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Vol. 13 Issue 10 Parent and Family eNews - October 2014 General News and Important Dates
Financial Tips/Info Parent and Family Member Spotlight
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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Parent Pulse Poll for October
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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 your student's holiday plans: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TJMQGPL This poll will be open through the month of October. Results will be posted at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/polls.php in November.
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Thanksgiving Bus Trip Tickets on Sale
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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 2014. 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. Tickets are selling fast so be sure and purchase soon! http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/bustrips.php [ return to top ]
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Family Weekend Football Kickoff Time Announced
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Mark your calendars for October 10-11, 2014 when Texas Tech takes on West Virginia. Football kickoff time is 11:00 AM. Please visit www.texastechparents.org for a complete Family Weekend Schedule. GO TECH! [ return to top ]
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University Career Fair: October 1st
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Looking for an internship? Graduating in December or May? Make plans to attend the Fall 2014 University Career Fair on October 1st, 2014, from 1-4pm at the Overton Hotel. Professional dress is required. Bring copies of your resume. A FREE CitiBus trolley will be picking up every 15 minutes from the east SUB bus stop and dropping off at the Overton, and parking is also available at the Overton. To see a list of attending employers, log into your Hire Red Raiders account at www.hireredraiders.ttu.edu. A list of events and workshops leading up to the Career Fair can be found on the University Career Center website at www.careercenter.ttu.edu. This event is open to undergraduate, graduate, international, and distance students, and alumni.
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Is your student thinking about Studying Abroad?
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I left for Spain in January of 2014 to study at the TTU Center in Seville and I returned as a different person. While I was away, I saw the beauty and wonderful culture the world has to offer us. Life to me now just isn't about the latest cover of Vogue or the life of Kim Kardashian. My life after Spain is so much more fulfilled than my life ever was before I left. I encourage all of you to look into studying abroad even if you just travel the world. It changed my life, and I know it will change yours too. All you have to do is have courage to take the step in the right direction to change the world as you see it. Financing Your Study Abroad Experience It’s surprising to me how many people don’t acknowledge study abroad because they think they can’t afford it. In my experience, I think it was very affordable. Depending on the program, the costs can go to your TTU E-bill, where any financial aid can deduct from your bill. I went abroad, and I come from a home with a single mom with my brother at home. My mom was great about helping me have the chance of seeing the world. My point is that if you want to go, you can find a way. There are multiple scholarships available to students who want to go abroad; it’s just a matter of how bad you want to go. Just know that your study abroad experience can be affordable no matter the size of your budget. Sept. 30 at 2:30 in West Hall Rm 101 Types of Programs Texas Tech Study Abroad is offered in over 70 countries, with over 300 existing different programs. There really is a program being offered that fits your student’s needs. There are a variety of different kinds of programs that we offer; it’s all about finding what your student is looking for! We offer Faculty-led Programs, The TTU Center in Seville, Reciprocal Exchange Programs, and Affiliate Programs. We even have programs across the globe that can fit into to your student’s major. Many students find it beneficial because they can take classes they need for their degree anywhere! It just depends on what they are looking for!
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Texas Tech Sponsors Student Health Insurance by Blue Cross & Blue Shield
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| What happened to student health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act?
Did you know Texas Tech University (TTU) sponsors a student health insurance plan offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas known as AcademicBlue? Student health insurance plans are not new. In fact, many states require coverage for college students, and the federal government requires some international students to carry health insurance coverage while attending college in the United States. As you would expect, most domestic students are covered as dependents under a parent’s plan until age 26, and most will stay on their parent’s plan -but should they? The following information is brought to you by AcademicBlue to help you make decisions about how best to insure your Red Raider. As a result of the Affordable Care Act, student health insurance plans are required to provide the same health benefits as individual health insurance plans. Before the Affordable Care Act, many student health insurance plans were not required to provide certain basic health benefits, such as preventive care, nor did they have out-of-pocket maximums, which provide a financial limit on the total dollar amount a student would be required to pay during a specified policy period. The good news is that today’s student plans must provide federally mandated essential health benefits. TTU students enrolled in AcademicBlue now have the same health benefits as individual plans, such as important preventive care that includes women’s preventive services with no cost sharing. Students in AcademicBlue have access to a broad network of providers through the BCBSTX Blue Choice PPO network so they are covered at home, at school or while traveling. For some students, the student health insurance plan may be a better choice than remaining on their parent’s plan. Most student health insurance plans have lower premiums compared to individual plans or even dependent coverage under a parent’s plan. Student Health Services offers 100 percent coverage for eligible services on the TTU campus. Student Health Services (SHS) is a large on-campus heathcare facility that offers a range of services to support the health and well-being of TTU students. Go to www.ttuhsc.edu/studenthealth to see what SHS has to offer. Do the math and see if the AcademicBlue student health insurance plan is a smart move for your student! Open enrollment for the Spring Semester starts November 17th, 2014 and is through February 15th, 2015. Go to ttu.myahpcare.com or call (877) 357-0241 for more information. AcademicBlueSM is offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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Homecoming Week: October 13-18
