August 2017 Parent & Family eNewsletter
Volume 16, Issue 8
In this issue...
General News
- Family Weekend Football and Event Tickets On Sale Now!
- Parent Pulse Poll
- Summer at the Rec Center and Leisure Pool
- Take Advantage of a TTAA Parent/Student Membership
- The Benefits of Academic Coaching
- Fall Kickoff with University Career Center
- Think About It Online Course
- Talk to Your Students About Money!
- Take Advantage of Member Benefits in Texas Tech Parents Association
- Study Abroad's Rango the Camel Returns to Campus This Fall
- For your complete Texas Tech news, visit Texas Tech Today
Parents and Family Members of Incoming Freshmen
Financial Tips/Info
Scholarships/Job Opportunities
Academic
Housing
Important Dates
Extracurricular Activities
Texas Tech Parent Association
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Family Weekend Football and Event Tickets On Sale Now!
Family Weekend 2017 will be Friday,September 29th - Saturday, September 30th, 2017.
The festivities will begin on Friday evening of the weekend. Get your picture taken with the Masked Rider before Family Fun Night dinner begins! Family Fun Night activities include casino games, miniature golf, and a speed caricaturist for fun family portraits. Saturday will be an exciting day filled with breakfast, tailgating, and the football game as the Red Raiders take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys!
Football and event tickets are now on sale. For more information and to purchase event tickets, visit familyweekend.ttu.edu.
Book hotel rooms quickly, as they will fill up for the weekend. Visit www.texastechparents.org for information about discounted hotel rooms.
A tradition at Texas Tech since 1936, Family Weekend is a wonderful time to visit campus and reconnect with your student! The Texas Tech campus is beautiful in the fall, and there are many activities for families to enjoy during the weekend. We hope you and your family will join us!
Parent Pulse Poll
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 Textbooks.
For past poll results visit Parent & Family Pulse Polls.
Summer at the Rec Center and Leisure Pool
The Leisure Pool is a great place for students to cool off from the summer heat. It was WIFI so a bit of studying can be done and there is plenty of shade for those who don't want the sun. Come and enjoy!
Fitness classes, Intramurals, Outdoor Pursuits Rental Shop and the Climbing Wall are all open and full of opportunities for your student's participation. The Personal Training and Massage Therapy programs are also available. We hope your students will take advantage of all the Rec Center has to offer during the summer.
Take Advantage of a TTAA Parent/Student Membership
Parents have the unique opportunity to stay connected with their students and Texas Tech by taking advantage of the Texas Tech Alumni Association (TTAA) Parent/Student membership at a discounted rate!
$25 Student Membership
+ $50 Parent Membership
$60 Parent and Student TTAA Membership (traditionally $75)
Sign up now and tailgate together at our exclusive member-only Frazier Alumni Pavilion every home football game. Parents, you don't have to be a Texas Tech graduate to be a TTAA member. Your spouse can also join you at no additional cost! With the joint membership, your student will be part of the Texas Tech Student Alumni Association—a great place to meet fellow Red Raiders and make lifelong connections.
Download the membership form. For more information, contact Laura Bixler at (806) 834-8718 or at laura.bixler@ttu.edu.
The Benefits of Academic Coaching
What is Academic Coaching, and how can it help your student?
Academic coaching is a one-on-one process of helping a student identify their strengths and needs while assisting them in building general, transferable skills for use throughout their academic career and beyond. Coaching encourages students to take an active role in their education and allows students to overcome barriers to achieve academic success. Students who meet with coaches receive personalized support in areas such as time management, study strategies, and note- and test-taking skills.
While this service is not mandatory for students, it is a FREE service that all Texas Tech students should take advantage of. Research conducted at the Stanford School of Education showed that regular meetings with coaches to discuss these academic skill areas enhanced students' retention rates over 12- and 24-month periods, and increased graduation rates (Bettinger & Baker, 2011).
