January 2016 Part 2 Parent & Family eNewsletter
Vol. 15 Issue 1, Part 2
In this issue...
General News
- Tickets on Sale for Spring Break Bus Trip
- Parent Pulse Poll
- Register for Sibling Weekend 2016: February 20-21, 2016
- Student Disability Services Open House
- Study Abroad Week: January 26th-29th
- Parent & Family Bumper Sticker Contest
- Rec Center: New Year's Resolutions
- Women's Night at the Rec Center
- University Career Center: Out With the Old, in With the New!
- 1098T Information
- Feed Your Inner Red Raider!
- For your complete Texas Tech news, visit Texas Tech Today
Parents of Incoming Freshman/Transfers
Financial Tips/Info
- Spring 2016 Paying the Bill Checklist
- Red to Black: FAFSA information
- Red to Black: Peer-to-Peer Financial Coaching
Scholarships/Job Opportunities
- TTU Current Scholarship Deadline: February 1st
- COWAMONGUS! IS HIRING
- Hospitality Services currently hiring!
- Red Raider Camp Hiring!
- 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
Housing
- TTU Off Campus Housing Fair
- Living Off Campus - Common Pitfalls
- Consider renters insurance for your student whether they are living on or off campus
Important Dates
- Winter Raider Welcome: January 17-23, 2016
- Career Center Events
- This month's academic and event calendar
Extracurricular Activities
- Tech Activities Board Info Session
- Student Organization Fair
- Have your student check out Orgsync for ways to get involved
- Student Union and Activities Calendar
Texas Tech Parents Association
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
Tickets on Sale 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 2016. 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, and San Antonio/Austin. Buses depart Lubbock on Saturday, March 12th and return to Lubbock on Sunday, March 20th. 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.
Parent Pulse Poll
Each month, Parent & Family Relations will conduct a new Parent & Family Pulse Poll - a brief poll about Texas Tech parent and family experiences.
To access poll, visit the Parent & Family Relations homepage and click on Parent Pulse Poll on the right hand column. You will be directed to the monthly Parent Pulse Poll and will be able to view instant results.
For past poll results visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/polls.php.
Register for Sibling Weekend 2016: February 20-21, 2016
Mark your calendars for the weekend of February 20-21, 2016! Parent and Family Relations will be hosting Sibling Weekend for your younger children ages 8-15.
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. This is one event they will not want to miss!
Registration, tentative schedule, and more information are available online at www.parent.ttu.edu.
Student Disability Services Open House
Student Disability Services (SDS) would like to open their doors to anybody interested in learning more about their program and the services SDS provides. We would love to introduce our staff to you as well as share important details regarding services our office provides to students. This is a great opportunity to come by and meet our staff and learn about specific student services. Popcorn, snacks, and drinks will be provided.
For more information visit https://www.depts.ttu.edu/sds/.
Study Abroad Week: January 26th-29th
Study Abroad Week is January 26-29 in the free speech area near the library and SUB. Students will be able to learn about study abroad opportunities and learn about the various countries.
Let us help your student plan to study abroad. For more information visit http://www.studyabroad.ttu.edu/.
Parent & Family Bumper Sticker Contest
Parent and Family Relations is sponsoring a bumper sticker design contest. This bumper sticker will be distributed to all parents and family members during Red Raider Orientation.
Design your bumper sticker in graphics software (preferred: Vectorized Artwork in an EPS or Adobe Illustrator File) or draw a detailed sketch. Include your name and contact info. Submissions can be sent via email to parent@ttu.edu or dropped off at Parent and Family Relations in 201Q Student Union (2nd floor of the SUB). Include your name and contact information.
Design criteria: colors must be red, black, and/or white, size must be 7"Wx 2"H (with full bleeds), and the words "Red Raider Family" are the only words to be used.
If you use the Double T logo, be sure to follow guidelines on the use of the Double T. Information on proper use can be found at: http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/text/graphics/t-standards.gif.
Submission deadline is Monday, March 28th at 5:00PM.
Winner will be notified after April 4th. The prize is a Red Raider prize pack.
Call 806-742-3630 or email parent@ttu.edu for more information.
Rec Center: New Year's Resolutions
The Rec Center is a very busy place fulfilling lots of New Year's Resolutions. Most of our fitness classes are free and held on a drop-in basis. Some of them, such as CrossFit, Salsa Dance, Muscles and Mascara are more instructional in nature and have a very reasonable cost. We also offer Personal Training with certified trainers (most are students, so there is some fun peer-to-peer interactions). Credit vouchers can be purchased for your students for these classes and/or Personal Training by calling (806) 742-3828.
All the info can be found at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/. Scroll over the Fitness/Well tap to Group Fitness or Personal Training.
Women's Night at the Rec Center
Texas Tech women are invited to attend the 2016 Women's Night at the Rec Center. This event will only be open to females and is aimed to include a night of free, inclusive, and healthy fun for women of the Texas Tech community. The goal of the event is to educate and empower women on issues surrounding mental health, physical health, and self-care via health workshops, exercise classes, climbing and bouldering, nutrition & exercise tips, giveaways, food, prizes, and more!
