Academic & Support Units

Main Content

The following section describing various academic and support units of the University is not all inclusive. Other units also serve TCU; however, these are the ones whose programs and services are most often needed or in which there is general interest.

Academic Advising

The Academic Advising flagship office offers services and programs to enhance the academic experience of all students at TCU during all stages of their academic careers. The office:

Coordinates academic advising for pre-majors (those who have not formally declared a major and have achieved fewer than 54 hours);
Provides academic advising for first-year students with declared majors in AddRan College of Liberal Arts;
Coordinates academic advising for students during new student orientation;
Provides academic resources related to study skills, time management and related concerns;
Assists students who want to explore career paths and learn about majors;
Provides oversight of the College 101 program for first-year students whose first semester GPA is < 2.0; and
Refers students to appropriate services, departments and community agencies.

Additional resources for faculty and faculty advisors can be found on the Academic Advising website.

Questions regarding Academic Advising may be directed to:

Dr. Angela Thompson
Executive Director of Academic Advising
817-257-7486
angela.thompson@tcu.edu
academic_advising@tcu.edu

Campus Recreation & Wellness Promotion

Campus Recreation & Wellness Promotion aims to promote lifelong wellness through holistic education and quality recreation programs, services and facilities that enhance the University experience through participation and leadership. The programs and facilities offered by Campus Recreation & Wellness Promotion are available to all students and faculty/staff (with memberships).

Facility - The 232,500 sq. ft. University Recreation Center provides for a variety of recreational opportunities. Activities include swimming, basketball, volleyball, badminton, weightlifting, an indoor track for walking and jogging, cardiovascular training equipment, a games area, a climbing wall, and food service.

Wellness Education – Research and professional experience at TCU verify the correlation between a student’s good health, healthy lifestyle, and academic and personal success. Therefore, through Wellness Education we empower a university-wide culture of wellness for all students. Wellness Education offers primary prevention programming through collaboration with the University community. Multiple programs and services provided include suicide prevention training, meditation, stress management workshops, healthy relationship education and more. A group of peer educators work to aid in the delivery of all information to the students. Any faculty/staff member can request a specific program to be delivered to their students.

Aquatics - The Aquatics Program offers instructional and fitness activities in the water, in addition to recreational swimming. There are three pools in the University Recreation Center: 25 yard lap pool, 22 ft deep diving well, and an outdoor leisure pool.

Intramurals - Structured, competitive, and recreational sporting events are scheduled throughout the academic year. Activities involve team sports, individual or dual events, and special events. Only currently enrolled TCU students and faculty/staff may participate in the Intramural Sports Program.

Fitness Programs – Group fitness classes are designed for beginner, intermediate and advance levels. Individualized personal training and equipment orientations allow individuals a more personal experience toward their strength and conditioning goals. Educational sessions also are offered to help members achieve healthy, active lifestyles.

Outdoor Programs – Campus Recreation’s Outdoor Programs are comprised of three main program areas: the Adventure Trip Program (ATP), Climbing Wall and Outdoor Equipment Rental. We are dedicated to providing positive outdoor education, recreation and adventure experiences to the TCU community. Students participate in and experience activities that cause them to reflect and learn about their relationship to others as well as their own abilities and limitations.

Sport Clubs - The Sport Club program is designed to serve individual interests in different sport and recreational activities. Membership is open to all students and the club must be a recognized student organization. These interests can be competitive, recreational, or instructional in nature, as clubs may represent TCU in intercollegiate competition or conduct intra-club activities such as practice, instruction, social activities, and tournament play.

Memberships - All full-time, part-time, and temporary faculty and staff are eligible to join the University Recreation Center. Members of the TCU faculty and staff must purchase a membership to have access to the Recreation Center. The current price is $120 per year for an annual membership. Spouses and/or dependents of currently employed Faculty/Staff members are also eligible to purchase memberships. For more information about any of the programs offered by the Department of Campus Recreation, please call 817-257-PLAY (7529).

Center for Career and Professional Development

The Center for Career and Professional Development takes TCU student’s world class, value-centered education to the next level with professional career advising, on campus recruiting and a variety of networking opportunities.

Services and resources are free to both students and alumni and include:

Career Consulting
Job and Internship Listings on FrogJobs by Handshake (including on-campus jobs)
Alumni and Employer Networking Opportunities
Résumé and Cover Letter Assistance
Job/Internship Search Assistance
Career Assessments
Interview Coaching
On-Campus Interviewing
Career Readiness and Internship Funding
Professional Networking Events and Career Fairs
Graduate School Research and Application Reviews
View career resources for faculty and staff on the Center for Career and Professional Development site.

The Center for Career and Professional Development is located in the BNSF Railway Career Center in The Harrison (suite 1100) and is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Alcon Career Center is located in the Neeley School of Business in Sumner Hall (room 2211) and also is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Career Consultants are available to speak to classes or groups on a variety of subjects including identifying career options, implementing effective job search strategies, writing résumés and preparing for interviews. Contact the Career Center at 817-257-2222 or careers@tcu.edu for additional information.

