Parent and Family Relations

Vol. 10  Issue 10                                               Parent and Family eNews October 2011

In this issue...

News and Important Dates

Academic Information

Student employment opportunities

Extracurricular Activities

Texas Tech Parents Association

 



 Does your student need a ride to El Paso for Thanksgiving?

Does your student need to go home for Thanksgiving and can’t find an inexpensive flight? The Texas Tech Parents Association (Tech Parents) is sponsoring a bus trip to assist Texas Tech students traveling home for Thanksgiving. 

Tech Parents has reserved charter buses to transport students to/from Lubbock for Thanksgiving. The destination is El Paso (Houston, Austin/San Antonio, and Dallas/Fort Worth trips have SOLD OUT).  Buses will depart Lubbock on Wednesday, November 23rd and will return to Lubbock on Sunday, November 27th. The cost is $100.00 to/from Lubbock. Exact routes will be determined after registration is finalized. The seats are nonrefundable, so make sure you are certain about your Thanksgiving plans before registering at www.parent.ttu.edu. 

Texas Tech Parent Association chaperones will be riding to/from Lubbock to assist students. Seating is limited and is sold on a first come, first served basis. More information about this trip and the online registration form can be found at www.parent.ttu.edu. Deadline for registration is November 15, 2011 at 5 p.m., unless seats sell out before that time. 

Have you bought a seat on a bus and changed your mind? The trip is nonrefundable, but you can post your seat for sale on the Message Board by logging on at www.parent.ttu.edu. Families looking for a seat on the bus for one of the sold out trips, this is a great way to find a seat.

 

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 Save the date for Sibling Weekend 2012

Sibling Weekend 2012 will be February 10-11, 2012. Registration will begin November 14, 2011 at www.parent.ttu.edu

Be part of continuing one of the newest traditions at Texas Tech February 10-11! Come enjoy a weekend filled with fun, educational, and spirited events to get siblings of Texas Tech students excited about college and share in the traditions of Raiderland.

This year's schedule will include many events chosen to get Texas Tech students involved with their little brothers or sisters and create great memories. Siblings between the ages of 8 and 15 are encouraged to register for this entertaining, fun, and memorable weekend. More details coming soon to the Sibling Weekend page: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/sibling.php

"Sibling Weekend 2011 was a GREAT experience that I hope everyone with siblings gets to experience at least once. Thanks, Tech, for the opportunity to show my sibling what Tech has to offer." -- Jennifer Bryan, Texas Tech University student

"My 11-year-old spent the weekend with his two big brothers who attend Tech. As he puts it: "I love "Brother Weekend." He looked forward to this, counted down the days and told everyone about it." -- Michelle Peugh Stanton, TX.

 

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 Students who are overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed can find help at the Student Counseling Center

Is your student overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed? Texas Tech's Student Counseling Center is here to help. Please encourage your student to use their free services if he or she needs help.

Student Counseling Center Walk-In Clinic

No scheduled appointment necessary to initiate services! Walk-In to the SCC, fill out paperwork, and see a counselor for an initial intake for approximately 30 minutes. For more details see the How To Get Started page.

Clinic Location and Hours
Location: Second floor of the Student Wellness Center, Room 201 (on the corner of Flint Ave. & Main St.)

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Walk-In Clinic Hours:
Monday - Friday
10:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Phone: 806-742-3674

How To Get Started:

In order to see a counselor, you can come by the Student Counseling Center (SCC) during our Walk In Clinic. There are certain hours available each day when you can come into the Center and see a counselor on a first-come, first-served basis. Those hours are from 10:30am to 3:30pm every weekday. When you initially arrive, you may be asked to complete important paperwork, so please allow yourself enough time. During the Walk-In session itself, which normally lasts 20-30 minutes, a counselor will work with you to determine how and where your needs can be best met. You may be referred to any variety of our services including but not limited to individual counseling, group therapy, our mind/body lab or be referred to another agency on campus or in the community if appropriate. Your intake counselor will identify the best service or services to meet your individual needs. Please be sure that you understand the next steps before you leave your Walk-In session. For questions about Walk-In Clinic, please call 806-742-3674.

 

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 Texas Tech launches Invest U web site for parents of prospective Red Raiders

Texas Tech University has created Invest U, a course on the value of Texas Tech. Check out the site for yourself and share with parents of prospective Texas Tech students: www.investu.ttu.edu.

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 Could you afford to replace your student's property if it were stolen or destroyed?

