September  2013

Parent   News

A Parent Programs and Parent Association Publication

Happy Fall!
Welcome to a brand new year for parents of UNT students!
backtotopIn This Issue:
PApresElizabeth Cheney,
PA Past President Farewell Letter

It is September 2013 and our campus is already buzzing with Mean Green Pride. You can truly feel the green throughout our campus. Our UNT staff, professors, students, and University itself, are prepared and eager to make this the best year ever!

 

As the summer began to wind down, I asked my daughter, Hannah E, what we needed to do to prepare for her upcoming final year at the Mighty Mean Green UNT. Did we need to review her "needs list", or purchase items for classes? Normally, I receive a frazzled response, but this year was different. There was a sense of calm. No sense of urgency, but only a reflection of confidence. Miss H is a senior this year, and I thought to myself, hmmm, she has grown up right before our eyes, the time passed so quickly. Is this strong young woman our daughter, ready to embark into a new adventure and make her mark on our world? I take a deep breath and say, yes mom, she is. I then think to myself, for her to be where she is today, is a true result of not only our parenting, her attitude and diligence, but also a result of her time at UNT and the support of her professors, staff members, and her fellow students.

 

After 2 years of being your president, I will now transition to the role of "Past President" for my final year. Wow, how time flies. I remember when I was a frosh parent, bewildered, confused, and desperately looking for a parent program to help guide me through our family's journey at UNT. I then found the UNT PA, and a sense of relief came over me after attending only one meeting. I knew this was the place to be, and I have never been disappointed.

 

I am proud to be able to update our members on our association's accomplishments over the past year. So many opportunities for our parents to volunteer their time, and boy did you come through. Goody Box stuffing sessions were well attended both times last year. I have never been more excited about seeing pickup trucks and dollies in a parking lot. Student Summer Orientations were next. It was fun to see all of the new, excited freshman and transition parents and be able to welcome so many of them into our association. And again, our parent volunteers rocked. The orientation hours are long and hot, it is easy to get worn out during a volunteer shift, but each time I looked at our table, our parents were up laughing and welcoming, it was a proud sight to behold. We sold more merchandise during orientation than we did all of last year. All those sales go back to assisting us in awarding scholarships at the end of the year; another great accomplishment. We then headed into Summer Send Off parties, and I can again say, GREEN Success. Our attendees were busting out of the restaurant doors, and there was so much fellowship between regional parents. Our final event was "Mean Green Move-In", and while it was very hot, it was also very busy, and full of Mean Green fun. Many parents dropped by the booth to say "hi!", and tell us of their eagerness to volunteer.

 

The economy continues to be a struggle. With the help of our UNT PA Membership Committee, we were able to put together and send out a survey asking for feedback on member's experiences. We will use the information received for future membership drives. I would like to thank each member of this committee for all of their time and effort.

 

With that being said, in 2012-2013 we were still able to award 52, $500 Draw Scholarships, and 2, $1,000 Academic Scholarships to our member's students. Again, this is a result of our strong membership.

 

We have two important events right around the corner, Family Weekend and Homecoming.

  

Don't forget to go online and sign up for Family Weekend; you receive a 10% discount as a result of joining the PA. Also, this will be our second year to participate in the HC parade, and we are planning on stepping up our presence this year by having our first "float" in the parade.

 

I don't think I need to tell anyone how successful our Facebook page has become. At time of press, we had 339 members. And might I add, those are 339 "ACTIVE" Mean Green members. I "beam with green" when I see all of you assisting each other. Especially our seasoned parents, staff members, and alumni input. The positive comments assist in easing fears and nerves for all parents. While some of us might no longer be "freshman" parents, we have certainly all been there. It is also a treat when I read all of the positive comments from our parents regarding experiences on campus. There will always be as I call them, "green hiccups" as is with any university...but, when I see our parents being so supportive and overcoming issues with positive thinking, well, it can only mean success.

 

A BIG GREEN shout out of "thanks" goes out to Catherine Olivarez and her Student Staff. Long hard hours for all of them over the past 4 months and now right into fall. No stopping for a quick breath. They show up at each event ready to go with bright green smiles! I don't know what we would do without them!

 

I would also like to thank Melissa McGuire, Director of Orientation and Transition Programs at UNT, for being my sounding board. She is always there when I have a quick question or need guidance on our green path decisions. I could not have done it without her.

 

To close, I want to thank you all for supporting me during my years as President. I cannot put into words how fulfilling this chapter in my life has been. If you know me, you know I am a people person, and with my membership in the UNT PA, I have been blessed with making many new friends which I dearly treasure. I am honored to be a representative of not only our association, but also the great University of North Texas.

 

By having your support, and the support of our alumni and parent programs, I believe we have achieved great success. Many accomplishments were achieved which will not only enhance PA, but our University as well. UNT is only as strong as its students, and our students can only attain that strength with the support of their parents.

 

I am very proud to be a Mean Green Eagle, so when you see me on campus, with my Talon held up so very high, get your Talon up high as well and send me a friendly Kaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah shout out!

 

Go University of North Texas and Go Mean Green!

upcomingPAeventsUpcoming Parent Association Events

9/14/2013 - Tailgate with the Parent Association!

Join the Parent Association for tailgating before the Mean Green takes on Ball State in their 2nd home game of the season! This will be a "Potluck Tailgate" so we ask everyone who wants to come to sign up to bring food, tables, chairs, etc. to the game. Click here to sign up.

 

10/11/2013 - Parent Association Volunteer Reception

8:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. - Alumni Pavilion at Apogee Stadium

Come celebrate our association's amazing volunteers. Desserts and spirits will be served.

