Aggie Quick Connection
February 2012 - Family Edition
Message from the Office of New Student and Family Programs Howdy! The spring semester has started and campus is buzzing with excitement. Throughout the semester Texas A&M will host some great programming and activities for both you and your student. We hope you find this newsletter informative and educational and appreciate feedback for any other areas you would like us to cover. Don’t forget to visit the Aggie Family web site for additional updates and helpful resources. You can visit us at http://parents.tamu.edu/. Please feel free to contact the Office of New Student and Family Programs at (979) 8455826, or email us at aggiefamilies@tamu.edu if you have any questions. Thanks and Gig ’Em!
What’s Inside: Page 2: Prescription Drugs Page 3: Black History Month Page 3: Railroad Safety in Aggieland Page 4: Safe Spring Break Week Page 5-6: Upcoming Events and Programs
Stay Connected with Aggieland The Battalion “The independent student voice of Texas A&M since 1893.” http://thebatt.com Texas A&M News and Information - TAMUtimes: Texas A&M News and Information- TAMUtimes: The Division of Marketing & Communications produces TAMUtimes, an email newsletter distributed to subscribers twice a week. Subscription information can be found online at: http://tamutimes.tamu.edu/subscribe Bryan/College Station News Outlets: KBTX http://kbtx.com The Eagle http://theeagle.com
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Abuse of Prescription Drugs: YOU Need a Prescription for those Prescription Drugs “I needed to focus,” “I’ve only tried it once,” “My friends said it would help me ace my final.” These are a few reasons ® college students report they are abusing prescription drugs, more specifically, the prescription drug Adderall . One anonymous student quoted in the article “Academic Overdose,” featured in the November 30, 2011 issue of The ® Battalion, stated, “The reason I am OK with distributing [Adderall ] is because college is hard. My friends, we take care of each other. We are each other’s families. So I don’t feel guilty. I don’t feel like I am doing something wrong.” However, The Office of Alcohol and Drug Education Programs wants to remind students that taking prescription medication without a prescription is not only illegal, but also dangerous. ®
Adderall is a combination of drugs used as a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Short term ® use of Adderall can decrease appetite, which leads to weight loss. It can also increase blood pressure, which can lead to serious and fatal ® consequences. Prolonged Adderall abuse can lead to insomnia, irritability, and depression. ®
Adderall is a schedule II controlled substance which means the law treats it no different than any other drug when possessed or distributed illegally. Possessing a prescription drug that has not been prescribed to you is a Class A misdemeanor and can cost you up to $4000, up to 1 year in prison, and loss of driver’s license for 180 days. Selling or distributing your prescription medication to someone else is a felony punishable by 180 days to 2 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a branch of the U.S Department of Health ® ® and Human Services, recently released a report on Adderall use and highlighted how Adderall is among the group of legally approved drugs classified as having the highest potential for dependence or abuse. Many times students taking these drugs recreationally fail to realize the physiological and legal ramifications of this drug. SAMHSA notes that an ® estimated 6.4 percent of full-time college students age 18 to 22 used Adderall nonmedically (illegally) in the past year. ®
Of additional concern is that 89.5 percent of college students who used Adderall nonmedically in the past month, also reported habits of binge drinking (4 or more drinks for women and 5 or more drinks for men in a 2 hour time period), ® and more than half were heavy alcohol users. The unauthorized and misuse of Adderall is increasing on college campuses. It is important for students and their families to realize the risks associated with this behavior and to remain informed about this ever-growing trend. For more information about alcohol or drug related issues or to speak with a staff member regarding the article above, feel free to contact Alcohol & Drug Education Programs in the Offices of the Dean of Student Life. You can find their information online at http://studentlife.tamu.edu/adep, calling the office at (979) 845-0280, or contacting the office directly by e-mail at adep@tamu.edu.