Center for Instruction, Innovation and Engagement, William H. Koehler

The Koehler Center is dedicated to facilitating ongoing, reflective discourse regarding teaching and learning, including engaging with instructional staff, departments/units, and administration. The Koehler Center strives to meet the challenges of integrating effective, innovative teaching methodologies and technologies to promote engagement and improve learning.

Center for Instructional Services (Instructional Technology and Media Production)

The successful integration of instructional technology and media resources into the teaching and learning environment is essential in today’s classroom. Both can potentially enrich the education of students at the University. The Center for Instructional Services supports classroom instruction and the University by providing resources to faculty, staff and students to meet their instructional needs. The Center is comprised of three support areas:

Classroom Technology Support Services maintains and supports a complement of instructional media equipment for classroom use; training is provided for equipment installed in classrooms and, upon request, equipment may be delivered, set-up and retrieved. Technical support is provided on an on-going basis with maintenance and repair of all instructional technology equipment.
Media Production Support Services provides assistance in the planning and production of a variety of instructional resources, including graphics in various mediums and video-based resources, for both classroom use and special events.
Instructional Technology Planning Services provides assistance in planning, purchasing and installation of instructional media equipment.

The Center for Instructional Services is located in the Center for Instructional Services Building. For more detailed information, refer to the Center’s website at www.cis.tcu.edu or call 817-257-7121.

Center for Writing, William L. Adams

The William L. Adams Center for Writing serves the entire TCU community — faculty and staff as well as undergraduate and graduate students. The Center provides one-on-one conferences that focus on individual writing projects of all types. In addition, members of the Center for Writing staff are available for class presentations and workshops.

Professional writing consultants are also available to advise faculty about designing writing assignments and responding to students’ writing.

Located in Reed Hall 419, the Center for Writing is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. For an appointment, use the Center’s online scheduling system or call 817-257-7221. Those who wish to submit a paper online may do so via the Center’s website. A consultant will read the paper and offer feedback within two working days.

Church Relations

Texas Christian University is the largest of 22 colleges, universities and theological institutions associated by covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a denomination with a strong commitment to higher education since its early beginnings. In the early days of TCU, ties were built that have guided both the University and the denomination. Still today, as a church-related university, those ties are strong and vibrant through a nine-point covenant between the denomination and the university. Because of these ties and the Disciples long-standing commitment to unity, dialogue and inclusiveness, we support a campus where individuals from all religious traditions and beliefs come together to make up one united community.

The Office of Church Relations supports this ongoing covenant between the University and the church by: 1) educating campus and community about the nature of TCU’s church relationship; 2) ensuring that TCU is active in the life of the Disciples church at local, regional and general levels; 3) creating programs and resources that support Disciples students, faculty and staff; and 4) building University collaborations with Disciples partners that strengthen our shared mission. Contact us to learn more at disciples@tcu.edu or at 817-257-7830.

Community Scholars Program

The Community Scholars Program was established in 2000 to provide students from 13 area high schools the opportunity to compete for scholarships to attend TCU. This program attracts diverse student populations to the campus. The students selected have achieved academic excellence and demonstrated leadership skills in their schools and communities. More than 150 students are in the program.

Through advising, educational activities, leadership programs, retreats, programming activities and student organizations, the program provides resources to help the scholars successfully transition into the university environment. This program has helped transform the University environment.

Counseling Center

The Counseling & Mental Health Center is located on the second floor of Jarvis Hall. The Counseling Center is following the lead of the University and following health guidelines to safely offer in-person services during this academic year.

The following services are provided:

Drop-in/Crisis response and intervention;
Individual and group counseling;
Substance Use and Recovery services;
Peer Support Communities;
Collaborations with community providers to offer various specialized services (see website for details)
Referral assistance to specialized providers in the community;
Third Party consultations regarding students of concern and student mental health;

All services are covered by the costs of TCU tuition. In accordance with state and federal laws and professional ethics, confidentiality is maintained.

For more information visit the Counseling & Mental Health Center website or call 817-257-7863. Regular office hours during fall and spring semesters are 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Summer hours are 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. For the 24/7 counseling helpline, call 817-257-7233. For emergencies, outside of office hours, call TCU Police, 817-257-7777.

The Dean of Students Office (DoS)

Dean of Students staff members meet with students individually (and their families when necessary) to assist in resolving issues that might impede academic and/or personal success during their TCU experience. DoS staff collaborate with faculty and staff to work with students having academic or personal problems or emergency situations. There is a “Dean on Call” available by calling TCU Campus Police (817-257-7777) if an emergency occurs after regular office hours. Deans respond to critical incidents, manage crises, and also oversees and handles University student conduct cases. DoS staff also work closely with the Academic Deans and Associate Deans in each college to resolve student concerns and assist students with their academic programs and personal goals. The Dean’s office processes official University absences (students who miss class due to officially representing the University at verified functions) and notifies faculty each week electronically with lists of these students. Only serious student illnesses (i.e., hospitalizations, chronic illnesses, concussions) or family emergencies are verified by the Dean of Students Office. Faculty are responsible for determining their own process with students who miss an occasional class. Multiple consecutive student absences should be reported to the Dean of Students Office through the Students of Concern form found on the DoS website, if faculty determine additional professional intervention may assist the student. A student should always first contact faculty when class is missed due to illness.