Students can receive FREE Academic Coaching at the Learning Center, located in Holden Hall Room 80, by appointment. Visit our website at lc.soar.ttu.edu for instructions on setting up an Academic Coaching appointment, or call (806) 742-3664 for more information about our services!
Reference: Bettinger, E., & Baker, R. (2011). The effects of student coaching in college: An evaluation of a randomized experiment in student mentoring (No. w16881). National Bureau of Economic Research.
Fall Kickoff with University Career Center
The fall semester is just around the corner. Students will have many opportunities to prepare for future careers! Whether your student is an incoming freshman or a seasoned senior, there are opportunities for them to explore careers, network with industry professionals and search for internships and jobs.
To prepare for career fairs and networking events, the Career Center is partnering with JCPenney on the JCP College Suit-Up, to offer students 40% off professional and foundational wear. This event will be September 10th, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM at JCP in the South Plains Mall and is exclusively for TTU students with the store closed to the general public. Students will have the opportunity to be measured by skilled professionals and assisted with clothing selections. The JCP Portrait Studio will be available to set up appointments for professional headshots, the hair salon will offer consultations and future appointments, and Sephora will have representatives available for consultations. This is a great opportunity for students to purchase quality clothing at outstanding savings.
Now that your student has a professional outfit, they are ready to attend our Etiquette Dinner along with several career fairs. The Fall 2017 Etiquette Dinner, on September 12th, will teach students proper dining etiquette for formal dinners. From which bread plate to use, to how to excuse themselves from the table, this event is one of our most popular, and delicious events. All Texas Tech students are encouraged to sign up for this free event. Career fairs begin September 13th with the Graduate and Professional School Fair. On September 20th, the Engineering Career Fair takes place and all majors can attend from 2 PM to 4 PM. On September 26th, the College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources (CASNR) Fair takes place. The All Majors University Career Fair, a great fair for students from all majors and all classifications, will be September 27th.
The UCC is available to help students with resume critiques, mock interviews, and proper business etiquette. Our career counselors will meet with your student one on one, by phone or via Skype, to help them navigate their future career.
For a full list of upcoming events and webinars, please visit the University Career Center Events page.
University Career Center, Wiggins Complex, south entrance
3211-18th Street
806-742-2210
Think About It Online Course
This required course for all new incoming students will address many of our prevention education efforts here at TTU: healthy relationships, alcohol and other drugs, violence prevention, safety education, and more! This course will also provide students with many valuable resources available to them during their time here at Texas Tech. Students required to take this course will receive an email before the beginning of the fall semester where they will be given details on how to proceed. There will be ample time for students to complete Think About It before their own classes start.
If you have any questions feel free to reach out to the RISE office:
RISE Office
Student Wellness Center, 204
806.742.2110 ∙ rise@ttu.edu ∙ rise.ttu.edu
Take Advantage of Member Benefits in Texas Tech Parents Association
Parents - stay informed and connected with your student and Texas Tech by taking advantage of Membership in Texas Tech Parents Association. Benefits include Information Sessions, Discounts on Tech Gear & Textbooks and Hotels, Restaurants & Merchandise, access to Local and National Member Scholarships, Networking with Parents in your Area, Connections with TTU Faculty & Staff and more! A one-year membership is just $50; multi-year memberships cost less. Your Family Membership means your spouse is free and grandparents may be included, too!
Join online today and immediately take advantage of Discount Tickets to Family Weekend activities: Football game, tailgate, Family Fun Night Dinner, Games and Housing Fair, T-Shirts and more!
Study Abroad's Rango the Camel Returns to Campus This Fall
Your student wants to study abroad...knows where they want to go...but isn't certain about which program is best for them. Sound familiar? If so, send them our way!
On Friday, September 29th, Rango the Camel will be back to campus to promote study abroad programs in Africa and the Middle East. Students, parents, and family can feed and kiss the camel for a chance to be featured on TTU Study Abroad social media! Staff and study abroad alumni will be present to answer questions.