A tip from Student Legal Services:

Lightning could start a fire, pipes could burst, or thieves could choose your student. Every student living in the Residence Halls and off campus should protect themselves with renters insurance. Renters insurance is inexpensive and pays you money to help replace your belongings if they are taken or ruined. Check your homeowners policy to see if your college student is covered. If not, please take the time to research and consider purchasing renters insurance for your student.

For more information about Student Legal Services and what they can do for your student, please call 806-742-3289 or visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/sls/

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 AlcholEdu reminder

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. The deadline for completion of Part 1 of the online AlcoholEdu® course was August 22, 2011. The deadline for Part 2 of the course is October 21st.

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. Every Texas Tech first-year freshman is required to complete Part 1 and Part 2 of AlcoholEdu®. 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® 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 Delia Tibbs at alcoholedu@ttuhsc.edu or 806.743.2844 ext. 290.

Thank you for your support of our efforts to create a safe and healthy campus.

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 Students can sharpen their computing skills for FREE

The TTU IT Division invites your student to attend our Fall 2011 semester Computing ShortCourses. Courses are taught by professional IT staff members to TTU students, faculty, and staff.

ALL ShortCourses are held in the Advanced Technology Learning Center (ATLC) in the west basement of the University Library.

We are constantly working to expand our training in all ShortCourses categories:

Computing Practices & Guidelines
Graphics & Multimedia
Microsoft Office
Statistics
Web Development & Publishing
and Workshops (EndNote, Lync, TTU Web 101).

New courses offered are Excel Data Analysis, Lync, IBM Cognos Student Reporting, and TTU Web 101.

Our Fall 2011 semester ShortCourses began on August 30, 2011 and continue throughout the semester. For ShortCourse descriptions, schedules, and registration, please visit www.itts.ttu.edu/training/shortcourses. We encourage you to take advantage of this useful resource to improve your existing technology skills and to learn new technologies. If you have questions, please contact us at ITeducation@ttu.edu.

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 Campus Clery Report available online

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is the landmark federal law, originally known as the Campus Security Act, which requires colleges and universities across the United States to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses.

The “Clery Report” requires institutions of higher education to prepare, publish, and distribute a report concerning campus crime statistics and security policies on an annual basis through appropriate publications, mailings or computer networks to all current students and employees, and all prospective students and prospective employees upon request. This document contains the annual report concerning specific campus crime and arrest statistics as well as information about campus policies and practices intended to promote crime awareness, campus safety and security.

The report can be found at www.depts.ttu.edu/ttpd/clery.php

 

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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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 Order your 2011 Official Texas Tech Ornament

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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 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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 October 2011 academic and event calendar

October 1, Saturday
Applicable Payment Plan due date – Required payment must be received by the due date or the account will incur late fees.
Texas Tech at Kansas

October 8, Saturday
Texas Tech vs. Texas A&M

October 10 – 11, Monday – Tuesday
Student holiday; does not apply to School of Law. Limited dining locations available.

October 12, Wednesday
Classes resume.

October 15, Saturday
Texas Tech vs. Kansas State University

October 21, 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.

October 22, Saturday
Texas Tech at Oklahoma University

October 24, Monday
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. Last day for graduate degree candidates to submit final defense reports to the Graduate School.

October 29, Saturday
Texas Tech vs. Iowa State University

October 31, Monday
Last day for student-initiated drop on MyTech with penalty (counts against drop limit). All drops are the responsibility of the student. Last day to declare pass/fail intentions.

 

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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 Midterms and new terms . . . preparing for academic advising

Correction does much, but encouragement does more – Goethe.

I know…midterms already. It wasn’t all that long ago that you emptied the truck bed or the SUV outside the residence hall. Time really does seem to fly.

Chances are, your student is now realizing exactly how quickly time can pass. Midterms are already scheduled, finals are just a few weeks down the road, and there’s all this work to do, too! Plus football games, job fairs, and movie night can lead to students really overbooking or even re-booking schedules. How could an afternoon of math homework possibly contend with football in Jones AT&T Stadium?

As students delve into the heart of the semester, encouraging words from home can really boost spirits. Plus, a simple, hand-written note provides that at-home feeling students miss (even if they don’t say they do). Consider these ideas to connect with your student:

1. Send a postcard from a local attraction. This gives the student something special from home and opens conversations with friends.
2. Take a picture of a favored pet. Scribble a short hello from the animal on the back. Smiles are all but guaranteed.
3. Inscribe a few words in the front cover of an encouraging book. It will be a hallmark decoration in the residence hall.

