Parent & Family Magazine Volume 2/ Issue 5

The TCU Parent & Family Magazine is a publication from

Student Development Services in the Division of Student Affairs at

Texas Christian University.

2901 Stadium Drive Brown-Lupton University Union

Suite 2003 Fort Worth, TX 76129

www.parents.tcu.eduparents@tcu.edu

817-257-7855

TCU Mission:To educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and

responsible citizens in the global community.

TCU Vision:To be a world-class, values-centered

university.

Connect with TCU news, social media, photos, and more at www.newsevents.tcu.edu

Summer 2015

Contents:

Kay’s ColumnA Message from the Director of Parent & Family Programs

A Message from the Chancellor regarding Senate Bill 11, “Campus Carry” Legislation

TCU Transitions: A Seamless Student Experience

Student Health 101

TCU-Where Every Student Can Be A Leader

Opportunities For The Adventurous Spirit

Where’s the FUN in Funky Town? A Spotlight of Fort Worth’s Finest Entertainment Attractions

Parent & Family Magazine

Greetings!

Welcome to the 2015 summer edition of the TCU Parent & Family Magazine! If you are a new family to TCU, all of this magazine will be of interest to you. If you are a returning family, most of the information will be

news-worthy for you, as well.

For first time families, I sent a news column just to you in June. If you did not get it or you are not sure if you got it, you may read it on the parent website at www.parents.tcu.edu. In the center of the next page, it says, “click here for our collection of resources.” The center column reads, Parent Resources. The first item under that heading is Orientation Guide and Hand-out. (If you are attending the August Orientation, you may print the power point presentation notes and bring them with you.) In the left hand column, click on Parent & Family News. Reading down the right hand column, you will see Kay’s Letter, June 2015. Also on the site, we’ll soon be posting answers to some common questions that might be helpful to read before attending. You can find those in the Parent News area. Because it is a new webpage, improving every day, there will be additional information that you will want to know.

Since news of the Texas Senate bill # 11 – “Campus Carry” Legislation began to travel across the country, we have had a number of questions regarding the impact

of such a law and TCU. The Chancellor has addressed the subject to you in a letter on the next page. If there are any updates to be made in the coming months or years, you will be notified.

Your student’s first experience with the Transitions Program at TCU was Orientation or Frog Camp. However, one does not just transition TO college, but THROUGH the first, middle, and final year, and subsequently, into the rest of one’s life. It is our hope that as your son/daughter progresses through TCU in semester hours that you will be more conscious of the developmental learning that is occurring, as well. Each parent & family magazine will include year-specific information that we think can help you dialogue with your student about some of the many opportunities that are available at TCU, and why they are important.

The Campus Life Office has made a decision that will hopefully impact your student’s health and lifestyle choices in some very positive ways. Student Health 101 – read about it!

The TCU Leadership Center is, in many ways, a hidden jewel. But we don’t want it to be hidden. There are so many opportunities to learn and grow as a leader, as well as to practice leadership in real-life situations. Don’t miss this information or the words of students who have been involved!

Adventure, anyone? TCU has it. If your student loves climbing rock walls, white water rafting, or floating down a lazy river, please share this information with him/her!

Speaking of adventure AND fun, read Fun

in Funky Town. I have lived in Fort Worth for 38 years and I didn’t know about half of these places. Your students should have a great time at any of these fun locations!

On a few other random topics, let me say:• If football tickets (for any home game) are a priority to you, go on www.StubHub.com now. The longer you wait, the more they will cost.• Make your reservations to attend Family Weekend on September 18 – 20, 2015 at www.familyweekend.tcu.edu. • Students have an opt-out option on the Tuition Insurance. Please tell your son/daughter NOT to opt-out. The insurance is approximately $100 worth of protection for $40,630 tuition for one academic year. Small price to pay . . . • If you have not already, go to www.parent.tcu.edu and join the TCU Parents Association. You may join by making a gift of any size and/or completing the information identifying your areas of interest for involvement opportunities. We look forward to hearing from you!• Finally, “like” our FaceBook page at TCU Parent & Family Programs. Everything that is happening on will be listed there!

