September 2012

        Welcome back Class of 2014!
Hopefully you are all settled in and have begun to get to know your new professors and peers.  As a professor, my favorite activity is to teach.  I love being in class with students who are engaged and excited about their learning experiences.  My second favorite interest is to serve as a cultural bridge between the university and the community (be it our city, our state, or our nation).  It is important for me, every semester, to bring the students out to the community and the community into my classes.  I regularly invite locally and nationally famous artists, musicians, writers, community activists, and community leaders into my classes and have students go out into our city to learn more about it and it’s people.  This means that I have to keep up with what is happening inside and outside of the university; and the best way for me to do this is to volunteer my time.  Eventually, everything comes together nicely (my teaching and my volunteer work) as I publish my articles and books on contemporary Mexican and Mexican-American literatures and cultures. more>> 
Rita E. Urquijo-Ruiz
Class Marshal
Welcome to Maturity
        On August 20th I attended the “Welcome Back” event for your class.  As I looked over the group, I was struck by how different you seem from even the students I saw at the first Sophomore College gathering last year.  And it occurred to me that the difference is maturity, not only as people, but as members of the Trinity community.  First-year students usually look bewildered and anxious, clearly uncomfortable in their surroundings.  Sophomores are more experienced and settled, returning to a familiar place, but still developing a Trinity identity and laying the groundwork for greater involvement in classes and on campus.  Seniors have one foot out the door.  Their minds often have moved beyond Trinity.  But Juniors are the mature, productive citizens of the campus. more>>
Geary Reamey
Alumni Sponsor






Not ready to run a half marathon with the Dean but, would like to participate in a cause with another group on campus.  Consider joining Trinity’s MADD Tigers to Walk Like MADD, a 5K walk in Brackenridge Park on October 27 to raise awareness about drunk or impaired driving in San Antonio. 

Are you concerned about the challenges of eating on campus?  Are the choices overwhelming?  Do you need to know more about what is available and good for YOU?  Then consider joining a Special Interest Nutrition Group!

Local health authorities are advising that there is increased West Nile Virus activity in Texas.  Learn how to protect yourself.

Sign-up for the YMCA!  Students may sign-up for an annual YMCA membership at the Tri-Point YMCA. The fee, due in full, is $180. 

Sleep: a daily Sabbath
You’ve got two years of college under your belt. Have your sleep patterns changed while you’ve been here? If so, why? While at school, do you ever feel sleep-deprived or under-functioning because your attentiveness tank is running on empty? And are you OK with that, or do you want to make some changes for yourself this year? Check out the sleep section at Brain Rules, and ease into a Sabbath restoration of rest…

How might Counseling Services assist you this year?  Last year we assisted about 13 percent of Trinity undergrads for a myriad of concerns, the most common being anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns.  We also provided academic skills coaching to students who needed to improve their grades.  You can have an initial consultation with one of our three psychologists any weekday afternoon between 3 and 4:30 p.m. during Walk-in Hours for an initial visit (first-come, first-seen) or you can make an appointment by calling 210-999-7411 or stopping by the office to speak with the secretary.  We’re located on the second floor of Coates University Center, above the bookstore.  We’re here for you!


Welcome to the Junior Year!
As Juniors, you have a lot to look forward to and challenges to meet. Many critical decisions that impact your career choices or graduate school plans occur during the Junior year. 'Should I get an internship?' (yes, you should), 'Should I study abroad?' (hey, we're all about experience), 'Should I be preparing for my grad school exams?' (if you plan on applying in your Senior year then, YES). Seriously, a lot of practical groundwork gets covered in the Junior year, make sure you are staying on top of it and realize you don't have to do this on your own. That's what Career Services is for. Every month, Career Services hosts numerous programs and events. Stop by and talk to a career professional. Attend our workshops and information sessions and be open to inspiration. more>>


Annual Alcohol Notice
Federal guidelines require the University to address alcohol (and associated student issues) annually. Trinity University tries to take a thoughtful approach to alcohol in its philosophy, policies, and procedures. Please review the Alcohol Web page for more information, including policies at other institutions, information about health risks, and campus resource and treatment options. more>>

In the best interest of student safety, Trinity University has a student Missing Person Policy.  Please refer to the Residential Life Policies & Procedures Web page or Student Success Web page.

