Trinity University Parent Guide 2017 - Engagement

THE ENGAGEMENT ISSUE

PARENT

WELCOME

Welcome to the Engagement issue of the Trinity University Parent Guide!

I’m excited to welcome you into our Trinity network, where parents, students, alumni, faculty, and staff create a warm community that resonates on our campus and extends to the world around us. Together, we promote and cultivate learning, development, and success in our students.

I’m looking forward to partnering with you to help your Tiger succeed at Trinity. With a student-first philosophy, we recognize the integral role you play in your child’s life and pair that with the transition your student is about to make from adolescence to adulthood. We prefer to communicate and work directly with students as much as possible so they learn to manage their own problems and affairs. I’d give you the same advice; help your students think critically and form plans, but allow them to take action on their issues.

I encourage you to stay connected to campus in whatever way you feel most comfortable.

2

PARENT GUIDE

Throughout this issue of the Trinity University Parent Guide, you’ll see personalized ways to get involved with Trinity, from events like Fall Family Weekend to volunteer programs like Parent Council, a committee I lead that promotes a sense of community and philanthropy among Trinity parents. Browse this issue and choose the ways you’d like to make an impact at the University.

I’m excited to watch your students grow and to form relationships with you, their families.

I am happy to answer any questions you might have regarding parent engagement with Trinity.

Warm regards, and welcome to Trinity!

Aliza Holzman-Cantu ’92, ’94 Director of Parent Giving and Engagement aholzman@trinity.edu

Above: Aliza helps first-year Tigers move into their new homes on Move-in Day.

SUMMARY

Get Connected

Follow campus life

Connect with other Trinity parents FACEBOOK: Join the ‘TU Parents’ group EMAIL: Look for the TrinitE Parent and Family email newsletter PARENT PERSPECTIVE BLOG: Read the blog written for Trinity parents, by Trinity parents: tuparentperspective.blogspot.com WEBSITE: Visit Trinity’s parent webpage at gotu.us/parents DEAN OF STUDENTS BLOG: Check it out at trinitydean.blogspot.com

Watch live events on campus, including lectures and home athletic games, at live.trinity.edu.

Download the TU Life mobile app to check academic and financial information, view campus event information, explore the campus map, and much more.

Make sure you’re receiving the communication you need.

Send updated parent contact information to aholzman@trinity.edu.

AU G U S T

18-20 FRI-SUN

Parent and Family Orientation O CTO B E R

6-8 FRI-SUN

Keep up with campus /TrinityUniversity

Mark Your Calendars!

Fall Family Weekend Trinity_U

@TrinityU

gotu.us/parents

3

EVENTS

Summer Send Offs JULY 8 - AUG. 9 Mingle with alumni, returning and incoming students, and their families. This year, Summer Send Offs will be held in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, San Francisco Bay Area, and the greater Los Angeles area to welcome your families into the Trinity community. Visit gotu.us/summersendoffs for more information.

4

New International Parent and Family Orientation AUG. 19 While some New International Student Orientation activities Aug. 16-18 are open to parents, sessions and events on Aug. 19 are uniquely tailored to meet the immediate needs of international parents. For more information, visit gotu.us/1re8o.

PARENT GUIDE

Parent and Family Orientation AUG. 18-20 Beginning the afternoon of Movein Day, immerse yourself in the Trinity experience with information sessions, a Welcome Picnic, expert panels, and other helpful activities. One of the highlights is the Academic Convocation, where you’ll watch your student officially matriculate into Trinity. Parent and Family Orientation is free of charge and requires no prior registration.

Visit gotu.us/eqdtw for a full schedule and more information.

TALK-ABOUT LIST at Parent and Family Orientation

Student-Parent Conversations We encourage you to help prepare your students for this new life stage by cultivating conversations this summer about a wide range of topics, including: safety, health, alcohol, sex, living with a roommate, your parentchild relationship, finances, academics, campus involvement, social media and online activity, responsible citizenship, and career exploration. Find the full list of suggested conversations online at gotu.us/TalkAboutList.

Community Lunches AUG. 19 New students and families from the international, African American, and first-generation and/or Pell Grant communities can meet each other at complimentary lunches. RSVP at bit.ly/CommunityLunches (case sensitive).

Tissues and Tasters AUG. 20 Cap off Parent and Family Orientation at this casual brunch hosted by the Trinity University Parent Council and Parent Ambassadors. RSVP at gotu.us/ow7fr.

