2015 Sample Freshman Schedule - New Aggie

[Sample Freshman Summer 2015]
New Student Conference Schedule
What should you expect?
Howdy!
Welcome to Texas A&M and your New Student Conference! If
you have questions, need directions or just general information,
please feel free to visit our Help Desk located in the Rudder
Lobby. We also provide a complimentary electronics charging
station for your convenience!
New Student Conference Help Desk Hours:
Day one: 8:00a.m. - 5:30p.m.
Day two: 7:45a.m. - 5:30p.m.
Pre-Conference Day occurs the day before official programs begin.
All activities during the pre-conference day are optional.
Day 1 kicks off with informative sessions regarding academics,
services, opportunities and responsibilites as an Aggie. Optional night
programs help students and families understand what it means to be an
Aggie.
Day 2 begins with students meeting with their college to learn about
the requirements and expectations of their specific discipline. Class
registration takes place in the afternoon.
You can also Tweet Us with questions @NSFPtamu or call (979)
845-5826. Have a great conference and welcome to Aggieland!
Pre-Conference Day (optional)
Attendance at your conference is mandatory and it is the University’s
expectation that you attend all sessions. This schedule will serve as your
reference for all sessions taking place during your conference.
Time
Event
Description
8:00a.m.5:00p.m.
Veteran Services Are you or your dependent ready to use your military educational benefits? If so, please visit
Office Open
the Veteran Services Office to learn how to get the most out of your benefits at Texas A&M.
10:00a.m.4:00p.m.
Residence Hall
Tours
Residence Hall Tours provide the opportunity to see a furnished room in Hullabaloo Hall,
Modular, Corridor, Balcony and Ramp building styles only. Please visit reslife.tamu.edu/
conferencesTours/reshallTours for specific times or call (979) 845-0557 or (979) 845-1279.
Hullabaloo
Hall
Times
Vary
Language
Placement
Exam
The Spanish Language Placement Test is administered by Hispanic Studies. All other
Language Placement Tests are administered by International Studies. There is a $30.00 fee
due at the time of registration. To register, visit newaggie.tamu.edu/languageplacementexam.
For questions, call: Spanish Exam: (979) 458-0672 | All other languages: (979) 845-5144
Location
given upon
exam
registration
Times
Vary
TSI Assessment
Test
Students not exempt from the Texas Success Initiative and who have not taken the TSI
Assessment Test prior to the NSC must do so at this time or they will not be able to register
for classes. Register in Suite 1101, General Services Complex or call (979) 845-0532.
1101 General
Services
Complex
2:304:30p.m.
Students and families who have arrived early may check in to the conference. Students
Student &
needing to clear any holds, turn in transcripts, or change their major should do so. Howdy
Family Check-In
Lunch tickets as well as Class of 2019 and Aggie Family T-shirts are available for purchase.
Zone Club at
Kyle Field,
3rd Floor
2:304:30p.m.
Campus Tours
Get acquainted with the campus, history and traditions of Texas A&M. Orientation Leaders
conduct 45-60 minute walking tours of central campus. Tours depart every 10-15 minutes.
Location
TBA
2:304:30p.m.
Alternative
Campus Tours
Available for those who prefer a virtual tour experience. Video loops every 40 minutes.
Location
TBA
6:007:00p.m.
Corps of Cadets Joining the Corps or seeking more information? Stop by the Corps of Cadets Open House to
Open House
meet with outfit representatives.
5:306:30p.m.
Greek Life
Session
Fraternities and sororities strive to form support networks for students. Members are
Location
committed to academics, strengthening leadership skills, and volunteering in the community.
TBA
Come receive information about how you can make an impact as an Aggie Greek!
5:306:30p.m.
Singing Cadets
Audition
If you’re interested in being part of Texas A&M’s premier all-male chorus, please stop by for a
MSC L110
brief audition! Please note: Membership in the Corps of Cadets is not required.
6:308:00p.m.
Evening Social
The Orientation Leaders and The Association of Former Students invite new students and
families to join them for dessert as you explore the exhibits of the Alumni Center, enjoy
various activities, try on a Class of 2019 Aggie Ring and ask any questions you may have.
Williams
Alumni
Center
All Day
Open
Recreation
Utilize the Rec Center at your leisure. Simply check in with the Member Services Desk at
the Rec Center to gain passes. Equipment fees may apply. Proper attire is required. Family
members under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Student
Recreation
Center
Do you want to change your major?
