October 2015 Parent & Family eNewsletter
Vol. 14 Issue 10
In this issue...
General News
- Parent Pulse Poll
- Thanksgiving and Winter Break Bus Trip Tickets Available!
- University Career Center Resources
- Office of the President Invites You to Autumn Fest
- Texas Tech University Homecoming Week: Wreck 'EM Arcade
- National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week
- Tech-or-Treat;a safe alternative to trick or treating
- Feed Your Inner Red Raider!
- Texas Tech Alumni Association Pre-Game Football Events
- Lubbock 2015 Visitor Guide
- For your complete Texas Tech news, visit Texas Tech Today
Parents of Incoming Freshman/Transfers
Financial Tips/Info
Scholarships/Job Opportunities
- Is your student getting scholarships from groups other than Texas Tech for 2015/2016?
- University Scholarship Thank You Letters
- University Student Housing Hiring
- Is your student looking for a job?
- Students planning to work on campus need original social security card
Academic
- Majors and Minors Fair: October 21
- University Writing Center
- SOAR Learning Center empowers students in pursuits of success
Housing
- Living Off Campus - Common Pitfalls
- Consider renters insurance for your student whether they are living on or off campus
Student Perspectives
Graduation
Important Dates
- Career Center Events
- Save the date for Carol of Lights: December 1st
- This month's academic and event calendar
Extracurricular Activities
- Fall 2015 Student Leader Academy
- Have your student check out Orgsync for ways to get involved
- Student Union and Activities Calendar
Texas Tech Parents Association
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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 involvement: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HMZ7W9C
This poll will be open through the month of October. Results will be posted at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/polls.php in November.
Thanksgiving and Winter Break Bus Trip Tickets Available!
Does your student need a ride home for Thanksgiving or for the Winter 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 Thanksgiving 2015 and Winter Break 2015.
Destinations include: Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and El Paso (Thanksgiving only). This trip is organized to help students travel home at a lower cost who might not otherwise be able to make it home for Thanksgiving/Winter Break.
Visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/bustrips.php for bus schedule, pricing, and to purchase tickets.
University Career Center Resources
Students who find themselves exploring their options can utilize the University Career Center for a variety of things. Counselors are here to help students make choices about their major, career, or graduate school. Whether they are curious about typical careers for a given major, investigating certain career paths, need help planning a career development checklist, or help with the job search, the University Career Center has the tools and resources to help them! Resources available to all students include:
- Career Exploration
- Career Assessments
- Strong Interest Inventory, Focus, StrengthsQuest, etc.
- Career Events
- Career Fairs, Etiquette Dinners, etc.
- Resume & Cover Letter Critiques
- Mock Interviews
- Hire Red Raiders, our online internship & job board (www.hireredraiders.ttu.edu)
You can visit the University Career Center online resources at anytime by visiting www.careercenter.ttu.edu.
Review the website, look at upcoming events, and feel free to have your student set up an appointment with us by calling us at 806-742-2210. UCC hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
Office of the President Invites You to Autumn Fest
The Office of the President is hosting its second Autumn Fest at Texas Tech University Sunday (Oct. 11) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Memorial Circle. The festival will include art, music, local cuisine and many other attractions for both adults and children. Local vendors from the South Plains area will display and sell their works and fresh produce and Texas musicians will provide the entertainment.
If you're attending Texas Tech's homecoming, just stay another day with your family and friends and enjoy a relaxed and fun environment that's perfect for Sunday afternoons.
For more information, please visit the Autumn Fest website or contact autumnfest@ttu.edu.
Texas Tech University Homecoming Week: Wreck 'EM Arcade
TTU Homecoming Week is October 5-10, 2015!
Join your student at the events open to the community on the Friday of Homecoming Week, October 9, 2015:
- Homecoming Parade: 6:00 pm at the TTU Broadway Entrance
- Pep Rally: 7:30 pm in the United Supermarkets Arena
- Bonfire: 9:00 pm at the Bonfire Pit/Rugby Fields
Visit www.homecoming.ttu.edu for full schedule of events.
While you're in town, stop by the second annual Autumn Fest on October 11, 2015 from 11:00-3:00 pm in Memorial Circle. Visit www.autumnfest.ttu.edu for more details.
National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week
Texas Tech University Student Union & Activities is hosting National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week in collaboration with departments and student organizations across campus.
National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week is an initiative to promote healthy and responsible decision making surrounding alcohol.
Your student is invited to participate in fun and educational programming from October 19-24, 2015 that centers around responsible decision making surrounding alcohol. From Drunk Goggle obstacle courses to One Act Plays to free movie screenings, students will have many opportunities to get involved.
