Parent e-Newsletter April 2011
Dr. Dawn Remmers, Executive Director, University College, University of Texas at Arlington
Summer and Fall registration began this month. If your students are ready to register for classes, remind them to see an advisor in their major department and to come prepared to discuss course selections. Also, Final Exams are less than a month away and it is important for students to begin preparing by talking with their professor and their classmates, organizing their notes, developing a study plan and creating study groups now in order to prevent those "all-nighters".
The deadline to file taxes was just last week, and that may have been a necessary step in order to secure Financial Aid for your student. April's Topic of the Month is a letter to students and their families from the Executive Director of the Office of Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Veteran's Affairs regarding the current effects of proposed budget changes on financial aid packages for students at UT Arlington and other Texas colleges and universities.
As always, parent input provides us with valuable information, and we appreciate your time and thoughts. If there is a topic you'd like to know more about or if you're looking for more information, please email Alisha Tysor in the University Advising Center with your comments or questions at tysor@uta.edu.
By Karen Krause, Executive Director, Office of Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Veteran's Affairs, UT Arlington
Texas colleges and universities and those across the nation are currently in a dilemma as we approach the timeframe for awarding students’ financial aid for the 2011-2012 year. We understand that you and your families need to know what financial aid resources will be available to you as you make your plans for the upcoming year. The University of Texas at Arlington has traditionally notified students of their financial aid awards beginning in late March. This year, however, it will be more challenging to make financial aid award information available to you in the normal time frame.
We are in the midst of significant changes at both the federal and state levels as legislative bodies respond to calls for significant cuts in programs at all levels of government. As a result, decisions are currently being made about funding levels for Federal Pell Grants, TEXAS Grants, Texas B-On-Time Loans as well as other programs.
It is important that you file the 2011-2012 Free Application for Federal Student Aid as early as possible this spring if you have not already done so. The form is available at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. We also encourage you to investigate all potential sources of funds to pay for college. There is information concerning all available financial aid programs and there are links to private scholarship opportunities listed on our web site, www.uta.edu/fao. You may also view information concerning installment payment options offered by the UT Arlington Office of Financial Services at http://www.uta.edu/uta/tuition.php.
UT Arlington has been a leader in providing resources to help our students afford a quality college education. We remain committed to your success as a student and will do all we can to provide you resources to help you earn your college degree. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid at fao@uta.edu or by calling (817) 272-3561 if you have questions.
by Alisha Tysor, Academic Advisor, University Advising Center, University of Texas at Arlington
Jennifer Luken, Director of Student Support Services, University of Texas at Arlington
Jennifer Luken is a graduate of UT Arlington and has worked here since her first semester as an undergraduate back in Fall 2001. She is a product of the TRIO Programs and knows first hand the benefit of the services she now directs. Her tenure here at UT Arlington started as a Work Study and Outreach Advisor/Bridge Coordinator with the TRIO Pre-college Programs, to Resident Assistant at Brazos House, to Counseling Specialist III & Coordinator II with TRIO - Student Support Services, and now to her current role as Director of Student Support Services.
As the Director for the Student Support Services Program, housed in University College, Mrs. Luken oversees much of the Program’s day-to-day operations. In addition to supervising, managing, and organizing the Program’s various services; she also advises a small number of participants. Student Support Services (SSS) is a component of the Federal Trio programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education. SSS provides eligible students with opportunities for academic development and serves to motivate students toward successful completion of their undergraduate college experience. SSS offers a variety of services such as, guidance counseling and advising, tutoring, and an array of seminars, workshops, and cultural events. Mrs. Luken states that "One of the favorite things I enjoy about my job is meeting with each of my students and helping them navigate their way through UT Arlington." In addition, she loves to attend recruiting events which helps promote her program.
In addition to developing and implementing serveral new programming initiatives for SSS, Mrs. Luken has also played the main role in the creation and vision for the UT Arlington Financial Resource Center (FRC). The FRC has partnered with the non-profit, consumer education organization Money Management International to provide financial literacy programs and private financial counseling to all UT Arlington students, staff, faculty, and alumni. Mrs. Luken explains that she is "excited to see it grow over the next year."
