Parent Newsletter May 2007
Dr. Dawn Remmers, Director, University Advising and Student Success, University of Texas at Arlington
This issue of the Parent e-Newsletter will bring to a close the inaugural “year” for this communique. The staff will take the months of June and July off to gather information on new and informative topics to bring to you during the 2007-2008 school year.
This issue brings some information I hope will be helpful as your student makes decisions on what he or she may be doing during the summer months. Will he or she be working? Don’t miss the Career Corner telling your student how to find an on-campus job this summer.
This issue also addresses an area of concern we received from parents after the shootings on the Virginia Tech campus. As parents, you never stop worrying about your students and at UT-Arlington, we share that concern with you. Please take a moment to read the response from UT-Arlington Chief of Police Bob Hayes.
Be sure to look for the August edition of the Parent e-Newsletter highlighting all the news for the upcoming term. Have a good summer and I look forward to seeing your students when they return to “Maverick Country!”
by Janette Keen, Associate Director, University Advising Center, University of Texas at Arlington
Making the Summer School Decision
Is your student thinking about taking summer classes? There are a number of misconceptions about summer courseload: “if the classes are shorter, they are easier…right?” or “I’ll be able to graduate in 3 years if I go to summer school”, so BE CAREFUL. Your student should consider the following pros and cons when making that tough summer school decision.
Pros
- Catch up on college credits (allows you to take fewer hours during the longer fall and spring terms)
- Might be able to get into popular classes
- Keeps your mind active during the summer
- Smaller class size
Cons
- Easy to fall behind – condensed classes mean that one missed class equals 3 in a regular term
- Missed opportunity for earning money from summer jobs
- Missed opportunity for earning non-salaried internship and community service experiences
- No break from the school year grind
Other summer school Do’s and Don’ts
- Do take time to enjoy the brief break between Spring and Summer classes
- Do put your coursework first and reward yourself with an entertaining activity
- Do turn summer course intensity into your favor: you only have to focus on the topic for a few weeks
- Do arrange your classes so that you only come to campus once a day if possible
- Don’t take too many classes at once or combine too many classes with a full time job
- Don’t take excessively difficult classes
- Don’t forget to enjoy the summer
Source: www.ehow.com search for summer school; http://collegeuniversity.suite101.com www.jobweb.com/resources/library/Parents
Police Accreditation
Campus Safety and Security
A Message from the UT Arlington Police Department -
In the days and weeks after the tragedy at Virginia Tech, universities across the country have been evaluating their internal system for emergency response. At UT Arlington, although we have sophisticated systems already in place to maximize the safety of every member of our community, we continue to explore methods of improving our security and emergency response procedures.
In the event of an emergency – whether an act of violence such as that which occurred at Virginia Tech or a natural disaster (extreme weather, pandemic) – UT Arlington has crisis response plans. These plans are the same as those practiced by most, if not all, police agencies. In the event of an act of violence, the deployment strategy is referred to as an “Active Shooter” response and is formulated to address the special conditions associated with such a situation. As you know, in order to prevent the possibility of compromising our strategic response to such a situation, we are unable to state specific procedures or tactics associated with our response plan. Let us assure you, however, that all of our police officers are licensed by the state of Texas, have been trained in Active Shooter response tactics, and are prepared to take the necessary action to neutralize a threat to our community members. In addition, through a mutual aid agreement with the City of Arlington’s Police Department, aid would be provided in the form of Special Operations Personnel once summoned by our department.
You’ve likely already heard about UT Arlington’s campus-wide pubic address system, sophisticated surveillance capabilities, and a night-time campus escort service. We’ve also increased the number of officers and guards on our police force and provide on-going educational programs for students, faculty and staff. Our best defense is a strong offense, and we strive to provide every member of our community with the information they need to minimize the occurrence of emergency situations.
We are continuously examining our own emergency response procedures and attempting to find ways of improving in this area to provide the safest campus environment possible. In fact, the University of Texas at Arlington has a Crisis Management Committee that is responsible for developing internal procedures and training personnel as necessary in emergency response. There is also a Campus Security Task Force committee that is represented by a cross-section of our university personnel who are dedicated to improving safety and security, as well as quality of life.
Bob Hayes
Chief of Police, UT Arlington Police Department
To learn more about the UT-Arlington Police Department visit their website www.uta.edu/police.
by Lynne Von Roeder, M.Ed., Academic Advisor, University of Texas at Arlington
How To Use Your Summer To Beef Up Your Resume, Cover Letter, and Your Life!!
Many times students and parents view summer as a time to work and save money with the intent to defray college costs. However, it can also be a great time for students to build the community service area of their resume.
The first thing to know is that the community service portion of a college resume only consists of service performed during the college years, not in high school. This section is important on a resume because it adds such a rich dimension to the overall goal of your students presenting themselves as well-rounded individuals to potential employers.
