Parent and Family Relations Newsletter August 2013

Only students currently enrolled for the fall 2013 semester may participate in advance registration November 7-25. Graduate School students may register anytime beginning November 7.
Students will register according to classification. Students will not be permitted to register prior to their assigned date. Registration materials will be distributed through the student's major department. Each student should see an advisor before attempting to register.
To ensure reasonable spacing of final exams, students should consider the final examination schedule while planning their registration.
On their assigned day, students can register on MyTech (beginning at 3:00 p.m.) or in their academic departments. Classifications for registration are based on hours completed at the end of the summer 2013 semester (90 or more hours, senior; 60-89 hours, junior; 30-59 hours, sophomore; 0-29 hours, freshman).
If a student's TSI scores indicate a need to enroll in TSI remediation, the student must visit the TSI Skills Development Office
(72 Holden Hall, 806 742-3242) before registration

Advance Registration Schedule (Currently Enrolled Students Only)

Classification	Date

Registration begins at 3:00 p.m. on the dates noted below.
Graduates	Thursday, November 7, 2013 Friday, November 8, 2013
Seniors and Second Undergraduate Degree Students	Monday, November 11, 2013 Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Juniors	Wednesday, November 13, 2013 Thursday, November 14, 2013
Sophomores	Friday, November 15, 2013 Monday, November 18, 2013 Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Freshmen	Wednesday, November 20, 2013 Thursday, November 21, 2013 Friday, November 22, 2013
Open Registration	Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Procedure: Students enrolled during fall 2013 should contact their major department office.

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Parent and Family Pulse Poll for November

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 parent and family communication with students: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WV6NBPH.

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

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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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Free Car Clinic Scheduled for November 13th

Transportation and Parking Services hosts Free Car Clinics on campus for students on Wednesday, November 13th.

At the Free Car Clinic, Transportation & Parking Services offers food, activities, and a basic vehicle inspection to anyone who attends. The vehicle check includes the following:

-Top off oil and other fluids
-Check tire pressure
-Inspect belts and hoses
-Inspect wipers

Location: The Free Car Clinic is held in the C17 Lot, west of the School of Law where Indiana Avenue and Texas Tech Parkway meet.

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

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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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Rec Center offers Massage Therapy

Does your student need to take a break from studying? Why not a massage break?

The Rec Center offers therapeutic massages for students who might be seeking relief for a medical condition, stress of school work, or simply wanting to maintain good health.

Massages start at $25 for half an hour and gift certificates are available. Simply call the Rec Center at 806-742-3828 or visit Rec Sports for pricing, specials, techniques, and more!

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Thanksgiving Bus Trip seats available

Does your student need a ride home for Thanksgiving? Parent and Family Relations is pleased to announce that Campus Connector will provide bus trips to assist Texas Tech students in traveling home for Thanksgiving 2013.

Destinations include: Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and El Paso. This trip is organized to help students travel home at a lower cost who might not otherwise be able to make it home for Thanksgiving.

The price varies by destination and seating is based on availability and is sold on a first come, first served basis. The registration link, full schedule, pickup/drop-off locations, and more information are available here.

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Get your tickets to the Tech vs. Baylor game

GET YOUR TICKETS & PARKING NOW FOR THE TECH-BAYLOR GAME IN COWBOYS AT&T STADIUM

Your Texas Tech Red Raiders will once again take on the Baylor Bears in the Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Shootout at Cowboys AT&T Stadium in Arlington this fall. Tickets are on sale now for the game on Nov. 16 and you can purchase tickets by calling (806) 742-TECH or online HERE.

Ticket prices will remain the same as last year at $120 in the club level, $65 in the lower and upper corners and $40 in the upper deck. Special group pricing is also available for groups of 20 or more in the $65 and $40 seating areas. A discounted, upper level four-pack is also available for $120. Beginning Aug. 1, Texas Tech students can purchase two tickets (per student ID) for $30 each but must do so in person at the athletics ticket office located on the west side of Jones AT&T Stadium and present a valid TTU ID.

Fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets through the athletics ticket office so that revenues generated from those purchases will directly benefit Texas Tech. Additionally, fans have the ability to purchase advanced automobile parking by clicking HERE.
Texas Tech Ticket Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm Temporarily located at the West Club entrance of Jones AT&T Stadium (806) 742-8324.

