Aggie Quick Connection
March 2012 - Family Edition
Message from the Office of New Student and Family Programs Howdy! The month of March means warm weather is returning to Aggieland and the campus is buzzing with excitement of the student body election, The Big Event, Parents’ Weekend, and much more! We hope this newsletter will provide you with insight about all the great activities happening on campus and remember to visit the Aggie Family web site for additional updates and helpful resources.
What’s Inside: Page 2: Spring Break Page 3: The Big Event Page 4-5: Student Health Services Page 6: Campus Events
You can visit us at http://parents.tamu.edu/. Please feel free to contact the Office of New Student and Family Programs at (979) 845-5826, or email us at aggiefamilies@tamu.edu if you have any questions. Thanks and Gig ’Em!
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 can be found by visiting the Parents’ Weekend website at http://parentsweekend.tamu.edu/events.
*Note: Look for our special Parents’ Weekend Edition of the Aggie Quick Connection on March 13th that will detail all the events taking place that weekend.
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Spring Break: Preparing Your Student for a Safe Trip With Spring Break right around the corner, it is important to make sure your student is prepared for the week away from Aggieland. We hope these tips will help spark conversations with your student regarding their Spring Break plans so they can have fun and return to Aggieland safely!
Lock Up Their House/Apartment:
Spring Break is a time when many students leave the Bryan/ College Station (BCS) area and forget to safely secure their belongings. Remind your student not to leave valuables sitting out and to close all window blinds/curtains so you cannot see into their room. Also, they need to lock all doors and windows before leaving for the week. If no one will be home during the week, encourage them to adjust the air conditioner appropriately so they do not incur high electric bills.
Travel Tips:
It can be very easy for students to head off to spring break without thoroughly planning their trip. Make sure to touch base with them to reaffirm their travel plans, hotel accommodations, and food for the week. Have them provide you contact information of other persons in their party and the number of any resort/hotel they will be staying at.
Safety Tips:
It is important to all of us your student returns to Aggieland safely. Websites such as www.safespringbreak.org are a great resource of safety tips for students as they travel. Some of these safety tips include:
• If your student is planning to drive, make sure they wear their seatbelt and share the driving responsibilities.
• When staying in a hotel, it is imperative your student use the safe (if provided) in the room to store all valuables. Always keep doors and windows locked and the shades drawn closed.
• Get cash before leaving! Students should always have some cash on them in case of emergencies on the road.
• If students will be drinking alcohol, make sure to remind them to pace their drinking and also drink plenty of water. According to a University of Wisconsin study, 75 percent of college males and 43 percent of females reported being intoxicated on a daily basis during spring break. It is important to educate your student about the dangers this poses and to drink responsibly. • Wear sunscreen! Encourage your student to wear at least SPF 15 and reapply often.
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The Big Event: March 24th Thirty Years of Service
In 1982, Joe Nussbaum, then Vice President of the Student Government Association at Texas A&M University, started The Big Event as a way for students to say “Thank You” to the surrounding community. Nussbaum envisioned a oneday service project where residents of Bryan and College Station would be shown appreciation for their continued support of Texas A&M University students during their college careers. Mr. Nussbaum viewed The Big Event as a means for students to show their gratitude by completing various tasks at area residents’ homes. Joe believed that it was the least the students could do to give one big thanks to their community on one big day each year. Today The Big Event accomplishes Nussbaum’s vision and provides the students of Texas A&M University with that opportunity to say “Thank You.” 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. In 2009, President Obama presented the Point of Light award to The Big Event recognizing the work and participation of people making extraordinary differences. The Big Event is one of the fastest growing traditions at Texas A&M and directly reflects the core value of Selfless Service. Students may still register to participate in The Big Event by signing up the morning of March 24th. To learn more about The Big Event visit http://bigevent.tamu.edu/
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Student Health Services Utilizing the Health Center
Student Health Services (SHS), located conveniently on-campus at the A.P. Beutel Health Center, is an accredited ambulatory health care provider staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and health care professionals who are dedicated to helping your students stay well, so they can do well, at Texas A&M and beyond. SHS provides programs of preventive, therapeutic, and primary medical care services, as well as helps students preserve their health and promote wellness.
Cost
Within their tuition and fees, Texas A&M students pay a Student Health Services fee at the beginning of every semester, enabling them to utilize the services offered at SHS. Because of the fee, visits to the doctor are offered at little to no cost, and other ancillary services such as prescriptions, lab work, and x-rays are offered at a reduced rate.
Insurance
While students are not required to have insurance in order to utlize the health center, it is recommended that all students have health insurance. SHS files insurance claims for charges incurred at SHS if a student is covered by a University-sponsored plan. SHS is currently not considered in-network for non-TAMU insurance plans, but SHS will file claims as a courtesy for services provided to students. Certain limitations may apply, so please see our website (shs.tamu.edu/insurance) for more information.
