September 2018 Parent & Family eNewsletter

Volume 17, Issue 9

In this issue...

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Family Weekend Football and Event Tickets On Sale Now!

Family Weekend 2018 will be Friday, September 28th - Saturday, September 29th, as Texas Tech football takes on the West Virginia Mountaineers. Activities will begin on Friday evening of the weekend. Stay tuned to www.familyweekend.ttu.edu and www.texastechparents.org for more information as the date gets closer.

Football and event tickets are now on sale. For more information and to purchase event tickets, visit familyweekend.ttu.edu.

Book hotel rooms quickly, as they will fill up for the weekend.

A tradition at Texas Tech since 1936, Family Weekend is a wonderful time to visit campus and reconnect with your student! The Texas Tech campus is beautiful in the fall, and there are many activities for families to enjoy during the weekend. We hope you and your family will join us!

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Make Your Plans for Family Days at Texas Tech

Parent and Family Relations is excited to announce Family Days at Texas Tech! This year, there are additional opportunities for you to visit your student during the fall semester. We invite you to save the following dates to come experience the community and traditions of Texas Tech and Lubbock.

For more information, visit www.familyweekend.ttu.edu.

October 5, 2018 - Friday

Family Day at First Friday Art Trail

• Lubbock's Art District
• Local, regional, and national artists
• Live music
• Local food trucks

If you are planning to participate in First Friday Art Trail, please RSVP here.

November 30, 2018 - Friday

Family Day at the Carol of Lights

• Beloved Texas Tech tradition
• Texas Tech choirs
• Saddle Tramps and High Riders
• Masked Rider

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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. This month, University Student Housing would like to ask you to take a survey regarding move-in.

If your student moved-in for Fall 2018, here is a quick survey to complete about your move-in experience. We have developed this survey specifically for you as parents, so give us your opinions! Students have already completed their own survey. We look forward to hearing from you!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PB7YS5G

For past poll results visit Parent & Family Pulse Polls.

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Feed Your Inner Red Raider!

Hospitality Services features a multitude of 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, retail outlets and even national brands like Chick-fil-A® and Starbucks®!

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 2018 semester. The 20th class day in the fall semester is September 24th, 2018 (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

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New to Campus!

Hospitality Services is opening a NEW all-you-care-to-eat area in The Commons at Talkington Hall. The Commons AYCE on the second floor opened on August 27th. The new dining area features expanded dining hours and a rotating menu created by our culinary team showcasing some classic entrées and new culinary adventures.

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A Message from University Student Housing

From all of us at University Student Housing, thank you for a great Move-In! We sincerely appreciate all the hard work that everyone put into making it our best Move-In Weekend yet. From the Community Advisors to our Housekeeping and Maintenance staff, everyone played a significant role in creating an atmosphere of Raider Pride. University Student Housing is a place that holds teamwork as a high priority, and it certainly showed during Move-In Weekend. Our staff remained organized and cheerful, despite the rain. Overall, Move-In had the essence of celebration: a celebration of our new Red Raiders and a celebration of the university that we are proud to be a part of. We hope that we can carry this same sense of excitement into the new year. We are proud to serve our students, and again, thank you again to everyone who helped out!

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Save Now for a Ring Later!

The Official Texas Tech Class Ring symbolizes a significant achievement in a student's academic career. Undergraduate students only need 75 hours to purchase a class ring, but they can begin saving money to purchase that ring as soon as their first day of class.

The Texas Tech Alumni Association has made it easy for students to save for their ring through the Ring Savings Program. Each semester students can set aside a refundable $75 (or more) through their tuition, which may then be applied toward the purchase of their Official Texas Tech Class Ring, upon eligibility.

To enroll and begin saving today, have your student visit Raiderlink.ttu.edu, click on the MyTech tab, and sign up in the Official Class Ring section under Optional Services.

For more information on the Official Texas Tech Class Ring, visit www.texastechalumni.org/ring. If you have any questions or would like to save more than $75 a semester, please contact Mandy Wiley at mandy.wiley@ttu.edu or (806) 834-4258.

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University Career Center Events and Services

To prepare for career fairs and networking events, the Career Center is partnering with JCPenney on the JCP College Suit-Up, to offer students 40% off professional and foundational wear. This event will be September 9th, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM at JCP in the South Plains Mall and is exclusively for TTU students. The store will be closed to the general public. Students will have the opportunity to be measured by skilled professionals and assisted with clothing selections. The JCP Portrait Studio will be available to set up appointments for professional headshots, the hair salon will offer consultations and future appointments, and Sephora will have representatives available for consultations. This is a great opportunity for students to purchase quality clothing at outstanding savings. Each student must bring their Texas Tech ID.

