity.

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 Calling all kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews

Register your little Red Raiders to be a part of all the fun and excitement of Texas Tech Athletics year-round by joining the Official Texas Tech Athletics Guns Up Club!

The Guns Up Club presented by Southwest Dairy Farmers is a terrific way for young fans in 8th grade and under to become involved in Red Raider events and activities!

All members of the club get free admission to the following events: Volleyball, Soccer, Women's Basketball, Men's Basketball (excluding premium games), Softball, Track, and Baseball.

Plus, you our club members get tons of cool stuff all year round including the official membership card, & shirt plus a cool birthday card from our friend, Raider Red!

There are two options. $25 & $75 which includes (2) reserved Football tickets to the Texas Tech vs. Iowa State football game.

To join now & check out all the great benefits, click HERE now.

 

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 University-wide career fair scheduled for fall

Please remind your student…

2011 University-Wide Career Fair

Wednesday, September 14 1p.m. – 4p.m.
Overton Hotel 2322 Mac Davis Lane
Questions? Call University Career Services at 806-742-2210
ALL students welcome to attend

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 For your complete Texas Tech news, visit Texas Tech Today

Keep up-to-date about everything Texas Tech by visiting Texas Tech Today, a complete news source for Texas Tech University.

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 August 2011 academic and event calendar

August 5, Friday
Deadline to purchase $20 discounted Family Weekend football tickets at www.texastech.com (while supplies last). See Family Weekend information HERE.

August 19, Friday
Full payment of tuition and fees or enrollment in a payment plan due for fall.

August 21, Sunday
10 a.m., residence halls open for occupancy. Select dining locations open for service.

August 22, Monday
Faculty on duty. All dining locations open for service.

August 24, Wednesday
Last day to register or withdraw from the university without penalty. 4:30 p.m., first cancellation. Students who are not enrolled in a payment plan or have not paid 100% of mandatory tuition and fees will have their registration cancelled for all classes. Late fees will be assessed and will be subject to collections.

August 25, Thursday
Classes begin. Student-initiated drop-add (changes in schedule) and withdrawal (drop all courses) begin on MyTech.

August 30, Tuesday
Last day to add a course.

 

For the complete 2011-2012 Academic Calendar, please visit
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/calendar/11-12calendar/11-12detailed.php

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 What to bring to college - information from University Student Housing

As you get ready to move your student into the residence halls, please consult University Student Housing's "What to bring to college" list for items your student should and shouldn't bring to the residence halls. There is also a handy checklist at the back of The Parent and Family Guide in English and Spanish.

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 Tech Parents to provide Lubbock and campus maps to families moving into residence halls

The Texas Tech Parents Association will provide 11" x 17" maps of Lubbock and the Texas Tech campus to families during move-in. Look for your map at your student's residence hall. You can also download the maps here.

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 Encourage your student to attend Raider Welcome activities

Parents and family members, encourage your students to meet other Red Raiders and have fun during Raider Welcome.

Raider Welcome is a weeklong series of FUN and FREE events designed to welcome new and returning students to the Texas Tech campus. Among the activities are a few major events, some old-standing traditions, and some exciting new opportunities that you just cannot afford to miss!

2011 Raider Welcome Dates:
Saturday, August 20 - Saturday, August 27

www.raiderwelcome.ttu.edu

 

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 Bookmark visitlubbock.org to find out things to do and see in Lubbock

Do you wonder what you and your students can do in Lubbock? Bookmark http://www.visitlubbock.org/ and visit often to check out upcoming events, learn about Lubbock attractions, and see what dining, shopping, recreation, and lodging options the city has to offer.

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 Family Weekend 2011 football and event tickets on sale now!

The deadline to order the $20.00 discounted football tickets is August 5th, while supplies last. After that date, tickets will be $45.00 for everyone.

Visit www.parent.ttu.edu and click "Family Weekend" for the complete schedule and ticket ordering information.

Family Weekend is a great time to visit the Texas Tech campus and reconnect with your student. We hope you will join us!

 

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 Design the 2011 official Family Weekend T-shirt

You and/or your student are invited to design the 2011 official Family Weekend T-shirt!