When asked about her ideal Maverick, Mrs. Luken says "A UTA Maverick is someone who takes on challenges and overcomes adversity to accomplish their goals and achieve their dreams. As a Maverick, you take on a different approach to achieving your personal success. When you’re a Maverick – there is no “one size fits all”. Sometimes it is about finding your own way and customizing the path that works best for you. Since I began working for the University full-time, I have met many Mavericks over the years and each one has demonstrated a unique quality that makes them a great UT Arlington Maverick." It is quite apparent that Jennifer Luken is a committed Maverick to the University and through her service to the campus and our students her impact will be long-lasting and will positively affect many lives. Congratulations on being chosen for the April Maverick of the Month!
by Cheri Butler, MA, LPC, NCCC, MCC, Associate Director, Career Services, University of Texas at Arlington
The Career Center
When students receive financial aid there is a lot of pressure to perform. Most aid packages have strict requirements for maintaining eligibility and students must maintain a fairly high GPA. When a student finds him/herself struggling with academics it is sometimes related to the fact that their chosen course of study/major path is not a good fit for him/her. UTA’s Career Center can help your student with a tool called MyPlan. This valuable online package can assist the student by stepping them through a series of four assessments that explore personality style, interests, skills and values. The composite results will suggest possible matches of occupations and majors for the student. Meeting with a career consultant to discuss the results can help the student choose a major/path more closely suited to him/her, thus making it possible to keep their grades and that financial aid! If you would like to learn more about MyPlan, contact The Career Center at 817-272-2932, careers@uta.edu, or a University Advising Center advisor at 817-272-3140, uac@uta.edu.
UT Arlington License Plate
The state of Texas is soon going to have a Maverick new license plate option - The University of Texas at Arlington! The UT Arlington plate is the perfect way for alumni, students, families, staff, faculty, and fans to show their affiliation and pride in their University. Plates will be available for purchase on May 2, 2011, but anyone interested in the program can sign up TODAY to receive an advance email notification as soon as the plates are available. (By signing up for the advance notification, there is no obligation to purchase.)
Don't miss out on the launch of UT Arlington's new Texas license plate! Visit this website today, check out the plate design, and sign up for your exclusive email advance notice:
http://www.myplates.com/register/uta
Clearing The Air On Campus
Starting August 1, 2011, The University of Texas at Arlington will be a tobacco-free campus.
In order to provide students, faculty, staff, and visitors with a healthy, welcoming learning environment, the University will begin prohibiting the use of all tobacco products—including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco—on campus property at all times. Violators will be subject to penalties detailed in the tobacco-free policy.
For more information visit http://www.uta.edu/tobaccofree/.
Get your tickets for UT Arlington Night at the Ballpark
Tickets are still available for UT Arlington Night at the Ballpark when the Texas Rangers play the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, April 25.
Wear your Maverick blue, and come for the pre-game fun featuring the UT Arlington color guard, performance of the national anthem, first pitch, and special appearance by Blaze. Game time is 7:05 p.m.
Discount tickets can be reserved at texasrangers.com/uta. Use the password rangers.
Working On Campus
The SNAP Job Office assists 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 students who have work-study from Financial Aid and those who do not. Jobs include but are 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 student jobs are advertised online and require an online resume-based application. Students can register with the SNAP Job system at www.uta.edu/hr/careers 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 the SNAP Job office via email at snapjob@uta.edu or by phone at (817) 272-3463 or come in person to the SNAP Job office and computer lab located at 140 West Mitchell St., B200. The SNAP Job office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
April 4 Registration begins for Summer and Fall 2011 Terms
May 6 Last Day of Spring 2011 classes.
May 7- 13 Final Exams
Important Dates to Remember
Important Dates Beyond the Spring Term
Is your student looking for some fun activities? Student Affairs keeps its calendar busy with events all semester long. Check out all of their events on the Student Affairs calendar.