Now that your student has a professional outfit, they are ready to attend career fairs and etiquette dinners. The fall 2018 Career Fairs begin September 12th with the Graduate and Professional School Fair. On September 25th, the College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources (CASNR) Fair takes place in the SUB Ballroom. The All Majors University Career Fair, a great fair for students from all majors and all classifications, will be September 26th in the SUB Ballroom. One of our most popular events, the UCC Etiquette Dinner will be October 12th. Students must register online to be assured a seat.

The UCC is available to help students with resume critiques, mock interviews, and proper business etiquette. Our career counselors will meet with your student one on one, by phone or via Skype, to help them navigate their future career.

Visit our webpage for a full list of Events.

University Career Center, Wiggins Complex, south entrance

3211-18th Street

806-742-2210

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Exclusive Offers at Barnes & Noble at Texas Tech

The campus bookstore is your official destination for textbooks, school supplies, and official Texas Tech apparel & gifts.

• Save 25% off one Texas Tech apparel item when you sign up for emails from the bookstore. Click here to sign up today.
• Download the My College Bookstore app for a 25% off coupon, exclusive app offers and order & shipment updates.
• Rent or Buy Textbooks – We Price Match Amazon, bn.com & local competitors. Visit our website or speak to a bookseller for details.

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Think About IT

Parents, don't forget if your Red Raider is a first-time or transfer student this Fall they must complete Think About IT. Think About IT is the mandatory prevention education course for all students. 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.

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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.

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 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.

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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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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!

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Student Health Services

Parents of TTU students as well as TTU Students are invited to come and tour our clinic. We are happy to talk with you about the services we provide, our billing process, and give you the opportunity to meet some of our outstanding nurses and providers. Call us today and schedule a tour or make an appointment with one of our providers. If you are interested in a tour or appointment, please contact us at 806.743.2848.

Talk to your student about using Student Health Services any time they feel sick or are needing a check-up while they are on campus. They can familiarize themselves with the Student Wellness Center and learn how to set up an appointment by watching this video.

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Defining the Student Experience

Attending Texas Tech is not just about classes, it is about building relationships and networks, exploring intersecting identities, and developing leadership skills. This is accomplished by #GettingInvolved on campus through student organizations, residential communities, campus employment, community engagement, and attending campus events and programs. Statistics show that students that get involved in college are more likely to graduate in four years, get a job, or get into graduate school.

Student Involvement is dedicated to student's success at Texas Tech and beyond graduation. Whether your student is a first year or a junior, we provide opportunities and experiences to support their success. Encourage them to go to studentinvolvement.ttu.edu to explore student organizations, leadership and service opportunities, as well as additional ways to get involved.

If you are interested in speaking with a staff member, please call 806-742-5433 or email studentorgs@ttu.edu.

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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 fall! 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.

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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. Representatives from both Student Disability Services and TECHniques Center will be available at the Red Raider Orientation resource fairs this summer.

Student Disability Services invites Texas Tech students to submit art this Fall, for the gallery "Creative Abilities". Art will be displayed at the First Friday Art Trail during the first week of October. Students who identify with having a disability are welcome to submit art in various forms, including performance art. The event is part of Disability Awareness Week. For more information, visit https://www.depts.ttu.edu/sds/DAW.php Students may also contact SDS.DAW@TTU.EDU or call 806-742-2405.

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Student Business Services important dates and deadlines

September 25, Tuesday

• 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/

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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 2018-2019 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.

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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

For more information, visit advising.ttu.edu or call 806.742.2189.

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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.

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Fall 2018 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 14th, 2018

Saturday, December 15th , 2018

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/

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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.

Mail

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.

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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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This Month's Academic and Event Calendar

September 3, Monday

• Labor Day. University holiday. Limited dining locations available (hospitality.ttu.edu).

September 12, 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 24.

September 13, Thursday

• Student-initiated drop made on or after this date counts against drop limit. All drops are the responsibility of the student.

September 21, Friday

• Last day for graduate degree candidates to file with the Graduate School a statement of intention to graduate.

September 24, 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).

