parents.tamu.edu
Summer 2011
A Publication for Aggie
Aggie Quick Connection
by the Office of New Student and Family Programs
Welcome Family Members, Message from the Office of New Student and Family Programs
We hope you and your student had a fantastic academic year and are excited for the Fall 2011 semester, which is right around the corner! The first summer session is wrapping up and the new one is about to start. We hope the information in this message will be helpful as you and your student prepare for the coming academic year. Aggieland is alive with spirit as our New Student Conferences are underway and we have already seen 5,500 new Aggies on campus! We encourage you 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) 845-5826, or email us at AggieFamilies@tamu.edu if you have any questions.
SAVE THE DATE! NEW FAMILY WELCOME October 14-15, 2011 Texas A&M University vs. Baylor University Football Weekend Texas A&M University’s New Family Welcome is an opportunity for the family members of new Aggies to meet and interact with A&M staff and administrators, learn more about A&M history and services, and provide a chance for families to visit their student in a unique college atmosphere.
Purchase Your Tickets Now! Tickets will grant you admission into the Friday night dessert reception, and the Saturday social BBQ. Adult Family Member & Students (over 12): $16 each Child (12 and under): $10 each Purchase tickets (does not include football ticket) at : http://studentlife.tamu.edu/ nfw/registration
Thanks and Gig `Em!
What’s Inside... Page 2 - Aggie Football Page 3 - Summer Reminders Page 4 - First Year in College Page 5 - Campus News Page 6 - Important Dates
Sports Pass Option Holders: Family members, as a part of the New Family Welcome, your student can purchase up to 4 half-price tickets for the A&M vs Baylor football game using his or her sports pass at http://MySportsPass. tamu.edu Make your hotel reservations reserve game tickets now!
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Aggie Football Aggie Football Schedule! Texas A&M Athletics has released the schedule for Fightin’ Texas Aggie Football for the Fall 2011 season. The Aggies have seven games at Kyle Field this year and are indicated by an ‘*’ below. 6:30 PM College Station, TX* 6:00 PM College Station, TX*
09/04/11 vs. SMU 09/17/11 vs. Idaho 09/24/11 vs. Oklahoma State 10/01/11 vs. Arkansas (at Cowboys Stadium) 10/08/11 at Texas Tech 10/15/11 vs. Baylor
6:00 PM College Station, TX* TBA Arlington, TX TBA 2:30 PM
Lubbock, TX College Station, TX* Ames, Iowa
10/22/11 at Iowa State 10/29/11 vs. Missouri
TBA 2:30 PM
11/05/11 11/12/11 11/19/11
at Oklahoma at Kansas State vs. Kansas
TBA TBA 2:30 PM
11/24/11
vs. Texas
7:00 PM College Station, TX*
College Station, TX* Norman, Oklahoma Manhattan, Kansas College Station, TX*
Times subject to change. For up-to-date information about the schedule, game times, or ticket information, please visit http://aggieathletics.com
Stay Connected with the Latest Campus News The Battalion “The independent student voice of Texas A&M since 1893.” www.thebatt.com Texas A&M News and InformationAggie Hotline The Division of Marketing & Communications produces Aggie Hotline, an email news brief service that is distributed to subscribers each weekday. News briefs may also be found online at: tamunews.tamu.edu
Bryan/College Station News Outlets:
Hotel Reservations: Hotels in Bryan/College Station tend to fill up during busy times like football game weekends, Parents’ Weekend, and Graduation. If you are planning to attend any of these events next year (Fall Graduation December 16-17, 2011; Parents’ Weekend March 30th-April 1st, 2012), we encourage you to make arrangements as early as possible. The Convention and Visitors Bureau website provides links to most area hotels: www.visitaggieland.com
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KBTX www.kbtx.com The Eagle www.theeagle.com
Summer Reminders We hope you and your student are having a fantastic summer but the school year is quickly approaching. It is important to make sure your student has taken care of a few checklist items before the first day of class.
Sign-up for Code Maroon Code Maroon is an emergency notification service that gives Texas A&M the ability to communicate health and safety information quickly. Students can sign up at http://codemaroon.tamu.edu
Update Contact Information With your student’s move to College Station, it is always a good idea to update contact information via the Howdy Portal. This will allow the student to update their local address if they have moved on or off campus, as well as update any emergency contact information. The Howdy Portal can be accessed at http://howdy. tamu.edu The Emergency/Safety Information can then be accessed by selecting the option under the Quick Links tab on the right side of the page.