 

10/12/2013 - Parent Association Meeting

10:30 a.m. - Gateway Center, Room 43/47

The officers for the 2013-2014 year will be elected.

 

famweekendFamily Weekend 2013

October 11-13, 2013

 

Family Weekend is a fun filled, three day event packed with activities, food, and a chance to cheer on the Mean Green football team as they take on Middle Tennessee State. Register for Family Weekend for the chance to attend some great events like Scrappy's Extravaganza, Morning at the Movies, President's Breakfast, and much, much more!

 

For a full Family Weekend Schedule, check out our website for Family Weekend 2013. Parent Association members are eligible for a 10% discount on Family Weekend registration. An email will be sent with a code to use for registration.

 

Reminder: The Parent Association meeting during Family Weekend is on Saturday, October 12 at 11:00 am -12:30 pm in the Gateway Center, Rooms 43 and 47. You do not have to register for family weekend to attend this meeting.
PPcoordinatorA Letter from the Parent Programs Coordinator

Another school year begins and seeing all of the students, many of whom may be your son or daughter, roaming about the campus and getting in to the swing of things here at UNT brings back fond memories of being an undergraduate in college. From the excitement of finding classes in buildings I didn't even know were on campus; to managing new roles and responsibilities within the organizations I was part of, the beginning of the school year is a time of renewed spirits, fresh faces and new beginnings.

 

For me, this is the start of my second year in Parent Programs. With each passing month, I witness the commitment and support each and every one of you has and provides, to ensure your student succeeds at UNT. Even as the orientation season ends and many of your students move back to campus, I am renewed in spirits to begin working to provide the programs and resources for the members of the Parent Association, as well as other parents of UNT students.

 

I also understand that for some, new beginnings for your students in college may mean a major life transition at home. There are those that have been planning and preparing for this time, which seems to have snuck up on you without warning. Others are glad to know their student is moving forward in their life's journey. Know that we want to work with you in helping your students succeed and in keeping the balance at home; we always here to provide you with assistance. Whether it's a simple call about when registration begins, to something a little more intricate about how to start a conversation with your child about their attitude changes and anxiety over academics, I am here to help.

 

Wishing you and your student a smooth start to the fall semester and a great school year!

 

Catherine Olivarez

upcomingeventsUpcoming Events for Students
Event
Date
Time
Location

Learning 101 - Note Taking

Wednesday, September 119:00 - 10:00 am
315 Sage Hall

Mean Green Football vs Ball State

Saturday, September 143:00 pm
Apogee Stadium

LinkedIn Workshop

Thursday, September 1911:00 am - 1:00 pm
BLB 281/285
DLS Presents: Rainn WilsonThursday, September 19
7:00 pm
UNT Coliseum
Carnaval
Wednesday, September 25

11:00 am -

1:00 pm 

Library Mall
Wednesday, September 25
3:00 - 7:00pm

UNT Coliseum 



DLSDistinguished Lecture Series
The Distinguished Lectures Series strives to introduce the UNT community to world-class speakers whom they would not ordinarily be exposed to while complementing the education process and adding significantly to the quality of life for students. The   committee hosting the DLS chooses speakers that will interest and inspire students through their lectures.

 

This fall the distinguished speaker is Rainn Wilson, most known as his    role for Dwight Schrute on "The Office" and author of Soul Pancake, his newest social project. To learn more about Rainn Wilson, or to purchase guest tickets, visit the Distinguished Lecture Series Upcoming Events page.



newGAMeet the new Graduate Assistant

If you're a new UNT parent, WELCOME! We are starting our UNT journey together. To both new and returning parents, I'd like to introduce myself.

 

My name is Monica De Los Santos and I am the new GA for Parent Programs. I am a first year student in the Master of Education, Higher Education Cohort Program.

 

I am a Tarleton State University graduate with two Bachelor of Science degrees, one with an emphasis in Public Relations and Event Management, and the other in Fashion Merchandising. I know what you're thinking- WHY is this girl working with Parent Programs??

 

During my time at TSU I worked for the office of Student Activities, The Thompson Student Center, and the Upward Bound Project....yes, all at the same time. During the 3-5 years with each of these programs I have worked with all kinds of students and fell in love with everything about the college atmosphere- preparing for college, starting, getting involved, developing students into leaders...challening them to   break out of their comfort zone and be who they are destined to be. I feel like I was created to be a servant leader to students in any aspect they need. I was an active member of Student Government, a couple honor societies, a programming board, major specific organizations, and other random things as they became available. Even though I was a commuter student, I basically LIVED on campus, and loved every second of it!

 

I'm a first generation college student and have been granted many opportunities that I wouldn't have without my mentors in the higher education setting. I'm anxious to be the mentor, advisor, and friend that your student may need during their time at North Texas.

 

My parents raised our family in Stephenville, Texas and I have two older sisters, two brothers-in-law, a younger brother, two gorgeous nieces, and two really fun (and wild) nephews. Family is extremely important to me, so I completely understand why you are getting involved with your students.

 

I am slowly adjusting to life in the "big city" of Denton, but would love to get to know you and your student better. Feel free to contact me at Monica.DeLosSantos@unt.edu if you have any questions or concerns that I may be of assistance with. I look forward to this next year with Parent Programs!

 

Go Mean Green,

 

Monica

 

health101Student Health 101 E-Zine
Student Health 101 is an interactive online magazine that engages your student in living healthy and developing skills needed to succeed at UNT and beyond. This version is The Parent Perspective and is a quick-to-read summary of articles in the student version. 
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roadsideRoadside Assistance Information
The 2013-2014 Roadside Assistance packet will be available online through Blackboard Learn on September 20! To access this information, please email parents@unt.edu for the login information.