We are nearing the arrival of new and returning students! The first day of class is August 24, 2015. The calendar says it is almost a week away, but I know it will be here in a few minutes!

Go Frogs!

Kay Higgins, Ph.D. Associate Dean of Student DevelopmentDirector of Parent & Family Programs

A Message from the Chancellor regardingSenate Bill 11, “Campus Carry” Legislation

Dear TCU Parents:

For several years now, our campus has followed the progress of legislation surrounding the rights of anyone 21 years and older who holds a concealed handgun license to carry handguns onto Texas college campuses. This long-standing legislative debate culminated earlier this week with both the House and the Senate approving Senate Bill 11, commonly known as “campus carry,” which allows licensed Texans, 21 years and older, to carry concealed handguns onto public college campuses statewide. Public campuses have the right to ban guns in “reasonable” areas of their campuses, although they cannot restrict a campus as a whole. The legislation is currently with Governor Abbott for signature, and, if signed, is expected to take effect in August 2016.

Private Texas colleges and universities, however, have the right to opt out of campus carry altogether.

We are pleased that the fi nal version of this bill preserved the opt-out discretion for our private colleges and universities – which are situated on private property. This provision strongly supports the long-held rights of private property owners in Texas.

TCU will adhere to the requirements of any fi nal legislation to discuss the opt-out option with our campus community in a manner aligned with our university’s mission, vision and culture. This will require thoughtful consideration and open conversation among our campus constituents. The method by which we will have such conversations is still being determined and we will keep you informed once this process is fi nalized.

It is also important to remember that the university’s current no-weapons policy remains in effect. Senate Bill 11 has not changed any element of that policy.

As always, the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and visitors are our chief concerns.

Thank you for supporting TCU.

Victor J. Boschini, Jr. Chancellor

TCU Transitions: A Seamless Student ExperienceThomas Studdert, Ed.D., Assistant Dean of Student Development

Each year, TCU welcomes approximately 2,000 incoming first-year students along with several hundred students who are transferring to TCU from another college or university. In addition, we welcome back over 6,500 students each year as sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Each one of these students is in a transition. Some are transitioning from high school to college. Some went from being new students to returning students. And some now are preparing for their senior year and even life after college.

Transition is defined as “any event, or non-event, that results in changed relationships, routines, assumptions, and roles” (Goodman, 2006, p. 33). According to N.K. Schlossberg, a leader in the field of adult development as it relates to life’s transitions, the transition process provides opportunities for growth and development, but a positive outcome for the individual cannot be assumed. In 2003, TCU Transitions was created to provide a comprehensive program that would shape the journey of our students during their time at TCU. The goal was to create meaningful structure for students moving in, moving through, and moving out of their undergraduate collegiate experience. The idea was a big one. TCU would be a national leader in identifying the trends of undergraduate students and matching developmentally appropriate activities and programs to those trends. It took the entire campus coming together to make it a reality. The role of the faculty and staff would be to help students make meaning of the transitions they are experiencing while providing specialized services and education through their entire collegiate career.

With that in mind, TCU Transitions was launched using the TCU Mission Statement as our guiding theme. TCU Transitions, already known for top tier First-Year Experience programs such as Orientation and Frog Camp, expanded to include activities for students in their sophomore, junior, and senior years. Checklists were created to help students mark important “to-do” items during each year. Capstone experiences were created for each year. Class Deans were assigned as “go-to” individuals for students in need. And of course, new leadership opportunities were created to help students practice ethical leadership, explore responsible citizenship, and to develop an understanding of the global community.

In 2013, TCU Transitions defined five strategic priorities that will guide our work over the course of the next several years, including: • Fostering Student Learning and Development - by providing students an array of developmentally appropriate opportunities that contribute to their individual learning both in and out of the classroom. • Creating and Promoting a Seamless Student Experience - by developing strategic activities and events that advance the unique student experience. • Establish an Office Identity - by refining our expectations, values, professional identity and expertise areas to create a national presence for TCU students in transition. • Engaging our Constituents through Strategic Partnerships - by developing collaborative partnerships with students, faculty, staff, parents, family members, alumni and community members. • Advancing a Culture of Evidence and Assessment- by connecting learning outcomes to our assessment strategies to better our programs and services for students.