Save the date for February 12th from 8PM-10PM
For more information visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/specialevents/womensnight.php.
University Career Center: Out With the Old, in With the New!
A new year ushers in a new semester and a fresh start for your student! This is the perfect time for him or her to begin searching for summer or fall internship opportunities. There are steps that your student can take to afford them the best chance of landing a quality internship. Along with your guidance, the UCC's resources, and the following tips, your student will be able to start the search with confidence.
Find an Internship
- Narrow down the industry or field of interest
- Utilize a variety of networks to inquire about openings (family, friends, LinkedIn, etc.)
- Use Hire Red Raiders, our online job board, to queue a search for internships
Ask for Letters of Recommendation
- Choose references carefully
- Begin reaching out to professors and references now
- Prep references by sending them the internship description and your resume
Attend Career Development Events
- Schedule an appointment or a mock-interview with a career counselor
- Come in to the UCC for one of our Resume Critique Days
- Join us for events such as the Etiquette Dinner and All Majors Job Fair
We encourage you and your student to contact us for advice on how to search for internships by calling 806-742-2210. University Career Center hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
1098T 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.
Feed Your Inner Red Raider!
Hospitality Services wants 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.
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 and Haven FAQs
What is AlcoholEdu®? Haven®?
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. Whether or not a student ever uses alcohol while at Texas Tech, AlcoholEdu® will assist them in making well-informed decisions as well as cope with the potential drinking behavior of their peers. Haven® is the companion model that focuses on relational health- informing students about setting good boundaries, practicing good communication, being an active bystander, and watching for signs of relational violence and sexual assault.
Who is required to complete AlcoholEdu® and Haven®?
ALL incoming students (first-years and transfer students) must complete BOTH the AlcoholEdu
and Haven courses.
How do students complete AlcoholEdu® and Haven®?
Students can log on to both courses from www.rise.ttu.edu. They will need an eraider to sign in to each course. There is an AlcoholEdu/Haven
tab on the website that provides the link, as well as further instructions.
When are AlcoholEdu® and Haven® completed?
Part One for each module opens December 15th and is due by January 15th. Part Two
for each module opens February 15th and is due by March 11th. Students can complete
both of the modules at any point during this open window.
How long will it take to complete AlcoholEdu® and Haven®?
Part One of AlcoholEdu will take approximately 1.5-2 hours. Progress can be saved
to complete in multiple sittings. Haven Part One will take approximately 45 minutes-1
hour. Part Two of each module should take approximately 15 minutes.
What happens if a student does not complete AlcoholEdu® and Haven®?
A hold is placed on their record, impacting their ability to view final grades. Even
if it is past the deadline, students must still complete both parts (1 and 2) of both
modules (AlcoholEdu and Haven).
Why does TTU require students to complete AlcoholEdu® and Haven®?
These programs are evidenced based, are a cost effective measure to reach the entire
incoming student population, and fulfill federal requirements for prevention education
surrounding Title IX, VAWA, and Campus SaVE.
Information about the parent company of AlcoholEdu® and Haven®:
For any additional information about EverFi, the company that provides these programs,
visit http://www.everfi.com/about/faqs.
For any questions about AlcoholEdu® and Haven® at TTU:
Please contact Dr. Kimberly Simón in the Risk Intervention & Safety Education (RISE) Office, at 742-2110, or RISE@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: FAFSA information
Hi, Parents! Red to Black would like to share a great resource with you from the Department of Education, their blog Homeroom. They especially want to draw your attention to two recent posts directed towards parents. The first is about tips to filling out the FAFSA and the second is about why it is important for you and your student to both have your own FAFSA ID. There is also a great article about the 11 most common FAFSA mistakes and number one on that list is not filling out the FAFSA! Perhaps you are paying for student's education and don't plan on them needing student loans and you know they will not qualify for any other aid. That might very well be the case right now, but we never know what the future will hold. If something happens to change your job situation or you are faced with your own financial emergency and are no longer able to pay for college, your student will be able to get financial aid much faster if they have already filled out the FAFSA. The FAFSA is also required to receive scholarships at Texas Tech, so it is a very important process!
If you have questions about the FAFSA, please check out the Homeroom blog, or contact our amazing TTU Financial Aid department!
Once your student receives their financial aid (either from the government or from the Bank of Mom and Dad), Red to Black Peer Financial Coaching is here to answer their money questions! We can help your student create a personalized spending plan to maximize their money and make it work for them. Have your student schedule an appointment on our website at www.r2b.ttu.edu, by phone at 806-742-9781 or by email at redtoblack@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 floor of the SUB in room 201. Visit our website at www.r2b.ttu.edu for more information!
TTU Current Scholarship Deadline: February 1st
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.
COWamongus! Is Hiring
Looking for a great job close to campus? Look no further than COWamongus! They are looking to hire several student assistants that are hard working and self motivated individuals. They are looking to fill all open undergraduate student assistant positions for the spring semester. If you are interested in applying please stop by the Animal and Food Sciences building and apply.