The Dean of Students Office is located in The Harrison 1600, and can be reached at 817- 257-7926. Visit the Dean of Students Office website for additional information.

Student Conduct – Students who enroll in TCU are obliged to behave in a manner compatible with the University’s function as an educational institution and the TCU mission statement. Each student is expected to be fully acquainted with all published policies, rules and regulations of the University, and will be held responsible for compliance on or off TCU campus. Students may be held accountable by TCU and police agencies for the same instance of misconduct. Reported violations of the Code of Student Conduct are investigated and resolved by designated staff members in the Division of Student Affairs under the general supervision and direction of the Dean of Students Office. Violations of the Ccode are subject to a wide range of disciplinary action. A complete Code of Student Conduct, including the educational conduct process, is available in the Student Handbook . These documents guide the student conduct and grievance processes.

Extended Eduation, Office of

The mission of Extended Education is to engage the University with the community through high quality courses, programs, conferences and other offerings that seek to educate, enlighten, renew and serve. The office sponsors non-credit classes and programs providing both personal and professional development for the community. Select classes are available to faculty and staff at a discounted rate. The office also coordinates a variety of summer programs as well as non-degree admissions. The Office of Extended Education works with University departments and schools in the development of continuing education opportunities.

The Gender Resource Office (GRO)

The mission of the Gender Resource Office (GRO) is to support gender and LGBTQIA+ identities through education, advocacy and social engagement. GRO promotes inclusion and understanding around issues of gender and sexual identity. You can reach us by email at gro@tcu.edu or by phone at 817-257-4820.

The Gender Resource Office, International Services, Office of Student Identity and Engagement, Quality Enhancement, and Student Government Association are located in the Intercultural Center. Faculty and staff are encouraged to visit for additional resources and information.

Health Center

The Brown-Lupton Health Center is an AAAHC accredited clinic located at 2825 Stadium Drive – west of Colby Hall and north of the University Union. The clinic provides ambulatory care for the various needs of TCU students and services are available for students only.

Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students may call a nurse triage phone service at 817-257-7940 for assistance after hours. Students are encouraged to visit the clinic at a time that will not interfere with class attendance. Students are seen by appointment. They can make appointments by calling the Health Center, going online through their student health portal or walking in. Detailed information about Health Center services and staff can be found on the Brown-Lupton Health Center website.

If a student misses class due to a Health Center visit, it is the student’s responsibility to contact their professor. The Health Center does not provide notes for missed classes. Faculty members should use their own judgment about whether or not a student will be allowed to make up class work missed when there is no verification of illness.

Students are required to submit evidence of two does of MMR and bacterial meningitis vaccination through their student health portal prior to registering for classes. Students also need to have a complete immunization record on file in the Health Center.

In the event of an emergency or a life-threatening situation, call 911 for ambulance service and emergency assistance.

Housing and Residence Life

Living in a TCU residence hall is an integral part of the TCU experience. Residence hall students make new friends, get involved in campus activities, and discover opportunities for personal and intellectual growth. Residence halls are conveniently located throughout the campus, and the halls provide a comfortable room that a student can call “home” while at TCU.

Approximately 45% of the undergraduate students at TCU live on campus. Through academic, cultural, intramural and social activities, students within each hall determine the hall’s character. Participation in these activities assists in the student’s adjustment and development within a residential setting.

Residence hall rooms are designed for student comfort and are used for studying as well as sleeping and socializing. All accommodations are air conditioned, non-smoking facilities. Most rooms are designed for double occupancy. The standard double student room contains a bed, a desk and chair, a dresser, and a closet for each student. Each room is also equipped with a MicroFridge® and access to the Internet. Students are encouraged to add decorative items to personalize their surroundings.

The residence hall office is a primary resource on campus. The hall director, a full-time, live-in professional with a master’s degree in higher education, counseling or a related field, administers the hall, supervises student staff and is available to help students. Each hall has resident assistants (RAs) who are sensitive to student needs and alert to student concerns. The hall staff know the many University resources and are able to connect students when assistance is needed.

Residence hall communities are built intentionally by focusing on developing relationships among residents. RAs, with direction from the hall director, get to know residents and plan activities to help residents get to know one another. This process leads to students developing connections to other students and to the hall community; it builds an environment intended to empower all residents to be successful in their academic pursuits. All residence halls offer a broad range of programs designed to meet the unique interests of the student population in a particular residence hall. As students become involved and connected to their friends, their hall, their classes and TCU, they are building strong Horned Frog communities.

Information Technology

Information Technology provides a wide range of technology support for all levels of the University. Services include maintaining and securing the network infrastructure throughout the campus, academic and administrative computer systems, and providing application development and customization, customer support, hardware repair and software training.