Fall Family Weekend OCT. 6-8 Reconnect with your Tiger over this weekend-long event, which includes a parent tailgate at a Trinity football game and a happy hour at Tycoon Flats, a favorite off-campus student hangout. No prior registration is required. For a full schedule, visit gotu.us/cfm1g.

gotu.us/parents

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ENGAGEMENT

Parent Engagement Programs Get involved through our Parent Ambassador, Parent Council, and Parent Giving programs.

Parent Ambassadors Trinity Parent Ambassadors foster a community of knowledgeable and welcoming experts during the recruitment process. This volunteer program puts parents front and center with prospective students and their families, helping Trinity continue to enroll talented and diverse classes. Volunteer opportunities include: Interviews: While prospective students are interviewing with Admissions staff members, you can mingle with families in the waiting area and help parents feel more comfortable by sharing your own Trinity experience and educating them about the University.

Summer Calling Campaigns: You may contact the parents of enrolled incoming students in the summer, usually from your own local area, before they arrive on campus to give them a big Tiger welcome into our community and share any advice gained from your own Trinity parent years.

Parent Panels: During campus visit programs, sit on a panel of current students, staff members, and/or parents to tell prospective students and their families about your Trinity experience.

For more information about being a Parent Ambassador, visit gotu.us/buoi3.

Receptions: You can volunteer to host or attend a Trinity-sponsored event that helps prospective or incoming students and their families meet alumni and current students and families.

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PARENT GUIDE

Parent Council The Parent Council is made up of current and alumni parents who help create a sense of community for their peers through a variety of engagement opportunities that immerse parents in the richness of the Trinity experience.

Members support the University by volunteering their time and making an annual gift to a fund of their choice. The different committees, and some of the volunteer opportunities found on each one, are listed below.

Admissions and Outreach Committee n Call or write to parents of admitted students, welcoming them to Trinity. n Greet and mingle with families at on-or-offcampus recruitment events, such as Family Weekends or events hosted in your home.

Career Services Committee n Participate in career preparation programs and initiatives. n Share employment, internship, and job shadowing opportunities offered through your company.

Philanthropy and Giving Committee n Help with parent campaigns, including thanking parents for their contributions and providing insight on giving motivation. n Assist with parent donor receptions.

Athletics Committee n Engage with parents of student-athletes while promoting attendance at sporting events. n Assist with parent tailgates during Family Weekends.

Diversity and Inclusion Committee n Advise Parent Council and parent programs staff on issues related to diversity and campus climate. n Consult with other committees to ensure all members of the Trinity parent community are included in outreach efforts.

For more information about Parent Council, visit gotu.us/ugwk9.

Parent Giving Programs Contributions of any amount make a significant and immediate impact on the educational experience of students.

Parents Fund n A gift of any size will support the University’s greatest priorities, from scholarships to recruiting top faculty to hosting service learning projects.

Trinity University Parent Associate ○n A leadership gift ($1,000 or more) made annually enriches the student experience through scholarships and support of the Trinity Fund or any other designated University fund. Parent Associate benefits include reserved seating at the Flora Cameron Lecture and an invitation to the President’s Dinner.

Designated Gifts n A gift of any size can be designated for any particular use, including specific sports programs or currently endowed funds.

For more information about Parent Giving programs, visit gotu.us/4ie5b.

To learn more about parent engagement opportunities, visit gotu.us/hnqyk.

gotu.us/parents

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CALENDAR

Important Dates 2017 Fall Semester M AY

JUNE

MONDAY

THURSDAY

New Student Information form due*

Housing and Academic Interest forms due*

15 5

1

AU G U S T

SATURDAY

Fall semester tuition payment due

15

1

J U LY

SATURDAY

7

FRIDAY

Final high school Student-Athlete transcript due* Medical Packet due Health Record form due*

16

Deadlines highlighted in blue

14

J U LY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

TUESDAY

Fall semester statement and bill available online

Housing assignments distributed

Educational Loan paperwork completed

19

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

AUG 15-22 Placement exams due

Move-in Day for Move-in Day New International International Parent and Family “Campus Clarity: Students Orientation

Think About It” AUG 16-19 course due New International AUG 18-20 Student Parent and Orientation Family Orientation

SATURDAY

AUG 18-22 New Student Orientation

S E P T.

