July 2015 Parent & Family eNewsletter
Vol. 14 Issue 7
In this issue...
General News
- Family Weekend Football Tickets On Sale Now!
- Parent Pulse Poll
- Design the Official Family Weekend 2015 T-Shirt
- Texas Tech sponsors Student Health Insurance by Blue Cross & Blue Shield
- Lubbock 2015 Visitor Guide
- For your complete Texas Tech news, visit Texas Tech Today
Parents of Incoming Freshman
- Finances at Texas Tech University
- Are you coming to Red Raider Orientation this summer?
- Did you miss Red Raider Orientation?
- Raider Ready: IS 1100 Course
Financial Tips/Info
Scholarships/Job Opportunities
- TECHniques Center hiring tutors
- Is your student getting scholarships from groups other than Texas Tech for 2015/2016?
Academic
Housing
- Fall 2015 Move-In
- Consider renters insurance for your student whether they are living on or off campus
- Responsible off campus living
Graduation
Important Dates
Extracurricular Activities
Texas Tech Parents Association
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Family Weekend Football Tickets On Sale Now!
Order your discounted tickets to the Texas Tech vs. TCU game. The Promo Code you will enter is FAMILY15. For questions regarding ticket sales, please contact the Texas Tech Athletic Ticket Office at 806-742-4412.
For more Family Weekend information please visit www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/family.php. Be sure and reserve hotels early as these fill up very quickly. For a list of hotels 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 summer's poll about your student's plans for housing in the Fall 2015 semester: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MG5RWFZ
This poll will be open through the summer . Results will be posted at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/polls.php.
Design the Official Family Weekend 2015 T-Shirt
Do you have a knack for graphic design? Try designing the official 2015 Family Weekend t-shirt that will be worn by thousands!
T-shirt Design Contest Guidelines:
- Design the shirt. Front only, back only, or front/back. The words "Family Weekend" should be used.
- Designs should be in one or two colors--we cannot print full color designs or photographs. Please do not submit copyrighted material without permission.
- 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
- Create your design in graphics software (preferred format is pdf or jpg), or draw a detailed sketch. Include your name and contact information.
- Design may change depending on t-shirt color. T-shirt color will correspond with game day color (i.e. black out game, white out game, etc.).
- Designs can come from students, faculty, staff, and alumni--any Texas Tech fan.
- The criteria for judging are as follows: originality and the likelihood others will wea it on game day.
- Parents and family members will vote on the winner and the winning person will be notified in September.
- The winner will receive four t-shirts and the joy of seeing thousands of people wearing his or her original design!
- Submissions can be emailed to parent@ttu.edu or brought to the Parent and Family Relations office in 201Q Student Union Building (2nd floor).
Deadline is Friday, August 28th at 12:00 p.m.
Questions? Please call Parent & Family Relations at 806-742-3630 or email parent@ttu.edu.
Texas Tech sponsors Student Health Insurance by Blue Cross & Blue Shield
With all the health insurance options in the marketplace, did you know that Texas Tech University now sponsors a student health plan offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of TX (BCBSTX) known as AcademicBlue?
We are sure you know that your child's University has a commitment to making sure all students have access to quality medical, behavioral health, educational and preventive services as these important services play a great role in their well-being and success.
What you may not know is that one of the ways the University supports this is by sponsoring a student health plan that offers students comprehensive health insurance through BCBSTX that has all the health benefits required under the Affordable Care Act. The plan, called AcademicBlue, also offers many additional benefits and services specific to the needs of college students, such as lower deductibles, campus health services, free use of the BCBSTX 24/7 Nurseline and mobile tools for easy access to information.
The University-sponsored plan gives students access to a broad network of doctors so they are covered at home, school and while traveling. This is especially important if your student goes to school away from home. You can check to make sure your student's choice of doctors is in the network before you buy.
Next, you should compare the cost and the benefits of the student plan to other options, as the student plans are specifically designed and priced for students, resulting in premiums typically less than similar marketplace plans or less than your employer plan (especially if the cost for dependent coverage is per child). Finally, be sure to ask about the most unique and important features of a student health plan: low or no costs for covered services included in the student health plan at the on-campus University health center. And if you haven't noticed, today's center is a much more comprehensive health care facility than the clinics of the past!
