From:                              Parent E-News [parents@memphis.edu]

Sent:                               Tuesday, August 28, 2007 11:44 AM

To:                                   parents-list@cc.memphis.edu

Subject:                          August 28, 2007 Parent E-News

 

 

Parent E-News

August 28, 2007
 

Faculty and students are eagerly looking forward to another great year at the University of Memphis! As we continue to welcome our new freshmen and returning students on their second day of classes, we would also like to inform you of what is buzzing around our tiger campus. Classes are in full swing as of August 27th. The students will enjoy a break September 3rd for the Labor Day holiday and some time off during Fall Break on October 13-16th.

Till next month….may you be safe and happy.

Please note that this is the first parent e-news of the school year, so there will be more information than the subsequent issues. You can click on the buletts below for more information:

CALENDAR & IMPORTANT DATES

August 27, Monday                                         Fall Classes Start

August 28, Tuesday, 5:30 pm                           Fee Payment Deadline

August 30, Thursday                                        Last Day to Add or Change Sections

October 13-16, Saturday-Tuesday                  Fall Break

<>October 19, Friday                                          Last Day to Drop a Class- No Refund; “W” Grade Is Assigned

December 7-13, Friday-Thursday                    Exams

January 14, 2008, Monday                              Spring Classes Start

Link to entire Academic Calendar

http://www.enrollment.memphis.edu/registrar/calendars/academic/ay0708.htm

or the University Event Calendar http://events.memphis.edu  (best if viewed using Explorer)

GENERAL CAMPUS NEWS

The University is converting to a new computer system, SPECTRUM.  Staff have worked long and hard and we are excited about the system.  But the beginning of the semester will bring some struggles for the system and our staff, especially in the Bursar and Registrar’s offices.  Please bear with us! 

Bookstore Hours

(901)678-2011

August 26- September 2

Sunday
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Monday – Thursday

7:45 AM – 8:00 PM

Friday

7:45 AM – 5 PM

Saturday

10 AM – 2 PM

*Open Labor Day, September 3 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Normal Hours (starting September 4)

Sunday

CLOSED

Monday-Thursday

7:45 AM http://umemphis.bncollege.com/wcsstore/ConsumerDirectStorefrontAssetStore/images/spacer.gif- http://umemphis.bncollege.com/wcsstore/ConsumerDirectStorefrontAssetStore/images/spacer.gif6:00 PM

Friday

7:45 AM http://umemphis.bncollege.com/wcsstore/ConsumerDirectStorefrontAssetStore/images/spacer.gif- http://umemphis.bncollege.com/wcsstore/ConsumerDirectStorefrontAssetStore/images/spacer.gif4:30 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM http://umemphis.bncollege.com/wcsstore/ConsumerDirectStorefrontAssetStore/images/spacer.gif- http://umemphis.bncollege.com/wcsstore/ConsumerDirectStorefrontAssetStore/images/spacer.gif2:00 PM

New York Times Co. Executive Named VP for Communications

Dr. Shirley C. Raines, president of the University of Memphis, has announced that Robert H. (Bob) Eoff has been chosen to fill the newly created office of Vice President for Communications, Public Relations, and Marketing.  He officially began those duties on August 20. Eoff comes to the University from the New York Times Company, where, since 2004, he has been president of the NYT Broadcast Media Group, overseeing nine network-affiliated television stations and their Web sites. He has been with the company since 1969, when he began working for WREG, Channel 3, the CBS affiliate in Memphis.  “With Bob Eoff’s appointment,” said Dr. Raines, “we have added a leader with great expertise, talent, and experience to orchestrate the communications, marketing, and public relations endeavors of the University of Memphis.  As a distinguished graduate of this University, his enthusiasm and past volunteer work for the U of M is well known.  Bob has accepted the challenge of further enhancing our image and reputation.  He will help lead our distinguished University of Memphis to become one of America’s great destination universities for students, staff, and faculty.”

Tiger Text

Don’t forget about the TigerText text messaging service, which is just one of the methods the University will use to communicate emergency information to students, faculty, and staff for your child. To register, visit http://tigertext.memphis.edu.

We will continue to use a variety of other methods as appropriate, including email, telephone and, beginning the fall 2007 semester, an outdoor emergency warning system. For more information about these efforts and emergency planning in general at the University of Memphis, visit http://www.memphis.edu/crisis.

