Texas Tech University

May 2016 Parent & Family eNewsletter

General News 

Financial Tips/Info

Scholarships/Job Opportunities 

Academic

Housing 

Graduation

Important Dates

Extracurricular Activities

Texas Tech Parents Association

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Save the Date for Family Weekend 2016

The wait is over and we have set the date for Family Weekend 2016 and the Texas Tech Parents Association 60th Anniversary Celebration!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 29th - Sunday, October 2nd for this year's Family Weekend at Texas Tech University. Registration information will be available during summer 2016. More details to come in the Parent & Family eNewsletter and online at www.parent.ttu.edu.

You will want to make your hotel reservations soon as rooms will fill up quickly. Click HERE for a complete listing of Lubbock hotels.

The Texas Tech Parents Association will be Celebrating 60 Years during Family Weekend 2016. Various events will be hosted to celebrate this milestone anniversary. Serving and supporting parents, students, and Texas Tech University, your Parents Association was founded in October 1956 and begins celebrating 60 years of serving and supporting Red Raider parents, their students and Texas Tech University. Learn more and join the Texas Tech Parents Association at www.texastechparents.org.

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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 student housing: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TRXCBRN

For past poll results visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/polls.php. 

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Study Abroad Parent Guide

Parents, has your student expressed interest in studying abroad? If so, here are some tips on how you can be supportive of their decision and help them through the planning process!

  1. Encourage your student to participate in study abroad. Sure, it can be scary to send your child to a foreign country, yet studying abroad could be a growing experience for your student academically, professionally, and personally. Studying abroad may help your student to learn new language skills or increase self-confidence, and make your student a more competitive candidate in an increasingly global job market. Check out
    http://www.studyabroad.com/pages/sitecontent/parent_guide_reasons.aspx for more study abroad benefits.
  2. Help them choose the right study abroad program. Texas Tech offers programs in more than 70 countries, and with so many options, the hardest part for some students is finding a program that best aligns with their degree plan and goals. Talk to your student about what they want to gain from their experience. The Study Abroad Office at Texas Tech will also help to advise your student, but students should take responsibility of doing some research on programs before they meet with an advisor and you can encourage them to do their own homework!
  3. Search for scholarships together. The cost of studying abroad does not have to be a deterrent. Financial resources for study abroad exist, including hundreds of scholarships. Every semester, Texas Tech students, successfully fund the entirety of their study abroad experience through scholarships, financial aid, or a combination of the two. Please visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/financialaid/studyAbroad.php or the financial resources section of www.studyabroad.ttu.edu for more information.
  4. Assist them as they prepare for their experience. Of course you want your student to develop international travel planning skills, but your wisdom will be appreciated when it comes time to make travel arrangements and complete necessary paperwork. Ask your student to share what they are learning about their host country and city in advance of their departure, and talk about the challenges they may anticipate abroad.
  5. Parents, if you have any reservations about sending your student overseas, please check out this article: http://www.gooverseas.com/blog/parents-speak-up-on-rising-concerns-of-terrorism-and-study-abroad

For more information, please visit the TTU Study Abroad Website

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Severe Weather Tips

The most common months for severe weather, including tornadoes, in the Lubbock area are May and June. Make sure your student is prepared for severe weather. Here are some tips provided by Texas Tech's Emergency Communications department: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/communications/emergency/tornadoes.php/

Make sure your student has his or her contact information updated in the TechAlert! system. Students can update their information here: www.emergencyalert.ttu.edu.

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Rec Center offers great stress reliever massages

Tests, papers and finals are looming. Give your student a break by purchasing a massage gift certificate from the Fitness/Wellness Center located within the Student Rec Center on campus. All massage therapists are licensed by the state of Texas. Cost is $40 for 1 hour; $25/1/2 hour. Call (806) 742-3828 to purchase. We will deliver the gift card to your student—they just need to call us and make an appointment.

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Summer Rec Options for Students

Students in Lubbock for the summer have 3 options to use the Rec Center, Leisure Pool and all of our programs:

  1. If your student is attending summer school, the Rec Center fee will be on the bill ($50 for 1 session; $100 for both sessions). If your student is only attending 1 session but will be here all summer, a membership for the other session may be purchased in the Rec Sports Office for $50.
  2. Students not attending summer school but registered for the fall may purchase a summer membership for $100 in the Rec Sports Office.
  3. Students may purchase a daily pass for $10 a day with their ID.
  4. Questions? Call (806) 742-3351

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Ways Your Student Can Build Their Resume During Summer Break

Everyone enjoys some down time to rest and rejuvenate. This summer, after your student has had a reprieve from writing papers, doing projects, and taking tests, they can start to build an impressive resume. While jobs and internships are tried and true ways of building resumes, consider volunteering, developing a project, and traveling as ways to showcase skills and abilities to potential employers.

