The Parents’ Association Magazine // NEW PARENT GUIDE 2010
www.te xa s p a re n ts .o rg
www.texasparents.org 1 University Station D7500 Austin, TX 78712-0395 512-471-2353 Toll Free: 1-888-690-0012 utparent@uts.cc.utexas.edu Gregory Gym (GRE) 1.107
TEXAS PARENTS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: CO-CHAIRS Rosanna and Myron Blalock Houston, Texas CO-CHAIRS ELECT Tina and Ben McCarthy Houston, Texas FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIRS Beth and Andy Guinn Tyler, Texas OUTREACH CO-CHAIRS Shelley Friend and Travis Kessler San Antonio, Texas PAST CO-CHAIRS Kathy and Granger MacDonald Kerrville, Texas TEXAS PARENTS ADVISORY BOARD Texas Parents is governed by an advisory board of couples and single parents of UT students. This group meets twice a year to convey parent concerns to the University’s administration and plan activities for Longhorn families. In addition, these parents volunteer at Family Orientation and Family Weekend.
ON THE COVER: Photo by Bob Childress LAYOUT DESIGN: Jess Moss The New Parent Guide is published once each year by Texas Parents, the Parents’ Association of The University of Texas at Austin. Please address all correspondence to Texas Parents at the address above.
DIRECTOR Lisa Sparks ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Amanda Gamble ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Holly Gardovsky
PARENT TO PARENT Welcome UT Parents – Whether you are a first-time UT parent or a returning one, this is an exciting and demanding time for you and your student. The University of Texas continues its commitment to excellence and focuses on the challenges students face today and in the future. At the University we often say, “We change people. And then they change the world.” We encourage you to remain involved in your student’s growth and evolution at UT. This college experience will solidify the foundation you have helped to build and it will prepare them for the next chapter of their life. Texas Parents is an important step in getting involved here at the University. Since 1948, Texas Parents has helped parents navigate UT services and opportunities for themselves and their students. Texas Parents staff is here to answer your questions, provide information and help you in any way they can. By attending orientation this summer, you will have an opportunity to meet members of UT staff and get prepared for the next four years. This is your chance to ask questions about housing, financial aid, campus safety, academic expectations, and leadership and volunteer opportunities. Texas Parents Advisory Board members will be there to share information with you regarding the many issues that arise with having a college student —all the way down to the details like restaurants, airport shuttles and grocery stores. Just ask and you will receive an answer. Join Texas Parents to stay involved and informed. You will receive many benefits including our monthly e-newsletter informing you of campus highlights, dates, deadlines and activities important to you and your student, priority registration for Family Weekend, and access to e-Forum, our online discussion board, which is monitored by parents like yourself. Plan to attend Family Weekend, Oct. 15–17. It is a great opportunity to explore UT and Austin. We have over 70 activities planned for you and your family— everything from college/school programs to a barbecue lunch and moonlight tours of campus. UT is a great experience for parents and students. Texas Parents will help you enjoy it to the fullest! Hook ‘em Horns!
Rosanna and Myron Blalock Texas Parents Co-Chairs
FAMILY ORIENTATION 2010 Every summer the New Student Services area of the Office of the Dean of Students hosts a one-day orientation for family members of new freshmen. Family Orientation is offered on the first day of each freshman orientation session. This year’s dates are June 8, 15, 22 and 29, and July 6 and 12, 2010. The fee for Family Orientation is $25 per person and includes a barbecue meal (vegetarian options are available). Family Orientation is self-supporting, therefore the fees are designed to cover the costs of the program, which includes room rentals, technology rentals and fees, student staff salaries, publications, a continental breakfast and the Orientation Barbecue. The Family Orientation fee is applicable to guests 17 years and older. Individual barbecue meals for children 16 years and younger can be purchased for $8 per plate. Registration for Family Orientation must be completed online at www.utorientation.com. No on-site registration will be provided and no refunds will be given for Family Orientation. For further information, please contact New Student Services at 512-471-3304.
UT ROOM ASSIGNMENTS All residence hall and room assignments will be provided in an e-mail to your student in mid-July. In addition, the letter will include your student’s room number, bath type, roommate name, e-mail address and home telephone number, as well as information regarding check-in. Check-in times may be scheduled once room assignment information has been received. Dates for check-in are listed online in the check-in scheduler. Students who need to move in prior to Aug. 21 may move in as early as 4 p.m. on Aug. 17 at a cost of $50 per night. For more information, go to www.utexas.edu/student/housing.