Texas Tech Alumni Association Pregame Event
3 Hours before kickoff

Grease Monkey
200 N. Mesquite St.
Arlington, TX
Free parking with a shuttle, good burgers, and beverages!
HOTEL INFORMATION
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
1501 Gaylord Trail I Grapevine, TX 76051
https://resweb.passkey.com/go/e8328c4d

Please note: The NFL has implemented a new bag policy across all of their Stadium’s. Please take the time to review this information prior to this year's game.

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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

November 1, Friday

Last day for graduate degree candidates to submit to the Graduate School the final PDF of thesis/dissertation.
Last day for graduate degree candidates to submit the Oral Defense and Thesis-Dissertation Approval Form.

November 7, Thursday

3 p.m., First day of spring semester advance registration for currently enrolled students (continues through November 25).

November 18, Monday

Last day to remove grades of I, PR, or CR in the Graduate School. This does not apply to the PR/CR received on a previous thesis or dissertation enrollment.
Official reports due to Graduate School on Interdisciplinary Portfolio for the master’s degree (non-thesis students).
Official reports due to Graduate School on results of final comprehensive examinations.

November 25, Monday

Last day of advance registration.

November 26, Tuesday

Open registration begins.
Last day to transfer between colleges.

November 27, Wednesday

Last day to withdraw from the university. Although withdrawal can be processed until this date, all tuition and fees related to the registration are due in full and no refunds will be issued.

November 26 – December 5, Tuesday – Thursday

Period of no examinations except for makeup exams or scheduled lab exams.

November 27 – December 1, Wednesday – Sunday

Thanksgiving holiday. No meals available at any Hospitality Services location.

November 29, Friday

Last day for undergraduate degree candidates to remove grades of I and PR.

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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Encourage your student to attend the Majors and Minors Fair!

Is your student uncertain about what major to choose? Chosen a major but is unsure?

Then your student should attend the Major and Minors Fair hosted by Transition and Engagement!

Date: Thursday, October 31, 2013
Time: 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Location: McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center

The Majors & Minors Fair provides students with an opportunity to meet with faculty and professional advisors to discuss a variety of possible majors as well as many available career opportunities connected to each major.

Representatives include professors, advisors, current students and student ambassadors who are ready to speak with you. Stop by if you are confused about your current major or minor, looking to explore other opportunities or want to pick up a second major.

This fair offers a great opportunity to find out about required courses, faculty-to-student ratio, minimum GPA, opportunities for non-majors to take classes, career prospects for that major, professional affiliations, student organizations and the process of switching majors.

For additional information and resources please visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/centerforcampuslife/majorfair/default.php

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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. 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 does not complete Part 2 of the course, a hold will be placed on his or her ability to view final grades.

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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Letters from Home

Letters from Home filled out by parents attending Red Raider Orientation this summer were mailed to Texas Tech students in October. Parent & Family Relations mailed over 1,000 letters to new Texas Tech students. Thank you to all those who participated. Texas Tech students enjoy receiving letters from home as they prepare for final exams--we encourage you to send your student a letter! Emails, phone calls, and texts are always appreciated, too.

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Student Mailing Information

Do you need to mail your student a letter or care package? We got you covered!

Mail is delivered directly to each residence hall or complex and posted in their mailboxes. The box number corresponds with the room or apartment number in each hall or complex.

Visit University Housing's website for complete details about how mail should be addressed http://housing.ttu.edu/facilities/mail

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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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Upcoming Career Center events

It is never too early for your student to start career planning. Texas Tech's Career Center has events and activities planned to help your student prepare to enter the job market and be successful.

Click HERE for a calendar of upcoming events hosted by the Career Center.

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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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Texas Tech Ring Ceremony

The Official Ring Ceremony is not to be missed! Much like a commencement ceremony, family and friends are invited to attend this special tradition that serves to honor each ring recipient and to pass on the importance of all that the Official Class Ring symbolizes: loyalty, tradition, service, honor, and lifelong relationships.

The ceremony will be held on November 18th and 19th.
*Please note: Rings must be ordered between August 15 and September 27 for eligible students.

For more details please visit the Alumni Associate webpage.

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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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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

201Q Student Union Building| 15th & Akron | Box 42024 | Lubbock, Texas | 79409-2024

Tel: 806.742.3630 | Fax: 806.742.0330 | Toll Free: 1.888.888.7409

Email: parent@ttu.edu