IT Support provides phone and onsite support for faculty, staff and students.
Enterprise Application Services provides administrative and academic application development and customization for PeopleSoft, Banner, ImageNow, RedDot, and other applications used across campus.
Information Security Services maintains the security of all TCU computing and technology systems.
Technical Services provides network (voice and data), infrastructure and printing services.
Network Services maintains TCU’s wired and wireless networks, fiber system, datacenters, and access to the Internet and high-speed research networks.
Infrastructure Services maintains the physical infrastructure for the University.
Printing Services provides copying and printing services for the University as well as retail customers.
Computer Systems provides centralized administration for TCU’s database, email, application, Web and other servers, and maintains more than 3,000 faculty, staff and lab client computers.
Hardware and Purchasing provides centralized technology purchasing and consultation for the University as well as onsite hardware support and repair.
Training provides training courses in various computer applications, including Microsoft Office and PeopleSoft. One-on-one training sessions or custom- designed classes are available.

To request assistance with any computer-related problem or question, please contact the Computer Help Desk:
Help Desk Phone: 817-257-6855 (faculty and staff); 817-257-5855 (students)
IT Department Phone: 817-257-7682; Email - help@tcu.edu

Institutional Effectiveness, Office of

The Office of Institutional Effectiveness serves to enhance student learning and institutional effectiveness at TCU by providing leadership and assistance to the campus community in assessment activities, accreditation, and ongoing quality enhancement. The Office of Institutional Effectiveness is responsible for providing support services to all academic units in their assessment efforts and will serve as an assessment resource to educational and administrative support units on an ad hoc basis. The office also oversees and supports the WEAVE Online Assessment Management System, the AEFIS Assessment Management Platform, and the accreditation and reaffirmation process. For assistance, faculty and staff may contact Dr. David E. Allen, Executive Director & SACSCOC Liaison at 817-257-4169.

Institutional Reserach

The Office of Institutional Research functions as the official reporting entity for the University. In this capacity, the office is responsible for collecting and disseminating quantitative data frequently requested of the University. Much of this material is used for decision support and is published by this office in the Fact Book .

Institutional Research also responds to most external surveys and information requests, provides data analytics to support University policy-making decisions, conducts annual surveys of recent alumni, assists departments across campus with data needs, maintains databases for trend analyses, manages the Student Perception of Teaching (SPOT) and currently leads the data governance initiative at TCU. Information may be requested by contacting the Office of Institutional Research, Mary Couts Burnett Library, suite 1160; telephone 817-257-7475.

Intercollegiate Athletics

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at TCU is administered through the Office of the Chancellor in accordance with the constitutions, bylaws and other policies of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Big 12 Conference. The Athletics Director is charged with the operation of the department. (Physical education comes under the College of Education, and intramural athletics is regulated by the Student Activities Office.)

Faculty and staff provide a sounding board to the department through service on the University Athletics Committee. One faculty member maintains the position of Faculty Athletics Representative. The Faculty Athletics Representative serves as liaison to the department from the faculty, provides oversight on matters of academic issues related to student-athletes, and represents the institution in NCAA and Big 12 Conference business.

Faculty and staff members are provided tickets of admission for a nominal fee. For information regarding faculty and staff and retired faculty and staff tickets see Tickets for Athletics Events in the General Policies and Services section of this Handbook.

Intercultural Center

The Intercultural Center (IC) is centrally located on campus in the Brown-Lupton University Union (BLUU) on the first floor next to the BLUU Information Desk. The Intercultural Center contributes to the mission of TCU by providing leadership and support in the university’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Intercultural Center serves as a space to support the exploration of students’ intersecting identities through co- curricular programming, community building, and innovative engagement of the narratives and cultural experiences students bring to TCU. Furthermore, the IC promotes values of:

Intellectual and Social Inclusion;
Empowerment through Social Justice and Advocacy;
Intersectionality;
Civic and Global Engagement; and
Transformation through Experiential Learning

Students are encouraged to visit the IC for a sense of community and belonging. For further information, call 817-257-4821.

International Services

The Office of International Services provides compliance, legal support and intercultural programs to TCU, focusing largely on international students and visitors from outside the United States. With over 700 international students, representing more than 90 nations, International Services ensures a smooth transition into TCU’s culture and works to integrate students and visitors into the institutional fabric.

Leadership & Student Involvement

Leadership & Student Involvement (LSI) maximizes students’ potential through individual and community development. LSI houses the following departments: First Year Experience, University Unions, Student Activities, Student Organizations, Student Government Association, Leadership & Experiential Learning, and Service Learning & Academic Initiatives. Discover more about LSI on their website.

TCU Leadership Center – The TCU Leadership Center offers a wide variety of leadership programs to meet the diverse needs of today’s students while being comprehensive enough to ensure a thorough exposure to leadership development, concepts and experiences. The TCU Leadership Center seeks to connect students with learning and opportunities to grow in their own leadership style and skill sets. Students may take advantage of the following programs through the TCU Leadership Center: Chancellor’s Leadership Program, Leadership Scholars Program, Lead NOW (Network of Women), LeaderKids, the StrengthsQuest assessment, and Celebration of University Leadership.