During the 2015/2016 academic year, several new programs will be initiated along with our tried and true. Signature events like the Chancellor’s Assembly, the Second-Year Pinning, and the Senior Splash are excellent opportunities for students in each year to gather as a class and mark significant milestones in their academic career. Programs like the FYE Leadership Application Workshop, One Million Reasons, and (Dis) Orientation will provide students with information about how to be successful both during their time at TCU and post-graduation. And of course, activities like the Sophomore Getaway, the Last Lecture Series, and Lunch Roulette allow students to engage with faculty and staff out of the normal classroom setting.

As parents and family members, you are a part of your student’s experience at TCU. Encouraging your student to participate in activities and events that help shape his/her TCU experience goes a long way in helping him/her live the TCU Mission Statement. To find out what is happening within TCU Transitions, visit our website at www.sds.tcu.edu. Your partnership in your student’s education is critical to his/her success at TCU.

Your Student, Transitioning Through CollegeStudent Development in the First, Middle, and Senior years at TCU

Class of 2019 The First–Year Experience Your student will be facing a lot of firsts in the next few months: first night in a residence hall, first college class, first TCU football game in the student section. The staff of the First Year Experience helps your student navigate those firsts in order to not just be successful on campus but to begin to make a difference at TCU and beyond.

The office of the First Year Experience at TCU operates under a straightforward belief: Every student comes to TCU with high potential. Who they meet, what they do, and how they think determines what we become. Your student, and your family, are now a part of the TCU community and so join thousands of other Horned Frogs who are living out TCU’s vision to learn to change the world.

According to J. Gardner, B. Barefoot, and L. Upcraft (2005), the success of a first-year student is more than just the completion of a set of courses taken during the first year and then enrolling in a second year. There is a broader set of skills, including developing academic competence, establishing relationships, exploring identity, deciding on a career, maintaining health and wellness, considering faith and spirituality, developing multicultural awareness, and developing civic responsibility. Developing these skills is only a part of the picture, though. There are many variables to examine that are up to your student – including what he/she majors in, the quality of the effort he/she invests in his/her learning, how often the student

interacts and engages with faculty, the participation in co-curricular activities, living on campus, participating in service-learning, and even attending orientation. All of these things contribute to the success of your student, both in and out of the classroom.

Throughout the year we will be providing your student with the programs, tools and information useful to help them develop as doers, dreamers, and trailblazers.

As we start the academic year, most likely your student has attended Orientation and Frog Camp. These programs are designed to jump-start your student’s transition into the university while starting the process of building who they are as scholars at TCU. When your student arrives to campus, there are a few “must-do’s” that will continue a successful transition to TCU. These include:

•The Chancellor’s Assembly takes place on Thursday, August 20 and serves as the official kick-off to the academic year. All students are required to attend this event where the ceremonial Light of Knowledge is passed from the faculty to the incoming Class of 2019.

•Participation in the Common Reading. Every student received a copy of The Other Wes Moore at Orientation or via the mail. The Other Wes Moore is a story of two men, both named Wes Moore, who have similar backgrounds in Baltimore, but end up on very different life plans. All students received a prompt to complete their first TCU homework assignment based on reading the

book. On the Friday immediately preceding the start of classes, all students will be placed in faculty discussion groups as we all start the process of understanding how race and environment play a role in our development.

•Enrolling in TCU Connections is an excellent opportunity for students to build immediate relationships with their classmates while exploring their own leadership development in the context of the collegiate

setting. Students can sign up for TCU Connections by visiting www.sds.tcu.edu.

