About Vaquero Connection MY WORLD Greetings, Future Vaqueros Vaquero Connection is a publication produced by The University of that offers important UTRGV information, college readiness advice and career I’m Alondra Galvan, president of The UTRGV Student Government Association for 2017- pathways guidance to high school students and their parents. BEGINS 2018, and it is my pleasure to introduce you to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

This special edition, in addition to monthly one-page issues published throughout the Three years ago, I was a senior in high school, trying to figure out which university I should year, are featured in newspapers across the Rio Grande Valley – , Valley WHERE THE attend. I thought I had to leave the Rio Grande Valley to gain opportunities that would Morning Star and Brownsville Herald. allow me to attain my career goal.

Vaquero Connection is produced by UTRGV University Marketing and Communications SURFACE ENDS. But I was so wrong! UTRGV has opened so many doors for me and provided the opportunity in partnership with the AIM Media Texas-Newspapers in Education Program, which is to grow and move closer to obtaining the career I want. My UTRGV journey has revolved geared toward encouraging newspaper reading and literacy in the classroom. around great professors, staff and fellow students who are supportive and provide direction when I need it. I got involved on campus, too, because UTRGV offers so much, I just couldn’t CONTACT US: VAQUERO CONNECTION reject the opportunities here. Are you interested in UTRGV University Marketing & Communications learning about what it takes 1407 E. Freddy Gonzalez Drive, CESS 1.800 I am If you’re like I was, trying to make the right choice about the future, you should definitely to become part of our Edinburg, Texas 78539 look into joining the Vaquer@ family. The Valley is very family oriented, and when you Vaquero Family? attend UTRGV, you will have a new, extended family you can depend on, people who will Email: [email protected] help you succeed, and who will not fail you. I hope to see you around campus. I am UTRGV, and you can be, too! FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND USE: Alondra Galvan #UTRGV #VaqueroConnection WE’RE HERE FOR YOU Catheline Fröhlich Table of Contents School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences Research Associate II U Central Your UTRGV one-stop shop SGA President’s Message 3 Ulm, Germany (888) 882-4026 • www.utrgv.edu/ucentral UTRGV Directory 3 Financial Aid • Registrar • Undergraduate Admissions

Reasons to Attend UTRGV 4 Academic Advising Center International Admissions Student Accessibility Services (956) 665-7120 E (956) 665-2922 E (956) 665-7005 E Tips for College 5 (956) 882-7362 B (956) 882-7092 B (956) 882-7374 B

High School Student Programs 6 Child Development Center IT Service Desk Student Food Pantry (956) 665-2469 E (956) 665-2020 E (956) 665-3663 E Application Checklist 7 (956) 882-2020 B (956) 882-7126 B Counseling Services Selfie Poster 8 I’ve been able to bring my passion to the surface. (956) 665-2574 E Military and Veterans Testing Services Conducting research alongside world-renowned (956) 882-3897 B Success Center (956) 665-7570 E Colleges & Degrees 10 scientists. Encouraging budding biologists. (956) 665-7934 E (956) 882-8875 B Discovering a world of silent beauty — with Graduate Admissions (956) 882-8980 B School of Medicine 12 profound importance to the Gulf, and to the world. (956) 665-3661 E Parking & Transportation Services (956) 882-6552 B ROTC (956) 665-2738 E We are all on this adventure together. (956) 665-3601 E (956) 882-7051 B Financial Aid 13 To make the world a better place. Honors College See issues in a new light. (956) 665-2341 E Scholarships UTRGV Athletics Study Abroad Programs 14 Be of service to our community. (956) 665-2935 E (956) 665-2221 E Housing Together, we are UTRGV and (956) 665-3439 E Involvement 15 we will inspire the world. (956) 882-7191 B E Edinburg Campus B Brownsville Campus Student Resources 15 3

Believe it or not, it’s time to start getting ready for college. To help you stay on track and get college ready, UTRGV has a few tips just for you.

Attend Start thinking 6 college fairs. 1 about your dream career. Go to career day at 7your school or elsewhere. Talk to your high school 2 counselor about your plans for college. 8 Scope out summer programs Take college that focus on a particular preparatory3 classes subject, like science or math. now – they’re worth it.