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Homecoming week boasts many fun and spirited activities including S.O. Sing, Bonfire/Pep Rally, Parade, and the Texas Tech vs. Kansas football game. This year's theme is Tech Goes Hollywood. Schedule of events: Monday, October 13 Homecoming Kick-off, 12:00-12:50 pm in the Student Union North Plaza Tuesday, October 14 Homecoming Happenings: All-Day Hollywood Movie, 11:00 am- 6:00 pm in the SUB Escondido Theater. Grab some free popcorn and enjoy Casino Royale. Wednesday, October 15 Homecoming Happenings: Star Prints, 11:00 am-3:00 pm near
Student Union CopyMail S.O. ( Student Organization) Sing, 8:00-10:00 pm at the United Supermarkets Arena Thursday, October 16 Homecoming Happenings: Pictures with the Stars, 11:00 am-3:00 pm in the SUB North Plaza Tamale Fest, Sponsored by: Cru at Texas Tech, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm at Urbanovsky Park Amphitheater Techsan Memorial, 5:30 pm
Memorial Circle Friday, October 17 Rowdy Raider Rally, 12:00 -12:50 pm SUB North Plaza Homecoming Parade, 6:00 pm at the
TTU Broadway Entrance Bonfire, Immediately following Showtime & Pep Rally 2014 at the
Bonfire Pit/Rugby Fields Saturday, October 18 RaiderGate, Gates open 4 hours before kickoff in the
R-1 Parking Lot/15th & Detroit Homecoming Football Game vs. Kansas, Time: TBA at Jones AT&T Stadium For more information regarding 2013 Homecoming Week events, please visit www.homecoming.ttu.edu
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Texas Tech Ring Savings Program
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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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Save the Date: Majors and Minors Fair October 29
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10.29.14 – Your student's future just got a lot sweeter! At the Majors & Minors Fair, students will be able to: - Explore majors & minors - Discover career opportunities. - Meet with professors, advisors & students. - Take the next steps toward graduation. The Majors & Minors Fair will be held at the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center from 11am to 1pm. To get more information about the Majors & Minors Fair and to find great resources to plan your path to success, visit www.majorfair.ttu.edu.
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Recreational Sports Hiring
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Office Staff Wanted for the Intramural Sports and Sport Club Office. Hours will be between 8-5 pm and will work with your class schedule. Hours will be between 6 – 10 hours per week. Please submit an application by following this link. Send any questions you may have to Laura Thomas, Sport Club Director. These applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.
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Campus Departments and How-To Videos
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Click HERE to watch videos from Student Health Services and Student Counseling Center and learn about various services for your student. We have also provided how-to videos to help you navigate on various topics such as: Adding dining bucks and Raider cash to students account
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Career Center Events
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University Career Center will host various events this months for your student. Encourage your Red Raider to attend these workshops, seminars, and fairs. 10/1 - Fall University Career Fair 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Overton Hotel 10/14 - Resume Critique Day 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. University Career Center 10/21 - Etiquette Dinner Registration and Professional Dress Required 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center 10/28 - Non-Profit Fair 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. SUB Ballroom
For more information about the University Career Center visit www.careercenter.ttu.edu
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SOAR Learning Center empowers students in pursuits of success
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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. [ return to top ]
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2014-2015 Student Handbook now available
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Students are expected to abide by policies and procedures in the Student Handbook. Please review the 2014-2015 Student Handbook via this link: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/dos/handbook/ [ return to top ]
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Limited Family Weekend Football Tickets
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Family Weekend is October 10-11th and football tickets are going fast! Be sure to order yours now and see Texas Tech take on West Virginia University!! Kickoff is at 11:00 AM Use promo code FAMILYWEEKEND to purchase discounted tickets at www.texastech.com/promocode. [ return to top ]
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For your complete Texas Tech news, visit Texas Tech Today
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Keep up-to-date about everything Texas Tech by visiting Texas Tech Today, a complete news source for Texas Tech University. [ return to top ]
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This month's academic and event calendar |
October 20, Monday
October 27, Monday
For the complete 2014-2015 Academic Calendar, please visit For the Texas Tech event calendar, please CLICK HERE. [ return to top ]
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Red to Black Money Management Series: Credit Reports
