Quick Connection
September 2013
What’s Inside: Page 2: Health and Safety Page 3: Student Employment & Money Wise Aggie Page 4-5: Campus Happenings
Howdy! Campus is buzzing with excitement as we kick off the Fall 2013 semester in Aggieland! Classes are underway, football season started last week and students are seeking involvement across campus. It does not matter if your student is a senior or a freshman, we strive to provide you with resources to help you and your student have a great experience with Aggieland!
Page 6-7: Hazing Awareness
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 and feel free to contact the Office of New Student & Family Programs at (979) 845-5826, or email us at AggieFamilies@tamu.edu if you have any questions.
Page 8: Announcements
Thanks and Gig `Em!
Like our page at: https://www.facebook.com/ AggieParentsAndFamily to receive campus information, and connect with other Aggie Families.
Student Employment & Money Wise Aggie Upcoming Events Student Employment Office Fall Workshops The Student Employment Office offers FREE training workshops for students whether they are currently employed or not. Students can enhance their skills in telephone courtesy, time management, and business communication to name a few. A complete list of the fall workshop schedule and information on registration can be found at https:// sfaid.tamu.edu/workshops/ Workshop.aspx. Encourage your students to take advantage of these FREE training opportunities. You and your student can join the Student Employment Office on Facebook @ www. facebook.com/jobsforaggies. Money Wise Aggie Financial Literacy Workshops The Money Wise Aggie program offers FREE financial literacy workshops for Texas A&M students. Topics include Money Management for College Students, Saving and Investing, Credit Cards and Identity Theft, to name a few. A complete list of the fall workshop schedule and information on registration can be found at https:// sfaid.tamu.edu/workshops/ Workshop.aspx. You and your student can join the Money Wise Aggie on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/moneywiseaggie.
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FREE
Workshops& Money Wise Aggie Student Employment Upcoming for StudentEvents Employees
Part-Time Fair Office at Texas A&M University offers The StudentJob Employment Business Communication Skills: the following FREE workshops your skills for improving Is your student currently lookingtoforsharpen employment or thinking about working while in has school? Part-Time Fair student will be This workshop beenAdesigned to Job present effectiveness, efficiency and quality of life. with effective business communication techniques held Thursday, September 5th from 1:30-4:30 pm in rooms 110-111 ofemployees Koldus (across from Rudder tower). Both on- and in the or workplace. Topics include presentation off-campus employers will be represented. All students whether alreadyuseful employed actively seeking a job can also enterpreparation and execution, communication styles, active listening and much to Workshop win door prizes.Calendar - Fall 2013 more.
September
Business Communication Skills: This workshop has designed to presentEtiquette student 9/5 10:00 ambeen - 11:00 am Workplace employees with effective business communication techniques 9/11 10:00 am - 11:00 am Quality Customer Service useful in the workplace. Topics include presentation preparation 9/19 10:00 am - 11:00 am Telephone Courtesy and execution, communication styles, active listening and much 9/20 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Controlling Anger more. 9/26 9:30 am - 10:30 am Finding A Balance Controlling Anger and Angry People in the 9/30 2:30 Workplace: pm - 3:30 pm Business Communication Skills This workshop advises student employees on how to deal with October their own anger and strategies for handling angry individuals encountered on the job. 10/4 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Quality Customer Service Finding a Balance: 10/10 9:30 am - 10:30 am Preventing Sexual Harassment Do you procrastinate? Well don’t be late for this workshop that 10/16the nature 9:00 am Presentation Skills(and redefining covers and- 10:00 value am of time management 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Controlling Anger it) 10/21 as well as explaining the problems with procrastination and10/25 reasons why people procrastinate. It also offers student 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Workplace Etiquette employees chance become of whether or not they 10/30 a9:00 am -to10:00 am aware Telephone Courtesy are procrastinators and discusses the benefits of overcoming 10/30 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm Gaining Cross-Cultural Skills procrastination.
Gaining Cross-Cultural Communication Skills: November
In this highly interactive workshop you will learn how cultural values, styles vary, and how they 11/7gestures 9:30and am -conversation 10:30 am Business Communication Skills interfere with understanding. You will also learn strategies to 11/13 9:00 am - 10:00 am Finding A Balance improve your communication skills with people around the world. 11/18 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Presentation Skills Presentation Skills: 11/29 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Preventing Sexual Harassment This workshop offers presentation skills training to improve communication and Power Point formatting.
Preventing Sexual Harassment:
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We will discuss the definition of sexual harassment, types of sexual harassment, legal protection, and keys to preventing sexual harassment.
“like” us on
Quality Customer Service: facebook.com/jobsforaggies Customer service is important to every job. We will provide the skills needed to have excellent customer service in your workplace.
Controlling Anger and Angry People in the Workplace: This workshop advises student employees on how to deal with their own anger and strategies for handling angry individuals encountered on the job.
