February Parent & Family eNewsletter
Vol. 14 Issue 2
In this issue...
General News
- Parent Pulse Poll
- Tickets available for Spring Break bus trip
- Register now for Sibling Weekend 2015!
- Free Motorist Assistance Program on Campus
- Texas Tech Advances to Final Four of Chess
- Valentine's Day Massages
- President's Select Ambassador Application
- Study Abroad Fair
- Career Center Events
- 2015 Lubbock Visitor's Guide
- Texas Tech sponsors Student Health Insurance by Blue Cross & Blue Shield
- Students planning to work on campus need original social security card
- For your complete Texas Tech news, visit Texas Tech Today
Financial Tips/Info
Scholarships/Job Opportunities
- TTU Scholarship Deadline: February 1st
- Texas Tech Parents Association Scholarship due February 1st
- Parent & Family Relations Hiring Student Assistant
Academic
- Health Professions School Fair
- Residential Tutoring Program
- SOAR Learning Center empowers students in pursuits of success
Housing
- Off Campus Housing Fair
- Consider renters insurance for your student whether they are living on or off campus
- Responsible off campus living
Important Dates
Extracurricular Activities
Texas Tech Parents Association
- Parents & Family Members needed to serve on Tech Parents Scholarship Committee
- Looking for ways to get involved?
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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 sources of information parents and family members use: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6VBJCNS
This poll will be open through the month of February. Results will be posted at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/polls.php in March.
Tickets available for Spring Break bus trip
Does your student need a ride home for Spring Break? Parent and Family Relations is pleased to announce that Break Shuttle will provide bus trips to assist Texas Tech students in traveling home for Spring Break 2015. Break Shuttle is the largest break/event transportation service for colleges and universities in the country.
Charter buses will transport students to/from Lubbock for Spring Break. Destinations are Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and El Paso. Buses depart Lubbock on Saturday, March 14th and return to Lubbock on Sunday, March 22nd. Seating is based on availability and is sold on a first come, first served basis. Prices vary by destination. More information about this trip and the online registration link can be found below.
Bus trips are provided by Break Shuttle, a separate entity from Texas Tech University. Parent and Family Relations at Texas Tech University works with Break Shuttle to ensure these trips are possible.
For more information and the registration link, visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/bustrips.php.
Questions about registration or anything connected to the bus trip should be directed to Break Shuttle, http://www.breakshuttle.com/, information@BreakShuttle.com, or (855) 620-1924.
Register now for Sibling Weekend 2015!
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 27-28, 2015!
Online registration and the full schedule are now available online at www.parent.ttu.edu.
Free Motorist Assistance Program on Campus
Transportation and Parking Services offers a free Motorist Assistance Program to all students, employees, and visitors on campus. Those who need help may call (806) 742-MAPP 24 hours a day for the following services: (1) air up a low or flat tire, (2) receive a gallon of gas, (3) unlock a vehicle, or (4) get a jump start for a dead battery, a common issue during the winter months. Use of the service is free for three instances per year. The vehicle and patron must be located on the main Texas Tech campus or the Rawls Course.
Texas Tech Advances to Final Four of Chess
The Texas Tech Chess Team will once again compete in the Final Four of College Chess—the official U.S. National Championship. Texas Tech A-team qualified by finishing among the top four universities in the annual Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship, held this year in South Padre Island, Texas, December 27-30. Texas Tech's B-team also shined, finishing in a tie for 6th-10th.
Top teams from all over the U.S. and Canada competed in the strongest-ever version of the event. Seventy-two master players—including 22 grandmasters (grandmaster is the highest title in chess) and 15 international masters—led 45 four-man teams made up of 196 individuals from 26 universities, including Harvard, Yale, Duke, and Columbia University.
Texas Tech's A-team went undefeated, winning three matches and drawing three. Grandmasters Yaro Zherebukh, Elshan Moradiabadi, and Samy Shoker, and international masters Andrey Gorovets and Alex Battey made up the Texas Tech A team.
"Our goal was to make the Final Four," Head Coach Grandmaster Alex Onischuk said. "Our Texas Tech players were resilient, especially when meeting unexpectedly strong teams." Onischuk, a former U.S. champion and the highest rated chess coach in the U.S., has remained one of the top 100 players in the world for the past 17 years.
The Final Four will be played at the New York Athletic Club in midtown Manhattan. The awards presentation will be conducted in the same room used to award the annual Heisman Trophy. Texas Tech will take on Webster University, the University of Texas-Dallas and the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. Each team will play each other once, and the winner of the championship is determined by total game points.
Texas Tech Chess team members offer outreach programs to more than a dozen area schools.
Follow Texas Tech Chess on Facebook.
