December 2014

Academically, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the end of the semester.  Once back from break, there are only seven class days left.  But, don’t let this fool you.  In those seven class days (and the ten finals days that follow), you’ll feel like there is a semester’s worth of work to do.  All of those final papers and projects that seemed so far away in August are now due.  The comprehensive final exams that require you to remember information from September as well as November loom over you like a storm cloud.  These are truly the tough times in academic life.  Our advice?  Pace yourself.  Sleep at least seven hours before every exam.  Save the celebrating for the end, not the beginning of finals.  And remember that you’ll be on your way home to recover very soon.

Aaron Delwiche & Jennifer Henderson

Class Marshal

__________________________________________________________

You’re nearly there.  Winter Break is just a couple of weeks away and, before you know it, you’ll be heading home.  It’s really easy to lose focus as the holiday decorations go up and the after-Thanksgiving sales continue, but stay engaged and finish strong.

There are many lists of DOs and DON’Ts when it comes to being prepared for your first round of college finals.  Here’s a good one from Her Campus.

Congratulations on all you’ve accomplished and best of luck as you head into the homestretch!

Leni Kirkman

Alumni Sponsor

_____________________________________________________________________________

Hello Class of 2018!

Can you believe that the semester is almost over? You’ve almost made it through your first semester as a Trinity University student!

Winter break is coming up and the halls will be closing! You are expected to leave the halls 24 hours after your last final. On December 20^th at noon, all buildings will officially close and locks will be disabled. Over the break you are allowed to leave your items in your room and keep your keys. However, make sure you get everything out that you need for the break. Especially since the halls won’t reopen until Sunday, January 11^th.

Questions about closing? Attend the hall meeting put on by your Resident Mentor at the beginning of December. These meetings will go over important closing information.

Happy Holidays!

Rachel Boaz and Amelia Shaw
Residential Life Coordinators
First Year Area

---

Career Services:

A Holiday Party with a Purpose

Want an easily accomplished New Year’s Resolution that will help you this year—and the next, and the next, and maybe even lifelong? Attend one of the 14 Making Connections events being held in major cities throughout Texas and the United States between January 7 and 10. Meet alumni and ask for advice. Ask them how they got to where they are today and what steps they took to get there, such as:

·         How did they choose a major?

·         Did job shadowing help in their decision?

·         Did they take a career assessment in Career Services?

These are examples of some easy questions you can ask in a relaxed atmosphere while meeting people who want to help you. Cross off one New Year’s Resolution and begin building valuable (possibly lifelong) friendships. Consider Making Connections a holiday party with a purpose. Put it on your list.

______________________________________________________________

Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and Kayla Mire Food Drive

For the second straight year the course for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon winds through Trinity. Please come out on Sunday, December 7 from 8-10 a.m. and show your Tiger Pride! The 20,000 runners loved the Trinity leg of the race last year and the Trinity runners REALLY appreciated the warm reception. This is a huge event for Trinity and is a great opportunity to show our spirit to a huge crowd!

Please also support the charity of the Trinity runners virtually or by making a donation to the Kayla Mire Food Drive the Coates Center December 1-5. By giving food items or Tiger Bucks -- in any amount -- you will receive a special spirit shirt to wear on race day. (Click here to learn more directly the connection between the food drive and our Dean of Students Half Marathon Challenge running group.) 

November 2014

Believe it or not, there are only five weeks of classes left in the semester.  But, these next five weeks may be the most stressful.  You still have to face your first round of final exams, long paper assignments, and semester-long projects. It may seem overwhelming.  But remember what you’ve accomplished already.  By now, you’ve probably 1) fought off at least one illness, 2) receive a grade lower than you expected, 3) proven you can raise that grade, and 4) survived at least one disagreement with your roommate.  If you ever feel like it’s just too much, you should know that you can talk with us, your professors, or the professionals in counseling services.  Everyone wants you to succeed at Trinity.  We’re here to help you do it.  Just ask. 

Aaron Delwiche & Jennifer Henderson

Class Marshal

You likely have a couple of tough weeks of papers and tests ahead before the Thanksgiving break. So, as you plan your calendar, here’s a fun and free opportunity for a little stress relief: two nights and five stages of free live music, downtown Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8.

