Parent Newsletter February 2007
Dr. Dawn Remmers, Director, University Advising and Student Success, University of Texas at Arlington
The success of UT-Arlington students is a top priority. There is an adage that says, (and I’m paraphrasing somewhat), a product is only as good as the company that supports it.
This semester, the University is piloting a program for all Freshman students who ended their first semester on probation or academic warning. The class, aptly called PASS (Potential for Academic Success Seminar), has been available in the past to any probationary student; however, this semester, twelve sections were created specifically for Freshman students.
The class is an 8-week program which focuses on academic success by using a program called StrengthsQuest. It helps the student identify their strengths and at the same time, identify weaknesses that can be overcome by applying their learned strengths.
The commitment to student success is a daily endeavor. This institution is dedicated to its product – the student. If your student is involved in PASS this semester, I encourage you to talk with him or her about the skill sets being learned and how they plan to use these new values to achieve future academic success.
Spring Break Alternative 
Even though it’s only February, your student may be looking ahead and getting ready for Spring Break. He may be talking about getting away with some friends for a sun-filled vacation.
You might help investigate travel and lodging availability and costs, entertainment options, etc. Or, you might have your student look into an alternative Spring Break offered by UTA Volunteers.
Roxann Lopez, a UTA Volunteer Member says Alternative Break is a chance to travel and gain a different experience from the traditional break. Students get the opportunity to travel, engage in new experiences and meet new people. The experience will provide memories for years to come and forge friendships that may last a lifetime.
Other UTA Volunteer members who have attended previous Alternative Break trips say the trips allowed them to learn new things about themselves as well as feel great about helping other people.
This year, UTA Volunteers will have two Alternative Spring Break trips. March 11-17 students can go to Tahlequah, OK to work with Habitat for Humanity for a cost of $100. This fee includes meals, transportation, and lodging. Students will be building affordable residential communities and exploring Native American history with visits to the Trail of Tears and the Cherokee Heritage Center.
The second trip is to Catalina Island, CA. While there, students will be working with an environmental group creating hiking trails, working with organic gardens, and participating in activities such as snorkeling and kayaking. The fee for this trip is $250 and includes meals, airfare, activities, and lodging.
UT-Arlington Staff Advisors will accompany students on these trips. More information is available at www.uta.edu/volunteer.
Finally, encourage your student to find out what needs to be done if they plan to leave the country; effective January 23rd, 2007, the Department of State requires all people flying between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda to a have valid U.S. passports to re-enter the country.
UT ARLINGTON TO GIVE FREE TUITION TO THOSE MAKING $25,000 OR LESS
The University of Texas at Arlington has announced a new financial aid package that will guarantee free tuition for undergraduate Texas residents with a family income of $25,000 or less. For more financial aid information, visit the UT Arlington Office of Financial Aid Web site for more information.
by Liz Hannabas, Coordinator of Advisor Outreach, University of Texas at Arlington
Mardie Sorensen, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs
When you’ve worked at a University for 25 years, chances are you’ve gotten to know, and worked with many students.
As Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Mardie Sorensen has the daily pleasure of working with students who are involved in Student Activities, the Leadership Center, Greek Life and University Events. Sorensen says her experience with these students and the day-to-day responsibilities are always creating “new challenges and opportunities.”
Mardie is also co-instructor of EDUC 2330. She refers to this task as a “great opportunity to work directly with a great group of student leaders.” The class, a 3-hour elective, teaches student leader effectiveness training; it identifies the philosophy and theories of leadership, leadership styles, and contemporary leadership issues for any student who desires to pursue their leadership education.
Over the years, Mardie has received recognition from many of her student organizations. She has also been honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the North Texas Leadership Consortium for service done on behalf of UT-Arlington.
Mardie hopes her involvement with the student body at UT-Arlington has had as much an impact on their lives as they have on hers. As she assists in the leadership of guiding UT-Arlington students to their goals, she emulates her own definition of a Maverick – one who believes in the purpose and the mission of this institution – assuming a leadership role in guiding students on their personal journey.
Mardie’s “leading by example” captures the spirit the Office of University Advising and Student Success also strives for; Congratulations Mardie Sorensen – you are February’s Maverick of the Month!
Actor/Comedian Ben Stein will be a featured speaker at UT-Arlington’s Homecoming this month. Read more about Stein and all of the 2007 Homecoming events by clicking here.
HAPPY VALENTINES!
Hear stories about the “Constellation of Love” at UT-Arlington’s Planetarium showing of “Romancing the Stars.” Click here for showtimes.
For other events going on around campus and important academic dates please click on one of the links below.
To find it all in one spot, click on the full calendar link and you’ll find both the academic and featured events combined.