FRESH NEWSNEWSLETTER FOR THE CLASS OF 2015

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The Office of New Student Programs hopes you’ve enjoyed your first-year so far at Texas A&M University! The rest of your time here in Aggieland is sure to lead you to new friends, big decisions, and exciting opportunities. We only hope that Aggieland already feels like home.

This newsletter is designed as a resource for the Class of 2015! In this newsletter, you can find information about utilizing campus resources, finding off-campus events, resources, preparing for finals, and even transitioning to spring semester. We hope you enjoy this issue! Thanks and Gig ‘Em!

howdy.

get amped.Amplify is a collaborative, campus-wide effort to help freshman, sophomore, and transfer Aggies gain skills and become aware of resources to help students overcome challenges in Aggieland and to make the most of the Texas A&M experience.

To help you identify Amplify programs that will meet your needs, the workshops and programs offered are divided into 6 programmatic themes: Academic Engagement/Success Strategies, Health & Wellness, Civic Engagement & Leadership, Global Awareness & Diversity, Financial & Debt Management, and Life Skills & Personal Development.

For more information and to register for these different workshops, visit:

http://amplify.tamu.edu.

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Aggieland Happenings. Wondering what there is to do in Aggieland? Not sure when A&M has a holiday? There are several calendars to help you find out what is coming up in Aggieland.

http://allucalendar.tamu.edu/MasterCalendar/Visit this calendar to view academic, campus life, community interest, performing & fine arts, and sports & recreation dates and events.

All Campus Calendar

Student Activities Calendar http://studentactivities.tamu.edu/articles/getinvolved

http://www.visitaggieland.com/What-s-Happening

Visit this calendar to view all department-sponsored events, sign up for training seminars, and so much more.

Visit this calendar to view Bryan-College Station events, celebrations, festivals, and athletic contests. Get connected with the community and city!

Bryan/College Station Calendar

Important Dates.

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Date Event TitleNovember 4 Last day to drop a Course with NO

penalty; Last day to officially withdraw from the University.

November 18 Bonfire 1999 Remembrance DayNovember 17- December 6 Spring 2012 preregistration beginsNovember 24 and 25 Thanksgiving BreakDecember 6 Last day of classesDecember 7 - December 8 Reading Day -- No classesDecember 9, 12-14 Final Exams

Spring SemesterJanuary 13 Last day to register for Spring classesJanuary 16 MLK Day -- No ClassesJanuary 17 First Day of Spring SemesterMarch 12-16 Spring Break. Whoop!

The fall semester is underway and there are a couple of dates to remember for the rest of the semester:

need a mentor?There are many reasons to find a mentor-- ranging from getting course advice to working out a personal crisis. No matter what the issue is, ATMentors are always there to listen.

Mentors can advise you in their area of experience and competence. Mentors stay informed about current TAMU services so they can act as effective referral sources for you. Mentors provide a caring, nonjudgmental ear when you just need to talk. Mentors provide a smile, a helping hand, and an eagerness to serve as stepping stones instead of stumbling blocks.

To find a mentor visit:http://atmentors.tamu.edu/findamentor

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Even though it seems like classes just began, it is never too early to look at your final exam schedule. Finals will be held on December 9, 12-14, 2011. Double check your class syllabi with the schedule below to see when your finals will be held.

To view the 2011 Final Examination Schedule on the Registrar’s Web site, visit:

http://registrar.tamu.edu//General/FinalSchedule.aspx#_Fall_2011

finals.

need study tips?Find a quiet place to study.

On campus, Evans Library and the Library Annex both offer quiet study spaces. Specifically, the Annex is open 24/5 with reservable spaces for general and group study throughout the building. Off campus, check out the many coffee shops available in the BCS area; options include Starbucks, Muldoon’s, Sweet Eugene’s, and MugWalls.

Make a study schedule and stick to it. The semester can easily slip away from you. With all of the extracurricular activities at Texas A&M it is easy to get distracted. Make a study schedule so that you are dedicated to keeping academics first! Use a planner or a scheduling device to assist you.

Review reading and notes. Go to all of your classes and commit to reviewing notes at the end of each week. This will help prepare you for your exams, quizzes, and papers ahead of time, instead of cramming it all in during one study session. Cramming will only hurt you in the end!

