January 2018 Parent & Family eNewsletter
Volume 17, Issue 1
In this issue...
General News
- Sibling Saturday 2018 Registration Is Now Open!
- Parent Pulse Poll
- Think About IT
- Undergraduate Admissions Student Referral Program
- New Year, New Skills with Academic Coaches at the Learning Center
- Feed Your Inner Red Raider!
- University Career Center: Out With the Old, in With the New!
- Student Disability Services: Coffee, Cocoa, & Cookies
- Setting Financial SMART Goals
- Save Now for a Ring Later!
- 2018 Spring Graduation Fair
- Winter Raider Welcome
- Signing Up for TechAlert
- For your complete Texas Tech news, visit Texas Tech Today
Parents and Family Members of Incoming Freshmen
Financial Tips/Info
Scholarships/Job Opportunities
Academic
Housing
Important Dates
Extracurricular Activities
Texas Tech Parent Association
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
Sibling Saturday 2018 Registration Is Now Open!
Does your Red Raider have a younger sibling age 8-15? 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. Younger siblings between the ages of 8 and 15 are invited to attend. Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 24, 2018!
For more information and to register, click HERE.
Parent Pulse Poll
Each month, Parent & Family Relations will conduct a Parent & Family Pulse Poll—a brief poll about Texas Tech parent and family experiences. We will share our poll results each month online. Here is the link to this month's poll about The Parent and Family Relations Website.
For past poll results visit Parent & Family Pulse Polls.
Think About IT
Parents don't forget if your Red Raider is a freshman or transfer student this Spring they must complete Think About IT. Think About IT is the mandatory prevention education course for all students. The course must be completed by March 30th, 2018. To access the course have your Red Raider visit our website (rise.ttu.edu) and click the begin course now button. Failure to complete the course by the deadline will result in an academic hold on their account. For questions, comments, or concerns please don't hesitate to contact us at 806.742.2110 or rise@ttu.edu.
Undergraduate Admissions Student Referral Program
Alumni, parents and friends of Texas Tech University play an important role in identifying talented students to the university by exemplifying the impact that the Texas Tech experience has made on their life. We encourage you to refer outstanding prospective students to us. The Student Referral Program is easy and convenient. Simply provide us with basic student contact information using the form below and we'll take it from there. Undergraduate Admissions staff will follow up with the student you've referred and provide them with information about Texas Tech and applying for admission. We thank you for helping us attract the best and brightest students to Texas Tech University.
Click HERE for more information.
New Year, New Skills with Academic Coaches at the Learning Center
Undergraduate students at Texas Tech attending the Spring 2018 semester can access a FREE service, Academic Coaching. With a new year and new semester, students can meet one-on-one with an Academic Coach to set goals for the new semester and gain some crucial time management strategies. Academic Coaches can cater to the student's needs and connect them to resources that will benefit their personal and academic career, including tutoring, department services, and various other on-campus resources for their success.
The Learning Center will be hosting an event during Winter Raider Welcome on Tuesday, January 16 from 10 am – 12 pm in the Learning Center lobby to help students with time management, goal-setting, and resources available with University Advising and the Learning Center. This event is open for all undergraduate students to come and visit with professionals in both departments as they begin their Spring 2018 semester.
To make a one-on-one appointment with an Academic Coach, visit lc.soar.ttu.edu. For additional information, contact us!
(806) 742-3664
Holden Hall Room 80
Feed Your Inner Red Raider!
Hospitality Services want your Red Raider to get the most out of their Dining Bucks, so we're providing them with numerous options when it comes to Dining Plans!
Need to make a change? On-campus Resident Dining Plan holders have the option to raise or lower their Dining Plan Level through the 20th class day of the spring 2018 semester. The 20th class day in the spring semester is February 14th, 2018 (Dining Plan Change Form or call 806.742.2661).
