December 2015 Parent & Family eNewsletter
General News
- Join us for the 57th Annual Carol of Lights: December 1st
- Semester Break Bus Trip Tickets Available
- Feed Your Inner Red Raider!
- Tenth Annual Toys for Tickets runs through Friday, December 11 at 8 p.m.!
- University Career Center: Are you and your student familiar with job shadowing?
- University Offices to be closed during the winter holiday
- Airport Transportation Recommendations
- Order the 2015 Official Texas Tech Ornament
- For your complete Texas Tech news, visit Texas Tech Today
Parents of Incoming Freshman/Transfers
- AlcoholEdu & Haven Courses
- Tips for parents & families of students placed on academic probation or suspension
Financial Tips/Info
- Spring 2016 Payment Due Date: Thursday, January 14th
- Spring 2016 Paying the Bill Checklist
- Red to Black: Peer-to-Peer Financial Coaching
Scholarships/Job Opportunities
- The TTU Current Student Scholarship application is live!
- Summer job opportunities for your student: Join the Crew!
- Is your student looking for a job?
- Students planning to work on campus need original social security card
Academic
- Final Exam Schedule
- Chancellor Emeritus Hance's Seminar on Leadership and Success
- University Writing Center
- SOAR Learning Center empowers students in pursuits of success
Housing
- Winter break instructions for students living on campus
- On campus housing contract reminders
- Living Off Campus - Common Pitfalls
- Consider renters insurance for your student whether they are living on or off campus
Student Perspectives
Graduation
Important Dates
- Winter Raider Welcome: January 17-23, 2016
- Save the Date for Sibling Weekend: February 20-21, 2016
- Career Center Events
- This month's academic and event calendar
Extracurricular Activities
Texas Tech Parents Association
- Road Raiders-Have a peace of mind when your student is traveling home for winter break
- Looking for ways to get involved?
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Join us for the 57th Annual Carol of Lights®: December 1st
With the flip of a switch, more than 25,000 colored lights will illuminate 18 buildings around Memorial Circle, the Engineering Key and the Broadway Entrance to the campus during Texas Tech University's Carol of Lights®.
The 57th Annual Carol of Lights® will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2015. The Ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a Carillon Concert. At 7:00 p.m., the Masked Rider and Horse, Saddle Tramps Torch Light Processional and High Riders will begin at the University Seal at the Broadway Entrance and follow the luminaria lighted route around Memorial Circle to the Science Quadrangle.
For assistance with special needs, contact rha@ttu.edu. Singers will be provided for the hearing impaired and ADA parking will be available from 15th street.
Visit http://housing.ttu.edu/caroloflights for more details.
Semester Break Bus Trip Tickets Available
Does your student need a ride home for the Semester Break? Tickets are still available for Texas Tech students who will be traveling home for the Semester Break.
Destinations include: Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin/San Antonio. This trip is organized to help students travel home at a lower cost who might not otherwise be able to make it home for the Semester Break.
Visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/bustrips.php for more information.
Feed Your Inner Red Raider!
Hospitality Services want your student to get the most out of their Dining Bucks, so we're providing them with numerous options when it comes to Dining Plans!
Any unused Dining Bucks automatically roll from the fall semester to the spring semester. Need to make a change? On-campus Resident Dining Plan holders have the option to raise or lower their Dining Plan Level beginning Monday, December 14th, 2015 through the 20th class day of the spring 2016 semester. The 20th class day in the spring semester is February 17th, 2016.
For more information about on-campus dining options or Dining Plans visit hospitality.ttu.edu or call 806.742.1360. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @EatAtTexasTech.
Tenth Annual Toys for Tickets runs through Friday, December 11 at 8 p.m.!
Bring a new, unwrapped toy or toys with receipt to the Transportation and Parking Services office to have an unpaid citation dismissed! The annual program benefits Toys for Tots.
Value of toy or toys must equal at least the value of the citation, and the receipt must be present. Only one citation dismissal may be awarded. Some restrictions apply. See https://www.facebook.com/TTUparking/ or call (806) 742-PARK for more information!
University Career Center: Are you and your student familiar with job shadowing?
Looking for a way to help your student make the most of their holiday break? Job shadowing is the opportunity to connect with a professional in a career field or occupation that interests your student! Shadowing helps students gather career related information, expand networking contacts, and experience a job for a short period of time.
Getting Started
Talk to your students about the type of jobs that interest them. Some questions include:
- What is your dream job?
- What type of career do you think would be most enjoyable and rewarding?
- What type of company culture suits you best?
Once a potential shadowing experience is identified, have your student contact the professional and request an opportunity to job shadow. Typically shadowing can last from a few hours to a week. Encourage your student to draft a list of general industry questions along with job specific questions. Potential questions might include:
- Please describe a typical day, week, and month in your position?