Before you choose coverage, take a look to see how AcademicBlue compares to your current insurance options.
| Compare the Facts | Academic Blue | Most Other Insurance |
| ACA Compliant | ✔ | ✔ |
| Preventative Care | ✔ | ✔ |
| Essential Health Benefits | ✔ | ✔ |
| No annual limits or pre-exsiting conditions | ✔ | ✔ |
| Know the Differences | Academic Blue | Most Other Insurance |
| Designed and priced for students and endorsed by your University | ✔ | ✖ |
| Up to 100% coverage of eligible charges at the student health center | ✔ | ✖ |
| Broad PPO network of doctors and hospitals at home and nationwide | ✔ | Varies |
Do the math and see if the AcademicBlue student health insurance plan is a smart move for your student!
Open enrollment for the Fall Semester starts June 16th and ends September 15th.
Go to ttusystem.myahpcare.com or call 855-357-0241 for more information.
AcademicBlue is offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of TX, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Lubbock 2015 Visitor Guide
When you make plans to visit your student be sure to check out the visitor guide provided by Visit Lubbock.
http://www.visitlubbock.org/2015-ivg/index.html
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.
Finances at Texas Tech University
Finances are a key part to sending your student off to college and we want to be sure you have all the resources available to you.
Do you need to be added as an authorized user to view your student's bill? We have provided a helpful how to video about adding an authorized user.
Student Business Services, your office for all things related to your students bill, has provided a presentation regarding ebill, payment plans, deadlines, and more. Click here to view presentation.
Financial Aid is also available to assist with scholarships, loans, grants and more! Visit their presentation online at: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/resources/Financial_Aid_2015_RRO_Presentation.pdf.
Are you coming to Red Raider Orientation this summer?
Are you attending Red Raider Orientation this summer? Parent & Family Relations will be on hand to help you check in, provide you with a copy of the Parent & Family Guide, conduct a parent and family orientation presentation, and show you how to get involved. We look forward to seeing you this summer!
Visit www.redraiderorientation.ttu.edu or call the Center for Campus Life at 806-742-5433 for information about Red Raider Orientation.
Did you miss Red Raider Orientation?
Parent and Family Relations has provided information for parents and family members who might have missed Red Raider Orientation.
Visit our website for handouts, presentations, and more: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/rroforparents.php
Raider Ready: IS 1100 Course
RaiderReady: IS 1100 is a course designed to bridge the gap between high school and collegiate success. Students who enroll in this one-hour class can expect to learn and further develop note, studying, and test taking skills, academic professionalism, as well as stress management.
RaiderReady is an invaluable resource not only for the quality of skills our students learn, but also the relationships built while doing so. Allowing the students a place and faculty member to navigate freshman year creates success, and is evident in higher numbers of students returning for a second year in comparison to the university average.
Is your student getting scholarships from groups other than Texas Tech for 2015/2016 ?
If your student is receiving scholarships from external groups, please have them complete the Estimated External Scholarship Notification Form and email it to scholarships@ttu.edu. Have scholarship checks sent to the TTU Scholarship Office Box 45011 Lubbock, TX 79409. Be sure to provide the donor with this address and the student's R# to expedite processing!
Summer I & II Paying the Bill Checklist
View the Summer I & II 2015 Paying the Bill Checklist for bill availability dates, deadlines, and payment plan information: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/PayingBill/payBillChecklist.php
Red to Black: Peer-to-Peer Financial Coaching
Red to Black offers peer-to-peer financial coaching to Texas Tech students. We help support your student through individual coaching sessions and group presentations on topics such as creating spending plans, the importance of starting to save early, maximizing financial aid (including student loans), how to choose employee benefits and establishing and wisely using credit. Our purpose is to empower students so that they can achieve their financial goals. We believe that no one understands the needs and concerns of students better than fellow students! Our offices are located in the East Basement of the SUB in room 024.
Visit our website at www.r2b.ttu.edu for more information!
TECHniques Center hiring tutors
The TECHniques Center, a peer tutoring program at Texas Tech University, is currently recruiting Education majors - particularly those seeking to teach at the elementary level - to work as tutors for our student population for the Fall 2015 semester. This is a great part–time, on campus, paid position that is flexible and offers lots of training. Both undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Education are welcome to apply.
HOW TO APPLY:
- Go to http://www.depts.ttu.edu/techniques/tutors/overview.php and download an application packet.
