TLU PARENT & FAMILY NEWS
August 2025
Family and Supporters,
We’re excited to have our students back in the Alumni Student Center, reconnecting with friends, faculty, and staff, and preparing for the semester ahead.
To our new families: Welcome to the Bulldog family! The first semester is a big season of transition for all. I hope this newsletter serves as a way for you to stay connected to what is happening around campus.
The first week is a pivotal time for classes and getting involved on campus. From Aug. 25 to Aug. 29, students can adjust their class schedules, depending on class availability. This time often helps students who may have had a change of major over the summer break or found a class section that better works with their overall schedule.
We hope you will encourage your students to get involved on campus, whether with a student organization, playing intramural sports, or volunteering in the community. The first two weeks of class, students will have many opportunities to learn how to get involved on campus.
During orientation this weekend, students and families take in a lot of information at one time. For a refresher, students can reference the Bulldog Beginnings Online (online student orientation) through their TLU Brightspace. They can scroll through the different sections to be reminded of the resources to support students in their academics, help them get involved, and guide them to staying healthy while on campus.
I am excited to walk alongside you in our partnership to guide your student to graduation. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at 830-372-6315 or parents@tlu.edu.
Sierra Smith, Director of First Year Experience & Student Transitions
Bulldog Beginnings Part II
Bulldog Beginnings Part II (Saturday, August 23 – Sunday, August 24).
August 23rd is open to all TLU incoming students, families, and supporters.
August 24th is specifically designed for our incoming class (freshmen and transfer students).
A full schedule of Bulldog Beginnings events (including times and locations) are located on the TLU website.
Please reach out to the First Year Experience & Student Transitions office at orientation@tlu.edu if you or your student has any questions about Bulldog Beginnings.
TLU Counseling Services is Here to Help
Counseling & Accommodation Services wants to help students prepare for a successful and healthy school year. Follow @tlucounseling on Instagram for info on events like the Introvert Social, the Planner Party, and Stronger Together – a new support group for students impacted by grief and loss.
TLU + TimelyCare
All Texas Lutheran students have access to TimelyCare. This virtual health and well-being platform offers 24/7 virtual care at no cost to students anywhere in the US. They can diagnose and even call in prescriptions to your local pharmacy. Students can download the app in their app store or visit TimelyCare’s website.
TLU Food Pantry
Welcome back! We hope you had a restful break and are excited for a fantastic year ahead. As we kick off the new semester, we wanted to remind you about our 24/7 Food Pantry.
If you are interested in gaining access, please take a moment to fill out the Google Form. Once completed, you will be granted entry to use the pantry whenever you need it. We’re here to support you throughout the year, and this resource is just one way we hope to help.
Wishing you a successful and joyful start to the new school year!
Campus Living
Welcome everyone. Be sure to have your student check out Connect@TLU for various programs and events the resident assistants are hosting in the residential areas.
For those commuting, it is not too late to apply for on-campus housing. Once on the Campus Living portal page, look for the housing application with the fireworks graphic to sign up today.
Students, while on campus, have access to hundreds of movies to watch during breaks between classes or in their rooms. The movies are provided by Swank and paid for by our Student Government.
Career Development
Hello! My name is Kelsey Cruz, and I serve as the Director of Career Development. We’re dedicated to helping students explore career paths, develop professional skills, and connect with real-world opportunities.
One resource we offer is the Dress to Impress Center—a space where students can borrow business attire at no cost for interviews, career fairs, presentations, and more. To gain access to the Dress to Impress Center, students need to complete the form for the Food Pantry.
We encourage students to start early and take full advantage of the tools and support available through Career Development.
Academic Advising
This is a reminder that all students can make changes to their fall schedule of classes the week of August 25-29. Returning students can utilize myTLU for changes, but all new students need to complete and have their faculty advisor sign a schedule change form. All students are encouraged to email advising@tlu.edu with questions.
TLU Service Learning
We are excited to welcome students to the 2025–2026 Academic Year!
TLU’s commitment to servant leadership shines through the work of the Jon & Sandra Moline Center for Servant Leadership (CSL) and the dedication of our student volunteers. We invite students to share gifts and talents by exploring opportunities on GivePulse.
To date, TLU has made over 2,075 hours and $60,000 worth of impact!
Student Success & Retention
Students have 24/7 access to an online tutoring service for a wide range of courses through Brainfuse.
Students will log in to MyTLU and click the link to Brightspace located in the bottom left corner of the grey area. The link to Brainfuse online tutoring is in the top menu.
Contact academicsupport@tlu.edu for more information.
Student Financial Aid
Please have your student review their Financial Aid Portal for any "Documents Requiring Attention" or other alerts that may require them to take action. They should also review the aid that has been offered to them and accept or decline all funds that are still in an offered status. Only accepted funds (except for Federal Work Study) will be reflected on the Student Account.
The initial payment due date for fall was August 1. If your student has not yet submitted payment in full or enrolled in a payment plan, please do so prior to campus arrival. If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to get in touch with our office at 830-372-8010.