If you want to change your major, you must visit the
“Change your Major” table at check-in. This is your only
opportunity to change your major at the conference.
Be advised that certain colleges and departments have
enrollment restrictions and a change of major into these
programs will not be an option.
Location
The Pavilion
Room 205
Rudder
Exhibit Hall
Are you an international student?
Have you taken the Math Placement Exam?
All students who are neither U.S. Citizens
nor U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents
must check in with International Student
Services (ISS) in order to have their course
registration hold removed. Detailed
information is available at iss.tamu.edu.
All freshman students are required to take the
math placement exam before class registration. If
you have not taken the math placement exam,
please visit the NSC Help Desk. To take the math
placement exam, visit: mathplacement.tamu.edu.
Key to reading the schedule:
F For Family Members
Mandatory Session
Students Only
Spanish translation for Family Members offered at these sessions. A Spanish
translator will provide details about checking out a listening device during
Family Check-In. Additionally, you can visit the help desk in Rudder Tower to
receive a listening device. Proudly supported by The Association of Former Students.
Day One
Time
Event
Description
Location
8:009:30a.m.
Student & Family
Check-In
Students and family members/guests must check in to the conference. You will
receive orientation materials, an official conference schedule and students must 3rd Floor, Kyle
clear any holds, turn in transcripts, or change their major, if desired. Howdy Field Zone Club
Lunch tickets, Class of 2019 and Aggie Family T-shirts are available for purchase.
8:009:30a.m.
Campus Tours
Orientation Leaders conduct 45-60 minute walking tours of the inner campus.
Location TBA
Groups depart about every 10 minutes. The last group will leave at 8:45a.m.
8:009:30a.m.
Alternative Campus Tours
Available for students or family members who prefer a virtual tour experience.
Video loops every 40 minutes.
Location TBA
8:00a.m.4:30p.m.
Student ID Cards
Get your student ID card made. Lines to make IDs are longest on the morning
of Day 1. Not available during mandatory sessions. Check the back page of this
schedule for more detailed times and availability.
Rudder
Exhibit Hall
Veteran Services Session
Learn how to get the most out of your military educational benefits. Get
connected with the Aggie veteran community and both campus veteran offices. Location TBA
Mandatory for veterans; highly suggested for military dependents.
For students of any major planning to pursue professional school credentials.
8:459:30a.m.
Medicine, Dentistry, Allied Health, Veterinary Medicine Location TBA
Professional School
Advising Sessions
Law Location TBA
Secondary Teacher Certification Location TBA
From Backpack to
Briefcase
Designed to help students make a successful transition to A&M and plan activities
Location TBA
that will improve future employment options.
9:4510:05a.m.
Welcome Session
(Mandatory Session)
This opening session is your formal welcome to the Aggie Family from
New Student & Family Programs!
Rudder
Auditorium
10:0510:35a.m.
Joining a Community
of Scholars
(Mandatory Session)
This session will provide you with important information about the
opportunities, rights and responsibilities as a new member of Texas A&M’s
Community of Scholars.
Rudder
Auditorium
10:3511:20a.m.
Campus Services Session
(Mandatory Session)
Information will be shared regarding services you may select during
registration and information regarding safety and emergency preparedness.
Rudder
Auditorium
11:2011:50a.m.
Keys to Financial Matters
(Mandatory Session)
Staff will discuss tuition and fees, how to pay your bill, deadlines, and financial Rudder
resources including scholarships, grants and loans.
Auditorium
12:00FOCUS Learning
12:30p.m. Community Briefing
12:001:45p.m.
12:302:45p.m.
Howdy Lunch & Resource
Tables
{or}
Required for students admitted to FOCUS Learning Community and their
guests. Students will learn more about FOCUS, meet FOCUS staff and advisors,
Location TBA
complete their FOCUS course preference sheet, and ask any questions
regarding the program.
Howdy Lunch is a wonderful way to experience dining on campus. “All you care
to eat” tickets will be sold at NSC Check-In or can be purchased at the door.
Sbisa Dining
Vegetarian dishes will be available. Before or after you dine, be sure to check out
Center
the Resource Tables where more than 40 offices and services from the University
community are represented. Gather materials and ask questions at your leisure.
Lunch on your own
See handout in your check-in bag for campus dining locations.