As you transition, there are many challenges that you’ll encounter. Studying for college exams is likely one of those differences. Good study habits are now essential. Note-taking, test preparation, and time management skills are important. Here are a few tips to help you with that transition:

For more information and resources on academic success visit the Student Counseling Service website at: http://www.scs.tamu.edu/

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Staying Healthy In College

visit the rec center. Regular trips to the Rec Center will definitely help keep you active! Afraid you don’t have time?

The Rec is open EVERY DAY!Check out their fall and spring hours:Monday-Thursday: 6am to midnightFriday: 6am to 11pmSaturday: 8am to 11pmSunday: noon to midnight

*Facility hours are subject to change during holidays, special events and other breaks.

The most current information can be found on our website at: http://recsports.tamu.edu/

The Rec Center offers:Indoor Rock Climbing Wall * Indoor

Basketball * Badminton Courts * Cardiovascular area with over 60

machines * Indoor Volleyball Courts * Weight Room with over 160 Pieces of

Strength Training Equipment * Outdoor Basketball Courts * Outdoor Resort Pool *

Indoor Soccer Courts * Indoor Natatorium* Time-Out Deli with Food and Smoothies...

AND MORE!

tips to stay healthy in college...1. Eat Smart. Pizza and Sbisa cookies are fine occasionally, but they shouldn’t be the staple of your diet.

2. Drink Plenty of Fluids. It will help you avoid dehydration and adjust to the humidity if you’re not used to it.

3. Get Plenty of Sleep. Sleep deprivation can weaken your immune system.

4. Workout. Going to the Rec Center can be a good way to stay in shape and also serve as a stress reliever.

5. Wash Your Hands Frequently. Handwashing can prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.

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What if..First-Year Frequently Asked Questions

What if my roommate and I are having issues? Fighting doesn’t solve anything. Have an honest conversation with your roommate. Set some ground rules, know each other’s limitations. If you are unsure about talking to your roommate one-on-one and live on campus, bring in your Resident Advisor (RA). RAs are knowledgeable about roommate conflicts. Also, see if your RA has a copy of the Living Agreement. The Living Agreement is a document that both you and your roommate fill out once you move in. For more information, check out http://reslife.tamu.edu/aboutus/resed/. If you live off campus, visit Adult, Graduate, & Off Campus Student Services Office in Cain Hall C-114 or check out http://studentlife.tamu.edu/agoss. They provide many resources and advice on working with your roommate.

Before you change your major, make an appointment with your academic advisor to talk about your decision. Make sure you know what kind of course load to expect in your new desired major. Plan a visit to your desired major’s office and have a talk with an advisor to make sure that this is the major you can handle. You may also want to visit the career center in Koldus 209 to get information about potential career options or visit their website at http://careercenter.tamu.edu.

Take a step back and reassess your study strategies. There could be another, more effective approach to learn the material. Remember, the way you study for one class will not always work for all of your classes. Visit the Student Counseling Service (SCS) or check out one of their many Amplify workshops. SCS offers different learning skills services that can help you become a more effective test-taker. They also have programs that will analyze your areas of study skill development and then assign you to various workshops, counseling sessions and other resources that are appropriate to YOU! For more information, visit http://scs.tamu.edu.

What if I do not like my major?

What if I studied all the material and still performed poorly?

Student Counseling Service provides short-term counseling and crisis intervention services to the largest number of students possible within the limits of its resources. Their goal is to help students achieve as much as possible while at Texas A&M. SCS can be reached at 845-4427 during office hours to schedule a visit.

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Get Involved.There are many reasons for you to get involved while you are at Texas A&M. Involvement can help challenge you in ways you never before imagined. For example, joining one of the more than 800 student organizations on campus could be what starts you on a journey to mature personally, culturally, socially, spiritually and academically.

Being involved at Texas A&M simply means being engaged with campus or the surrounding community. That engagement can occur in a number of ways, such as joining an organization, holding a job, or serving the community.

No matter how you choose to become engaged, there are many benefits to being involved. Involvement can help you to:

• Learn leadership skills• Maximize your natural strengths and abilities• Learn time management skills• Develop public speaking abilities• Create relationships with others• Practice professional writing

With so many opportunities and benefits to being involved, things can get a little overwhelming. Luckily, there are some great resources, such as OrgMatch and OrgSearch, available at http://getinvolved.tamu.edu. If you don’t know what organization you are interested in, take the OrgMatch Questionnaire at http://studentactivities.tamu.edu. OrgMatch offers you the chance to input your own interests and then produces a list of organizations on campus that may be the right fit for you. OrgSearch allows you to browse all of the recognized student organizations by title or category.