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February Programming
Black History Month and Railroad Safety Black History Month at Texas A&M Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, first as “Negro History Week” and later as “Black History Month.” The celebration of Black History Month, and more importantly, the study of Black history, is owed to Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Dr. Woodson decided to take on the challenge of writing Black Americans into the nation’s history when he learned history was void of representation. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History continues to promote, preserve and research Black history and culture year-round. At Texas A&M, the MSC Carter G. Woodson Black Awareness Committee’s (WBAC) focus is educational programming including the culture, concerns, history and heritage of Black people. Dr. Woodson was a scholar and a teacher who believed in the power of knowledge and it is WBAC’s goal to live up to his legacy and educate the entire campus and surrounding communities, exploring opportunities to develop and cultivate informed leaders, enhancing the student experience at Texas A&M University. In partnership with WBAC, the Black Student Alliance Council (BSAC), the Memorial Student Center, the Department of Multicultural Services, and other campus and community entities host events for the annual campus recognition and celebration of Black History Month. Campus and community attendees experience the importance and impact of Black history and leave with the contention that Black history is American history. For more information about events taking place during Black History Month, visit http://wbac.tamu.edu/BHM.html
Railroad Safety in Aggieland With all the construction happening on campus and around the railroad tracks, please make sure your student understands and follows these simple rules to stay safe: 1). Play Smart--Former students who have “train hopped” or gone “under the bridge” so a train could pass overhead have been killed, paralyzed, or have required a dozen surgeries. A deadly encounter with a train is not worth the risk. 2). Walk this Way--Students must use only designated railroad crossings and must obey all posted signs and warnings from trains. Students who are on a railroad bridge or on the tracks someplace other than a public road crossing are committing the crime of Trespassing. Railroad property is Private property. That crime is a felony if someone is injured. 3). Look, Listen and Live--When driving, students must not stop on the tracks or try to beat an approaching train. When walking and crossing the tracks at designated crossings, if a train is blocking the way they should NEVER go under or cross over the train. Better late than never. 4). Remember: Anytime is Train Time--Trains don’t come through campus on any set time schedule, so students must ALWAYS expect a train. Your son or daughter’s future depends on their following these rules, so please take the time to make sure they understand Rail Safety!
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Safe Spring Break Week 2012
Educating Students on Safe Spring Break Practices Is your student looking ahead to Spring Break and do they enjoy FREE food? If so, you should encourage them to attend Safe Spring Break Week 2012 hosted by The Office of Alcohol and Drug Education Programs. Throughout Safe Spring Break Week there will be seminars about how your student can stay safe during their time away from Aggieland all accompanied by free food! The full agenda for the week can be found below: Monday, February 27th, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Get the scoop on having a safe spring break with resource tables & ice cream in Academic Plaza Tuesday, February 28th, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm Do some myth busting at Smashed & Trashed: The Spring Break Edition in Cain Hall B-111 Wednesday, February 29th, 8:30 am to 10:30 am Grab free breakfast on your way to class at the MSC bus stop Thursday, March 1st, 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm Eat free food and ask the questions you never had answered at Sex in the Dark in Rudder 308 Friday, March 2nd, 8:00 pm to 12:00 am Stop by for pizza, mocktails, and karaoke at Aggie Nights in Studio 12 of the Commons For more information, contact The Office of Alcohol and Drug Education Programs at: http://studentlife.tamu.edu/adep. Spring Break Planning Tips for Family Members Plan ahead: Sure, YOU are good at planning ahead for trips and vacations, but has your student planned ahead for their spring break? Make sure your student has taken care of all the details regarding accommodations, travel, and food for the week. With all the excitement that surrounds Spring Break, little details can go unnoticed by students and it is important to make them aware of their responsibilities for a safe trip. “When I went on Spring Break…”: Avoid tales of drinking exploits from your own college years, and encourage your students to make responsible decisions while on spring break. It appears to give parental approval to dangerous alcohol consumption and gives them an excuse for poor decisions. Stress to students that alcohol is toxic and excessive consumption can fatally poison: This is not a scare tactic. Spring Break can be a time students experiment with alcohol or drink more than usual in celebration of the time away from school. Students die from alcohol poisoning each year. Discourage dangerous drinking such as drinking quickly, taking shots, or playing drinking games. Parents should make sure their students understand the signs of alcohol poisoning and how alcohol affects the body. We want to be sure your students make healthy decisions while on break and return to Aggieland safely. For more information: http://studentlife.tamu.edu/adep.