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RED TO BLACK MONEY MANAGEMENT SERIES: CREDIT REPORTS What’s your first thought when you hear the word credit? For me, it’s credit cards. For you it might be credit reports and scores or maybe it’s loans. This month we are going to focus on why credit reports are important and next month we will focus on building good credit. You have probably heard of a credit report, but do you know why it is so important? A credit report is a record of all your credit, so credit cards, student loans, car loan, mortgage, bank loans. It also contains information about whether you are on time with your payments or not. Rent and utilities don’t usually show up unless you are past due or have been sent to collections. Creditors and lenders use your credit report to determine whether you are worth the risk of loaning you money or not. They use all that information in your credit report and come up with a credit score, the most common of which is the FICO. (To learn more about how your FICO score is calculated, visit their website: http://www.myfico.com/crediteducation/whatsinyourscore.aspx) The higher the score, the less risky you are to lend money to, and the lower the interest rate you will probably get. The inverse is also true; if your score is low, your interest rate will probably be higher or you might not qualify for the loan at all. Another way credit scores are being used is to determine if you are worthy of a job offer or not. That’s right! Employers are now looking at credit reports. This is especially important for your student! You are entitled to one free credit report each year from each of the three credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union. You can get them all at once or you can space them out and get one every four months. The website for the free credit reports is www.annualcredit report.com. After you receive your report if you find mistakes or incorrect information, it is important to get that corrected as soon as possible. The Federal Trade Commission website has information about how to dispute this incorrect information: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0151-disputing-errors-credit-reports. Red to Black can assist in reading and interpreting credit reports, correcting mistakes or learning how to build credit the safe way. Red to Black is here to help, so have your student call us at 742-9781, send us an email at redtoblack@ttu.edu or come by our office in the SUB East Basement room 24. More information is available at www.r2b.ttu.edu. [ return to top ]
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A Five-Generation Texas Tech Legacy: Strickland Family
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Four years ago, when Justin Strickland was a high school senior considering his options for college, it might have been curiosity that drew him in at first. But after experiencing the Red Raider Road Show in Houston where he heard the words, “From Here, It’s Possible”, he soon understood what it means to have Red Raider enthusiasm in his bloodline.... READ MORE [ return to top ]
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Four-Generation Texas Tech family: Kristie Garnett
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With great fondness I remember carefully putting an album on my parents’ stereo console, gently lifting and applying the needle to the edge of the record, and listening to the Goin’ Band from Raiderland. My family loved this album, and on more than a few occasions, my sister and I may have used a towel as a cape to simulate a bullfighter with a bull. The music of Texas Tech is probably my earliest memory of this great educational institution, but Tech’s influence had already permeated throughout my family’s lineage... READ MORE [ return to top ]
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Looking for more ways to get involved?
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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. [ return to top ]
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Student Mailing Information
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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 or watch our how-to video on mailing a package to your studenthttp://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/howto.php.
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AlcoholEdu for College
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The deadline for part two of AlcoholEdu® for College is fast approaching. Please encourage your first-year freshman student to log onto http://alcoholedu.ttu.edu using their eraider and complete the course. There is a 45 day delay between part one and part two of the course. We know that your first-year freshman 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. Thank you for your contribution toward helping us maintain a safe and healthy campus community. If you have any further questions, please contact Kyle Galyean, Alcohol & Drug Prevention Specialist, Student Health Services, at 806-743-7286 or alcoholedu@ttuhsc.edu.
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Fall Graduation Fair: September 30th-October 2nd
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Is there a commencement in your future? Make sure your Red Raider drops by the Fall Graduation Fair Sept. 30 – Oct. 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Barnes & Noble located in the Texas Tech Student Union Building. Students can try on rings, purchase their cap and gown, order announcements and more! The Texas Tech Alumni Association Graduation Fairs are one-stop shops for grads. Link to the page: http://www.texastechalumni.org/s/1422/social.aspx?sid=1422&gid=1&pgid=1190&cid=3329&ecid=3329&crid=0&calpgid=376&calcid=1082
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Does your student need health insurance? Academic health plans are available for Texas Tech students
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If your student needs his or her own health insurance policy, there are Academic Health Plans available. Visit http://ttu.myahpcare.com/ for more information. [ return to top ]
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Students planning to work on campus need original social security card
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Is your student planning to get a new job on campus? Students who work on campus must bring their original Social Security Cards for human resources processing due to federal I-9 requirements. Remind your student to keep his or her social security card in a safe place. [ return to top ]
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Consider renters insurance for your student whether they are living on or off campus
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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. [ return to top ]
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Responsible off campus living
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If your 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. [ return to top ]
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Student Union and Activities Calendar
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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. [ return to top ]
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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
Copyright ©2013 Texas Tech University, Inc. All Rights Reserved
