Aggie Family Newsletter August 2014
As the Fall 2014 semester quickly approaches we are looking forward to what is sure to be another great year. At the conclusion of New Student Conferences we will have welcomed over 13,000  new Aggies and their families to Texas A&M!  We are anxious for campus to be filled with excitement as over 50,000 students gear up for the new school year.  

Throughout the year, we will be updating you on important information and campus events and look forward to keeping you connected with campus.  We encourage you to visit our newly redesigned Aggie Family web site for additional updates and helpful resources at: http://parents.tamu.edu/.

Please feel free to contact the Office of New Student &Family Programs at (979) 845-5826, or email us at AggieFamilies@tamu.edu if you have any questions.

Thanks and Gig ’Em!
Summer Commencement 2014
The Offices of the Dean of Student Life would like to congratulate all our August graduates and their families! Make sure to have your student visit the career center website (
http://careercenter.tamu.edu/) for helpful information about making the transition to a professional career, searching for a job, or looking at graduate programs.  

Commencement Convocation
Thursday, August 14, 5:30 p.m. - Rudder Auditorium
Speaker: Dr. Temple Grandin
Dr. Temple Grandin, whose success in battling the effects of autism to become a widely published author and an internationally renowned animal scientist, will be the summer commencement convocation speaker for Texas A&M University Aug. 14. Grandin, a professor at Colorado State University, also will be presented an honorary doctoral degree during the university’s graduation ceremonies the following day in recognition of her lifetime accomplishments.


Commencement Ceremonies
Friday, August 15, 9:00 a.m. - Reed Arena
Degree Candidates - Please arrive at 8:15 a.m.; lines will begin forming around 8:35 a.m.
Graduates in Bush School of Government and Public Service
Graduates and Undergraduates in Agriculture and Life Sciences
Graduates and Undergraduates in Mays Business School
Graduates and Undergraduates in Liberal Arts
Graduates and Undergraduates in Science
Graduates and Undergraduates in Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Friday, August 15, 2:00 p.m. - Reed Arena
Degree Candidates - Please arrive at 1:15 p.m.; lines will begin forming around 1:35 p.m.
Graduates and Undergraduates in Architecture
Graduates and Undergraduates in Education and Human Development
Graduates and Undergraduates in Dwight Look College of Engineering
Graduates and Undergraduates in Geosciences
University Commissioning Ceremony will be held during the 2:00 p.m. ceremony. 

For more information visit: http://graduation.tamu.edu/Guest tickets will be NOT required at the August 2014 graduation ceremonies. All August 2014 ceremonies in Reed Arena will have open admission for guests on a first come, first-served basis.

Join the Association of Former Students at the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center for a celebration of your student and a tradition of giving.

Thursday, August 14, 2014
Decal Thursday @ The Next Tradition
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Friday, August 15, 2014
Come & Go throughout Commencement
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Students can get their Former Student car decal or come by to celebrate their first day as a former Texas A&M University student with the Association of Former Students. For more information on these events visit:  http://www.aggienetwork.com/events/tnt.aspx

Moving In

Living in Aggieland can be a very exciting and memorable experience.  Whether your student is moving into a residence hall on campus, or living in an off campus apartment or house there are a number of ways you can ensure a successful move-in and a safe living environment.  Be sure to look over these tips before packing up and heading to Aggieland!

Safety is a major concern for both on and off campus students. Here are some safety tips to share with your students:
• Never leave doors unlocked or propped open.
• For buildings with keycard access, do not open the door unless you know that person lives in your building.
• Consider engraving valuable items with your name/contact information.

Space in residence halls and apartments is often limited, which makes it important to pack thoughtfully. Consider the following while your student is packing:
• Pack all necessary items first.
• Is your student planning on returning home for a visit? If yes, are there belongings that could be left home and brought to campus at a later time?
• Know residence hall policies as to what items are prohibited (https://reslife.tamu.edu/reshalls/what2bring)

Move-in day can be exciting  yet stressful. Here are some tips to help it go smoothly:
• Bring a dolly/cart to transport belongings.
• Bring tools (screwdriver, hammer, etc.) for assembling furniture.
• Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water.

Finally, as your student settles into their home, you will want to make sure they know the importance of filling out move-in condition/inventory reports.  These forms are provided by leasing agents and Residence Life and require the student to do a thorough inspection of their living space.  The more details your student can provide on this form, the better. A report will also be filled out upon move-out and compared to the initial form in order to assess charges and determine security deposit returns.  

