ParentsGuideSUMMER 2020

Texas A&M University - Corpus ChristiStudent Engagement and Success

WelcomeIslander

Families

While nothing about this year is “normal,” we are here as always, to assist you and your student in making the transition to college as smooth as possible. Here on the Islander Launch parents portal, you will learn many helpful tips, and nuggets of wisdom. This pamphlet is designed to gather some of those bits of information in one place for you. We have hyperlinked all of the websites so that you can explore areas of interest to you and your student in further depth on your own.

Your Islander’s job in this transition time is to embrace the new beginnings as they navigate their way through their college journey. Your job is to coach them through that journey. We are here to support both your student and you through this time of change and at times… uncertainty.

The Division of Student Engagement and Success is home to many of the student services and activities that will help your Islander connect to the TAMU-CC campus and gain skills outside the classroom that will aid in their goal upon graduation… Getting the job!

Within our departments, your Islander will find the offices of:

Housing Recreational Sports

Student Conduct & Community Standards University Center

Student Activities

Career Services Dean of Students Disability Services Engagement Initiatives

University Counseling Center University Health Center

These offices are here to assist your student on their path to graduation.

Please know that we are here to offer advice, answer questions about TAMU-CC, and help you guide your student as they become actively engaged in their new home here at the Island University. Feel free to reach out to us via email or on social media if you have questions. To stay connected, we encourage you to visit the campus when you are able and perhaps take in a campus speaker, performance, sporting event, or celebration. In any case, be sure to stay in touch with your student — email, text, hand-written notes, and other reminders — to let them know that you are there to support them. We are here to support your student and you as a parent or family member, and we look forward to meeting you at move in.

Congratulations on helping your student to this point. We know you are proud of them and all they have accomplished. We are honored they have chosen to become Islanders here at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi!

Sincerely,Dr. Don D. AlbrechtVice President for Student Engagement and Success

Campus ResourcesDisability Services coordinates services and accommodations designed to meet the unique educational needs of enrolled students with documented permanent or temporary disabilities. For information on accommodations visit: disabilityservices.tamucc.edu

The University Health Center is dedicated to the total well-being of your student. The Health Center treats acute injuries and illness and provides general health exams. They also offer vaccinations and screenings. There is a 24 “Ask a Nurse” phone line available for consultation. Encourage your student to visit the University Health Center or visit healthcenter.tamucc.edu

Career Services offers a variety of tools to help throughout your Islander’s journey. Students can utilize self-assessment tools to identify strengths and interests. Career Services can also help students get part-time jobs, develop their resume, prepare for interviews, attend career fairs, and connect to employers for on- and off-campus jobs and internships. Visit them at: career-services.tamucc.edu

The University Counseling Center is another resource available to support your student’s well-being and develop life skills. Students can talk to a counselor in a confidential setting regarding a range of topics. Free workshops and group sessions are also available. Topics include: overcoming procrastination, stress management, communication, and healthy relationship building. For a full list of services, visit: counseling.tamucc.edu

Engagement Initiatives creates unique oppotunities to help students succeed. The office strives to educate students to make healthy choices regarding substance use and to create an inclusive campus environment with where every Islander feels safe, accepted, and respected no matter their personal identities or beliefs. ei.tamucc.edu

Student Life: Going to class and studying tops every college student’s (and parent’s) priority list. However, there is much more to an Islander education than just labs and lectures. TAMU-CC offers over a hundred recognized student organizations, an active fraternity & sorority community, club sports, intramurals, volunteer

and leadership opportunities, and much more. Employers say that they want college graduates who can communicate well, think critically, work in a team, and display leadership characteristics. Campus activities allow students the chance to develop these sought after skills. Encourage your student to explore their interests, try new things, meet new people and to get the most out of college! Find out more at iengage.tamucc.eduuniversitycenter.tamucc.edustudentactivities.tamucc.edurecsports.tamucc.edu

I-CARE: College can be a stressfultime for students and can, attimes, have an impact on astudent’s academic performance.Some examples of students whomight benefit from I-CARE supportinclude those struggling withdepression, suicidal thoughtsor actions, thoughts of harmingothers, repeated classroomdisruption, and those exhibitingsigns of an eating disorder orthreatening behavior. I-CARE canconnect students to resources andhelp students get back on track.For more information or to refer astudent, visiticare.tamucc.edu

Keep in Touch!Monthly Parent’s e-newsletter with info on campus life and tips for parents.

