Table it

Students from the Chinese Culture Club staff a table in the University Center lobby. The club used its funds to purchase t-shirts to sell to students, with proceeds going to the victims of the Sichuan earthquake. The Coates tables are often reserved for students and departments to promote their groups and programs. On this particular day another group was signing up students for a video game tournament and a third table was sponsored by Career Services.

On Campus - The Junior and Senior Experience

The upper class area, like the other housing areas, has experienced some big changes this year. The biggest is the reduction in staff members. There are currently four Hall Managers that oversee the junior and senior residence halls (South, Lightner, Isabel, Myrtle, Susanna, and Isabel Halls). The goal is to give the students in these halls the autonomy which they often desire. The Residential Life staff is working in the Sophomore College to help students begin the process of making independent decisions and holding others accountable in preparation for the freedoms they will experience in  the junior year.

While the Hall Managers are not as involved in the day-to-day life of the residents, they continue to be available for emergencies, to report maintenance and cleaning issues, and to communicate with residents through bulletin boards and electronic newsletters.

As with the first year area and Sophomore College, the staff is intentional about the programs being offered in this area. This has resulted in a stronger partnership with Career Services to offer programs on issues related to graduate school and career preparation and opportunities. Some examples of the programs that have taken place and are being heavily promoted in this area are San Antonio Making Connections and the Career Fair.

 Additionally, there are four Community Initiative floors this year. These communities are set up as self-governed theme floors. With the introduction of the Sophomore College and the upper class areas this year the need for these floors is being re-examined for the future.

Submitted by
Josh Brack
– Residential Life Coordinator for the upper class area (Prassel, Thomas, and North Halls)

Next issue: Life on Campus - Tying it all together

Special events your student should consider

November 14-22 (various dates)
Booth, a Trinity theater production, is the story of the turbulent, humorous relationship between Junius Brutus Booth, the brilliant half mad, alcoholic tragedian, and his son Edwin, who became a great tragic actor in his own right.  Add to the equation the appearance of Junius’ second son John Wilkes Booth, and you have a tour de force for both actors and the audience. All students are encouraged to attend one of these performances.

Announcements

The Role of Parents in College Drinking

Trinity University has received permission from United Educators to share this report that details the important role that parents play in helping minimize problem drinking at the college level. Other resources on this topic are available on the Parent and Family web page, including this specific site from College Drinking - Changing the Culture.

 

The Trinity Alcohol Coalition of students, faculty, and staff is conducting a review of the campus alcohol philosophy and policy and will propose changes this spring for 2009-2010.

 

A prominent issue has been Trinity's policy that bans hard alcohol in the residence halls, even for those who are of legal drinking age. The ban is intended to minimize risks of alcohol poisoning. For many students, the banning of a legal substance is a source of some frustration.

 

Registration

The Registrar, Fred Rodriguez, has prepared a summary of how the process is designed at Trinity University. Signing up for classes and managing wait lists can be frustrating for students, faculty and staff. The process at Trinity has a high degree of flexibility, which can be simultaneously beneficial and maddening.

 

Career Services

Technology Careers Panel

 What are the options for computer science graduates and students who want to work in the technology industry?  Students should check out this workshop and get their questions answered by a panel of technology professionals representing Tesoro, Denim Group, Credera, GlobalSCAPE, and Booz Allen Hamilton.  Thursday, November 13, at 6 p.m. in Woodlawn.

 

Internship Search Workshop

Getting an internship takes planning, research, and preparation.  Students should attend this workshop to plan and learn about some great resources for landing an internship that will enhance marketability.  Monday, November 17, at 7 p.m. in Lightner Tea Room.

 

SACUCCA Job Fair

The San Antonio Colleges and Universities Career Centers Association (SACUCCA) is hosting the 18th Annual SACUCCA Job Fair!  Students can meet and network with over 60 employers in business, industry and government from across the country to explore internships and professional full-time employment opportunities.  “Take the bus to work!”  RSVP through TigerJobs for the opportunity to take a bus trip to Blossom Center for this fair.  Thursday, November 20, from 2-6 p.m. 