UT Austin Summer 2010 Events & Deadlines MAY 29 Summer residence halls open at 9 a.m. 31 Memorial Day holiday JUNE 1 1–2 3 4 JULY 9–10 12 13 20 28–29
Orientation and testing begin for new undergraduate students Registration for the summer session Classes begin Last day of the official add/drop period
Final examinations for first-term classes Second-term classes begin Last day of the official add/drop period for the second term Tuition bills for the fall semester distributed to students electronically Final examinations for nine-week classes
AUGUST 11 Tuition payment deadline at 5 p.m. for undergraduate students who registered for the fall semester by July 15 Last class day for second-term and whole-session classes Final examinations for second-term and whole-term classes Official graduation date (no public exercises) Summer residence halls close at 9 a.m. University residence halls open at 9 a.m. Add/drop for the fall semester University Health Services benefits become available to registered students 24 Add/drop for the fall semester 25 Classes begin 30 Last day of the official add/drop period
13 14 16 17 20 22 23
SEPTEMBER 6 Labor Day holiday 10 Payment for added classes (add bill) due by 5 p.m.
JOIN THE FUN AT CAMP TEXAS The Texas Exes will host two sessions of Camp Texas in August: Session I (Aug. 15–17), Session II (Aug. 17–19). These exciting three-day leadership retreats enable incoming freshmen the opportunity to make friends in small groups and meet UT student leaders and award-winning faculty through team challenges and relaxing free time. The sessions also provide freshmen with a premier opportunity to explore their new beginning and gain confidence in shaping their own UT experience. Camp Texas is held in the heart of the Texas Hill Country at Balcones Springs Executive Retreat Center (www.texasretreat.com) just outside of Marble Falls, Texas. You may visit www.TexasExes.org/camptexas for more information about the camp and to register for one of the three-day sessions. Online registration begins on May 1, 2010, and is on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost of attendance is $150 per person, which includes three days, two nights lodging, seven meals, round trip transportation to the retreat site from campus, activities and a burnt orange T-shirt. Scholarships are available for students in need of financial assistance.
© 2010 ClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved. CLB2919 0210 SC
TALK TO YOUR STUDENT ABOUT ADJUSTING TO SCHOOL By Tara Buentello, Graduate Assistant, UT Counseling & Mental Health Center
Going away to college is an exciting time of growth and new opportunities for your student and your family. However, it’s natural for you, like many parents, to also experience sadness or worry over the “going away” part. You want to know your student is doing well—academically and emotionally. Now that he is off at school, how can you be sure he’s okay? College introduces a broad range of new stressors to each student’s life. While sources of stress are different for each individual, common issues faced by students include: • RELATIONSHIPS: New relationships abound and include new roommates, professors, classmates and clubs while old relationships with family, friends, and perhaps a boyfriend or girlfriend from home, undergo changes. • ACADEMIC STRESS: Demanding course content and scheduling are a big change from most high schools and now there are added concerns regarding majors and career paths. Family expectations may increase the pressure. • IDENTITY: In a new environment students may struggle with questioning long-held beliefs and self-concepts. • DIFFICULTY ADJUSTING: Some students miss home, feel isolated without old friends or feel anxious about assuming tasks that family used to do for them, such as laundry and banking. Students with pre-existing difficulties—such as depression or an eating disorder—may see an increase in symptoms or have a harder time settling into the new college life.
• BEHAVIOR: As they develop greater independence, students face choices about alcohol, drugs, study time, taking care of themselves and a host more—all choices with consequences. To learn how your student is adjusting to life at UT, communicate with her. To learn how she feels, let her know how you feel. By doing so, you will create an atmosphere of openness that encourages her to share with you. Remember, sometimes all she wants is for you to listen, not give advice. Remember, too, that you are not your son’s or daughter’s only source of support. They have friends, loved ones, professors, advisors and other professionals to offer support. The Counseling and Mental Health Center offers students access to individual, group and telephone counseling, plus crisis intervention services and more. For more information, visit www.cmhc.utexas.edu. Hundreds of clubs and organizations at UT provide connections with people and meaningful activities. Gently remind your student about these benefits of a college campus. For a list of clubs visit http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sald. Finally, remember that you need support, too. Caring for others starts with caring for ourselves and letting friends and family know how they can support us. Perhaps this is the most important thing you can remember as you and your student negotiate a new kind of relationship, a relationship that is changing, pieceby-piece, into a relationship with another adult.
