October 2012

Wow, it’s already the fifth full week of classes!  How time flies!  You’ve probably had quite a few assignments, quizzes, readings, etc., to plow through.  I’m sure that you’re gradually adjusting to collegiate life, some more easily than others.  I’d like to bring to your attention a few things that should make your lives run more smoothly, and perhaps more enjoyably, as well. more>>

Kimberlyn Montford      
Class Marshal                 

One certain lesson in the school of hard-knocks is that there are costs associated with every decision you make.  When you reach the age of majority in the State of Texas you are considered an adult.  While there is nothing magical about reaching the ripe old age of 18, it does bring significant legal and ethical implications.  I encourage you to think about these implications as you start to chart your path at Trinity.  more>>
Jim Boelens
Alumni Sponsor




Trinity University partnered with Southwestern University to provide an overnight Multicultural Retreat on September 7-8, 2012. The purpose of the retreat was to establish relationships amongst students of diverse identities. Students learned to identify areas of privilege, power, and oppression via open dialogues and workshops around various diversity topics. Trinity University and Southwestern University provided tools and skills to challenge the systems of oppression and build/promote activism around campus. Students engaged in powerful conversations that examine their individual identities and the concept of privilege and allyship.

Get Your Flu Vaccination Now
Can you afford to miss classes or activities for the flu? Flu vaccine is available now in Health Services. more>>

Health Has Its Rewards
In late spring of 2012 the staff of Health Services and Counseling Services administered the National College Health Assessment (NCHA), a nationally-normed survey of college students’ health-related behaviors.  Students were encouraged to respond to the rather lengthy survey by the opportunity to win one of two prizes – an Apple iPad and a membership in the nearby YMCA for the 2012-2013 academic year.

Pictured are our two winners, Molly Zumbro and Aaron Skinner receiving their prizes from Dr. Gary Neal, director of Counseling and Health Services.  The results of the NCHA will be used to inform health-related programming and services provided by Health Services and Counseling Services.


Homesick?  Alice is ready to help, and so are we.
If you’re feeling homesick, welcome to the club.  Many first-years share your experience.  You’ll find some great advice from Go Ask Alice!, Columbia University’s amazing question-and-answer website for college students.  You’ll like what you see, so sign up and receive questions and answers each week in your mailbox.  If you’d like more help to cope with your homesickness, visit confidentially with one of the counselors at Counseling Services.  You can visit any weekday afternoon between 3 and 4:30 p.m. during Walk-in Hours for initial visits (first-come, first-seen), make an appointment by calling 210-999-7411, or stopping by the office.  We’re located on the second floor of Coates University Center, above the bookstore.  We’re here for you! 

Dear First-Year Students,
You may notice some of your junior and senior friends stressing about finding a job after graduation.  You’ve probably seen them heading off to Career Services events to learn more about becoming a professional and enhancing their marketability.  But Career Services events are not just for upperclassmen!  Take advantage of the great events we’re offering this month, and get started on your career path now!  Learn more by visiting our website or TigerJobs. more>>

First-Year ASR Senator Elections!
Attention all first-year students: Are you interested in representing the Class of 2016? Run for a First-Year Senator position on the Association of Student Representatives, Trinity's student governing body! ASR is an organization of elected students, which advocates for the development and advancement of student interests both inside and outside the University community. Running for First-Year Senator is the ideal way to get involved on campus and make your voice heard.

ASR is hosting informational sessions September 25 and 26 at 5 p.m. in the Tehuacana Room located in Upstairs Coates. Attendance at one session is mandatory for all students interested in running.

For more information about ASR please visit us at www.trinity.edu/asr or http://www.facebook.com/TrinityASR. Please e-mail any questions you may have to ASR@trinity.edu.


Student Leader Spotlight: Submit a nomination today for this month’s Student Leader Spotlight! Nominations are collected on a rolling basis and will be considered for multiple months. Learn more about recognition opportunities.

2012 Student Leadership Conference 
Are you going to the STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE on Saturday, October 20? Register today! (Deadline to register is Monday, October 15.) The conference includes an alumni networking lunch, breakout sessions, and a keynote speaker.

Alternative Spring Break
First-years! Are you interested in studying abroad but not sure how to get started? Are you nervous about going abroad for an entire semester? Or, do you want to test out going abroad before making a longer commitment? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, consider applying to go on Alternative Spring Break in Dominica – a beautiful Caribbean island! We will be diving into an international service experience by volunteering at a school for children with special needs while learning all about the unique Dominican culture. This one-week program is a rewarding experience abroad that you will never forget! Stop by the Alternative Spring Break Open House in Java City from 6-9 p.m. on October 10 where you can learn all about this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Applications are due on October 22, and discounts are available to those who qualify. Contact Edwin Blanton in CCI, eblanton@trinity.edu, or Sara Miller, the ASB Intern, smiller7@trinity.edu, for more information!


Voter Registration
Are you registered to vote?  The final day to register to vote and still be eligible to participate in this November’s election is Tuesday, October 9.  A voter registration table will be in Coates Lobby from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. that day.  You may also stop by the Witt Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Any questions, please contact Edwin Blanton, coordinator for community service & engagement at eblanton@trinity.edu.

Dining Services
Jurgens Roast
Our TSA foster puppy turns one October 5 and will return to Lackland Air Force Base to begin formal detection training. We will wish Jurgens happy birthday and good luck with a Trinity-style roast Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fiesta Room. Contact Katharine Martin if you have something to say about “the most energetic and obstinate yellow Labrador puppy this side of the Mississippi.”

Follow the Dean of Students on Facebook
You will “like” it!

We don’t got ya covered…
Trinity University is NOT responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged student property. While most student possessions are covered by family insurance plans, National Student Services, Inc. offers a low premium/low deductible option that you may wish to consider.

Know your rights
The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) urges students to know their right. Do you know yours? You can learn more from the University’s statement on rights and responsibilities and a more specific look at residence hall procedural rights as posted on the Student Conduct page.  How are we doing? Send comments or concerns to the dean of Students at dtuttle@trinity.edu.

Attention Bike Owners:  Be sure to register your bike with the University Police Department.  This can be very helpful in the event that your bike is lost or stolen.  Check out the Bike Registration page for additional information. 

Health and Safety Checks (October 8-19):  The Residential Life Office will be conducting Health and Safety Inspections October 8-19.  During this time, Residential Life staff will be entering your room to check for general health and safety issues.  For more information, talk to your Resident Assistant, Resident Mentor, or Hall Manager.  We appreciate your cooperation with this process.