Insure your things…
Trinity University is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property. While most student possessions are covered by family plans, National Student Services, Inc. offers a low premium/low deductible option that is often attractive to students and families.

The Dog Jurgens

Watch for details for the September 11 event featuring reflections by the sister and brother-in-law of Paul Jurgens, the namesake of our puppy. Contact Katharine Martin at Katharine.martin@trinity.edu for more details and to walk Jurgens in September. Jurgens leaves us in October for good! There will be a good-bye reception and roast in early October to send her off.

Milk N’ Cookies with CCI is Back!
Join CCI every Thursday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. for warm cookies and milk.

Leadership Programs Open House
Learn about curricular and co-curricular leadership programs on campus at the Leadership Programs Open house on Wednesday, September 12 during SUPER NACHO HOUR from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in Coates Lobby. more>>


Celebration and Awareness Week
Trinity Diversity Connection (TDC) will hold its annual Celebration and Awareness Week (CAW) from September 10-14. Please look for more information on TDC’s blog.

Multicultural Retreat
Join Trinity Diversity Connection (TDC) and Southwestern University for an overnight multicultural retreat in New Braunfels, TX on Friday, September 7 and 8. Workshops will cover different aspects of diversity and allyship. Transportation, lodging, and food will be provided. Please contact Soi Inthavong, sinthavo@trinity.edu, to sign up. Deadline to sign up is Wednesday, August 29, 2012.

Volunteer Awareness Week kicks off with a social event hosted by TUVAC on Monday, September 3 followed by a week filled with different events including the Volunteer Fair on September 4, TUVAC Extravaganza on the 5th, and concludes with a large community service event on the 8th. For more information, visit www.trinity.edu/communityservice or by become a friend of TUVAC on Facebook.

Student Involvement Fair, 8/24/12 (Fri), 7-8 p.m., Baseball Field
Learn how you can get involved on campus. College life goes beyond the classroom and dorm room experience. Come see for yourself as 80+ student organizations represent! R.S.V.P. not required.


University Phones:  All residence hall students must keep University provided phones plugged in at all times in order for the University’s emergency 911 system to be successful.  If your phone is not functioning properly, please call the ITS Help Desk at extension 7409.

August 2012

Half Way There!
Dear Class of 2014,
Hopefully everyone enjoyed their summer; whether you were working, studying, playing, and/or visiting family and friends, your energies should be renewed.  Congratulations on being juniors! Now you’re ready to begin the more challenging but also the most exciting half of your college experience. more>> 
Rita E. Urquijo-Ruiz
Class Marshal
The Beginning of the End
I’m not big on sports analogies, but watching the Olympics has inspired me.  Think of yourself as entering the third quarter of the big game.  All of us Spurs fans know how important that quarter is.  The game isn’t over, but it has developed its own rhythm and pace.  Good teams step it up in the third quarter and lay the groundwork for the big (and successful) finish.  That’s where you are in your Trinity career. more>>
Geary Reamey
Alumni Sponsor








"Welcome to a new semester! College is a unique experience that gets started over and over and over again until you finally arrive at your graduation day. You have the chance to learn, grow and even make mistakes that will add value to your experience in so many ways that will actually make you a much better person at graduation."  So begins a brief but stimulating article from The Huffington Post titled "The 5 New Semester Resolutions Every College Student Needs."  Check it out!  And check out the ways we at Counseling Services can help you make the most of this semester and year.

Health Services walk-in hours during the academic year are Sunday, 2 – 8 p.m.; Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Students are assisted by registered nurses for illness or injury anytime during walk-in hours.

