Parent and Family Relations

Vol. 12  Issue 12                                    Parent and Family eNews - December 2013

In this issue...

General News and Important Dates

Texas Tech Parents Association

Information for Parents and Family Members of FRESHMEN

Information for Parents and Family Members of SOPHOMORES

Information for Parents and Family Members of JUNIORS

Information for Parents and Family Members of SENIORS

Extracurricular Activities

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 The 55th Annual Carol of Lights is scheduled for December 3rd

55th Annual Carol of Lights

When: Tuesday, December 3, 2013 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Memorial Circle
See: http://housing.ttu.edu/caroloflights
Description: Come experience one of Texas Tech's largest and most celebrated traditions as over 25,000 lights are illuminated with the flip of a switch. With appearances by the Tech trombone and combined choirs, high riders, saddle tramps, the Masked Rider and Raider Red, it's sure to be a night that no one will soon forget. A carillon concert at 6:30 will precede the main ceremony at 7:00.

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 Parent and Family Pulse Poll for December

Each month, Parent & Family Relations will conduct a Parent & Family Pulse Poll—a brief poll about Texas Tech parent and family experiences. We will share our poll results each month at www.parent.ttu.edu. Here is the link to this month’s poll about Texas Tech departments you contact for assistance: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KPWGJDM.

This poll will be open through the month of December. Results will be posted at www.parent.ttu.edu in January.

Last month, we asked you what methods of communication you use with your students and how often you communicate with your students. See the results here: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/polls.php.

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 Summer opportunity for your student: Join the Crew!

As your student enters their spring semester at Texas Tech, you and your student may be wondering what to do for the summer. One option is to apply to be a member of the Red Raider Orientation (RRO) Crew. At your RRO do you remember great students who were available to assist you and your student at every turn? Would you like to see your student in a position with so much opportunity?

The Crew is trained in the spring and summer prior to RRO to know key and important information about Texas Tech, how to provide quality customer service, how to work within a team, and how to communicate comfortably and professionally with individuals and small groups. We strive to provide The Crew with skills that guide them to success at Texas Tech and beyond.

Your student would also be providing a service to Texas Tech by being an integral role in welcoming and preparing the next generation of Red Raiders (7,000+ students) and their families (6,000+ parents, siblings, and guests) for the next four years at Texas Tech.

More information about the opportunity can be found on our website here. . If you think your student would be interested in an opportunity such as this, please encourage them to attend one of the following information sessions before they return home for the holiday break:

What: The Crew Information Session
When: December 2 @ 11:00 a.m. (SUB Playa Room) and December 3 @ 2:00 p.m. (SUB Traditions Room)
Where: SUB Escondido Theatre (below Barnes & Noble)

We will be hosting more information sessions during the first two weeks of the spring semester. Please check our website for the exact dates and times closer to the start of the semester.

Once your student is home, please discuss the information s/he learned at the information session and his/her plans for the summer. Do you or your student see Red Raider Orientation as a part of his/her summer? If you or your student has any further questions, please contact Madison Proctor at madison.proctor@ttu.edu or visit us online.

We are hoping for the opportunity to work with your student this summer!

 

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 Scholarships! Scholarships! Scholarships!

The 2014-2015 Scholarship Application is now available for current students.

Deadline is February 1st so encourage your student to complete the application early to increase their chances of being awarded a scholarship.

Click here for the scholarship application.

 

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 Does your student need FINANCIAL coaching?

Red to Black offers free and confidential peer-to-peer financial coaching to all Texas Tech students. We help students create spending plans, educate them on basic money management issues, and help them maximize their financial aid package. If your student has never created a spending plan or is interested in learning about how to make their Spring financial aid disbursement last all the way to the end of May, encourage them to make an appointment with us!

We can be reached through email at redtoblack@ttu.edu or by phone at 806-742-9781. You can find out more information about Red to Black on our website at www.r2b.ttu.edu.

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 Rec Center offers great holiday gifts

Stress is mounting as those last papers and finals loom. A massage by a licensed therapist is as close as the Student Rec Center. We will deliver the gift certificate to your student. Cost is $40 for an hour massage; $25 for a half hour. The Certificate is good for 1 year (so it might also be a great holiday gift!).

Speaking of the holidays, you can also purchase a gift certificate for Personal Training for the Spring semester. Certified Personal Trainers can assist your student in gaining health habits in exercise. Most trainers are students so there is the added benefit of peer support.

Another gift idea is to purchase a Credit Voucher for the Raider X2 group exercise classes. To purchase one, please call (806) 742-3828 or email Kami.Waden@ttu.edu. Please visit www.recsports.ttu.edu for a preview of services.

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 Outdoor Pursuits Center offers great opportunities

A great way to get involved on campus is through the Outdoor Pursuits Center and the Sasquatch package gives students many opportunities. It includes:

• Free equipment rentals (excluding late and damage fees)
• Bike Repairs (labor cost only, excludes parts and taxable items)
• 3 free bike rentals- Maximum rental length of one week.
• 3 free winter sport rentals (ski and snowboard packages) maximum rental length of one week.
• One free trip under $100.00
• 20% off trips over $100.00
• Free clinics, climbing certifications, and wall equipment rental.

