Aggie Quick Connection
September 2012
Howdy!
Campus is buzzing with excitement as we kick off the Fall 2012 semester in Aggieland! Classes are underway, football season is starting this week, and students are finding great ways to get involved across campus. Whether your student is a senior or a freshman, we strive to provide you with resources to help you and your student have a great Aggie experience! We encourage you to visit the Aggie Family web site for additional updates and helpful information. You can visit us at http://parents.tamu.edu. 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!
What’s Inside: Page 2-3: Staying Healthy Page 4: Opportunities In Aggieland Page 5: What’s Happening Page 6-7: Campus Awareness: Ha\zing Page 8: Announcements and Important Dates
Did You Know? There is now an Aggie Parent and Family Facebook Page! Like our page at: www.facebook.com/AggieParentsAndFamily to receive campus information, and connect with other Aggie Families.
Health and Safety Student Health Services
Tips and Resources
The Texas A&M Health Center provides services to keep students well. From an Emergency Medical Service to physical therapy to education on health topics, Student Health Services offers many resources to help your student stay healthy. Encourage your student to stay healthy while they are away from home! Below are upcoming Student Health Services events.
September 8 and 22 – Heat Safety Campaign (Hand Fan & sunscreen give-a-ways; 1.5 hrs prior to kick-off; Location: Kyle Field) September 11 - Eat More Fruits & Veggies Campaign (11:30am-1pm; Location-Rudder Fountain) September 12 – Eat More Fruits & Veggies Campaign (12-1:30pm; Location-Wehner Plaza)
Join SHS Dietitian, Meghan Windham, as she takes you on a series of grocery store tours! Registration is FREE and each person will receive a packet of handouts, coupons, and a reusable grocery bag. Spots are limited, first come, first serve. Sign up at http://shs.tamu.edu/events today! Location: HEB (Holleman & Texas)
September 12 (10:30am-12pm) September 13 (11am-12:30pm) September 19 (2-3:30pm) September 20 (2-3:30pm)
Tips For Aggie Football Football season is quickly approaching! It is important to stay safe and cool on these days. Here are some tips for safely enjoying gameday; be sure to share them with your student: • Stay well hydrated – drink plenty of water. Start two hours before going to the game. • Wear proper clothing – loose and light colored. • Apply sunscreen – wear a hat. • Protect your eyes – wear sunglasses. September Football • Avoid beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine.
Dates
9/8/12 vs. Florida * 9/15/12 vs. SMU - Dallas, Texas 9/22/12 vs. South Carolina State * 9/29/12 vs. Arkansas * * Indicates home game
Cool Zones at Kyle Field
• East side for both 2nd and 3rd decks. • Misting fans between 2nd and 3rd decks. • Main First Aid station on ground level west side -Netum Steed and McFerrin Indoor Track
Stay Healthy: Be aware of possible effects from heat exposure.
Dehydration – When your body loses water, you can’t cool off fast enough. You feel thirsty and weak. Cramps – You can get muscle cramps from the heat even after the event. Heat Exhaustion – You feel tired, nauseous, headachy, and giddy (dizzy and silly). Your skin is damp and looks muddy or flushed. You may faint. Heat Stroke – You may have hot dry skin and a high temperature, or you may feel confused. You may have convulsions or become unconscious. Heat stroke can kill you unless you get emergency medical help, so please utilize the resources listed above.
Aggie Quick Connection
September 2012
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Health and Safety
Continued
Rec Sports All currently-enrolled Texas A&M Students have a membership to Rec Sports, and can use their Student ID to access the facility. Members have access to a variety of programs and services. Nutrition Education Sessions: During fall and spring semesters, Rec Sports offers FREE Nutrition Education Sessions to help your student learn to live a healthier lifestyle. They will have the opportunity to meet with registered dietitian, Meghan Windham, MPH, RD, LD Department of Student Health Services, for a FREE 30 minute educational nutrition session, "Ask the Dietitian." For more information please contact Melissa Bellows at mbellows@rec.tamu.edu or 979.845.0383. Try Before You Buy Free Preview of Specialty Classes: (Monday, Sept. 3 – Sunday, Sept. 9): Specialty Program classes are more focused and participants build their skill through a series of sessions. FREE preview week gives participants the opportunity to test all Specialty Classes to see what they want to learn. Zumbathon: Thursday, Oct. 4, 5:30pm - 7:30pm This 2-hour Zumba Fitness® event will combine cardio dance with exhilarating Latin rhythm’s to create an easy to follow, fun and exciting workout that anyone can do. Zumbathon® helps learn the exclusive and fun Latin dance steps to create a crazy and exciting aerobic workout that will help burn calories and tone the entire body. This year for this event, Rec Sports will join forces with the Texas A&M Maggies, to help raise awareness about New Horizons, a Texas organization that provides treatment for abused children by facilitating an environment where kids and families can heal and grow. This event is open to all Rec Sports members and non-members. For more information about Rec Sports visit: http://recsports.tamu.edu/
Code Maroon Code Maroon is Texas A&M University’s emergency notification system available to all Texas A&M University Students. Code Maroon uses multiple notification methods in a best effort to reach campus members in an emergency – by SMS text message, Texas A&M Email (Neo), KAMU-FM radio, campus cable television, Emergency Alert System radios, computer alerts, classroom alerts, Twitter and RSS. Please encourage your student to sign up to receive Code Maroon updates at: http://codemaroon.tamu.edu.