While you’re penning a note to your student, consider this a good time for a couple of gentle reminders. Your student’s academic advisor is also corresponding with your student about key dates and activities. Perhaps you can find a way to slide these ideas into your note:

• Schedule an advising appointment. Advanced Registration for Spring 2012 begins November 4. Now is not too early to make an advising appointment to determine appropriate classes for next term. If students don’t remember their advisor’s name, contact information is available at my.advising.ttu.edu.
• For freshmen – complete part two of AlcoholEdu by October 21. Students can access this important page at http://bit.ly/alcoholeduttu.
• Ask for assistance. Students do not always remember they have people and resources here for almost any situation. Help your student remember to use available resources such as The Learning Center, residential tutoring and the Student Wellness Center.

If you want to create a smile and really touch your student, send a hand-written note of encouragement this month. Your student will almost certainly appreciate the personal touch and relish the support of a caring family.

Look next month for more academic advising information just in time for Thanksgiving Break.

 

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 Student Disability Services offers seminars for student success

Is your student having difficulty with writing, test-taking, or time management? Student Disability Services offers seminars to help students with these issues. The seminars are open to all Texas Tech students free of charge.

Re-Organization
Still struggling with organization and time management? Here’s another chance to review different strategies and discuss what may or may not be working for you this semester. It is important that you bring your personal planner and copies of each of your syllabi so that you can fully participate in the seminar. Start planning your study schedule for finals now.
October 4, October 5, or October 6

Test Taking
Struggle with test taking? This seminar will review different strategies and tips to help you improve your test taking ability.
October 18, October 19, or October 20

Writing
Improve your writing by learning the initial strategies for success, including brainstorming, narrowing topics, free writing, and organization. This is a basic seminar recommended for freshman and sophomore students. Please bring pencil and paper.
October 25, October 26, or October 27

All seminars are held from 3:00-4:00 p.m. in 246 West Hall. Choose the date that works best for your schedule.

For more information, visit Student Disability Services at www.depts.ttu.edu/students/sds.

 

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 Literature review workshop scheduled for October 19th

If your student is involved in research (or will be later in his/her academic career), tell him or her about this great opportunity to learn how to conduct a literature review:

WHAT IS A LITERATURE REVIEW AND HOW CAN IT HELP ME WITH MY RESEARCH?

The Center for Undergraduate Research will be hosting a workshop that will assist you in conducting a literature review. This workshop is open to all TTU students; no registration is required to attend. By attending this workshop, researchers will gain a clearer understanding as to what a literature review is and how it is best conducted.

The lit review is often the first stage of a large research project. A literature review can be just a simple summary of the sources or an organizational pattern that expands upon the reason behind selecting a particular research question. By coming, you can know how to properly conduct a literature review and how it can be invaluable to the research process. Come join us as we take an in depth look in conducting a literature review. This workshop will be hosted at the library room #150 from 12:00 -1:00pm on Wednesday, October 19th.

If you need more information you can contact us at:

Center for Undergraduate Research
Student Union Building 232 E
undergraduateresearch.ttu.edu
806-742-1095
cur@ttu.edu

 

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 Now open 24/5 - the Texas Tech University Library!

That's right! The University Library is now open around the clock beginning 10 a.m. Sunday until 11 p.m. Friday. And we are still conveniently open from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Saturday.

Students should bring their University IDs - they will need them after 10 p.m. to get in the east doors (the SUB side). Be sure to take note - these doors will be the only point of entry after that time.

Here's to a successful academic year for both students and faculty!

Get it all at the Library.

 

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 Graduation Fair set for October 4-6

Share with your graduating seniors:

The Graduation Fair is Oct. 4-6, 2011, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. in the Frazier Alumni Pavilion. The Frazier Alumni Pavilion is located at the southwest corner of Jones AT&T Stadium.

The Graduation Fair is a one-stop shop for all of your class ring and graduation needs!

The Official Texas Tech Class Ring
- Ring representatives from Balfour will be present to assist those students who have 75+ credit hours buy their official class ring.
- Rings bought this week will be back in time for our fall ring ceremonies, which will take place Nov. 28-29, 2011.

Graduation Announcements
- Order your personalized Texas Tech graduation announcements to send to your family and friends.

Diploma Frames
- Diploma frames will be available for purchase. Be sure to show off all your hard work with one of the many styles to choose from.

Cap & Gown
- Attention Seniors! Be sure to stop by the Barnes & Noble table to purchase your cap and gown.

Graduation Portraits
- Classic Photo will provide the opportunity for cap and gown portraits.
- No sitting fee and no obligation to purchase.
- Classic photo will provide the regalia and proofs will be available online in less than 24 hours.

Graduate School
- Stop by the Texas Tech Graduate school table to pick up helpful information about continuing your education.

Job Opportunities
- Come by the Career Services table for information on signing up for Raider Jobs and advice on what to do once you graduate!

