Parent and Family Relations

Vol. 10  Issue 9                                                Parent and Family eNews September 2011

In this issue...

News and Important Dates

Family Weekend

Extracurricular Activities

Texas Tech Parents Association

 



 Registration for Thanksgiving bus trips begins September 1st

Tech Parents is pleased to work with our Chapters in Houston, Austin, and Dallas/Fort Worth along with parents and family members in El Paso to bring you bus trips to get students home for Thanksgiving 2011. Tech Parents organizes these bus trips to help students travel home at a lower cost ($100 round trip) who might not otherwise be able to make it home for Thanksgiving. The buses will leave Lubbock on Wednesday, November 23rd and return on Sunday, November 27th. Trips are planned to Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and El Paso. Seating is limited and based on bus availability. You will be able to register for the bus trips beginning September 1st.

For more information and to register for the bus trip, please visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/bustrips.php

 

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 An apple a day...tips for keeping your student healthy

The fall semester is rapidly approaching, and it brings with it loads of new adventures and experiences both in and out of the classroom. Students have new classes to enjoy, new friends to make, and of course Saturdays filled with cheering the Red Raiders on in football season. In addition to these great new adventures, there’s also the need to help keep your student healthy in both mind and body.

Body

Cooler weather and close quarters in classrooms and residence halls can make it very easy for students to get sick, and according to the Department of Health and Human Services (http://www.cdc.gov/family/college/) there are some things that you can encourage your student to do in order to keep feeling well:

• Get regular check-ups and vaccinations
• Get plenty of rest to fight fatigue and sleep deprivation
• Get exercise and eat well
• Minimize stress and support good mental health
• Be informed of campus resources (student wellness, campus security, etc.

This is also a great time to send your students a care package full of cough drops and their favorite hard candies just in case they do start to feel a bit under the weather. You can also contact TTU Hospitality Services at 806-742-1360, and they can make up a ‘goodie package’ for your student and deliver it to the residence hall.

Mind

In addition to protecting the body from illness, the fall semester is a great time to support your student’s academic health as well. A great resource for your student is the free Academic Physical workshop provided by the Learning Center. This workshop helps students identify their learning style, manage procrastination, and handle lots of other common issues that students face. For more information on the workshop and how to register, you can visit www.discovery.ttu.edu.

Calls home are also a great time to check up on your student’s academic health:

• Ask open ended questions about their classes
What’s your best class so far?
What do you like about it?

• Make sure they know about all of their available resources
Who is your academic advisor and when is your next meeting?
I heard about free tutoring services at the Learning Center. What do you think about this?

There are loads of tips and tricks that can help your college student be successful and stay healthy, but the #1 tip is to be available - sometimes just knowing that someone is there for them can make all the difference in the world for students.

Next month’s topic: Midterms and New Terms…Preparing for Academic Advising For more good advice from Texas Tech’s University Advising, visit: http://blog.advising.ttu.edu/blog/

 

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 Make sure your student knows all about the library

Many college students are unaware of what their library can do for them. It's not just about checking out books any more. Make sure your student knows all about the resources available at the Texas Tech University Library by encouraging him or her to attend the Library Fair on September 13th from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

When: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Texas Tech Library
Description: Learn about all the services provided by your University Library, including demos of the new GroupWorks interactive media area, meet your Personal Librarian, see items available to check out such as DVDs, electronics & audiobooks & much more!

For more information about the libarary, visit http://library.ttu.edu/.

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 Student Health Services information

If your student feels sick, remember Student Health Services on campus.

Student Health Services is the only full scope primary care clinic located on campus to serve the students of Texas Tech. Our clinic is staffed with board-certified physicians who look forward to providing for your health care needs. Please visit our website for updates on the cost of medical services provided at our clinic: http://www.ttuhsc.edu/studenthealth/

For an appointment, students should call 806.743.2848

Visit us in the Student Wellness Center at 1003 Flint Ave. (on the corner of Flint Ave. and Main St.)

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 AlcoholEdu 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.

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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 Parents of sophomore students: some resources you should know

Surveys of sophomore students reveal that they want financial and career advice. Let your sophomores know about these services they can utilize on campus to help them prepare for their futures:

University Career Services

Texas Tech University Career Services views a student’s career development as a part of the student’s overall college and life experience. Our primary focus is to assist in career development and education. University Career Services provides an extensive list of online jobs and on-campus interviews through RaiderJobs (www.raiderjobs.ttu.edu), as well as career counseling for students to explore those factors that influence career decisions. To maximize our career counseling appointments, we help students select career paths and internship endeavors through an extensive battery of career assessments including the Strong Interest Inventory, StrengthsQuest, TypeFocus and more. For more information call 806-742-2210 or visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/careercenter/.