There is much to look forward to in the first year, including events and activities designed to help students become successful as defined above. Encourage your student to reach out to us at fye@tcu.edu or stop by our office in the BLUU, Suite 2003. We are here to help the first year be as smooth as possible. Also, feel free to follow the Class of 2019 on social media, including Twitter (@TCU_SDS), Facebook (facebook.com/TCUSDS) or tracking the #TCU19 hashtag.

Again, Welcome to TCU. And Welcome to the Class of 2019.

John Mark Day, Ed.D., Director of the First Year Experience, Student Development Services

Class of 2018 & 2017The Sophomore & Junior–Year Experience

Research/Development Overview

Research reveals that the sophomore and junior year of college is a time of profound change. While the first

Theme Doers Dreamers TrailblazersMonths June-September October-January February-MayCompetencies Interpersonal

relationships, Exploring Identity Development

Intellectual and Academic Competence, Career Exploration, Maintaining Health and Wellness

Civic Responsibility, Multicultural Competence, Exploring Spirituality and Religion

Class of 2016The Senior Year Experience

A very significant phase of life’s journey is completed in the senior year. Research reveals that seniors’ concerns aren’t limited to employment and graduate school issues; they also include change/loss and support (Pistilli, Taub, & Bennett, 2003), and social skills and friendships (Maurer, J. F., 1982). Developmental models also suggest seniors are very involved more clearly defining and stabilizing their identities as adults (Super, 1969) and exploring and realizing their capacity for intimacy (Erikson, 1968).

The TCU Senior Year Experience (SYE) is designed to guide students through these challenges, yet much remains for each student’s own discovery, attention, and effort. Among their most important developmental demands, seniors commonly need to learn and refine the skills of independent living, including acquiring health care, building community and support networks, and financial management. They must also cope with relationship changes, and adapting to new environments and schedules. To offer practical assistance and support for seniors answering these

challenges, SYE provides programs and events throughout the year, including these in the fall semester:

•Senior Splash: August 25, 6:30-8:00pm, Campus Recreation Center Seniors enjoy a fun welcome-back pool party with live music, food, door prizes, Class of 2016 t-shirts, and lots of information about making the most of the senior year.

•Senior Alternative Fall Break Project in Yucatan, Mexico: October 9-13 12 to 15 seniors are selected for a unique community engagement project with both local and international components. Learn more and apply here: https://orgsync.com/36800/forms/148114

•Senior (Dis)Orientation: October 24, 10:30am-4:30pm, Kelly Alumni Center & BLUU Attendees hear from expert speakers and recent graduates, and participate in workshops on the skills and information required for success after graduation. Includes lunch and is free to seniors.

Important events to put on every senior’s calendar include these:

•Senior Ring Ceremony during Family Weekend•Homecoming, which is a great time to meet or reconnect with alumni•Career & Internship Expos in the fall and spring•Career Conference in January•The Last Lecture Series, one per month, January thru April•TCU Pecha Kucha in April•Senior Toast & Fiesta in December or May for either fall or spring graduates

In assisting our students, SYE partners with a variety of entities on campus, including Career Services, Alumni Relations, the Student Government Association, and many others. But you, the parents and other family members of seniors, are among our most important partnerships in this work. You can get more information about what seniors need to know here: http://sds.tcu.edu/students/senior/.

Finally, as noted before, the needs of each student can be different in significant ways. The staff of SYE welcomes any opportunity to meet with students on an individual or group basis to clarify and address their unique needs.

Chuck Dunning, M.A., Director of the Senior Experience, Student Development Services

year of college is a time of newness, excitement, and exploring all the college environment has to offer, year two brings with it the need and desire to begin focusing one’s attention on a smaller set of concerns and tasks:

•deepening relationships with selected peers, staff, and faculty;•discovering and naming what’s important and how that fits into one’s emerging identity;•wrestling with questions of major and career; and•developing personal competence and a

sense of autonomy.

At some point in the second year, students typically begin to make some tentative choices related to the concerns and tasks listed above. The process of how those choices are made is critical. It is important that choices are made thoughtfully,

with knowledge of the options before them, and based on a sense of congruence or alignment with their personal values, strengths, and sources of meaning. Those who are able to make choices in this manner and begin living into the future with increased confidence, are more likely to make considered commitments about their lives and take responsibility for their future (Schaller, 2005).