Please visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/sub/NCAAW.php for more information.
Tech-or-Treat:a safe alternative to trick or treating
Bring your kids to Texas Tech University's Tech-or-Treat for a safe alternative to trick or treating!
Tech-or-Treat is a Halloween Carnival and fun-filled evening held in the Student Union Building to provide a safe alternative to trick or treating, and is staffed by Texas Tech student organizations, sororities, fraternities, and campus departments.
Tech-or-Treat is on Wednesday, October 28th from 6:00-8:00 pm. There will be games, activities, candy, prizes, AND a magic show!
This event is in conjunction with RHA's Safe Treat.
Visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/sub/techortreat.php or contact the Union Activities office for more information about Tech or Treat or parking for the event.
Feed Your Inner Red Raider!
Hospitality Services invites your student to experience more than 50 award-winning dining choices and countless delicious food options on campus. Students can let their appetite be their guide as they dine in a variety of all-you-care-to-eat options, express kiosks, food courts, mini-markets, and retail outlets conveniently housed in 21 locations across campus.
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
Texas Tech Alumni Association Pre-Game Football Events
Coming to the Game? Join us for the Best Pregame Party in Town!
We are very excited for game day here in Lubbock! Meet your friends and support the Red Raiders in the Frazier Alumni Pavilion. The Texas Tech Alumni Association's climate-controlled facility provides easy access to the Jones, plus snacks, cold beverages and clean restrooms. You won't miss a play... games from around the country are always on the big screens. Doors open three hours before every home game and the guys from Double T 104.3 provide extensive pregame coverage along with a ton of special guests.
Admission to the Frazier Alumni Pavilion is a free benefit of your Alumni Association membership. You don't have to be a graduate of Texas Tech to be a member. Support your student and future Red Raiders today by joining for as low as $50. Your gift provides for academic scholarships, faculty and staff enrichment, alumni awards, and much more. Remember, all prices are the same for single or joint memberships, so you are essentially getting two memberships for the price of one! Memberships can be purchased online at www.texastechalumni.org/join, or at the door on game day.
We hope to see you there!
Lubbock 2015 Visitor Guide
When you make plans to visit your student be sure to check out the visitor guide provided by Visit Lubbock.
http://www.visitlubbock.org/2015-ivg/index.html
For your complete Texas Tech news, visit Texas Tech Today
Keep up-to-date about everything Texas Tech by visiting Texas Tech Today, a complete news source for Texas Tech University.
AlcoholEdu & Haven Courses
The deadline for part two of AlcoholEdu® and Haven® is fast approaching. Please encourage your freshman or new transfer student to log onto www.rise.ttu.edu using their eraider and complete the course. There is a 45 day delay between part one and part two of the course.
We know that your student's ability to learn and strive for honor is enhanced when they are part of a safe and healthy community. Part of creating such a community is providing campus-wide approaches to health by using tools such as AlcoholEdu® and Haven®. Thank you for your contribution toward helping us maintain a safe and healthy campus community. If you have any further questions, please contact Dr. Kimberly Simón, Director, Risk Intervention & Safety Education (RISE), at 806-742-2110 or rise@ttu.edu.
Student Mailing Information
Do you need to mail your student a letter or care package? We got you covered!
Mail is delivered directly to each residence hall or complex and posted in their mailboxes. The box number corresponds with the room or apartment number in each hall or complex.
Visit University Housing's website for complete details about how mail should be addressed http://housing.ttu.edu/facilities/mail or watch our how-to video on mailing a package to your student.
Finances at Texas Tech University
Finances are a key part to sending your student off to college and we want to be sure you have all the resources available to you.
Do you need to be added as an authorized user to view your student's bill? We have provided a helpful how-to video about adding an authorized user.
Student Business Services, your office for all things related to your students bill, has provided a presentation regarding ebill, payment plans, deadlines, and more. Click here to view presentation and Fall 2015 Paying the Bill Checklist.
Financial Aid is also available to assist with scholarships, loans, grants and more! Visit their presentation online at: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/resources/Financial_Aid_2015_RRO_Presentation.pdf.
Installment payment due: October 25th
October 25 - Installment payment due for Emergency Payment Plan and Budget Payment Plan. For more information visit www.sbs.ttu.edu.
Red to Black: Financial Education Week
Red to Black Peer Financial Coaching is hosting Financial Education Week on Oct 13, 14 and 15. We encourage your student to take advantage of this week by participating each day between 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the SUB. We will have games, prizes, and educational pieces to increase your student's financial awareness on the topics of Spend, Save and Protect. For more information, visit our website!
