December 2017 Parent & Family eNewsletter
Volume 16, Issue 12
In this issue...
General News
- Winter Break Bus Trip Tickets On Sale Now!
- Parent Pulse Poll
- Are you and your student familiar with job shadowing?
- Undergraduate Admissions Student Referral Program
- Feed Your Inner Red Raider!
- SAB Presents: Raider Relax
- Study Nights at the SUB
- Get an Unpaid Parking Citation Dismissed Through Toys for Tickets!
- Strategies to Tackle Midterms & Finals
- Signing Up for TechAlert
Parents and Family Members of Incoming Freshmen
Financial Tips/Info
Scholarships/Job Opportunities
Academic
Housing
Important Dates
Extracurricular Activities
Texas Tech Parent Association
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
Winter Break Bus Trip Tickets On Sale Now!
If your student still needs a bus ticket, tickets are still available. Ticket prices will increase on Friday, December 1.
BreakShuttle makes it easy for students at Texas Tech University to save time and money and avoid the hassle of getting home by providing direct, safe and affordable transportation to and from Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio during academic breaks. Click here to see travel details and to purchase tickets.
BreakShuttle has been offering convenient and reliable college break transportation for Texas Tech University since 2012. In 2017, BreakShuttle was acquired by Wells + Associates, a national transportation consultancy based in the Washington, DC region. For 25 years, W+A has created and implemented sustainable, cost-effective transportation solutions for commercial, residential, governmental, and institutional developments across the United States including university campuses.
BreakShuttle has a full-time staff dedicated to working with universities and coordinating travel arrangements for students around the country. We contract with fully insured and compliant charter companies to provide comfortable vehicles operated by responsible, courteous drivers.
For more information about bus trips, click HERE.
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 Assisting Your Student.
For past poll results visit Parent & Family Pulse Polls.
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?
- Can you recommend someone else for me to visit with in this same field?
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 Monday December 25th and will reopen on Tuesday January 2, 2018.
For a list of upcoming events, please visit our Events page.
Undergraduate Admissions Student Referral Program
Alumni, parents and friends of Texas Tech University play an important role in identifying talented students to the university by exemplifying the impact that the Texas Tech experience has made on their life. We encourage you to refer outstanding prospective students to us. The Student Referral Program is easy and convenient. Simply provide us with basic student contact information using the form below and we'll take it from there. Undergraduate Admissions staff will follow up with the student you've referred and provide them with information about Texas Tech and applying for admission. We thank you for helping us attract the best and brightest students to Texas Tech University.
Click HERE for more information.
Feed Your Inner Red Raider!
Do Dining Bucks rollover?
Any unused Dining Bucks from the Fall 2017 semester will automatically rollover to the Spring 2018 On-campus living contract. Dining Bucks do not roll to an off-campus/commuter dining plan and they are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Need to make a change to your On-Campus Dining Plan?
On-campus Dining Plans can be changed through the 20th class day of each semester. The 20th class day of the spring 2018 semester is Wednesday, February 14th.
Running low on Dining Bucks?
You can add Dining Bucks at any time during the fall or spring semester. Instead of
losing unused Dining Bucks at the end of the spring semester, you can roll them over
to your next on-campus living contract (fall or summer).*
*Applies only to on-campus Dining Plan holders.
Dining Plan change Form
http://housing.ttu.edu/forms/diningplanchange
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
SAB Presents: Raider Relax
Are finals stressing your student out? Encourage them to stop by Raider Relax to enjoy an amazing oxygen bar, get a massage, eat, and play games!
When: Tuesday, December 5, 5pm – 9pm
Where: SUB Courtyard
Study Nights at the SUB
Students are invited to take advantage of free services and study space at the Student Union Building while preparing for finals. Some services include:
- Free Scantrons and Blue Books available at the Info Desk AFTER 5 PM Nightly
- Free coffee after 9 pm each night except Saturday
- Red's Donuts opens again at 8 pm each night except Saturday
- All available rooms will be open for individual or group study
When: Thursday, December 7 - Tuesday, December 12
Where: SUB
Get an Unpaid Parking Citation Dismissed Through Toys for Tickets!
