October 2013 Aggie Family Newsletter

October 2013

Like our page at: https://www.facebook.com/AggieParentsAndFamily to receive campus information, and connect with other Aggie Families.

Quick Connection

What’s Inside:

Page 2: Health & Safety

Page 3: October Events

Page 4-5: Midterms & Academic Support

Page 6: Texas A&M Foundation

Page 7: Announcements

Howdy!The fall semester is in full swing and students are finding their groove here in Aggieland. A major focus for many students during the month of October is academics. Most students have completed their first round of tests, and may begin to feel anxious and stressed about their classes. It is important to be there to encourage your student. Remind them of the multitude of resources on campus such as the Writing Center, the Academic Success Center, supplemental instructor (SI) sessions, and their professors, all of which are here to aid in their success. More information on many of these resources is included in this newsletter.

We encourage you to visit the Aggie Family web site (http://parents.tamu.edu.) for additional updates and helpful information. Feel free to contact the Office of New Student & Family Programs at (979) 845-5826, or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Thanks and Gig `Em!

2

Aggie Health HutStudents can visit the new Aggie Health Hut in Rudder Plaza on Tuesday, October 15 (10:45 am- 12:45pm) and Wednesday, October 16 (12:00pm-2:00pm) to learn about stress awareness! On Tuesday, the theme is “Balancing your NUTrition”, and students will be able to make their own trail mix! On Wednesday, SHS is teaching about stress by bringing our “Furry Friends”. Aggieland Pets with a Purpose will be at the Health Hut!

Grocery Store Tour: “Stretch your Dollar: Healthy Shopping on a Budget”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!

Stress Awareness Week: October 14-17Learn how to BTHO stress this October!

Monday, October 14: Wanted: Time Bandits of College Students! Wrangle the things that steal time with the help of our mid-semester stress survival give-away! Don’t gamble with stress, decompress with relaxation and mindfulness mobile apps provided by Student Counseling Services! Location: Rudder Plaza; Time: 12-2pm.

Tuesday, October 15: Visit the Aggie Health Hut in Rudder Plaza! Location: Rudder Plaza; Time: 10:45am-12:45pm.

Wednesday, October 16: Join SHS at the Aggie Health Hut! Location: Rudder Plaza; Time: 12pm-2pm.

Thursday, October 17: Sweat Out Stress: Don’t sweat the stress. Join us at Simpson Drill Field for our SOS: Sweat Out Stress obstacle course! Location: Simpson Drill Field; Time: 12-4pm.

Health and SafetyUpcoming Events

National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week (NCAAW) occurs every year during the third full week of October. This week is a time committed to discussing issues related to alcohol and college, celebrating responsible and safe decisions as Texas A&M students and community members, and providing a way to interact with others on campus.

Monday, October 21: NCAAW Kick-Off MSC 12th Man Hall, 11am-1pm

Tuesday, October 22: Grab-and-Go Breakfast Trigon Bus Stop, 8:30-10:00am

Thursday, October 24: Northgate C.A.R.E.s (Sponsored by the Coalition on Alcohol Responsibility and Education) Northgate, 10pm

Friday, October 25: NCAAW Resource Fair Rudder Plaza, 11am-1pm

Alcohol Awareness Week

Sponsored by Alcohol & Drug Education Programs (ADEP)http://studentlife.tamu.edu/adep

3

October EventsCampus Happenings

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, tickets are available online until October 15. During this weekend New Aggie Families 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.

New Family Welcome

FootballSat, Oct 12 vs. Ole Miss @ Oxford, MSSat, Oct 19 vs. Auburn @ Kyle Field (College Station) Sat, Oct 26 vs. Vanderbilt @ Kyle Field (College Station)

SoccerFri, Oct 11 vs. Arkansas @ Ellis Field (College Station) 8:00 p.m. Fri, Oct 18 vs. Alabama @ Tuscaloosa, AL. 7:00 p.m. Sun, Oct 20 vs. Georgia @ Athens, GA. 2:00 p.m. Fri, Oct 25 vs. Ole Miss @ Ellis Field (College Station) 8:00 p.m. Sun, Oct 27 vs. Florida @ Gainesville, FL. 2:00 p.m. Thu, Oct 31 vs. LSU @ Ellis Field (College Station) 7:00 p.m.