Web Cam

You can watch the construction of our new University Center from home via our live web cams: http://saweb.memphis.edu/uc/newuc/ConstructionWebCam.htm

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Something exciting is happening at The University of Memphis!  Don’t miss out.  We are pleased to announce that your child might be eligible for Student Support Services (SSS), which is a grant-funded TRIO program, that provides comprehensive resources and services to its participants in meeting their goals of graduation. At the U of M, the goal of SSS is to assist qualified students in attending and graduating from college. Our goal is simple:  We want students to succeed!  We understand that many students at The University of Memphis have to overcome significant educational barriers to their education. We are here to help.

TRIO - Student Support Services provides a supportive environment where your child can feel comfortable asking for help.  Tutoring, academic and personal counseling, career guidance, computer lab, financial assistance, intensive academic advising and study skills assistance are only a few of the many services we offer at NO COST to program participants. 

Your Tiger may be eligible if they are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has been accepted for enrollment at The University of Memphis and meets one or more of the following criteria:

Space is limited, and participants are selected on a first-come, first-served basis.  So don’t wait because YOUR CHILD CAN SUCCEED WITH IT!  Eligible students are urged to apply as soon as possible.  For more information, visit our website at http://saweb.memphis.edu/trio or call (901) 678-2351

2007 FOOTBALL SEASON

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

$180  Prime Seats Tickets

$90    Fun Zone

Call 678-2331 to order today or http://gotigersgo.collegesports.com/tickets/mem-tickets.html

Home Schedule

9/1         Ole Miss                                 2:30pm

9/15       Jacksonville State                   7pm

10/2       Marshall                                 7pm

10/13     Middle Tennessee State          7pm

11/3       East Carolina                         1pm     HOMECOMING

11/17     UAB                                      2:30pm

11/24     SMU                                       1pm

RESIDENCE LIFE & DINING SERVICES

Fall 2007 Room Change                                                                                                              

The Room Change period will be Thursday, August 30 and Friday, August  31 from 1 PM until 4 PM.  Students will receive information regarding room change with the check-in.  Students are expected to occupy the room stated on the Fall 2007 housing contract until the room change period. 

Meal Plans                                                                                                                         

Residence hall students wishing to enroll in a meal plan should submit the Meal Plan Request Form included in the Housing Assignment Packet.  Forms should be returned to Residence Life and Dining Services, 011 Richardson Towers, Memphis, TN  38152 or may be faxed to 901-678-5219.  All meal plan requests and changes should be submitted by Friday, August 31.

Dining Services is happy to announce that our new website, tigerdining.com is now available. Information concerning dining locations, hours, special events, and much more is located there. Beginning August 27, menus and nutritional information will be posted. Commuter meal plans can now be purchased on this site. The commuter plan consists of 5 meals per week and $200 in declining balance dollars that can be used in any Tiger Dining location. Just go to the meal plan section and click on "Buy a Meal Plan Now".

 The Blue Zone will be having "My Favorite Recipe" night each month. Please send in your student’s favorite recipe. If selected, we will feature the recipe for dinner and your student and a guest will receive a complimentary dinner, plus recognition for the recipe. To send recipes, please contact us.

 Also new this semester is the Pasta Station located in the Cyber Cafe at the Fed Ex Institute. Students can select their favorite pasta and sauce, which is then prepared to order. Cyber Cafe also has gourmet salads and sandwiches.

Hours

Blue Zone is located on the first floor in the Richardson Towers.

Monday–Thursday: 7:00am - 10:00pm
Friday: 7:00am - 3:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

 

Tiger Den is the retail food court located in Jones Hall. 

Monday–Thursday: 7:00am - 8:00pm
Friday: 7:00am - 3:00pm
Saturday& Sunday: 11:00am - 6:00pm

 

FedEx Kiosk is located in the FedEx Institute and offers coffee and snacks.

Monday–Thursday: 7:30am - 7:30pm
Friday: 7:30am - 1:30pm
Saturday& Sunday: Closed

Patterson Kiosk is located in Patterson Hall and offers coffee and snacks.

Monday–Thursday: 7:30am - 7:00pm
Friday: 7:30am - 1:30pm
Saturday& Sunday: Closed

Fred & Ethel's is located in the Theatre & Communications building and offers coffee and snacks.