Do Dining Bucks rollover? Students can roll unused Dining Bucks to their next on-campus living contract. Dining Bucks do not roll to an off-campus/commuter Dining Plan and they are non-refundable and non-transferable.
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
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
For a list of upcoming events, please visit Events.
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.
Student Disability Services: Coffee, Cocoa, & Cookies
As part of Winter Raider Welcome Week, Student Disability Services will be hosting "Coffee, Cocoa, & Cookies" on Wednesday, January 17th. Join them from 9 AM to 10:30 AM in 335 West Hall for drinks, snacks and to learn more about their available services! For more information, contact sds@ttu.edu or call 806-742-2405.
Setting Financial SMART Goals
With the new year comes new resolutions and many times those resolutions can revolve around money. Does your student have a financial goal they would like to accomplish this year? Make sure they are SMART goals! Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely goals are easier to reach because your student knows exactly what it will take to bring their goal to fruition. Not sure how to help them create a SMART goal? No problem! Red to Black Peer Financial Coaching specializes in setting SMART financial goals and creating action plans to achieve them. Have your student set up an appointment with a Peer Financial Coach by visiting our website at www.r2b.ttu.edu! We can also be reached by calling 806-742-9781, emailing redtoblack@ttu.edu or connecting with us on our social media accounts. Facebook:/r2b.ttu and Instagram and Twitter both @r2b_ttu. We look forward to seeing your students back on campus!
Save Now for a Ring Later!
The Official Texas Tech Class Ring symbolizes a significant achievement in a student's academic career. Undergraduate students only need 75 hours to purchase a class ring, but they can begin saving money to purchase that ring 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, visit Raiderlink.ttu.edu, click on the MyTech tab, and sign up in the Official Class Ring section under Optional Services.
The Official Texas Tech Class Ring is an excellent way for each student to bear our banners after graduation. Also, 53 percent of each ring purchase goes back to the university to assist with First Generation scholarships.
For more information on the Official Texas Tech Class Ring, visit www.texastechalumni.org/ring.
2018 Spring Graduation Fair
The TTAA will host the 2018 Spring Grad Fair from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Feb. 20-22 at the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center.
The grad fair is a one-stop shop for everything you need for the big day, from graduation invitations, portraits, diploma frames, cap and gown fittings and purchases, and more. Balfour representatives will also be on hand to assist students in choosing the perfect class ring to celebrate one of the most important moments in their life.
Also, learn how the Texas Tech University Career Center can help with job searches. Thinking about grad school? Students can check out the many options available in continuing their education with Texas Tech.
Winter Raider Welcome
Encourage your student to come back to campus in time to participate in Winter Raider Welcome from January 14-20. Raider Welcome is a series of FUN and FREE events designed to welcome new and returning students to the Texas Tech campus.
You can view the full schedule and see what events may be of interest to your student HERE.
Signing Up for TechAlert
If you would like to sign up for TechAlert messages, your student needs to log in at www.ttu.edu/emergencyalert using their eRaider username and password. Your number can be added as an alternate phone number, but your student's number should be listed as the primary emergency alert contact number so he or she receives the text messages and calls first. Up to four phone numbers can be added, but your student's number should be the primary number for texting.
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.
Visit Texas Tech University
Do you have a current high school student or know of one in your area? Encourage them to visit Texas Tech University this spring! Campus tours are offered Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. and at 1:00 p.m. and at 9:00 a.m. on Select Saturday mornings. The campus tour experience includes an admissions information session, a student-led walking tour and the option to visit with the student's academic area of interest. Once students see the campus, they'll understand why so many students choose to call Texas Tech their home away from home and why alumni have such fond memories.
Click HERE for more information.
Raider Roadshow
Raider Roadshow is coming to select Texas cities this spring! The event is a chance for prospective students to explore everything that Texas Tech University has to offer. Deans and other representatives from our academic colleges and student services will be in attendance for students to meet. Current Texas Tech students will be on hand to describe the traditions, spirit and campus activities that await students.
