Parent News
A Parent Programs and Parent Association Publication
October 2014
Happy October!

The fall semester is in full swing and believe it or not, your students will be halfway done with their semester by October 18th. Which means: MIDTERMS! Not all courses have midterms, but it's especially important now that your student is aware of their course schedule.
  
What's even more exciting to think about is that it's almost time to register for the spring semester. Below is a list of dates for your student to be mindful of when it comes to registering for classes. Registration dates are based on the number of hours a student has completed at UNT (classification). Honors College leads, then follows graduate students, seniors and so forth down to freshmen.
  
Though the fall semester doesn't always bring "fall weather" in Texas, it does mean that Thanksgiving is not too far away. It may be to early for some to think about, but if you would like for your student to travel home for the Thanksgiving Holiday, (November 26 - 30, 2014) please consider a ride for your student using the BreakShuttle service. More information is listed in this newsletter. 

 

Finally, a special Thank You to all the families that were able to take part in Family Weekend last month. Some great photos have  been posted to the Family Weekend Facebook Fan Page. We really hope your family had a great time and will make Family Weekend a yearly tradition. 

In This Issue
       
        
      
New Parent Association President Welcome
Tony Hill, President 2014-2015

As the new Parent Association President, I'd like to take a few minutes and visit with you about the Parent Association and how we can continue to support our students. I've been a member of the Parent Association for the past two years. My wife Linda and I joined while attending Parent Orientation in conjunction with our son's Freshman Orientation. I served as the Secretary my first year, and then as President Elect in my second year. During this time I have seen the Parent Association grow. We have a great Board - all committed to the success of our students and UNT.

 

This year we have a full slate of activities including the Homecoming Parade/Game, Fall and Spring Goody Box stuffing, the spring social, followed by the Summer Orientations and Send Off Parties (yes, they will be here before you know it). All of these activities are opportunities for us all to get to know each other while supporting our students. We have created "events" on the PA Facebook page for you to view and RSVP.

 

Sometimes I think about what it would be like if there were not a Parents Association. My wife and I wouldn't know about things that are happening at the University; we would miss out on so much. That's the beauty of this organization, it allows for "we the parents" to have a role in our children's education and campus lives, without being there physically. With the addition of the Facebook page, we have a unique ability to continue communication with, and understanding of, all of our parents.  

 

Our 2014-2015 Board consists of some great volunteers: Cindy Cravey - President Elect, Sharon Wainscott - Vice President, Darcy White - Treasurer, Linda Mello - Secretary, Stephen Humenesky - Parliamentarian, and Tekesha Hubbard - Historian. These great folks have stepped up and volunteered their time to continue working to make the PA great.

 

In closing, I'd just like to thank you for your support, and ask that we all continue working to support our students and UNT. Thank you for all you have done and all that you are going to do.

  

Go Mean Green!

  

Tony Hill

President

UNT Parent Association

MID-OCTOBER MEANS MIDTERMS!

The midpoint for fall 2014 is October 18, which means midterm exams and papers are quickly approaching! Lucky for your student, there are plenty of places to get guidance on using library resources, how to amp up their study skills, and even someone who can assist them with editing their writing assignments.
  
Check out the UNT Library News and Events or Library Services page for information on workshops, study spaces, research, technology, or for more information about what's happening in the library.
  
Remind your student about the Learning Center and all the resources they offer for students! They host specialized Academic Success Programs for freshman students that include covering topics such as study tips, time management, and even test taking strategies!

 

Another great service offered for all students is the UNT Writing Lab. If your student feels overwhelemed with all the papers they're writing, the Writing Lab is the place to be. Services include tutoring, in person or online, discussing a paper, asking questions about the basics of writing, and more. 
Spring 2015 Class Registration  
  
Classification
Start Date
Honors College
7:00 AM, October 13
Graduate Students

7:00 AM, October 13

(for graduate courses) 

 

7:00 AM, October 17

(for undergraduate courses)

 

Seniors
7:00 AM, October 14
Juniors
7:00 AM, October 17
Sophomores
7:00 AM, October 20
Freshmen
7:00 AM, October 23

 Registration Closes 4:30 PM on January 8 and payment is due by 5:00 PM

  
REMEMBER: It's highly recommended that all students get advised prior to registering for classes. An academic advisor not only assists in the selection of coures, but can ensure that your student is on track to graduate in a timely manner.
  
For more information on advising times or locations, visit the Registrar's page, Get Advised.

 

For more information on general registration questions, contact the Registrar's Information Counter by calling 940-565-2378 or visiting their office in the Eagle Student Services Center (ESSC) Room 147.

 

If your student needs help choosing a major, visit Exploring Majors online, or their office, located in Sage Hall, Suite 302. There are also two online career assessments to get your student started that are sponsored by the Career Center.
Thanksgiving Bus Trip Home
 
We are excited that the Office of Parent Programs, at the University of North Texas, has partnered with BreakShuttle to provide break transportation for you this Thanksgiving 2014. BreakShuttle is the largest national provider of college and university break transportation services in the United States. They are committed to providing reliable, safe, and convenient transportation services on luxury coach buses that allow even the most remote colleges and universities to have a "pop up" transportation network around major school breaks. Bus trips are provided by BreakShuttle, a separate entity from the University of North Texas. The Office of Orientation and Transition Programs at the University of North Texas works with BreakShuttle to ensure these trips are possible.
  
Detailed information about how to purchase tickets and what the bus schedule looks like for the trip is posted on the Parent Programs website.
Upcoming Events

Date
Event

October 1 - October 31

various times 

Disability Awareness Month

various locations 

October 18, 2014

6:00 pm

North Texas vs. Southern Miss

Apogee Stadium

October 20

8:00 PM

  UPC Film: Guardians of the Galaxy

Onstead Promenade

October 23

7:00 PM

Mean Green Basketball Madness

Colosseum

October 31

7:00 PM - 9:15 PM

North Texas Soccer vs. Western Kentucky

Mean Green Village Soccer Complex 


Oh Myyy! George Takei to speak at UNT October 27

 

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 October the distinguished speaker is George Takei. With a career spanning five decades, Takei is known around the world for his founding role in the acclaimed television series Star Trek, in which he played Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the Starship Enterprise.

 

To purchase guest tickets,or to learn more about the Distinguished Lecture Series visit the DLS event page.
Upcoming Opportunities

 

Orientation Leader Applications are available! Encourage your student to become a peer mentor to incoming students and pass on their UNT pride! Although orientation is thought to be a summer obligation, orientation leaders will be selected in the fall and begin training in the spring. If you think your student would be a great candidate, encourage them to apply. Applications are available now through Wednesday, November 5. Completed applications should be submitted to the Orientation and Transition Programs office in Stovall Hall, Suite 155. 
STAY CONNECTED
Facebook    
Roadside
Assistance
Information
The 2014-2015 Roadside Assistance manual is available online through Blackboard Learn! Students have received an email announcement notifying them of the Parent Association information on Blackboard. If you would like access this information, please email [email protected] for the login information.