On Wednesday, October 4th, the Study Abroad Fair will be taking place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the Student Union Building Ballroom. Staff as well as program partners from all over the world will be available to speak with students about the many types of international opportunities approved by Texas Tech and help your student take the first step toward completing an application. Speak with a Study Abroad Advisor or review frequently asked questions and answers by visiting our website, www.studyabroad.ttu.edu!
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.
Study Abroad Answers for Incoming First-Years
Is your college student interested in studying abroad? Are they on the fence but curious about how study abroad can boost their resume? The Study Abroad Team will be at Red Raider Orientation all summer to answer any and all of your study abroad questions!
- Brief information sessions (25 minutes) are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 4:15 pm and 4:45 pm in the SUB Matador Room
- Look for our table at the resource fairs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 11:00 am and 12:30 pm in the SUB Ballroom
Is it safe? Is it affordable? Will study abroad delay graduation? Talk with a member of the TTU Study Abroad staff and visit our website for answers to these frequently asked questions: www.studyabroad.ttu.edu
Student Disability Services
If you have a student that would benefit from support in college through Student Disability Services, please have your student apply for services at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/sds/. Documentation can be uploaded along with the application, and any questions should be directed to sds@ttu.edu or 806-742-2405. If you have questions about the TECHniques Center program, please send an email to techniques.center@ttu.edu. Both Student Disability Services and the TECHniques Center will be represented at every Resource Fair during Red Raider Orientation, so come by and see us!
Celebrate your students' accomplishments and their future at Texas Tech
Celebrate your student's accomplishments and their future at Texas Tech with a Student Send-Off 2017 Celebration - a Tech Parents Tradition! Two celebrations are in August - Austin and San Antonio. This is a great time to meet other families, win prizes for parents and students, and ask questions of parents who have been in your shoes!
Register HERE.
Need help with textbooks? Visit our online resource: "The Best Textbook Advice"
Are you coming to Red Raider Orientation this summer?
Are you attending Red Raider Orientation this summer? Parent & Family Relations will provide you with a copy of the Parent & Family Guide, conduct parent and family orientation presentations, and show you how to get involved. We look forward to seeing you this summer!
Visit www.redraiderorientation.ttu.edu or call Red Raider Orientation at 806-742-2993 for information about Red Raider Orientation.
Raider Ready: IS 1100 Course
RaiderReady: IS 1100 is a course designed to bridge the gap between high school and collegiate success. Students who enroll in this one-hour class can expect to learn and further develop note, studying, and test taking skills, academic professionalism, as well as stress management.
RaiderReady is an invaluable resource not only for the quality of skills our students learn, but also the relationships built while doing so. Allowing the students a place and faculty member to navigate freshman year creates success, and is evident in higher numbers of students returning for a second year in comparison to the university average.
For more information, visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/raiderready/.
Student Business Services important dates and deadlines
August 14, Monday through September 15, Friday
- Book loans available - must be repaid by September 25, Monday
August 18, Friday
- Emergency Payment Plan available for enrollment
- Financial Aid Disbursed for Fall
- Financial Aid refunds begin
August 21, Monday
- TTU - payment deadline. Registration changes made after this date could affect the student's account balance, and must be paid immediately unless the student is enrolled in a Fall Payment Plan
For more information, please visit Student Business Services at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/
Talk to Your Students About Money!
As the beginning of the semester is quickly approaching, it is time to talk to your students about money! What expenses will they have? What expenses are you covering? What sources of income will they have for the semester? And lastly, what are YOUR expectations of them with regards to money? Talking about money before school starts makes sure that you and your student(s) are on the same page and will help reduce conflict.
We know that students identify financial stress as their top 1 or 2 stressors while in college. We also know that students who take advantage of Red to Black Peer Financial Coaching will see a reduction in their financial stress! Our Peer Financial Coaches are Personal Financial Planning majors who are here to answer your students' questions about budgeting, credit, savings, and employee benefits.