For students, we recommend:

  • Summer jobs are an excellent way to gain valuable skills and earn extra money. When putting a job on your resume, choose words to describe the experience that directly ties the work to the degree program by choosing industry-specific terms.
  • Internships can help you gain transferrable skills such as collaboration, creativity, time management and leadership. As an intern, you may be offered a job when you graduate from college with that same company.
  • Volunteering can give you a unique opportunity to learn from experienced leaders while building your own skills. Possible volunteer positions include hospitals, pet shelters, retirement homes, and community gardens. Contact your local volunteer center to find out more about what is available in your area.
  • Develop an individual project: show off your entrepreneurship by starting your own business. This effort shows potential future employers your leadership skills and how you can motivate others. Consider businesses such as a lawn service, mobile car wash, or personal shopper.
  • Traveling to other cities, states and countries can broaden your perspective and help you learn more about yourself. Just as important, you will learn more about other cultures, which is very important to employers and makes you more marketable.

When your student returns to Texas Tech, encourage them to visit the University Career Center and let us help translate their summer experiences into an attention grabbing resume.

You can review the University Career Center events and online resources anytime by visiting www.careercenter.ttu.edu. Students can set up an appointment by calling 806-742-2210. University Career Center hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

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Contemplating the Peace Corps?

Is your student contemplating the Peace Corps? Texas Tech University has a Peace Corps Prep program designed to prepare a student and future volunteer for service. For more information please visit www.depts.ttu.edu/peacecorpsprep.

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Rest and Relaxation Night hosted by TAB

Finals are coming up quickly and your student might need a time to rest and relax. What better way than at the Rest and Relaxation Night!

Tuesday, May 5th
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
SUB Barnes and Noble Cafe

For more information contact TAB

Website:www.tab.ttu.edu
E-mail: tab@ttu.edu
Phone: 806-742-4708

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Save Now for a Ring Later: The Official Texas Tech Ring Savings Program

It's never too late to plan for the future. The Texas Tech Alumni Association is proud to offer the Official Texas Tech Class Ring Savings Program, which allows students to save over time for the ultimate symbol of college success.
With the Ring Savings Program, a refundable $75 is conveniently added as an optional fee to tuition and fee statements for spring and fall semesters beginning as early as freshman year.

Once students meet eligibility, the amount can then be applied toward the purchase of the Official Texas Tech Class Ring.

It's never been easier to support tradition. To enroll and begin saving today, simply log on to Raiderlink.ttu.edu, click on the MyTech tab, and sign up in the Official Class Ring section under Optional Services.

Questions? Contact the Texas Tech Alumni Association at (806) 742-3641 or visit www.texastechalumni.org/ring. 

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Student Counseling Center Crisis Helpline

A new 24-hour telephone helpline service is available to assist Texas Tech students who are experiencing a mental health or interpersonal violence crisis. The TTU Crisis HelpLine number is (806) 742-5555. Students can call the helpline and speak immediately with a mental health counselor.

Parents who are helping a student in distress can also call the helpline for assistance. In addition to assisting with immediate crises, the helpline counselors will be familiar with Texas Tech and Lubbock community resources and will be able to direct the caller to the appropriate resource.

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Feed Your Inner Red Raider!

Hospitality Services wants 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

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2016 Lubbock Visitor's Guide

When you make plans to visit your student be sure to check out the interactive visitor guide provided by Visit Lubbock.

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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.

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Study Abroad: More Affordable Than You (and Your Student) May Think!

Like many parents and family members of college students in the U.S., you might think that study abroad is financially impossible. Sure, there is research supporting the positive impact that study abroad can have on college students' academic performance, graduation rates, and career prospects... But is it affordable?

YES, study abroad can be affordable. In fact, some programs cost the same or less than a semester at TTU! Costs vary greatly depending on 1) the program type, 2) the location, and 3) the duration. Importantly, costs are also influenced by the time and energy that students put into completing scholarship applications and researching available funding opportunities. TTU staff are committed to connecting students to resources – many of which students and their families may not know exist.

  • Internal scholarships are awarded directly by TTU such as the Study Abroad Competitive Scholarship, the alumni-run Raider Rojos scholarship for Hispanic students, grants for students with disabilities, and monies distributed by academic colleges and departments.
  • If participating in an exchange program, students pay regular TTU tuition and fees, and the differences in their budget are cost of living differences between their destination and Lubbock.
  • If participating in an affiliate program, students may apply for program-specific scholarships, which ranged from $500 to $6,000 for six TTU students who are currently studying abroad.
  • External scholarships include the Gilman Scholarship, Boren Awards, the Go Overseas Scholarship, and many more. The Gilman, which is only available to students who receive a Federal Pell Grant, has awarded between $1,500 and $8,000 to 57 TTU students since 2006.

