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Plan ahead: Summer is NearYour first year is nearly over and summer is almost here. Hopefully you spent your time wisely and are doing well in your classes, but what are your plans after finals? If all that studying and fun hasn’t left you much time to think about those months between May and September, never fear! There are a ton of things you can do.

Summer School:The summer is a great opportunity to catch up or get ahead with your classes. Summer classes are often smaller and offer a more relaxed environment. It might be a time to take that hard class you have been putting off or take a few classes to get one step closer to your Aggie Ring.

Texas A&M offers a variety of classes for Summer I, Summer II and the 10-week semester. Registration begins for summer and fall semesters on April 14th – check Howdy for your designated time. Be sure to make an appointment with your advisor before you register!

Community College is another option that many students choose. It is CRUCIAL that you verify transferability of community college credits BEFORE you sign up. It wouldbe a shame to spend the summer trying to get ahead or taking a prerequisite and then not have it transfer. Contact your Texas A&M academic advisor to discuss your plans. Checkout the Texas Association of Community Colleges website to search for a campus: http://www.tacc.org/tcc_links.htm.

Work & Save Money:Another option is to work during the summer. Some students work while taking classes, but others focus on one or the other. If you are interested in a summer job, begin looking now. Visit the sites http://careercenter.tamu.edu or http://jobsforaggies.tamu.edu for helpful resources.

Relax and Sleep:Right now this may seem like the perfect choice, but think about being bored five weeks into the summer. Utilize your free time with something exciting or service-oriented. You can relax and sleep too!Check out: http://aggieserve.tamu.edu

For the class of 2014

Inside this editionCredit Card Debt . . . . . . . 2ATMentors . . . . . . . . . . . 3Freshman 15 . . . . . . . . . . 3 Writing Center . . . . . . . . . 4Freshman Memories . . . . 4Get Involved . . . . . . . . . . 5

Fresh News

Office of New Student Programs Cain Hall C-202979-845-5826

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For college students, credit card availability has made higher education more manageable; however, increasing credit card debt has become a burden that new graduates face. Debt is more accepted by society because credit is easier to obtain and sustain. According to Nellie Mae, a student loan company, 78% of college students have at least one credit card, with 56% establishing their first card by the age of the 18. Credit card companies are willing to establish credit for college students because of the profitability associated with interest payments. Adding to the problem, credit card companies frequently offer an increased credit limit to entice students to spend even more. This means that more people are graduating with debt. On average, a student holds nearly three credit cards and graduates with $2,700 of debt.

To maintain a good credit history, students need to use cards responsibly. The following tips will help you avoid credit card debt and establish a strong financial reputation.

Do your homework.It is not recommended to sign up for the first credit card that comes your way. Students are frequently enticed by the “free gift” instead of low interest rates, annual fees, and reward programs. Instead, compare different credit card options and look for student cards that encourage responsible usage. It may also be beneficial to speak with family members or a trusted advisor before applying for a credit card.

Create a budget and keep it.Examine expenditures and draft a realistic spending plan. Credit cards should be used as a tool to building credit, not debt. Avoid spending more than you can realistically pay off the following month. As a rule a general rule, if the money is not in your checking account, you cannot afford the purchase.

Pay off your balance each month.As mentioned above, you should not spend more money than you have in your bank account. This will help you avoid interest payments. If you carry over debt, you end up paying more in the long run. For example, you purchase a sweater for $29 using credit. Assuming you carry over debt, the sweater will end up costing the sale price plus interest. Do you want the sweater for $29 or $39? The longer you delay payment, the more the interest you accrue.

Pay your bill on time.In addition to a fee, you can wind up with a black mark on your credit score if you return a bill late. As a young person, you don’t have enough credit history to afford a late payment. Be aware that when you graduate, potential employers and landlords are likely to check your credit file.

Don’t fall for the in-store credit offer.Every time you apply for a credit card your credit takes a small hit. Therefore, it isn’t worth the 10% savings retailers may be offering. Plus, most retailer-sponsored credit cards carry high interest rates. Just keep one card with a manageable credit limit (about $500), or until you are comfortable with your payments.

Watch out for identity theft. College students are great targets, says Credit.com’s Adam Levin, so check your credit report to make sure you are not a victim.

Recognize your future credit needs.Without good credit, it will be difficult to buy a car or house. Consider the implications of debt, and make responsible decisions that will benefit you in the future.

The Ugly Truth about Credit Card Debt

New Student Programs Spring 2011

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To learn more, attend an Amplify event on this topic on April 11 from 5-6pm. To register, visit: http://amplify.tamu.edu/workshop orhttp://moneywise.tamu.edu

Avoid the Freshman 15

“During each semester ask yourself this question: Am I ready to be tested right now on everything that has been taught up to this point? If your answer is ever “no,” then you know you’re falling behind, and you need to catch up immediately. Ideally you should be able to answer “yes” to this question at least once a week for every subject.”

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There are many reasons to find a mentor that can range from getting course advice to working out a personal crisis. No matter what the issue is, whether good or bad, ATMentors are always there to listen. Students often feel the need to talk to someone about aspirations, career goals, classroom concerns, involvement or frustrations. ATMentors are available to talk with, listen to, and help each student feel a part of the Aggie community.

ATMentors advise students in their areas of experience and competence, and are trained to be effective referral sources. The ATMentors program does not attempt to replace or substitute programs provided by departmental advisors, the Student Counseling Service, and the many other valuable student services available at Texas A&M University. On the contrary, ATMentors work hand-in-hand with these services, helping students to locate and use them.

If you need to talk to someone and you don’t know where to go, e-mail ATMentors@tamu.edu.