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Upcoming Events and Programs What’s Happening at Texas A&M Silver Taps Silver Taps is that final tribute paid to an Aggie who, at the time of their death, was enrolled in graduate or undergraduate courses at Texas A&M. We encourage students to attend to pay their respects to their fellow Aggies and their family members. The next Silver Taps will take place on Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 at 10:30PM in honor of: Lorraine Farquhar “Patrick” Armstrong III George Robert Collins Jr. George “Robert” Long Joseph Andrew Villavisencio Michael Wayne Vogel Austin Vickers Warner For more information about Silver Taps visit http://studentaffairs.tamu.edu/sas/silvertaps. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) If your student is seeking financial assistance for the Fall 2012, Spring 2013, or Summer 2013 semesters, the 20122013 FAFSA must be completed. The 2012-2013 FAFSA opened on January 1st, 2012. Make sure your student’s FAFSA lists Texas A&M University (school code 003632) as a school to receive their information electronically. Remember your student must complete all applicable sections and carefully review their information for accuracy. For additional questions regarding financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office at (979) 845-3236, The Big Event: Sign Up Now! The Big Event provides students of Texas A&M University with the opportunity to say “Thank You” to the community of Bryan/College Station for their continued support throughout the years. This past year, over 15,600 students volunteered to complete almost 1,500 jobs, performing tasks that range from painting, to yard work and cleaning. Already the largest one-day, student-run service project in the nation, The Big Event has expanded to 75 other schools across the nation. Encourage your student to participate in this fantastic tradition at Texas A&M. Students can sign up as an individual, group of friends, or with one of their student organizations. The online participation form is now online and can be found by visiting http://bigevent.tamu.edu.
Students from across campus come together to improve the community during the Big Event!
Orientation Leader Applications: Due TODAY, February 1st, at 5:00PM If you think your student would be a great ambassador for the Class of 2016, remind them that Orientation Leader applications are due today at 5:00PM. Details and the application itself can be found at http://aolp.tamu.edu/.
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Upcoming Events and Programs What’s Happening at Texas A&M Housing Fair 2012 – Off Campus Housing Housing Fair is an event each spring in which off campus properties present information about their amenities to Texas A&M students, faculty and staff. Students can walk around and visit various properties’ tables and gather informational materials, as well as pick up the latest copy of the Off Campus Survival Manual. Local community resources, such as the Bryan and College Station police departments, also sponsor booths to provide additional information pertinent to students living off campus. Housing Fair 2012 will take place on February 15th from 4:008:00 p.m. at the Campus Rec Center. For more information, visit: http://studentlife.tamu.edu/agoss/housingfair Parents Weekend: March 30th – April 1st Parents’ Weekend is a tradition that has existed at Texas A&M University since 1919. This weekend is dedicated to all Aggie parents and family members, and provides students a chance to express their gratitude to those who have impacted their lives. Parents’ Weekend has become the official “HOWDY!” to Aggie Family members. Events for the weekend include: Ring Day for students receiving their Aggie Ring, Midnight Yell, MSC Variety Show, Brunch with the Deans, Maroon and White Game, Aggie Moms’ Boutique, All University Awards Ceremony, and much more! Updated programming for the weekend can be found by visiting the Parents’ Weekend website at http://parentsweekend.tamu.edu/events.
Aggie Ring Day
Hotels in Bryan/College Station tend to fill up quickly for Parents’ Weekend so we encourage you to make your arrangements now! The Convention and Visitors Bureau website provides links to most area hotels: http:// visitaggieland.com. Student Research Week Student Research Week is a celebration of student research at Texas A&M University providing an opportunity for students to present research within a judged competition setting. All students are welcome to present research or original works as an individual or group. Student Research Week registration is open until February 24th. Student Research Week will be March 19th through 23rd and there are monetary awards distributed to top presenters. Any student interested in the event can visit the website at http://srw.tamu.edu. 2011-2012 Family Calendar Every year the Office of New Student Programs produces a Family Calendar to provide information to student’s family members about what is happening in Aggieland. With Spring New Student Conferences complete, we are now able to distribute leftover calendars to families. You may send your student to our office in Cain Hall, C-Wing, Room 202, between 8:30am-5:30pm to pick up a copy. The calendar is also online at http://parents.tamu.edu/publications. *Due to costs we are unable to mail calendars directly. Do you know other members of the Aggie Family who might want to receive this newsletter? Please feel free to forward it to them, or tell them how to sign up for the listserv. Visit http://parents.tamu.edu/listserv for instructions of subscription/unsubscription.
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