Did you know that we are the number 1 financial literacy program in the nation? Feel confident in sending your student to use our services! More information can be found on our website at www.r2b.ttu.edu.
Students planning to work on campus need original social security card
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.
Is your student receiving scholarships from sources other than Texas Tech?
If your student is receiving scholarships from a source other than Texas Tech, for example, their high school, a civic organization, etc? Be sure they report them by going to http://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/ and clicking on the trophy icon (report external awards).
Is your student receiving a scholarship for 1718 from Texas Tech University? Please be sure to get those thank you letters in ASAP!
You can follow TTU Financial Aid on Facebook and Twitter to get reminders and external scholarship information –new posts daily!
For more information, visit the website HERE.
Looking for one more scholarship?
Time is running out - deadline is August 1st! Students whose parents who are members of Texas Tech Parents Association may apply for a special $5,000 scholarship award!
Read all about it HERE
Summer 2017 Commencement Schedule
If your student is graduating in August, congratulations! Below is the Summer 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.
Saturday, August 12, 2017
9:00 a.m.
Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Architecture
Arts & Sciences
Education
Honors College
Media and Communication
Graduate School (schools listed above)
1:30 p.m.
Business Administration
Engineering
Human Sciences
University Programs
Visual & Performing Arts
Wind Energy
Graduate School (schools listed above)
Texas Tech has a Commencement web site, which is your one-stop-shop for all things related to Commencement, including the schedule for upcoming ceremonies, lists of hotels (which sell out quickly!), parking information, and information about ordering invitations and photos of the big day.
Bookmark this site for all of your Commencement needs: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/provost/commencement/
Move-In Weekend
Move-in Weekend is exciting and University Student Housing wants it to be memorable for our incoming residents and their families. If family members or friends are traveling with incoming residents to Lubbock and plan to stay overnight, we encourage them to confirm hotel accommodations as soon as possible. Hotel rooms fill up early. Visitors can download the Visit Lubbock app for assistance in planning the family's stay in Lubbock. Please know that for the safety and comfort of all residents, our policy prohibits overnight guests in the room of a student that is the opposite gender.
The official Move-In Day is August 20, 2017.
Howdy TECHsans are student volunteers that will be on hand all over campus during Move-In to assist with any questions or concerns that may arise during the move-in process. Moving carts will be available for check out in each of the residence halls for a small donation.
Listen to the local radio stations 96.3 KLLL, Mix 100.3 (KMMX), or 104.9 The Beat (KBTE) for information during Move-In Weekend.
If any questions should arise concerning Move-In Weekend, please contact University Student Housing at 806-742-2661 or email us at housing@ttu.edu.
Sending Mail & Packages to Campus
Who doesn't love getting a postcard, letter, or package from a loved one!? Below are several tips and suggestions on how to make sure your student gets all of their mail while they're on campus.
To locate your students on-campus mailing address, visit: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/housing/halls/mail.php
University Student Housing will start receiving mail for fall residents on August 7th. Please do not mail items to your students address before this time, or it may be returned to sender.
Just like at your home, Texas Tech residence hall students receive mail directly in their building. Mail is delivered twice daily Monday- Friday. Residence halls do not receive mail on weekends, holidays, or over university breaks.
When students receive a standard piece of mail, those items are placed in a mailbox that corresponds to their room number. Boxes are available to students 24/7 while the residence halls are in operation. Mail boxes are secured with a combination lock. Your student will receive their combination when they move-in.
While the boxes are secured, it is recommended that valuable items such as checks and plane tickets are mailed using registered mail. It is never recommended that you mail cash or other irreplaceable items.
Packages
When your student receives a package that's larger than their mailbox, the package will be received by the hall staff in the hall office. Packages are tagged and logged into a computer tracking system. After the package is logged, the EZTrackIt computer system will automatically generate an email notification to the student, letting them know they can come claim their package.