EXCLUSIVE RATES FOR TEXAS PARENTS
MONTHLY DUES $25 AND INITIATION FEE $100 Treat your student to lunch at your Club! Parents Association Members also receive a welcome package, including 2 lunch for 2 certificates. Your student can also be on your account & use the Club until they turn 23.
How do I become a Member? Contact the Membership Department TODAY for an application and more information Jenny Campbell jenny.campbell@ourclub.com
(512) 236-0147
Christy Smith christy.smith@ourclub.com
(512) 320-0401
UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES What Your Student Needs to Know Here’s what you need to know to direct your Longhorn to high quality, on-campus health care at University Health Services (UHS). UHS is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. UHS PROVIDES: • General medical care • Urgent (non-emergency) care • Sports medicine/physical therapy • Women’s health services • Allergy shots/immunizations, including travel vaccines • Laboratory/x-ray services • A pharmacy that fills new prescriptions, accepts transfers and takes most prescription insurance plans • Educational consultations, classes, outreach programs, online resources and more to help your Longhorn stay healthy, focusing on healthy eating, healthy sexuality, alcohol/drugs, stress and other issues that affect student well-being and academic performance HOW TO USE UHS Students should call 512-471-4955 to schedule an appointment. If their symptoms require evaluation before the next open appointment, they will be seen in the UHS Urgent Care Clinic during operating hours. Although UHS is not open 24 hours a day, ill or injured students can call the 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line for self-care advice and guidance as to whether, how soon and where they should seek medical care. CHARGES, PAYMENT AND INSURANCE Charges are generally lower than those for comparable services off campus. Charges apply for certain types of appointments and for all supplies, tests, and procedures used for diagnosis and treatment. Students don’t have to pay at the time of their appointment (except at the Pharmacy). UHS can bill their “What I Owe.” UHS is “in network” with a number of health insurance companies and will file claims with any student’s insurance. However, they cannot guarantee that your insurance company will pay for any or all charges incurred, and your Longhorn will be responsible for unpaid charges. For guidance, call your insurance company and ask about coverage at a “college health facility.” Tell your Longhorn to take their insurance card to every UHS visit. Consider enrolling in the Student Health Insurance Plan if your student is uninsured or under insured. WHERE TO LEARN MORE Visit www.healthyhorns.utexas.edu for UHS hours, staff, services, contact information, whether or not they are “In network" with your insurance plan, the Student Health Insurance Plan and more.
FERPA: STUDENTS’ RIGHTS TO PRIVACY What Parents Need to Know Many parents are surprised to find that once their student enrolls in college, they no longer have access to their grades. FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, also known as the Buckley Amendment, is a federal law which restricts access to and the release of educational records. Access to educational records is restricted to appropriate university administrators, faculty members or staff members who require this access in order to perform their legitimate educational duties. This includes officials of others schools in which the student is seeking enrollment or financial aid. According to FERPA, parents no longer have access to their student’s educational records regardless of whether they are paying for their student’s education or not. In fact, once students pass the secondary level of education, access rights are transferred to the student. FERPA privatizes all personally identifiable information in educational records including the student’s name, names of family members, addresses, personal identifiers such as social security numbers and personal characteristics or other information that make the student’s identity easily traceable. However, parents may be awarded access to their student’s education records but only if their student grants them permission in writing. The request will be honored on a one-time basis only. There is no request that allows unending access. If non-directory information is needed to resolve a crisis or emergency situation, an educational institution may release that information if the institution determines that the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.