Red to Black

The Red to Black program provides free confidential financial counseling and financial literacy education for students. Its goal is to help students stay out of debt with their personal finances. The website at www.r2b.ttu.edu contains many helpful articles and tools, including a sample budget and information on using credit cards wisely. Contact Red to Black at 806-742-9781 or email redtoblack@ttu.edu.

Cash Course

Another financial education resource for students is CashCourse, a web site with information that will help your student make informed financial decisions throughout his or her college years and into professional life. http://www.cashcourse.org/ttu/Default.aspx.

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 Pre-order your 2011 Official Texas Tech Ornament today!

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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 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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 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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 University-wide career fair scheduled for fall

Please remind your student…

2011 University-Wide Career Fair

Wednesday, September 14 1p.m. – 4p.m.
Overton Hotel 2322 Mac Davis Lane
Questions? Call University Career Services at 806-742-2210
ALL students welcome to attend

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 Texas Tech University Student Handbook

Text: Students are expected to abide by policies and procedures in the Student Handbook. Please review the Student Handbook via this link:

http://www.depts.ttu.edu/dos/docs/Student%20Handbook%202011-2012.pdf

 

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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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 September 2011 academic and event calendar

September 3
Texas Tech football vs. Texas State

September 5, Monday
Labor Day. University holiday.

September 12, Monday
Last day for student-initiated drop on MyTech without penalty (drop does not count against drop limit). All drops are the responsibility of the student. Last day to drop a course and receive a refund. Does not apply to students who drop to 0 hours.

September 13, Tuesday
Student-initiated drop made on or after this date counts against drop limit. All drops are the responsibility of the student.

September 15, Thursday
Last day for graduate degree candidates to file with the Graduate School a statement of intention to graduate. 4:30 p.m., final cancellation. Students who are not enrolled in a payment plan or have not paid 100% of mandatory tuition and fees will have credit hours removed from their course(s) and will remain financially responsible for their charges in full. Cancellation fees will be assessed and will be subject to collections.

September 16, Friday at 5 p.m.
Last day to order Family Weekend meal tickets, tailgate passes (while supplies last), and T-shirts at www.parent.ttu.edu.

September 17
Texas Tech football at New Mexico

September 22, Thursday
Last day to withdraw from the university and receive a partial refund.

September 23-25
Family Weekend. For more information, visit www.parent.ttu.edu

September 24
Texas Tech football vs. Nevada

September 30, Friday
Last day for doctoral students to submit the Defense Notification form.

 

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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 Family Weekend 2011 event tickets on sale now!

Family Weekend is a great time to visit the Texas Tech campus and reconnect with your student. We hope you will join us!

 

Visit www.parent.ttu.edu and click "Family Weekend" for the complete schedule and ticket ordering information.

 

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 Family Weekend important dates, deadlines, and ticket mailing information

Thursday, September 1st: we will begin mailing pre-ordered meal tickets and tailgate passes. (Pre-ordered T-shirts will be available at Family Weekend Central on Friday, September 23rd from Noon - 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday, September 24th from 8:00 a.m. until Noon.)

Thursday, September 8th: event tickets and tailgate passes ordered after this date will not be mailed - they will be available for pickup at Family Weekend Central.

Friday, September 16th at 5 p.m.: deadline to order Family Weekend meal tickets, tailgate passes (while supplies last), and T-shirts

Visit www.parent.ttu.edu and click "Family Weekend" for the complete schedule and ticket ordering information. Email parent@ttu.edu or call 806-742-3630 with questions.

 

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 Family Weekend Hotel Information: Parents Asked To Post Unneeded Hotel Rooms On MyTech Parents Message Board

Q. I want to attend Family Weekend, but there seem to be no more rooms left. What should I do?

A. If you cannot find a hotel room, don't despair. Check the MyTech Parents Message Board by logging in at www.parent.ttu.edu. We ask all parents who find they cannot come to Family Weekend to post their rooms there before cancelling their reservation so that other Tech Parents can use them. (See below.)

PARENTS ASKED TO POST OPEN HOTEL ROOMS ON MYTECH PARENTS MESSAGE BOARD

Parents who will not be using their room reservations for Family Weekend are asked to please
post them on the MyTech Parents Message Board by logging in at http://www.parent.ttu.edu so other families can utilize them. Parents looking for rooms, this is a great place to check for one!

To utilize the forum, just log on at www.parent.ttu.edu and click 'Message Board.' There is a section especially for those needing/releasing Family Weekend hotel rooms and event tickets.(If you have forgotten your login information, no problem--just go to www.parent.ttu.edu and click "Forgot My P-word" near the login area. You will be asked for your email address and your login credentials will be sent to you.)