Packages are available from the students' residence hall office. They simply need to bring their student ID at the time of pickup.
Students who need to mail packages or items that need to be weighed on campus can take advantage of CopyMail, which serves as a mail center for the Texas Tech community. Students can visit CopyMail at the Student Union Building, room 100, near the Food Court.
Care Packages
Raiders Helping Others, a community service based student organization on campus, has partnered with an off campus vendor to produce pre-made care packages that will automatically be sent to your student periodically throughout the year. If you're interested in learning more about how this program works, or to order a package for your on-campus resident, visit http://ttu.orgsync.com/org/tturho/fundraising
Living Off Campus - Common Pitfalls
Is your student living off campus or considering living off campus? Be sure to read Common Pitfalls when it comes to living off campus.
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 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.
Visit www.CollegeRentersPlan.com/ttu to see all of the coverage options available or call (866) 572-1617.
This Month's Academic and Event Calendar
August 7, Monday
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.
Last day for undergraduate degree candidates to remove grades of I and PR.
August 8, Tuesday
Raiderlink available for grading.
August 9, Wednesday
Last day of classes.
August 10 – 11, Thursday – Friday
Final examinations for second term.
August 11, Friday
Second summer term ends.
August 12, Saturday
Commencement. Schedule of ceremonies can be found at www.depts.ttu.edu/provost/commencement/index.php.
Last day for most summer dining locations (hospitality.ttu.edu).
Students without room reservations for Fall 2017 must vacate residence hall rooms by 10 a.m.(www.depts.ttu.edu/housing/moveout.php)
August 14, Monday
Noon, Final grades due via Raiderlink.
August 20, Sunday
10 a.m., Residence halls open for occupancy (housing.ttu.edu/movein).
Select Hospitality Services dining locations open for service (hospitality.ttu.edu).
August 21, Monday
95% payment of mandatory tuition and fees or enrollment in a payment plan due for
fall. Registrations after this date require immediate payment or enrollment in a payment
plan.
All Hospitality Services dining locations open for service (hospitality.ttu.edu).
August 23, Wednesday
Faculty on duty.
August 25, Friday
Last day to withdraw from the university without financial penalty. For more information visit: www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/calendar/withdrawDates.php
August 28, Monday
Classes begin.
August 31, Thursday
Last day for student-initiated addition of a course on MyTech. Course may be added until September 13 with advisor permission.
Complete calendar information:
Texas Tech Academic Calendar
Texas Tech Events Calendar
Have your student check out Orgsync for ways to get involved
Is your student 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 on and off campus to get involved and stay connected to campus.
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.
Looking for Event Tickets?
Texas Tech Parents Association has event tickets on sale now! Ready for a Family Weekend Tailgate? Want to sit with parents who live in your area? Need a clear Stadium Bag? (Purses or bags taken into stadium must be see through.) Want a Family Fun Night Friday? Tech Parents has it in our ONLINE STORE
More Parent Opportunities
Join Tech Parents at football games for pregame in Houston, Austin and Arlington. Texas Tech meets the UH Cougars in Houston Saturday Sep. 23 in Houston, Oklahoma State Cowboys in Lubbock during Family Weekend Saturday Sep 30; the Baylor Bears in Arlington (AT&T Stadium) Saturday Nov 11; and UT Longhorns Friday, Nov 24 in Austin. Tickets on sale in our ONLINE STORE
Did you miss Red Raider Family gatherings in your community this summer? Look for more opportunities to get together with your Red Raider neighbors. Looking for special links to important information? Check out our Parent U online. Visit the Texas Tech Parents Association website.
Parent and Family Relations
-
Address
Drane Hall 2515 15th St., Box 45020, Lubbock, Texas 79409-5020 -
Phone
806.742.3630 -
Email
parent@ttu.edu