For more information or questions about FERPA: • Go to www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/ferpa • Call the Registrar’s Office at 512-475-7575 • E-mail studentacademicrecords@austin.utexas.edu
Frequently Asked Questions Q: WHAT IS SUMMER ORIENTATION AND WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ADVANTAGES OF ATTENDING THE PROGRAM? A: Summer Orientation is a four-day program in which admitted students are introduced to life as a Longhorn. At orientation, students become more familiar with campus, meet with a representative from their college or school, register for classes, take placement tests, get involved and receive answers to any questions they may have about The University of Texas at Austin. To register for Summer Orientation or for more information about the program, visit the orientation Web site at http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/nss/. For additional questions, contact New Student Services at 512-471-3304, Monday– Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Q: IS THERE A SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR PARENTS DURING SUMMER ORIENTATION? A: Family Orientation, which is provided to family members of students attending orientation, is offered on the first day of each freshman Summer Orientation session. Registration is required. For more information, contact New Student Services at 512-471-3304, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., or by e-mail at nss@uts.cc.utexas.edu. To register, go to http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/nss/. Q: SHOULD STUDENTS BRING A CAR TO CAMPUS? A: Students may bring a vehicle to The University of Texas at Austin campus. Parking at the University requires a University permit or payment of the hourly rate in the garages. Students with disabilities may access special parking spaces with the purchase of a UT Austin Class “D” Permit AND state or county license plate or a placard for the disabled. Visit www.utexas.edu/parking for permit fees and other information to help you make a decision that best meets your student’s needs. Q: WHAT ARE ALTERNATIVE WAYS FOR STUDENTS TO TRAVEL IF THEY DO NOT HAVE A CAR? A: UT Austin and Capital Metro provide a fare-free shuttle bus system paid by student fees to transport students within campus and to/from surrounding neighborhoods. Shuttles are usually available from 6:45 a.m.–11 p.m. weekdays, 2–11 p.m. Sundays, and offer limited service during registration, final examinations and the summer semester. Routes and schedules are available at www.utexas.edu/parking/transportation/shuttle/. Students may also ride Capital Metro, the City of Austin’s transit system, without paying a fare by using their valid UT ID card. The Capital Metro system provides students with access to many areas of the city not reached by the University’s shuttle system. For more information, visit www.capmetro.org or call 512-474-1200.
In addition, students traveling to Houston or Dallas on the weekends may ride the Texas Express bus. Texas Express is available to all UT students, faculty and staff. For more details and prices, visit www.utexas.edu/parking/transportation/texasexpress/index.html. Q: WHAT FORMS OF HEALTH INSURANCE DOES THE UNIVERSITY ACCEPT? A: University Health Services (UHS) can bill charges directly to a student’s insurance company. At the end of every visit, students can decide whether or not they would like UHS to bill their insurance company for any charges that may have been acquired during the visit. Instructions are provided on the UHS Web site at www.healthyhorns.utexas.edu/insurance.html. Because UHS cannot guarantee that insurance companies will cover any charges incurred, students must first check with their insurance company to find out what kind of coverage is offered at a “college health facility.” Unfortunately, UHS cannot bill any government plan, such as Medicaid or Medicare, or plans underwritten by health insurance companies based outside of the United States. Q: CAN MY STUDENT RECEIVE POSTAL MAIL WHILE LIVING IN A RESIDENCE HALL? A: Yes. Your student will share a mailbox with his/her roommate, which will correspond to their room number. Your student will have access to the mailbox via his/her room key. Students who are mailed a package will receive a notice in their mailbox instructing them to pick up the package at the residence hall mail desk. Students must present the slip and their UT ID to the desk in order to obtain the package. Q: HOW DOES MY STUDENT GET INVOLVED WHEN FIRST ARRIVING AT UT? A: There are numerous ways to get involved at UT both prior to arriving in the fall and throughout the semester. In August before classes start, Texas Exes hosts Camp Texas, a retreat designed for incoming freshmen to make friends and get involved. Additionally, the Start Fresh program is a series of fun-filled, free events held prior to the first day of class. Past events included Casino Night, Movie Night and the Organizational Fair where students can learn about a variety of student organizations on campus in which to get involved. Gone to Texas is yet another back-to-school event held the night prior to classes starting. In the afternoon, each college hosts a series of their own events to welcome students, followed by all freshmen gathering at the UT Tower to sing “The Eyes of Texas.” UT has almost 1,000 registered student organizations in which your student may get involved. For a complete list, go to: http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sald/. In addition, the Division of Recreational Sports offers a wide variety of intramural sports to play. All skill levels are welcome and encouraged to participate. For a list of sports offered and additional information, go to www.utrecsports.org/intramurals/about.php.
Q: SHOULD STUDENTS PURCHASE TEXTBOOKS BEFORE CLASSES START? A: Although textbooks are not always required until the second week of class, students are advised to purchase them before classes start or order them in advance. Textbooks are in high demand at the beginning of each semester and bookstores often run out of copies. The University Co-op offers the convenience of online orders at www.universitycoop.com and offers the option of postal delivery or pick-up service at one of two Co-op locations. Q: WHAT ARE THE BEST STEPS FOR STUDENTS TO TAKE WHEN DEALING WITH ROOMMATE ISSUES?