Register for a Sports Pass If your student wishes to attend sporting events this next academic year, they will need to register for their Sports Pass online at http://mysportspass.tamu.edu. Students can then pick it up or get a replacement by visiting the Athletic Ticket Office in the Zone of Kyle Field.
Register for a Parking Permit Parking permit registration closes on July 12th and assignments will be posted on the student’s account on July 16th. Students can view their account and the assigned lot by visiting the Transportation Services website at http://transport.tamu.edu
Purchase/Update a Meal Plan Dining Services provides an abundance of eateries across campus that students utilize throughout the year. If your student needs to purchase or update a meal plan option for the Fall 2011 semester, they can do so by logging into their account at http://dining.tamu.edu
ATMentors ATMentors are TAMU faculty, staff, and administrators who advise students in various topics including professional insight, referrals to resources, and general concerns. - Mentors advise students in their area of experience and competence. - Mentors stay informed about current TAMU services so they can act as effective referral sources to students whose problems are outside the Mentor’s expertise. - Mentors provide a caring, nonjudgmental ear when a student just needs to talk. To find and/or request a mentor, please visit: http://atmentors.tamu.edu or email us at ATMentors@tamu.edu
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First Year in College: Family Tips The transition from high school to college is a lifestyle change that each student will experience over the next few months. The Offices of the Dean of Student Life has created a helpful guide for new parents so they can utilize all the resources Texas A&M has to offer and make this transition as seamless as possible. Be sure to check out other tips on our website http://parents.tamu.edu. Click “Tips for Parents/Families” on the left side. Transitions Simple tasks such as doing the laundry, cleaning the house, and preparing meals will now be in the hands of your student. Starting these practices early will prepare students to take care of the practical matters once they are on their own. It is important to begin working with your student to establish study habits and time management skills that will balance academics with their new social life. Be there for your student as a resource, however, your student will grow and learn over the next year and they will become problem solvers. Support them and empower them to make the correct choices. These choices will be modeled after your expectations, so make sure you sit down and discuss them with your student prior to the Fall Semester.
Academic Success Resources Students will quickly realize there are a multitude of resources throughout the A&M community that are designed to help your student achieve academic success. Inform your student of the various opportunities to prepare for the transition to the collegiate classroom. There are various seminars during Gig ‘Em Week (http://studentlife.tamu.edu/nsp/GEW) that students can attend to prepare themselves accordingly. Students can also utilize the Amplify Program (http://amplify. tamu.edu) to become aware of the resources available to them at Texas A&M. During their New Student Conference, students met with academic advisors in their college and it is imperative to keep in contact with their advisor throughout their time at A&M. Encourage your student to meet with their academic advisor as they will be a great resource for the student both academically and personally. The Family Calendar (http://parents.tamu.edu/publications), will keep you up to date with everything happening on campus and it is important to utilize it as a resource for both you and your student.
Finances Financial freedom is another area students must be prepared for upon entering their first year. Make sure to discuss with them expectations you have for this responsibility and talk about how to manage their own money. Students will need to be familiar with establishing a budget for themselves and following that budget on a weekly basis. Use these next few months to show them how to manage their funds, balance accounts, and discuss financial aid the student may be utilizing. It is also important that your student be familiar with insurance policies they will enter into upon any financial agreements. Having your own financial seminar at home can be a great way to prepare your student for managing their own wallet.
