January 2014

Happy New Year 2016-ers!

Do You Have What It Takes?

One of my guilty pleasures is the National Geographic reality show Doomsday Preppers.   The show “explores the lives of otherwise ordinary Americans who are preparing for the end of the world as we know it. Unique in their beliefs, motivations, and strategies, preppers will go to whatever lengths they can to make sure they are prepared for any of life’s uncertainties.”*  (Sighing, you must already know where I’m going with this…)

Over the break, I caught up on several months of episodes that had been stored on my DVR.  And what struck me was how these people and their lives exemplified so much of the nagging I’ve directed towards you over the past 18 months (and yes, I admit that I’ve nagged at times!)

Whether or not you accept the premises of these people and their beliefs, I feel that there is much we can learn from them.  So, sit back and listen to the Parable of the Prepper. more>> 

Dr. M
Class Marshal

Dear Class of 2016:
Welcome back to Trinity! I hope you enjoyed the break from your studies, and had a chance to renew old friendships, and celebrate time with your family!

Now it's time to refocus on your education and your relationships. Never underestimate the importance of making lasting connections with your professors, community leaders and alumni. They not only are able to share a depth of experience with you, they also may play a key role in serving as a reference in applying for a job or graduate school. Start identifying those people that may be willing to become a mentor / advocate...I guarantee it will be mutually rewarding.

If I may help you in making any of these connections, please let me know! I will be honored to assist!

Jim Boelens
Alumni Sponsor



MLK Jr. Events
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture featuring Dr. Julianne Malveaux at 7:30 p.m. in Laurie Auditorium.  For more information about the speaker please visit the MLK Jr. Events page.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Don't miss the City-Wide San Antonio MLK Jr. March! Transportation is provided; just meet at the Bell Center at 8:30 a.m. Free T-shirts will be available for first 200 people!! Help Trinity maintain its reputation as the largest college represented at the March!

Greek Life
Greetings and welcome back to the Spring semester. Are you interested in joining a sorority or fraternity? The final weeks are upon us for this process. Please refer back to the blog post for specific information if you have any questions. more>> 

Spring Semester Course about Sexual Orientation
Dr. Richard Reams (Counseling Services) will teach WAGS 3119, a 1 hour course that meets Thursdays 5:30-6:45 p.m.  The course, which is open to all students regardless of sexual orientation, will explore the complexity of sexual orientation and the identity development process. You can add the course during the Add/Drop period, which begins January 8.

How’s Your Emotional Health?
If you suffered during fall semester from emotional distress caused by depression, moodiness, or anxiety, then resolve to start the new year by taking action.  Consult with one of the caring psychologists at Counseling Services.  You may do so by appointment (call 210-999-7411 or stop by our office, 215 Coates University Center).  Alternatively, you can see a counselor for an initial consultation during walk-in hours, Monday-Friday afternoons between 3 and 4:30 p.m., if you have not seen a counselor this academic year.  Visit our website to learn more about us, including details about your legally protected confidentiality. 

The Chaplain's Corner by Stephen Nickle


Quiet Places on Campus
Pastoral Counseling 
Spiritual Life

Major Declaration and Beyond
Still haven’t declared your major or you’re wondering what’s next?  No worries.  We’re here to help.  Come to Major Declaration and Beyond on January 22 at 7 p.m. in Northrup 040.

GET RECOGNIZED!!
The National Alumni Board and the Division of Student Affairs are excited to invite students, faculty, and staff to submit nominations for the annual recognition awards presented during Spring Family Weekend (March 28-30, 2014). Awards will be given to both individual students and student organizations/groups in recognition of service and leadership to Trinity University and in recognition of service and leadership to the community. Please keep reading for more information >>> 


Annual Student Organization Registration
Registration is open now until January 31, 2014.  ALL organizations must register at this time in order to remain active for the 2014 year.

Registration includes the TWO following online forms to be completed by the organization's president/director:
1. http://tinyurl.com/annualreg14
2. http://tinyurl.com/TUAntiHazing
  
It's a bird.  It's a plane.  It's Student Organization Training!
January 17, 2014, 2:30-6 p.m., Laurie Auditorium
For details visit http://web.trinity.edu/x10073.xml. 





S.O.S. – Student Organization Series
Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m., Waxahachie Room, Coates 
Learn how to navigate troubled waters and keep your group afloat! Open to all students. Attend 4 of 5 sessions for a certificate!
·         2/4 – Encouraging Good Followership
·         2/11 – Cultivating Productivity
·         2/18 – Leading in Times of Change
·         2/25 – Working Through Group Conflict
·         3/4 – Managing Crisis Situations

Sponsored by Campus and Community Involvement. Contact Kate Polivka or Becka Bovio with questions.

Spring Student Involvement Fair
January 22, 2014, 4-5 p.m., Coates Esplanade 
Join us for the involvement fair and Super Nacho Hour!  Secure a table now at http://tinyurl.com/spring14sif! 

WELCOME BACK WINTERFEST
·         Rock band, Royal Hoax, proceeds benefiting local food banks! 
·         Hot Chocolate and S’mores
·         Photobooth with instant prints
·         Snowman craft

COCOA IN COATES
·         Free Cocoa
·         New Year’s Resolution/Hope/Dream Craft
·         Music or Dance Performances

Enhance your leadership and team management skills by planning and executing a community project. Learn about fostering change, planning community projects, managing group conflicts, intercultural competence, and leadership. Connect with Trinity University and San Antonio leaders. Add a tangible leadership experience to your resume! Workshop meets in the Coates – Woodlawn Room, 5-6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Jan. 29 to Feb. 26. Space is limited and priority is given to juniors and seniors. Register online. For more information, contact Kate Polivka in Campus & Community Involvement.

Explore your leadership potential in this series of 5 workshops. Topics include leadership styles, identity exploration, values exploration, personal strengths, and more. The program meets on Tuesdays from 5-6:30 p.m. between March 18 – April 22 in Coates – Woodlawn Room. Register online at http://tinyurl.com/SophLead2014. For more info, contact Kate Polivka (kpolivka@trinity.edu) in Campus & Community Involvement.

O-TEAM APPLICATIONS ONLINE
Remember the tie-dye shirts? O-Teamers are student mentors who provide information about Trinity University to new students and families during New Student Orientation. They assist with event coordination, give tours, lead group activities, and teach students to navigate our campus. Apply online at http://tinyurl.com/TrinityOTeam2014 by March 21 at 5 p.m.!













Don’t forget this time at Trinity. Order a 2014 Mirage by February 13.  Go to cpstore.trinity.edu or yearbookforever.com or e-mail mirage@trinity.edu.  Check to see if you’ve already ordered at trinity.edu/yearbook.
Meal Plans
Need to change your meal plan for the spring semester?  Send an e-mail to reslife@trinity.edu with your name, Trinity ID number and the name of the plan you want to select.  The last day to change a meal plan for Spring 2014 is the last day of Add/Drop which is January 23, 2014.  A description of available meal plans can be found on the Trinity website at campus dish.

Want to join ResLife?
Are you interested in joining the Residential Life Student Staff for the 2014-2015 school year?  If so, please attend a mandatory informational session on January 29th or 30th at 6 p.m. in the Fiesta Room.  If you are unable to make it to either session, please e-mail reslife@trinity.edu.

Residence Hall Openings
The residence halls will reopen on Sunday, January 12 at noon.  Please do not return to campus before this time.