Explore our 120-plus 9 Attend campus Link up with one majors and minors and set your Make 4Talk to your parents about events at UTRGV. of the nearly sights on career success. saving for college. 300 student organizations 28,000 and connect with new friends. Strive for a great GPA. Grades fellow Vaqueros. 10 are super important and one of the 5 Talk to your high school counselor about top things universities consider. financial aid and scholarships. Plunge into research as an undergraduate with faculty in high-tech first-rate fields like engineering, or go under the Our tuition rates are sea and study the Gulf Coast in guaranteed for 4 years from our marine biology major. Check Out UTRGV the time you start college. Put Your The best way to get to know UTRGV is to book your campus tour today! So, you will not see a tuition increase while you V’s Up! Your time on campus is the perfect chance to tour our attend UTRGV. Support our Vaqueros state-of-the-art facilities, speak with faculty, and get athletes in NCAA personalized information about admissions and financial Plan your visit now! competition. aid. Since most of the visit consists of walking the campus, be sure to dress comfortably. [email protected]

4 5 Get a head start: UTRGV programs for high school students your college journey starts here

When you’re about to begin an experience Dual Enrollment Program Holmes Cadets Program that will change your life forever, the first Let’s get started! The UTRGV College of Education and P-16 Integration has partnered step is always the biggest. @UTRGV with STISD’s South Texas Business, Education & Technology Academy If you are a high school junior or senior with a proven record of academic (BETA) to offer an educator pipeline via the Holmes Cadets Program. This STEP 1: Fill out your UTRGV application achievement, you are invited to participate in our UTRGV Dual Enrollment program provides BETA students interested in a career in education an For you, that means submitting your appli- online at www.applytexas.org by submitting a Program. As a DE student you will have the opportunity to enroll in univer- opportunity to broaden their horizons by completing concurrent college “Freshman, U.S.” application. sity courses, benefit from the expertise of highly qualified professors, and courses at UTRGV. The program is designed to prepare education stu- cation materials to UTRGV on time to ensure take advantage of our outstanding academic facilities. Best of all you will dents to become teachers in the K-12 system. a smooth and seamless admission process. earn college credit while you’re still in high school! utrgv.edu/cep Submit the following: Contact: (956) 665-3410 STEP 2: utrgv.edu/undergraduate-admissions/dual-enrollment – ACT or SAT scores directly from the testing agency. – A high school transcript. Make sure it indicates your Texas Pre-freshman Mathematics & Science Academy diploma, class rank, class size and GPA. (MSA) – TSI Assessment scores or proof of exemption. For high school students gifted in mathematics and science, UTRGV’s Engineering Program (TexPREP) – Official college transcripts for any college coursework TexPREP provides a challenging academic program designed to motivate MSA offers students the opportunity to complete two years of college and prepare middle and high school students for success in advanced concurrently with their last two years of high school. The MSA is an taken while in high school, if applicable. studies leading to careers in science, technology, engineering, and award-winning program in which Texas 11th and 12th grade high school mathematics (STEM). The program is accredited by the Texas Education students take classes from UTRGV faculty, alongside UTRGV students, Agency (TEA), and students earn one-unit elective credit for every year and gain invaluable university experience with more heightened supervi- STEP 3: Provide proof of meningitis vaccination. they successfully complete in the program. sion and guidance than traditional UTRGV students. utrgv.edu/texprep utrgv.edu/msa/apply-now STEP 4: Once you’re admitted, register for New UTRGV High Scholars Program Student Orientation. The College of Sciences at UTRGV established an exciting program to engage high school students from the Rio Grande Valley in research To discover more UTRGV projects being conducted by the university faculty at UTRGV’s Browns- programs for high school ville and Edinburg campuses. Students spend 25 hours per week, with a For more information, visit flexible schedule agreeable to the student and their mentor(s), in state-of students, check out the-art laboratory and field research facilities at UTRGV. utrgv.edu/highscholars UTRGV.edu utrgv.edu/admissions or email [email protected]. send us your selfie! Get ready for the next steps in your academic career. Follow us on social media for the latest UTRGV information. Don’t hesitate to ask 1. Tape it 2. Put your 3. Take your 4. Share on to wall V’s up selfie social media questions, there are teams in place ready to help you get started.

If you have any questions, give us a call at (888) 882-4026 or email [email protected]. We are happy to help.

#IAmUTRGV...It’s Time to Celebrate!

Show #IAmUTRGV by taking a selfie with the poster on the next pages. Best photos will win FREE UTRGV swag! 6 7

Discover Your self Here e offer more than 120 degrees and programs with personalized mentorship from world-class faculty, leading This is your time to find out who you want to be and what your career goals are. edge facilities and technology, and opportunities for significant undergraduate research – from aerospace, to UTRGV is changing what a college education means in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. Winternational business, to cultural border studies, to marine biology, UTRGV’s undergraduate learning experience is focused entirely on student success. Degrees to Choose from:

Robert C. Vackar College of college of engineering college of health affairs college of liberal arts . Business & Entrepreneurship & computer science utrgv.edu/coha [email protected] utrgv.edu/cla . liberal [email protected] . . utrgv.edu/cobe [email protected] utrgv.edu/coec [email protected] Biomedical Sciences Career options . Anthropology Clinical Laboratory Sciences Physician Assistants Physical Ther- Career options Career options Career options . Communication Studies Accountancy Civil Engineering . . Communication Sciences & Disorders apists . Occupational Therapists . . Policy Analysts . Government Accountants Civil Engineers Aerospace Engineers . Civil Service Educators Economics Entrepreneurs Computational Science . Dieticians Criminal Justice . Forensic . Management Accountants Chemical Engineers Exercise Science Advanced-Practice Nurses . Nonprofit Sector Management and Auditors Agricultural Engineers . Speech-Language . Entrepreneurship . Computer Engineering . Electrical and Nutritionists Criminology & . Detectives . Police Officers and Internal Auditors Public Accountants . Computer Hardware Engineers Health . Social Scientists . . . Environmental Pathologists and Audiologists . Foreign Service Officers & Innovation . Budget Analysts Financial Analysts Computer Information and Electronics Engineers Health Services Technology . Men- Criminal Justice Federal Agents . . . Materials Workers . Rehabilitation Specialists Finance Financial Managers Insurance Under- Systems – Technology Engineers Industrial Engineers . English . Community Organizers and Activists . . Petroleum Kinesiology tal Health Counselors Exercise Science . . Editors . Pho- . Loan Officers and Counselors Engineers . Mechanical Engineers . . Journalists Copywriters Information Systems writers Computer Science . . Health/Physical Educators History . Stockbrokers . Mining and Geological Engineers Nursing Specialists . Public Relations Specialists Personal Financial Advisors Engineers . tographers International Business . Electrical Engineering . Computer Medical Doctors. Mass Communication . Writers . Announcers and Financial Services Sales Agents Surveyors Computer Programmers Rehabilitation Services . Technical Writers Management . Medical and Engineering Technology . Comput- Advertising/Public Relations . News Human Resources Managers and Information Research Scientists Rehabilitation Services – Deaf Studies . Reporters and Correspondents . . . Marketing Top Executives Manufacturing Engineering er Systems Analysts Database Administrators Broadcast Journalism Analysts . Camera Operators and Health Services Manager . Network and Social Work . Art Directors . Materials Management Management Consultants, Market and Mechanical Engineering . Information Security Analysts Print Journalism Film and Video Editors . . Software & Logistics Survey Researchers Buyers and Computer Systems Administrators Mexican American Studies Illustrators. Purchasers. Developers. Multidisciplinary Studies Philosophy Political Science Psychology Social Studies Composite Sociology college of sciences college of fine arts College of Spanish . Spanish Translation & Interpreting utrgv.edu/cos . [email protected] utrgv.edu/cofa [email protected] Education & p-16 Integration Biology Art . [email protected] Career options Career options utrgv.edu/cep Chemistry . Second- . Microbiologists American Art History . . Artist Manage- Research Scientists . Educators Composers Environmental Sciences . Pharmacologists Nature . . March- Early Care & Early Childhood Studies ary School Teachers Studio Art ment . Conductors Entrepreneurs Career options . . Astrono- . Graphic Marine Biology Conservation Officers Zoologists Art Education . Historians Education . Middle . Systems ing Band Directors . Elementary School Teachers . Statisticians . Archivists . Curators Museum Interdisciplinary Studies . Mathematics mers, Geophysicists . . Dance Designers School Teachers High School Teachers . Investment Analysts Actuaries . . Anima- . Physical Science Developers Conservators Multimedia Artists Middle School Preparation . Early . Wildlife Conser- Fine Arts . . Dancer . Mu- Special Education Teachers Environmental Consultants . Craft/Fine Artists Actor . Librarians . Adult For more information Physics tors . Life Science Head Start Directors . Ichthyologists . Marine Biochemists Graphic Design . Theatre Directors vationists . sic/Dance Therapists Educators . Instructional Coordinators . Aquarists . Dentists Studio Art . . Elementary Education . . Oceanographers Screenwriters Arts Administrators . Child . . Forensic . . Bilingual Education Education Administrators . Pharmacists Chemical Engineers Ceramics Metals/Jewelry Painting/Drawing Copywriters . Journalists . Career Advisers about our degrees . Science Writers Psychotherapists . Scientists . Toxicologists . Printmaking . Sculpture Writers . Set/Costume Early Childhood . . Photography Principals School Superintendents . Higher Education . . Healthcare Scientists Music Designers English as a Second Language School Psychologists School . Lecturers. Performance Marketing/Advertising. Special Education and Career Counselors and programs, visit: Theater Postsecondary Teachers. utrgv.edu/undergraduateprograms