Entering its 12th year, Toys for Tickets allows those who have received a Texas Tech parking citation to bring in a new, unwrapped toy or toys that at least total the value of the fine on an unpaid citation for the citation's dismissal. Toys are donated to the Lubbock Toys for Tickets, a program of the U.S. Marines. Toys for Tickets ends at 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 12. Program details are available at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parking/Resources/TPSHelps/ToysForTickets.php. Your student can bring the toy plus its receipt to the TPS office at 407 Flint Avenue (southeast corner of 4th and Flint).
For more information, call (806) 742-PARK.
Strategies to Tackle Midterms & Finals
As midterm & final tests, projects, and other assignments are approaching, students may begin to feel overwhelmed by these pressing demands. Multi-step major assignments can carry a heavy weight on overall final grades for courses.
If your student needs help preparing to study for midterm exams, wants to make a weekly study plan, or needs to organize assignments more effectively, they can schedule a FREE appointment with an Academic Coach at the Learning Center!
Academic Coaches can help in various academic skill areas, including:
- General time management
- Creating an individualized weekly study plan
- Discovering personal learning styles
- Exploring study strategies for various subject areas
- Accessing resources across campus for academic success
- and many more!
How do I Make an Appointment?
Students can visit www.lc.soar.ttu.edu and choose 'Academic Coaching' for more information on these services, to make an appointment, or to view study help worksheets on the website! For more information, call our offices at (806) 742-3664 or stop by Holden Hall Room 80.
Signing Up for TechAlert
If you would like to sign up for TechAlert messages, your student needs to log in at www.ttu.edu/emergencyalert using their eRaider username and password. Your number can be added as an alternate phone number, but your student's number should be listed as the primary emergency alert contact number so he or she receives the text messages and calls first. Up to four phone numbers can be added, but your student's number should be the primary number for texting.
Carol of Lights
With the flip of a switch, more than 25,000 colored lights 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 59th Annual Carol of Lights® will be held on Friday, December 1, 2017. The Carillon Concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. before the ceremony, with the Carol of Lights commencing at 7:00 p.m. The Masked Rider, Saddle Tramps Torch Light Processional, and High Riders will begin the ceremony at the University Seal on Broadway and follow the luminaria lighted route around Memorial Circle to the Science Quadrangle.
The lights will be turned on every night from dusk (approximately 6:30 p.m.) until midnight from December 2, 2017 through January 1, 2018.
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.
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.
Prospective Students: Raider Roadshow
Undergraduate Admissions would like to announce the dates of our Spring Raider Roadshow events for prospective students.
For high school juniors and seniors, this is the time to meet deans, professors and staff to discuss your academic goals.
TOUR DATES:
Dallas | Westin Galleria
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Austin | Hyatt Regency
Sunday, February 25, 2018
Houston | Westin Galleria
Sunday, March 4, 2018
San Antonio | Omni Hotel - Colonnade
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Rio Grande Valley | McAllen Convention Center
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
El Paso | Convention Center
Monday, April 16, 2018
Fore more information visit, www.admissions.ttu.edu/roadshow.
Student Business Services important dates and deadlines
December 8, Friday
- Fee Assessment Occurs for Spring 2018 (Charges Available for viewing if Registered for Classes)
- Budget Payment Plan available for enrollment
January 4, Thursday through February 14, Wednesday
- Book loans available – must be re-paid by February 25, Sunday
January 8, Monday
- Emergency Payment Plan available for enrollment
- Financial Aid Disbursed for Spring
- Financial Aid refunds begin
January 11, Thursday
- 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 Spring Payment Plan
For more information, please visit Student Business Services at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/
Has your student put him/herself in the best position for the most money?
TTU will start awarding Financial Aid for the 2018-19 school year to incoming and continuing students with complete files in December:
- Submit FAFSA for the 2018-19 school year,
- Complete Enrollment Certification – watch this quick video for step by step instructions!
2018-19 TTU Competitive Scholarship Application is due February 1st for continuing students:
- Students fill out one application and are considered for over 4,000 competitive TTU scholarships,
- Many TTU scholarships require a FAFSA in order to be considered, but make award decisions based on merit, application essays, or other criteria. Even if your student isn't interested in receiving financial aid, it is still worth completing a FAFSA.
- The scholarship application is built in to applytexas.org for incoming freshmen – due date is December 1st.
Join Us on Facebook and Twitter!
- Stay up-to-date on all deadlines and events related to Financial Aid and Scholarships.
