Parents and Friends,
The semester is off to a great start, and I hope your student is becoming more comfortable and confident in their role as a Bulldog! I want to take a moment to remind you of important dates, upcoming events, and additional student resources.
Family of the Year Award
We’re looking for our 2025 Family of the Year! The TLU Family of the Year contest is intended to celebrate the supportive role families play in the lives of students and the TLU community. Visit the Public tab on my.tlu.edu to find the applications.
Applications are due Friday, October 5th.
First-Generation Program
Another event I'd like to highlight is our First-Generation Program and Pinning Ceremony. At TLU, more than half of our student body proudly identifies as first-generation (a student whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have never completed a four-year bachelor's degree). Many faculty and staff at TLU identify as first-generation college students. To better understand and support the needs of this population, the Office of First Year Experience & Student Transitions sponsors various events throughout the year, such as lunch socials and support programs. If your student is a first-generation college student, encourage them to participate in our annual activities.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 830-372-6315 or parents@tlu.edu.
Sierra Smith, Director of First Year Experience & Student Transitions
Academic Reminders
The drop/add deadline was Friday, August 29. Any course dropped now will result in a “W” on your student’s transcript and they will remain fee liable. The last day to withdraw and receive a "W" is Tuesday, November 4, at 5 p.m.
Three Week Advising runs from September 23–30. Instructors provide early feedback for first-year students and other selected groups. Students can view this info via the myTLU portal under “Three-Week Check.”
If your student needs help accessing the portal, they can contact the IT Help Desk at 830-372-6000 or ishelp@tlu.edu.
Please note this process will take place again in mid-October for what we classify as Six Week Advising. First Year Experience & Student Transitions will keep you posted with further details.
Homecoming is Next Month!
We’re excited to welcome parents, family members, and friends back to Texas Lutheran for Homecoming, October 24–25! Kick off the celebration on Friday with our Homecoming Golf Tournament or Pickleball Tournament, then join us that evening for Lucky Fest at the Seguin Schoolyard from 7–10 p.m., featuring live music, great company, and plenty of fun.
On Saturday, the festivities continue with a tailgate before the big game, along with more opportunities to connect and celebrate Bulldog pride.
We can’t wait to see you back on campus for an unforgettable Homecoming weekend!
Blumberg Memorial Library
Don’t let the 70s vibe fool you. TLU’s Blumberg Memorial Library is all caught up to the twenty-first century, and is as much the heart of campus today as it has been for generations of Bulldogs long-since graduated. Under the watchful eyes of Director Mark Dibble and Assistant Director Amelia Koford, both of whom took the reins last year, the library is staying true to its mission while evolving to meet the needs of students, faculty, and community members.
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.
Krost Symposium: No Limits | Oct. 1 - Oct. 3
This year’s Krost Symposium is titled “No Limits: Adaptive Strategies” and will explore ways athletes, musicians and students use adaptive strategies and technologies to excel in a world that is not equally designed for everyone. Most events are open to the public and offer virtual attendance.
TLU Food Pantry
Now that the school year is underway, we want to remind you of a valuable resource available to your student: the 24/7 Food Pantry.
If your student is in need of food assistance at any point during the semester, they can request access by completing a short Google Form. Once submitted, they’ll receive 24/7 access to the pantry, allowing them to use it whenever they need.
We’re committed to supporting your student’s well-being, both inside and outside the classroom. The Food Pantry is just one of the ways we strive to ensure they have the resources they need for a successful year.
Alcohol and Sexual Assault Awareness Education
TLU partners with Vector LMS to provide engaging, research-based trainings that support a safe and healthy campus. All incoming students are required to complete the two-part “AlcoholEDU and Sexual Assault Prevention” online program, designed to help them navigate these important issues as they begin college.
Login information was emailed to students the week of August 25. The deadline to complete the training has been extended to Monday, September 22. For help with login or access, students can contact ishelp@tlu.edu.
Career Development
For the Seguin Campus, we will be having Employer Spotlights starting this month. This event allows students to connect with employers prior to the career fair in the spring.
As always, please encourage your students to reach out to Kelsey Cruz, Director of Career Development, for any questions about resume building, cover letters, internships, and graduate programs.
Academic Advising
Your student has been assigned an academic advisor. This person will help your student navigate their academic journey and help with course selection each semester. Who is your student’s advisor? Have your student log in to myTLU, navigate to the student tab, and click on the advising link. There, in the My Academic Information window, your student’s advisor will be displayed.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Community Partner Volunteer Fair
Wednesday, September 17 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | ASC A/B
Students will have the opportunity to meet local community partners, learn about their missions, and sign up for volunteer opportunities.
Bulldog Bucks Challenge: The first 50 students who connect with a community partner and register to volunteer will each receive $50 in Bulldog Bucks.
H.O.T. (Helping Others Together) Dogs Day
Saturday, September 20 | 7:30 AM | Library Lawn
This annual event brings together students, faculty, staff, and alumni to serve the Seguin community and surrounding areas. The day begins with a welcome from the Mayor of Seguin and university leadership, followed by breakfast, music, games, and the distribution of official H.O.T. Dogs Day shirts.
Student Account Information
Seguin Campus - The automatic payment for the Standard or 4-equal payment plan was scheduled for September 15. If applicable, please ensure your payment has been processed. Credit refunds for the fall semester are expected to be issued on Friday, September 19.
Accelerated Nursing Students (Houston & New Braunfels): Initial fall payments were due on September 15. If you have not yet made your payment, we encourage you to contact the Financial Aid Office at 830-372-8010. Credit refunds for the fall semester are scheduled to be issued on October 17.
Financial Aid Information
The 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will become available via studentaid.gov on October 1st. If you will be attending school in the Fall 2026 semester and beyond, we encourage you to complete the application as soon as possible. Some financial aid funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Send Your Student a Care Package
We are excited to share that the Parent & Family Association has partnered with Giften Market to make it easy for parents and supporters to send care packages to their students throughout the year!
With a wide variety of options to choose from, these thoughtfully curated packages are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a simple “just because,” a “good luck” boost before exams, or a special celebration.
To explore the selections and place an order, click the button below to visit the online store and brighten your student’s day with a surprise delivery.
Should you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with alumni@tlu.edu.