 

Start Making Plans for Winter Break!
Students should participate in Making Connections 2009 and meet Trinity alumni who can help them explore careers, graduate schools, and internship opportunities!  Making Connections events will take place in early January in *Houston, Austin, Dallas, Seattle, Atlanta, Denver, Chicago, New York, and New England.  Students can learn more and RSVP at the Coates Information Tables on November 18-19, or through the Career Events section of TigerJobs, at www.trinity.edu/careers .  For assistance, please call 210-999-8321.  *Houston location: Juniors and seniors only.  Sponsored by Career Services, Alumni Relations & Local Alumni Chapters.

 

Students should RSVP for these events through TigerJobs or learn more by calling Career Services at x8321.

Career Services Corner with Brian Hirsch

Is it Time to Pick a Major?

As we approach advisement this month a lot of students, especially sophomores have choosing a major on their minds.  Students who still have not selected a major and don’t quite know what to do, are not alone.  A lot of Trinity students struggle with this task.  Here are a few things to consider.  First, choice of major does not “lock in”  one to a  career path for a lifetime.  In fact most job advertisements looking for college graduates never even specify a major.  This is not to say that  major is not important or that it doesn’t influence one’s career path; just that it isn’t the only factor.  Secondly, consider interests:  What courses have been enjoyable? Consider aptitudes, and how might major choice contribute toward enhancing personal strengths and gaining new skills.  It is ok to ask “what can I do with this major?” but don’t that should not necessarily stop someone from majoring in a well liked discipline.

 

Finally, after selecting a major begin planning for the next steps.  How can this educational experience connect to various occupational choices where skills, experiences and strengths are similar to those of a given discipline?  Setting career goals can be very helpful as one moves forward.  What additional skills and experiences are necessary to reach these goals?  Then, develop a plan and put it into action.  For more information have your students contact the Career Services office at 210.999.8321.

 

Dr. Brian Hirsch is the Director of Career Services

Micro Mail

This section features e-mails that were sent to all students since the last TrinitE newsletter. Parents are invited to micro-manage their students into reading this important information. For past due items, they are offered simply for information. By policy, students are responsible for information sent to them as e-mail as an official Trinity University communication tool - all students are assigned accounts. (Click on each heading to read the full e-mail.)

Informational Announcements
Voting

Information Literacy Committee
Important Registration Information
SACUCCA Job Fair


Not Returning Spring 2009?
To ensure that administrative work, bills, and other logistical items are properly managed, any student who will not be at Trinity in the spring needs to coordinate with the Residential life Office.

November Upper Class News
Why it matters: As referenced in the article above about the junior and senior areas, one of the ways to connect with students in this area is through monthly newsletters, such as this one.

Weather-Related Schedule Changes
Why it matters: Though rare, at times the winter weather results in ice on local roads. San Antonio is simply not equipped to fight ice problems, nor are local drivers equipped to drive on icy roads.

Trinity Sports
Why it matters: The student government does whatever it can to promote school spirit. This weekend particularly offers some exciting athletic contests.

TrinitE Parent and Family Newsletter

This newsletter is sent on alternating weeks to subscribers. On opposite weeks the electronic student newsletter, TigerBytes is sent to the list. Please note that any items in maroon are links to more information.

Family members are invited to subscribe to LeeRoy, a daily calendar, to learn about campus activities and to read the Dean of Students blog, which includes Trinity-related posts. 

 
November 14, 2008

Deadlines/Events

November 15
Tiger Football vs. Austin College
Trinity In Focus

November 16-18 & 19-22
Booth Theatre Production

November 27-28
Thanksgiving Holiday

December 1
Students planning to graduate in May must apply for clearance through Tiger Paws by this date

December 2

Swimming and Diving

December 3
Advent Service & Luncheon

TrinitE Parent updates

The next issue of the newsletter will be in early December (no issue during the week of Thanksgiving). There will be one remaining issue in December prior to winter break.

Missed an announcement in a previous edition? The archive list of newsletters is now available on-line.

Links