The objectives of the programs and opportunities we offer are to help students:

identify and describe multiple leadership techniques, theories and models;
articulate a coherent leadership style and philosophy;
understand ethical decision-making processes and effective ways of working within teams;
explore their competence with regards to the dimensions of difference and its impact on leadership processes;
demonstrate application of leadership knowledge, skills and talents in diverse settings; and
describe strategies to apply personal leadership style to facilitate positive change.

TCU Student Organizations – The mission of the office of TCU Student Organizations is to promote involvement that offers leadership development, social, cultural and educational programming. With more than 300 student organizations focused on a variety of categories such as academic and honorary groups, religious, spiritual, service, sport club, cultural, fine arts, social justice, spirit and special interest organizations, and national fraternities and sororities, students are offered a wide range of opportunities to expand their interests, enhance their academic experience, develop leadership skills and build a community through meeting new friends.

Experiential Learning and Community Engagement - TCU students, faculty and staff are involved in community service on an organizational and individual basis. Community Engagement works to foster social responsibility and lifelong learning through community-based partnerships. Service Learning and

Community Engagement Programming provides curricular and co-curricular opportunities that prepare students to be engaged citizens and global leaders working toward social justice.

Information and materials are available to guide groups and individuals in planning, implementing and reflecting upon service experiences. Community Engagement also provides assistance in identifying appropriate community agencies for service-learning and volunteer opportunities.

Students are invited to participate in structured community service programs, sign up for service-learning courses or join student service organizations.

First Year Experience Programs - The First Year Experience team at TCU believes that every student comes to this University with high potential. The First Year Experience team focuses on the transition from high school to college and connects students to campus resources, academic life, and the TCU community. First Year Experience signature programs are Orientation, Frog Camp and Frogs First.

Frog Camp immerses new students in TCU history and traditions, helps them establish new friendships, and guides them to acquiring the skills they need to be successful in college. Along with upper division students and members of the faculty or staff, Frog Campers find out what it means to be a Horned Frog, and along the way forge lasting bonds and friendships.
Frogs First is a series of programs/events that serves as the official welcome for new students. Students will be led through this experience with a Frogs First student leader.

Leaders for Life – Leaders for Life (L4L) is a four- year cohort based program designed to provide various student populations with the tools and resources to be successful both in and out of the classroom. Leaders for Life utilizes and provides:

Staff mentorship through one-on-one meetings;
A peer-to-peer mentorship model;
Exclusive professional and personal development workshops;
Leadership opportunities.

Library

The Mary Couts Burnett Library is the intellectual heart of TCU, encouraging students and faculty collaboration across multiple fields and serving as the central marketplace for the acquisition of knowledge and the exchange of ideas. Students, faculty and staff have access to more than 2 million books, CDs, DVDs and videos, and over 175,000 unique electronic and print journals, housed in the TCU library and library annex offsite. More than 550 databases, many which include the full text of journal articles, are available via the library’s website. The “FrogScholar” search box provides a single search of more than 700 million records.

Librarians provide library and research assistance in person, by phone, by email or online chat. Visit Ask a Librarian.

Faculty and staff may borrow items for up to four months, with the exception of videotapes and DVDs, which have shorter loan periods. Library materials needed for research that are not in the TCU Library collections may be secured through interlibrary loan. The library offers group study rooms and various quiet zones throughout the building. The computer lab features both Windows and Macintosh computers, printers and scanner. The GIGA lab provides additional processing power and memory to handle specialty programs such as Adobe Creative Cloud, AutoCAD, Tableau and other modeling and statistical programs. The Fab Lab offers multiple 3D printers, a high-definition 3D scanner, a laser cutter/engraver, vinyl cutter, sewing machine, serger and a large-scale plotter/scanner.

Marketing & Communication

The Marketing & Communication division seeks to communicate a better understanding of TCU’s strengths, character, mission and goals. It analyzes audiences, develops messaging and selects appropriate media to support strategic objectives. The division operates as an internal agency, utilizing a team approach to marketing and communication to position TCU to lead, tell TCU’s story and protect TCU’s reputation.

The Marketing and Communication division consists of the following offices:

Admission Marketing. The admission marketing director has a dotted report line to the assistant vice chancellor for marketing and directly reports to the dean of admission.

Responsibilities include (1) preparation, testing and evaluation of all admissions marketing materials; (2) recruitment and enrollment communication process planning and management; and (3) planning and implementation of special initiatives to meet specific admission goals; and (4) admission website design, development and maintenance.

Advancement Communications. The senior director of advancement communications leads the team responsible for strategic marketing and communication efforts that advance divisional goals in fundraising, alumni engagement, participation, volunteerism and pride in TCU. This group serves as advisers and consultants to Advancement leadership, providing editorial creation, oversight, management and evaluation for Advancement’s multi-channel communication efforts.

Office of Community Projects. The executive director of community projects handles all official university events such as Commencements, Symposiums, Convocation, and other special community relations marketing and communication projects. The executive director also oversees Conference Services, the street banner program and chairs the TCU Events Committee, serves on the Sesquicentennial Executive Committee, and co-chairs the Sesquicentennial Programming Committee.

University schools, colleges and departments may request planning assistance on a time-available basis.

