February 2017 Parent & Family eNewsletter
Volume 16, Issue 2
In this issue...
General News
- Save the date for Family Weekend 2017
- Sibling Saturday 2017 registration is open now
- Parent Pulse Poll
- Student Rec Center offers relaxation and fun for your students
- Texas Tech's Career Center is in search of Career Professional Volunteers
- Save now for a ring later
- Summer camp job fair scheduled for February 8th
- For your complete Texas Tech news, visit Texas Tech Today
Financial Tips/Info
- Red to Black announces America Saves Week February 27 - March 7
- 1098-T Information
- Student Business Services Important Dates and Deadlines
Scholarships/Job Opportunities
- LGBTQIA office is hiring a student assistant
- Students planning to work on campus need original social security card
Academic
- Texas Tech Libraries offer courses to help your student conduct and present research
- SOAR Learning Center empowers students in pursuits of success
Housing
- Living Off Campus - Common Pitfalls
- Consider renters insurance for your student whether they are living on or off campus
Important Dates
Extracurricular Activities
Texas Tech Parents Association
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Save the date for Family Weekend 2017
Family Weekend 2017 will be September 29-30, 2017, as Texas Tech football takes on the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Activities will begin on Friday evening of the weekend. Stay tuned to www.parent.ttu.edu and www.texastechparents.org for more information as the date gets closer. Football and event tickets will go on sale in June 2017.
Book hotel rooms quickly, as they will fill up for the weekend. Visit www.texastechparents.org beginning on February 10th 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!
Sibling Saturday 2017 registration is now open
Sibling Saturday 2017 registration is open now! Deadline for registration is Wedneday, February 15th at 5:00PM, while space lasts.
Enjoy a day 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 Saturday invites Texas Tech students to spend time with their brothers or sisters in a day filled with great activities just for them. Siblings between the ages of 8 and 15 are invited to attend. Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 18, 2017!
Online registration is available online at www.parent.ttu.edu.
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 Family Weekend events you: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/W6VFH5S
For past poll results visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/polls.php.
Student Rec Center offers relaxation and fun for your students
Intramural Basketball season is just around the corner. We have Men's, Women's and Co-Rec leagues. There are divisions for the serious-minded and also those who just want to play for fun. Registration is February 7-10. Tell your student to check out the Rec—there are also Dodgeball, Table Tennis tournaments this month and Softball registration is February 21-24
Looking for a stress-relieving Valentine's Day gift for your student? Rec Sports licensed massage therapists ease sore muscles and calm swirling minds. You can purchase a gift certificate for your student and they set up the massage when it best suits them. Prices are $40 hour and $25 half hour. Additional information at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/fitwell/massage.php. Call 806-742-3828 to purchase a gift certificate.
The snow is deep in New Mexico and Colorado. If your student is planning a weekend ski trip, the Outdoor Pursuits Center rents ski and snowboard equipment. All the info is at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/opc/rentals.php
Texas Tech's Career Center is in search of Career Professional Volunteers
The University Career Center is currently in search of career professionals willing to volunteer their time and expertise to help current Texas Tech students enhance their career development. Below we have a list of various events with descriptions in which we are currently seeking volunteers. If you are interested and available, please indicate which career event(s) you would like to attend. Once you have indicated which events you are interested in attending, we will be following up with a brief questionnaire.
Please note that all events listed are in-person events.
Suited for Success Mocktail Party – Tuesday, February 28th 6:30-8:30pm at Frazier Pavilion
Description: The Mocktail Party is an experiential workshop for student-athletes to learn how to network successfully. We envision our guest career professionals offering insight into various aspects of their company and/or industry. Hors d'oeuvres will be served.
Camo to Corporate Mocktail Party – Tuesday, March 7th 6:30-8:30pm at University Career Center
Description: The Mocktail Party is an experiential workshop for student veterans to learn how to network successfully. We envision our guest career professionals offering insight into various aspects of their company and/or industry. Hors d'oeuvres will be served.
Camo to Corporate Interview Coaching – Tuesday, March 21st 6:30-8:30pm at University Career Center
Description: Student veterans will be paired with employers from their desired industry and practice interviewing. Students will learn from employers the do's and don'ts of interviewing in your industry. Snacks will be served.