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September 2012
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Opportunities in Aggieland Department of Multicultural Services
Department Highlights
The Department of Multicultural Services offers a wide variety of services such as diversity education programs that foster inclusive learning environments for all students and support services for current and prospective students from underrepresented populations. Below is a checklist for you to assist your student during their college years. 1. Encourage your student to find a niche where they can share experiences in Aggieland together and, at the same time, build their leadership skills. We offer many opportunities for your student to feel a part of the Aggie family. If your student is wanting to do community service projects, learn different cultures, be a mentor for high school kids, or have a hands-on leadership experience to boost their resume, they can check out our website at http://dms.tamu.edu and click on the leadership section for a list of student organizations in our department. 2. Make sure your Aggies know who to call when they need help in Math and Science classes. We offer FREE one-on-one Tutoring Services for all Aggies! Yes, it’s FREE and there is no catch to it! Go online to http://tutor.tamu.edu/ (student should have NetID and password handy). 3. Don’t know where the world’s trend is taking your student? It’s good to encourage your student to be more inclusive and global minded. Our Diversity team offers several services such as: • An Academic Diversity Certificate in conjunction with the Colleges of Geosciences and Liberal Arts. • CommUnity Conversations and a Documentary Series. Series about interesting global and local issues meant to expand the students’ world view. FREE LUNCH is offered. • Aggies to Aggies: A peer diversity education student organization where your students can not only develop presentation and leadership skills, but also knowledge of diversity and multicultural competence. • Cultural Day Trips: A day of exploration of the different cultures in Texas. We will travel to Dallas State Fair, Austin, Houston or the Bryan College Station areas. • Contact Dr. Marisa Suhm at msuhm@tamu.edu or Dr. Dianne Kraft at dkraft@tamu.edu. * Information overload and don’t know where to start? Have your student stop by our Office in Suite 2200 Memorial Student Center (MSC) or call us at 979.862.2000. Tech savvy students can go online to http://dms.tamu.edu.
Volunteer Opportunities Fair The Volunteer Opportunities Fair (VOF) offers students the opportunity to meet with many different community agencies who are looking for volunteers. The VOF is held on campus once during the fall semester and once during the spring semester. The next VOF will be held on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 from 10:30 am - 2:30 pm in the Memorial Student Center Ballroom. For further information, please visit http://studentactivities.tamu.edu/leadandserve/community/vof or contact Kathleen Duffy at kduffy@stuact.tamu.edu.
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What’s Happening
Upcoming Events
First Yell 2012 Texas Music-- Aggie Style
This year’s First Yell 2012 will feature live music from Robert Earl Keen ‘78, Rick Trevino ‘93, and Granger Smith ‘02. The 14th annual event will be held on Friday, September 7, 2012 at 8:00 PM in Kyle Field. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the 12th Man Ticket Center at Kyle Field, by calling 888-99AGGIE (992-4443), or at: http://tickets.12thmanfoundation.com/. For more information regarding First Yell visit: http://yell.tamu.edu or call 979-845-3534. Don’t miss out on participating in this Aggie Tradition!
New Family Welcome 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. You can find more information about the event on the New Family Welcome website: http://studentlife.tamu.edu/nfw.
September 21-22 Texas A&M University vs. South Carolina State Football Weekend New Student and Family Programs invites you to join us for a Dessert Social and Gameday BBQ during New Family Welcome. Tickets for these events are available at: http://studentlife.tamu.edu/nfw. New Family Welcome tickets must be purchased by Tuesday, September 11. Football tickets are sold separately, and are on sale now!