Valentine's Day Massages
Looking for a fun gift for your son or daughter for Valentine's Day? The Rec Center has licensed massage therapists who can provide stress relief, pain relief or just a great overall relaxation. We will mail the gift card to your student and then they can call us to make an appointment. Prices are $40 for an hour massage. Call (806) 742-3828 to purchase a gift card (credit card required).
All the info can be found at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/fitwell/massage.php
President's Select Ambassador Application
President's Select is a group of Texas Tech University student ambassadors chosen specifically to serve Texas Tech through the Office of the President, Office of Admissions, and Texas Tech Athletics in the recruitment of new students and the fostering of relationships including prospective students, special guests, and alumni.
One of Texas Tech's most recognized organizations; President's Select members are the official ambassadors for Texas Tech representing the University as a whole. Duties include conducting regular campus tours and attending admissions, athletics, and presidential events. Members are actively involved in leadership roles throughout the campus including student government, Greek fraternities and sororities, and throughout professional and academic organizations.
For more membership requirements and selection process timeline visit http://www.orgs.ttu.edu/presidentsuniversityselect/index.php
Study Abroad Fair
Has your student been interested in studying abroad? This is the perfect event for them!
Encourage them to explore the bi-annual Study Abroad Fair, Wednesday, February 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Matador Room on the second floor of the Student Union. Students will have an opportunity to meet with program representatives from more than 40 approved study abroad programs, returned students, TTU faculty and academic advisors, and the Office of International Affairs staff to learn about the wide array of study abroad opportunities there are.
For more information visit their website www.studyabroad.ttu.edu
Career Center Events
University Career Center will host various events this months for your student. Encourage your Red Raider to attend these workshops, seminars, and fairs.
2/3 - Resume Critique Day
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. University Career Center
2/4 - How to Work a Job Fair
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. University Career Center
2/5 - CASNR Career Expo
Register for this event at www.hireredraiders.ttu.edu
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. SUB Ballroom
2/10 - Summer Camp Job Fair
Click here to register for the event!
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. SUB Ballroom
2/12 - Webinar - How the Career Center Can Help You: An Overview of Services
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. www.hireredraiders.ttu.edu
2/17 - Etiquette Dinner
Registration and Professional Dress Required
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center
2/18 - Webinar - The Anatomy of a Career in Sales: Learning the Sales Cycle
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. www.hireredraiders.ttu.edu
2/24 - Webinar - Cultivating Productive Relationships in Professional Settings
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. www.hireredraiders.ttu.edu
2/26 - Architecture Fair
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. University Career Center
2/27 - Architecture Fair
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. University Career Center
For more information about the University Career Center visit www.careercenter.ttu.edu
2015 Lubbock Visitor's Guide
When you make plans to visit your student be sure to check out the visitor guide provided by Visit Lubbock.
http://www.visitlubbock.org/2015-ivg/index.html
Texas Tech sponsors Student Health Insurance by Blue Cross & Blue Shield
What happened to student health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act?
Did you know Texas Tech University (TTU) sponsors a student health insurance plan offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas known as AcademicBlue?
Student health insurance plans are not new. In fact, many states require coverage for college students, and the federal government requires some international students to carry health insurance coverage while attending college in the United States. As you would expect, most domestic students are covered as dependents under a parent's plan until age 26, and most will stay on their parent's plan -but should they? The following information is brought to you by AcademicBlue to help you make decisions about how best to insure your Red Raider.
As a result of the Affordable Care Act, student health insurance plans are required to provide the same health benefits as individual health insurance plans.
Before the Affordable Care Act, many student health insurance plans were not required to provide certain basic health benefits, such as preventive care, nor did they have out-of-pocket maximums, which provide a financial limit on the total dollar amount a student would be required to pay during a specified policy period.
The good news is that today's student plans must provide federally mandated essential health benefits. TTU students enrolled in AcademicBlue now have the same health benefits as individual plans, such as important preventive care that includes women's preventive services with no cost sharing. Students in AcademicBlue have access to a broad network of providers through the BCBSTX Blue Choice PPO network so they are covered at home, at school or while traveling.
For some students, the student health insurance plan may be a better choice than remaining on their parent's plan. Most student health insurance plans have lower premiums compared to individual plans or even dependent coverage under a parent's plan.
Student Health Services offers 100 percent coverage for eligible services on the TTU campus.
Student Health Services (SHS) is a large on-campus heathcare facility that offers a range of services to support the health and well-being of TTU students. Go to http://www.ttuhsc.edu/studenthealth/ to see what SHS has to offer.
Do the math and see if the AcademicBlue student health insurance plan is a smart move for your student!
Open enrollment for the Spring Semester starts November 17th, 2014 and is through February 15th, 2015.
Go to ttu.myahpcare.com or call (877) 357-0241 for more information.
