Students,
We hope your semester is off to a great start! Before you know it, spring 2023 registration will be here! We have a few campus updates to share with you. Please take some time to review these important announcements.
Campus Construction Updates
The replacement of the Mesa Elevators is set to begin this week. The contractors will take one elevator offline at a time, so give yourself a little extra time to get where you need to go in the Mesa Building. The project is expected to take a few months to complete.
The Library construction continues and is on track to be done in early Spring. The project will bring a Maker’s Space, an eSports arena, Blackstone Launchpad, and a Starbucks. Computers, printers, and study tables are all on the 2nd floor. Laptops, hotspots, and library information services are available at the front desk on the 1st floor.
The Mesa Building architects have been chosen, and meetings will begin with stakeholder groups in the Spring. Interviews to select a contractor will take place in the next couple of weeks. The design of the Bright Stars Memorial is underway.
Tech Updates
IT is replacing the AV in some spaces over the Winter Break. You can expect updates in the following locations: Library Lecture Hall 1 and 2, MB2270, MB2260, MB2221, MB3247, MB3251, and MB3227. The Student Activity Center will be receiving an upgrade to the sound system which will include speakers outside under the awning.
Food Service
Burger 432 in the Student Activity Center will continue to have burgers, chicken strips, and now has plant-based customized bowls with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors; convenience items will continue. Smoothie King is coming to the SAC sometime this Spring! Don’t forget the SACS Starbucks is moving to the library.
Falcon Free Updates
The Falcon Free website has been updated with important details about the program. It includes requirements for current students as well as new dates/deadlines for the program. There is a detailed FAQ on the page that we hope is very helpful to everyone.
Registration
Spring registration is upon us. The spring course schedule is published online and accessible to you. The priority registration dates are:
October 31st – November 2: Seniors, Grads, 2nd Baccalaureate, student veterans
November 3rd – November7: Juniors
November 8th – November 11: Sophomores
November 14th open to everyone
If you need help setting up an advising appointment, please contact advising@utpb.edu or call 432-552-2661.
Success Center Support The Success Center is available to support students as they finish the semester strong! Success Center tutors are a great resource to strengthen understanding of course content or even stay accountable for completing work in a scheduled appointment with a tutor. Suppose students find they need a revamp in motivation or study skills to finish their classes strong. In that case, we encourage them to schedule a study skills appointment with the Success Center Director to map out a plan to make it through finals. For any questions on how the Success Center can support you or help you stay focused the rest of the semester, email success@utpb.edu.
Loan Forgiveness
Watch out for scams from people and/or companies claiming they can help you get loan forgiveness. There is never a reason you need to pay for help for these programs. Questions? Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at finaid@utpb.edu.
Financial Aid
Disbursements for the Spring semester are changing from 12/30 to 1/1. The reason for the change is to not have an effect on your 1098-T for the 2022 tax year.