Suited for Success Interview Coaching – Wednesday, March 22nd 6:30-8:30pm at the United Spirit Arena
Description: Students-athletes will be paired with employers from their desired industry and practice interviewing. Students will learn from employers the do's and don'ts of interviewing in your industry. Snacks will be served.
University-wide Mocktail Party – Wednesday, March 8th 5:00-7:00pm at the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center
Description: The Mocktail Party is an experiential workshop for student to learn how to network successfully. We envision our guest career professionals offering insight into various aspects of their company and/or industry. Hors d'oeuvres will be served.
Should you have any additional questions or comments, please feel free to contact me directly at logan.winkelman@ttu.edu or at 806-834-4706. Thank you again for your interest in helping Texas Tech students!
Save now for a ring later
The Official Texas Tech Class Ring symbolizes a significant achievement in a student's academic career. Students only need 75 hours to purchase a class ring, but they can begin saving as soon as their first day of class.
The Texas Tech Alumni Association has made it easy for students to save for their ring through the Ring Savings Program. Each semester students can set aside a refundable $75 through their tuition, which may then be applied toward the purchase of their Official Texas Tech Class Ring, upon eligibility.
To enroll and begin saving today, students need only visit Raiderlink.ttu.edu, click on the MyTech tab, and sign up in the Official Class Ring section under Optional Services.
It's never been easier to join the "Tradition."
For more information on the Official Texas Tech Class Ring, visit the Texas Tech Alumni Association online at www.texastechalumni.org/ring.
Summer Camp Job Fair scheduled for February 8th
Your students can build their resumes and get paid to have fun!
If your student is interested in working with children or managing projects, encourage
him/her to drop by the SUB Ballroom on Wednesday, February 8th from 11am – 3pm to
visit with representatives from diverse summer camps offering a variety of paid positions
for Summer 2017. The Summer Camp Job Fair is open to all classifications and majors
and there is no registration required!
Students have a great deal to gain from summer camp employment. A summer camp work experience offers:
- A team-oriented mindset
- The opportunity to work with children of different ages and personalities
- Leadership development
Camp employers are looking for a wide range of skill sets from general to specific.
See the list of camps and available positions!
If you have any questions, please email Donna Srader or Ashley Penner or call us at
806.742.2210.
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 announces America Saves Week February 27-March 2
Red to Black Peer Financial Coaching offers financial coaching for all Texas Tech Students. We are available to assist students in creating a budget, setting savings goals, making financial aid dollars last, and so much more.
We are, once again, partnering with America Saves to celebrate America Saves Week! America Saves is a national campaign involving more than 1,000 non-profit, government, and corporate groups that encourages individuals and families to save money and build personal wealth. We have many activities planned for your student such as making savings pledges, winning prizes, decorating piggy banks, and learning how to use a tax refund to reach savings goals and about the importance of paying yourself first. We will be in the Student Union Building Courtyard right across from Copy Mail from 11 am to 2 pm on February 27 to March 2. Please encourage your student to come visit us! For all the details about the week's events, please visit our website at www.r2b.ttu.edu.
Contact Red to Black at redtoblack@ttu.edu, 806-742-9781, or visit our website for more information about our program!
1098-T Information
Texas Tech University has made it even easier for students to access and view or print 1098-T tax forms when they become available each year. Students that have accepted the Global Electronic Consent during registration or have completed the paper Electronic Consent form may access their 1098-T from the Raiderlink portal and completing the steps below:
- Click on the TTU MyTech tab in Raiderlink
- Click on the Student Business Services link in the Action Items box
- Click on the 1098T - View and Print link
A new window will open your personal 1098-T page
For additional information visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/feeInfo/1098T.php.
Note: Students that have not completed the Electronic Consent form will receive a paper copy of the 1098-T by mail. Student Business Services will mail 1098-T forms no later than January 31st to the permanent address that is on file in Raiderlink.
Student Business Services important dates and deadlines
February 3, Friday
Last day to DROP a course and receive a refund. Does not apply to students who drop to 0 hours. Dropping to zero hours in a term is considered withdrawing from the institution and must be done with the Registrar's Office. Please see more details below on the Withdrawal Process.
If a student chooses to withdraw from the university, they will need to complete the withdrawal process through the Registrar's Office (room 103 West Hall). Cancellation is not an appropriate form of withdrawal and should not be relied upon as such.
