Regents’ Review
Freshman Edition | November 2015
Freshman Edition
March 2016
Howdy Ags!
It’s already March, meaning that many spring semester deadlines are upon us. First and foremost, make
sure that you submit your 2016-2017 FAFSA by the March 15th priority deadline. Additionally, be sure to
give something back to the Bryan/College Station community by signing up for Big Event. Have fun during
Spring Break, but above all please be sure that you and your friends are being safe and smart. Until next
month, keep up the hard work.
Thanks and Gig ‘em!
Sydney
Class of 2019 Dr. Robert M. Gates
Inspiration Award
During the Regents’ Scholars Spring Banquet on May 1, 2016, the Regents’ Scholars Program will recognize one
outstanding Texas A&M University faculty, staff, advisor, or mentor for their participation and contributions to the program.
Please take a few minutes to nominate and show your appreciation to someone who has inspired you during your first
year at Texas A&M.
Nominations due April 1, 2016 by email to [email protected]
In the email, please include:
• Name of the person you are nominating
• Department or college in which the nominee is employed
• Email address of nominee
• Name of nominator
Please share why you believe this person should be recognized. Include how this nominee inspired you to success at Texas
A&M. Describe the guidance, availability, and dedication of the nominee. Your comments will be read at the banquet if the
individual is selected.
Academic Success
Center Workshops
March 2
“My Heart is Racing and
My Mind is Blank”
March 9
“Memory Matters”
March 23
“I’m Late, I’m Late, I’m Always
Late!”
March 30
“Do I have to Buy the Book?”
Dates to Remember
March 7
Mid-semester grades due!
March 14-18
Spring Break (Whoop!)
March 15
FAFSA priority deadline
March 17
March 25
St. Patrick’s Day
Reading Day – no classes
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Congratulations to the Regents’ Scholars Orientation Counselors for the Class of 2020!
And for all of you who didn’t make it this year, we urge you to try again next year.
- Orientation Planning Board
Did You Know?
More than 100 St. Patrick’s Day parades are held across the United States; New York
City and Boston are home to the largest celebrations.
History of St. Patrick’s Day
Saint Patrick, who lived during the fifth century, is the patron saint and
national apostle of Ireland. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped
and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. He later escaped,
but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to
its people. In the centuries following Patrick’s death the mythology
surrounding his life became ever more ingrained in the Irish culture:
Perhaps the most well-known legend is that he explained the Holy Trinity
(Father, Son and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a native Irish
clover, the shamrock.
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17 which is Saint Patrick’s
religious feast day and the anniversary of his death. The Irish have
observed this day as a religious holiday for over a thousand years. On
St. Patrick’s Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish
families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate
in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of
meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast—on the
traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.
Originally, a religious holiday to honor St. Patrick, who introduced
Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved
into a celebration for all things Irish. The world’s first St. Patrick’s Day
parade occurred on March 17, 1762, in New York City, featuring Irish
soldiers serving in the English military. This parade became an annual
event, with President Truman attending in 1948.
Up until the mid-19th century, most Irish immigrants in America were
members of the Protestant middle class. When the Great Potato Famine
hit Ireland in 1845, close to a million poor and uneducated Irish
Catholics began pouring into America to escape starvation. Despised
for their religious beliefs and funny accents by the American Protestant
majority, the immigrants had trouble finding even menial jobs. When
Irish Americans in the country’s cities took to the streets on St. Patrick’s
Day to celebrate their heritage, newspapers portrayed them in cartoons
as drunk, violent monkeys.
However, the Irish soon began to realize that their great numbers
endowed them with a political power that had yet to be exploited.
Suddenly, annual St. Patrick’s Day parades became a show of strength
for Irish Americans, as well as a must-attend event for a slew of
political candidates. In 1948, President Truman attended New York
City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, a proud moment for the many Irish
whose ancestors had to fight stereotypes and racial prejudice to find
acceptance in America.
Today, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by people of all backgrounds in the
United States, Canada and Australia. Although North America is home
to the largest productions, St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated in other
locations far from Ireland, including Japan, Singapore and Russia.
Irish-American Heritage Month Facts and Info
• Congress proclaimed March as Irish-American Heritage Month in
1991
• 33.3 Million U.S. Residents claim Irish ancestry in 2013
• That is more than 7X the population of Ireland!
• Irish was the nation’s second-most frequently reported European
ancestry, trailing German
St. Patrick’s Day Myths Debunked
Myth #1: St. Patrick was Irish
• Though one of Ireland’s patron saints, Patrick was born in what is
now England, Scotland or Wales
Myth #2: St. Patrick banished snakes from the Emerald Isle
• Legend has it that Patrick stood on an Irish hillside and delivered a
sermon that drove the island’s serpents into the sea.
