March 2015 Parent & Family eNewsletter
Vol. 14 Issue 3
In this issue...
General News
- Parent Pulse Poll
- Sibling Weekend Rescheduled for April 24-25
- Tickets available for Spring Break bus trip
- Spring Break Outdoor Trips
- Second session of non-credit classes begins after Spring Break
- Free Motorist Assistance Program on Campus
- Career Center Events
- Lubbock 2015 Visitor Guide
- Students planning to work on campus need original social security card
- For your complete Texas Tech news, visit Texas Tech Today
Financial Tips/Info
Scholarships/Job Opportunities
Academic
Housing
- 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
- Road Raiders: Have a peace of mind when your student is traveling during spring break
- Looking for ways to get involved?
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 difficult conversations
: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K56D32C
This poll will be open through the month of March. Results will be posted at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/polls.php in April.
Be sure and check out the results of last month's poll about the most popular sources of information for parents and family members http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/polls.php
Sibling Weekend 2015 Rescheduled for April 24-25
Because of poor weather in Lubbock and around the state Sibling Weekend has been rescheduled for Friday, April 24th - Saturday, April 25th.
We regret any inconvenience to your family, but safety of participants is our highest priority. We also want Sibling Weekend to be an enjoyable experience for your students and younger children, which is difficult during bad weather.
Keep checking back on the Sibling Weekend webpage for updates
Tickets available 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 2015. 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, Austin, and San Antonio. Buses depart Lubbock on Saturday, March 14th and return to Lubbock on Sunday, March 22nd. 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.
Spring Break Outdoor Trips
The Outdoor Pursuits Center has 2 Spring Break Trips—Canoe the Lower Canyons of Big Bend and Moab (Utah) Mountain Biking –along with other 1 day and weekend trips. This is a great way to explore the outdoors and make new friends. All of the info is at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/opc/trips.php. Encourage your student to check them out.
Second session of non-credit classes begins after Spring Break
About 70% of Rec Sports' fitness classes are free and on a drop-in basis but we also have CrossFit and some fun classes that run for 6 weeks and have a small additional fee. Classes include Salsa, West Coast Swing, Belly Dance, Self-Defense and Better Body Boot Camp. We are a recognized CrossFit box with classes, too. Class prices average $15 for a class that meets once a week (for the entire 6 weeks). All of the info is online at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/fitwell/raiderx.php and online registration is available. This is a fun way to socialize and get fit!
Free Motorist Assistance Program on Campus
Transportation and Parking Services offers a free Motorist Assistance Program to all students, employees, and visitors on campus. Those who need help may call (806) 742-MAPP 24 hours a day for the following services: (1) air up a low or flat tire, (2) receive a gallon of gas, (3) unlock a vehicle, or (4) get a jump start for a dead battery, a common issue during the winter months. Use of the service is free for three instances per year. The vehicle and patron must be located on the main Texas Tech campus or the Rawls Course.
Career Center Events
University Career Center will host various events this months for your student. Encourage your Red Raider to attend these workshops, seminars, and fairs.
3/10 - Webinar - How the Career Center Can Help You: An Overview of Services
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. www.hireredraiders.ttu.edu
3/18 - Webinar - So You Want to be a Project Manager: Tracking Time, Money and People
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. www.hireredraiders.ttu.edu
3/24 - Teacher Job Fair
Register for this event at www.hireredraiders.ttu.edu
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Lubbock Memorial Civic Center
3/24 - Webinar - Volunteer Opportunities: Preparing for the Non-Profit Fair
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. www.hireredraiders.ttu.edu
3/25 - Resume Critique Day
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. University Career Center
3/26 - How to Work a Job Fair
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. University Career Center
For more information about the University Career Center visit www.careercenter.ttu.edu
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
Students planning to work on campus need original social security card
Is your student planning to get a new job on campus? Students who work on campus must bring their original Social Security Cards for human resources processing due to federal I-9 requirements. Remind your student to keep his or her social security card in a safe place.
For your complete Texas Tech news, visit Texas Tech Today
Keep up-to-date about everything Texas Tech by visiting Texas Tech Today, a complete news source for Texas Tech University.
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!
1098T Information
For instructions on how your student can view/print his or her 1098T form online, visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/feeInfo/1098T.php.
Please note: students must have accepted the Global Electronic Consent during registration in order to view 1098T information online. Paper 1098T forms will be mailed to the permanent preferred address no later than January 31, 2015.
TTU Aquatics is hiring now!
The Aquatics Center and Leisure pool are now hiring and training lifeguards and swim instructors able to work over the summer! No prior experience required. It's the coolest job on campus, and there is an opportunity for advancement for those who stay past summer.
All interested candidates can contact Kelly Davis for further information at kelly.m.davis@ttu.edu or 806-742-1339 (Leisure Pool), or 806-742-3895 (Aquatic Center).