Liberty Mutual
- Come by the Liberty Mutual table for information on how they can help you with your insurance needs.

Kaplan Test Services
- Come by the Kaplan table to learn about the services and classes they offer here in Lubbock.

For more information on the Graduation Fair, please contact Mandy Wiley at mandy.wiley@ttu.edu or 806.742.3641 extension 243

 

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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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 Student job opening: web developer

The Whitacre College of Engineering is accepting applications for a part-time web developer.
The candidate must be Federal Work-Study eligible and will have a strong working knowledge of HTML, PHP, Flash, JavaScript, and other markup languages. Candidates should have experience with Adobe Photoshop. Experience with a web-based content-management system is a plus.

Specific Hours: Flexible
Hours Per Week: 15-20
Compensation: $7.50-9/hour - Based on experience
Open Date: Immediate

Email a resume to jeff.sammons@ttu.edu to apply.

 

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 RRO Crew information sessions scheduled

If your student needs employment for summer 2012, share this opportunity with him or her:

 

Thank you for your interest in the BEST SUMMER JOB EVER! Come see what it takes to be a part of the 2012 Red Raider Orientation Crew. These students will help welcome over 7,500 new students to Texas Tech next summer. Find out the details about this exciting opportunity at the following times. It is only necessary to attend one session.

WHO: YOU and YOUR FRIENDS!
WHAT: RRO Information Sessions
WHEN: Monday, October 3 – 4:00-4:30 PM
Tuesday, October 4 – 1:00-1:30 & 4:00-4:30 PM
WHERE: SUB Escondido Theatre (West Basement)
WHY: Receive more information about being a Student Counselor for RRO 2012.

Job details will be shared at the sessions.

 

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 Author Michael Pollan opens Presdential Lecture and Performance Series

Did your student read the Summer Reading Program book, In Defense of Food? If so, he or she can meet the author!

For the past twenty-five years, Michael Pollan has been writing books and articles about the places where nature and culture intersect: on our plates, in our farms and gardens, and in the built environment. He is author of the 2011 TTU Summer Reading Program book selection In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto. He was named to the 2010 TIME 100, the magazine’s annual list of the world’s 100 most influential people and has authored such New York Times bestsellers as Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual; The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals and The Botany of Desire: A Plant’s Eye View of the World.

This evening’s autobiographical talk, Out of the Garden and Onto the Plate: One Writer’s Path, includes selected readings from several of Pollan’s books, which will be available immediately following the lecture at his book signing.

General Admission tickets are $15.00 and are available through all Select-A-Seat locations (806) 770-2000. TTU Students receive 1 free ticket with valid ID at the SUB information booth located at the entrance to the Allen Theatre on the campus of Texas Tech University.

For more information: www.presidentialseries.ttu.edu or 806.742.0700.

 

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 Student Union and Activities calendar for October

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 October.

 

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 Family Weekend 2011 Wrap-up

Family Weekend 2011 was a great success! Thank you to all of those who volunteered, participated in meetings of the Texas Tech Parents Association, and came to Lubbock to visit your students. Texas Tech University is a unique place where families are welcome to come out and have fun, and this certainly showed during Family Weekend.

Special thanks to Varsity Bookstore, Womens Service Organization, Texas Tech Spirit Squads, Saddle Tramps, McPherson Cellars, Lubbock Convention and Visitors Bureau, Tech Treats, Student Union and Activities, Texas Tech Athletics, University Parking Services, SGA President Tyler Patton, SGA External Vice President Mike Uryasz, Mike Gunn, Truitt Cross, Leigh Lowe, Karen Graham, Joyce Zachman, and all of the students and families who attended.

View photos of Family Weekend here. You can even order prints!

If you attended Family Weekend, please take our short survey and share your feedback.

If you pre-ordered Family Weekend T-shirts and did not pick them up during Family Weekend, please send your student to Parent and Family Relations (201Q Student Union Building) by Friday, October 7th to pick them up.

View the 2011 Tuition Draw winners here.

The Family Weekend 2012 date will be put in the eNewsletter as soon as it is chosen. This normally happens at the beginning of the spring semester after football schedules have been set and the homecoming date has been fixed.

 

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 New Texas Tech Parents Association Board of Directors and Executive Director Announced

The Texas Tech Parents Association proudly announces the 2012-2013 Board of Directors and newly appointed Executive Director:
 
 Joyce Zachman,  Executive Director
 Kathy Bruner, President
 Jose Caussade, Strategic Planning
 Don Peterson, Scholarships
 Jody Sneed, Development
 Ronda Spraggins, Special Events
 Mona Stevens, Volunteers
 Freda Ward,  Secretary

 

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