Click HERE for more information.
Student Disability Services
If you have a student that would benefit from support in college through Student Disability Services, please have your student apply for services at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/sds/. Documentation can be uploaded along with the application, and any questions should be directed to sds@ttu.edu or 806-742-2405. If you have questions about the TECHniques Center program, please send an email to techniques.center@ttu.edu.
Competitive Scholarships and FAFSA
Make sure your student is in the best position to receive the most amount of free money in 2018-19!
- TTU Competitive Scholarship deadline is February 1st
- FAFSA is open now
Many students have the misconception that if they aren't going to receive grant funds, there's no reason to complete the FAFSA. Although TTU Competitive Scholarships will use answers to essay questions as awarding criteria, many require applicants to have a FAFSA in order to be considered. There is a much smaller pool of TTU scholarships that don't require a FAFSA at all. By completing the FAFSA and the TTU Competitive Scholarship application, students put themselves in the best position for the most amount of money possible.
2018-2019 Financial Aid Awards
The Financial Aid Office began awarding 2018-19 financial aid to students with complete files in December. Awards can be found in raiderlink.ttu.edu by clicking on the My Tech tab and choosing View/Accept Award under the Student Financial Aid heading. If your student has not been awarded, these are the most common issues:
- Missing/incomplete FAFSA
- Enrolment Certification – Is the student planning to attend full-time or part-time? Here's a quick video.
- Missing documents – Students can check to see if they are missing anything by going to raiderlink.ttu.edu, clicking on My Tech tab and choosing Documentation Requested under the Student Financial Aid Heading.
If you or your student have any questions, we are happy to help! Email: finaid.advisor@ttu.edu Phone: 806-742-3681
Student Business Services important dates and deadlines
January 11, Thursday
- TTU - payment deadline. Registration changes made after this date could affect the student's account balance, and must be paid immediately unless the student is enrolled in a Spring Payment Plan
January 17, Wednesday
- Last day to withdraw in the Registrar's Office for a full refund.
See below for the full schedule of
withdrawal dates and refund percentages
For more information, please visit Student Business Services at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/
Red Raider Camp Staff
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 traditions camp in Brownwood, Texas! For more information on the program visit www.redraidercamp.ttu.edu.
The Camp Staff are students who work all 5 Camp sessions. Camp will take place July 23 to August 11. 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 can be found on our website. Attending an information session is required in order to receive an application.
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.
Transfer Ambassadors
Is your transfer student looking for a job that will make them money AND provide them with leadership experience? Encourage them to apply to be a Transfer Ambassador!
As a Transfer Ambassador, your student will provide support to incoming transfer students throughout their first year on campus and share with them knowledge of the resources available to assist them in their transition to Texas Tech. Transfer Ambassadors contact incoming students prior to orientation, work orientations over the summer, and continue to provide support during the fall semester through campus activities and peer leadership.
To learn more about the position and to receive an application, your student must attend an information session! Those dates are available on our website at www.transferconnection.ttu.edu, or your student can email Nicole.terrell@ttu.edu.
Red Raider Orientation Crew
Is your student looking for a great summer job? Have them join the RRO Crew!As a student leader at RRO, they will interact with and guide new students through RRO, develop relationships with fellow Crew members and Tech faculty/staff, and have a lot of fun while showing their Red Raider pride! Benefits include:
- Work Summer 1 or Summer 2
- Earn money
- Free food, summer housing, and Texas Tech apparel
- Great job experience
To learn more about the position and to receive an application, your student must attend an information session! Those dates are available on our website at redraiderorientation.ttu.edu, or your student can email rusty.david@ttu.edu!
Students planning to work on campus need original social security card
Is your student planning to get a new job on campus? Students who work on campus must bring their original Social Security Cards for human resources processing due to federal I-9 requirements. Remind your student to keep his or her social security card in a safe place.
Is your student receiving scholarships from sources other than Texas Tech?
