October 2012

Responsibilities, Priorities, and Fun

Dear Class of 2014,
By now you should be about done with most of your midterms and perhaps you can now take a deep breath to tackle the second half of the semester.   This time I write to you with a couple of suggestions regarding your responsibilities and priorities as students and as citizens.  more>>
Rita E. Urquijo-Ruiz
Class Marshal

What Lawyers Really Do
Before I began teaching criminal law full-time, I practiced in the Dallas area.  A lot of my practice involved criminal defense, but I also represented clients in matters ranging from divorce to civil litigation.  If I had to say very succinctly what I did, and what most lawyers do, I could say that a lot of my work involved solving problems for people who made bad choices.  Now, before you quickly separate yourself from “those” people, let me hasten to add that we all have plenty of experience in this field of human activity.  Everyone makes bad choices.  more>>
Geary Reamey
Alumni Sponsor



Trinity University partnered with Southwestern University to provide an overnight Multicultural Retreat on September 7-8, 2012. The purpose of the retreat was to establish relationships amongst students of diverse identities. Students learned to identify areas of privilege, power, and oppression via open dialogues and workshops around various diversity topics. Trinity University and Southwestern University provided tools and skills to challenge the systems of oppression and build/promote activism around campus. Students engaged in powerful conversations that examine their individual identities and the concept of privilege and allyship.

Get Your Flu Vaccination Now
Can you afford to miss classes or activities for the flu? Flu vaccine is available now in Health Services. more>>

Health Has Its Rewards
In late spring of 2012 the staff of Health Services and Counseling Services administered the National College Health Assessment (NCHA), a nationally-normed survey of college students’ health-related behaviors.  Students were encouraged to respond to the rather lengthy survey by the opportunity to win one of two prizes – an Apple iPad and a membership in the nearby YMCA for the 2012-2013 academic year.

Pictured below are our two winners, Molly Zumbro and Aaron Skinner receiving their prizes from Dr. Gary Neal, director of Counseling and Health Services.  The results of the NCHA will be used to inform health-related programming and services provided by Health Services and Counseling Services.

Making Time for the Summer Internship Search
We know you’re busy with school work, but it’s time to start thinking about internships for next summer. Here’s a tip to manage it all: think of the internship application process as a class that requires a few hours of homework each week.  Include internship research and application tasks in your weekly schedule along with your academic assignments. Plan your weekly task schedule based on due dates that are approaching during the next two weeks for both classes and the internship search.  For more time management strategies, visit the Time and Task Management section of the Counseling Services self-help Web page.



Dear Juniors,
Graduation is just around the corner, so start preparing for your career path now!  This month, Career Services is hosting multiple events that will train you in professionalism and teach you about different industries.  The staff at Career Services strongly encourages all juniors to attend the Interview Success Workshop and participate in a mock interview during PPID. Juniors are ideally attending the Graduate and Professional School Fair to learn about grad school, or attending the Fall Career Fair for internship opportunities. It’s all happening this month!  Check out our website or TigerJobs for more information. more>>

Mission Change: Juniors & Seniors Your mission is to enhance your leadership and team development skills by engaging alumni, San Antonio leaders, and the city through service. Meetings occur on Wednesdays beginning October 10. Register by September 28 to participate! Visit Mission: Change for more information.

Student Leader Spotlight: Submit a nomination today for this month’s Student Leader Spotlight! Nominations are collected on a rolling basis and will be considered for multiple months. Learn more about recognition opportunities.

2012 Student Leadership Conference 
Are you going to the STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE on Saturday, October 20? Register today! (Deadline to register is Monday, October 15.) The conference includes an alumni networking lunch, breakout sessions, and a keynote speaker.

Alternative Spring Break
Juniors! Will you not be able to study abroad because of academics or athletics? Are you interested in participating in an international service experience? Do you simply want to go abroad and have a different spring break from anyone else? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, consider applying to go on Alternative Spring Break in Dominica – a beautiful Caribbean island! We will be diving into an international service experience by volunteering at a school for children with special needs while learning all about the unique Dominican culture. Stop by the Alternative Spring Break Open House in Java City from 6-9 p.m. on October 10 where you can learn all about this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Applications are due on October 22, and discounts are available to those who qualify. Contact Edwin Blanton in CCI, eblanton@trinity.edu, or Sara Miller, the ASB Intern, smiller7@trinity.edu, for more information!

Voter Registration
Are you registered to vote?  The final day to register to vote and still be eligible to participate in this November’s election is Tuesday, October 9.  A voter registration table will be in Coates Lobby from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. that day.  You may also stop by the Witt Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Any questions, please contact Edwin Blanton, coordinator for community service & engagement at eblanton@trinity.edu.

Dining Services
Jurgens Roast
Our TSA foster puppy turns one October 5 and will return to Lackland Air Force Base to begin formal detection training. We will wish Jurgens happy birthday and good luck with a Trinity-style roast Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fiesta Room. Contact Katharine Martin if you have something to say about “the most energetic and obstinate yellow Labrador puppy this side of the Mississippi.”

Follow the Dean of Students on Facebook
You will “like” it!



We don’t got ya covered…
Trinity University is NOT responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged student property. While most student possessions are covered by family insurance plans, National Student Services, Inc. offers a low premium/low deductible option that you may wish to consider.

Know your rights
The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) urges students to know their right. Do you know yours? You can learn more from the University’s statement on rights and responsibilities and a more specific look at residence hall procedural rights as posted on the Student Conduct page.  How are we doing? Send comments or concerns to the Dean of Students at dtuttle@trinity.edu.
Attention Bike Owners:  Be sure to register your bike with the University Police Department.  This can be very helpful in the event that your bike is lost or stolen.  Check out the Bike Registration page for additional information. 



Health and Safety Checks (October 8-19):  The Residential Life Office will be conducting Health and Safety Inspections October 8-19.  During this time, Residential Life staff will be entering your room to check for general health and safety issues.  For more information, talk to your Resident Assistant, Resident Mentor, or Hall Manager.  We appreciate your cooperation with this process.