September 2017 Parent & Family eNewsletter
Volume 16, Issue 9
In this issue...
General News
Family Weekend 2017
Parents and Family Members of Incoming Freshmen
Financial Tips/Info
Scholarships/Job Opportunities
Academic
Housing
Important Dates
Extracurricular Activities
Texas Tech Parent Association
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Thanksgiving and Semester 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, San Antonio and El Paso* during academic breaks. Click here to see travel details and to purchase tickets.
*Please note: El Paso bus trips are only offered during Thanksgiving.
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 Social Media.
For past poll results visit Parent & Family Pulse Polls.
"Feed Your Inner Red Raider!"
Hospitality Services features 24 dining locations at Texas Tech University, making it easy for your student to pop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner, snatch a Grab-N-Go item or just pick up an energizing snack. We offer more than 50 dining options, including all-you-care-to-eat venues, express kiosks, food courts, mini-markets, national brands, retail outlets and even a food truck.
Need to make a change? On-campus Resident Dining Plan holders have the option to raise
or lower their Dining Plan Level through the 20th class day of the Fall 2017 semester.
The 20th class day in the fall semester is September 25th, 2017 (Dining Plan Change Form or call 806.742.2661).
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
Recipes from Home at The Market at Stangel/Murdough
We know nothing's as good as Mom's Mouthwatering Meatloaf or Aunt Betty's Lemon Supreme Pound Cake but we want your Red Raider to feel at home here at Texas Tech! Hospitality Services is asking you to send your favorite "Recipes from Home" to be featured on the menus in The Market at Stangel/Murdough this academic year!
Selected recipes will be featured on the menu at The Market and showcased to campus. The parent and student of selected recipe submissions will be notified by email. You never know, smelling Dad's Famous Italian Enchiladas might remind them to call home a little more often!
"Recipes from Home" submissions will be accepted until September 22, 2017. The winners will be announced and notified during the Fall 2017/Spring 2018 semester. Details for this contest are listed below:
HOW TO ENTER
- Complete the "Recipes from Home" Entry Form
- Enter the required information
- Recipes can be emailed to hospitality@ttu.edu
- All entries must be received no later than 4:59 pm (Central Standard Time) on Friday, September 22, 2017. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.
SELECTION OF FINALISTS AND WINNERS
Each recipe submitted must be approved by a member of Hospitality Services "Recipes from Home" selection committee. Recipes may be approved or rejected based on suitability (for example, must comply with rules) for the Contest at the discretion of Hospitality Services. Only those recipes approved will be deemed eligible to win the Contest.
Members of the Hospitality Services staff will determine winners. Recipes will be judged based on the following criteria: creativity, ease of execution, taste test (the top recipes will be cooked and tasted by judges to determine taste), and entry content (additional information provided).
Winners will be notified via email (at the email address provided in the entry form). Potential winner must respond within five (5) days of first attempted notification or at Hospitality Services sole discretion he/she will be disqualified and an alternate winner will be selected.
Hospitality Services assumes no responsibility for entries it is unable to process due to network, hardware or other technical failures; or any other reason, or incomplete, damaged, misdirected, illegible, stolen or lost entries. Hospitality Services reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate or modify this promotion if incapable of completion as planned, including infection by computer virus, technical corruption, non-authorized human intervention or any other causes beyond their control which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, or integrity of the contest.
RECIPE SUBMISSION DISCLAIMER
All entrants in this contest agree to the Recipe Submission Disclaimer. By submitting your recipe(s), the contest participant irrevocably transfers, grants and assigns to Hospitality Services the right to use the name, recipe content, likeness, any images and photographs, including any reproductions of same, in any and all media including, without limitation, on the Hospitality Services website, Smart Choices Wellness Wednesday Blog, @EatAtTexasTech social media channels or other promotions and for any advertising or promotional purposes, without additional compensation, and releases Hospitality Services from any liability with respect thereto.
Get a parking citation dismissed with Pop-Tarts for Tickets!
Bring any new, unopened boxes of Pop-Tarts or similar toaster pastries that at least equal the value of the citation to the Transportation and Parking Services office September 5 through 15 to have the unpaid parking citation dismissed.
Pop-Tarts benefit Food 2 Kids, a program of the Junior League of Lubbock. For more details on how to participate or donate, see http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parking/Resources/TPSHelps/PopTarts_For_Tickets.php or contact TPS at parking@ttu.edu or (806) 742-PARK.