• While it’s true that the Emerald Isle is mercifully snake-free, chances
are that’s been the case throughout human history.
• Water has surrounded Ireland since the end of the last glacial
period, preventing snakes from slithering over; before that, it was
blanketed in ice and too chilly for the cold-blooded creatures.
Scholars believe the snake story is an allegory for St. Patrick’s
eradication of pagan ideology.
Myth #3: Green has historically been associated with St.
Patrick’s Day
• The Irish countryside may be many shades of green, but knights in
the Order of St. Patrick wore a color known as St. Patrick’s blue.
• Why did green become so emblematic of St. Patrick that people
began drinking green beer, wearing green and, of course, dyeing
the Chicago River green to mark the holiday he inspired? The
association probably dates back to the 18th century, when
supporters of Irish independence used the color to represent their
cause
Myth #4: Popular St. Patrick’s Day festivities have their roots in
Ireland
• Until the 1700s, St. Patrick’s Day was a Roman Catholic feast only
observed in Ireland—and without the raucous revelry of today’s
celebrations. Instead, the faithful spent the relatively somber
occasion in quiet prayer at church or at home.
• That started to change when Irish immigrants living in the United
States began organizing parades and other events on March 17 as
a show of pride. For many people around the world, St. Patrick’s
Day has evolved into a secular ode to Irish culture (or at least an
oversimplified version of it), characterized by parties, music and
iconic foods.
Myth #5: Corned beef is a classic St. Patrick’s Day dish
On St. Patrick’s Day, countless merrymakers in the United States, Canada
and elsewhere savor copious plates of corned beef and cabbage.
• In Ireland, however, a type of bacon similar to ham is the customary
protein on the holiday table.
• In the late 19th century, Irish immigrants in New York City’s Lower
East Side supposedly substituted corned beef, which they bought
from their Jewish neighbors, in order to save money.
Spring Break 2016
Most students look forward to Spring Break as a time to relax
and have fun, but it’s important to make sure to keep safe while
traveling. Below are several tips to insure you have an enjoyable
time, but still arrive home safe and sound.
Before you leave
• Pack Smart – Pack light and simple, bringing as few valuables
as possible. Nobody in Aruba cares about your Prada flip-flops,
so why bring them? Consider packing inexpensive alternatives
to your daily items (sunglasses, clothes, jewelry, bags, and
appliances) so that if you do happen to lose them, it’s no great
loss. Items you should think about including are: cell phone,
identification, health insurance information, contact numbers,
medication and for Spring Break beach trips, sunscreen (and
lots of it). You might also consider packing a simple first aid kit.
• Broadcast Your Whereabouts – Short of implanting a tracking
device, you should do as much as you can to let people you
trust know where you are at all times. Make sure someone
back home has your contact information, contact information
for every place you’re going to be, and as much of your
itinerary as you can pre-plan. Also provide contact information
for others in your group. HOWEVER: DO NOT POST details on
social media! You do not want to wrong people to know when
you leave and where you are going.
• Money Safety – Preplan your expenses, and don’t bring more
than you think you need. Traveler’s checks are smarter than
cash, and all plastic should be locked up whenever you don’t
plan to use it in the immediate future.
• Abide the Law – If traveling to a foreign country or even a
different state, familiarize yourself with the local customs
and laws, including necessary identification and other border
crossing regulations.
• Home Security – If you’re leaving your home (dorm room,
apartment, etc.) completely empty, practice some basic safety.
Turn off all appliances, unplug everything (saves you on your
electric bill, too), lock it up tight, and only give someone you
completely trust the responsibility of feeding Princess Fluffytail.
Health Safety
• Sunscreen – The sun is an unfeeling monster that knows only
suffering. Avoid it with the regular and ample application of
sunscreen. This is not an option. SPF 15 is a bare minimum. If
swimming, be sure to use water-resistant sun block, reapplied
often. Remember that you can get sunburned even while it’s
overcast, so there’s no excuse not to use sunscreen. It’s not just
for Spring Break beach vacations either. The sun is everywhere,
so lather up before going out.
• Buckle Up – Also take turns behind the wheel, and whoever
sits shotgun should stay awake to keep the driver company.
Make sure everyone has a valid driver’s license and the vehicle
registration is in the car before driving off.
• Drink Lots of Water – Many Americans tend to underestimate
the danger of dehydration, but it can sneak up on you fast as
a term paper. Force yourself to hydrate regularly, even when
you don’t feel thirsty. By the way, alcohol and carbonated
beverages don’t count, and will only work against you.
