Aggie Quick Connection

What’s Inside:

March 2013

The month of March means warm weather is returning to Aggieland and the campus is buzzing with excitement of student body elections, Spring Break, The Big Event, Parents’ Weekend, and much more! We hope this newsletter will provide you with insight about all the great activities and resources on campus and remember to visit the Aggie Family web site (http://parents.tamu.edu/) for additional updates and helpful resources.

As always, please feel free to contact the Office of New Student and Family Programs at (979) 845-5826, or aggiefamilies@tamu.edu if you have any questions.

Thanks and Gig ’Em!

Howdy!

Did You Know?There is an Aggie Families Facebook Page! Like our page at: https://www.facebook.com/AggieParentsAndFamily to receive campus information, and connect with other Aggie Families.

We asked... “What do you do to support your student while they are away from home?”

Phone CallsTexts

Facebook Messages/Emails

Care Packages

Send Baked Goods

Visit Aggieland!

Expert Aggie Families said...

Page 2-3: Spring Break Tips

Page 4: Health and Wellness

Page 5: Campus Happenings

Page 6: Academic Success Center

Page 7: ATMentors

Page 8: Important Dates

Spring Break Tips

2Aggie Quick Connection March 2013

Travel and Safety

It is important to all of us your student returns to Aggieland safely. Websites such as www.safespringbreak.org are a great resource of safety tips for students as they travel. Some of these safety tips include:

• If your student is planning to drive, make sure they wear their seatbelt and share the driving responsibilities.

• When staying in a hotel, it is imperative your student use the safe (if provided) in the room to store all valuables. Always keep doors and windows locked and the shades drawn closed.

• Get cash before leaving! Students should always have some cash on them in case of emergencies on the road.

• If students will be drinking alcohol, make sure to remind them to pace their drinking and also drink plenty of water. According to a University of Wisconsin study, 75 percent of college males and 43 percent of females reported being intoxicated on a daily basis during spring break. It is important to educate your student about the dangers this poses and to drink responsibly.

• Wear sunscreen! Encourage your student to wear at least SPF 15 and reapply often.

Safety

Spring Break is a time when many students leave the Bryan/College Station (BCS) area and forget to safely secure their belongings. Remind your student not to leave valuables sitting out and to close all window blinds/curtains so you cannot see into their room. Also, they need to lock all doors and windows before leaving for the week. If no one will be home during the week, encourage them to adjust the air conditioner appropriately so they do not incur high electric bills.

With Spring Break right around the corner, it is important to make sure your student is prepared for the week away from Aggieland. We hope these tips will help spark conversations with your student regarding their Spring Break plans so they can have fun and return to Aggieland safely!

It can be very easy for students to head off to spring break without thoroughly planning their trip. Make sure to touch base with them to reaffirm their travel plans, hotel accommodations, and food for the week. Have them provide you contact information of other persons in their party and the number of any resort/hotel they will be staying at.

Safe Spring Break Week Events

Travel Tips:

Lock it up!

Aggie Quick Connection March 2013 32Aggie Quick Connection March 2013

Spring Break TipsContinued

Spring Break SafetyWith Spring Break 2013 a week away, the Office of Alcohol and Drug Education Programs would like to remind parents and students of a few important facts. While Spring Break can be a time for rest and fun, it can also a time when many students drink in excess, have their homes burglarized or suffer some form of physical assault. Be sure to talk with your students about following some general guidelines in order to protect themselves and their personal property this spring break.

If consuming alcohol remember these helpful tips: 1. Eat a meal high in protein before drinking.2. Set a limit on the number of drinks you consume.3. Drink no more than one standard drink per hour.4. Drink water in between drinks.5. Drink within the limits of the law.

Before posting on social media about their spring break plans, students should be cautious. Facebook can be a great way to stay in touch with friends but can sometimes do more harm than good. Encourage your student to think about some of the following before posting:

1. Disable the location tracker on Facebook, Twitter and other apps. People may use this information in order to break into homes or cars while students are away.

2. Know that posts are public information and posts can be used as evidence.

3. Before you post, think “Would I want a parent or current/potential employer to find this?”

4. Be wary of adding strangers; once accepted, they have access to a lot more information than you may have told them.

5. A picture is worth a thousand words. Choose what you upload wisely, and get permission from those in the pic.

Safe Spring Break Week Events

If you have concerns or questions please contact: Alcohol and Drug Education Programs (ADEP) at 979.845.0280 or adep@tamu.edu

Monday, March 4: Breakfast Grab-N-Go Kick OffTrigon Bus Stop 9 am - 11:30 am

Tuesday March 5: Safe Spring Break Resource FairRudder Plaza 11 am - 2 pm

Wednesday March 6: “Sex in the Dark” (aggiereach.tamu.edu/programs ) Krueger Hall 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

All events will have great prizes, food and giveaways!!!!

Safe Spring Break is an annual week of programming focused on encouraging fun, responsible, and safe decisions for spring break activities.