The Message Board is also a great place to find football tickets and hotel rooms for other weekends, as well as to ask other Tech Parents questions about topics like off-campus housing, campus services, or anything else you need advice about from a parent's perspective.

 

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 Family Weekend Parent and Family Tailgate information

Q. What exactly is a tailgate?

A. Wisegeek.com says: A tailgate party is a social gathering held in parking lots before and often after an event. The event might be a concert, football game, baseball game, or other attraction. Participants use open tailgates for impromptu seating and access to ice chests, food, folding chairs, and other tailgate party necessities. 

Wikipedia.com says: A tailgate party is a social event held on and around the open tailgate of a vehicle. Tailgating often involves consuming beverages and grilling food. Tailgate parties usually occur in the parking lots at stadiums and arenas before, and occasionally after or during, sporting events and rock concerts. Many people participate even if their vehicles do not have tailgates.

Parent and Family Relations says: A tailgate party is an opportunity to gather with fellow Red Raider fans before kickoff to get ready for game time. Tailgaters bring food, drinks, games such as washers, footballs, chairs and their gameday spirit. Enjoy the games provided, and make sure to bring your own as well. You might even win the Rowdy Raider Parent & Family Tailgating contest! (Judges will walk through the tailgate about halfway through, or two hours after the gates open).

There are still a limited number of tailgate passes left. To order, visit www.parent.ttu.edu and click on "Family Weekend" for ordering information.

IMPORTANT: If you are planning to attend the Family Weekend Parent and Family Tailgate, please read the Parent and Family Tailgate Policies.

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 Visit Lubbock web site

Whether you are visiting Lubbock during Family Weekend or any other time, check out the Visit Lubbock web site for information about shopping, restaurants, attractions, and lodging.

http://www.visitlubbock.org/index.php

 

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 Texas Tech's Outdoor Pursuits Center offers fun trips and involvement opportunities for students

Are you looking for a safe and fun alternative for your Tech student to spend the weekend or fall break? Is your student looking for an exciting new way to get plugged in and meet people that are like minded? Check out the Outdoor Pursuits Center’s adventure trips planned throughout this fall semester at www.recsports.ttu.edu/OPC/trips.php.

 

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 Encourage your students to get involved with one of the 400+ student organizations!

Registered student organizations are managed through OrgSync, an online community at Texas Tech. OrgSync is the best place to stay connected to student organizations, browse the 400+ registered student organizations, and get involved with one or two!

Interested members of student organizations: Search for registered Student Organizations and contact the organization for membership information. You can also join OrgSync and set up your personal profile. Visit http://ttu.orgsync.com to search for Student Organizations and to join OrgSync.

Questions? Contact the Center for Campus Life, 806- 742-5433 or email studentorgs@ttu.edu

 

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 President's Select applications available

If your student is proud to be a Red Raider and wants to share that pride with others, please share this exciting involvement opportunity with him or her:

Want to join one of Texas Tech’s most elite organizations? President's Select applications will be available starting Monday, August 29th. Applications may be picked up in the west wing of the Administration Building, Room 150.

President’s Select is an elite group of students who serve the university by giving campus tours, working presidential events, and recruiting players for Texas Tech’s football team.

 

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 Student Union and Activities calendar for September

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 September.

 

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 Welcome, new members!

Welcome, new Tech Parents members! Make sure you visit www.parent.ttu.edu and log into your MyTech Parents account to take advantage of all your membership benefits.

When you log on to your MyTech Parents account at www.parent.ttu.edu, you can . . .

  • Share information, ideas, and concerns on the Message Board
  • Register and/or purchase tickets for events such as Family Weekend
  • Update your Parent Profile-

change email addresses and other contact information when needed
upload a photo

  • View the events calendar
  • Upgrade or renew your Tech Parents membership
  • Search the active membership list to find other Tech Parents in your area
  • Browse the local chapters in your geographic area

 

Logging on is easy! Just go to www.parent.ttu.edu and enter your login information in the spaces on the upper right hand corner of the page.

Forgot your login information? No problem-just click the link below the login area and enter your email address. Your login information will be emailed right to you.

Log on today!

 

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 Get involved with a Tech Parents local chapter

Fall is a great time to get involved with a local Chapter of Tech Parents. If you reside in D/FW, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Abilene, or Lubbock areas, get involved! Visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/localchapters.php for more information and to find out how to connect with other TTU families in your area.

If you desire to receive specific email announcements from one of our chapters, please log in to your myTech Parents account at www.parent.ttu.edu and in your profile under “Chapter Involvement,” select a chapter closest to you.  Chapters organize and plan monthly activities for parents and family members in the local area to meet one another and share the Texas Tech experience.  Get involved today!

 

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