- What educational background and skills are needed to be successful in this field?
- What is unique about this organization?
- How do you see this field progressing in the next 5-10 years?
Job shadowing will further help your student gain an understanding of what they might want to do in the future. Another benefit of job shadowing is an opportunity to expand one's network. Building a relationship early on can prove to be beneficial and may lead to future job opportunities. Job shadowing can be included in a resume to demonstrate knowledge and stand out among the competition.
The UCC understands that the examples above may not cover all aspects of a job shadowing experience. We encourage you to contact us for an extended list of possible questions by calling 806-742-2210. University Career Center hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. The University Career Center will be closed beginning on Thursday, December 24th and will reopen on Monday, January 4th, 2016.
University Offices to be closed during the winter holiday
All University offices, including Parent and Family Relations, will be closed December 24 through January 1 for the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Campus emergencies during this time should be referred to the Texas Tech Police Department at 806-742-3931.
Airport Transportation Recommendations
At this time, Texas Tech University does not offer airport shuttle service. Students needing rides to the airport are encouraged to get rides from friends or utilize the following resources: Uber, Yellow Cab of Lubbock, or Checker Cab.
Order the 2015 Official Texas Tech Ornament
The 2015 Commemorative Texas Tech Ornament will remind you of the pride and joy of being a Red Raider, as it features the Masked Rider giving a guns up. It is also surrounded by the words "Fearless Champions" from Texas Tech's alma mater and is accompanied by our Double T logo.
Price: $32.48 (includes shipping and handling) Purchase Now
Contact Mandy Wiley at the Texas Tech Alumni Association for more information or to order by phone at 806-742-4258.
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.
AlcoholEdu & Haven Courses
The deadline for completion of Part 2 of the online AlcoholEdu® and Haven® courses was October 19, 2015. Holds have now been placed on freshman and new transfer students' ability to view their final grades. To have the hold removed, students must log back onto the course using their eraider and complete the entire course.
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 and new transfer student 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 use and alcohol abuse. Haven® is the companion course that addresses how students can build healthy relationships, seek out help for themselves if they develop concerns, or step in to help friends when they see dangerous behaviors. I urge you to ensure your student completes AlcoholEdu® and Haven® as soon as possible.
If your student has questions about how to complete the course, please direct him or her to visit www.rise.ttu.edu or contact Dr. Kimberly Simón, Director, Risk Intervention & Safety Education (RISE), at 806-742-2110 or rise@ttu.edu. Thank you for your contribution toward helping us maintain a safe and healthy campus community.
Tips for parents & families of students placed on academic probation or suspension
Many times students face unforeseen struggles in the classroom due to out-of-the-classroom events or habits. The result? Scholastic probation or suspension. While many react negatively initially, it is important to remember that there are ways to make it through this and come out as a stronger student for it. As the semester comes to an end we want to be sure you are knowledgeable about academic probation and suspension.
Different academic colleges and majors within Texas Tech have varying grade point average (GPA) requirements for their students to maintain to be considered in "Good Academic Standing". Only students whose GPA's fall below the college specific cut off in their FIRST semester at Texas Tech are placed on scholastic probation and required to enroll in a major-specific course through our Programs for Academic Development & Retention (PADR) for the following semester. The only exceptions to this are Human Sciences (required if either of the first 2 semester GPA's at TTU is below a 2.0) and Engineering (required at any point in a student's college career that the cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0). All students returning from academic suspension (who have not already taken and passed PADR) are required to enroll regardless of college. The coursework is carefully planned and implemented in a way that teaches students time management skills, better study habits, and habits for collegiate success. When a student's GPA falls below the requirement a second time, he or she is placed on scholastic suspension and will need to reapply to Texas Tech after at least one (or two-you will be notified) semester of suspension. The process is not as daunting as it sounds. Many students successfully complete the PADR course, continue to excel in their courses, and graduate.
So, what can you do to help your student with probation or suspension? First, take a deep breath. It is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed and disappointed (your student is feeling these things as well). Sit down with your student and if you aren't sure what went wrong during his or her semester, ask and talk through it. Next, you will need to refer to the scholastic probation/suspension notification letter from Texas Tech for the next steps. Make a checklist and familiarize yourself with the entire process and the coursework your student takes on during the following semester. If any offices on campus need paperwork filled out, they will reach out to you. Above all, remember that your student is more than capable of overcoming this obstacle and Texas Tech wants to do everything we can to help your student get back on track. Even from here, it's possible.
PADR website: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/passxl/index.php
2015-2016 Academic Catalog: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/pdfs/2015-16_catalog.pdf
Spring 2016 Payment Due Date: Thursday, January 14th
The Spring 2016 due date for payment in full or enrollment in a Spring pay plan is Thursday, January 14, 2016. For more information visit www.sbs.ttu.edu.