Program OverviewThe mission of The Sophomore & Junior Year Experience within Student Development Services is to provide programs, services, and experiences that assist sophomores and juniors through these critical transitions. Visit www.sds.tcu.edu to learn more and read about our programs.

How You Can HelpEncourage your student to focus attention on the four tasks named above. Has he/she established relationships with professionals on campus who can help them with these tasks?

Support and encourage your student in making thoughtful, informed

Keri Cyr, M.Ed., Director of the Sophomore & Junior Year Experience, Student Development Services

decisions for themselves.

Encourage your student to check out options for growth during Sophomore Week, September 14-18, 2015.

Encourage your student to attend Sophomore Getaway, January 16-18, 2016.

Talk to your student about opportunities you are aware of- your encouragement goes a long way.

If feasible financially, encourage your sophomore or junior student to consider study abroad options: www.studyabroad.tcu.edu

TCU adds Student Health 101 to its Health/Wellness programmingDr. David Cozzens, Associate Vice Chancellor & Dean of Campus Life

Since January TCU students have had access to a new wellness outreach program. Student Health 101 (SH101) utilizes cutting-edge technology delivering a wide variety of health and wellness information through a monthly e-magazine available through the web directly and via a mobile version. Our students have the opportunity to en-gage in student-written content that has been shown to increase college student en-gagement on health promotion and health education topics. Based on our students’ usage of SH101 since the fi rst of this year (January-April) over 60% of our students are reading the magazine and 87% of those engaged have learned something that they will apply to their daily lives-this compares with 21% of students from other schools like TCU. Results show that the magazine has caused them to want to get involved on campus, ask for help, take advantage of campus resources, or otherwise improve their health.

Although TCU has a remarkable array of programs and services which provide health related information and assistance, e.g. Campus Recreation, Student Health, Coun-seling Center, Alcohol and Drug Education, etc., Student Health 101 will complement these services with up to date information and recommendations. As you can see from the graph below our students acknowledged some of the factors that negative-ly impacted their academic performance. Therefore we want to fi nd solutions to the age-old problem of encouraging students to take a more active and positive role in

their health and wellbeing. SH101 is an important addition to the TCU repertoire.

A sample of topics covered in issues this summer will be “Good mood food”, “Cap-ture your calm: Eight ways to stress less”, “Making the most of your major”, “Eight small steps to stress less’, and “Breaking budget: 6 steps to smart spending”.

Why should parents read SH101?o Students are facing a variety of issues that may impact their wellbeingo Research shows that students often turn to their parents to discuss issues that concern and interest themo We want parents to also have reliable information so they can better support students as they continue taking more ownership of their lives.

This resource is a valuable connection that can help parents better understand the health and wellness decisions facing today’s students. Parents will receive 10 monthly issues of the Student Health 101 magazine and 10 monthly issues of the Parent Perspective TM, the newsletter that empowers parents to better engage their students about today’s health issues. Internet links: http://readsh101.com/tcu-pp.html

TCU – Where Every Student Can Be a LeaderTaking our cue from TCU’s Mission Statement, the TCU Leadership Center prepares students to become ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the global community by providing opportunities to create positive change – in themselves, on campus, in the community and around the world.

The objectives of the programs and opportunities we offer are to help students:

• Identify and describe multiple leadership techniques, theories, and models• Articulate a coherent leadership style and philosophy• Understand ethical decision making processes• Explore their competence with regards to the dimensions of difference and its impact on leadership processes• Demonstrate application of leadership knowledge, skills, and talents in diverse settings• Describe strategies to apply personal leadership style to facilitate positive change

The TCU Leadership Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. We are excited to highlight some upcoming opportunities for students through intentional leadership development and programming.

