Vol. 13  Issue 3                                    Parent and Family eNews - March 2014

In this issue...

General News and Important Dates

• FREE Car Clinic: March 5th
• Texas Tech goes to Spain
• Outdoor Pursuits Center Resources and Events
• Know Your Rights Event Rescheduled
• Save the Date for Family Weekend 2014!
• Tickets still available for Spring Break Bus Trips
• Parent and Family Pulse Poll for March
• Lubbock Visitor Guide
• 1098T Information
• SOAR Learning Center empowers students in pursuits of success
• For your complete Texas Tech news, visit Texas Tech Today
• This month's academic and event calendar

Texas Tech Parents Association

• Road Raiders: Have peace of mind when your student is traveling during Spring Break
• Looking for more ways to get involved?

Information for Parents and Family Members of FRESHMEN

• FREE Tutoring for your Tech student at the Learning Center
• Residential Tutoring Program
• Consider renters insurance for your student whether they are living on or off campus

Information for Parents and Family Members of SOPHOMORES

• FREE Tutoring for your Tech student at the Learning Center
• Consider renters insurance for your student whether they are living on or off campus
• Responsible off campus living

Information for Parents and Family Members of JUNIORS

• Spring Graduation Fair: March 4-6
• Encourage your student to research internships or post-graduation jobs
• Consider renters insurance for your student whether they are living on or off campus

Information for Parents and Family Members of SENIORS

• Spring Graduation Fair: March 4-6
• Encourage your student to research internships or post-graduation jobs
• Consider renters insurance for your student whether they are living on or off campus

Extracurricular Activities

• Student Union and Activities Calendar

Like us on Facebook!

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 FREE Car Clinic: March 5th

Encourage your student to stop by the C17 parking lot by the new residence hall for the Free Car Clinic on March 5th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., hosted by Transportation & Parking Services! Professional mechanics will look over vehicles, check belts, and top off fluids. Free hot dogs, drinks, and prizes are available for all attendees, and they can enter in a drawing for a free ePermit!

Other safety-related groups will be on hand, including
- the Injury Prevention Coalition of the South Plains fitting child safety seats to vehicles
- the South Plains Auto Theft Task Force
- Scott's Car Care
- Saddle Up Motorcycle Training
- Help End Auto Theft (HEAT)

For more details visit: http://www.parking.ttu.edu/shared/carclinic

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 Texas Tech goes to Spain

The Texas Tech University Center in Seville, Spain

Since 2001, more than 2000 Tech students have made the journey to Seville to spend a semester at The Texas Tech University Center. Tech faculty members teach the TTU students a variety of courses to include History, Spanish, English, Political Science, Sociology, Music, Art, Agriculture, Engineering, and Theatre. Students are able to study the history of Spain and steep themselves in culture since they also enjoy the benefit of living with Spanish host families. As part of the program, they travel to cultural and historical sites visiting Madrid, Granada, Córdoba, Toledo, Segovia as well as local venues.

The study abroad program in Seville is the result of collaboration between former TTU president, Donald Haragan and professors Wendell Aycock and Allan Kuethe. The three strongly believed an international experience was a growing necessity for the well-educated American undergraduate. TTU students do not have to be fluent in Spanish in order to attend the program. Many opt to take their two years of beginning Spanish course in Seville while other students capitalize on completing their Spanish minor or major as they are immersed in the culture. As a result of the intensive language courses, students complete 12-15 semester hours in one fall or spring semester. Summer programs offer six hours of Spanish for students.
The TTU Center is directed by Dr. G. Douglas Inglis who has lived in Seville since 1974 and is ably assisted by Sara Pink and Jonathan Deen, both from the Metroplex area.

Seville is a natural choice for the program since its size offers students a variety of activities while at the same time maintaining its reputation for warm hospitality and friendliness. The city is located in the southern region of Andalusia known for its warm climate, rich history, flamenco dancing, relaxed atmosphere and great food. Students quickly feel at home and take advantage of this enchanting region.

Parents delight in this study abroad option since TTU faculty are on site and the program has hands on staff to assist students 24/7.

Study abroad scholarships help students defray additional costs and students’ financial aid and other scholarships apply since the program is billed through TTU Student Business Services.
Fall 2014 semester will see a new program for Engineering students begin with Dr. Walt Oler offering four engineering courses for TTU students. These students will interact with University of Seville College of Engineering students as well as visiting local engineering projects. Incoming TTU engineering students are now required to have an international experience as part of their program. The TTU Center in Seville will be a natural destination for many of these students since southern Spain boasts wind energy, solar energy as well as varied construction engineering venues.

From a student’s perspective, most agree the semester in Seville is a life-changing experience that allows them to see the world from a different perspective. Certainly for students entering a global marketplace a study abroad semester makes them more competitive. For those students who look to continue a post graduate path, study abroad is a great asset for those applications.

Fall 2014 applications are open through late June but most students need to make their decision earlier in order to plan with advisors. For further information, contact Donna Wright in The International Cultural Center, Coordinator for The TTU Center in Seville. Donna.K.Wright@ttu.edu

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 Outdoor Pursuits Center Resources and Events

A little known secret of Rec Sports is the Outdoor Pursuits Center. As the weather warms up, many students may want to rediscover riding their bike but find a flat tire or other bike issue. The OPC has a Bike Shop. Students can work on their bike for no charge or we can fix it for them with a charge. We sell tubes, tires and other essentials whichever option a student decides to do.