University Career Center Resources
Students have a wealth of resources available to them at the University Career Center. Counselors are here to help students make thoughtful choices about their major, career, or graduate school plans. 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. We encourage our students to begin utilizing our services as first year students. Resources available to all students and alumni 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
You can visit the University Career Center online resources at any time www.careercenter.ttu.edu.
Upcoming Events
Sept 10 College Suit-Up Event: 40% off of select styles at JCPenney
Sept 12 Etiquette Dinner
Sept 13 Graduate and Professional Fair
Sept 19 Resume Critique Day
Students are encouraged to stop by the UCC (150 Wiggins Complex, next to Sam's Place West) anytime between 9:00 am – 4:00 pm the day of the event to have their resume or any other professional document critiqued by our friendly staff!
Sept 20 Engineering Career Fair
Sept 26 CASNR Career Fair
Sept 26 Red Raider Mixer
Sept 27 University Career Fair
To Make an Appointment, Please Call 806-742-2210
Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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.
Family Weekend Central
Pick up your Family Weekend schedules, parking maps, T-shirts, and other pre-purchased items. Free ice cream served between 4PM and 5PM on Friday while supplies last.
When: Friday, September 29 from Noon - 5:30PM AND Saturday, September 30 from 8:00AM - Noon
Where: Mackenzie-Merket Alumni Center
Family Fun Night
Join us for FREE games, including Casino games with prizes and board games. A speed caricaturist will be on hand to do fun family portraits. TTPA Chapters will have specialty items available for purchase, with all proceeds to go toward scholarships. Hosted by Parent Family Relations, The Texas Tech Parents Association, and Tech Activities Board. For questions about this event, please contact Parent Family Relations at parent@ttu.edu.
When: Friday, September 29 from 7:00 - 9:00PM
Where: United Supermarkets Arena
*Please note: A volleyball match will be taking place during this time and the Clear Bag Policy will be in effect.
Family Weekend Breakfast
Join us for breakfast and entertainment.The Mariachi los Matadors de Texas Tech and Texas Tech spirit squads will be on hand for a pep rally to get everyone excited for the day!
$10 tickets available HERE. Click "Registration Form" when you arrive at the page.
Menu: scrambled eggs, smoked bacon, southern style biscuits with cream gravy, country style potatoes, seasonal fruit bowl, coffee, orange juice.
While supplies last. Orders received by Friday, September 15th will be mailed. After that date, tickets may be picked up during Family Weekend Central. Last day to order is Friday, September 22nd. For questions about this event, please contact Parent Family Relations at parent@ttu.edu.
When: Saturday, September 30 from 8:30 - 10:00AM
Where: Mackenzie-Merket Alumni Center
Discounted Family Weekend Football Tickets
Two Ways to Purchase
Be Grouped With Others From Your Geographic Area
Purchase your tickets from the Texas Tech Parents Association (TTPA) and they will group you with other TTPA members from your geographic area. Pick up your tickets during Move-in Weekend at the Texas Tech Parents Association Welcome Center at Varsity Bookstore. $46 per ticket. Order HERE.
Questions? Call the Texas Tech Parents Association at 806-412-4722 or email parents@texastechparents.org
Pick Your Own Seats
Purchase your tickets directly from TTU Athletics. Visit the Athletic Ticket Office Website and enter "FAMILY17" in the promo code box (in the upper right corner if using a pc or choose "Promotions" from the menu if using a mobile device). Pick your own seats from available stock. You can either have tickets mailed to you beginning on August 1st or pick them up at the Will Call desk at the Athletic Ticket Office (M-F 8-5 beginning three days prior to game day). $45 per ticket plus $3 service charge per ticket. Order HERE.
Questions? Call the Texas Tech Athletic Ticket Office at 888-742-TECH.
While supplies last. Students get into the stadium free with their Texas Tech ID, but sit in the student section. If you would like your student to sit with the family, you will need to purchase him/her a ticket. Guests needing ADA seating: Please call 806-742-TECH and reference the Promo Code FAMILY17.
FAFSA Tailgate during Family Weekend
Student Financial Aid and Scholarships will host a FAFSA Tailgate on Friday afternoon, September 29th at West Hall. Come enjoy some food and tailgate games. You can also sign up for 2018/19 FAFSA Reminders to get a head start on next year.
For more information, please visit www.financialaid.ttu.edu.
Other Activities and Events
For a list of other events and activities to participate in during Family Weekend, please see the Family Weekend Schedule of Events.