Move-in Assistance Day is Sunday, August 24th! Let the Texas A&M Community help welcome you to on-campus living. For more information: https://reslife.tamu.edu/moveinAssistance
 
For More On and Off Campus living information: 
Residence Life: http://reslife.tamu.edu/
Adult, Graduate, and Off Campus Student Services: http://studentlife.tamu.edu/agoss
Upcoming Events
Gig ‘Em Week
Gig ‘Em Week is Aggieland’s official Week of Welcome and is coordinated by the Office of New Student & Family Programs.

Gig ‘Em Week, which occurs before the start of the Fall semester provides students the opportunity to learn more about campus, each other, and college life through a series of educational and social events sponsored by university departments, colleges, student organizations, residence halls, and community members.  Currently enrolled students who participate become eligible for prizes, free food, and gain valuable knowledge, insight, and connections.  

Events Hosted by New Student & Family Programs
Wednesday, August 27 11 a.m. -2 p.m.
Ice Cream Carnival: Students can join campus representatives to learn what Texas A&M has to offer while enjoying free ice cream and games.
Thursday, August 28 4-9:30 p.m.
BTHO South Carolina Game Watching Party: Students can join us as we watch the Aggies BTHO the University of South Carolina in the first football game of the season with free food and prizes! Bring your own chair or blanket!

Visit: http://gigemweek.tamu.edu for the complete schedule of events and locations for the week!
MSC Open House
MSC Open House will take place on Sunday, September 7th from 1-5 p.m. in the Memorial Student Center. This event is a great way for students to find involvement opportunities within student organizations. With over 400 student organizations represented, students will have an opportunity to search through both professional and leadership organizations that fit their interests and career goals.

Your students can start researching organizations in the Student Activities’ database at: 

Announcements 
2014-2015 Family Calendar
We are pleased to let you know we have 2014-2015 Family Calendars available for purchase for $10 (includes tax) plus applicable shipping. These calendars are a great resource for you as a family member!  They include important deadlines, helpful campus phone numbers, university holidays, final exam dates, and information about several campus resources available to your student. 

To purchase the 2014-2015 Aggie Family Calendar please go to http://parents.tamu.edu. If you need assistance ordering please contact our office at 979.845.5826.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees for the Fall 2014 semester are due in full by 5:00PM on September 8th. If your student is using the installment plan option, the first payment is also due by the deadline above. The remaining installment deadline dates are 5:00PM on October 6th (second payment), 5:00PM on November 3rd (third payment), and 5:00PM on December 1st (final payment.) For additional information about tuition payment and installment plans, please visit the Student Business Services website at: http://sbs.tamu.edu
Upcoming Important Dates
August 12-13
Second Summer term and 10-week Summer semester final examinations for all students.

August 14
Grades due for August degree candidates.

August 15 
Commencement and Commissioning.
5 p.m. Last day for August undergraduate degree candidates to apply for Tuition Rebate.


August 18
Final grades for second summer term and 10-week summer semester due.
August 20-August 29
Freshmen Orientation Week (FOW) for Corps of Cadets
August 24
On Campus Move-In Assistance Day.
August 24-31
Gig 'Em Week. http://gigemweek.tamu.edu

August 30
Freshman Review, Corps of Cadets.

August 31

Undergraduate Convocation. 
http://undergradconvo.tamu.edu

September 1
First day of Fall 2014 Semester.
September 5
Last day for adding/dropping courses for the fall semester.

* All dates and times are subject to change.

Save the Date- New Family Welcome 
October 17-18, 2014
Texas A&M at Alabama


New Family Welcome, held each fall, is an opportunity for family members of new Aggies to
return to campus and visit students during their first semester. This year New Family Welcome will occur on October 17-18. The weekend will feature a dessert social and an on-campus gamewatching party. Enjoy a weekend visiting your student, meeting other Aggie Families, and watching the Aggies BTHO Alabama on TV. Ticket information and registration is available at: 
http://studentlife.tamu.edu/nfw.

Transitional Parenting Classes
Houston Galveston Institute (HGI Counseling Center) was founded 35 years ago as a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to serving the community while training the next generation of therapists in the most innovative counseling techniques. They are located in the heart of Montrose, but regularly travel to all areas of the surrounding community. HGI is offering Transitional Parenting Class that will be held at their Montrose location. Click here for more information on classes for families of college students
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