Corps Orientation &
Registration
Register for the Corps of Cadets and participate in an orientation session for
students and families. Session includes information on Corps housing, uniforms, Sanders Corps
meal plans, unit assignments, ROTC enrollment and Cadet Scholarships. In order to of Cadets
arrive on time, students & families attending this session should eat lunch in the Memorial Center
Student Center.
your
k
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dar!
Calen
• Gig ‘Em Week: August 23-30
• Undergraduate Convocation: August 30
• First day of Fall Classes: August 31
Various
The Undergraduate Course Catalog is now online!
To view academic information such as course
descriptions, degree plans, and core curriculum
requirements, visit: catalog.tamu.edu
Day One Afternoon
Time
2:003:00pm
3:103:30p.m.
3:404:30p.m.
4:405:15p.m.
Event
Description
On-Campus Housing Session
{or}
Students learn about on-campus living arrangements, residence life policies, what
to expect as on-campus residents, and move-in details. This session is mandatory Rudder Theatre
for students who have been confirmed with an on-campus residence hall space.
F
Family On-Campus
Housing and Services {or}
Learn about on-campus living arrangements and find out more information about Rudder
housing related support services including parking, food, and computing.
Auditorium
Off-Campus Housing
Session
Learn about off-campus living, including how to find housing, important rental/
Location TBA
leasing information, roommate relations and transportation.
Campus SaVE Training
(Mandatory Session)
This mandatory session will focus on Title IX of the Education Amendments of
1972 with special emphasis on our students’ rights and available resources.
Aggieland: A
Community of Respect
Centered around our Core Values, current students will talk about being part of
Rudder Theatre
the Aggie Family and how you contribute our Community of Respect.
Partners in Success
F
Location
Rudder
Auditorium
Explore challenges facing new students during their transition to college and how
Rudder
the university and families can partner to provide support to increase student
Auditorium
success.
Students will receive critical information regarding academic policies and
receive instructions on class registration.
Academic Meeting
(Mandatory Session)
Rudder
Auditorium
Day One Evening: There are separate programs planned for students and families from 5:15 until 8:30p.m. At 8:30p.m.,
students and families will reunite for the last program of the evening, Being an Aggie.
Student Track:
Time
Event
Description
Location
5:156:00p.m.
Freshman Dinner
Freshman students will relax and dine with your fellow classmates! It is a great
time to meet other Aggies and chat with Orientation Leaders. The dinner is
free for new students participating in the conference. Please wear your nametag
received at check-in as it will be your ticket for dinner.
MSC
Bethancourt
Ballroom
6:007:15p.m.
Aggie Insights
Want to find out everything about Aggieland but not sure who to ask? Here
you’ll get to meet in small, informal groups with Orientation Leaders to ask
questions and learn more about campus life. Groups form at dinner.
Groups form
at Freshman
Dinner
7:157:45p.m.
Aggie Energizer
Have fun and meet other Aggies by participating in a variety of games and
activities that will energize you.
Rudder
Fountain Area
7:458:30p.m.
CSI:
Aggieland
An entertaining performance focusing on “Campus Safety Issues.” Get
informed on the tough social issues many students face and the resources
available at A&M for support.
Rudder
Auditorium
Family Track:
Time
Event
5:156:30p.m.
Ask an Aggie
6:458:25p.m.
Description
F
Family Dinner and Being an
Aggie Family Member
F
Location
A panel of current students will provide an expanded Q&A session to address
Rudder Theatre
any questions or concerns and give their perspective on life at Texas A&M.
This relaxed dinner is a great way to meet other family members and interact with
Orientation Leaders. You’ll also hear how the Office of New Student & Family MSC
Programs supports family members and a representative from the Federation Bethancourt
of Aggie Moms will speak about local Aggie Moms club. Serving lines close at Ballroom
7:30p.m. Please wear your nametag received at check-in as it will be your ticket for dinner.
Students & Families:
Time
Event
Description
8:309:30p.m.
Being an Aggie & Yell
Practice
Learn about being an Aggie and attend a Fightin’ Texas Aggie Yell Practice with
Rudder
the Yell Leaders. You will also learn and sing the Aggie War Hymn with the Class
Auditorium
of 2019!
Instructions for connecting to the TAMU Link Wireless Network:
Open available wireless networks and select tamulink-wpa.
Enter your NetID for the “Username” field and your NetID password for the “Password” field.
If you have questions or need assistance contact Help Desk Central at 979.845.8300.