Residential Tutoring Program
Have your student start the semester right by taking advantage of The Residential Tutoring Program. This is designed to provide academic services for students living in the residence halls at Texas Tech University. Residential Tutoring is a completely free service provided for all on-campus students during convenient hours and close to home.
Subjects Offered:
- Chemistry (1307 and 1308)
- Math (1351 and 1352)
- Writing (in any subject area)
- Political Science (1301)
- History (2300 and 2301)
- Biology (1403)
- Physics (1403 and 1408)
For more information regarding location and scheduled please visit http://housing.ttu.edu/reslife/restutor.
SOAR Learning Center empowers students in pursuits of success
The SOAR Learning Center's mission is to empower students in their pursuit towards academic success while providing an encouraging and safe learning environment. The Learning Center works to enhance the academic endeavors of all currently enrolled Texas Tech students by offering a variety of free services such as Peer & online tutoring, Academic mentoring, and Supplemental Instruction. Tutoring and Academic Mentoring is available Monday thru Thursday from 8am-8pm and Friday 8am-5pm.
An additional resource available to students at the Learning Center is access to a licensed professional counselor with over 25 years in education. Stacy Elliot, M.Ed., LPC is a LEARNING SPECIALIST/SENIOR COUNSELOR available to work holistically with students striving to be successful in college. As a counselor, she works to help students resolve personal issues that may hinder their academic success. The Learning Specialist is available Monday through Friday 8am-5pm by appointments and accepts walk-ins.
The SOAR Learning Center is located in Holden Hall Room 80 and our office number is (806)742-3664. Visit us at www.lc.soar.ttu.edu.
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.
Spring Graduation Fair: March 3-5
We'd Love to See Your Student at the Spring Graduation Fair March 4-6!
The grad fair isn't just for seniors. Students are eligible for the official ring when they have completed 75 hours. All Red Raiders are welcome to join the party at the Frazier Alumni Pavilion.
Click HERE for more information.
Commencement Dates
If your student is graduating in May, congratulations! Below is the Spring 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 15, 2015
3:00 p.m. Art & Sciences
7:00 p.m. Graduate School
Saturday, May 16, 2015
9:00 a.m.
Architecture
Education
Engineering
Human Sciences
Visual & Performing Arts
1:30 p.m.
Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Business Administration
Media and Communication
Honors College (EVHM & HAL Majors Only)
University Programs
Windy Energy
Law School Hooding (Saturday, May 16, 2015)
3:30 p.m. Reception in the Law School Forum
6:00 p.m. Ceremony in the United Supermarkets Arena
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 Family Weekend 2015: September 25-26
The wait is over and we have set the date for Family Weekend 2015. Save the date for September 25-26 when Texas Tech football takes on TCU. More details and registration will become available during the summer 2015.
Be sure and reserve hotels early as these fill up very quickly. For a list of hotels click HERE.
This month's academic and event calendar
March 11, Wednesday
5 p.m., Mid-semester grades due via Raiderlink.
Last day for degree candidates and faculty to order invitations and academic regalia at the bookstore.
March 13, Friday
Last day for most dining locations until after spring vacation (www.depts.ttu.edu/hospitality).
March 14 – 22, Saturday – Sunday
Spring vacation. Classes dismissed at noon Saturday. Student holiday only; university employees on duty except for holiday on Friday, March 20.
March 23, Monday
Classes resume. Hospitality Services dining locations open for service (www.depts.ttu.edu/hospitality).
March 25, Wednesday
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 declare pass/fail intentions.
For the complete 2014-2015 Academic Calendar, please visit http://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.
Road Raiders: Have a peace of mind when your student is traveling during spring break
The Texas Tech Parents Association is here to help all Texas Tech students while they are traveling with the Road Raiders Safe Travel Network. Road Raiders are Tech Parents members who can help if your student needs directions, a rest stop, or help with car trouble while traveling.
The Road Raiders list is available for students online. They can search by city from a wireless phone or computer at www.texastechparents.org .
Drive Safely. Stay Alert. Be Prepared.
For more information, visit www.texastechparents.org.
Looking for ways to get involved?
For more ways to get involved as a parent or family member of a Texas Tech student, join the Texas Tech Parents Association at www.texastechparents.org. Your membership dues support programs such as scholarships for Texas Tech students, the Road Raiders Safe Travel Network, and local chapters all over Texas.
You can also get involved in various chapter activities throughout the year. Come enjoy a fun time with other Texas Tech parents and family members. Click HERE to view community calendar of events.
Parent and Family Relations
-
Address
Drane Hall 2515 15th St., Box 45020, Lubbock, Texas 79409-5020 -
Phone
806.742.3630 -
Email
parent@ttu.edu