- Get notification of new external scholarship opportunities.
Questions? We are here for you! Finaid.advisor@ttu.edu or (806) 742-3681
Is your student looking for a great summer job? They can apply to the RRO Crew!
If your student is looking for a great summer job, encourage them to apply to be part of the RRO Crew!
As a student leader at RRO, your student will interact with and guide new students through RRO, develop relationships with fellow Crew members and Tech faculty/staff, and have a lot of fun while showing their Red Raider pride! Benefits include:
- Work Summer 1 or Summer 2
- Earn money
- Free food, summer housing, and Texas Tech apparel
- Great job experience
To learn more about the position and to receive an application, your student must attend an information session! Those dates are available on our website at redraiderorientation.ttu.edu, or your student can email rusty.david@ttu.edu!
TECHniques Center is Hiring Tutors for Spring 2018
The TECHniques Center is currently hiring tutors for the Spring 2018 semester. If your student is interested in a tutoring job on campus, encourage them to visit https://www.depts.ttu.edu/techniques/tutors/ProspectiveTutorsOverview.php for more information and to apply.
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.
Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction at the Learning Center
The Learning Center offers undergraduate students FREE peer tutoring and Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions. We provide tutoring in a wide variety of subjects, and students can drop in anytime, 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Thursday and 8 am to 5 pm on Friday to receive our tutoring services. Our SI sessions are FREE peer-led review sessions for historically difficult courses. Our SI leaders work with the professors to prepare and lead these 1 hour a week review sessions.
Why take advantage of this FREE service?
Tutoring and SI sessions:
- Improve academic performance and retention in the course
- Provide extra support and increase self-esteem
- Provide a more individualized learning experience, and
- Allow the student to become involved in active learning and problem solving
Our tutors and SI leaders are recommended by professors and have made an A in the course they tutor/lead. Stop by the Learning Center in Holden Hall or check out our website www.lc.soar.ttu.edu to learn more about our FREE services or to find our Fall tutoring and SI schedule.
Fall 2017 Commencement Schedule
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 15, 2017
3:00 p.m.
Arts & Sciences
7:00 p.m.
Graduate School
Saturday, December 16, 2017
9:00 a.m.
Business Administration
Media and Communication
University Programs
Visual & Performing Arts
Wind Energy
1:30 p.m.
Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources
Architecture
Education
Engineering
Honors College
Human Sciences
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/
Room Selection is Officially Open for the 2018-2019 Academic Year!
Room Selection is officially underway for new and returning students that intend to live on-campus next year! To select a room on-campus for the 2018-2019 academic year, please go to housing.ttu.edu/signup and follow the application instructions. Remember, space is limited and students should sign up as soon as possible to reserve the space they desire. Premium and affordable suit-style rooms are still available in West Village and other select halls. In the case that a student is waiting for a space to become available, we encourage them to select a different room now to ensure they'll have a room on-campus for next year. If a space becomes available, they may request a room change.
For more information on the signup process, call the University Student Housing Welcome Center at 806-742-2661 any time between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and our staff will gladly assist you.
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
December 1, Friday
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.
November 30 – December 6, Thursday – Wednesday
Period of no examinations except for makeup exams or scheduled lab exams.
December 4, Monday
Raiderlink available for grading (degree candidate grades due at noon December 14).
December 6, Wednesday
Last day of classes.
December 7, Thursday
Individual study day.
Late night breakfast available for residents living on campus (hospitality.ttu.edu).
December 8 – 13, Friday – Saturday / Monday – Wednesday
Final examinations.
December 13, Wednesday
Fall semester ends.
December 14, Thursday
Last day for most dining locations (hospitality.ttu.edu).
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 16 (housing.ttu.edu/winterbreak).
December 15 – 16, 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 18, Monday
Noon, Final grades due via Raiderlink.
December 14 – 22, January 2 – 11
Winter Intersession
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.
Military & Veterans Programs
Is your student involved with the Military and Veterans Programs? If so, encourage him or her to view the Upcoming Events & Announcements on the MVP website!
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 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 the chapter parents page.
Parent and Family Relations
-
Address
Drane Hall 2515 15th St., Box 45020, Lubbock, Texas 79409-5020 -
Phone
806.742.3630 -
Email
parent@ttu.edu