Personal Health & Safety Student health and safety is extremely important at Texas A&M but is something your student must practice as well. Always have up-to-date emergency contact information so that students and family members can be reached at any time. This information can be accessed and updated via your student’s Howdy Portal (http://howdy.tamu.edu). It is important your student prepares for living on their own and being responsible for the eating habits they create. Encourage students to eat well and exercise at the REC (http://recsports.tamu.edu) to stay healthy. Also discuss alcohol consumption with your student so they understand your expectations of them. If at any time you are concerned with your students personal health or safety, please contact one of the following offices: Offices of the Dean of Student Life http://studentlife.tamu.edu Student Assistance Services http://studentaffairs.tamu.edu/SAS Tell Somebody http://tellsomebody.tamu.edu
Get Connected Getting involved at Texas A&M is one of the greatest resources the university can provide to first year students. The First Year Seminar is a great resource for students looking to enhance their academic scope during their first year. Schedules for the various topics can be found at http://firstyearseminar.tamu.edu The MSC Open House hosts over 400 student organizations and is a fantastic opportunity for your student to find a group with similar interests. Professional, leadership, and social organizations will be represented and are a great way to get involved. Encourage your student to attend the event which takes place on September 3rd from 2-6PM at Reed Arena.
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General TAMU Resources Campus News Aggie Baseball Aggie Baseball was alive at Olsen Field this year where the Aggies put together one of the best seasons in program history. The Aggies finished the year at 47-22 and along the way captured a share of the Big 12 Conference title, the Big 12 Tournament title, and the program’s first trip to the College World Series since 1999.
Aggie Track and Field The Texas A&M Track and Field program recently competed in the 2011 NCAA Outdoor Championships where they made history in becoming the only school to win dual national championship titles three consecutive years. Pat Henry was announced as the National Coach of the year and the program had 46 All-American Honors.
Fish Camp/T-Camp (Transfer Camp) Fish Camp and T-Camp welcome new Aggies to Texas A&M each year with the purpose of giving them an opportunity to have fun, make friends, and learn more about life at Texas A&M. Fish Camp is a four-day extended orientation program that is led by Texas A&M students who are passionate about making the first year of college a success for the freshmen! Fish Camp starts its first session on August 1st and concludes August 22nd. For more information about Fish Camp you can visit their website at http://fishcamp.tamu.edu T-Camp is a 3-day and 2-night extended orientation program that is designed specifically for transfer students. The goal of T-Camp is to help students soar to new heights by helping them establish relationships with fellow transfer students and learn Texas A&M traditions before classes even begin! T-Camp starts its first session on August 8th and concludes August 14th. For more information about T-Camp you can visit their website at http://t-camp.tamu.edu
“I Love America” Celebration For the 13th year, the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is proud to host the College Station Noon Lions Club’s “I Love America” Celebration. The museum will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. with FREE admission for everyone all day. Come enjoy live entertainment by artists including singer Kathy Ross, Jason Adams as Elvis, and the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra. To conclude the evening there will be a laser light show by Nu-Salt Laser Light Shows International. Free parking is available to the public at Reed Arena and the West Campus Parking Garage on the Texas A&M University campus. Handicapped parking is available in Lot 41 in front of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum entrance. For more information, please call (979) 691-4014 or visit http://bushlibrary.tamu.edu/julyfourth
2011 New Student Conference Evaluation If your student attended a New Student Conference this summer prior to June 30th, our evaluation is now online. We value your feedback in helping us improve our conference experience for family members. Transfer parents - https://tamusurvey.tamu.edu/Community/se.ashx?s=077144D801CD6D03 Freshmen parents - https://tamusurvey.tamu.edu/Community/se.ashx?s=077144D810DCFD52
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Important Dates July 4th
Independence Day Staff and Faculty Holiday
July 5th
First Term Final Exams Last day to register for the second summer term and pay fees
July 6th
First day of second term classes.
July 8th
Last day to apply for degrees to be awarded in August for students completing degree requirements in the second term or 10-week semester.
July 11th
Last day for adding/dropping courses for the second term.
July 26th
Last day for all students to drop courses with no penalty for second term (Q-drop) Last day to change Kinesiology 198/199 grade type for second term Last day to officially withdraw from the University for second term.
August 8th
Last day of second term and 10-week semester classes.
August 21st
Residence halls open for move-in.
August 22nd-28th
Gig ‘Em Week.
August 28th
Freshman Convocation.
August 29th
First day of Fall Semester classes.
October 14th-15th
New Family Welcome Weekend
SUMMER GRADUATION Commencement ceremonies on the College Station campus for the 2011 summer semester will be held August 12th. For information on commencement ceremonies (including specific dates, times, and locations), please visit http://graduation.tamu.edu
2011
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. The 2011-2012 edition of the Family Calendar is now available online at http://parents.tamu.edu/publications
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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