UT HONOR CODE “The core values of The University of Texas at Austin are learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity, and responsibility. Each member of the University is expected to uphold these values through integrity, honesty, trust, fairness, and respect toward peers and community.�
A: Learning about how to live with a roommate can be both exciting and challenging. It is not uncommon for roommates, even the best of friends, to experience conflict during the year. Often the conflict is a result of a lack of communication and not addressing issues as they arise. When not addressed, the smallest issue sometimes grows into a seemingly huge problem. Students who experience roommate problems are encouraged to discuss the issue with their roommate. The Resident Assistant can also assist roommates in resolving conflicts. Other online, peer and professional staff resources are also available to all residents from the housing Web site at www.utexas.edu/student/housing/index.php?site=0&scode=3&id=531.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Austin Area Code 512
Q: HOW CAN PARENTS OBTAIN FOOTBALL TICKETS? A: Parents, as well as the general public, can purchase football tickets through the Texas Box Office at www.texasboxoffice.com or by calling 512-477-6060. Football tickets are in high demand and sell out very quickly. Occasionally, season ticket holders will sell their tickets via the Ticket Marketplace on the Texas Box Office Web site. Fans can rest assured that these are legitimate tickets compared to those offered on third-party Web sites. In addition, students who are season ticket holders may purchase guest tickets for home games at face value. Due to the high demand, it is advisable to purchase these during the summer prior to football season. As a last resort, Texas Exes members have the option of visiting the Alumni Center two hours prior to kickoff to purchase tickets at face value from alumni unable to attend the game. Q: WHAT IS AN ePROXY AND WHY SHOULD I OBTAIN ACCESS? A: Becoming an eProxy for your student means that you will have the authority to access his or her electronic (Web) records at UT including tuition bills, personal Web records and financial transactions. You can become an eProxy for your student by applying for a UT EID and the student must approve you. To learn more and to apply, visit eProxy Central at www.utexas.edu/student/eproxy/.
24-Hour Counseling Hotline 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line Behavior Concerns Advice Line Career Exploration Center Counseling & Mental Health Center Dean of Students Division of Housing & Food Service Financial Aid Greek Life & Education New Student Services Parking & Transportation Recreational Sports Registrar Student Emergency Services Texas Parents University Health Services Appointments UT Learning Center UT Police Department
471-2255 (CALL) 475-6877 (NURS) 232-5050 471-1217 471-3515 471-5017 471-3136 475-6282 471-9700 471-3304 471-7275 (PARK) 471-1155 475-7575 471-5017 1-888-690-0012 471-4955 471-3614 471-4441
FINANCES What Parents Need to Know All students will receive electronic billing notifications for tuition and fees. NO PAPER BILLS WILL BE MAILED. Because e-mail is the official mode of correspondence at the University, the students are responsible for keeping their e-mail address current with the Registrar. Students who register at Summer Orientation MUST PAY THEIR BILL BY 5 P.M. ON AUG. 12. Tuition may be paid in one lump sum or in three installments. To select the installment plan, your student must electronically sign a promissory note at the "My Tuition Bill" Web site in UT Direct before the first payment will be accepted. The first payment amounts to approximately half of the total tuition and includes a $15 installment fee. The second installment will be due Sept. 25 and the third on Oct. 23. TEXAS GUARANTEED TUITION PLAN Students with the Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan (TGTP) must provide a copy of their TGTP ID card to Student Accounts Receivable in the Main Building, Room 4 or via fax at 512-4710212, attention: Special Billing. Be sure to include the student’s full name, UT EID, phone number and the semester they wish to begin using the TGTP. After your student registers, he or she must visit the "My Tuition Bill" Web site and click the "Confirm Attendance" button or pay any optional fees (parking permit, football tickets, etc.) to complete their registration. FINANCIAL AID If your student’s financial aid fully covers their tuition and fees, they must go to the "My Tuition Bill" Web site and click on “Pay with Financial Aid.” If the financial aid does not fully cover their bill, the amount due will be reduced accordingly and the balance due must be paid by the payment deadline. Most private donor scholarships are disbursed through the Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS). Scholarship donors often send checks directly to the University for processing. Please mail outside scholarships to: Office of Student Financial Services The University of Texas at Austin Box 7758, UT Station Austin, TX 78713 OSFS provides a wide-range of resources for UT students who need help with the financial aid process. This process begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which UT Austin requires for students to receive any financial aid. The best way for students to fill out the FAFSA form is online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. For more information about financial aid, please have your students contact OSFS at 512-475-6282 or visit online at http://finaid.utexas.edu. HOW TO PAY ONLINE: Pay your student’s tuition online at "My Tuition Bill" (https://utdirect.utexas.edu/acct/fb/my_tuition/my_tuition_home. WBX) with any of the following: eCheck, Electronic Funds Transfer, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.