Finding a Balance: Do you procrastinate? Well don’t be late for this workshop that covers the nature and value of time management (and redefining it) as well as explaining the problems with procrastination and reasons why people procrastinate. It also offers student employees a chance to become aware of whether or not they are procrastinators and discusses the benefits of overcoming procrastination.
Gaining Cross-Cultural Communication Skills: In this highly interactive workshop you will learn how cultural values, gestures and conversation styles vary, and how they interfere with understanding. You will also learn strategies to improve your communication skills with people around the world.
Presentation Skills: This workshop offers presentation skills training to improve communication and Power Point formatting.
Preventing Sexual Harassment: We will discuss the definition of sexual harassment, types of sexual harassment, legal protection, and keys to preventing sexual harassment.
Quality Customer Service: Customer service is important to every job. We will provide the skills needed to have excellent customer service in your workplace.
Telephone Courtesy: Join us for a discussion of basic telephone interaction, dealing with irate callers, transferring calls, holding calls, and taking effective messages.
Workplace Etiquette: This workshop covers topics such as work ethic, taking responsibility, and basic customer service.
Telephone Courtesy: Join us for a discussion of basic telephone interaction, dealing with irate callers, transferring calls, holding calls, and taking effective messages. Register online to attend any of the workshops listed at JobsforAggies.tamu.edu. Workplace Etiquette: For more information contact the Student Employment Office at 979.845.0686. This workshop covers topics such as work ethic, taking responsibility, and basic customer service.
Register today online!
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Campus Happenings Upcoming Events
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 is Tuesday, September 24, 2013 from 10:30 am - 2:30 pm in the Memorial Student Center Respect Lounge (1st floor). For further information, please visit http:// studentactivities.tamu.edu/leadandserve/community/vof or contact Melissa Shehane at mshehane@stuact.tamu.edu.
First Yell The current Yell Leaders and the Association of Former Yell Leaders would like to present to you “Live from Kyle Field”, a music event with performers Lyle Lovett ‘79 and Robert Earl Keen ‘78, with Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell. The event is September 13, 2013 at Kyle Field and will begin at 8:00 pm and conclude at 11:00 pm, an hour before the start of Midnight Yell. 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!
Football Safety Tips Football season is under way! 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. • Avoid beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine. First Aid Stations are located at the West (alumni) Side: at sections 106 (mainroom) and 205, and on the third deck concourse East (student) Side: at sections 234 and 337, as well as the Zone (north end): at sections 124 and 523. There will be misting fans on all decks.
September Football Dates Sat, Sep 07 vs. Sam Houston State @ Kyle Field (College Station) 6:00 p.m. Sat, Sep 14 vs. Alabama @ Kyle Field (College Station) 2:30 p.m. Sat, Sep 21 vs. SMU @ Kyle Field (College Station) TBA Sat, Sep 28 vs. Arkansas @ Fayetteville, Ark. TBA
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Campus Happenings Upcoming Events
SHARP Self Defense Classes SHARP, Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention, is a 6 hour specially designed self-defense class for women 17 years and older teaching easy to learn techniques for a variety of situations. The class is broken into two parts – a lecture teaching how the body reacts in high stress situations and techniques to deal with sexual harassment, as well as pressure points, how to break a variety of holds, and the opportunity to try out the skills learned in the class. This is an excellent opportunity to develop safety skills and awareness as participants will receive effective and realistic training to counter sexual harassment and assault. We are offering these classes to keep women safe. It is especially important for freshmen because according to Security on Campus, Inc. nationally, the first six weeks of a student’s first year of college is a vulnerable time and carries the most risk for sexual violence. These classes are taught by the University Police Department and the Brazos County Sherriff’s Office in partnership with the Women’s Resource Center. They are FREE and open to students. We are offering classes on September 16 & 18 – 5:00-8:00pm and October 21 & 23 – 5:00-8:00pm. Encourage your Aggie to register online: http://wrc.tamu.edu/SHARPregistration!
New Family Welcome New Family Welcome is quickly approaching! New Family Welcome, October 25th-26th, is an opportunity for family members of new Aggies (incoming freshmen and transfer students) to experience Aggieland’s unique traditions first hand. New Family Welcome registration can be completed at: http:// studentlife.tamu.edu/nfw. During this weekend you will have the opportunity to attend a Dessert Social hosted by New Student & Family Programs, Midnight Yell, a Gameday BBQ, and our Game Watching Party in the MSC! Tickets for New Family Welcome do not include tickets to the Texas A&M v. Vanderbilt Football Game. The 12th Man Foundation has sold out of tickets for the Texas A&M v. Vanderbilt football game, but encourages you to visit the 12th Man Aggie Marketplace (http://aggies.flashseats.com/) for football tickets. There are also tickets available through third party vendors (not affiliated with Texas A&M or endorsed by Texas A&M University): StubHub.com, TicketStub.com, and TexAgs.com Ticket Exchange. You can also join us for a Gamewatching Party in the MSC, with Aggie trivia, snacks, prizes, and more! For more information on New Family Welcome including FAQs and hotel information visit: http://studentlife.tamu.edu/nfw or contact New Student & Family Programs at (979) 845-5826.