It’s called Luminaria and, if you’ve never been, it’s really worth the time and the crowds. Luminaria celebrates San Antonio’s heritage with music, light displays, art and incredible local food.  Performances and displays will happen at locations across downtown.  Visit luminariasa.org for maps and music schedules.

Get out for a few hours, have some fun, and be safe.

Leni Kirkman

Alumni Sponsor

---

Hello Class of 2018!

Congratulations on completing your first set of midterms! We hope all of you are satisfied with your results. If you aren’t, remember to reach out to your professors, attend office hours, and meet with your peer tutors.

This month in the residence halls your Resident Mentor will focus on identity exploration. Starting November 10th, be on the lookout for information about upcoming events on your floor and in your hall. We hope you will take this opportunity to learn more about your own identity and the unique identities of others.

Thanksgiving Break is just around the corner! Please be aware that the residence halls will remain open during the break.

Don’t forget that every Friday is Maroon Friday! Stop by the Witt Center any Friday to see us in our maroon.

Happy Fall!

Rachel Boaz and Amelia Shaw
Residential Life Coordinators

---

Career ServicesThe Winter Making Connections events in hometowns across the country are a great way to network with alumni – right where you live. A little bit of your time over the holidays gives you great food, great company and the opportunity to meet a Trinity alumnus who may be in a career that you would consider the career of your dreams. Read all about the Winter Making Connections events happening in early January. And to prepare, make some business cards to hand out to all the alumni you meet. See a student business card template online or come to the career workshop, Business Card Crafting, on Wednesday, November 12, at 8 p.m. in the Woodlawn Room.

---

Diwali, Festival of Lights

Saturday, November 8

7:30 p.m.

Laurie Auditorium

Join Asian Sub-continental Association and Hindu Student Union in the celebration of Diwali. The program is filled with traditional and modern Indian dances, you will not be disappointed! There will be free Indian food after the performances!

---

October 2014

It is almost time for Fall Family Weekend. You should encourage your parents to attend one of the many open classes on Friday morning (9/26). This is a terrific opportunity for your parents to see what it’s like to be a Trinity student. Your parents can also meet with Trinity faculty by attending the reception in Coates Library from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday (9/27). We hope to see you there!


Aaron Delwiche & Jennifer Henderson

Class Marshal

Volunteering.  Sure, it’s a good thing to do for others, but it’s good for you too.  Not only is it important for your resume, but research shows volunteering also reduces stress and even strengthens your immune system.

Don’t know where to start? Try the United Way of SA & Bexar County. Right now they’re looking for hosts for teen workshops, Christmas “elves,” help making cards for breast cancer patients and much more.

Go it alone or get some friends together, but find something that will be fun and meaningful. I’d love to share how the awesome Class of 2018 is getting involved, so let me know at lenikirkman@sbcglobal.net.

Leni Kirkman

Alumni Sponsor

---

Hello Class of 2018!

Congratulations on making it through your first month as a Trinity student! Our office hopes that you have figured out the best routes to class, made friends on your floor, joined a student organization, and are starting to love Trinity as much as we do.

This week, all of you should have attended Optimal Buzz, a presentation given by Dr. Richard Reams on healthy drinking behaviors. If you are under 21, it is illegal to drink, however, if you do choose to drink, our hope is that you do so safely. A great way to do that is by keeping your blood alcohol content between .04-.06, a range Dr. Reams calls the Optimal Buzz. Didn't make it to the presentation, but want to learn more? Check out this link! 

This presentation also discussed the B’low Optimal program, a breathalyzer program for students in the Residence Hall. Want more information? Ask your RM.

Do you smoke cigarettes? Make sure you read the email sent out by our office in regard to the specific outdoor smoking policies for your building.

Hope to see y’all around campus! Feel free to stop by and visit the Witt Center anytime!

Amelia Shaw
Residential Life Coordinator

---

Career Services

Why does a first-year student need a resume anyway?

A resume documents an individual’s experiences--paid as well as unpaid. You are gaining experience every time you join a student organization and volunteer in the community. It is easier to document these experiences as you go, rather than trying to remember them months or years later when you are ready to use a resume to find an internship or employment.