The Texas Tech Parents Association is sponsoring a T-shirt design contest for the official Family Weekend 2011 T-shirt. Design the shirt…front only, back only, front and back…you choose. The criteria for judging are two things:  originality and the likelihood others will wear it on game day.  The winning design may be placed on a red, black, or white T-shirt, so final design colors may need to be changed.

Design your shirt in graphics software (preferred) or draw a detailed sketch. Include your name and contact info. Submissions can sent via email to parent@ttu.edu or dropped off at Parent and Family Relations in 201Q Student Union (2nd floor of the SUB). Include your name and contact information. Designs should be in one or two colors—we are unable to print full color designs or photographs. Be sure to follow guidelines on the use of the Double T. Information on proper use can be found at: http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/text/graphics/t-standards.gif. Submission deadline is August 26, 2011 at noon.

Parents and family members will vote on the winner and that person will be notified after September 1, 2011. The prize is four T-shirts, the joy you’ll get from knowing thousands of people will be wearing your design, and recognition on our web site!

Sponsored by the Texas Tech Parents Association. Call 806-742-3630 or email parent@ttu.edu for more information. Contest rules and information can also be found at: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/resources/tshirtdesignposter2011.pdf

Go Red Raiders!

 

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 Learn more about fraternity and sorority life

Learn more about fraternity and sorority life (Greek Life) by reading the Parent and Family Member Guide to Greek Life. Click here to view.

 

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 Student Union and Activities calendar for August

Student Union and Activities always makes sure there is plenty for your Tech students to do! If your student complains that he or she can't find any fun activities or meet many people on campus, tell him or her about these exciting, FREE activities.

Click HERE for the complete Activities Calendar for August.

 

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 Welcome, new members!

Welcome, new Tech Parents members! Make sure you visit www.parent.ttu.edu and log into your MyTech Parents account to take advantage of all your membership benefits.

When you log on to your MyTech Parents account at www.parent.ttu.edu, you can . . .

  • Share information, ideas, and concerns on the Message Board
  • Register and/or purchase tickets for events such as Family Weekend
  • Update your Parent Profile-

change email addresses and other contact information when needed
upload a photo

  • View the events calendar
  • Upgrade or renew your Tech Parents membership
  • Search the active membership list to find other Tech Parents in your area
  • Browse the local chapters in your geographic area

 

Logging on is easy! Just go to www.parent.ttu.edu and enter your login information in the spaces on the upper right hand corner of the page.

Forgot your login information? No problem-just click the link below the login area and enter your email address. Your login information will be emailed right to you.

Log on today!

 

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 Parent Ambassador survey winners announced

The Parent Ambassador Program conducted an online survey for those parents who actually spoke to a Parent Ambassador this past Spring semester. The following were randomly chosen as winners in the VISA gift card drawing. Each person below won a $25.00 VISA gift card, compliments of Tech Parents. Congratulations to the winners!

• Allwell Akanwa, Sugar Land, TX
• Paula Bays, Katy, TX
• Jayne Jackson, Katy, TX
• Barbara and Jeff Myerson, Sugar Land, TX

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 Tech Parents thanks Red Raider Orientation volunteers

Tech Parents and Parent and Family Relations would like to thank all members who volunteered at Red Raider Orientation this summer. We appreciate your dedication and hard work in welcoming our new parents and family members to Texas Tech University!

Tech Parents members who volunteered are:

Shara Chapman, Ruth Davis, Jake and Kathy LeMaster, and Mona Stevens.

Thanks again for all you do for Tech students and their families!

 

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 Get involved with a Tech Parents local chapter

Summertime is a great time to get involved with a local Chapter of Tech Parents. If you reside in D/FW, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Abilene, or Lubbock areas, get involved! Visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/localchapters.php for more information and to find out how to connect with other TTU families in your area.

If you desire to receive specific email announcements from one of our chapters, please log in to your myTech Parents account at www.parent.ttu.edu and in your profile under “Chapter Involvement,” select a chapter closest to you.  Chapters organize and plan monthly activities for parents and family members in the local area to meet one another and share the Texas Tech experience.  Get involved today!

 

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Tech Parents     

Parent and Family Relations


       

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