AcademicBlueSM is offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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.
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.
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 East Basement of the SUB in room 024. Visit our website at www.r2b.ttu.edu for more information!
1098T Information
For instructions on how your student can view/print his or her 1098T form online, visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/feeInfo/1098T.php.
Please note: students must have accepted the Global Electronic Consent during registration in order to view 1098T information online. Paper 1098T forms will be mailed to the permanent preferred address no later than January 31, 2015.
TTU Scholarship Deadline: February 1st
The 2014-2015 Scholarship Application is now available for current students.
Deadline is February 1st so encourage your student to complete the application early to increase their chances of being awarded a scholarship.
Click here for the scholarship application.
Texas Tech Parents Association Scholarship due February 1st
Now is the time for students to apply for the Texas Tech Parents Association scholarship!
The 2015-2016 scholarship application is open. Visit http://www.texastechparents.org/ for application instructions and frequently asked questions.
The application deadline is February 1, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.
Questions about the scholarships? Please contact the Parents Association at parents@texastechparents.org.
Parent & Family Relations Hiring Student Assistant
Parent and Family Relations, a University department, seeks a motivated and energetic Student Assistant for a part-time position beginning in spring 2015 and continuing through summer 2015 (and possibly beyond). The position will be for 15-20 hours per week in the spring and 20 hours per week in the summer.
Clerical duties include: data entry, answering phones, and general office duties. Must be able to work quickly and accurately with a strong attention to detail. Excellent face-to-face and telephone customer service and computer/typing skills are crucial.
Department representation duties include: setting up for and providing assistance at Parent & Family check-in and interacting with parents and family members of prospective students at various functions/receptions. This position involves a high level of contact with people, requires basic knowledge of Texas Tech, Texas Tech Red Raider Orientation and strong communication skills.
Must be available to work throughout the week, including some weekends and evenings particularly in the summer.
Qualifications:
- Must be a full-time Texas Tech undergraduate student
- Must have completed at least one full semester of undergraduate coursework at Texas Tech
Questions regarding this position should be directed to parent@ttu.edu. Applications can be picked up/turned in at 201Q Student Union (second floor of the Student Union just past the student organization cubicles) or emailed upon request.
Applications must be submitted on or before Friday, February 6th, 2015.
Click HERE for application
Complete JOB DESCRIPTION
Health Professions School Fair
Representatives from various Health Professional Schools will be on campus to talk to students about their Professional Health programs.
Some schools confirmed to attend include:
- Texas Tech HSC
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- and more!
The fair is free to attend and open to everyone. This is a great opportunity to explore programs you may be interested in!
Please see http://www.depts.ttu.edu/pphc/HealthFair.php for a full list of schools confirmed to attend.
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.
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.
Off Campus Housing Fair
TTU's Off Campus Housing Fair is a part of Student Legal Service's "Know Your Rights Week" and is a student's opportunity to gain valuable information about off campus living. University Student Housing and Student Legal Services will present general information about leases and the process of moving off campus.
Over 20 complexes will market their apartments with free giveaways. Student Legal Services will have a table to answer your leasing questions. Please visit www.depts.ttu.edu/sls/ for more information.
Date: Tuesday, February 3rd
Where: SUB Matador Room
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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.
Responsible off campus living
If your 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, CLICK HERE.
Save the date for Family Weekend 2015: September 25-26
The wait is over and we have set the date for Family Weekend 2015. Save the date for September 25-26 when Texas Tech football takes on TCU. More details and registration will become available during the summer 2015.
Be sure and reserve hotels early as these fill up very quickly. For a list of hotels click HERE.
This month's academic and event calendar
February 11, Wednesday
- Last day to withdraw from the university and receive partial financial credit. For
more information see
www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/withdraw.php. - Last day to withdraw from the university and receive pro-rated room and dining plan refund. For more information see housing.ttu.edu/contractguide.
For the complete 2014-2015 Academic Calendar, please visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/calendar/14-15_cal_detailed.php
For the Texas Tech event calendar, please CLICK HERE.
Have your student check out Orgsyc 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 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.
Parents & Family Members needed to serve on Tech Parents Scholarship Committee
Help Texas Tech Students By Serving On The Tech Parents Scholarship Committee
Parents and family members are needed to serve on the Texas Tech Parents Association Scholarship Committee. The Scholarship Committee will meet on campus on Saturday, February 28th to select recipients for the Texas Tech Parents Association scholarships. This is a great way to volunteer your time to help worthy Texas Tech students and their families.
If you are interested in serving, please contact the Tech Parents Scholarship Chair, Leigh Lowe, at leighlowe@ymail.com. Details about the Scholarship Committee meeting will be sent to all those interested in serving.
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