If your student is receiving scholarships from a source other than Texas Tech, for example, their high school, a civic organization, etc? Be sure they report them by going to http://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/ and clicking on the trophy icon (report external awards).
Is your student receiving a scholarship for 1718 from Texas Tech University? Please be sure to get those thank you letters in ASAP!
You can follow TTU Financial Aid on Facebook and Twitter to get reminders and external scholarship information –new posts daily!
For more information, visit the website HERE.
Tips for parents & families of students placed on academic suspension or probation
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. (PLEASE NOTE: some colleges may have exceptions to this rule). 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, your student 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 your student. 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/padr/index.php
2017-2018 Academic Catalog: http://catalog.ttu.edu/
Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction at the Learning Center
The Learning Center offers undergraduate students FREE peer tutoring and Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions. We provide tutoring in a wide variety of subjects, and students can drop in anytime, 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Thursday and 8 am to 5 pm on Friday to receive our tutoring services. Our SI sessions are FREE peer-led review sessions for historically difficult courses. Our SI leaders work with the professors to prepare and lead these 1 hour a week review sessions.
Why take advantage of this FREE service?
Tutoring and SI sessions:
- Improve academic performance and retention in the course
- Provide extra support and increase self-esteem
- Provide a more individualized learning experience, and
- Allow the student to become involved in active learning and problem solving
Our tutors and SI leaders are recommended by professors and have made an A in the course they tutor/lead. Stop by the Learning Center in Holden Hall or check out our website www.lc.soar.ttu.edu to learn more about our FREE services or to find our Fall tutoring and SI schedule.
Spring 2018 Commencement Schedule
If your student is graduating in May, congratulations! Below is the Fall Commencement schedule for Texas Tech University.
PLEASE NOTE: The colleges are listed below in alphabetical order and NOT necessarily in the order in which they will be recognized.
Friday, May 18, 2018
| 3:00 p.m. | Arts & Sciences |
| 7:00 p.m. | Graduate School |
Saturday, May 19th , 2018
| 9:00 a.m. | Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources Business Administration University Programs Visual & Performing Arts Wind Energy |
| 2:00 p.m. | Architecture Education Engineering Honors College Human Sciences Media and Communication |
Texas Tech has a Commencement web site, which is your one-stop-shop for all things related to Commencement, including the schedule for upcoming ceremonies, lists of hotels (which sell out quickly!), parking information, and information about ordering invitations and photos of the big day.
Bookmark this site for all of your Commencement needs: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/provost/commencement/
Room Selection is Officially Open for the 2018-2019 Academic Year!
Room Selection is officially underway for new and returning students that intend to live on-campus next year! To select a room on-campus for the 2018-2019 academic year, please go to housing.ttu.edu/signup and follow the application instructions. Remember, space is limited and students should sign up as soon as possible to reserve the space they desire. Premium and affordable suit-style rooms are still available in West Village and other select halls. In the case that a student is waiting for a space to become available, we encourage them to select a different room now to ensure they'll have a room on-campus for next year. If a space becomes available, they may request a room change.
For more information on the signup process, call the University Student Housing Welcome Center at 806-742-2661 any time between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and our staff will gladly assist you.
Sending Mail & Packages to Campus
Who doesn't love getting a postcard, letter, or package from a loved one!? Below are several tips and suggestions on how to make sure your student gets all of their mail while they're on campus.
To locate your students on-campus mailing address, visit: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/housing/halls/mail.php
University Student Housing will start receiving mail for fall residents on August 7th. Please do not mail items to your students address before this time, or it may be returned to sender.
Just like at your home, Texas Tech residence hall students receive mail directly in their building. Mail is delivered twice daily Monday- Friday. Residence halls do not receive mail on weekends, holidays, or over university breaks.
When students receive a standard piece of mail, those items are placed in a mailbox that corresponds to their room number. Boxes are available to students 24/7 while the residence halls are in operation. Mail boxes are secured with a combination lock. Your student will receive their combination when they move-in.