O CTO B E R

O CTO B E R

MONDAY

FRIDAY

FRIDAY

Labor Day offices closed, residence halls open, no class

OCT 6-8 Fall Family Weekend

4

6

6

8

20 FRIDAY

WEDNESDAY

OCT 13-15 Alumni Weekend

Class Recess offices open, residence halls open, no class

NOV 22-24 Thanksgiving holiday - offices closed, residence halls open, no class

14

16

WEDNESDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

DEC 6-7 Reading days

DEC 8-14 Final exams

Spring semester statement and bill available online

Residence halls close at noon

8

N OV.

13

DECEMBER

PARENT GUIDE

(students must leave within 24 hours of their last final)

1

FRIDAY

AU G U S T

18

15

AU G U S T

22

AU G U S T

23 30

WEDNESDAY

Classes begin

WEDNESDAY

Last day to submit Student Health Insurance Plan waiver*

Last day to submit Tuition Refund Plan waiver

Important Dates 2018 Spring Semester JA N UA RY

5

7

JA N UA RY

1O

15

Deadlines highlighted in blue

10

MARCH

FRIDAY

SUNDAY

WEDNESDAY

MONDAY

SATURDAY

Spring semester tuition payment due

Residence halls open at noon

Classes begin

MLK holiday offices closed, residence halls open, no class

MAR 10-18 Spring Break offices open, residence halls open, no class

6

APRIL

30

2

M AY

FRIDAY

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

APR 6-8 Spring Family Showcase

APR 30- MAY 1 Reading days

MAY 2-8 Final exams

10

THURSDAY Residence halls close at noon

(students must leave within 24 hours of their last final)

30 FRIDAY

Good Friday offices closed, residence halls open, no class

You’ll always find updated academic calendars on the Registrar’s website at gotu.us/ixwbu. * Form or information available on the Applicant Status Page. Students have used this online page for the application process.

Explanation of Student Deadlines MAY 15 New Student Information form: This form should have been submitted when students submitted their deposits. If not, they should log into the Applicant Status Page and complete the form.

JUNE 1 Housing and Academic Interest forms: These forms must be filled out through the Applicant Status Page. Students will not receive their housing and roommate assignments without the completion of these forms.

JULY 1 Final high school transcript: Students must submit an official final copy of their high school transcript to the Office of Admissions.

JULY 1 Health Record form: Students must submit a Health Record to Health Services that includes a recent physical exam, immunization records, and tuberculosis screening. This form is available on the Applicant Status Page and at gotu.us/i74xx.

AUG. 18 “Campus Clarity: Think About It” course: During New Student Orientation, students will attend a session on sexual assault and bystander action. The sexual assault program is supplemented with the online course “Campus Clarity: Think About It” that students must complete before they move onto campus. This online course will be emailed to students and also provides links to Trinity’s sexual assault policy and web page.

AUG. 15-22 Placement exams: Students will need to take some or all of the academic placement exams to ensure they are enrolled in the correct level of coursework. Most exams are available online and must be completed by mid-August; language placement exams will be taken on campus during New Student Orientation. Deadlines differ for each exam.

See more information at gotu.us/nso.

JULY 7 Student-Athlete Medical Packet: All student-athletes must complete this packet, as well as the Health Record form. Talk to the coach of your sport for more information.

JULY 10 - AUG. 30 Student Health Insurance Plan waiver: Students have the option of remaining on family health insurance or receiving coverage through Trinity. Students must submit this form to indicate whether they are waiving or enrolling in University health insurance. Find the form at trinity.myahpcare.com/waiver.

AUG. 1 Educational Loan paperwork: If students or parents plan to use loan funds to address student account charges, all loan paperwork should be completed and loan funds secured for disbursement.

JULY 10 - AUG. 30 Tuition Refund Plan waiver: Semester charges will include an elective tuition reimbursement insurance. Students may decline the coverage by completing an online waiver at tuitionprotection.com/TU.

AUG. 5 Fall semester tuition payment: Semester E-Bill statements will be available in mid-July and include tuition and other semester charges.

Payment can be made through the Student Account Suite at payonline.trinity.edu. gotu.us/parents

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TIGER TERMS ACADEMIC ADVISERS: These faculty meet with students prior to registration each semester and guide students through academic problems. All of Trinity’s academic advisers are full-time members of the Trinity faculty and represent every department on campus.

ACADEMIC CONVOCATION FOR NEW STUDENTS: The President of the University, alongside faculty and staff, welcomes students into Trinity with an official matriculation.