Monday–Thursday: 7:30am - 6:30pm
Friday: 7:30am - 1:30pm
Saturday& Sunday: Closed

REGISTRAR

REGISTRATION AND SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENT

SPECTRUM , the University’s new web-based registration system, is used for all schedule adjustments and registrations.

Below are the key dates that pertain to Fall registration and schedule adjustment:

FULL: Aug 24, 07

1ST: Aug 24, 07

2ND: Oct 16, 07

RODP: Aug 24, 07

FULL: Aug 25-30, 07

1ST: Aug 25-28, 07

2ND: Oct 17-18, 07

RODP: n/a

FULL: Aug 30, 07

1ST: Aug 28, 07

2ND: Oct 18, 07

RODP: Aug 24, 07

FULL: Sep 10, 07

1ST: Sep 10, 07

2ND: Oct 31, 07

RODP: Sep 10, 07

FULL: Oct 19, 07

1ST: Sep 19, 07

2ND: Nov 8, 07

RODP: Oct 19, 07

To view a more extensive list of Fall enrollment events and dates, refer to the Fall 2007 Dates & Deadlines Calendar .

CLASS ATTENDANCE

Instructors may use class attendance in computing grades. If they choose to do so, they must present all students attending the first and second class meetings with a complete written statement of their policy, detailing the weight of attendance in determining the final grade.

A student who is absent from the final examination without the permission of the teacher incurs a grade of "F" on the examination and may, depending on the weight of the examination in determining the final grade, incur a grade of "F" for the course.

Instructors will report to the Office of the Registrar all students who have not attended any class meetings during the first two weeks of classes (fall/spring) or the first week of classes (summer). These students will be sent a “Notice of Non-Attendance.” Students accept both fee and grade liability at the time of registration. Students who do not attend classes are responsible for processing an official drop/withdrawal on Student Self Service at http://spectrum.memphis.edu. In order to avoid fee or grade liability, students must drop/withdraw prior to the first day of classes for the session in which the course is taught.

Students who receive VA benefits or Title IV funds (federal financial assistance) for enrollment fees but who stop attending, may have current and future awards cancelled and may have to repay benefits immediately, whether or not they officially withdraw or drop courses. Furthermore, students who stop attending will be assigned a grade of “F” in courses from which they have not officially withdrawn. Instructors report the last known date of attendance as the student’s “unofficial withdrawal date.”

ENROLLMENT VERIFICATION

Your insurance company may require proof that your student is attending the University of Memphis. This proof is called Enrollment Verification and is available from the Registrar’s Office. Beginning in September 2007, your student can request an Enrollment Verification through Spectrum Student Self Service. Until then, the following instructions apply:

You may request an Enrollment Verification yourself, or you may assign this responsibility to your student. You or your student may request an Enrollment Verification in a variety of ways:

In Person:

Go to 003 Wilder Tower and complete a Verification Request form.

E-mail:

E-mail the U of M contact for Verification.

Phone:

901.678.2676 (U of M Verifications)

FAX:

901.678.1425 (U of M Verifications)

In any request, be prepared to provide the following information:

NOTE:

If the Enrollment Verification is for an insurance company, it may be requested before the semester's first day of classes. However, if the Enrollment Verification is for a loan company, it may not be requested until classes have started.

Usually your request will be processed and the Enrollment Verification sent within 24 hours.

For more information, Registrar's Degree or Enrollment Verification page.

HOPE SCHOLARSHIP

Award amount - $4,000 for 4-year institutions

HOPE Scholars Must:

For more information on the HOPE Scholarship, visit http://www.collegepaystn.com/mon_college/hope_scholar.htm.

BURSAR

Effective Fall 2007, Tennessee Board of Regents has instituted a new system-wide policy for calculating fee adjustments and refunds.   This new system will primarily affect full time student who adjust their schedules to part time status after the beginning of the term.

We encourage students to make schedule adjustments prior to the start of classes for the semester to ensure that no fees are owed to the University for dropped classes.

You may estimate potential fee adjustments by using the Fee Adjustment Estimator on the Spectrum Portal.

Please note: The fee payment deadline for students who registered on or before Friday, 24, 2007, has been extended to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 28, due to system problems on the actual fee payment deadline of August 24.   A $100 late payment fee will be added to all accounts that remain unpaid after 5:30 pm August 28.

For more information, visit our new web site at http://bf.memphis.edu/ebursar/ , where you will find important information and new features.