IN PERSON: Pay by personal check, cashier’s check, money order or cash at the Cashier’s Office in the Main Building, Room 8, weekdays 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Please note credit and debit cards are not accepted at the Cashier’s Office.) BY MAIL: Payment must be received in the office by 5 p.m. on the date of the payment deadline. Make check or money order payable to The University of Texas at Austin and include your student’s full name and UT EID on the payment. The University of Texas at Austin Student Accounts Receivable Box 7398 Austin, TX 78713 OVERNIGHT DELIVERIES-FEDEX, UPS The University of Texas at Austin Student Accounts Receivable Main Building, Room 4 24th and Guadalupe Streets Austin, TX 78712 For more information about billing procedures, please contact Student Accounts Receivable at 512-475-7777 or visit online at www.utexas.edu/business/accounting/sar.
TEXAS STUDENT MEDIA
6 Steps for Student Success By Amanda Gamble , Assistant Director, Texas Parents
From issues related to academics, housing, finances and the age-old struggle to find one’s niche in a new environment, Texas Parents receives telephone calls every day from parents who feel unsure as to how to help their student thrive at The University of Texas at Austin. The following tips were designed with this experience in mind, as some of the most essential things parents can do to help their children succeed at UT or any other first rate institution. Discuss finances with your student before they arrive on campus. No matter how much your brilliant young adult knows about managing money, being a first-time college student will present a level of independence they have never experienced before. This newfound independence often affects a student’s financial choices. Creating a budget ahead of time may prepare students to make more responsible on-the-spot choices. Arrange a time to sit down with your student to create a thorough budget before they leave home and don’t stop there. Be sure to pick dates to discuss and reevaluate finances during their first semester, winter break and after their first year of college. Hot financial topics to address include credit cards, cost of living and whether or not your student will be expected to work. In addition, encourage your student to take advantage of Bevonomics, the new money management program from the Office of Student Financial Services at UT Austin. Bevonomics gives students the information and tools they need to learn how to make good financial decisions about their money now and in the future. Foster professional contacts in Austin before your student arrives. Texas Parents often receives calls about students in need of an auto mechanic, dentist or doctor. Although many students are able to make it home to seek out these services, sometimes circumstances prohibit a trip back to familiar territory. Make a list of the professional services your student uses right now. These are the services they may need in Austin. Do your research and make the necessary phone calls now to assure that you have a network of professionals to help your student in their time of need. Encourage your student to get involved on campus. The choice to get involved on campus will have an enormous impact on your student’s success at UT. With over 900 student organizations on campus, from University Vegetarians to University Scuba Club, to Freshman Leadership Organization (FLO), the University offers something for everyone. Whether your student continues to cultivate a familiar skill, explores something novel or becomes the founder of a new organization, being involved will help him/her feel more connected. Organization participation also provides the opportunity to make new friends and network with faculty and staff while building a resumé and gaining experience that may be beneficial to professional pursuits. Encourage your student to seek independence. One of the greatest challenges for parents of new University students is finding a balance between parenting and encouraging independence in children who are now evolving
into young adults. You may find that your student reaches out to you in panic over a new challenge that life has presented. Do your best to help students navigate these situations with as much independence as possible. Try providing a general map for the challenge, but have them make phone calls, set up appointments, and in the process they will learn to advocate for themselves. Remember that in addition to obtaining a first rate academic education, your student will be learning life lessons at The University of Texas at Austin. Take courage— even uncomfortable experiences are learning experiences. No college student navigates their entire University career without sustaining a few bumps and bruises. Students may strongly dislike a professor or roommate. They may even be disappointed by their academic or social experience. It is deeply challenging for parents to cope with student angst as it is in their nature to protect their children. However, it is important to take heart in these situations and remember that some of the most crucial life lessons are learned through challenges and even disappointments. Encourage your student not to give up when things get tough and further, to continue to take new approaches to find success. You and your student will be better served in the long run. When in doubt: Call Texas Parents! We are here to help and we have heard it all. No challenge is too big or small.