While students may have performed one-time service projects during the year, employers are more impressed with long term relationships. This shows commitment and many times, leadership; it may also demonstrate teamwork.
Employers are interested in academics but also want to hire someone who is going to contribute to their corporate mission and vision, and that is much more than just academics.
Community service opportunities abound. I always suggest to students that they choose organizations that center around their interests. For instance, if you love animals, a pet rescue organization is ideal; if a family member or close friend has cancer, the American Cancer Society or Susan G. Komen Foundation might be the perfect fit.
You can find a complete listing of volunteer opportunities in North Texas at Volunteer North Texas. If you live outside of North Texas, you can also find opportunities at Volunteer Match, Network for Good , or the USA Freedom Corps.
In closing, remember what Danny Thomas, noted comedian and founder of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital said, “Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others.”
On-Campus Student Employment Office
~ Parents – Pass this information to your students if they are looking for an on-campus job this summer ~
The On-Campus Student Employment Office is responsible for assisting students with finding an on-campus job through the Students Needing A Part-time Job (SNAP Job) system. There are a variety of jobs offered to both work-study and non work-study students, including but not limited to: office assistants, computer assistants, lab assistants, resident assistants, tutors, and many more. Most of the jobs have flexible work schedules and average 19 hours per week.
All non-academic jobs are advertised online and require an online resume-based application. Students can register with the SNAP Job system at www.uta.edu/snapjob and can create up to four different versions of their resume and letter of interest which they can use to apply for various jobs. In addition, students can create job-agents to receive email notifications when a new job that meets their preset criteria is posted in the system.
The SNAP Job staff is available to assist students with preparing their resume and letter of interest, as well as to provide interviewing tips and assistance with the online application. Students may contact our office via email at snapjob@uta.edu or by phone at (817) 272-3463 or come in person to our computer lab located at 140 West Mitchell St., B200. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
by Liz Hannabas, Coordinator of Advisor Outreach, University of Texas at Arlington
BJ Gunn
If you stop by BJ Gunn’s office and he’s not there it’s not because he’s running late; it’s more likely he’s out recruiting, marketing or representing the University of Texas at Arlington.
As part of Student Success Programs the last four years, BJ serves as the Learning Communities Coordinator. Associate Director of Student Success, Angel Manos-Taylor says BJ’s contributions are invaluable, “BJ’s dedication to the continued development and improvement of our Maverick Scholar’s program is unparalleled. In the four-years he’s worked for Student Success Programs he remains dedicated to ensuring the growth of our learning communities program; he has an incredible sense of customer service and I continually get pulled aside by students who tell me how helpful BJ is in getting them settled into their Freshmen Interest Group, getting their housing taken care of, or helping them register for their FIG courses.”
Being a Coordinator means BJ wears many hats and there are many in his closet: departmental representative for all University Recruitment events including college nights, high school counselor breakfasts, and Preview Days. He’s also the official liason to the University Housing office and gathers data for program improvements.
And, “striving for excellence and dedicating yourself to improving the world around you”, that’s BJ’s description of an ideal Maverick and that’s OUR description of BJ. Congratulations on being this month’s Maverick of the Month!
ALL Incoming Freshman must attend Orientation!
If your student has been accepted to UT Arlington and plans to attend school this Fall, he or she MUST attend an orientation session this summer. Please click HERE to register.
Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis, so make your reservations early.
You’re Invited!
Parents and Families are encouraged to attend the Parent’s Orientation programs offered during your student’s summer orientation. UT Arlington Parents Initiative will be announcing exciting news in the weeks to come; make sure you sign up for the newsletter and provide an email for upcoming events.
The University of Texas at Arlington would also like to invite Parents, Guardians, and Families to catch the excitement of Parents Weekend the 26th – 27th of October. For additional information, please contact Casey Gonzales at 817-272-2128, or email parentsweekend@uta.edu.
Friday, May 4th is the last day of Spring classes at UT-Arlington. Finals begin May 5th and continue through the 11th. Grades will post May 18th.
As you begin to make summer plans, plan ahead and know when your student needs to be back on campus and ready to hit the books!
FALL 2007
Registration for Fall Semester for current and former students begins June 04; all students may register beginning June 28
- First day of classes – August 27
- Late registration – August 27-31
- Labor Day (holiday) – September 3
- Census date – September 12
- Midsemester – October 19
Current and former student registration begins
for Winter Session & Spring Semester October 29
- Last day to drop courses – November 2
Winter Session & Spring registration begins for
all students November 19
- Thanksgiving holidays – November 22 – 25
- Last day of classes – December 7
- Final exams – December 8, 10-14
For Winter Session and Spring and Summer 2008 schedules click here
Want to find it all in one spot? Click on the full calendar link and you’ll find both the academic and featured events combined.