MSC OPAS TICKET INFORMATION Ticket prices from $29 - $78 Contact the MSC Box Office at 979 845 1234. Purchase tickets online at www.MSCOPAS.org.
MSC OPAS presents THE MIDTOWN MEN Thursday & Friday, September 20 & 21 7:30 PM • Rudder Auditorium Sponsored by Spirit of Texas Bank
Their fans agree - people of all ages love the incredible vocal stylings and electrifying onstage chemistry of THE MIDTOWN MEN. They took Broadway by storm in one of the biggest hits of all-time! Now they're together again, taking their sensational sound on the road. Tony Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony Award nominee J. Robert Spencer star in this one-of-a-kind concert experience celebrating the music of the 1960s. Backed by an equally explosive live band, the foursome's jump-to-your-feet show features top hits from Motown and a who's who of the '60s including The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, and The Four Seasons - whose story they brought to life every night as stars in the Original Broadway Cast of Jersey Boys.
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Campus Awareness
Hazing
As many of your Aggies seek new involvement opportunities it is important to be aware of the potential for hazing in student organizations. We hope this information will be helpful in supporting your student as they navigate campus involvement. One of largest growing concerns on collegiate campuses today is hazing and its impact on student life. Hazing is “any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that has potential to humiliate, degrade, abuse, or endanger a person regardless of that person’s willingness to participate” (Allan and Madden, 2010). Dr. Elizabeth Allan and Dr. Mary Madden have conducted extensive research on hazing as part of the National Collaborative for Hazing Research and Prevention (NCHRP). Allan and Madden’s research shows that students are most inclined to talk with peers or family about their hazing experiences. As parents of current students, it is imperative to know about hazing and be able to identify warning signs from your student. Allan and Madden’s (2010) research has shown that conflicting motives and emotions work against reporting hazing through appropriate channels. Many students state they disapprove of hazing, however, accept it as part of joining an organization. It is imperative students realize these actions are not simply harmless antics and pranks, but an abusive behavior which can threaten the health and safety of all involved. Ten major findings came from the research of Allan and Madden (2008), of which seven are summarized below: Finding 1: More than half of college students involved in clubs, teams, and organizations experience hazing. Finding 2: Hazing occurs across a range of student groups. Research reveals the presence of hazing in other student groups including varsity athletics, club sports, intramural teams, military groups, recreation clubs, service fraternities and sororities, performing arts organizations (e.g., marching bands and theater groups), honor societies, and academic clubs. Finding 3: Alcohol consumption, humiliation, isolation, sleep-deprivation, and sex acts are hazing practices common across student groups. Most Frequently Reported Hazing Behaviors: The table to the right documents the most All Respondents’ Membership Experiences frequently reported hazing. behaviors across all types of student groups. Participate in a drinking game 26% Sing or chant by self or with select others of 17% Finding 4: Knowledge of hazing extends groups in public in a situation that is not a related beyond the student groups engaging in the event, game, or practice behavior. Secrecy and silence commonly Associate with specific people and not others 12% characterize the dynamics of hazing but there Drink large amounts of alcohol to the point of 12% are a multitude of public occurrences of hazing. getting sick or passing out Some examples are public locations for hazing Deprive yourself of sleep 11% activities, posting photos of the activities on the Be screamed, yelled, or cursed at by other 10% internet (e.g., Facebook) and knowledge of members hazing by advisors, friends, and most importantly, family. A large majority (57%) of Drink large amounts of a non-alcoholic beverage 10% hazing takes place off campus while nearly half of Be awakened during the night by other members 9% the population indicated hazing occurred Attend a skit or roast where other members of the 6% during the day. group are humiliated Endure harsh weather conditions without 6% appropriate clothing Perform sex acts with the opposite gender 6% Wear clothing that is embarrassing and not part of 6% a uniform Allan, E., Madden, M. (2008). Hazing in view: College students at risk. Initial findings from the national study of student hazing, p.17.