ACADEMIC HONOR CODE: This pledge displays students’ commitment to academic integrity and honesty. In addition to signing a pledge to the Honor Code at the Academic Convocation, students pledge the Honor Code on each of their assignments.

APPLICANT STATUS PAGE: This online portal was used by students for the application process and is the hub for many of the forms first-year students will access before Move-in Day. BONUS BUCKS: Part of the student meal plan, Bonus Bucks can be spent at any retail campus cafe, restaurant, convenience store, the RFoC Mabee Dining Hall, and the Skyline Room. This money is separate from the semester meal allowances, rolls over from the fall semester to the spring semester, and any remaining balance is forfeited at the end of the spring semester.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING: This part of the Trinity education encompasses any activity in which students are actively engaged in their education inside or outside of the classroom, such as undergraduate research opportunities, volunteer experiences, internships, study abroad, and more.

FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE (FYE): The cornerstone of Trinity’s Pathways curriculum, this course must be taken by all incoming students during their first semester at the University. Trinity enrolls students into a section based on their preferences from the Housing and Academic Interest forms.

NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION AND PARENT AND FAMILY ORIENTATION: Following International Student Move-in on the same day, international students and their parents will participate in sessions and events that address their immediate needs and assist them with adjusting to new campus culture in the United States.

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NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION (NSO) AND PARENT AND FAMILY ORIENTATION (PFO): Beginning on Move-in Day, incoming students and their families will immerse themselves in the Trinity experience with information sessions, a Welcome Picnic, expert panels, and other activities. NSO is mandatory and runs through Aug. 22, while PFO is not mandatory, but strongly encouraged, and takes place Aug. 18-20.

PARENT AMBASSADORS: This volunteer program is aligned with the Office of Admissions to utilize parents in helping recruit prospective Trinity students and their families.

PARENT COUNCIL: Parent Council members create a welcoming community environment for new and returning Trinity parents and enhance the University experience for all students by working with career development, hosting and attending parent events, and demonstrating philanthropy.

PATHWAYS: Trinity’s educational curriculum, Pathways consists of six requirements that provide a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences for all bachelor’s degrees awarded by the University.

READING DAYS: Usually the two days before final exams begin, these designated study days give students time to prepare for exams without classes held or assignments due.

RESIDENCE HALL: Trinity is known for having “dorms like palaces.” Students must live on campus for three years in residence halls.

RESIDENT ASSISTANT: Resident assistants live in residence halls and sponsor activities to help students meet one another, guide students through advising and registration, and provide personal and academic support.

PARENT GUIDE

RESIDENTIAL LIFE COORDINATOR: These full-time professional staff members live in residence hall apartments and supervise student resident assistants. Reach out to residential life coordinators, not resident assistants, for questions and concerns related to residence halls.

STUDENT ACCOUNT SUITE: This is Trinity’s online payment system that allows students and authorized users to view statements, pay online, and set up a payment profile for E-Refunds.

TIGER BUCKS: Tiger Bucks are funds held on students’ Tiger Cards. Students can use these funds at any point-of-sale (POS) device on campus, including dining facilities, bookstore, print shop and printer kiosks, campus vending, campus laundry, parking permits, Health Services, departmental fees, and at participating off-campus merchants.

TIGER CARD: Trinity’s ID card, the Tiger Card grants access into campus facilities, including most residence hall rooms, and contains the funds used for meal plan points, Bonus Bucks, and Tiger Bucks.

TIGERPAWS: Students use this web interface to search for and register for classes, view grades, GPAs, and transcripts, and log hours and view employment documents if they work on campus.

TLEARN: Students utilize this learning management system to access specific materials, such as syllabi, articles, and assignments, for their classes. Some courses will also offer a grade book feature, which can be found on TLEARN.