10 11 Financial Aid 101 so you want to be a doctor? Paying to go to College

e know paying for college is not always easy. We can help. There are different types of financial aid available to you when you are ready to start If you want to get an early start on your career in medicine, your life as a college student: grants, scholarships and loans. the UTRGV School of Medicine has a few tips and advice to help you. W Before finding out what assistance is available to you, students need tofill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Texas Application for First, ask yourself, According to the Association of American Medical State Financial Aid (TASFA) to determine which types of aid they qualify for. Colleges, high school students interested in a “Is a career in medicine right for me?” career in medicine should: Students who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents are to fill out the FAFSA If your answer is “yes,” then you understand that a medical while students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and are classified as Texas residents under state law must complete the TASFA. career is earned with: Use your time in high • Hard work. Work on building a school to develop • Diligent investment of time. good foundation of solid study habits, applying is easy: • Responsibility for self and decisions made. math and science test-taking skills, 3 APPLY BY • Maturity to understand the reality of setbacks. coursework and take 1 USE THE UTRGV and written APPLY ONLINE DEADLINE • Accepting facts: advanced classes and verbal FAFSA CODE – Asking for help when necessary. (Advanced Placement or Dual/ 2 communication UTRGV PRIORITY – Willing to listen to and accept Concurrent Enrollment) skills. at fafsa.gov 003599 DEADLINE: constructive feedback. if available. MARCH 15 utrgv.edu/finaid

The difference a degree makes No High School* Diploma $25,636/yr. High School* Diploma Master’s* $35,256/yr. Degree $69,732/yr. Become a Self-Starter Now!

Choose to learn the subject matter instead of memo- Be of service to others. Diversify your volunteer Associate* rizing to get the grade, rank, social status. activities and make sure these activities have meaning Degree Bachelor’s* $41,496/yr. Degree Read! Read! Read! It helps to develop reading speed, for you. This is critical in helping to develop your “hu- $59,124/yr. complex comprehension skills, verbal and writing skills. man experience” skills.

Did you know that in a typical first semester of Define yourmoral and ethics compasses as that will medical school, you will read about 14,400 pages! define who you are as a health professional and assist Doctoral* you in making tough decisions in life. Professional* Degree Degree $84,396/yr. To learn more about what it takes to start your career in medicine at UTRGV, visit $89,960/yr. www.utrgv.edu/school-of-medicine or email [email protected].

12 *2016 Media U.S. Earnings by Educational Attainment (for workers age 25 and older). 13 At UTRGV, we want you to experience all that being a Vaquero has to offer. If you like get- ting involved, we have nearly 300 student organizations to choose from, including Greek Life, service groups, student publications and numerous leadership opportunities. If you like sports, you can cheer on our 14 NCAA Division I athletic teams … Get yourself GO VAQUEROS! Make the World Your To help you take care of your mind, body and spirit, UTRGV offers student services Involved and wellness facilities to guide you to a healthy lifestyle throughout your journey Classroom@ UTRGV as a UTRGV student.

Another reason, you should picture yourself at UTRGV … Studying Abroad.

At UTRGV, Vaqueros Study Abroad Programs are short, af- fordable and led by our world-class faculty. It is a high-impact learning experience that will force you to change the way you think about the world. You will be immersed in a new cul- ture and will visit the sites that you are reading about in your coursework. Students who engage in study abroad return to their degree programs more motivated and more engaged.

Study Abroad by the Numbers CAREER CENTER Number of Participants: Total Number of Internal Resources STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES Total Number of Countries Visited: Scholarships Distributed t UTRGV, you are never alone on your journey to a college 223 (In Dollars): ACADEMIC ADVISING CENTER 12 Countries degree. UTRGV wants to see you thrive in all aspects of Number of Faculty Leaders: $304,800 Ayour time in college. In addition to the academic services explained on this page, students have access to Student Health LEARNING CENTER countries visited: 20 Italy Services, Counseling Services, the Military and Veterans Success Center, University Recreation, the Student Food Pantry, and more to WRITING CENTER Gilman Scholarships and help you hike the trail leading to your success. Average Award Amount: LIBRARY France 28 courses Puerto Rico Delivered China $41,000 Ireland (avg. $3,400 per student) South Korea Average Length of Programs: United Kingdom Germany Japan Minimester: 2 weeks; Average Award Amount Summer Programs: of Internal Scholarships 5 weeks each. $1,360 (per student)

For more information, visit the International Programs and Partnerships in the Office of Global Engagement at www.utrgv.edu/ipp/study-abroad or call (956) 665-3572 or (956) 882-8955. 14 15