July 2017 Parent & Family eNewsletter
Volume 16, Issue 7
In this issue...
General News
- Family Weekend Football and Event Tickets On Sale Now!
- Parent Pulse Poll
- Developing Soft Skills
- Take Advantage of a TTAA Parent/Student Membership
- Summer at the Rec Center
- Coaching for Academic Success
- Student Disability Services at First Friday Art Trail!
- Take Advantage of Member Benefits in Texas Tech Parents Association
- 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
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Family Weekend Football and Event Tickets On Sale Now!
Family Weekend 2017 will be Friday,September 29th - Saturday, September 30th, 2017.
The festivities will begin on Friday evening of the weekend. Get your picture taken with the Masked Rider before Family Fun Night dinner begins! Family Fun Night activities include casino games, miniature golf, and a speed caricaturist for fun family portraits. Saturday will be an exciting day filled with breakfast, tailgating, and the football game as the Red Raiders take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys!
Football and event tickets are now on sale. For more information and to purchase event tickets, visit familyweekend.ttu.edu.
Book hotel rooms quickly, as they will fill up for the weekend. Visit www.texastechparents.org for information about discounted hotel rooms.
A tradition at Texas Tech since 1936, Family Weekend is a wonderful time to visit campus and reconnect with your student! The Texas Tech campus is beautiful in the fall, and there are many activities for families to enjoy during the weekend. We hope you and your family will join us!
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 Summer Plans.
For past poll results visit Parent & Family Pulse Polls.
Developing Soft Skills
Whether your student is looking for an internship, a part-time job, or searching for a career, the importance of learning soft skills is crucial. Hard skills such as having a degree or certification, ability to speak and understand a foreign language, and data/numeric analysis abilities are important. These skills are typically learned though classroom or other training. Soft skills, sometimes referred to as "people skills", indicate a high level of emotional intelligence. Soft skills can be learned, but must be practiced. Below are some of the most important skills used in the workplace:
- Communication: active listening, reading, writing and speaking
- Interpersonal: team work, collaboration and conflict management
- Critical thinking/problem solving: considering different perspectives, examining implications/consequences, and using reason to solve problems
- Flexibility/adaptability: embracing change to fit the circumstance, saying "yes" to new challenges
- Time management: prioritizing, scheduling and goal setting
- Ethical behavior: integrity, responsibility, and self-discipline
The Texas Tech University Career Center has career counselors available to assist students with building their soft skills and understanding how they directly translate to employability. Counselors can also help students learn to highlight their soft skills on their resume and cover letters. By attending UCC career development activities, such as career fairs, mocktail parties, etiquette dinners, and mock interviews, students can practice using soft skills in a professional networking environment.
Webinars
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/careercenter/webinars/index.php
Ice Cream Social
August 21st | 6 pm – 8 pm
University Career Center | 150 Wiggins Complex (next to Sam's Place West)
Graduate & Professional School Fair
September 13th | 12 pm – 3 pm
SUB Ballroom
Etiquette Dinner
September 12th | 5:30 pm – 8 pm
McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center | Students can register here
Registration required
Resume Critique Day (walk-in resume critiques)
September 19th | 9 am – 4 pm
University Career Center | 150 Wiggins Complex (next to Sam's Place West)
Engineering Career Fair
September 26th
Open to all majors at 2 pm
10 am – 4 pm
Lubbock Memorial Civic Center
Red Raider Mixer
September 26th | 5 pm – 6:30 pm
SUB Matador Room
Registration required (www.hireredraiders.ttu.edu)
CASNR Career Expo
September 27th | 12 pm – 4 pm
SUB Ballroom
University Career Fair
September 27th | 12 pm – 4 pm
SUB Ballroom
For more information about the University Career Center, visit www.careercenter.ttu.edu.