• Tattoos – Health standards in some foreign countries are
lower than those in the U.S. Statistically, “parlor fear” is a little
trumped up, but that wicked tattoo of your favorite purple
dinosaur surfing a skull while flames erupt from behind him
can wait until next week.
Behavior
• Buddy System – I guarantee you’ll see this on every list of
Spring Break safety tips, because it is so important: never go
anywhere alone. Having an assigned buddy is a great start,
someone to keep you in line of sight at all times and instigate
a search party whenever something is amiss. Having three or
four buddies is even better. Strength in numbers, you know.
• Water Safety – Riptides can condemn you to the briny deep
faster than cement shoes, so never swim alone. If possible, only
swim when a life guard is on duty. Obey all beach advisory
warnings. Also, never get into a boat that is piloted by an
intoxicated person. Not only is it illegal- it’s really, really stupid.
• Club Etiquette – Always be aware of your surroundings, police
your drink carefully and never accept a drink from a stranger,
because you never know what is in it. If you are underage,
don’t drink. It’s against the law, and your permanent record
is not worth risking for one stupid mistake. Don’t leave with
someone you don’t know, and be mindful of your possessions
at all times. Most crimes against young adult Spring Breakers
originate at the club.
• Your Room, Your Sanctuary – Don’t invite anyone you don’t
know into your room, especially if you are alone. Always have
personal belongings locked up unless you are using them at
that moment.
• Avoid Reckless Behavior – Climbing things, jumping off things,
lighting things on fire… you’re just asking for trouble.
• The Airport Rule – Never leave your bags unattended in a
public place, and never try to transport something into the
country for someone else, whether you think it is illegal or not.
• Have Fun – And that’s not an option!
Vacations are supposed to be fun and by keeping these few safe
travel tips in mind, you can make sure that they remain that way.
If You Choose To Drink
Definitions:
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI): In Texas, driving while intoxicated
(DWI) means drunk driving or over the BAC limit. The state uses
your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to determine whether
you’re too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI): In Texas, a minor operating a
motor vehicle in a public place while having any detectable amount
of alcohol in his/her system will be charged with a DUI.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): Means the number of grams
of alcohol per:210 liters of breath; 100 milliliters of blood; or 67
milliliters of urine.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits:
21 years old or older: 0.08%
Commercial drivers: 0.04%
Younger than 21 years old: Any detectable amount.
And, always be mindful of the following:
• Drinking and driving is the leading cause of death for
Americans 17-24 years old.
• 70 people die each day in America in drunk driving accidents.
• The cost of an average DUI is $3,000.
Alcohol can affect you based on the number of drinks you’ve had,
your body weight, and even your gender. Check out the TX blood
alcohol percentage charts to learn more: www.tabc.state.tx.us/
enforcement/blood_alcohol_percentage_chart.asp
Minors and DWI
Like many states, Texas has a Zero Tolerance Law for minors
and alcohol; this means drivers younger than 21 years old can’t
operate motor vehicles with any amount of alcohol or drugs in their
systems.
For a first offense, you face:
• License suspension not to exceed 2 years.*
• Up to a $500 fine.
• An Alcohol Education Program at least 12 hours long (see
below).
• An additional 180 days of license suspension if you don’t
complete the Alcohol Education program.
• 90 days of license suspension if your judge gives you
Regents’ Scholars Program Spring Banquet
Sunday, May 1st
Attendance is REQUIRED for this event.
Details TBA.
community service. This means you’ll also have an ignition
interlock device.
*Generally, a second DWI offense brings 120 days of license
suspension, and a third offense gets you 180 days.
Minor in Possession (MIP)
Consuming or possessing an alcoholic beverage by a minor except
in the visible presence of the minor’s adult parent, guardian, or
spouse. (Class C Misdemeanor)
Public Intoxication (PI)
Appearing in a public place while intoxicated so much that the
person may endanger him/herself or another person. (Class C
Misdemeanor)
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
A minor operating a motor vehicle in a public place while having
any detectable amount of alcohol in his/her system. (Class C
Misdemeanor)
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
Operating a motor vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft in a public place
while intoxicated. (Class B Misdemeanor)
Additional Laws
• Providing Alcohol to a Minor or Purchasing Alcohol for a
Minor: Class A Misdemeanor
• Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle: Class C
Misdemeanor
• Possession of a Dangerous Drug (prescription medication that
was not prescribed to you): Class A Misdemeanor
• Providing a Dangerous Drug to Another Person: State Jail
Felony
Penalties
Class C Misdemeanor: Can include fine up to $500, community
service, alcohol education classes, and 30 day up to 180 day
driver’s license suspension.
Class B Misdemeanor: Can include fine up to $2000, community
service, and 72 hour minimum confinement.