The university physician has appointments available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning August 22.  Call for an appointment, 210-999- 8111.

Students with illness or injury, after hours, will find helpful information in the Self-Care Guide online.  In an emergency call TUPD at 210-999-7000.

Disability Services for Students
If you were recently diagnosed with a condition and want to learn how DSS might help you, or if you are already registered with DSS and need to request your accommodation letters, please call 210-999-7411 to schedule an appointment with Gavin Steiger. To learn more about receiving services, visit the DSS website.


Welcome to the Junior Year!
As Juniors, you have a lot to look forward to and challenges to meet. Many critical decisions that impact your career choices or graduate school plans occur during the Junior year. 'Should I get an internship?' (yes, you should), 'Should I study abroad?' (hey, we're all about experience), 'Should I be preparing for my grad school exams?' (if you plan on applying in your Senior year then, YES). Seriously, a lot of practical groundwork gets covered in the Junior year, make sure you are staying on top of it and realize you don't have to do this on your own. That's what Career Services is for. Every month, Career Services hosts numerous programs and events. Stop by and talk to a career professional. Attend our workshops and information sessions and be open to inspiration. more>>

Don’t miss the Junior Welcome Back Session with lots of information, giveaways, and free food!  Monday, August 20 at 7 p.m. in Heidi Lounge.


Student Programming Board (SPB) is excited to announce this year's Welcome Week Concert headliner...SEAN KINGSTON!
Friday, August 24
Baseball Field
Open to Trinity students only

7 p.m. Student Involvement Fair & Concert Opener - Friends Like Us
8 p.m. Sean Kingston

Residence Hall Move-In

Junior students may move into the residence halls beginning on Sunday, August 19.  The Witt Center will be open for check-in from 8:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, August 22.

Lofting Kits
A limited number of lofting kits are available for sophomore and upper-class students only.   Kits can be picked up at McLean 135, Prassel 015, or Susanna 001 on Monday August 20 and Tuesday August 21 from 1 – 5 p.m.  Students may only check out one lofting kit per room and must have their Trinity ID present to receive the kit.  Failure to return the complete lofting kit and hardware to the original pick up location will result in a $25.00 fine charged to your student account.  Contact the Residential Life Office at reslife@trinity.edu or extension 7219 for additional information.

Fall Student Involvement Fair – Friday, August 24 during the opening act of the Welcome Week Concert. Register your organization for a table now!

Dining Services is looking forward to kicking off an exciting new year for the Trinity community. With a variety of dining locations on campus from the RFoC @ Mabee Hall, to popular national brands and our convenience P.O.D. Market, we've got something to satisfy everyone's cravings. You’ve got a lot on your plate. Did you leave room for food? more>>

Learn how to connect your computer and mobile device to the Trinity wireless network, click here.  

The Student Handbook will no longer be distributed in booklet form. The Trinity Web page allows us to produce an
electronic Handbook that offers important information available to students. This saves significant costs and natural resources.

Remember that upon your return you can sign-up for the YMCA for nine months for $180.  This is an incredible deal at $20 per month.  Watch for more information about sign-up times and locations.


Please join the University in congratulating Dr. Raphael Moffett, who has accepted the position as Vice President for Student Affairs at Langston University, a historically black college and university (HBCU) in north central Oklahoma.  Though Dr. Moffett was not seeking a change, several Student Affairs professionals nationally recommended him as a rising leader in higher education. Dr. Moffett's last day will be August 23.   We will miss him but also wish him the best.

Please join the University in congratulating Ben Newhouse, who has accepted the position as Dean of Students at Birmingham-Southern College. Recently the BSC staff learned what we already know: Ben is a terrific professional and an exceptional man and role model. Ben has aspired to a Dean of Students position and has worked hard toward this opportunity. They will be lucky to have him at BSC. He will get us through NSO before his departure in early September. We wish him the best.