Take Advantage of a TTAA Parent/Student Membership
Parents have the unique opportunity to stay connected with their students and Texas Tech by taking advantage of the Texas Tech Alumni Association (TTAA) Parent/Student membership at a discounted rate!
$25 Student Membership
+ $50 Parent Membership
$60 Parent and Student TTAA Membership (traditionally $75)
Sign up now and tailgate together at our exclusive member-only Frazier Alumni Pavilion every home football game. Parents, you don't have to be a Texas Tech graduate to be a TTAA member. Your spouse can also join you at no additional cost! With the joint membership, your student will be part of the Texas Tech Student Alumni Association—a great place to meet fellow Red Raiders and make lifelong connections.
Download the membership form. For more information, contact Laura Bixler at (806) 834-8718 or at laura.bixler@ttu.edu.
Summer at the Rec Center
The Rec Center and Leisure Pool will be open on the 4th of July. Make sure your students know this is an option for the holiday!
There will be a reduced fitness class schedule from July 7-10 and the 2nd session of fitness classes will begin July 11. Raider X fitness classes are free and on a drop-in basis. Raider X2 classes are instructional—requiring a small fee and registration. X2 classes have 2 "free" days so students can check them out which will be July 11-12.
Summer is a great time to hire a Personal Trainer. All the info is available at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/fitwell/personaltraining.php
Does your student need some stress management? A relaxing massage by licensed massage therapists can be purchased in the Fitness/Wellness Center--$40 hour/ $25 half hour. Call us at (806) 742-3828 to purchase a gift certificate for your student. We will deliver it the student.
There will be Intramurals during the 2nd Summer School Session. We will start the week of July 25 with Outdoor Soccer, 3v3 Basketball, Softball and Sand Volleyball.
Is your student looking to get away for a weekend trip? The Outdoor Pursuits Center rents all sorts of camping equipment from tents and stoves to sleeping bags and lanterns. We also rent mountain bikes and Lubbock as a great course. Be sure and check them out at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/opc/rentals.php
For more information, visit the website HERE.
Coaching for Academic Success
The Learning Center, part of Support Operations for Academic Retention, has two full-time Academic Coaches on staff for the 2017-2018 academic year. Students can make a FREE appointment with one of the staff for a one-hour, one-on-one academic skills coaching session.
What is Academic Coaching?
Academic coaching is the process of assessing and refining students' existing strengths relating to their academics while also building on academic deficits. Common areas of coaching include time management, study strategies, learning styles, and goal-setting. Academic coaches research and train students from all departments and all backgrounds to enhance their academic-related skills. By working with these professional staff, students have the opportunity to enhance their academic skills, as well as gain confidence, discover motivation, and improve their academic performance.
How do I Make an Appointment?
Students can visit www.lc.soar.ttu.edu and choose 'The Learning Center' for more information on these services, or call our offices at (806) 742-3664.
Student Disability Services at First Friday Art Trail!
Student Disability Services will be hosting an art exhibit at the First Friday Art Trail in the Fall! The gallery will be part of Disability Awareness Week and open to all students, faculty, staff, or members of the community that identify with disabilities. The gallery will showcase abilities and focus on the unique talents from the perspective of disabilities, either through the experience of having a disability or sharing the disability perspective of a relative or friend. Art can be submitted in various formats, including: drawings, sculptures, paintings, photography, electronic, digital, visual & performing, poetry, literature readings, and more. The art will be displayed at the First Friday Art Trail at the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts, on October 6th, 2017. For more information, please contact SDS.DAW@TTU.EDU or the main Student Disability Services office (806) 742-2405.
Take Advantage of Member Benefits in Texas Tech Parents Association
Parents - stay informed and connected with your student and Texas Tech by taking advantage of Membership in Texas Tech Parents Association. Benefits include Information Sessions, Discounts on Tech Gear & Textbooks and Hotels, Restaurants & Merchandise, access to Local and National Member Scholarships, Networking with Parents in your Area, Connections with TTU Faculty & Staff and more! Membership begins at just $31.25 (annual average) for a 4 year membership! Your Family Membership means your spouse is free. You can include grandparents who want to stay connected too at no additional charge!