VolleyballFri, Oct 11 vs. Mississippi State @ Reed Arena (College Station) 6:00 p.m. Fri, Oct 18 vs. Alabama @ Tuscaloosa, AL. 7:00 p.m. Sun, Oct 20 vs. Auburn @ Auburn, AL. 2:00 p.m. Fri, Oct 25 vs. Arkansas @ Reed Arena (College Station) 6:00 p.m. Sun, Oct 27 vs. Missouri @ Reed Arena (College Station) 1:30 p.m.

October Aggie Athletics Highlights

More information at: aggieathletics.com

4

Midterm GradesUpcoming Events

Each semester, midterm grades are reported for students who have completed less than a total of 30 credit hours. This semester, midterm grades become available October 14th. It should be noted midterm grades are simply a type of progress report and do not go on your student’s permanent record.

Although the university does not mail out midterm grades, they do provide an option for parents to receive access to their student’s class schedule, grades, and verification of enrollment online. In order for you to access this information your student will need to grant you permission

by setting up a parent password, which can be done at https://howdy.tamu.edu. After your student signs into the HOWDY PORTAL with his or her NetID and password, they click on the MyRecord tab. Have them locate the Parent/Guardian Access window and click on the “+” sign to expand the selection next to “Academic Record”. There will be an information section displayed where they can grant you access to view these materials.

To preserve account integrity, Texas A&M Information Technology locks NetID accounts when suspicious activity, such as concurrent logins, is detected. Concurrent logins are a sign of account compromise and indicate that multiple people are using the same account. Sharing passwords can cause concurrent logins, and is against the Rules for Responsible Computing(http://rules-saps.tamu.edu/PDFs/29.01.99.M2.pdf). More detailed instructions can be found at: http://howdy.tamu.edu/Inside/parentAccounts/.

Keep in mind that college level course work can be much more difficult than what your student experienced in high school, and a previously “straight-A student” can struggle while making the academic transition.

If your student is an upperclassmen and not receiving a formal midterm report via Howdy, this is still a great time to check in with them to see how their semester is going. Encourage your students to discuss their academics with you. Ask them questions about their courses that cannot be answered by a simple “yes” or “no”, instead ask them to talk to you about what they are learning. You might be surprised how much your student wants to share with you about their favorite course!

When discussing grades with your student, it is important to keep in mind that your student’s academic performance is unique to his or her personal experience. Each student has their own particular way of studying, learning, and retaining knowledge, which may or may not resemble that of others.

Midterms

5

Academic SupportOn Campus Resources

If your student’s grades do not seem to reflect their academic ability, you might want to discuss their study habits and maybe even remind them of services on campus designed to help students improve their academic proficiency. A resource available to your student is Peer Academic Services located in the YMCA Building. Peer Academic Services offers a variety of programs and services such as Supplemental Instruction (SI) and tutoring. These services are free of charge to Texas A&M students and available for traditionally difficult core curriculum courses. To find out more information about Peer Academic Services visit, http://pas.tamu.edu/.

Academic Success CenterEach Aggie is different, so programs are designed to identify and address individual needs.

Initial Assessment An online learning skills assessment will get students on the right track.

Scholastic Performance ManagementScholastic performance specialists (Academic Coaches) will meet with each student and develop an action plan. When needed, students will be referred to academic support services such as supplemental instruction (SI), tutoring, or the University Writing Center, as well as student resources such as the Student Counseling Service.

Academic CoachingAcademic Coaches work with individuals to help them realize their action plans and chart their progress.

ProgramsThe Center specialists provide workshops, non-credit classes, and other events to get students information they need to succeed. Students learn about topics such as time management, test prep, study skills, and more. All of the Center’s services are provided at no additional cost to students.