CAMPUS D E V IN E ROA D

E A ST HIL D EBRA N D AVEN U E

D E V IN E ROA D

G

Halsell Center

City Vista

F

EAST

Coates Library

455

EAST

H IL D E BRAND E AS T ROS EWO O DA VAV NU E E NE U E

Chapman Center

STA D IUM D R IV E SHOOK AV E N UE

RuthTaylor Fine Arts Center Dicke Art

The Center for the Sciences and Innovation

139

OAKMO NT CO U RT D R IV E

106STA D IU M

130

138

146

150

Magic Stones

Marrs McLean

Richardson Communication Center Stieren Theater

E

Smith Music

A TR IN IT

Y PLA C

BUS H NELL AV E NU E

Health Services

H EI D I CI R CLE

Susanna Wesley North DO

Alamo Stadium Visitor Parking

TE

Murchison

Witt Reception

MC

First Year Residence Halls

U

T

AL

WN

LIS

T

TO

WN

FR ER AI

EE

RP

WA

OR

Y

T

Herndon

ST

IVE

AD

DR

Mabee Dining Hall

S

M

Trinity Baseball Field

IU

OR Pitman RP A I Courts Tennis

DO

Witt-Winn

Outdoor Swimming

Isabel AY EW RE McFarlin RF

Miller

P

AD

LIS

T

Coates University Center

Coates Esplanade

ST

AL South MC

WN

M

Calvert Al G. Hill Jr. Tennis Stadium

Heidi McFarlin Lounge

N OW

E M D R IV

Fiesta Room

Storch Memorial

Myrtle McFarlin

STA D IU

E

Bookstore Alamo Stadium Visitor Parking

E

Ruth Taylor Recital Hall

Northrup Hall Admissions

Murchison Tower

Y PLA CE

RuthTaylor Fine Arts Center Dicke Art

Ruth Taylor Theater

Miller Fountain

Parker Chapel

Holt Center

AV E N U

Laurie Auditorium

151

M

Ruth Taylor Recital Hall

IU

Beze

M DR

Thomas

IVE

DR

IV

E

Bell Athletic Center

Verna McLean ST

AD

O

M

Trinity Football and Track & Field Stadium

IU

Lightner

Facility Services Butch Newman Tennis Center Intramural Field

PR

Trinity University 210-999-7011 Admissions Office 1-800-TRINITY University Police 210-999-7000 IN

CE

SS

K ING S CO U RT

CAMPUS MAP

538 University Police

Softball

Jesse H. Jones Recreation Area

Alumni Relations & Development

Meadows Pavillion

PA

Z

SS

Buildings Streets & Parking Visitor Parking (Lot Letter) Sidewalks & Terraces EAS T M UL BERRY AVENU E Campus Directory Athletic Facilities Emergency Phone

Paul McGinlay Soccer Field

E A ST MU LBERRY AVEN U E

CAMPUS MAP Trinity University 210-999-7011 Admissions Office 1-800-TRINITY University Police 210-999-7000 STADI UM DRIVE

Prassel Garage

M CA LLIS T E R FR E E W AY

Mabry Pavilion

LEDGE LAN E

STADIU M DRIV E

SHOOK AV ENUE

Prassel

STADIU M DRIV E

T R IN IT

119

BRAND

B Trinity University Press

115

H IL D E

Jogging Trail

STA D IUM D R IV E

N ORTH

Buildings Streets & Parking Visitor Parking (Lot Letter) Sidewalks & Terraces Campus Directory Athletic Facilities Emergency Phone

gotu.us/parents

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CONTACT US

Campus Resources Academic Affairs academicaffairs@trinity.edu or 210-999-8201

Mail Center postal@trinity.edu or 210-999-7220

Student Involvement getinvolved@trinity.edu or 210-999-7547

Academic Support sdavidso@trinity.edu or 210-999-8247

New Student Orientation getinvolved@trinity.edu or 210-999-7547

Student Life vpsl@trinity.edu or 210-999-8203

Admissions admissions@trinity.edu or 210-999-7275

Registrar roffice@trinity.edu or 210-999-7201

Study Abroad Office studyabroad@trinity.edu or 210-999-7313

Career Services careerservices@trinity.edu or 210-999-8321

Residential Life reslife@trinity.edu or 210-999-7219

Technology Help Desk helpdesk@trinity.edu or 210-999-7409

Counseling Services gneal@trinity.edu or 210-999-7411

Spiritual Life snickle@trinity.edu or 210-999-7341

Tiger Card Office TigerCardOffice@trinity.edu or 210-999-7825

Dean of Students Office deanofstudents@trinity.edu or 210-999-8843

Student Accessibility Services sas@trinity.edu or 210-999-7411

Health Services healthservices@trinity.edu or 210-999-8111

Student Employment humanresources@trinity.edu or 210-999-7507

Trinity University Police Department Non-emergency (24-hr): 210-999-7070 Emergency: 210-999-7000

International Students and Scholars isss@trinity.edu or 210-999-7313

Student Financial Services (Financial Aid / Student Accounts) studentfinancialservices@trinity.edu or 210-999-8898

Wellness Services khewitt@trinity.edu or 210-999-7411