September 2012

Hello Class of 2016!
So, you’ve moved in, you’re registered for classes, bought your books, and are attending your first classes of college.  Exciting, eh?  Everything you’ve dreamed of?  [Pan to students walking across campus, laughing.  Cue ‘Alma mater.’]

Some of you may have gotten all of your first choices at registration.  You are among the fortunate few.  Probably, a significant number of you tried class after class, and found that all the courses that you really wanted were already full, with waitlists of indeterminate length (but you’re pretty certain that you are at the bottom of them).  You’re stunned, downhearted, and maybe a little anxious.  This definitely has not worked out the way you’d hoped.  This situation raises a number of thoughts.   more>> 

Kimberlyn Montford      
Class Marshal                 

I know you're ready for a great social and academic experience punctuated with wonderful friendships and challenging new ideas. 

I thought it might be appropriate to share a few guidelines from my own experience and perspective that may be helpful in charting your path at Trinity: Have fun...find meaning...be understanding...serve selflessly!  more>>

Jim Boelens

Alumni Sponsor




Not ready to run a half marathon with the Dean but, would like to participate in a cause with another group on campus.  Consider joining Trinity’s MADD Tigers to Walk Like MADD, a 5K walk in Brackenridge Park on October 27 to raise awareness about drunk or impaired driving in San Antonio. 

Are you concerned about the challenges of eating on campus?  Are the choices overwhelming?  Do you need to know more about what is available and good for YOU?  Then consider joining a Special Interest Nutrition Group!

Local health  authorities are advising that there is increased West Nile Virus activity in Texas. Learn how to protect yourself.

Sign-up for the YMCA!
Students may sign-up for an annual YMCA membership at the Tri-Point YMCA. The fee, due in full, is $180.  



Sleep: a daily Sabbath
It’s your first year at Trinity, and chances are your sleep patterns will soon change. Do you ever find yourself under-functioning because your attentiveness tank is running on empty? Do you ever become sleep-deprived during busy times of the year? If so, take a moment to check out the sleep section at Brain Rules, and ease into a Sabbath restoration of rest…


How might Counseling Services assist you this year?  Last year we assisted about 13 percent of Trinity undergrads for a myriad of concerns, the most common being anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns.  We also provided academic skills coaching to students who needed to improve their grades.  You can have an initial consultation with one of our three psychologists any weekday afternoon between 3 and 4:30 p.m. during Walk-in Hours for an initial visit (first-come, first-seen) or you can make an appointment by calling 210-999-7411 or stopping by the office to speak with the secretary.  We’re located on the second floor of Coates University Center, above the bookstore.  We’re here for you!


Dear Trinity First-Years,
Welcome. Your first year at college is intended to provide you with a myriad of experiences. During the course of your discoveries at Trinity, we at Career Services hope your experiences are as intentional as they are engaging. You may not realize it, but some of the most basic First-Year occurrences will actually be crucial to your major selection, internship experience, and career choices; cornerstone advising areas to Career Services. Every month, Career Services hosts numerous programs and events. Stop by and talk to a career professional. Attend our workshops and information sessions and be open to inspiration. more>>

Annual Alcohol Notice
Federal guidelines require the University to address alcohol (and associated student issues) annually. Trinity University tries to take a thoughtful approach to alcohol in its philosophy, policies, and procedures. Please review the Alcohol Web page for more information, including policies at other institutions, information about health risks, and campus resource and treatment options. more>>

In the best interest of student safety, Trinity University has a student Missing Person Policy.  Please refer to the Residential Life Policies & Procedures Web page or Student Success Web page.

Insure your things…
Trinity University is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property. While most student possessions are covered by family plans, National Student Services, Inc. offers a low premium/low deductible option that is often attractive to students and families.

The Dog Jurgens
Watch for details for the September 11 event featuring reflections by the sister and brother-in-law of Paul Jurgens, the namesake of our puppy. Contact Katharine Martin at Katharine.martin@trinity.edu for more details and to walk Jurgens in September. Jurgens leaves us in October for good! There will be a good-bye reception and roast in early October to send her off.

Milk N’ Cookies with CCI!
Join CCI every Thursday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. for warm cookies and milk.

Leadership Programs Open House
Learn about curricular and co-curricular leadership programs on campus at the Leadership Programs Open house on Wednesday, September 12 during SUPER NACHO HOUR from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in Coates Lobby. Still looking to add a class? Consider Leadership Academy (HCOM1170), a one credit hour course that meets on Tuesdays from 3:35 -4:50 p.m. Questions? Contact Jamie Thompson

Celebration and Awareness Week
Trinity Diversity Connection (TDC) will hold its annual Celebration and Awareness Week (CAW) from September 10-14. Please look for more information on TDC’s blog.

Multicultural Retreat
Join Trinity Diversity Connection (TDC) and Southwestern University for an overnight multicultural retreat in New Braunfels, TX on Friday, September 7 and 8. Workshops will cover different aspects of diversity and allyship. Transportation, lodging, and food will be provided. Please contact Soi Inthavong, sinthavo@trinity.edu, to sign up. Deadline to sign up is Wednesday, August 29, 2012.

Volunteer Awareness Week kicks off with a social event hosted by TUVAC on Monday, September 3 followed by a week filled with different events including the Volunteer Fair on September 4, TUVAC Extravaganza on the 5th, and concludes with a large community service event on the 8th. For more information, visit www.trinity.edu/communityservice or by become a friend of TUVAC on Facebook.

Greek Kick Off will be on Friday, September 21 on the Esplanade at 2:30pm. Come out and meet all of the 
sororities and fraternities and help us kick off Recruitment for the year. Contact Derek Tinker or Jen Lewis with questions! We look forward to seeing you!

University Phones:  All residence hall students must keep University provided phones plugged in at all times in order for the University’s emergency 911 system to be successful.  If your phone is not functioning properly, please call the ITS Help Desk at extension 7409.