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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:
Most Frequently Reported Hazing Behaviors: All Respondents’ Membership Experiences Participate in a drinking game Sing or chant by self or with select others of groups in public in a situation that is not a related event, game, or practice Associate with specific people and not others Drink large amounts of alcohol to the point of getting sick or passing out Deprive yourself of sleep Be screamed, yelled, or cursed at by other members Drink large amounts of a non-alcoholic beverage Be awakened during the night by other members Attend a skit or roast where other members of the group are humiliated Endure harsh weather conditions without appropriate clothing Perform sex acts with the opposite gender Wear clothing that is embarrassing and not part of a uniform
26% 17% 12% 12% 11% 10% 10% 9% 6% 6% 6% 6%
Allan, E., Madden, M. (2008). Hazing in view: College students at risk. Initial findings from the national study of student hazing, p.17.
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 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. The table above documents the most frequently reported hazing behaviors across all types of student groups. Finding 4: Knowledge of hazing extends beyond the student groups engaging in the behavior. Secrecy and silence commonly characterize the dynamics of hazing but there are a multitude of public occurrences of hazing. Some examples are public locations for hazing activities, posting photos of the activities on the internet (e.g., Facebook) and knowledge of hazing by advisors, friends, and most importantly, family. A large majority (57%) of hazing takes place off campus, and nearly half of the population indicated hazing occurred during the day.
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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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Health and Safety
Student Health Services Upcoming Events September is National Breakfast Month Let us help your student start their day with the most important meal of the day! They can find us at the Rec Tuesday, September 10th; Rudder Fountain Wednesday, September 11th; and Wehner Thursday, September 12th from 9-11am for food and breakfast fun! Sponsored by: Kellogg’s, Dairy Max, Chobani and Texas A&M Student Health Services. Aggie Health Hut Students can visit the new Aggie Health Hut in Rudder Plaza on Wednesday, Sept. 11(12pm-2pm) and Thursday, Sept. 12 (10:45am12:45pm)! They can learn about heat safety and spin a wheel for a chance to win a reusable SHS water bottle. Plus, our Emergency Services will teach Sidewalk CPR. Break the Fast: Making Breakfast Count If your student has ever wandered the aisles of the grocery store wondering what to pick or is trying to plan healthy meals and snacks, but don’t know what to choose, they can join Meghan Windham, MPH, RD, LD as she walks through the local HEB on Holleman Drive, and shows students how to shop efficiently, healthy, and smart! A small fee of $5 gets students a reusable grocery tote, lots of coupons, and the opportunity to sample tasty recipes! Students can visit shs.tamu.edu/events to sign-up and reserve their spot today!
Tackle the Flu: Flu Shot Campaign Tackle the Flu this Fall with a FREE flu shot! Student Health Services is offering 5,000 FREE flu shots to currently enrolled students on September 25th and 26th! Visit the Commons, Wehner, MSC, or Hullabaloo Hall from 8am-5pm to receive a flu shot. Once the free shots have been given, each shot will cost $22. Faculty and staff are able to receive this shot for $22. Visit shs.tamu.edu/events for more information.
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Announcements
Information and Reminders 2013 Family Calendar
We are pleased to let you know we have 2013-2014 Family Calendars available for purchase for $10 (includes tax) plus applicable shipping. These calendars are a great resource for you as a family member! They include important deadlines, helpful campus phone numbers, university holidays, final exam dates, and information about several campus resources available to your student. To purchase the 2013-2014 Aggie Family Calendar please go to http://parents.tamu.edu. If you need assistance ordering please contact our office at 979.845.5826.
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. For information on how you can sign up for Public Access to Code Maroon please visit: https://codemaroon.tamu.edu/publicaccess.html.
New Student Conference Evaluation
If your student attended a New Student Conference this summer the family member evaluation is now available! You should have received an e-mail with the link to the online survey. We value your feedback in helping us improve our conference experience for family members. Thank you for a great summer!
Silver Taps
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 was held September 3rd in honor of: Nathan Walker Hardcastle - Ecological Restoration Saron Alexander Hood - Physics Vergil “Coke” Hopping - Ag Leadership, Education & Communication Travis Terrell Lamb - Computer Science Raka Mallick - Industrial Engineering Polo Hafoka Manukainiu - Recreation, Park & Tourism Sciences Ian Alexander Pogue - General Studies Austin Kyle Stanfill - International Affairs
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 to subscribe/unsubscribe
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