Withdrawal dates for Spring 2017:
Up through January 18-100% refund
January 19 through January 25 - 80% refund
January 26 through February 1 - 70% refund
February 2 through February 8 - 50% refund
February 9 through February 15 - 25% refund
February 16 and after- No refund
February 25, Saturday
Budget/Emergency Payment Plan due date – Required payment must be received by the due date or the account will incur late fees
Book Loan due date
For more information, please visit Student Business Services at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/
LGBTQIA Office is hiring a student assistant
Does your Red Raider need a part-time job on campus? The LGBTQIA Office at Texas Tech is hiring a student assistant.
Job Responsibilities:
- Office Support: Primary job function will include performing administrative duties, organization management, office errands, making phone calls, making copies, and other reasonable administrative duties.
- Program Support: The student assistant will be asked to assist with the different event planning and educational goals of the unit.
- Presentation and Marketing: The student assistant may be asked to represent the Office at local events, make presentation on services and programs, and assist in table-marketing.
- Other Duties as Assigned
Requirements: The student assistant must be enrolled full-time and available to work up to 20 hrs per week. The student assistant must maintain a 2.5 GPA to remain employed as a student assistant in the Center for Campus Life. Heavy-lifting may be required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of issues faced by LGBTQIA individuals
- Highly sociable, positive/pleasant disposition and can handle customer relations professionally
- Outstanding communication skills
- Excellent presentation skills and can communicate with all levels of authority
- Strong comprehension and active listening skills
- Proficient in MS Office applications
- Graphic Design experience and knowledge
Remuneration: Student assistant positions are semester appointments with a salary of $7.25 per hour.
Hours: Minimum 12 hours required per week. Students may work up to 20 hours per week, depending on departmental need.
To Apply: Applicants should submit the student assistant application, resume, spring 2017 class schedule, tentative work schedule, and three (3) current references. Review of applicants to begin immediately and will continue until position is filled. EEO/Affirmative Action Institution.
For more information, please contact Jody Cofer Randall, LGBTQIA Administrator, 806-742-5433, 201 Student Union, jody.randall@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.
Texas Tech Libraries offer courses to help your student conduct and present research
Share these great opportunities to learn about the Texas Tech Libraries with your student:
Basics of Library Research
Learn about your Personal Librarian, database searching and print & online resources
February 9, 2-3PM
February 23, 2-3PM
April 6, 2-3PM
Location: Library Instruction Lab 150
For more information, contact jon.hufford@ttu.edu, brian.quinn@ttu.edu, or jake.syma@ttu.edu
Poster Presentation Demystified
Learn what elements it takes to make an award-winning poster for a scholarly presentation. Some of the main topics that will be discussed are the design elements, graphics, and color that make a poster stand out.
February 10, 2-4PM
Location: Library Instruction Lab 150
For more information, contact cynthia.henry@ttu.edu, brian.quinn@ttu.edu, or kimberly.vardemann@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 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.
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.
Career Center Events
University Career Center Events, Spring 2017
Feb 2 Resume Critique Day
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
University Career Center, Wiggins Complex
Feb 7 Etiquette Dinner
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center
Feb 8 Summer Camp Job Fair
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
SUB Ballroom
Feb 15 Engineering Career Fair
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Lubbock Memorial Civic Center
Feb 22 Business Career Expo *
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Lubbock Memorial Center
*ONLY BUSINESS MAJORS
For a full list of upcoming events and webinars, please visit the University Career Center Events page.
This month's academic and event calendar
February 3, Friday
Last day for student-initiated drop on MyTech without academic penalty (drop does
not count against drop limit). All drops are the responsibility of the student.
Last day to drop a course and have course charges removed. Students who drop to 0
hours are considered to be a withdrawal. Financial penalties apply for withdrawals
after January 18.
February 4, Saturday
Student-initiated drop made on or after this date counts against drop limit. All drops
are the responsibility of the student.
February 10, Friday
Last day for graduate degree candidates to file with the Graduate School a statement
of intention to graduate.
February 15, Wednesday
Last day to withdraw from the university and receive partial financial credit. For
more information see www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/calendar/withdrawDates.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.
Last day to change on-campus Dining Plan level for the spring semester.
February 22, Wednesday
Last day for doctoral students to submit Defense Notification form.
Last day to notify the thesis coordinator of thesis defense via email.
Complete calendar information:
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 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