Sign up today and get your Discount Tickets to Family Weekend activities: Football game, tailgate, Family Fun Night Dinner, Games and Housing Fair, T-Shirts and more! Join online today!
For more information, contact Joyce Zachman at 806-412-4722 or email parents@texastechparents.org.
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.
Study Abroad Answers for Incoming First-Years
Is your college student interested in studying abroad? Are they on the fence but curious about how study abroad can boost their resume? The Study Abroad Team will be at Red Raider Orientation all summer to answer any and all of your study abroad questions!
- Brief information sessions (25 minutes) are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 4:15 pm and 4:45 pm in the SUB Matador Room
- Look for our table at the resource fairs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 11:00 am and 12:30 pm in the SUB Ballroom
Is it safe? Is it affordable? Will study abroad delay graduation? Talk with a member of the TTU Study Abroad staff and visit our website for answers to these frequently asked questions: www.studyabroad.ttu.edu
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. Both Student Disability Services and the TECHniques Center will be represented at every Resource Fair during Red Raider Orientation, so come by and see us!
Celebrate your students' accomplishments and their future at Texas Tech
Celebrate your student's accomplishments and their future at Texas Tech with a Student Send-Off 2017 Celebration - a Tech Parents Tradition!
This is a great time to meet other families, win prizes for parents and students, and ask questions of parents who have been in your shoes!
Register HERE.
Are you coming to Red Raider Orientation this summer?
Are you attending Red Raider Orientation this summer? Parent & Family Relations will provide you with a copy of the Parent & Family Guide, conduct parent and family orientation presentations, and show you how to get involved. We look forward to seeing you this summer!
Visit www.redraiderorientation.ttu.edu or call Red Raider Orientation at 806-742-2993 for information about Red Raider Orientation.
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.
For more information, visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/raiderready/.
Student Business Services important dates and deadlines
July 5, Wednesday
- 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 Summer II Payment Plan.
July 25, Tuesday
- Summer II Payment Plan due date – Required payment must be received by the due date or the account will incur late fees
- Book Loan due date
For more information, please visit Student Business Services at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/
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.
Looking for one more scholarship?
Students whose parents who are members of Texas Tech Parents Association may apply for a special $5,000 scholarship award!
Read all about it HERE
Summer 2017 Commencement Schedule
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 12, 2017
9:00 a.m.
Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Architecture
Arts & Sciences
Education
Honors College
Media and Communication
Graduate School (schools listed above)
1:30 p.m.
Business Administration
Engineering
Human Sciences
University Programs
Visual & Performing Arts
Wind Energy
Graduate School (schools listed above)
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/
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.
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
Residence Hall Summer Renovations Highlights
This summer, while students are away, University Student Housing has invested nearly $8,000,000 into facilities improvements and renovations and $29 million into new construction. Below are a list of exciting hall updates you can expect to see next time you're on campus.
New Honors Hall
A $29 million dollar construction project will wrap up in early August, creating an exciting new living environment for students in the Honors Learning Community. The new honors hall is a double occupancy, co-ed, pod style residence hall with movable furniture. Rooms in the hall are clustered around a central community bathroom, with an additional nearby private bathroom. Study lounges are adjacent to the rooms to allow residents a place to study and meet other honors students. There will also be a Starbucks on the first floor for all students to enjoy with their meal plans.
Murray Hall
Throughout the summer, the residence hall office has been updated and expanded to
include more space for packages, a larger front service window, and other infrastructure
changes that will allow better service to residents.
Additionally, flooring in student rooms has been replaced with new, stylish, luxury
vinyl tile.
Horn Hall
After extensive renovations to Knapp Hall last year, Horn Hall has received similar improvements this year. By the time that the ladies of Horn return to campus in August, all restrooms will have been completely gutted and rebuilt. The new restroom facilities will mimic an upscale spa with decorative tiles and private changing areas.