ConnectionsConnections is a program designed for first-year students to find ways to get involved in the TCU community as well as develop as leaders. This 6-week program is designed to allow participants to create a relationship with peers, upper-division students, and faculty/staff members. The leadership aspects of the program are based on StrengthsQuest and will be explored in both large and small group settings. Connections will not only assist your student on his/her leadership journey but also with connecting into the TCU community. If your student is interested in being involved with Connections, he/she can sign up at Orientation, during the Essentials Fair or by email at leadership@tcu.edu.

CLPThe Chancellor’s Leadership Program (CLP) is a leadership development program guided by the Social Change Model of Leadership Development. Open to all majors, CLP offers a co-curricular, three and a half year, guided cohort experience for students who commit to learning how leadership development will contribute to their education and their communities. Throughout the program CLP Fellows are expected to complete a number of activities including identifying their leadership style and strengths, participating in leadership seminars, becoming active in community service, and by completing a Social Change Legacy Project. New CLP Fellows are accepted into the program each Fall. The application process, which is open exclusively to first-year students, begins in early October. This Fall, the New Fellow selection process will begin in October with two information sessions on September 30th and October 1st at 7 p.m. in the Zeidman meeting room in the Brown-Lupton University Union. Additional information can be obtained online at www.leadership.tcu.edu.

Jacqueline Antwi-DansoCLP has given me an amazing opportunity to learn about social change and grow alongside other students who are also passionate about leaving a positive mark on the world, and THAT is pretty cool.

Leadership ScholarsThe Leadership Scholars Program is a leadership development program designed to allow students to learn, engage with concepts, and apply them in everyday life. The context and philosophy of the program is based on knowledge, action and growth in order to broaden students’ perspectives and increase leadership potential. Successful completion of the Leadership Scholars Program components will result in the presentation of a leadership medallion to wear at graduation. Leadership Scholars will participate in 5 credits of leadership seminars chosen based on their leadership interests and pursuits. There are two core seminars—Exploring Leadership and Ethical Leadership—that all students will attend; and three elective seminars that allow students to build up their own leadership portfolio. Seminars are fun, engaging and allow students to practice skills outside of the classroom setting. To participate in the Leadership Scholars program, students should submit an online registration (www.orgsync.com/30239/forms/78819) and look for specific seminar details in their TCU email in August. Students can begin this program at any point in their TCU career.

Leadership AdventuresLeadership Adventures is a great way for students to get off campus and grow their leadership knowledge and skills. Using experiential learning, we offer at least one overnight trip each semester as well as day adventures in which student leaders direct and facilitate all content and activities with the support of the TCU Leadership Center staff. This is a tremendous way in which to learn and grow while forming deeper and more impactful relationships with members of the TCU community. Regardless of whether or not your student is passionate about outdoor adventure, this program is for him/her if your son/daughter wants to continue to learn new models and theories of leadership in unique ways. The next overnight Leadership Adventure will be over Fall Break – we hope your student can join us and will save the date! More information can be found at www.leadership.tcu.edu.

We have many more offerings and opportunities for engagement, while meeting students’ developmental needs given their class year, major and involvement level. We hope that your student will find his/her place and grow as a leader in the TCU Leadership Center. For a listing of all opportunities and programs, please visit www.leadership.tcu.edu. If your student has any questions, please encourage him/her to email us at leadership@tcu.edu or call us at 817-257-7855. Students can also stop by our office in Student Development Services, on the 2nd floor of the Brown-Lupton University Union, suite 2003.

Mia DinhLeadership Scholars Program is an amazing opportunity for students to discover what leadership means to them and become well-rounded leaders. And of course, having the honor to wear a leadership medallion at graduation doesn’t hurt.

Bryan TonyNot all learning occurs inside the classroom, and there is no truer testament to that statement than Leadership Adventures. And so because Leadership Adventures pushed me out of my comfort zone and into new experiences, I came away with a greater understanding of who I am as a leader.

Adventure is indescribable. Sure, it has a definition, but how do you explain it to people who have never felt adventure before? You tell them it’s “exciting” and “new,” but those definitions are relative to each person. Instead, you tell them a story.