But resumes aren’t just for jobs! Resumes sometimes are required for scholarship or award applications, or to apply for volunteer student leadership positions on campus.

So how do you get started? Come to walk-in hours in Career Services: M/W/F 1:30-4 p.m. and TU/TH 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Also, come to Resumania on October 1; it’s a career event to kick start the resume process.

---

Allyship: Becoming Champions for Inclusion

Monday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in Laurie Auditorium

Hudson Taylor--an NCAA All-American, former team wrestling captain at the University of Maryland, and founder of Athlete Ally--will share his journey of becoming a straight ally for the LGBT community. This program is about friendship, standing up for our friends, and celebrating the things we have in common as people who care about fair treatment for everyone. Sponsored by the Athletics Council, Greek Council, Trinity Diversity Connection, Residential Life, and Counseling Services.

Interested in joining a social Fraternity or Sorority?

Recruitment begins October 12! If you want to be a member of one of our 15 fraternities and sororities, come join us for Greek 101, an information session where you will hear from presidents about their organization, on Sunday, September 12 at 3 p.m. in Laurie Auditorium. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. and you can sign up for the Master Recruitment list at this time. Directly following the Greek 101 info session, we will have Recruitment Kick-Off on the esplanade from 4 – 5 p.m. Come out and meet the individuals in our sororities and fraternities and get signed up for formal recruitment. If you can’t make it on Sunday, October 12, don’t worry, you can still be a part of recruitment. Check out the Greek Life page on the website for more information or contact greekcouncil@trinity.edu.

Alternative Break to the Caribbean

Hello First-Years! Why not spend a portion of your upcoming winter or spring break volunteering at an exciting location? Alternative Breaks are offered in the Caribbean (January 2-11) and Atlanta (March 8-14).  For more information, come to our open house on Tuesday, October 14 from 5-8 p.m. in Java City or click here. 

---

September 2014

Just a few weeks from now, many of you will be waist-deep in textbooks, lecture notes, homework assignments, term papers and flash cards. As you gear up for the onslaught of work, you might want to check out hackcollege.com. Dedicated to the mantra “work smarter, not harder,” the site includes articles on such topics as “things not to do freshmen year,” “things successful students consistently do,” and “how to trick your mind into paying attention in class.” Also, please remember that you should feel free to contact us (Dr. Henderson and Dr.Delwiche) if you have any questions as you make the transition to life at Trinity.  Have fun! 

Aaron Delwiche & Jennifer Henderson

Class Marshal

I’m sure you’re getting lots of advice, so I’ll just add two words: organization and balance.

First organization: Get a calendar and use it. Even if you never forgot an assignment or test in high school, don’t push your luck or test your limits. Add appointments, assignments and exams as soon as you know them, and look it at least a few days ahead.  When it comes to balance, how you spend your time is now ALL up to you.  Of course, studying is important but you also need to make time to go out with friends, get some exercise and get involved.

It will take time to get adjusted to the new routine, but be proactive. Trust me; you’ll have less stress and more fun.

Leni Kirkman

Alumni Sponsor

---

Welcome Class of 2018!

My name is Amelia Shaw, and I am one of the Residential Life Coordinators in the First Year Area. By now, all of you have met your Resident Mentor, experienced Convocation, and completed your first day of classes! As you continue to settle into your new room and hall, it is important to remember the numerous in-hall resources at your disposal.  more>>

Amelia Shaw
Residential Life Coordinator

---

Career Services

In your first year at Trinity University you will do a lot of exploring. Let Career Services help!

If you are exploring San Antonio, we recommend attending the Volunteer Fair on September 3. You’ll learn about the many non-profit agencies in our city and ways to become involved.

If you are exploring majors, come in and talk to us. We can help guide you through this process through discussion and career assessments. We also recommend attending events such as Networking Etiquette on September 15 and Making Connections on September 18.

Visit us in person (yes, even in your first year) and visit us online at http://tigerjobs.wordpress.com/. Welcome to Trinity!