Proceed with Caution: Using Social Media

4Aggie Quick Connection March 2013

Health and WellnessStudent Resources

March is National Nutrition Month, and this year, we’re celebrating with the theme “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day!” This semester, Student Health Services bringing students new and exciting events to promote a healthier life-style! Be sure to check out shs.tamu.edu/events for more information!

March 5 – Dine with the Dietitian 11:30am-1pm, Sbisa

March 5 – Room Service: Be Your Own Top Chef! 7pm, Commons

March 7 – Dine with the Dietitian4-5pm, Rec Center

March 19 – My Plate: Cooking Mushrooms the Healthy Way 6-7pm, Kleberg Rm. 31

March 20 – Healthy Living Lecture 5:30-6:30pm, Rec Center

March 20, 21, 27, 28 – Mushroom Council: Grocery Store ToursTimes Vary, HEB (Holleman&Texas)

March 26-29 – Mushroom Mania Recipe Contest TBD, Sbisa

The HelpLine is an important A&M service that many current students know little about. The HelpLine is a telephone service providing peer support, information and referrals, and crisis intervention for the Texas A&M community. It is available for any current students (or those concerned about a student) from 4pm-8am weekdays and 24 hours a day on weekends and maintains hours during the summer too. Volunteers who answer the HelpLine are trained and supervised by the Student Counseling Service (scs.tamu.edu). The Helpline number is 979-845-2700 and is found on the back of every Texas A&M ID card.

Many of today’s students spend a significant amount of time communicating with others using social media. Sometimes it is quicker and easier to send someone a message via text, Twitter, or Facebook. For those times when your student feels they need to make contact with someone and talk it out verbally, they can call the HelpLine. Talking it out with someone who is neutral and not intimately involved in the situation can really help. HelpLiners will not judge and are happy to listen to concerns. The HelpLine takes all types of calls – if you can think of it, they’ve more than likely handled it.

The HelpLine welcomes, appreciates, and respects everyone. Students can call after class, in the middle of the night, or on the way home from work. They can call when they’re feeling depressed, frustrated with a roommate, or going through a breakup. They can call if they’re worried about a test or have no clue what to do after graduation. No matter what the time, what the issue, or who you are, the HelpLine is there. Call at 979-845-2700.

Student Counseling Help Line

Nutrition Month

Aggie Quick Connection March 2013 54Aggie Quick Connection March 2013

Campus HappeningsSpecial Events

In 1982, Joe Nussbaum, then Vice President of the Student Government Association at Texas A&M University, started The Big Event as a way for students to say “Thank You” to the surrounding community. Nussbaum envisioned a one-day service project where residents of Bryan and College Station would be shown appreciation for their continued support of Texas A&M University students during their college careers. Mr. Nussbaum viewed The Big Event as a means for students to show their gratitude by completing various tasks at area residents’ homes. Joe believed that it was the least the students could do to give one big thanks to their community on one big day each year.

Today The Big Event accomplishes Nussbaum’s vision and provides the students of Texas A&M with that opportunity to say “Thank You.” In 2012, over 15,600; students volunteered to complete almost 1,500 jobs, performing tasks that range from painting, to yard work and cleaning. Already the largest one-day, student-run service project in the nation, The Big Event has expanded to 75 other schools across the nation. In 2009, President Obama presented the Point of Light award to The Big Event recognizing the work and participation of people making extraordinary differences.

The Big Event is one of the fastest growing traditions at Texas A&M and directly reflects the core value of Selfless Service. To learn more about The Big Event visit http://bigevent.tamu.edu/

Big Event

Forsyth Gallery

The Big Event will be on March 23rd, 2013!

Have you seen the Forsyth’s new website, located at http://forsyth.tamu.edu. We’ve recently updated it to reflect our new exhibition: OPAS: 40 Seasons! Be sure to come by and see this free exhibition Tuesday through Friday, 9 am to 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday Noon until 6 pm. And while you’re on the website, click “Sign Up” to add your name to our online database so we can keep you informed about upcoming events and programming.

Aggie Quick Connection March 2013

Academic Success CenterCampus Resources

Overview

6

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.

Each 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-creditclasses, 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 They Do

The Academic Success Center

200 YMCA Building

Tel. 979.458.4900

http://us.tamu.edu/academic-success-

center

SuccessCenter@tamu.edu

Aggie Quick Connection March 2013

Campus Resources

Aggie Quick Connection March 2013 76

ATMentorsSupport Resources

What are ATMentors?

ATMentorsT E X A S A & M U N I V E R S I T Y

Having

trouble in class?

Find a faculty or staff mentor!

You choose the mentor.

You choose how many times you want to talk.

You choose the topic.

Confused about

your major or career?

Struggling with a

personal challenge?

979. 845. 5826

atmentors@tamu.edu

atmentors.tamu.edu

Use our online matching process to find an ATMentor today!!