Class A Misdemeanor: Can include fine up to $4000, up to 1 year
in jail, and 180 day driver’s license suspension.
State Jail Felony: Can include fine up to $10,000 and 180 days to 2
years in jail.
If you choose to drink, know the laws and potential consequences!
Save the
Date!
Spring Break 2016 Pledge
You owe it to yourself to keep yourself safe during Spring Break. Below is a pledge adapted from the Safe Spring Break website. Consider
adopting this into your pre-departure planning.
I, ______________________________, pledge to make safe and responsible decisions while on spring break. I have taken the time to
consider my personal boundaries in regards to the five (5) Potential Follies: Travel, Alcohol, Drugs, Sex and Crime.
Furthermore, I will make sure my parents or guardians have a copy of my important documents and full itinerary. When driving, I will
wear my seat belt at all times. If riding shotgun, I will keep the driver awake. I will not allow anyone in the car to drink and drive. I will
make sure any friend who is too intoxicated to be out is taken home safely. I will go out with my friends, and go home with my friends. I
will respect myself by honoring my personal boundaries as stated above. While on spring break, I will obey the laws of that destination. I
will not justify reckless behaviors by assuming “whatever happens on spring break stays on spring break.” I know and understand this is
merely a vacation, and I choose to act responsibly. In doing so, this will be a Spring Break I won’t soon forget…in a good way.
Some Final Safety Tips
On the road…
Buckle up, disco dancers! Also take turns behind the wheel,
and whoever sits shotgun should stay awake to keep the driver
company. Make sure everyone has a valid driver’s license and the
vehicle registration is in the car before driving off.
In hotels…
Reserve a room that’s above the 1st floor but below the 6th floor.
Why? First floor rooms are easier to break into, and rooms above
the sixth floor are sometimes too high for fire ladders to reach. If
safes are provided, definitely use them for any valuables you may
have. Keep doors and sliding doors locked, and don’t let anyone
into your room unless you can trust them. Make a mental note of
where the nearest fire exits and stairwells are located in case you
need to evacuate.
At the ATM…
Try to go the ATM in groups, but avoid getting overly complacent
about safety just because you’re traveling in numbers. Also try to
go during daylight hours. When you approach the ATM, do a full
360 degree scan, looking completely around you to see if anyone
is hanging out where they shouldn’t be. When punching in your pin
number, use your other hand to cover the keypad. Always be on the
lookout for anyone suspicious. If someone is creeping you out, go
to another ATM. (There are plenty of them, especially in vacation
spots!)
On the beach…
Sun can maximize the effects of alcohol so keep this in mind if you
party on the beach. Take it slow and stay hydrated by drinking lots
of water. If you start feeling faint or light headed, get shade and
water immediately. And don’t be a lobster; use sunscreen of at least
SPF 15 and reapply often. Pay extra special attention to ears, nose,
face and shoulders. Fair skinned friends should wear sunglasses
and even a hat. Avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours of the
sun’s rays and remember you can burn even when it’s cloudy.
While swimming…
Jumping into the water without a lifeguard puts you at risk. Even
the most experienced swimmer can get caught in an undertow.
In case you get caught in a rip current, don’t bother swimming
against it. Instead, swim parallel to shore until the rip passes. Try to
stay within the designated swimming area and always swim with a
buddy. Also know the flag system for water safety:
-Red Flag: Stay out of the water because of strong undertow and
riptides.
-Yellow Flag: Use CAUTION in the water. There are some undertow
and riptides possible.
-Blue Flag: Calm water. Swim safely.
Going out…
The cardinal rule is this: Go out with your friends, go home with
your friends. It’s one of those things that keeps you a whole lot
safer, and eliminates about 98% of the bad drama. This way you
can look out for one another, and get a friend home who is too
intoxicated to be out. Also be on the lookout for signs of predatory
drugs: extreme wooziness, confusion, difficulty standing and
slurring speech. If you notice these symptoms in yourself, find your
friends immediately and tell them to get you outta there. If you see
these signs in a friend, do your friend duty and take them back to
the hotel or to a hospital if symptoms are severe.
Leaving the country…
First things first: if you’re leaving the country you’ll need a
passport. These are not quick and easy documents to attain,
so file your application about 6 months before going on a trip
abroad. Safety has a lot to do with what you pack when traveling
abroad. Don’t bring flashy valuables (like expensive jewelry) and
dress conservatively so you don’t stick out too much. And do your
homework beforehand about your destination, keeping in mind
you are subject to the laws of the country you visit. To get a full list
of tips for traveling abroad (as well as travel warnings for certain
countries) check out the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
March 2016 Calendar