- Submit your complete application packet WITH a current resume AND unofficial copies of undergraduate / graduate transcripts to 242 West Hall. Transcripts are not necessary if the courses you took elsewhere appear already on your Tech transcript.
- Only complete applications will be evaluated for an interview. Interviews are not granted to all applicants, so please read our application carefully and let us know if you have any questions by calling 806-742-1822 or emailing brandi.schreiber@ttu.edu.
- Apply soon! We are scheduling interviews now for our open Fall 2015 positions!
You can learn more about the TECHniques Center by visiting http://www.depts.ttu.edu/techniques/index.php.
The Learning Center-Summer Tutoring
Is your student taking any of the following courses this Summer?
- CHEM 1307, 3305
- ECON 2301, 2302
- ENGL 1301, 1302
- MATH 1451, 1452, 2300, 3354
- PHYS 1408, 2401
- SPAN 1507, 2301
- ACCT 2300, 2301
- ME 2301, 2302, 2322
- AND MORE!
If so, the Learning Center will have tutors on hand!
The LC provides FREE tutoring in many subjects and courses this Summer...don't miss out.
Located in Holden Hall, room 80. Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm (tutors begin daily at 9am).
For more information visit: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/soar/lc/
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 9am-8pm and Friday 9am-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.
Fall 2015 Move-In
Residence Halls officially open on Sunday, August 16th at 10:00 a.m. For information about what to do when you arrive, what to bring, what not to bring, room dimensions, and other information, visit http://housing.ttu.edu/movein/.
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.
Commencement Dates
If your student is graduating in August, congratulations! Below is the Summer 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.
Saturday, August 8, 2015
9:00 a.m.
Business Administration
Engineering
Graduate School
Human Sciences
Visual & Performing Arts
Wind Energy
1:30 p.m.
Agricultural
Architecture
Arts and Sciences
Education
Graduate School
Honors College (EVHM and HAL majors only)
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:
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/provost/commencement/
Save the Date for Carol of Lights: December 1st
The 2015-2016 Academic calendar only provides three class days between the Thanksgiving recess and the beginning of final exams. In accordance with university operating procedures, and to ensure continued focus on student academic success, the 57th Annual Carol of Lights has been scheduled on Tuesday. December 1, 2015.
Visit http://housing.ttu.edu/caroloflights for more details.
This month's academic and event calendar
July 1, Wednesday
Last day of classes.
July 2 – 3, Thursday – Friday
Final examinations.
July 3, Friday
First summer term ends.
July 4, Saturday
Students without room reservations for the second term must vacate residence hall
rooms by 10 a.m.
Minimal dining locations open (www.depts.ttu.edu/hospitality).
July 6, Monday
Noon, Final grades due via Raiderlink.
July 5, Sunday
10 a.m., Residence halls open for Summer II occupancy.
July 6, Monday
Faculty on duty.
Last day to register or withdraw from the university without financial penalty. For more information see www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/withdraw.php.
Select dining locations open for summer (www.depts.ttu.edu/hospitality).
July 7, Tuesday
Classes begin.
July 8, Wednesday
Last day for student-initiated addition of a course on MyTech. Course may be added
until July 10 with advisor permission.
July 10, 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 July 6.
Official reports due to Graduate School on Interdisciplinary Portfolio for the master's degree (non-thesis students).
Official reports due to Graduate School on results of final comprehensive exams.
July 11, Saturday
Student-initiated drop made on or after this date counts against drop limit. All drops are the responsibility of the student.
July 27, Monday
Last day for student-initiated drop on MyTech with academic penalty (counts against drop limit). All drops are the responsibility of the student.
Last day to transfer between colleges.
Last day to declare pass/fail intentions.
For the complete 2014-2015 Academic Calendar, please visithttp://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/calendar/14-15_cal_detailed.php
For the Texas Tech event calendar, please CLICK HERE.
Have your student check out Orgsyc for ways to get involved
Is your student involved in student organizations? If not, have him or her visit http://ttu.orgsync.com for a list of and contact information for all registered student organizations. It is especially important for students living off campus to get involved and stay connected to campus.
Student Union and Activities Calendar
Student Union and Activities always makes sure there is plenty for your Tech students to do! If your student complains that he or she can't find any fun activities or meet many people on campus, tell him or her about these exciting, FREE activities.
Click HERE for the complete Activities Calendar.
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