Student Disability Services
If you have a student that would benefit from support in college through Student Disability Services, please have your student apply for services at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/sds/. Documentation can be uploaded along with the application, and any questions should be directed to sds@ttu.edu or 806-742-2405. If you have questions about the TECHniques Center program, please send an email to techniques.center@ttu.edu. Both Student Disability Services and the TECHniques Center will be represented at every Resource Fair during Red Raider Orientation, so come by and see us!
Did you miss Red Raider Orientation?
Parent and Family Relations has provided information for parents and family members who might have missed Red Raider Orientation.
Visit our website for handouts, presentations, and more!
Student Business Services important dates and deadlines
September 25, Monday
- Budget/Emergency Payment Plan due date – Required payment must be received by the due date or the account will incur late fees
- Book Loan due date
For more information, please visit Student Business Services at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/
Students planning to work on campus need original social security card
Is your student planning to get a new job on campus? Students who work on campus must bring their original Social Security Cards for human resources processing due to federal I-9 requirements. Remind your student to keep his or her social security card in a safe place.
Is your student receiving scholarships from sources other than Texas Tech?
If your student is receiving scholarships from a source other than Texas Tech, for example, their high school, a civic organization, etc? Be sure they report them by going to http://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/ and clicking on the trophy icon (report external awards).
Is your student receiving a scholarship for 1718 from Texas Tech University? Please be sure to get those thank you letters in ASAP!
You can follow TTU Financial Aid on Facebook and Twitter to get reminders and external scholarship information –new posts daily!
For more information, visit the website HERE.
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.
Fall 2017 Commencement Schedule
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 15, 2017
3:00 p.m.
Arts & Sciences
7:00 p.m.
Graduate School
Saturday, December 16, 2017
9:00 a.m.
Business Administration
Media and Communication
University Programs
Visual & Performing Arts
Wind Energy
1:30 p.m.
Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources
Architecture
Education
Engineering
Honors College
Human Sciences
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/
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
September 4, Monday
Labor Day. University holiday. Limited dining locations available (hospitality.ttu.edu).
September 13, Wednesday
Last day for student-initiated drop on MyTech without academic penalty (drop does not count against drop limit). All drops are the responsibility of the student.
Last day to drop a course and have course charges removed. Students who drop to 0 hours are considered to be a withdrawal. Financial penalties apply for withdrawals after August 25.
September 14, Thursday
Student-initiated drop made on or after this date counts against drop limit. All drops are the responsibility of the student.
September 22, Friday
Last day for graduate degree candidates to file with the Graduate School a statement of intention to graduate.
September 25, Monday
Last day to withdraw from the university and receive partial financial credit. For more information see www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/calendar/withdrawDates.php.
Last day to withdraw from the university and receive pro-rated room and dining plan refund. For more information see housing.ttu.edu/contractguide.
Last day to change on-campus Dining Plan level for the fall semester (hospitality.ttu.edu).
September 29, Friday
Last day for doctoral students to submit the Defense Notification form.
Last day to notify the thesis coordinator of thesis defense via email.
Complete calendar information:
Texas Tech Academic Calendar
Texas Tech Events Calendar
Have your student check out Orgsync for ways to get involved
Is your student involved in student organizations? If not, have him or her visit http://ttu.orgsync.com for a list of and contact information for all registered student organizations. It is especially important for students living on and off campus to get involved and stay connected to campus.
Student Union and Activities Calendar
Student Union and Activities always makes sure there is plenty for your Tech students to do! If your student complains that he or she can't find any fun activities or meet many people on campus, tell him or her about these exciting, FREE activities.
Click HERE for the complete Activities Calendar.
More Parent Opportunities
Join Tech Parents at football games for pregame in Houston, Austin and Arlington. Texas Tech meets the UH Cougars in Houston Saturday Sep. 23 in Houston, Oklahoma State Cowboys in Lubbock during Family Weekend Saturday Sep 30; the Baylor Bears in Arlington (AT&T Stadium) Saturday Nov 11; and UT Longhorns Friday, Nov 24 in Austin. Tickets on sale in our ONLINE STORE
Did you miss Red Raider Family gatherings in your community this summer? Look for more opportunities to get together with your Red Raider neighbors. Looking for special links to important information? Check out our Parent U online. Visit the Texas Tech Parents Association website.
Parent and Family Relations
-
Address
Drane Hall 2515 15th St., Box 45020, Lubbock, Texas 79409-5020 -
Phone
806.742.3630 -
Email
parent@ttu.edu