Web Site: http://ATMentors.tamu.edu

Fresh News

(http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2006/05/10-tips-for-college-students/)

Eating right and staying healthy doesn’t have to be hard. Here are a few simple tips to avoid the “freshman 15”:

Make a plan: People who plan for success -- and failure -- will mostly likely avoid gaining weight. Try to eat healthy every day. If you know you will be going out to eat for dinner with friends that evening, make sure you eat a healthy breakfast and lunch. For example, have cold whole grain cereal with skim milk and a piece of fruit or lowfat yogurt for breakfast. A healthy lunch could be a turkey whole grain sandwich with veggies and mustard or light mayo, pretzels and a lowfat string cheese. By cutting calories in your other meals, you have more room to eat what you want during that night out with friends.

Keep a record: Taking stock of what and when you eat will help you track your progress and pinpoint areas where you can improve. If you know you have to write down everything you put in your mouth, you may become more mindful of what you snack on.

Choose foods wisely: Foods that are low in fat and high in fiber are best for a healthful diet. Foods in this category include: lowfat dairy (made with skim or 1% milk), pretzels, fresh and dried fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread or cereal, nuts (high in healthy fat), and many other foods. Remember, always read food labels carefully. A popular gimmic is saying a food is fat free but they actually increased the sugar dramatically to take the place of the fat.

Stay active: Exercise is a crucial part of any weight-maintenance program. Find a workout buddy. Chances are if you don’t feel like working out, your buddy will and vice versa. Having a person to be accountable to will increase your chances of sticking to a workout regimen. The Student Rec Center has many fitness and excercise programs available. If workout programs aren’t your style, try intramurals.

Check out the rec sports web site to learn more: http://recsports.tamu.edu/

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Writing and public speaking aren’t limited just to English and Communications classes anymore. Texas A&M University courses throughout the curriculum are writing and/or speaking intensive. Aggies often find that they write papers more frequently and of greater length than in high school or give complex oral presentations using slides or research posters. The expectations tend to be more demanding, too.

University Writing Center

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New Student Programs Spring 2011

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The green dot strategyis a comprehensive approach to violence prevention that capitalizes on the power of peer and cultural influence. Informed by social change theory, the model targets all Aggies as potential bystanders, and seeks to engage them, through awareness, education and skills-practice, in proactive behaviors that establish intolerance of violence as the norm, as well as reactive interventions in

high-risk situations – resulting in the ultimate reduction of violence.

A Green Dot training is distinct from a typical conference experience. In addition to learning the core curriculum, the Green Dot training engages participants in skill-building and analysis focused on fostering authentic relationships, personal connection and mastery of skills and knowledge necessary for effective

If writing or public speaking are areas of concern, or you would just like an extra eye to help with proofreading, the University Writing Center (UWC) is an excellent resource. The UWC specializes in one-on-one consultations with students needing help with their writing or oral communication skills. Their services can be accessed online or in person by appointment. A trained consultant will guide you through the composing process and teach you how to strengthen not only a specific assignment, but techniques and skills that will come in handy later.

UWC staff can help you with brainstorming and freewriting, analyzing a topic or audience, rewriting a draft, and refining basic mechanics, grammar and punctuation. Or they can critique a speech or help you produce well-designed slides. For online help, you can access podcasts or handouts on a wide range of topics related to writing or public speaking, or you can contact a consultant who can respond to your writing via email.

Access to the UWC is covered by student fees, so Aggies are encouraged to come or call the UWC whenever they need help. Call (979) 458-1455, or click on http://writingcenter.tamu.edu to set up an appointment.

persuasive communication. Green Dot training occurs multiple times a semester. A training will take place on April 13th from 5-10pm. Additional training dates will be posted on the web site.

For information on how to sign up for the training or to have a presenter come and talk to your student group, contact Ryan Kubec at 845-8784 or visit http://greendot.tamu.edu.

Heard about the Green Dot?

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It’s never too late to get involvedIf at first you don’t succeed...

Try, try again! While some students find a perfect match when applying for student organizations, many students are faced with another round of applications and interviews before they find the right match. This can be a stressful and even disappointing process. While it may be easy to become discouraged in this process, please know that there is an involvement opportunity out there – you just have to be persistent in seeking it out. So, what do you do if you got turned down from that first application process (or even the second or third process)? Or what if the organization that you were accepted into has not been a great fit for you? Here are some basic facts and some tips regarding a successful involvement experience at Texas A&M.

o There are over 850 recognized student organizations at Texas A&M University. We believe that there is an involvement opportunity for everyone – it is just a matter of time and persistence in order to find the right fit.

o Over 80% of incoming students decide to become involved in out of class experiences. This shows the desirability of the involvement experience, and also shows that being involved at Texas A&M is a tradition!

o Decide what you want to get out of your involvement experiences and choose wisely.

o Before you apply make decisions about how much time you want to commit to the activity or organization.

Check out these tips:

Personalized help can be found in the Department of Student Activities. Please ask to see a member of the Extended Orientation and Involvement Team. The Department of Student Activities is located at 125 Koldus Student Services Building. The contact number is 845-1133. There is also a matching form available online at orgmatch.tamu.edu. Simply fill in all the requested information and organizations that best match your interests will be suggested to you!

Helpful Websites:http://getinvolved.tamu.eduhttp://studentactivities.tamu.edu

o Review the web page of the organization.

o Attend informational meetings.

o Network with organization members.

o Consider the selectivity of the organization.

o Consider the time commitment of the organization.

o Don’t limit yourself to organizations and activities where you already know people.

o Try new things and make new connections.

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Fast Facts About Involvement:

New Student Programs Spring 2011