Is your student getting scholarships from groups other than Texas Tech for 2015/2016 ?
If your student is receiving scholarships from external groups, please have them complete the Estimated External Scholarship Notification Form and email it to scholarships@ttu.edu. Have scholarship checks sent to the TTU Scholarship Office Box 45011 Lubbock, TX 79409. Be sure to provide the donor with this address and the student's R# to expedite processing!
University Scholarship Thank You Letters
If your student was selected to receive a scholarship from the university, be sure they submit their thank you letters as soon as possible, please!
For more information visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/thankYouLettersForScholarships.php
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.
University Student Housing Hiring
University Student Housing is now taking applications for their Community Advisor, Social Justice Avocate and Summer Positions!
How to Apply
Apply for any of our positions today by following the steps listed below!
- Go to http://www.depts.ttu.edu/housing/employment/studentstaff.php
- Click on the position you would like to apply for in the table under "Student Staff Positions"
- Follow the Steps under "How to Apply"
Join us at any of the following information sessions to learn more about our exciting opportunities!
| Date | Time | Hall | Location |
| Monday, September 28, 2015 | 9:00pm | Stangel/Murdough | 2nd Floor Piano Lounge |
| Wednesday, September 30, 2015 | 8:30pm | Horn/Knapp | Knapp Lounge |
| Tuesday, October 6, 2015 | 9:00pm | Chitwood/Weymouth | Chitwood/Weymouth Classroom |
| Wednesday, October 7, 2015 | 10:00am-4:00pm | Student Union Building | Lubbock Room |
| Thursday, October 8, 2015 | 6:00pm | West Village | Conference Room in the Raider Exchange |
| Monday, October 12, 2015 | 9:00pm | Bledsoe/Gordon/Sneed | Sneed Lobby |
| Wednesday, October 14, 2015 | 7:30pm | Murray/Carpenter/Wells | Murray TV Lounge |
All applications for the Spring 2016 and Fall 2016 semesters are due by October 19, 2015. All Community Advisor interviews will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2015.
For more information visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/housing/employment/studentstaff.php or contact Audrey Batista audrey.batista@ttu.edu
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.
Majors and Minors Fair: October 21
Wednesday, October 21st
11AM - 1PM
McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center
The Majors & Minors Fair provides students with an opportunity to meet with faculty and professional advisors to discuss a variety of possible majors as well as many available career opportunities connected to each major.
Representatives include professors, advisors, current students and student ambassadors who are ready to speak with you. Students are encouraged to stop by if they are confused about their current major or minor, looking to explore other opportunities, or want to pick up a second major.
This fair offers a great opportunity to find out about required courses, faculty-to-student ratio, minimum GPA, opportunities for non-majors to take classes, career prospects for that major, professional affiliations, student organizations and the process of switching majors.
Who Should Attend?
- Uncertain about what major to choose?
- Chosen a major but are unsure?
- Confident in their choice of a major and interested in adding a major, minor or certificate?
Come to the Majors & Minors Fair to:
- Explore majors & minors
- Discover career opportunities.
- Meet with professors, advisors & students.
- Take the next steps toward graduation.
For additional information, how to prepare for the fair, and resources visit their website.
University Writing Center
The University Writing Center offers undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and staff 30-minute, one-on-one tutorials on any type of writing, including resumes, personal statements, research papers, and articles for publication. We believe that writing serves as one of the primary means for learning and communicating and that every good writer needs a good reader.
The UWC is open for the fall term. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. We are located in RM.175 of the English/Philosophy Building.
To set up an appointment, call (806) 742-2476 or visit them online at http://uwc.ttu.edu/.
SOAR Learning Center empowers students in pursuits of success
The SOAR Learning Center's mission is to empower students in their pursuit towards academic success while providing an encouraging and safe learning environment. The Learning Center works to enhance the academic endeavors of all currently enrolled Texas Tech students by offering a variety of free services such as peer & online tutoring, academic mentoring, and supplemental instruction. Tutoring and academic mentoring is available Monday through Thursday from 9am-8pm and Friday 9am-5pm.
An additional resource available to students at the Learning Center is access to a licensed professional counselor with over 25 years in education. Stacy Elliot, M.Ed., LPC is a LEARNING SPECIALIST/SENIOR COUNSELOR available to work holistically with students striving to be successful in college. As a counselor, she works to help students resolve personal issues that may hinder their academic success. The Learning Specialist is available Monday through Friday 8am-5pm by appointments and accepts walk-ins.
The SOAR Learning Center is located in Holden Hall Room 80 and our office number is (806)742-3664. Visit us at www.lc.soar.ttu.edu.
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.