Conference Services. The use of TCU facilities by outside groups or by TCU groups holding events open to the entire campus or community must be approved by Conference Services. By policy, the needs of the university come first. Outside groups receiving preference are those that share the educational goals of TCU. Regularly scheduled college and departmental programs do not require use of facilities application and approval.

Faculty or student membership in an organization does not necessarily make a meeting of such a group an integral part of the TCU program.

In order to ensure facility availability and university authorization, groups must submit an application to Conference Services. Written approval from Conference Services is required before a group publicizes the event and facilities.

Application for use of a facility should be made at least 30 days before a proposed event. Application forms are available from Conference Services, TCU Box 298310, 817-257-7641 or online.

Conference Services will assist the project sponsor in working out details with the TCU representatives responsible for different facilities and services.

The use of Robert Carr Chapel for weddings is governed by a separate policy. Information regarding use of the chapel for weddings is available from the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life.

Editorial Services. The editor and staff conceive, edit and produce the quarterly TCU Magazine and annual TCU research magazine, Endeavors. As part of the communications team, this team helps “tell the TCU story” by reaching audiences through engaging content, digital and new media efforts, plus productions that bring the academic story to life. This content serves as a primary source for strategic messaging supporting University goals, driving content for TCU.edu, TCU Today, media pitches and other stories of accomplishment for faculty, staff and students.

Graphic Design. The creative director and staff handle the design and production of official university print, video and digital projects. They also help units inside the university with their digital, video and print design needs, oversee the institution’s visual identity standards and assist with requests for uses of the university logo and other official marks.

Although there is no charge for graphic design assistance, ordering departments must pay for printing and other hard costs, if needed. If ordering departments have not provided enough lead-time for the creative team to meet required deadlines, other options, including finding a freelancer, will be recommended to complete the project. External creative services will be hired at the requesting department’s expense.

Stationery, business cards and mailing labels are ordered directly from TCU Printing Services.

Office of Communications. The Office of Communications tells TCU’s story through relevant content and timely, purpose-led communications that inspire loyalty, elevate academic reputation, inform and educate stakeholders, celebrate our community and protect and illuminate TCU’s brand. Specific areas of interest are:

Media Relations - Any media contact or opportunities should be coordinated with and approved by the Office of Communications. University practice is that all media must be escorted; inquiries and spokespersons must be approved. Official statements and responses are issued by this office in conjunction with the Chancellor’s Office.
Internal Communications – This office publishes TCU Today to inform, educate and celebrate the campus community with employees and retirees as primary This team writes and distributes news stories that elevate TCU’s brand awareness and feeds other news sources such as TCU.edu/news , Neighborhood News, executive communication and other internal website content.
Social Media – TCU’s primary social accounts reach across key audiences to proactively engage and communicate channel-appropriate messages, both strategic and informative. The main channels drive the strategy for the many other managed accounts associated with the University. Social listening provides key insights into sentiment and opportunities for proactive social management.
Crisis and Issues Management – This encompasses a wide range of protective strategies from partnering with TCU Public Safety in an emergency and ensuring essential services and safety during a crisis, to planning for business continuity and managing timely communication required for long-term issues management.

Office of Project Management. This office manages the day-to-day workflow for all projects within the Marketing & Communication division, which include advertising, print collateral, Web and video production. The project manager is responsible for job intake, creating and maintaining project schedules, identifying priority projects for campus Marketing & Communication jobs and serving as the main point of contact for the status of projects. This office also oversees a digital asset management coordinator.

University Marketing. This team is responsible for planning and executing institutional advertising and marketing campaigns and for supporting administrative and academic units in formulating marketing strategies that align with both university- and unit-level strategic priorities and branding. The marketing director manages marketing and communications coordinators in select schools and colleges. University Marketing also oversees external, non-commercial requests to use TCU logos and trademarks, directs external filming and photography requests, and reviews all advertising- and marketing- related contracts from across the university.

University Operators. TCU’s PBX Operator facilitates communications by operating the telecommunications System for the university. The operator serves as first point of contact with the greater TCU community, providing helpful customer service and supporting TCU’s branding efforts.

Website Management. This team coordinates the design, development and maintenance of public-facing websites within the TCU network; facilitates user training for TCU content management systems; assists with troubleshooting problems with current sites; and coordinates the development and implementation of web policy, procedures, and coding and design standards. The office also manages the TCU interactive map and TCU calendar.

New Student and Family Programs

The New Student and Family Programs (NSFP) team focuses on the transition of incoming students and connects them and their families to campus resources, academic life and the TCU community through Orientation, transfer student services, and parent and family programs.

Orientation is designed to assist incoming students and their families with the transition to university life by providing essential information and helping students meet new and continuing students, faculty and staff.

Transfer students are served by providing resources, programs and student mentors to help with a successful transition into TCU. Additionally, the Transfer Connection Space in Tom Brown/Pete Wright allows transfers and veterans to enjoy a space for studying and community building.

NSFP also works directly with current parents and family members of TCU students with a goal of empowering family members to support their student during their time at TCU. This includes assisting family members in the transitional experiences related to beginning college, providing resources and information to keep family members informed about and involved with the University, and creating a partnership between families and the University.