To subscribe, email: seas@tamucc.eduSubject line: Parent’s Newsletter

2020-2021 Important Dates

August:18-19 Move in days: Res. Halls 18 / Apartments 19

18-20 Aloha Days (Early move in on 17x+)20 First Wave/ First Year Convocation24 Fall classes begin31 Last day to register or add a class

September:7 Labor Day Holiday - Campus Closed

November:6 Last day to drop a class25 Reading day - no classes26-27 Thanksgiving Holiday - Campus Closed

December:1 Last day to withdraw from University2 Last day of classes 3 Reading Day4-10 Fall final exams12 Fall Commencement

January:18 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday - Closed 19 Spring classes begin 26 Last day to register or add a class

March:8-12 Spring Break

April: 9 Last day to drop a class

May: 4 Last day to withdraw from University5 Last day of classes 6 Reading Day7-13 Spring final exams15 Spring Commencement

For a detailed academic calendar, visit:tamucc.edu/academics/calendar

Class Attendance: Regular attendance in class can be directly tied to your student’s success. There are many distractions, and at times students don’t see the need to go to class. Faculty set their own attendance policies. Some faculty will not take attendance, while others will deduct points for absences. Students should refer to their course syllabus for information on attendance policies for each class. If a student is going to miss class due to an illness or other situation, students are encouraged to contact their faculty members directly by email as soon as possible.

Absences Due to Extenuating Circumstances: There are times when extenuating circumstances, such as an extended illness, family emergency, a death in the family or military deployment arise and the student must miss multiple days of school due to the situation. In these cases, it may be difficult for the student to contact their faculty due to the situation (i.e. hospitalization). The Student Assistance Coordinator can assist students/families in this situation when a student is going to miss three or more consecutive days of class. This notification does not excuse the absence; it merely serves as a courtesy notification regarding the student’s situation. The faculty member will still make the decision on individual cases related to any missed work, assignments or test. Documentation must be provided to the Student Assistance Coordinator that supports the reason for the absence. For assistance in these types of situations, students should visit the Student Assistance Coordinator in the office of Student Engagement and Success (University Center 318) or call 361-825-2612. seas.tamucc.edu/StudentAssistance.html

Code Blue emergency notification system: The University’s emergency preparedness begins with making sure students receive messages from the University in the event of an emergency. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi utilizes a system called Code Blue, which can send emails, texts, and pre-recorded messages to the entire campus at one time. This is vitally important during rapidly changing emergencies including severe weather warnings, threats, school closures, delays, evacuations and other incidents which disrupt regular campus activities. Students are automatically signed up for Code Blue via their information on SAIL. We encourage students to make sure their contact information is updated with the best way to reach them, not just their home or parent’s contact information. It is important that you are set up to receive information during an emergency. Parents may also register to receive the notifications, by visiting: codeblue.tamucc.edu

@tamuccalohadays

Come join us for a two and a half day experience that you will never forget. You will learn about all the exciting involvement opportunities on campus, create lifelong friends, and gain insight from student leaders on how to make your first year successful. Don't just hear about it, dive into the traditions of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

and live it! Spots are limited so be sure to act fast and begin your journey with us as a proud Islander.

Camp fee is $150 and is all-inclusiveTransportation Meals Lodging T-Shirt

For more information, call 361.825.2707 or visit alohadays.tamucc.edu

Registration Deadline: August 3, 2020Register today at alohadays.tamucc.edu

August 18 - 20Camp Zephyr // Sandia, TX

ParentsGuideWhat’s Next:o Talk about your emergency plan: Hurricanes, campus safety, etc.

o Sign up for Code Blue notifications at http://codeblue.tamucc.eduo Finalize housing selection before your student’s advising appointment as

they will not be able to register until this is completed.o Talk about health issues: Fill out the Dr.’s form, Insurance, Medical history, etc.o Talk about finances: Budgets, Financial Aid, Jobs, etc.o Talk about expectations: Getting involved, grades, sleep/nutrition, etc.o Talk about setting realistic goals.o Take the next step: Sign up for Aloha Days at http://alohadays.tamucc.eduo Do your research: Visit our websites for more information prior to classes.o Download the TAMU-CC Apps: www.tamucc.edu/mobileo Follow SEAS on social media for current news and events:

instagram.com/seas_tamuccfacebook.com/tamuccSEAStwitter.com/SEAStamucc

o Sign up for the SEAS Family eNewsletter by emailing seas@tamucc.edu

Student Engagement and Success: University Center, Suite 318 v 361-825-2612 v email: seas@tamucc.eduweb: seas.tamucc.edu v facebook.com/tamuccSEAS v twitter.com/SEAStamucc v Instagram.com/seas_tamucc

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