The Sasquatch package covers January 1 – May 14 and costs $150. Contact David.Young@ttu.edu to purchase one. We will send a gift certificate to you (or your student).

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 Road Raiders-Have peace of mind when students are traveling home for the holidays

The Texas Tech Parents Association is here to help all Texas Tech students while they are traveling with the Road Raiders Safe Travel Network.
Road Raiders are Tech Parents members who can help if your student needs directions, a rest stop, or help with car trouble while traveling.

The Road Raiders list is available for students online. They can search by city from a wireless phone or computer at www.roadraiders.ttu.edu (eraider login required to access the site). A complete list is also available for download and printing at www.parent.ttu.edu.

Drive Safely. Stay Alert. Be Prepared.

For more information, call 806-742-3630 or visit www.parent.ttu.edu.

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 University Offices to be closed during Christmas break

All University offices, including Parent and Family Relations, will be closed December 23 through January 1 for the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Campus emergencies during this time should be referred to the Texas Tech Police Department at 806-742-3931.

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 Discounted Dell products

Parents, did you know that since Texas Tech has partnered with Dell, you can receive discounts on all Dell products? Now is a great time to visit Dell.com/RedRaiders for your holiday gift-giving.

Dell.com/RedRaiders

MemberID:US126349127 1-800-695-8133

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 Order the 2013 Texas Tech Ornament

The 2013 Official Texas Tech Ornament contains 90 Double Ts arranged in the shape of a snowflake. To commemorate Texas Tech’s 90th anniversary, each Double T represents one year of the university’s continued honor and excellence. Please visit our 90th anniversary commemorative website at www.longlivethematadors.tumblr.com.

Order your 2013 ornament:
merchandise.ttu.edu or 806-742-2121

Ornaments from previous years may still be ordered.

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 Save the Date: Sibling Weekend February 21-22, 2014

Enjoy a weekend filled with fun, educational, and spirited events sure to get siblings of Texas Tech students excited about college and share in the traditions of Raiderland. Sibling Weekend invites Texas Tech students to spend time with their brothers or sisters in a weekend filled with great activities just for them. Siblings between the ages of 8 and 15 are invited to attend. Mark your calendars for the weekend of February 21-22, 2014.

Online registration and the full schedule will be available online at www.parent.ttu.edu in the next few months.

 

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 Texas Tech Ring Savings Program

The Texas Tech Alumni Association is proud to offer the Official Texas Tech Class Ring Savings Program, which allows students to save over time for the ultimate symbol of college success.

For more details please click HERE

 

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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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 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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 This month's academic and event calendar

December 2, Monday

  • Classes resume.
  • Raiderlink available for grading (degree candidate grades due at noon December 12).

December 4, Wednesday

  • Last day of classes.

December 5, Thursday

  • Individual study day.
  • Late night breakfast available for residents living on campus.

December 6 – 11, Friday – Saturday / Monday – Wednesday

  • Final examinations.
  • Wednesday, December 11 – Fall semester ends.

December 12, Thursday

  • Last day for most dining locations (www.depts.ttu.edu/hospitality).
  • Noon, grades due for graduating students via Raiderlink.
  • 10 a.m., Residence halls close. Degree candidates may occupy residence hall rooms until 10 a.m. Saturday, December 14.

December 13 – 14, Friday – Saturday

December 16, Monday

  • Noon, Final grades due via Raiderlink.

 

For the complete 2013-2014 Academic Calendar, please visit
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/calendar/13-14calendar/13-14detailed.php.

For the Texas Tech event calendar, please CLICK HERE.

 

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 Looking for more ways to get involved?

For more ways to get involved as a parent or family member of a Texas Tech student, join the Texas Tech Parents Association at www.texastechparents.org. Your membership dues support programs such as scholarships for Texas Tech students, the Road Raiders Safe Travel Network, and local chapters all over Texas.

You can also get involved in various chapter activities throughout the year. Come enjoy a fun time with other Texas Tech parents and family members. Click HERE to view community calendar of events.

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 Winter break instructions for students living on campus

Do you or your student have questions about residence hall closing over the winter break? Find the answers here: http://www.housing.ttu.edu/winterbreak.php

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 On-campus housing and dining contract reminder

On-Campus Housing and Dining Contract Reminder

University Student Housing and Hospitality Services would like to remind our on-campus residents and their parents to not sign any leases for an off-campus apartment or house for the Spring 2014 semester. The Official Academic Year Contract is a nine-month contract that runs from August 2013 through May 2014. It is not a semester-by-semester contract.

Please visit the Housing and Hospitality Contract Guide page on our website for additional information. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 806-742-2661 or email us at housing@ttu.edu.

Have a Happy Holiday! Don't forget Spring Move-In begins January 12th!

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 Remind your student to complete part 2 of AlcoholEdu

The deadline for completion of Part 2 of the online AlcoholEdu® for College course was October 21, 2013. Holds have now been placed on students’ ability to view their final grades. To have the hold removed, students must log back onto the course using their eraider and complete the entire course.