Spring 2016 Paying the Bill Checklist
Click here to view the Spring 2016 Paying the Bill Checklist for bill availability dates, deadlines, and payment plan information.
For information about paying the bill, tuition and fees, account balances, and more please contact Student Business Services at 806-742-3272 or sbs@ttu.edu.
Red to Black: Peer-to-Peer Financial Coaching
Red to Black offers peer-to-peer financial coaching to Texas Tech students. We help support your student through individual coaching sessions and group presentations on topics such as creating spending plans, the importance of starting to save early, maximizing financial aid (including student loans), how to choose employee benefits and establishing and wisely using credit. Our purpose is to empower students so that they can achieve their financial goals. We believe that no one understands the needs and concerns of students better than fellow students! Our offices are located in the 2nd floot of the SUB in room 201. Visit our website at www.r2b.ttu.edu for more information!
The TTU Current Student Scholarship application is live!
Current students go to https://apps.texastech.edu/scholarhship/ to complete their application for 2016/2017 competitive scholarship opportunities.
Deadline to submit is February 1st!
If you have any questions, please contact:
TTU Scholarship Office
806-742-3144 or scholarships@ttu.edu.
Summer job opportunities for your student: Join the Crew!
Is your student looking for an exciting summer job? They should join the Crew! Each year Red Raider Orientation (RRO) hires students from a wide range of backgrounds, colleges, and organizations. These students get an incredible opportunity to have a fun and exciting job while representing Texas Tech! Being on the Crew is a unique experience; students will interact with and guide new students through Red Raider Orientation, develop relationships with fellow Crew members and Tech faculty/staff, and have a lot of fun while showing their Red Raider pride!
The Crew are students who work the 2 Day RRO sessions. The Crew is divided into two staffs, each working one half of the summer.
1st Half: June 3 - July 1
2nd Half: July 12 - August 8
If your student is interested in the position, they should attend an information session (dates below). Attending an information session is required in order to receive an application.
Wednesday, January 207 @ 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 28 @ 12:30 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Monday, February 1 @ 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 2 @ 12:30 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 3 @ 6:00 p.m. *SUB Lubbock Room
All information sessions will be held in the SUB Traditions Room (*except for the session on 2/3) on the 2nd floor of the Student Union Building.
Do you or your student see Red Raider Orientation as a part of his/her summer? If you or your student has any further questions, please contact Madison Proctor at madison.proctor@ttu.edu or visit us online.
Is your student looking for a job?
Encourage your student to visit Texas Tech Human Resources and University Career Center for on-campus and off-campus employment.
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.
Final Exam Schedule
Be sure your student is prepared for final exams. Click HERE for more information regarding the final exam schedule.
Chancellor Emeritus Hance's Seminar on Leadership and Success
It's not too late for your student to sign up for Chancellor Emeritus Hance's Seminar on Leadership and Success! Students will get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from his experiences and have the chance to meet guests like Ed Whitacre and Kliff Kingsbury! This one hour, pass/fail class will give you advice and tips on how to succeed in life! Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors are all encouraged to enroll!!!
Mondays from 1:00 – 1:50 p.m.
Chancellor Emeritus Hance also invites nationally recognized guest speakers to share their advice. Former guests include:
Head Football Coach, Kliff Kingsbury
CEO of AT&T, Randall Stephenson
VP of Southwest Airlines, Linda Rutherford
Former CEO of AT&T and GM, Ed Whitacre
CEO of Western Refineries, Paul L. Foster
Businessman and Art Collector, J.P. Bryan
The Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, Stuart Bowen
NASA Flight Director, Ginger Kerrick
Former CEO of Wellpoint Health Care, Angela Braly
To register on Raiderlink:
Interdisciplinary Studies
4100 Strengths-Based Senior Seminar
Section 001
CRN 38561
University Writing Center
The University Writing Center offers undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and staff 30-minute, one-on-one tutorials on any type of writing, including resumes, personal statements, research papers, and articles for publication. We believe that writing serves as one of the primary means for learning and communicating, and that every good writer needs a good reader.
The UWC is open for the fall term. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. We are located in RM.175 of the English/Philosophy Building.
To set up an appointment, call (806) 742-2476 or visit them online at http://uwc.ttu.edu/.
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 through Thursday from 9am-8pm and Friday 9am-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.
Winter break instructions for students living on campus
Do you or your student have questions about residence hall closing over the winter break? Find the answers here: http://www.housing.ttu.edu/winterbreak.php.