Location
Students Only
Day Two
Mandatory Session
F For Family Members
Time
Event
Description
Location
7:458:10a.m.
Conference Shuttles
Beginning at 7:45a.m., shuttles are available to transport you to West Campus.
Rudder Fountain
7:45a.m.
Trailblazing
Orientation Leaders walk you to college meetings or direct you to West
Campus shuttles. All groups depart from Rudder Fountain at 8:00a.m.
Rudder Fountain
In this mandatory meeting, students meet with representatives from your specific college who will
discuss requirements and answer questions you have about your major. You will also receive specific
information about course registration.
Locations vary by college(Building abbreviations refer to the campus map alphabetical listing):
Mandatory College Meeting
& Academic Advisement
8:30a.m.
Meeting begins promptly
at 8:30a.m. Students who
do not attend the meeting
for its entirety will be
blocked from course
registration.
• Science (SC)
• Agriculture & Life Sciences (AG)
Location TBA
*Location TBA
• Liberal Arts (LA)
• Architecture (AR)
Location TBA
Location TBA
• Public Health (PH)
• Business (BA)
Location TBA
*Location TBA
• Veterinary Medicine (VM)
• Education (ED)
*Location TBA
Location TBA
• Transition Academic Programs Blinn TEAM (GS)
• Engineering (EN)
Location TBA
Location TBA
• Geosciences (GE)
Location TBA
*Denotes building on West campus. We suggest riding the conference shuttles.
Locations above indicate starting locations for the College Meeting portion; following the College
Meeting, participants will be given instructions to travel to a different location (often in a different
building) for departmental/small-group meetings and registration. If you are a guest with mobility
concerns, contact your college in order to make appropriate arrangements.
Various
Lunch on your own
See handout in your check-in bag for campus dining locations. Time will vary
depending on when you are dismissed from your College Meeting.
2:006:00p.m.
Course Registration
Exact time and location announced during College Meetings. Students will register
Location specified
for their fall classes and optional campus services. Please be prepared to
by college
remain until 6p.m. if necessary.
Various
New Student Conference Checklist
Activate your computer resources in the Student Computing
Center (SCC). The SCC is hours TBD.
Add your preferred emergency contact information on the Howdy
Portal, howdy.tamu.edu.
Purchase your official Class of 2019 and Aggie Family T-shirt!
T-shirts can be purchased at afternoon or morning check-ins, at
Howdy Lunch or after the Being an Aggie program on Day One.
Pick up your sports pass. If you registered for a sports pass (online
at mysportspass.tamu.edu), you may pick it up up at the ticket
windows on the east side of Kyle Field near Entrance 8 after you
have received your student ID card. Ticket Office is open from
8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Get your student ID card made. Lines to make IDs are longest on
the morning of Day 1.
• Pre-Conference Day: 8:00a.m.-4:30p.m. in Rudder Exhibit Hall
• Day One: 8:00a.m.-4:30p.m. in Rudder Exhibit Hall
• Day Two: 8:00a.m.-4:30p.m. in Rudder Exhibit Hall
If you are a veteran or military student, check in with the Veteran
Services Office, located in the Pavilion Room 205 (2nd Floor).
Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @NSFPtamu. This is a great way
to stay connected before, during, and after your NSC. If tweeting
about your NSC experience, use the hashtag #TAMUNSC.
Reserve your textbooks before you leave campus! Texas A&M
and Barnes & Noble have paired up to create a textbook and
materials list that is automatically generated after class registration
so you can order textbooks more easily. Stop by Barnes & Noble
at Texas A&M University to pick up your NEW STUDENT
PACKET and ask any questions. The bookstore is open 8:00a.m.
to 6:00p.m. Monday–Friday. You can also visit them online
at tamu.bncollege.com.
You may want to rent a P.O. Box if you are living on campus.
Boxes may be rented for the Southside or Northside of Campus by
visiting Hullabaloo Hall 12:00-2:00pm (tamucms.com). Boxes can
only be rented in person. The Northgate Post Office also offers
P.O. Box Rental and are open 9:30a.m.-4:00p.m.
Complete your NSC Evaluation which you receive via email 7-10
days after your conference.
Sign-up for Code Maroon. Code Maroon is an emergency
notification service that gives Texas A&M the ability to
communicate health and safety emergency information quickly
with campus members. Sign up at codemaroon.tamu.edu.
Please note: TAMU students are not under any obligation to purchase a
textbook from a university-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may
also be available from an independent retailer.