Complete calendar information:

Texas Tech Academic Calendar
Texas Tech Events Calendar

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SAB September Events

Red Raider Showcase Applications Open

• Tuesday, September 4, 2018
  
• Apply on TechConnect
• Applications due Friday, September 14, 2018

SAB Info Session

• Thursday, September 6, 2018
• SUB Escondido Theatre
• 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM

SAB New Member Applications Due

• Friday, September 7, 2018
• Submit on TechConnect by 11:59 PM

Stuff-a-Critter

• Wednesday, September 12, 2018
• Free Speech Area
• 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Volunteer Fair

• Monday, September 17, 2018
• SUB Red Raider Ballroom
• 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Red Raider Showcase Auditions

• Tuesday, September 18, 2018
• SUB Senate Room
• 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Night With a Hypnotist

• Friday, September 28, 2018
• SUB Allen Theatre
• 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Part of Family Weekend

September Late Night Movies

• SUB Escondido Theatre
• 10:00PM
  • Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom - Thursday, September 6, 2018 and Friday, September 7, 2018
  • Incredibles 2 - Thursday, September 13, 2018 and Friday, September 14, 2018
  • The First Purge - Thursday, September 20, 2018 and Friday, September 21, 2018
  • Skyscraper - Thursday, September 27, 2018 and Friday, September 28, 2018

RaiderGate

• Reserve Spots at raidergate.ttu.edu
• R1 Lot
  • RaiderGate vs. Lamar - Saturday, September 9, 2018 at 11:00am

• • RaiderGate vs. Houston - Saturday, September 15, 2018 at  11:00am
  • RaiderGate vs. West Virginia - Saturday, September 29, 2018 TBA

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RISE September Events

Raiders Respond: Bystander Intervention Workshop for Red Raiders

• SUB Red Raider Lounge
• Wednesday, September 5, 2018
• 9am-5pm - every hour, on the hour
• Free snacks and a t-shirt!

Suicide Prevention Week - September 10 - 14

• Monday, September 10, 2018: Stress Less Zone 11am-1pm SUB Outdoor Gazebo
  • Puppies, Mental Health Resources, and Giveaways!
• Wednesday, September 12, 2018: QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Training – Suicide Prevention Training
  • 9am-6pm - SUB Lubbock Room - Every hour, on the hour – Free snacks and t-shirts!
• Friday, September 14, 2018: Yoga in the Park and a Picnic
  • 5pm-7pm – Restorative yoga starts at 5:30pm
  • Free food, games, and giveaways
  • Speak with nutritionists and mental health experts

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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.

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 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!

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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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Become a member of Texas Tech Parents Association

Visit our website www.texastechparents.org

Why Join?

• To receive important information about programs and services available to parents.
• To continue sharing in your student's educational experience.
• To learn more about available resources as you transition as a mentor to your student.
• To network with other Texas Tech University parents where you live.
• To have access to TTPA student scholarships
• To have access to websites and social media platforms serving your area

Did you know? Students whose parents are actively engaged in their higher education experience have a 34% higher GPA upon graduation than those students whose parents are not involved. Become a member today and find ways to be engaged and involved within your own community. https://www.texastechparents.org/general/register_member_type.asp

Ways to get involved.

• If you live within a chapter service area, it's easy. If you don't have a chapter nearby, talk with the Association about what it would take to start one. If you're more remote, all the more important to get engaged. Check for a chapter near you. https://www.texastechparents.org/page/Chapters
• Become a Parent Ambassador. Parent Ambassadors have opportunities to work directly with the University through the Association. The role of a Parent Ambassador is a very distinguished one. TTPA encourages parents who want to share their experiences with others to join a select and diverse group of parents and other adult family members to represent the TTPA community and the University in a gratifying and meaningful way. PAs are up-to-date on many issues supporting student success and engage with parents whose students are considering TTU for their college experience. Training is provided to ensure confidence and consistency of message. Learn more about the program on the Parent Ambassador website: https://www.texastechparents.org/page/ParentAmbassadors
• Do you have Board of Director experience? There's a special balance of strengths, diversity and experience the Association needs to have on the Board to carry out our mission well. We're talking with experienced people to see who might be interested. Contact Joyce Zachman, Executive Director for more information. joyce.zachman@texastechparents.org

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TEXAS TECH PARENTS ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES

• Chapter activities present wonderful opportunities to connect and learn. Look for activities in your area.
• Family Weekend -Tech Parents is EXCITED about Family Weekend 2018. Visit our website for all the details.
• Have you purchased the traditional Family Weekend T-Shirt? How about Family Dinner tickets? Tickets to the awesome Family Tailgate planned for loads of fun? Purchase football tickets through TTPA to sit with families who live in your area! Be sure and LIKE the TTU Family Weekend Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/TTPAFamWeekend/
• Be sure to register for Family Weekend 2018 for a special gift when you check-in. https://www.texastechparents.org/event/FW2018
• Remember to LIKE Texas Tech Parents Association on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TechParents/

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