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Campus Awareness
Hazing
Finding 5: More students perceive positive rather than negative outcomes of hazing. Be cautious if your student talks about behaviors they describe as initiations or traditions but which could be hazing. They are also likely to say that they “willingly” participated in the behaviors. Students often fail to see the power of the group and coercion as issues involved in hazing. Finding 6: Students are not likely to report hazing to campus officials. Over 95% of students do not report potential hazing events to campus officials. When investigating why so many students fail to report hazing activities, the research found that students tended to: minimize hazing (“no big deal”), claim that it was a choice (“I didn’t have to participate”), rationalize the actions (“made me a better person”), normalize the actions (“It’s tradition”), misinterpret hazing (“I didn’t know it was hazing”), or disagree with the definition of hazing (“no problems with actions”). Finding 7: Students recognize hazing as part of the campus culture. Seven out of ten students claim that they are aware of hazing behaviors that occur on their campus and nearly 25% claim to have seen specific acts of hazing. This act of toleration is something university staff are working to address but family members also play an integral role in showing that hazing is not acceptable. With an extensive look at hazing, it is imperative you recognize warning signs that your student might be experiencing hazing, even if they do not realize or deny it. Some of these warning signs include:
• Changes in behavior that may correspond with the timing of a student becoming involved with an organization. For instance, your child becomes difficult to reach or patterns of communication change or diminish. • Describes activities that would meet the definition of hazing, but refers to them as “traditions” or “initiations.” • Chronic fatigue. • Symptoms of depression. • Friends and/or siblings express concerns about change in behavior. • Unusual photos posted on Facebook.
If you or your student feel hazing may be taking place, we encourage you to contact: Dr. Anne Reber, Dean Ms. Kristen Harrell, Associate Director Offices of the Dean of Student Life Offices of the Dean of Student Life Texas A&M University Texas A&M University (979) 845-3111 (979) 847-7272 You also have the option of reporting concerning behavior by going to our Tell Somebody website at http://tellsomebody. tamu.edu. The submitter may provide detailed information on the online reporting form and has the option to fill in the contact information or submit the report anonymously. For more information about this study and the National Collaborative for Hazing Research and Prevention, please visit the website http://www.hazingstudy.org/ Allan, E., Madden, M. (2008). Hazing in view: College students at risk. Initial findings from the national study of student hazing, 1-52. Allan, E., Madden, M. (2010). National agenda for hazing prevention in education. National collaborative for hazing research and prevention: Research to practice, 1-12.
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Announcements and Dates
September 2012
MSC Grand Opening The Memorial Student Center is the centerpiece of campus life, and often referred to as the “living room of campus.” The building was rededicated in April after being renovated, and now it’s time for the grand opening celebration. The MSC will be hosting events the week of September 1-8 to celebrate this cherished campus landmark. Encourage your students to participate in these great events! More information can be found at: http://ourmsc.tamu.edu/grandopening
New Student Conference Evaluation
If your student attended a New Student Conference this summer our evaluation is now online. We value your feedback in helping us improve our conference experience for family members. Thank you for a great summer! The evaluation is located at: http://newaggie.tamu.edu/nsc/evaluation.
2012 Family Calendar
We are pleased to let you know we have 2012-2013 Family Calendars available for purchase for only $10 (includes tax) plus applicable shipping. These calendars are a great resource for you as a family member! They include important deadlines such as tuition due dates, helpful campus phone numbers, university holidays, final exam dates, and information about several campus resources available to your student. A preview of the calendar in PDF format can be found on our homepage (http://parents.tamu.edu). To purchase the 2012-2013 Aggie Family Calendar contact our office at 979.845.5826, Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. Please have a credit card or check ready to expedite the purchasing process.
Silver Taps
Do you know other members of the Aggie Family who might want to receive this newsletter?
Silver Taps is a final tribute paid to an Aggie who, at the time of their death, was enrolled in graduate or undergraduate courses at Texas A&M. It is held at 10:30 pm on the first Tuesday of the month at the Academic Plaza. We encourage students to attend to pay their respects to their fellow Aggies and their family members. This month’s Silver Taps is held in honor of: Luca Bonasera
Please feel free to forward it to them, or tell them how to sign up for the Visit: http://parents.tamu.edu/listserv for instructions to subscribe/unsubscribe
Nigel Hart Blake Matthew Schoenrock Luke Thomas Urbanovsky
For more information about Silver Taps visit: http://studentaffairs.tamu.edu/sas/silvertaps.
Important Dates
September 4 (10:30 p.m.): Silver Taps. September 6 (4:00 p.m.): Academic Convocation. Rudder Exhibit Hall. September 14: Aggie Ring Day. September 21-22: New Family Welcome. September 28: Last day to apply for all degrees to be awarded in December without a late fee.
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