What The Academic Success Center Does:A truly great university provides the means for its students to graduate in a reasonable amount of time and without a mountain of debt. The Academic Success Center’s mission is to help all Aggies enhance their academic performance. The Academic Success Center is a collaboration between Academic Affairs and Student Affairs. The Center’s holistic approach helps students identify roadblocks to academic success and ensures that all students have access to comprehensive resources.

Students admitted to Texas A&M are among the best in Texas, the United States, and the world. Still, talented students sometimes find college-level academics challenging and stressful. The Academic Success Center strives to help each student achieve the highest possible academic potential.

For more information about the Academic Success Center visit, http://us.tamu.edu/academic-success-center.

Academic Success Center and Peer

Academic Services

YMCA Building

Tel. (979)458-4900 (Academic Success)

Tel. (979) 845-2724 (Peer Academic Services)

[email protected]

[email protected]

Peer Academic Services

6

Beyond Cookie Dough

Giving to Texas A&M student organizations fuels passion and builds leaders.

The month of October is generally accompanied by great weather, fall festivities and catalogues filled with cookie dough and wrapping paper. Fundraising for middle school and high school extracurricular activities was much simpler back then. It was easy to purchase two tubs of chocolate chip cookie dough and four rolls of snowmen-adorned wrapping paper and say that you’ve done your part by donating.

Now your child is attending one of the best universities in the nation. Your child is an Aggie!

Texas A&M is a university that prides itself on giving students the “other education” of leadership, selfless service, excellence, integrity, loyalty and respect beyond a classroom setting.

Although the days of sifting through catalogues or buying a dozen chocolate bars are gone, you can still support your child’s involvement by donating a gift of any size through the Texas A&M Foundation. The Foundation is a private nonprofit organization that solicits and manages investments in academic and leadership programs at Texas A&M. You can direct a charitable gift of any size to the student organization in which your child is involved. The Foundation even accepts online credit card gifts. By giving through the Foundation, you can be assured that your gift, however large or small, will directly benefit your child’s passions and interests, and will assist other Aggies now and in the future.

There are numerous ways to give and countless Texas A&M student organizations, from the Big Event to Women’s Rugby, academic clubs and hospitality committees. If you would like to discuss your options, Cindy Munson ’99 is here to help. As the Foundation’s director of development for Student Affairs, Cindy’s job is to help parents and former students navigate the decision-making process of giving to student organizations.

Munson resides in Bryan, Texas, with her husband and their three girls. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in education administration in 2003. She worked for six years as campus programs coordinator at The Association of Former Students, and has been with the Foundation for five years. Not only has she witnessed firsthand the impact of supporting Texas A&M student organizations, she has experienced it. During her time as a student, she was involved in the Aggie Orientation Leader Program, Fish Camp, Class Councils and Student Government Association.

The Division of Student Affairs gives students the opportunity to get involved and give back through organizations like Class Councils, Fish Camp, Parents’ Weekend Committee, one of the 15 Freshmen Leadership Organizations, Greek Life, the MSC, multicultural student associations and thousands more. Through student activities, Aggies strengthen their core values, hone leadership skills and forge lifelong friendships. These activities would not be possible without the support of generous individuals, companies and organizations.

To learn more, contact:Cindy Munson ’99(979) [email protected]

Texas A&M FoundationGiving

7

2013 Family CalendarWe 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.

Announcements Information and Reminders

Missing Your Student?It has been a few weeks since your student has left for Aggieland, and there is still some time to go before they have time off for Thanksgiving and Winter Break. We know that students love receiving mail. Consider mailing your student a fall care package to help them get through the semester, and let them know you are thinking about them.

Need ideas? Here are a few suggestions for things to include in packages: favorite foods from home, snacks for studying, gift cards to their favorite restaurant or coffee shop in College Station, fall-themed decorations, a note of encouragement, interesting clippings or cartoons from their home town newspaper, printed photos, etc.

Information for Corps FamiliesIf your student is in the Corps of Cadets, there are plenty of ways to get information about what is happening in the Corps. The Commandant sends out a weekly newsletter, which you can register for on their website. This newsletter covers gameday information, upcoming events, and other campus resources.

Also, it may be helpful to visit the Corps website http://corps.tamu.edu and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/aggiecorps for information about life in the Corps.

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