The easiest and most convenient way for students to find an ATMentor is to use our online system at atmentors.tamu.edu/findamentor . Students provide basic information about what they’re interested in talking about and get a list of faculty/staff mentors who want to help! ATMentors have offices all over campus. To help students readily identify them, Mentors display ATMentor plaques on their doors.

What do ATMentors do?• Mentors advise students in their area of experience and competence.• Mentors stay informed about current TAMU services so they can act as effective referral sources to students whose problems are outside the Mentor’s expertise.• Mentors provide a caring, nonjudgmental ear when a student just needs to talk.• Mentors provide a smile, a helping hand, and eagerness to serve as stepping stones instead of stumbling blocks – these are the nuts and bolts of Mentoring. (The ATMentors program does not attempt to replace or substitute for the programs provided by departmental advisers, the Student Counseling Service, and the many other valuable student services available at TAMU. On the contrary, Mentors work hand-in-hand with all of these services, helping students to locate and use them.)

ATMentors is an organization of faculty, staff, and administrators who volunteer extra office hours to make themselves available to students who need any type of assistance; academic, social, or simply a listening ear. We have over 200 current mentors in almost every department on campus.

Why was ATMentors created?The ATMentors Program was established in 1979, when the University was undergoing tremendous growth. At that time, a small group of concerned faculty noticed a fast-growing campus was leaving some students feeling isolated and overwhelmed. They organized to form ATMentors, and today Mentors continue to assist by listening and helping each student feel part of the Aggie community.

Why have a mentor?There are many reasons to find a mentor: from getting course advice to working out a personal crisis. No matter what the issue good or bad, ATMentors are always there to listen. ATMentors is a mentorship program designed to operate on "your own terms." Students and their mentor can determine how often they meet, whether they have set meetings, or if they just drop in from time to time. Students get out of the relationship what they put into it.

How do I get a mentor?

Important DatesMarch 2013

Do you know other membersof the Aggie Family who mightwant to receive this newsletter?

Please feel free to forward it tothem, or tell them how to sign upfor the listserv.

Visit: http://parents.tamu.edu/listserv for instructions to subscribe/unsubscribe

March 4: Mid-semester grades due.March 11-15: Spring Break.March 15: Faculty and Staff holiday. University Closed.March 29: Reading day, no classes.

Academic Calendar:March 2013

Save the Date! Parents’ Weekend 2013, April 12-14Parents’ Weekend is fast approaching. If you have not yet booked a hotel for the weekend, you should do so now! See http://www.visitaggieland.com/ for information on local accommodations.

For Corps of Cadets parents who have attended in the past, please note Pass In Review now takes place on Friday evening, not Sunday morning. Information on Corps events can be found here: http://corps.tamu.edu/Texas-AM-Corps-of-Cadets-News/parents-weekend-activi-ties.html.

The April Quick Connection will include full details of events happening during Parents’ Weekend. The schedule will also be available at http://parentsweek-end.tamu.edu/.

Aggie Athletics

March 5 vs. Prairie View A&M, 6:35 p.m. March 12 vs. Houston Baptist, 6:35 p.m. March 15 vs. Georgia, 6:35 p.m. March 16 vs. Georgia, 2:05 p.m. March 17 vs. Georgia, 1:05 p.m. March 19 vs. Dallas Baptist, 6:35 p.m. March 26 vs. UT Arlington, 6:35 p.m.

Baseball

March 15 vs. Arkansas, 7:00 p.m. March 16 vs. Arkansas, 4:00 p.m. March 17 vs. Arkansas, 12:00 p.m. March 26 vs. Texas State, 6:30 p.m. March 29 vs. Alabama, 7:00 p.m. March 30 vs. Alabama, 4:00 p.m. March 31 vs. Alabama, 12:00p.m.

Softball

March 8 vs. Vanderbilt, 6:00 p.m. March 10 vs. Kentucky, 1:00 p.m. March 10 vs. Prairie View A&M, 5:00 p.m. March 13 vs. Virginia, 6:00 p.m. March 15 vs. LSU, 6:00 p.m. March 17 vs. Arkansas, 1:00 p.m.

Men’s Tennis

March 1 vs. South Carolina, 5:00 p.m. March 3 vs. Florida, 12:00 p.m. March 13 vs. Virginia, 6:00 p.m. March 29 vs. Tennessee, 6:00 p.m. March 31 vs. Georgia, 11:00 a.m.

Women’s Tennis

March 1 vs. Auburn, 9:00 a.m. March 8 vs. Georgia, 10:00 a.m.

Equestrian

Spring is an exciting time for Aggie Athletics!Check out the following home games in March.More information at: AggieAthletics.com.

8

Silver Taps: March 5Silver Taps is a final tribute paid to an Aggie who, at the time of their death, was enrolled in courses at Texas A&M. It is held at 10:30 pm on the first Tuesday of the month in 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:

Stephen Patrick Byrne- ArchitectureKirsten Allison Salerno- Counseling Psychology