The TCU Parent & Family Council is comprised of families that meet on campus twice annually to guide the work New Student & Family Programs provides in supporting TCU families. They advocate for the needs of fellow parents/family members and learn about resources available to support TCU students. Additionally, the council serves as ambassadors to fellow family members in their own communities and assists with University initiatives.

The Frog Family Crisis Fund (Student Emergency Fund) is housed with New Student & Family Programs. The fund provides financial assistance to students affected by catastrophic or emergency situations. These have included circumstances which are sudden, unexpected, and affect a student’s ability to thrive academically and beyond.

Religious and Spiritual Life

The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (RSL) offers resources, programs and staff dedicated to supporting faith communities, religious expression and spiritual exploration throughout TCU. The University is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a denomination that values “true community, deep Christian spirituality and a passion for justice.” In light of that, TCU is committed to respecting the dignity and beliefs of every individual and welcoming all. RSL supports a vibrant religious life, including over 20 student religious organizations serving students from 60+ faith traditions and denominations. Among our work, the following may be particularly helpful to faculty and staff:

Pastoral & Spiritual Care – The RSL team provides pastoral and spiritual care for students as well as the entire campus community that respects the beliefs of each person. Our goal is to provide a welcoming and safe space for individuals during times of trauma, crisis and grief or simply to discuss any number of life’s transitions.

Chaplains are available for individual pastoral or spiritual care and small group programs are done in collaboration with the Counseling and Mental Health Center. To request an appointment or make a referral, please contact us at faith@tcu.edu or 817-257-7830.

Religious Accommodation and Support – whether students need assistance in connecting to one of our student religious communities, finding a place of worship in the community, finding resources to practice their faith or with advocacy in learning how to make religious practices possible while on campus, RSL provides support, resources and information not only to students, but to the faculty and staff who support them. For questions about TCU’s Religious Holidays Policy that supports student requests for religious accommodations or for help on assisting students in navigating religious accommodation requests on campus, please contact our office or email faith@tcu.edu.

Resources and Programs – RSL provides programs, resources and opportunities to explore where matters of faith and belief intersect with college life. We do so particularly around these areas: 1) interfaith engagement and dialogue, 2) discerning values, meaning, purpose and belong, and 3) supporting spiritual wellness and health. In addition to speaking with classrooms, and departments and workshops, chaplains also offer various workshops throughout the year.

Learn more online or visit us in Jarvis Hall. Contact us at faith@tcu.edu or 817-257-7830.

Robert Carr Chapel

Open to the entire campus community, Robert Carr Chapel was built and dedicated in 1952 thanks to a gift from the Carr family of San Angelo and the architectural design of Joseph R. Pelich. Recently renovated in 2017to be fully accessible and updated, the chapel continues to be a beloved place for worship, study and reflection as well as countless campus and community events.

The chapel is open to all students, faculty, staff and friends of the University except when previously scheduled services are held. Special university worship services throughout the academic year include Frogs First Worship, Blessing of the Animals, Carols by Candlelight and Ash Wednesday. The chapel is also available for special services and occasions on campus such as ceremonies, concerts, lectures and student organization events.

Weddings at the chapel are also a long-standing, beautiful tradition for over 65 years and can be scheduled by students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the community. To reserve the chapel, contact chapel staff at 817-257-7831 or email chapel@tcu.edu.

Student Access and Accommodation (SAA)

The SAA office is located in The Harrison, Suite 1200. The office is staffed by Disabilities Specialists who assist students seeking reasonable and appropriate accommodations based on a documented disability related to academic, housing or dietary accommodations. SAA staff are available to consult with faculty on matters related to student disability or disability related accommodations via email at studentaccommodation@tcu.edu or by phone at 817-257- 6567.

Faculty are required to include the University approved syllabus statement regarding Student Access and Accommodation in their course syllabus. The approved syllabus statement and audio recording notification can be found at https://www.tcu.edu/access-accommodation/faculty-staff/policies.php.

Additional information about University policies and procedures related to access and accommodation can be found under Student Access and Accommodation and at https://www.tcu.edu/access-accommodation/index.php.

Student Identity and Engagement

The Office of Student Identity and Engagement (ODIE) is the catalyst in providing diverse and engaging co-curricular experiences that help facilitate students’ educational and cultural endeavors. The OSIE, through the development and facilitation of programs, will enhance multicultural competencies, individual identity, and campus community engagement.

Student Media

TCU student media covers the TCU campus and community and serves as a digital-first teaching laboratory newspaper effort for the Department of Journalism. Students work across platforms to produce several news products: the flagship website tcu360.com; The Skiff weekly newspaper; the weekly broadcast program TCU News Now; Image magazine; and 109.org, a hyperlocal news website that covers the 76109 zip code that surrounds the TCU campus. Politifrog.com, a website that examines politics and policy from the student perspective; The Leap, Unscripted and Young Voices are webcasts housed on tcu360.com; Image is a student magazine.