We also off a wide variety of trips. Our Spring Break trip will take mountain bikers to Moab, Utah for 5 days of fun. During April, we are offering 1 day hikes and mountain bike trips as well as weekend Canoeing, Kayaking, Mountaineering and Rockclimbing trips. These trips are a wonderful opportunity to explore the outdoors, learn some new skills and make new friends.

All of the information (trip dates, costs, etc.) can be found at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/opc/tripsspring.php.

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 Know Your Rights Event Rescheduled

The Police Interactions/Criminal Law segment of Know Your Rights Week has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 6, 2014, 11:00 – 1:00 in the SUB Gathering Pavilion (NW corner atrium).

They will have a panel of experts, video screening, and FREE pizza for students.

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 Save the Date for Family Weekend 2014!

The wait is over and we have set the date for Family Weekend 2014!

Mark your calendars for October 10-11, 2014 when Texas Tech takes on West Virginia. Registration and football ticket ordering information will be posted at www.parent.ttu.edu later this summer. Make your hotel reservations early, as rooms will fill up quick! Click HERE for a complete listing of Lubbock hotels.

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 Tickets still available for Spring Break Bus Trips

Does your student need a ride home for Spring Break? Parent and Family Relations is pleased to announce that Break Shuttle will provide bus trips to assist Texas Tech students in traveling home for Spring Break 2014. Break Shuttle is the largest break/event transportation service for colleges and universities in the country.

Charter buses will transport students to/from Lubbock for Spring Break. Destinations are Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and El Paso. Buses depart Lubbock on Saturday, March 15th and return to Lubbock on Sunday, March 23rd. Seating is based on availability and is sold on a first come, first served basis. Prices vary by destination. More information about this trip and the online registration link can be found below.

Bus trips are provided by Break Shuttle, a separate entity from Texas Tech University. Parent and Family Relations at Texas Tech University works with Break Shuttle to ensure these trips are possible.

For more information and the registration link, visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/bustrips.php.

Questions about registration or anything connected to the bus trip should be directed to Break Shuttle, http://www.breakshuttle.com/, Support@GroupZOOM.com, or (855) 620-1924.

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 Parent and Family Pulse Poll for March

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 online. Here is the link to this month’s poll about students Spring Break plans: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6FZTB6Y

This poll will be open through the month of March. Results will be posted at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/polls.php in April.

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 Lubbock Visitor Guide

When you make plans to visit your student be sure to check out the visitor guide provided by Visit Lubbock.

http://www.visitlubbock.org/2014VLInteractiveVisitorGuide/vg2014/index.html

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 1098T Information

For instructions on how your student can view/print his or her 1098T form online, visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/1098T.php.

Please note: students must have accepted the Global Electronic Consent during registration in order to view 1098T information online. Paper 1098T forms will be mailed to the permanent preferred address after January 31, 2013.

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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

March 12, Wednesday

• 5 p.m., Mid-semester grades due via Raiderlink.
• Last day for degree candidates and faculty to order invitations and academic regalia at the bookstore

March 14, Friday

• Last day for most dining locations until after spring vacation (www.depts.ttu.edu/hospitality).

March 15 – 23, Saturday – Sunday

• Spring vacation. Classes dismissed at noon Saturday. Student holiday only; university employees on duty except for holiday on Friday, March 21.

March 24, Monday

• Classes resume. Hospitality Services dining locations open for service (www.depts.ttu.edu/hospitality).

March 26, Wednesday

• Last day for student-initiated drop on MyTech with academic penalty (counts against drop limit). All drops are the responsibility of the student.
• Last day to declare pass/fail intentions.

March 28, Friday

• Last day for graduate degree candidates to defend theses/dissertations.
• Last day for graduate degree candidates to pay thesis-dissertation fee posted to Banner account.
• Last day for master’s non-thesis comprehensive examinations.

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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 Road Raiders: Have peace of mind when your student is traveling during Spring Break

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.texastechparents.org .

Drive Safely. Stay Alert. Be Prepared.

For more information, visit www.texastechparents.org.

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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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 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)

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 FREE Tutoring for your Tech student at the Learning Center

If your freshman or sophomore student is experiencing difficulties with spring classes, FREE tutoring is available.

The Learning Center provides FREE tutoring to any enrolled TTU student. No appointment necessary! Download the tutoring schedule from their website:www.lc.soar.ttu.edu.

Online Tutoring is also available Mondays through Thursdays from 7:30-10pm

Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday 8am-8pm, Fridays 8am-5pm. Tutoring begins at 9am daily.

Call The Learning Center at 806-742-3664 for questions.

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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 has 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.

 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.

 Spring Graduation Fair: March 4-6

We’d Love to See Your Student at the Spring Graduation Fair March 4-6!

The grad fair isn't just for seniors. Students are eligible for the official ring when they have completed 75 hours. All Red Raiders are welcome to join the party at the Frazier Alumni Pavilion.

Click HERE for more information.

 Encourage your student to research internships or post-graduation jobs

If your student is a junior or senior, he or she may need encouragement to start investigating summer internships or post-graduation jobs. The Career Center at Texas Tech can help with resume critiques, mock interviews, and job and internship searches. Visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/careercenter/ to learn more about how the Career Center can help your student..

 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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