FRATERNITY/SORORITY RECRUITMENT

The Panhellenic Council  and Interfraternity Council are currently taking applications for fall recruitment. If your daughter is interested in joining a PC sorority, click here. If your son is interested in joining an IFC chapter, click here.

For those individuals interested in the National Pan-Hellenic Council Chapters, those groups will have more information on recruitment events at the beginning of the fall semester. Please keep a lookout for flyers and/or newspaper ads. Additional information, http://saweb.memphis.edu/Leadership/NatPanhelCouncil.html.

2007 Recruitment Dates:           Last Day for PC Online Registration*    August 31   ($80 registration fee)

NPHC Week                                         September 4-8

PC Sorority Recruitment                       September 5-9

                                               IFC Formal Recruitment**                   September 10-14 (no registration deadline or fee)
 

*To register, go to: http://saweb.memphis.edu/Leadership/PanhelCouncil.html and “Click here to register for recruitment.”

**To register, go to: http://saweb.memphis.edu/Leadership/InterfraCouncil.html and “Click here to register for recruitment.”

For more information, http://saweb.memphis.edu/Leadership/Greek%20Affairs.html or call (901)678-2093.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIVISION (ITD)

Does your student need assistance activating his or her University of Memphis computer account?  Resetting their password? Configuring a laptop or other wireless device?  Students are encouraged to Beat the Crowd for computing assistance.  The University's Information Technology (IT) Service Center is available to help students 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.  There are numerous ways to receive assistance:

°        Call 678-8888

°        Enter a request at Helpdesk Request Center

°        Ask TOM a question at Ask TOM

°        Identity management – self service at iAM, The University of Memphis

°        Stop by Room 124, Administration Building (24 hours/ 7 days a week)

°        Or, you can visit the 24-hour Smith Chemistry of McWherter Library TigerLAN labs.                             

We’re here to help – beat the lines by contacting us NOW!

Phishing--Don't Get Hooked

Fraudulent e-mail messages can appear to come from legitimate financial institutions or other businesses.  They will typically ask you to update or send them your personal information, a practice known as "phishing."  Don't get hooked by these attempts!

Common phishing requests are:

·         Social Security number

·         Checking account number

·         Debit card or credit card number

·         Personal identification number (PIN)

·         Security number on the back of your debit card or credit card

 You Can Help Prevent Phishing

Don't open their links or attachments!

Even if you do not provide information on a website link the phisher has given you, simply clicking on the link could install harmful programs, such as key loggers or viruses. 

Do not comply! 

These e-mail messages may threaten or urge you to provide this information in order to stop something from happening to your account.  Most financial institutions will never send e-mails requesting personal or account information.  If in doubt, call your bank, credit union, or other financial provider to verify.

The Information Technology Division is dedicated to making our e-mail systems as safe as possible.  We ask that you also be aware of these scam efforts and to help safeguard any of your personal or university-related information.

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES is gearing up for fall with new offerings!

We also wish to remind you about student immunizations.

Student Health Insurance

Many students and their dependents will require health care at some time during the year. The Tennessee Board of Regents Student Insurance Committee has endorsed the Student Insurance Plan with GM Southwest Insurance. The University recommends that you take a look at the plan and give it serious consideration.

Brochures and frequently asked questions are available at www.healthbenefitconcepts.com

On-line enrollment is available at www.gmsouthwest.com .

You may also contact GM Southwest at (800) 550-4870

If you have questions concerning the Student Insurance Plan you purchased you may contact the GM Southwest at (800) 550-4870.

A list of physicians which participate in the Student Insurance Plan are available at www.choicecare.com

Recommendations for students currently insured under their parents plans:

1.  Check the family policy for coverage while the student is at school. Many policies do not provide coverage outside the parent's Health Maintenance Organization (HMO).

2.  Evaluate the student's eligibility for the family's policy. Maximum age eligibility and full-time student status is often required by policies.

3.  Compare costs. The cost of having a child on the family plan may be much higher than the cost of the Student Insurance Plan offered by GM Southwest.

 

Your “U of M Parent Information Team”

Remember the Parents web page with links at http://www.memphis.edu/parents.htm or you can address specific inquiries to parents@memphis.edu.  Past Parent E-news are posted at http://saweb.memphis.edu/studentaffairs/parentslist.htm.


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