March 2018 Parent & Family eNewsletter
Volume 17, Issue 3
In this issue...
General News
- Spring Break Bus Trip Tickets On Sale Now!
- Parent Pulse Poll
- Texas Tech Career Center: Upcoming Spring Events
- Free Car Clinic
- Upcoming Center for Campus Life & Student Involvement Opportunities
- Diversity Week
- TTAA Scholarship Application Open
- Resolve to Use the Learning Center this New Year!
- Think About It
- Feed Your Inner Red Raider!
- Undergraduate Admissions Student Referral Program
- 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!
Spring Break Bus Trip Tickets On Sale Now!
BreakShuttle makes it easy for students at Texas Tech University to save time and money and avoid the hassle of getting home by providing direct, safe and affordable transportation to and from Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio during academic breaks. Click here to see travel details and to purchase tickets.
BreakShuttle has been offering convenient and reliable college break transportation for Texas Tech University since 2012. In 2017, BreakShuttle was acquired by Wells + Associates, a national transportation consultancy based in the Washington, DC region. For 25 years, W+A has created and implemented sustainable, cost-effective transportation solutions for commercial, residential, governmental, and institutional developments across the United States including university campuses.
BreakShuttle has a full-time staff dedicated to working with universities and coordinating travel arrangements for students around the country. We contract with fully insured and compliant charter companies to provide comfortable vehicles operated by responsible, courteous drivers.
For more information about bus trips, 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 Communicating with Your Student.
For past poll results visit Parent & Family Pulse Polls.
Texas Tech Career Center: Upcoming Spring Events
On March 4 the Career Center is partnering with JCPenney to provide professional clothing to students at hugely discounted prices. We are hosting this private event after the JCPenney store closes so we can give personalized attention to students and help them choose the best career wear for job fairs, internship, and job interviews. During the event, students can purchase suits, dresses, sport coats, pants, skirts, blouses, ties and shoes to build a career wardrobe. Texas Tech University Career Center staff, along with members of the JCPenney team, will be on-hand to offer insights into the latest career fashions, proper fit, sizes, and tying ties. Texas Tech and Texas Tech Health Science Center undergraduate and graduate students are invited to this event. TTU or TTUHSC photo id required.
On March 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the University Career Center offers students the opportunity to learn valuable professional networking skills during our Mocktail Party. Presented by a professional etiquette trainer, this event is a fun, non-threatening way to learn business etiquette skills while enjoying hors d'oeuvres. This event will help prepare students for the Spring Job Fair. This is a free event but students must register www.hireredraiders.ttu.edu.
After your student has bought a professional outfit and visited the Mocktail Party, they are ready to attend The All Majors Job Fair on March 7 from12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Student Union Building Ballroom. There will be more than sixty employers seeking all majors to fill part-time, full-time and internship positions.
During the All Majors Job Fair, the University Career Center (UCC) is partnering with Tech Activities Board, (TAB) to provide students with free professional headshots. Please encourage your student to dress professionally and attend the fair to take advantage of this service. Professional headshots can be used for LinkedIn, Facebook, or any other online image.
For a full list of upcoming events and webinars, please visit the University Career Center's Events page.
Free Car Clinic
Free Car Clinic Wednesday, March 7
Join Transportation and Parking Services for the spring Free Car Clinic March 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the northwest portion of Commuter West near the television tower! Attendees enjoy free hot dogs, drinks, and prizes and get entered into a drawing for a free ePermit. Professional mechanics look over vehicles and alert attendees to any issues that need attention before their spring break travels. Click here for more details and contact TPS at (806) 742-PARK or parking@ttu.edu with any questions.
Upcoming Center for Campus Life & Student Involvement Opportunities
Student Org Academy – Saturday, March 3rd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Students can learn more about the Student Org Academy and register at: https://ttu.campuslabs.com/engage/event/1874953
Meet the Greeks Night sponsored by the National Pan-Hellenic Council – Wednesday, March 7th - 6:30 p.m. – SUB Matador Room – Open to all TTU students.
2018- 19 Spirit Tryouts:
- Raider Red Mascot Tryouts: April 17th & 19th – Only High Riders & Saddle Tramps members are eligible to tryout.
- Pom Squad: Videos Due: March 23rd & Live Auditions: May 5-6
- Co-Ed & All-Girl Cheerleading Tryouts: May 4 – 6
For more information, please check out: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/centerforcampuslife/spiritsquads/.
Diversity Week
Diversity Week is a week dedicated to celebrating and understanding the importance of diversity throughout the community and Texas Tech University. Join student organizations and departments across campus to celebrate diversity all week long!
For more information and a schedule of event, click HERE.
TTAA Scholarship Application Open
The 2018 Texas Tech Alumni Association Scholarship Application is now open through April 15 at texastechalumni.org/scholarships.