AlcoholEdu® for College 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. Every Texas Tech first year freshman is required to complete Part 1 and Part 2 of AlcoholEdu® for College. This ensures that every member of the Texas Tech community has an appropriate and accurate understanding of alcohol and alcohol abuse. I urge you to ensure your student completes AlcoholEdu® for College as soon as possible.

If your student has questions about how to complete the course, please direct him or her to visit http://alcoholedu.ttu.edu or contact Christina Sapien-Iezzi, Health Educator, Student Health Services, at 806-743-2844 x290 or alcoholedu@ttuhsc.edu. Thank you for your contribution toward helping us maintain a safe and healthy campus community.

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 Residential Tutoring Program

Have your student start the semester right by taking advantage of The Residential Tutoring Program. This is designed to provide academic services for students living in the residence halls at Texas Tech University. Residential Tutoring is a completely free service provided for all on-campus students during convenient hours and close to home.

Subjects Offered:


Chemistry (1307 and 1308)
Math (1351 and 1352)
Writing (in any subject area)
Political Science (1301)
History (2300 and 2301)
Biology (1403)
Physics (1403 and 1408)

For more information regarding location and scheduled please visit http://housing.ttu.edu/reslife/restutor .

 

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 Remind your Sophomore to visit the Career Center

It is never too early for your student to start career planning. Remind your sophomore to visit the Career Center on campus, located in the Wiggins Dining Complex near 18th Street and Flint Avenue. Students can take career assessments to help them find a career suitable for their major, interests, and talents. Other services include resume critiques, assistance writing cover letters, career fairs, workshops, and Raider Jobs, where students can search job postings and apply for positions.

See the Career Development Checklist

Visit www.careercenter.ttu.edu or call 806-742-2210 for more information.

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 Have your student check out OrgSync and get involved

Is your sophomore involved in student organizations? If not, have him or her visit http://ttu.orgsync.com for a list of and contact information for all registered student organizations. It is especially important for students living off campus to get involved and stay connected to campus.

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 December 2013 Commencement

If your student is graduating in December, congratulations! Below is the December Commencement schedule for Texas Tech University.

PLEASE NOTE: The colleges are listed below in alphabetical order and NOT necessarily in the order in which they will be recognized.

Friday, December 13, 2013

3:00 p.m. Art & Sciences
7:00 p.m. Graduate School

Saturday, December 14, 2013

9:00 a.m. Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Business Administration, Media and Communication, Honors College (EVHM and HAL Majors Only), Visual & Performing Arts

1:30 p.m. Architecture, Education, Engineering, Human Sciences, University Programs, Law School Hooding

3:00 p.m. Reception: Law School Forum

5:00 p.m. Location: Law School Lanier Auditorium

For more information regarding Commencement, including ordering invitations, photos, and videos, guest seating, lodging, and future commencement dates visit: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/provost/commencement/schedules.php

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 Consider renters insurance for your student whether they are living on or off campus

Most landlords do not require the tenant to have renters insurance. All landlords deny liability for any damages to your personal property caused by water, smoke, or fire. Student Legal Services highly recommends any student, living off campus or on-campus, to obtain renters insurance. Renters insurance is a cost effective way to replace damaged property. Speak with your insurance representative to discuss your options.

If you or your student have any other questions about renters insurance please call 806-742-3289 or visit www.depts.ttu.edu/sls/.

College Renters Insurance offers coverage starting at $5,000 with a $100 deductible. Coverage for your personal property starts as low as $12 per month.
Visit www.CollegeRentersPlan.com/ttu to see all of the coverage options available or call (866) 572-1617.

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 Does your student need health insurance? Academic Health Plans are available for Texas Tech students

If your student needs his or her own health insurance policy, there are Academic Health Plans available. Visit https://www.academichealthplans.com/ttu/2012-2013/ for more information.

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 Responsible off campus living

If your sophomore Red Raider lives off campus, make sure he or she is a good neighbor. Students choosing to live in single-family houses sometimes need reminders that they are not necessarily living among other students. Families with small children and working professionals may not appreciate loud noises during late hours.

For tips about responsible off-campus living, CLICK HERE.

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 Candlelight at the National Ranching Heritage

Join us in the traditional spirit of a pioneer Christmas on December 13-14 for the 35th annual Candlelight at the Ranch! This annual holiday event offers a glimpse into the past as visitors experience yuletide celebrations that took place on the open prairie more than 100 years ago.
Luminaries light the paths around the National Ranching Heritage Center’s historic structures, where Ranch Host volunteers recreate holiday scenes of trimming trees with home-made decorations, playing traditional music and gathering around the campfire on a cold winter’s night.

Guests can warm up with a cup of hot cider and fresh kettle corn as they tour through the historic site and write letters to Santa in the Four Sixes Barn. There is no admission charge for this annual event, but donations are encouraged.

For more information, visit contact Emily Wilkinson at (806) 742-0498 or via e-mail at emily.wilkinson@ttu.edu.

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 Student Union and Activities Calendar

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.

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Parent and Family Relations


       

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Aug 15, 2023