Homesickness
Students can provide great insight about life as a Red Raider. We want you as parents and family members to hear directly from students about their experiences and tips to help you and your student through this transition.
Adriana Lopez
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
If your student is homesick, which will happen, just being there for your student is all they need. My first semester at Tech was so hard because I was used to seeing my family every day and now I was on my own in charge of making a life for myself in a city I was unfamiliar with. I tried to call my parents as much as possible when I was feeling homesick and we Skyped every weekend on Saturday nights, so it was a set time each week that I would get to see them. This open communication with my parents helped me get through my first two semesters and I was really grateful for their support. My parents would also send me care packages, not regularly, but enough for me to get a taste of home every once in a while. They included things that my mom would typically cook at home, a handwritten card signed by my whole family and other necessities that I had forgotten at home. It helped to know they were thinking about me and missed me just as much as I missed them.
Julia Pena
Hometown: Austin, Texas
- Encourage involvement – If your student is feeling homesick, encourage them to get involved on campus and make friends. They will soon be hanging out with friends and involved in their new organizations. This will keep your student busy and having fun that it will take their mind off of missing home so much.
- Plan trips home – I do get home sick and this is the number one thing that helps me. I plan my trips home and mark them on a calendar. It helps me to see that it won't be long until I am home again. I look forward to the few days or the holidays that I get to spend at home.
- Communicate – Don't be afraid to communicate. Sometimes curing homesickness is just a little bit of communication with family from home. My family and I text, call, and FaceTime/Skype. This helps me feel connected at home while still enjoying college.
The Importance of students getting involved
Students can provide great insight about life as a Red Raider. We want you as parents and family members to hear directly from students about their experiences and tips to help you and your student through this transition.
Adriana Lopez
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Getting involved on campus is essential your students freshman year to help them gain new friendships, learn about the university and avoid homesickness. There are many student organizations on campus so there is bound to be something each student is interested in from Greek life, to religious and political organizations to cultural organizations, there are many to choose from. My first semester freshman year I joined three different student organizations and I think it was the best decision I made. I met so many new people, experienced new things and they kept me busy so there wasn't much time to be homesick. Joining student organizations is also a great resume booster and will help your student gain leadership skills and other skills they might not have otherwise acquired. Tell your student to find something they're interested in, go to a meeting, get involved, I promise you they regret it!
Favorite things to do in Lubbock
Lubbock truly is an exciting town and there are so many activities for your student to take part in. Encourage your student to venture out and explore Lubbock. Check out what our students have to say about some of their favorite things to do in Lubbock.
Fall Commencement Dates
If your student is graduating in December, congratulations! Below is the Fall 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, December 11, 2015
3:00 p.m.
Arts and Sciences
7:00 p.m.
Graduate School
Saturday, December 12, 2015
9:00 a.m.
Architecture
Education
Engineering
Human Sciences
Visual & Performing Arts
1:30 p.m.
Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources
Business Administration
Mass Communications
Honors College (EVHM and HAL Majors Only)
University Programs
Wind Energy
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 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.
Career Center Events
Non-Profit Fair
October 13th | 2pm – 4pm
SUB Ballroom
Mocktail Party
October 21st | 5pm – 7pm
McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center | Students can register here
Resume Critique Day
October 28th | 9am – 4pm
University Career Center | 150 Wiggins Complex
Webinars
These webinars are 30-45 minute live informational sessions focused on career growth
and development. Topics include resume and cover letter writing, job fair preparation,
and industry insights! Visit the UCC website for a complete listing of upcoming webinars.
For a full list of upcoming events and webinars, please visit the University Career Center Events page.
Save the Date for Carol of Lights: December 1st
The 2015-2016 Academic calendar only provides three class days between the Thanksgiving recess and the beginning of final exams. In accordance with university operating procedures, and to ensure continued focus on student academic success, the 57th Annual Carol of Lights has been scheduled on Tuesday. December 1, 2015.
Visit http://housing.ttu.edu/caroloflights for more details.
This month's academic and event calendar
October 19, Monday
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.
October 26, 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 declare pass/fail intentions.
For the Texas Tech event calendar, please CLICK HERE.
Fall 2015 Student Leader Academy
The Student Leader Academy is a FREE, On-Campus Leadership Conference for ALL Texas Tech students to learn more about who they are as leaders, build their personal leadership skills, and make connections with other Red Raiders. The Student Leader Academy includes a welcoming keynote speaker, educational breakout sessions, and time for networking with other campus leaders.
Register at bit.ly/StudentLeaderAcademy. Registration closes October 11th.
Questions or Concerns? Contact Student Involvement at StudentOrgs@ttu.edu.
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.
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