Opportunities offered for the adventurous spirit

Cameron Potter, Assistant Director, Outdoor Programs and Tobi Carter, Class of 2017, Journalism major

Adventure is the time we raced our kayaks across a dried-up sandbar. Adventure is the time I stepped outside my comfort zone and climbed 1,000 feet up a rock to conquer my fears. Adventure is the feeling of survival after a class 4 white water rapid.

College is one big adventure. Your student will move into a new place with new people and new classes. He/She will learn new things and make new memories. When the newness of entering college wears off, where is your son/daughter going to find adventure?

Adventure is everywhere, but the most adventure is in the outdoors. TCU Campus Recreation’s Outdoor Program offers rock climbing, adventure trips, and equipment rentals.

Rock ClimbingStudents can go rock climbing inside the University Recreation Center and face their fears. A competent staff can teach them the techniques of climbing and how to stay safe while having fun. Climbing is free!

The Climbing Wall is open Mondays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on the weekend from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s located on the main level adjacent to the recreational gym.

TCU students can also join the Rock Climbing Club and go on trips to Mineral Wells State Park and indoor climbing centers to perfect their climbing technique.

Adventure TripsWhen students are ready to rock climb on a rock face, they can sign up for an Adventure Trip. Multiple trips are offered each semester. The places and the length of the trips vary from a week in Zion National Park in Utah to Palo Duro Canyon State Park for the weekend.

A popular option with students is the full moon paddle, offered once a month. Paddling up the Trinity River, participants can see Fort Worth lit up while enjoying the fresh air. Full moon

paddles usually last about three hours.

The Adventure Trip Program (ATP) offers options that occur on major holidays. Every spring semester, students can sign up for a spring break trip that lasts the whole week. During the fall semester, students can sign up for fall break trips.

Encourage your student to visit the Campus Recreation website or stop by the University Recreation Center to pick up a flier that includes all the recreation trips for the semester. The flier includes dates for when the trip is scheduled, the deadline to sign-up and how much the trip costs. To sign up for a trip, students need to go to the administrative office in the University Recreation Center.

All ATP leaders are trained in Wilderness Safety and Medical Training. The ATP leaders have an ample amount of knowledge of how to keep participants safe and still allow them to have fun.

Equipment RentalIf students want to hammock or rent equipment for their own personal adventure, they can rent equipment from the Outdoor Program. Tents are up to $13 a day for 1-3 days and $26 for 4-7

days. Backpacks are $8 a day, and sleeping bags are $5 a day. More information on rentals can be found at the Climbing Wall during business hours.

Once back from an adventure, students won’t remember the cost of the trip or maybe even who was on the trip; they will remember, however, the view from the top of the rock. They will remember the new character traits they gained from pushing themselves outside of their comfort zone. They’ll remember watching dogs swim up the river they are crossing.

They will remember the adventure.

Campus Recreation aims to promote lifelong wellness through quality recreation programs, services, and facilities that enhance the university experience through participation & leadership. Check out other offerings from Campus Recreation at www.campusrec.tcu.edu

Parties and college are practically synonymous in American culture. In like manner, societal perceptions assume alcohol is to college parties what drama is to ABC’s The Bachelorette.

Sure, there is an abundance of party opportunities around any college campus but it’s important to remember college’s ultimate purpose is not to host imprudent adventures involving kegs and Lil John and DJ Snake turned up. Rather, college is a season of becoming. Becoming better educated. Becoming comfortable with your identity. Becoming professionally networked. Becoming an adult.

Let’s be real though – becoming is hard work. Everyone needs a break and set-aside time for fun and leisure is highly encouraged in healthy, low-risk style. So what is there to do in Fort Worth to unwind besides crash a party? I’m delighted you asked. Here’s a list of some of Fort Worth’s most unique entertainment hotspots:

Friday on the GreenJust north of the charming Magnolia Avenue in the heart of Southside and just a

WHERE’S THE FUN IN FUNKY TOWN? A SPOTLIGHT OF FORT WORTH’S FINEST ENTERTAINMENT ATTRACTIONS Tiara Nugent, Program Director of TCU’s The Bottom Line

few miles from campus, the Magnolia Green hosts Friday on the Green, a free concert series showcasing regional artists, on the first Friday of every month April-October.