While the boxes are secured, it is recommended that valuable items such as checks and plane tickets are mailed using registered mail. It is never recommended that you mail cash or other irreplaceable items.
Packages
When your student receives a package that's larger than their mailbox, the package will be received by the hall staff in the hall office. Packages are tagged and logged into a computer tracking system. After the package is logged, the EZTrackIt computer system will automatically generate an email notification to the student, letting them know they can come claim their package.
Packages are available from the students' residence hall office. They simply need to bring their student ID at the time of pickup.
Students who need to mail packages or items that need to be weighed on campus can take advantage of CopyMail, which serves as a mail center for the Texas Tech community. Students can visit CopyMail at the Student Union Building, room 100, near the Food Court.
Care Packages
Raiders Helping Others, a community service based student organization on campus, has partnered with an off campus vendor to produce pre-made care packages that will automatically be sent to your student periodically throughout the year. If you're interested in learning more about how this program works, or to order a package for your on-campus resident, visit http://ttu.orgsync.com/org/tturho/fundraising
Living Off Campus - Common Pitfalls
Is your student living off campus or considering living off campus? Be sure to read Common Pitfalls when it comes to living off campus.
Consider renters insurance for your student whether they are living on or off campus
Most landlords do not require the tenant to have renters insurance. All landlords deny liability for any damages to your personal property caused by water, smoke, or fire. Student Legal Services highly recommends any student, living off campus or on-campus, to obtain renters insurance. Renters insurance is a cost effective way to replace damaged property. Speak with your insurance representative to discuss your options.
If you or your student has any other questions about renters insurance please call 806-742-3289 or visit www.depts.ttu.edu/sls/.
College Renters Insurance offers coverage starting at $5,000 with a $100 deductible. Coverage for your personal property starts as low as $12 per month.
Visit www.CollegeRentersPlan.com/ttu to see all of the coverage options available or call (866) 572-1617.
This Month's Academic and Event Calendar
January 10, 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 14, Sunday
10 a.m., Residence halls open for occupancy (housing.ttu.edu/movein).
Select dining locations open for service (hospitality.ttu.edu).
January 16, Tuesday
Faculty on duty.
January 17, Wednesday
Last day to withdraw from the university without financial penalty. For more information visit www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/calendar/withdrawDates.php.
January 18, Thursday
Classes begin.
January 23, Tuesday
Last day for student-initiated addition of a course on MyTech. Course may be added until February 3 with advisor permission.
Complete calendar information:
Texas Tech Academic Calendar
Texas Tech Events Calendar
Have your student check out Orgsync for ways to get involved
Is your student involved in student organizations? If not, have him or her visit http://ttu.orgsync.com for a list of and contact information for all registered student organizations. It is especially important for students living on and off campus to get involved and stay connected to campus.
Military & Veterans Programs
Is your student involved with the Military and Veterans Programs? If so, encourage him or her to view the Upcoming Events & Announcements on the MVP website!
Student Union and Activities Calendar
Student Union and Activities always makes sure there is plenty for your Tech students to do! If your student complains that he or she can't find any fun activities or meet many people on campus, tell him or her about these exciting, FREE activities.
Click HERE for the complete Activities Calendar.
Looking for ways to get involved?
For more ways to get involved as a parent or family member of a Texas Tech student, join the Texas Tech Parents Association at www.texastechparents.org. Your membership dues support programs such as scholarships for Texas Tech students, the Road Raiders Safe Travel Network, and local chapters all over Texas.
You can also get involved in various chapter activities throughout the year. Come enjoy a fun time with other Texas Tech parents and family members. Click HERE to view the chapter parents page.
Parent and Family Relations
-
Address
Drane Hall 2515 15th St., Box 45020, Lubbock, Texas 79409-5020 -
Phone
806.742.3630 -
Email
parent@ttu.edu