If you desire campus awareness for a project, program or person, email the editor-in-chief at editor@tcu360.com or the news editors at 360@tcu360.com. Professor Jean Marie Brown is the director of student media. She can be reached at ext. 4241 or j.brown5@tcu.edu.

Student Success Center

The Student Success Center at TCU includes the departments of New Student and Family Programs and Student Success. For more information, visit the Student Success website or the office at Samuelson Hall, Suite 001.

Student Success - The Student Success team supports students through various initiatives to holistically increase success and persistence through their time at TCU.

Student Success team members collaborate across campus to perform research, create and maintain data, develop efforts on campus, examine policies and procedures and provide one-on-one support to students through Student Success Coaching, the Advance Registration Campaign, exit surveys and interviews, and programming designed specifically to increase and recognize student success. Through a collaboration with Academic Affairs, the Student Success team houses and manages the Peer2Peer Tutoring program, providing peer tutoring certified by the College Reading and Learning Association in various subjects identified as having the highest rates of drop, withdrawal and/or failure by TCU students.

Student Veteran Services

Veterans Services is committed to supporting military affiliated students as they transition to campus life and assist in their progress toward completing their academic degree.

Veterans Services serves as a liaison to various University services for information regarding academic advising, counseling, disability accommodations, veteran programming, benefit information, financial aid, and facilitates referrals to state and federal resources and services.

The Veterans Resource Center supports engagement, community building and provides resource information to military affiliated students.

Substance Use and Recovery Services

The TCU Substance Use and Recovery Services (SURS) office is based on a philosophy of student development incorporating personal and community wellness. SURS

promotes healthy lifestyle choices and responsible decision making through programs, outreach, intervention and recovery support. The office’s goals are to:

Enhance the academic mission of the University by ensuring that substance use and the outcomes related to use do not interfere with academic success;
Enhance student development of leadership skills by providing opportunities for students to positively influence the campus and community environment;
Enhance student responsibility to self, others and the world by assisting individuals in making responsible and ethical decisions regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs;
Clarify and enhance students sense of citizenship through active involvement in programs designed to educate and inform the TCU community about substance use and recovery; and
Continue to improve the efforts of the Substance Use and Recovery Services Office and demonstrate effectiveness through needs assessment and

The staff includes licensed professional counselors, and health education specialists who provide confidential assessments and solution-focused brief counseling, motivational interviewing and expertise in programming and training. SURS staff take a comprehensive approach, focusing efforts on the individual student, the campus and the greater community. The scope of these efforts includes prevention, intervention and recovery support. Educational presentations target student organizations, fraternity and sorority groups, student-athletes, academic classes and a variety of other members of the campus community. The Collegiate Recovery Community provides support, resources and service opportunities for students in recovery and seeking recovery from Substance Use Disorders.

Students who are concerned about their own or others use of substances, may self-refer to the SURS office. Weekly peer support meetings are offered to students who are personally in recovery from a Substance Use Disorder, and for friends and loved ones of those who struggle with substance use or mental illness. Students who receive an alcohol or drug violation through the University’s conduct process will meet with a staff person in the SURS office. Depending on the severity of the incident, the student may be required to attend an educational workshop, recommended to attend 2-3 follow-up meetings or counseling or be referred for an assessment for a higher level of care.

Those interested in services available through SURS are encouraged to visit the office, located on the 2nd floor of Jarvis Hall, or call 817-257-7100. If you are a faculty or staff who is concerned about a student, or would like more information or a presentation for your class, please visit the SURS website, contact the office via email surs@tcu.edu or call 817-257-7100.

TCU Global

TCU Global fosters internationalization of the TCU community, both on campus and abroad, through global education and initiatives that challenge student and faculty perspectives and inspire global involvement. TCU Global serves as a resource for all campus constituents through its commitment to best practices in the field of international education, program design and global risk management.

Responsibilities include:

strategic development of campus internationalization efforts,
cultivation of local and global collaborations that promote the international educational and research mission of the institution,
development and support of innovative global experiences including TCU’s flagship semester programs, as well as short-term international programs led by faculty and staff,
advancement of initiatives that increase accessibility to global experiences for students with diverse backgrounds as well as limited financial resources and other non-financial barriers,
design of faculty and staff development opportunities centered on best practices in international education and program structure, and
implementation of best practices in global risk management, including financial and logistical issues.

TCU Global serves as a catalyst for international awareness, cross-cultural understanding and global engagement to further advance TCU’s mission “to educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the global community.”

Faculty and staff traveling abroad or wishing to develop international programs or assist students who wish to study abroad should refer to the TCU Global website to understand policy and procedures related to international travel and programs abroad.

TCU Press

An academic publisher housed under the Mary Couts Burnett Library and located on campus, TCU Press publishes 15-20 books a year and the journals descant and The Boller Review: A TCU Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity. In 1966, the Board of Trustees formally established TCU Press for the purpose of publishing scholarly and creative work. As a state and regional publisher, TCU Press primarily focuses on the history, literature and culture of Texas and the American West. Many TCU Press books have won major awards and been featured at the Texas Book Festival. TCU Press is a member of the Association of University Presses and the Texas Book Consortium.