Good luck and Hook ‘em Horns!
MANAGE BEVO BUCKS ONLINE Keep Track of Where Your Student is Spending Money
Bevo Bucks is a safe and easy way for all UT students to spend money whether they live on campus or not. This prepaid account is accessible through their student ID card and can be used to purchase food, goods and services at more than 74 merchants on and off campus. With Bevo Bucks, your student has access to all the necessities of campus life, without the need to carry cash, checks or credit cards. To enroll in the Bevo Bucks program, students must read and approve the online Disclosure Statement found at the Web site below. There are no monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements and cash cannot be withdrawn from Bevo Bucks. Parents can easily view their student’s transactions, account balance and can add money through the eProxy online service. For information on becoming an eProxy, please visit the FAQs article.
More information about Bevo Bucks is available at www.utexas.edu/student/ bevobucks/.
Is your son or daughter a student in the College of Liberal Arts? If so, we invite you to join the College of Liberal Arts Parents’ League. The College of Liberal Arts is the largest community on campus with 600 faculty members and more than 12,000 students. While the large size allows the college to offer a wide variety of programs and academic opportunities, it also creates the challenge of how best to communicate all that the college has to offer to students and their families. To address this need, Dean Randy Diehl created the College of Liberal Arts Parents’ League. The purpose of the League is to engage our parents in the life of the college, to tell them of current undergraduate opportunities available to their children and to offer guidance for life after the Forty Acres. Members of the Parents’ League will provide input on the college’s communication efforts with parents, attend special League events, receive monthly e-mail updates, as well as a subscription to the college’s magazine, Life & Letters. Please visit the Parents’ League Web site, www.colaparents.org, and fill out the online membership form to start receiving communications immediately.
We hope you enjoy your experience with the college and continue the relationship long after your student has left the Forty Acres. Parents’ League Program Coordinator Beth Norris welcomes calls at 512-471-6931 and can also be reached by email to emnorris@austin.utexas.edu. The League Web site at www.colaparents.org is also a useful resource for information.
EASY WAY TO CLAIM CO-OP REBATES Starting July 1, 2010, students can receive up to 10 percent back from all of their 2010-11 Co-op purchases by submitting their receipts online at www.cooprebates.com. Rebates are provided in the form of gift cards for use at the Co-op or for online purchases at www.universitycoop.com.
Experience Austin’s newest restaurant rated 4 stars by Austin American Statesman. Executive Chef Josh Watkins
STAY on CAMPUS The University’s destination hotel where sophisticated accommodations, impressive amenities, memorable dining and sophisticated technology make your stay a richer experience. You’ll be at the heart of it all. 1900 University Avenue · Austin, Texas 78705 www.meetattexas.com · 512.40 4.1900
Welcome
New Longhorn Parents!
UFCU’s College Solutions package is the smart and convenient way for your student to bank while attending The University of Texas. College Solutions includes Free Checking with an instant issue VISAŽ Check Card; over 250 free ATMs in Central Texas (including 40 ATMs on and around campus); Online Banking with free Bill Pay, eDeposits and the ability to transfer money to or from accounts at other financial institutions; over 3,900 National Shared Branch locations and more. Visit the University Branch located at 2244 Guadalupe St or ufcu.org for more information.
Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 391 Austin, Texas T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S AT A U S T I N
1 University Station D7500 Austin, TX 78712-0395
OCT. 15–17, 2010 Family Weekend is scheduled for Oct.15–17. Join us for an exciting weekend of college events, unique tours and programs, the annual Texas Parents' Barbecue and Football Watch Party, as UT takes on Nebraska in Lincoln. More information about Family Weekend can be found online at www.texasparents.org and in our fall magazine, which will be mailed to all UT parents in mid-August. General Family Weekend registration will begin on Thursday, Aug. 12 at www.texasparents.org. Registration ends at midnight on Friday, Oct. 8.
YOUR VOICE to the UT Administration. We listen to you.
YOUR GUIDE as you navigate UT. We work for you.
YOUR RESOURCE for news. We keep you informed.
YOUR OFFICE on campus. A place to call for help and advice.
YOUR ORGANIZATION!
JOIN TODAY. www.texasparents.org 1-888- 690 -0012