On campus housing contract reminders
University Student Housing and Hospitality Services would like to remind our on-campus residents and their parents to not sign any leases for an off-campus apartment or house for the Spring 2016 semester. The Official Academic Year Contract is a nine-month contract that runs from August 2015 through May 2016. It is not a semester-by-semester contract.
Please visit the Housing and Hospitality Contract Guide page on our website for additional information. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 806-742-2661 or email us at housing@ttu.edu.
Have a Happy Holiday! Don't forget Spring Move-In begins January 17th!
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.
Preparing for Finals
Students can provide a great insight about life as a Red Raider. We want you as parents and family members to hear directly from students about their experiences and tips to help you and your student through this transition.
Finals are going to quickly approach and we want your student to be successful. Check out some tips from students about preparing for finals.
Fall Commencement Dates
If your student is graduating in December, congratulations! Below is the Fall 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.
Friday, December 11, 2015
3:00 p.m.
Arts and Sciences
7:00 p.m.
Graduate School
Saturday, December 12, 2015
9:00 a.m.
Architecture
Education
Engineering
Human Sciences
Visual & Performing Arts
1:30 p.m.
Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources
Business Administration
Mass Communications
Honors College (EVHM and HAL Majors Only)
University Programs
Wind Energy
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: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/provost/commencement/
Save Now for a Ring Later: The Official Texas Tech Ring Savings Program
It's never too late to plan for the future. 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.
With the Ring Savings Program, a refundable $75 is conveniently added as an optional fee to tuition and fee statements for spring and fall semesters beginning as early as freshman year.
Once students meet eligibility, the amount can then be applied toward the purchase of the Official Texas Tech Class Ring.
It's never been easier to support tradition. To enroll and begin saving today, simply log on to Raiderlink.ttu.edu, click on the MyTech tab, and sign up in the Official Class Ring section under Optional Services.
Questions? Contact the Texas Tech Alumni Association at (806) 742-3641 or visit www.texastechalumni.org/ring.
Winter Raider Welcome: January 17-23, 2016
Raider Welcome is a series of FUN and FREE events designed to welcome new and returning students to the Texas Tech campus. Raider Welcome occurs after Residence Hall move-in and throughout the first week of classes.
Among the activities are a few major events, some old-standing traditions, and some exciting new opportunities that you just cannot afford to miss!
Visit https://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentengagement/raiderwelcome/ for more information and calendar of events.
Save the Date for Sibling Weekend: February 20-21, 2016
Enjoy a weekend filled with fun, educational, and spirited events sure to get siblings of Texas Tech students excited about college and share in the traditions of Raiderland. Sibling Weekend invites Texas Tech students to spend time with their brothers or sisters in a weekend filled with great activities just for them. Siblings between the ages of 8 and 15 are invited to attend. Mark your calendars for the weekend of February 20-21, 2016!
Online registration and the full schedule will be available online at www.parent.ttu.edu in December.
Career Center Events
Webinars
These webinars are 30-45 minute live informational sessions focused on career growth
and development. Topics include resume and cover letter writing, job fair preparation,
and industry insights! Visit the UCC website for a complete listing of upcoming webinars.
This month's academic and event calendar
December 2, Wednesday
Last day of classes.
December 3, Thursday
Individual study day.
Late night breakfast available for residents living on campus.
December 4 – 9, Friday – Saturday / Monday – Wednesday
Final examinations.
December 9, Wednesday
Fall semester ends.
December 10, Thursday
Last day for most dining locations (www.depts.ttu.edu/hospitality).
Noon, grades due for graduating students via Raiderlink.
10 a.m., Residence halls close. Degree candidates may occupy residence hall rooms
until 10 a.m. Saturday, December 12 (housing.ttu.edu/winterbreak).
December 11 – 12, Friday – Saturday
Commencement. Schedule of ceremonies can be found at www.depts.ttu.edu/provost/commencement/index.php.
Degree candidates may occupy residence hall rooms until 10 a.m. Saturday.
December 14, Monday
Noon, Final grades due via Raiderlink.
December 10 – 23, January 4 – 8
Winter Intersession
For the Texas Tech event calendar, please CLICK HERE.
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.
Road Raiders-Have a peace of mind when your student is traveling home for winter break
The Texas Tech Parents Association is here to help all Texas Tech students while they are traveling with the Road Raiders Safe Travel Network. Road Raiders are Tech Parents members who can help if your student needs directions, a rest stop, or help with car trouble while traveling.
The Road Raiders list is available for student online. They can search by city from a wireless phone or computer at www.texastechparents.org.
Drive Safely. Stay Alert. Be Prepared.
For more information visit www.texastechparents.org.
Looking for 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.
Parent and Family Relations
-
Address
Drane Hall 2515 15th St., Box 45020, Lubbock, Texas 79409-5020 -
Phone
806.742.3630 -
Email
parent@ttu.edu