---

APPly Yourself! Volunteer Awareness Week is occurring September 2-5 with many activities planned on how YOU can engage with the San Antonio community through community service. The week involves the TUVAC Extravaganza with all TUVAC programs from walking dogs to playing with children recruiting volunteers for the year. On Wednesday a Super Nacho Hour will feature the Volunteer Fair where over 20 area non-profits will be present to recruit. Some non-profits present will be San Antonio Sports, City Year, after-school programs, and much more. The week concludes on Friday with excursions to a Habitat for Humanity build and volunteering at the San Antonio Food Bank. Several activities are planned by APO, HOPE Hall, TUVAC, CCI, Career Services, and the Trinity Cat Alliance. For more information, visit www.trinity.edu/communityservice.

Meal Plans -- Do you need to change your meal plan?

Send an e-mail to reslife@trinity.edu with your name, student ID number and the name of the plan you want and they will make the change. The last day to change a meal plan is the last day of Add/Drop which is Thursday, September, 4, 2014.

20^th Annual Hallympics

Get ready to celebrate the 20^th year of Hallympics.  Come and compete for the illustrious title of Hallympics champion!  Residence halls compete against one another in a series of physical and intellectual events.  The games begin on Sunday, September 7 and will run through Thursday, September 11.  Grab a hall-mate and head to the fields.  You don’t want to miss this Trinity tradition!

Greek Carnival and Tailgate

Calling all first years!! Come out to the Greek Carnival and Tailgate on Saturday, September 6 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.!

Come help cheer on the Tiger football team as they open the season against Howard Payne. Join Greek Council and our 15 fraternities and sororities as they host a carnival on Prassel Lawn the three hours prior to kick off. Questions, e-mail greekcouncil@trinity.edu. 

---

August 2014

Welcome to Trinity! Our names are Dr. Jennifer Henderson and Dr. Aaron Delwiche, and we're professors in the Department of Communication. As your class marshals, we look forward to getting to know you during the next four years. We will regularly touch base with you to share tips on how to be successful at Trinity, and you should feel free to contact us at any time if you have questions about life inside or outside the classroom. Your arrival at Trinity marks the beginning of many new adventures, so don’t worry if things sometimes feel a bit overwhelming.  The good news is that it will also be fun.

Aaron Delwiche & Jennifer Henderson

Class Marshal

Congratulations and welcome to Trinity! I’m your Alumni Sponsor and proud to be a resource for you.  You may not believe it, but your time at Trinity is going to fly by faster than you’re expecting. That’s because you’re going to be busy – with classes, studying, activities, making new friends, studying (I told your parents I would put that one on the list twice J ) and hopefully, taking advantage of some of the fun and worthwhile things to do around San Antonio. From events and museums to meaningful volunteer opportunities, part of my role is to make sure you don’t look up four years from now and realize you’ve spent them in the Trinity “bubble."  You’ll hear from me regularly through the newsletter and the Class of 2018 Facebook page, but please feel free to contact me if you have a question or an idea to share.  I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know you.

Safe travels and best wishes as you begin your Trinity journey!

Leni Kirkman

Alumni Sponsor

---

Greetings Class of 2018!

My name is Rachel Boaz, and I am a Residential Life Coordinator in the First Year Area. I graduated from Trinity in 2010, so I was in your shoes not long ago!  As you start packing, it might be useful to check out this link for a few pointers on what to bring, and what to leave at home. more>>


Rachel Boaz
Residential Life Coordinator

---

Residence Hall Move-In

Trinity University works to make your move in experience as smooth as possible. New students will check-in to the residence halls on Thursday, August 21, 2014. Move-in is scheduled by hall. We ask that you respect these time periods (listed on the web page below).

 

Check out the First-Year Move-In Day page to learn more about your first day on campus and specific move-in directions.

 

Tip: Clearly label all of your items with your name, hall, and room number and have this information handy - it will speed things up.

New Student Orientation

We look forward to seeing you at New Student Orientation so soon! Please visit our NSO webpage for the schedule of events and for more information.

HCOM 1170 - Leadership Academy

Looking for a one-credit course to round out your fall schedule? Check out HCOM 1170, a one-credit leadership class designed for FIRST-YEAR students to learn leadership essentials and explore how their leadership impacts others through theory-to-practice leadership activities, discussion, and significant written and personal reflection. Leadership Academy concludes with a participation in a student-designed service project. The class meets on Thursdays from 3:35-4:45 pm. Contact Jamie Thompson, director for Campus & Community Involvement, for more information.

---