Food trucks line the outer edge of the green, serving up delicious eats such as a smoky brisket grilled cheese and savory barbacoa tacos, as well as sweets, like homemade blackberry sorbet and gourmet cupcakes. Be sure to show up early – congenial locals turn out in droves, doggies in tow, lugging blankets and lawn chairs for this neighborhood picnic.

Coyote Drive-InIt’s true what they say – the stars at night are big and bright in Texas. Lying underneath them in front of a gigantic movie screen set in front of a stunning view of downtown watching a box office hit munching popcorn? The motion picture viewing experience doesn’t get much better.

Coyote Drive-In is open seven nights a week and shows double features on each of its three screens. At eight bucks a person, it’s not a bad deal either.

Panther Island IceAround mid-November a very rare attraction in Texas comes to life just south of the drive-in. Bring the fuzzy mittens to visit Fort Worth’s own outdoor ice skating rink, Panther Island Ice. The rink stays open until 11pm on the weekends and eleven dollars covers both admission and skates (little secret: a playbill from Bass Hall – an icon in Fort Worth entertainment – shaves two dollars off the price).

Ice skating can really work up an appetite but have no fear: the Coyote Canteen stands ready to serve hot wings, pizza, Frito chili pie, hot chocolate, cookies and more.

FlightdeckWhether you’re looking to burn off extra energy, calories or mid-semester steam, Flightdeck is the perfect go-to. A massive indoor court of connected trampolines, Flightdeck isn’t just for bouncing. The complex also offers dodgeball courts and slam-dunk lanes. Curious what a slam-dunk lane is? Visit Flightdeck to find out!

River Recreation Nearly 80 miles of trails

meander alongside the Trinity River for nearly 80 miles in and around Fort Worth. While popular with joggers and bikers (bike share stations are located along the trail), it is Texas so horseback riding is a perfectly normal option too.

River activities can’t be limited to the shore, of course. Panther Island Pavilion offers kayak, paddleboard and canoe rentals. During warm months, the jams of local artist fl oating on the breeze likely mean Tube the Trinity is underway. Hundreds of patrons launch into the river from Panther Island to enjoy the music fl oating from one of two riverfront concert stages.

Scintillating ShindigsFestivals. Fairs. Parades. Carnivals. Bazaars. In honor of a momentous occasion or just because, Fort Worth loves putting on a good jamboree. Each spring, the Main Street Arts Festival draws the biggest crowd in the southwest to blocks of juried art, musical shows, theater performances, a fi lm festival and, of course, delicious food.

Mayfest, Magnolia Open Streets, Arts Goggle, Pantherfest, the annual Stockshow & Rodeo, Jazzfest, Cowboy Palooza – the list of annual celebrations in this neck of the woods could go on and on.

No mention has been made of the Fort Worth Zoo, Fort Worth

Water Gardens, several rolling golf courses, the weekly rodeos in Cowtown Coliseum, dance classes at Billy Bob’s, the grassy parks or any of the city’s half dozen museums. Most certainly every culinary joint has been left out.

Then too, there are countless attractions in neighboring cities – Six Flags over Texas in nearby Arlington, the State Fair of Texas in Dallas, WhirlyBall Laserwhirld in Plano, Fossil Rim’s Wildlife Center and, for the paintball and motocross afi cionados, Roanoak’s DFW Adventure Park. Professional sports facilities and concert

venues abound as well.

Now that your brain is spinning with entertainment possibilities, I challenge you to challenge your student. First-year or senior, levy the challenge to your student to explore and experience all TCU’s hometown has to offer this school year. Fun, alternate activities to consuming alcohol around a beer pong table abound in Fort Worth – the venues need only to be discovered.

This season of life won’t last long. Seize the day… and a kayak paddle.

Texas Christian University2800 South University Drive Fort Worth, TX 76129

www.tcu.edu

Our Mission: To educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and

responsible citizens in the global community.