Every year, the TTAA awards hundreds of scholarships funded by alumni contributions. These scholarships are awarded to deserving current undergraduate and graduate students as well as incoming freshmen, incoming graduate and transfer students. TTAA scholarships are awarded based on a variety of factors including ethnicity, academic merit and financial need.
Last year, we were thrilled to award more than $400,000 in scholarships to current and future Red Raiders. Please take a look at all the scholarships we are offering this year and apply today!
Resolve to Use the Learning Center this New Year!
The Learning Center and SOAR (Support Operations for Academic Retention) offer a variety of free services available to undergraduate students at Texas Tech University! Your Red Raider can access all of our services completely FREE of charge – all costs are already included in tuition and fees!
We offer:
- drop-in tutoring in most subject areas (no appointment necessary!)
- computer use and quiet study areas
- professional academic coaching to help with time management, goal-setting, and study strategies, among other skill areas
- Supplemental Instruction (SI) review sessions for difficult math, science, and engineering-type lectures
... and many more FREE services!!
Students can swing by and grab information, tutoring schedules, SI schedules, and academic coaching worksheets in Room 80 Holden Hall.
For more information, contact us!
(806)742-3664
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
University Student Housing and Hospitality Services at Raider Roadshow
University Student Housing and Hospitality Services will be participating in the annual Raider Roadshow recruiting events. During these events, students and parents can learn everything they need to about living on campus at Texas Tech University. We're visiting Houston, Austin, San Antonio, McAllen, and El Paso. Follow us on social media for more information at facebook.com/ttuhousing or follow @ttuhousing on twitter. Call 806-742-2661 to reach University Student Housing's Welcome Center and remember that students can sign up and select their space for the 2018-2019 academic year NOW at housing.ttu.edu/signup.
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.
2018-2019 Financial Aid Awards
The Financial Aid Office is now awarding 2018-19 financial aid to students with complete files. 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
March 25, Sunday
- Budget/Emergency Payment Plan due date – Required payment must be received by the due date or the account will incur late fees
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.
Strategies to Tackle Midterms & Finals
As midterms, projects, and other assignments are approaching, students may begin to feel overwhelmed by these pressing demands. Multi-step major assignments can carry a heavy weight on overall final grades for courses.
If your student needs help preparing to study for midterm exams, wants to make a weekly study plan, or needs to organize assignments and take notes more effectively, they can schedule a FREE appointment with an Academic Coach at the Learning Center!
Academic Coaches can help in various academic skill areas, including:
- General time management
- Creating an individualized weekly study plan
- Discovering personal learning styles
- Exploring study strategies for various subject areas
- Accessing resources across campus for academic success
and many more!
How do I Make an Appointment?
Students can visit www.lc.soar.ttu.edu and choose 'Academic Coaching' for more information on these services, to make an appointment, or to view study help worksheets on the website! For more information, call our offices at (806) 742-3664 or swing by Holden Hall Room 80.
If they are just needing a little extra help understanding information from lecture or a little assistance understanding to complete assignments. There are FREE SI Sessions at the end of each week and Free Drop In Tutoring. Go to www.lc.soar.ttu.edu to check for subject matter and availability schedule for the tutors or www.si.soar.ttu.edu to check SI Session's schedule.
University Advising Walk-In Hours
Is your student needing help with major exploration, connecting their major to jobs, or thinking of changing majors? Encourage them to stop by University Advising during their walk-in hours. Walk-in appointments are open to any student.
Where: University Advising, Holden Hall 079
When: Tuesdays and Fridays
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 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 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
March 9, Friday
Last day for most dining locations until after spring vacation (hospitality.ttu.edu).
March 10 – 18, Saturday – Sunday
Spring vacation. Student holiday only; university employees on duty except for holidays on Thursday, March 15 and Friday, March 16.
March 19, Monday
Classes resume. Hospitality Services dining locations open for service (hospitality.ttu.edu).
March 21, 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 28, 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.
Complete calendar information:
Texas Tech Academic Calendar
Texas Tech Events Calendar
Have your student check out TechConnect for ways to get involved
Is your student involved in student organizations? If not, have him or her visit studentinvolvement.ttu.edu 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.
Matador Matinees
Texas Tech Parents Association is excited to welcome new families to our Tech Parents Red Raider Family. If you are New to TTU, register for upcoming activities taking place in your hometown which are geared for new families. Matador Matinees highlight everything families "Need to Know Before You Go" to Red Raider Orientation in the summer. New Family Receptions highlight everything families "Need to Know Before You Go" to Move-In August 19th. Send-Off is a fun, family celebration available in our chapter areas. Activities, webinars, meet ups and more await you - all in your hometown. Registrations are now open!
Check out our website at www.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