Weymouth Hall
As Texas Tech continues to work on being more sustainable, University Student Housing has replaced all 308 windows in Weymouth Hall. The new windows reflect sunlight and are more airtight, creating a more energy efficient building. Each room has also received a fresh coat of paint, new lighting, flooring, and a sink and vanity with all new hot and cold water lines. We have also replaced the waste, vent and drain lines in all student rooms. The seventh floor received new carpet in the hallway and all floors have received new floor and wall tile in the elevator landings.
Other Improvements
The 4th floor of Talkington Hall has received a new coat of paint.
Over 60 new electronic card readers have been installed to residence hall entrances, providing improved security.
Computer equipment has been updated in several residence hall classrooms, creating more opportunities for students to learn where they live.
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.
Summer II academic and event calendar
July 5, Wednesday95% payment of mandatory tuition and fees or enrollment in a payment plan due for Summer II. Registrations after this date require immediate payment or enrollment in a payment plan.
July 9, Sunday
10 a.m., Residence halls open for Summer II occupancy.
July 10, Monday
Faculty on duty.
Last day to withdraw from the university without financial penalty. For more information see www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/calendar/withdrawDates.php.
Select dining locations open for summer (hospitality.ttu.edu).
July 11, Tuesday
Classes begin.
July 12, Wednesday
Last day for student-initiated addition of a course on MyTech. Course may be added until July 14 with advisor permission.
Last day to withdraw from the university and receive partial financial credit. For more information visit Student Business Services.
July 14, 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 10.
July 15, Saturday
Student-initiated drop made on or after this date counts against drop limit. All drops are the responsibility of the student.
July 31, 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.
August 7, Monday
Last day to withdraw from the university. Although withdrawal can be processed until this date, all tuition and fees related to the registration are due in full and no refunds will be issued.
Last day for undergraduate degree candidates to remove grades of I and PR.
August 8, Tuesday
Raiderlink available for grading.
August 9, Wednesday
Last day of classes.
August 10 – 11, Thursday – Friday
Final examinations for second term.
August 11, Friday
Second summer term ends.
August 12, Saturday
Commencement. Schedule of ceremonies can be found at www.depts.ttu.edu/provost/commencement/index.php.
Last day for most summer dining locations (hospitality.ttu.edu).
Students without room reservations for Fall 2017 must vacate residence hall rooms by 10 a.m.(www.depts.ttu.edu/housing/moveout.php)
August 14, Monday
Noon, Final grades due via Raiderlink.
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.
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.
Are you ready for Student Move-In?
Maybe not, but the day will arrive before you know it! During move-in, be sure you visit the Texas Tech Parents Association Welcome Center conveniently located inside Varsity Bookstore, 1305 University Ave. Pick up your prepaid Family Weekend Dinner, Football, Tailgate Tickets, Stadium Bags, and T-shirts.
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.
Texas Tech Parents Association is seeking talented parents!
Do you desire to make a difference? Are you friendly and enthusiastic? Willing to learn? Reliable? Flexible and willing to go an extra step?Below are volunteer positions available at Texas Tech Parents Association. A few positions you can do from home. Some are positions on the Board of Directors.
- Newsletter
- Event Planning
- Graphic design
- Marketing
- Managing finances
- Records maintenance
- Taking meeting minutes
- Webmaster
- Family Weekend volunteer
To view these and other volunteer positions, please visit our Volunteer Match page.
Like the Texas Tech Parents Association on Facebook. Like the Texas Tech Family Weekend Facebook.
Visit our website
Email us at parents@texastechparents.org
Parent and Family Relations
-
Address
Drane Hall 2515 15th St., Box 45020, Lubbock, Texas 79409-5020 -
Phone
806.742.3630 -
Email
parent@ttu.edu