Appointments
Students may conveniently make appointments online at shs.tamu.edu or by calling (979) 458-8250. While SHS allows walk-in patients, it is recommended that students make an appointment before going to the doctor in order to alleviate the wait time.
Contact Us
Student Health Services (SHS) A.P. Beutel Health Center Texas A&M University College Station, Texas 77843-1264 SHS Director: Dr. Martha Dannenbaum info@shs.tamu.edu (979) 458-8310 Hours of Operation 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday
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Student Health Services The Services
Medical Clinic Physicians provide diagnosis and treatment of short-term, acute illnesses and on-going health problems. Pharmacy Staffed by registered pharmacists, the pharmacy dispenses student prescriptions from SHS providers and physicians outside the health center. Over-the-counter products are also available. Health Education Certified Health Education Specialists provide information, presentations and individual consultations on various health issues, nutrition and general wellness. Medical Laboratory Routine hematological, chemical and bacteriological diagnostic tests are available in the SHS medical laboratory.
Radiology Services Radiology offers a variety of diagnostic radiographic procedures (x-ray and ultrasound). Dial-A-Nurse Staffed by registered nurses, Dial-A-Nurse is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling (979) 458-8379. Nurses advise students regarding self-care for minor ailments and over-the-counter medications.
Preventive Medicine Nurses provide immunizations, consultations for students traveling abroad and allergy injections. Physical Therapy Licensed physical therapists provide preventive and rehabilitative services for conditions that affect the muscles, bones and joints. Women’s Clinic Physicians and Nurse Practitioners offer routine gynecology services, clinical breast exams, contraception counseling and prescriptions. Nutrition Services A Registered Dietitian is available to help students develop a personal approach to their nutrition needs through individualized nutrition counseling.
EMS/Ambulance Services EMS provides ambulance transport to all students, faculty, staff and visitors on the Texas A&M University (College Station) campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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Upcoming Events and Programs What’s Happening at Texas A&M Study Abroad
Howdy! The Study Abroad Programs Office invites you to attend their annual Aggies Abroad Breakfast during Parents’ Weekend on Saturday, March 31st. The event will be held in the Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building (across from Simpson Drill Field). Breakfast will be served from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. followed by a presentation by Dr. Pamela R. Matthews, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, and a panel of students sharing their experiences overseas. The first lady of Aggieland, Miss Reveille, will stop in to say “Howdy” from 8:30-9:00 a.m. Come have a free breakfast and learn more about international opportunities available through Texas A&M University. You will learn about planning and financing your Aggie’s international experience, health and safety overseas, and the rewards of studying abroad. In addition to Study Abroad personnel, representatives from Financial Aid and the Career Center will attend to share their expertise. Please RSVP at studyabroad@tamu.edu by March 28th and join us for this very special event. For general information please feel free to come by our office in Bizzell Hall West or visit http://studyabroad.tamu.edu.
Student Research Week
Graduate Student Council hosts the 15th Annual Student Research Week from March 19-23. Each year SRW supports hundreds of students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels who represent all academic colleges during three days of poster and oral competition. Not only does it showcase student research at Texas A&M, SRW honors excellence in research giving a huge value booster to a student’s career. The research presentations are open and everyone is welcome to attend and learn about the amazing student research happening on campus. There will also be a Keynote Speaker on March 20 and a panelist discussion on March 21. Please visit the SRW website for more details: http://srw.tamu.edu.
Aggie Athletics
Aggie Baseball’s New Home: Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park! A new era of Aggie Baseball kicked off the new season in style as they opened Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park with a 10-0 Win against Illinois-Chicago. The march hasn’t stopped there as the Aggies have an 8-1 record and are ranked number 5 in the country! With 20 straight home games to open the season, there are plenty of chances to check out the new park and enjoy some great Aggie Baseball! For the full schedule and information about tickets, visit www.aggieathletics.com. Aggie Softball Kicks Off the Season in Style! The Aggie Softball team is rolling into the heart of their season this month. With a 9-6 record and nationally ranked number 14, it is a great time to come out to the ball park. The Aggies host 24 games at the Aggie Softball Complex and are looking for the 12th Man to come out and show their support! For the full schedule and information about tickets, visit www.aggieathletics.com. Texas A&M Hosting the NCAA! Texas A&M University’s Reed Arena was selected as one of 16 sites for the first and second rounds of the 2012 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship. As the only site in the state of Texas and one of just three Big 12 schools, Texas A&M will host first and second round games at Reed Arena Saturday, March 17th, and Monday, March 19th. For more information about the tournament and how to purchase tickets, visit http://www.ncaa.com/sports/basketball-women/d1.
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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