January Parent & Family eNewsletter
Vol. 14 Issue 1
In this issue...
General News
- Parent Pulse Poll
- Registration open for Sibling Weekend 2015
- Career Center Events
- Summer Opportunities for your student: Join the Crew!
- 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
Academic
- Tips for Parents & Families of students placed on scholastic probation or suspension
- Residential Tutoring Program
- SOAR Learning Center empowers students in pursuits of success
Housing
- On campus housing contract reminders
- Consider renters insurance for your student whether they are living on or off campus
- Responsible off campus living
Important Dates
- Residence halls open for occupancy January 11th
- Save the date for Family Weekend 2015: September 25-26
- This month's academic and event calendar
Extracurricular Activities
- Winter Raider Welcome events
- Have your student check out Orgsyc for ways to get involved
- Student Union and Activities Calendar
Texas Tech Parents Association
- Road Raiders-Have peace of mind when your student travels to Lubbock for the spring semester
- Looking for ways to get involved?
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
Parent Pulse Poll
Parent & Family Relations conducts a Parent & Family Pulse Poll - a brief poll about Texas Tech parent and family experiences. We will share our poll results each month online. Click HERE to view last month's Parent Pulse Poll results.
Registration open 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!
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.
1/21 - Webinar - So You Want to Be a Consultant: Basic Consulting Skills
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. www.hireredraiders.ttu.edu
1/29 - Webinar - Developing and Using a Professional LinkedIn Profile
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. www.hireredraiders.ttu.edu
For more information about the University Career Center visit www.careercenter.ttu.edu
Summer 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 2 - June 26
2nd Half: July 7 - July 31
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.
Tuesday, January 20 @ 12:30 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 21 @ 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 22 @ 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 28 @ 6:00 p.m. *SUB Lubbock Room
All information sessions will be held in the SUB Traditions Room (*except for the session on 1/28) on the 2nd floor of the Student Union Building.
Once your student is home, please discuss the information he/she learned at the information session and his/her plans for the summer. 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.
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.
Paying the Bill Checklist
View the Spring 2015 Paying the Bill Checklist for bill availability dates, deadlines, and payment plan information:
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/AdminFinance/FormRepository/SBS/payingBill/Spring%202015%20Checklist.pdf
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.
Tips for Parents & Families of Students Placed on Scholastic Probation or Suspension
The semester has come to an end and your student faced 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.
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
2014-2015 Academic Catalog: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/catalog/_viewcat.php
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.
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 2014 semester. The Official Academic Year Contract is a nine-month contract that runs from August 2014 through May 2015. 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.
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.
Residence halls open for occupancy January 11th
Spring move-in begins Sunday, January 11th at 10:00 a.m.
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
January 7, Wednesday
95% payment of mandatory tuition and fees or enrollment in a payment plan due for spring. Registrations after this date require immediate payment or enrollment in a payment plan.
January 11, Sunday
10:00 a.m., Residence halls open for occupancy (housing.ttu.edu/movein).
Select dining locations open for service (www.depts.ttu.edu/hospitality).
January 12, Monday
Faculty on duty.
January 12, Tuesday
Last day to register or withdraw from the university without financial penalty. For more information see www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/withdraw.php.
January 14, Wednesday
Classes begin.
January 19, Monday
Martin Luther King Jr. Day. University Holiday
Limited dining locations available (www.depts.ttu.edu/hospitality).
January 20, Tuesday
Last day for student-initiated addition of a course on MyTech. Course may be added until January 30 with advisor permission.
January 30, 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 changes removed. Students who drop to 0 hours are considered to be a withdrawal. Financial penalties apply for withdrawals after January 13.
January 31, Saturday
Student-initiated drop made on or after this date counts against drop limit. All drops are the responsibility of the student.
For the complete 2014-2015 Academic Calendar, please visit
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/calendar/14-15calendar/14-15detailed.php
For the Texas Tech event calendar, please CLICK HERE.
Winter Raider Welcome Events
Winter Raider Welcome is January 11-17
Encourage your student to participate in Winter Raider Welcome! It is a series of FUN and FREE events designed to welcome new and returning students to the Texas Tech campus.
Some of the events include:
- Movie nights
- Student organization fair
- Athletic events
- Will Rotten Freak Out Circus
- Service projects
- and more!
For more details and complete schedule of events visit the Center for Campus Life's web site http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentengagement/raiderwelcome/index.php.
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.
Road Raiders-Have peace of mind when your student travels to Lubbock for the spring semester
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