The positions are for food service personnel.
Cowamongus is a small restaurant with a meat market inside our store.
For any questions please call us at 806-742-2882 and ask for Adrian or you can send an email to redraider.rodriguez@ttu.edu.
Hospitality Services currently hiring!
Hospitality Services is currently looking for students to work in our dining locations and with Top Tier Catering. We are also looking for a couple of students, who are majoring in Finance, or Accounting, to work in our administrative office in the Finance area.
Advantages to working for Hospitality Services:
- Flexible schedule – we can work around your class schedule (you can work anytime between 6AM-2AM, 7 days a week)
- Holidays off (e.g. Winter Break, Spring Break)
- Competitive pay rates and fast advancement opportunities
- Training Pay raises
- No Social Security Tax withheld
- Discounted meals
Applying is easy!
- Download an application online at hospitality.ttu.edu and e-mail it to dee.nguyen@ttu.edu OR
- Apply in person at Hospitality Services at the Wiggins Complex. We have printed applications you can fill out by hand.
If you have any questions about student employment within Hospitality Services, please contact Dee Nguyen, Recruitment Supervisor, at dee.nguyen@ttu.edu, or call 806.742.1360.
Red Raider Camp Hiring!
Does your student love Texas Tech? Do they want a fun and unique experience this summer? They should be a part of Red Raider Camp Staff! Each year Red Raider Camp (RRC) hires energetic, fun, and spirited students to work Red Raider Camp. These students get an incredible opportunity to have a fun and exciting job while representing Texas Tech! Being on the Camp Staff is a unique experience; students will interact with and guide new students through Red Raider Camp, develop leadership skills, and have a lot of fun while showing their Red Raider pride! Red Raider Camp is our 3 day-2 night spirit camp in Brownwood, Texas! For more information on the program visit www.redraidercamp.ttu.edu.
The Camp Staff are students who work all 3 Camp sessions. Camp will take place July 31 to August 10. This gives students the opportunities for summer classes, internships, or just a chance to go home.
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, February 10 @ 4:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 11 @ 3:30 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.
Monday, February 15 @ 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 16 @ 5:00 p.m.
All information sessions will be held in the Student Union Building. Room will vary by info session. Please refer to the website for correct location.
Do you or your student see Red Raider Camp as a part of his/her summer? If you or your student has any further questions, please contact Stefan Altheide at stefan.altheide@ttu.edu or visit us at www.redraidercamp.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 27 @ 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.
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 spring 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 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.
TTU Off Campus Housing Fair
Student Legal Services and University Student Housing is hosting an Off Campus Housing Fair February 9th in the Student Union Ballroom from 10AM - 5:30PM. Various off-campus apartments will be there to let your student know about off-campus housing opportunities. Student Legal Services will be there to talk to your student about leases and other issues with living off campus. This event is part of Student Legal Services' "Know Your Rights Week." For more information, contact Student Legal Services at 806-742-3289 or visit University Student Housing website.
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.
Winter Raider Welcome: January 17-23, 2016
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
- Service projects
- and more!
For more details and complete schedule of events visit the Raider Welcome's web site http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentengagement/raiderwelcome/schedule.php.
Career Center Events
Summer Camp Job Fair
February 10th | 11am – 3pm
SUB Ballroom
Resume Critique Day (walk-in resume critiques)
February 16th | 9am – 4pm
University Career Center | 150 Wiggins Complex
Etiquette Dinner
February 18th | 5:30pm – 8pm
McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center | Students can register here (www.hireredraiders.ttu.edu)
How to Work a Job Fair (workshop)
February 23rd | 2pm – 3pm
University Career Center | 150 Wiggins Complex
Mocktail Party
February 23rd | 5pm – 7pm
McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center | Students can register here (www.hireredraiders.ttu.edu)
CASNR Career Expo
February 24th | 11am – 3pm
SUB Ballroom
Resume Critique Day (walk-in resume critiques)
February 29th | 9am – 4pm
University Career Center | 150 Wiggins Complex
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.
For a full list of upcoming events and webinars, please visit the University Career Center Events page.
This month's academic and event calendar
January 20, Wednesday
Last day to register or withdraw from the university without financial penalty. For more information visit www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/calendar/withdrawDates.php.
January 21, Thursday
Classes begin.
January 26, Tuesday
Last day for student-initiated addition of a course on MyTech. Course may be added until February 5 with advisor permission.
For the Texas Tech event calendar, please CLICK HERE.
Tech Activities Board Info Session
Is your student looking for ways to become involved on campus? Encourage them to be a part of the Tech Activities Board?
They will be hosting an informational session on Wednesday, January 27th from 6PM-7PM in the Red Raider Lounge located in the SUB for students to learn about what they do and how students can become a part of TAB. For more information visit www.tab.ttu.edu.
Student Organization Fair
Students are encouraged to start the semester off right by finding an organization to join! The Student Org Fair is a great place to meet other students from a variety of organization.
Student Org Fair
Thursday, January 21st
11AM-1PM
Student Union Ballroom
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 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