Parent and Family Relations Newsletter August 2013

Encourage your student to come out and kick-off the fall semester by enjoying a FREE hot dog and refreshments served by TTU administrators. Picnic will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 5th in the Student Union Building North Plaza. The President's Welcome Picnic is open to all Texas Tech students.

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Back to School with IT

As your students take advantage of the many information resources provided by Texas Tech University, remind them that use of these resources must be in accordance with the TTU IT Acceptable Use Policy. The Acceptable Use Policy denotes acceptable and non-acceptable activities when using TTU information resources. Examples of information resources include, but are not limited to, computer hardware, computer software, computer networks, mobile devices, and electronic files and data.

Highlights of the Acceptable Use policy:

The policy applies to all TTU faculty, staff, and students granted access privileges to any University information resources, regardless of location or method of access;
Information resources must be used in a manner consistent with the mission and objectives of TTU and the State of Texas;
TTU faculty, staff, and students must only use information resources they have been granted access to and must not circumvent security measures;
TTU faculty, staff, and students must be mindful of information security and report any potential or actual security violations or weaknesses immediately to the TTU IT Security Team at security@ttu.edu;
All TTU faculty, staff, and students must be respectful, courteous, and ethical in their use of information resources;
Do not share information resources login information - all TTU faculty, staff, and students will be held personally responsible for all uses associated with their account;
Incidental personal use is restricted to authorized users within certain guidelines; resources must not be used for personal/commercial gain or for political activity; and
All use of information resources is governed by local policies and applicable state/federal law.

You may review the TTU IT Security Policies at http://www.infotech.ttu.edu/security.

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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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Is your student interested in Study Abroad?

Encourage your student to attend the Study Aboard Fair on Wednesday, September 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom.

For details regarding Study Abroad, various programs, financial resources, and parent information please visit http://www.studyabroad.ttu.edu/ .

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2013-2014 Student Handbook now available

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/2013_2014_student_handbook.pdf.

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Family Weekend football and event tickets still on sale!

Family Weekend 2013 is quickly approaching on September 20-21st when Texas Tech takes on Texas State. Family Weekend is a great time to reconnect with your student. We hope you will join us then!

Family Weekend 2013 football and event tickets are on sale now! Visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/family.php for schedule and ordering information.

Questions? Visit our Family Weekend FAQ page http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/familyweekendfaq.php/

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2013 Football Season Tickets on sale now

Want a great excuse to visit Lubbock to check on your daughter or son this fall? Texas Tech will be hosting six college football games this fall against SFA, TCU, Texas State, Iowa State, Oklahoma State and Kansas State. Season tickets start as low as $149/ticket and more information on season tickets can be found by clicking http://bit.ly/100ZzXo.

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Red Raider Club offers West Virginia Fan Package

Want a fun fall getaway? The Red Raider Club is offering a West Virginia Fan Package for fans to attend the Texas Tech at West Virginia game October 17th - 19th. For more information, 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

September 2, Monday

Labor Day. University holiday. Limited dining locations available (www.depts.ttu.edu/hospitality).

September 7, Saturday

Texas Tech Football vs. Stephen F. Austin

September 11, Wednesday

Last day for student-initiated drop on MyTech without academic penalty (drop does not count against drop limit). All drops are the responsibility of the student.
Last day to drop a course and have course charges removed. Students who drop to 0 hours are considered to be a withdrawal. Financial penalties apply for withdrawals after August 23.

September 12, Thursday

Student-initiated drop made on or after this date counts against drop limit. All drops are the responsibility of the student.
Texas Tech Football vs. TCU

September 16, Monday

Last day for graduate degree candidates to file with the Graduate School a statement of intention to graduate.

September 21, Saturday

Texas Tech Football vs. Texas State

September 23, Monday

Last day to withdraw from the university and receive partial credit. For more information see www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/withdraw.php.

September 27, Friday

Last day for doctoral students to submit the Defense Notification form.

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 visit http://events.ttu.edu/cal/main/showMain.rdo.

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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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Interested in joining the Texas Tech Parents Association Board of Directors?

The Texas Tech Parents Association is seeking new Board Members to serve on the Board of Directors. As a member you will have the opportunity to provide feedback and support for various programs and services as well as attend events on behalf of the Association. The Board does meet twice per year in Lubbock. If you are interested please complete and return the TTPA Board Member Application.

For questions, please contact Kathleen.bruner@texastechparents.org

View and print the Board member application.

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Get involved in a local chapter of the Texas Tech Parents Association

Tech Parents is proud to offer parent chapters that are located in various cities across Texas and Colorado to help parents and families connect. Tech Parents Chapters often partner with Undergraduate Recruitment and Admissions and the Texas Tech Alumni Association. Chapters are a great way to get involved and spread the good news about Texas Tech to others in your area. Chapters meet once or twice a month for game watching parties, social events, happy hours, and general meetings to keep you informed.

Reasons to get involved in a local chapter:

Network and meet other Texas Tech parents and families in your area
Learn more about Texas Tech University
Help promote Texas Tech to prospective students
Support your student

To learn more and get contact information about a chapter near you, visit http://www.texastechparents.org/?page=TTPAChapterOverview

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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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AlcoholEdu for College

AlcoholEdu® for College, the required course that assists your student in measuring his or her alcohol-related attitudes and behaviors, became available in late July. The deadline for part one of the course was August 16, 2013. Students who have completed the first portion of the course in July can now begin to log onto the course and take part two. We encourage you to talk with your student about the course and the decisions they may be making concerning alcohol and drug use and we support your efforts to have these conversations.

If you have any further questions, please contact Christina Sapien-Iezzi, Health Educator, Student Health Services, at 806-743-2844 x290 or alcoholedu@ttuhsc.edu.

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Fall Semester: A Time for Parents to Revisit Discussions about College Drinking

As college students arrive on campus this fall, it is a time of new experiences, new friendships, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Unfortunately for many, it is also a time of excessive drinking and dealing with its aftermath—vandalism, violence, sexual aggression and even death.

Click HERE to view information from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

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New Student Convocation scheduled for September 10th

Please encourage your first-year students to attend New Student Convocation.

New Student Convocation is an official welcome to the Texas Tech community. This spirited event will feature special performances highlighting Texas Tech students and traditions as we unmask what it means to be a Red Raider.

Tuesday, September 10th, 5:30 p.m. at the United Spirit Arena.

For more information, please contact the Center for Campus Life at 806-742-5433.

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Did you miss a presentation during Red Raider Orientation?

Not to worry! Please find electronic copies of presentations and handouts on our website at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/orientationpresentations.php.

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Fall Graduation Fair Sept. 24-26

Is there a commencement in your future? Make sure your Red Raider drops by the fall Graduation Fair Sept. 24-26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Frazier Alumni Pavilion. Students can try on rings, get cap and gown, order announcements and more! The Texas Tech Alumni Association Graduation Fairs are "one-stop shops" for May grads.

For more details please click HERE

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Students planning to work on campus need original social security cards

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.

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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 avaliable. 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, visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/dos/responsible-living.aspx.

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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