Financial Aid Advisor Nikki Nordell can explain options beyond scholarships such as loan funding and how students may use the same federal aid to study abroad that they use for a semester on campus. After earning $6,250 in scholarships and consulting with Ms. Nordell, one Business student had this advice for his peers who are concerned about affording to study abroad:

Anything is possible if you are willing to put in the effort! There are a plethora of scholarships available, but they won't come to you. It was stressful managing school, work, and a social life while applying to scholarships... Some nights I just wanted to give up, but studying abroad is something I wanted to do and had to finance on my own, so I pushed through it. A lot of people, from friends to professors, read my essays and helped revise them. Although I did not receive all of the scholarships I applied to, I received enough to cover my whole semester! Because of my hard work, I was able to study abroad without having to worry about money. Never let money discourage you from doing what you want to do. Studying abroad is an investment in yourself!

Helping your student to finance a study abroad experience is possible, and it requires planning and perseverance. For more information, visit www.studyabroad.ttu.edu.

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Summer I & II payment deadlines

May 31st – Summer I payment deadline

July 5th – Summer II payment deadline

For more information visit www.sbs.ttu.edu.

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Red to Black: Peer-to-Peer Financial Coaching 

Hi, Parents! As the end of the semester is quickly approaching, it is time to start looking towards summer jobs, or even graduation. One of the services Red to Black Peer Financial Coaching can assist your student with is helping them evaluate employee benefits packages. Have your student contact us today to learn more! 806-742-9781| redtoblack@ttu.edu | www.r2b.ttu.edu

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Is your student looking for a job?

Encourage your student to visit Texas Tech Human Resources and University Career Center for on-campus and off-campus employment. 

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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.

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Tips for Parents & Families of Students Placed on Scholastic Probation or Suspension

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. The only exceptions to this are Human Sciences (required if either of the first 2 semester GPA's at TTU is below a 2.0) and Engineering (required at any point in a student's college career that the cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0). 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, you 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 you. 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/passxl/index.php
2015-2016 Academic Catalog: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/pdfs/2015-16_catalog.pdf

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Residential Tutoring Program 

The Residential Tutoring Program 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.

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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.

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Spring Move-out: May 18th

Do you need information regarding spring move-out? Visit http://housing.ttu.edu/moveout for more information, tips, and reminders for parents.

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Student Legal Services-Lease Reviews 

Student Legal Services is able to offer a wide variety of legal services to students of Texas Tech. Their services are freely available to all registered Texas Tech students. 

If your student is looking to move off campus encourage them to visit Student Legal Services for a FREE Lease Review so they understand the process of renting an apartment/house. 

For more information visit Student Legal Services online at https://www.depts.ttu.edu/sls/.

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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.

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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.

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Spring 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 20, 2016

3:00 p.m. Art & Sciences
7:00 p.m. Graduate School

Saturday, May 21, 2016

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 21, 2016)
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/

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This month's academic and event calendar

May 4 – 10, Wednesday – Tuesday

Period of no examinations except for makeup exams or scheduled lab exams.

May 4, Wednesday

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.

May 6, Friday

Last day for undergraduate degree candidates to remove grades of I and PR.

May 9, Monday

Raiderlink available for grading (degree candidate grades due at noon May 18).

May 10, Tuesday

Last day of classes.

May 11, Wednesday

Individual study day.
Late night breakfast available for residents living on campus.

May 12 – 17, Thursday – Saturday / Monday – Tuesday

Final examinations.

May 17, Tuesday

Spring semester ends.

May 18, Wednesday

Last day for most dining locations (www.depts.ttu.edu/hospitality).
10 a.m., residence halls close. Degree candidates may occupy residence hall rooms until 10 a.m. Saturday, May 21 (housing.ttu.edu/moveout).
Noon, grades due for graduating students via Raiderlink.

May 20 – 21, Friday – Saturday

Commencement. Schedule of ceremonies can be found at www.depts.ttu.edu/provost/commencement/index.php.
Degree candidates may occupy residence hall rooms until 10 a.m. Saturday, May 21.

May 23, Monday

Noon, Final grades due via Raiderlink.

May 31, Tuesday

95% payment of mandatory tuition and fees or enrollment in a payment plan due for Summer I. Registrations after this date require immediate payment or enrollment in a payment plan.

Complete calendar information:

Texas Tech Academic Calendar 

Texas Tech event calendar

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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.

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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.

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Road Raiders: Have a piece of mind when your student is traveling home for the summer

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.

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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.

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