Student Life
The Division of Student Life creates a campus environment for learning and development by serving students' interests in every aspect of university life. To achieve this mission, Student Life provides outstanding programs and services for students in the following departments: Career Services, Dining Services, Recreational Sports, Residential Living & Learning, Rodeo Activities, Student Activities, Student Counseling Center, Center for Student Engagement, Student Government Association, Student Health Center, Student Judicial Affairs, Student Life Studies, Student Publications, the Thompson Student Center, and Transition and Family Relations.
Career Services Center
The Career Services Center provides a comprehensive career development program to assist students in developing and implementing a strategic career plan. Students are encouraged to use the center’s services at any time during their academic experience.
Services Provided
- Career counseling and assessment
- Career resource library
- Job search resources
- Internship opportunities
- Job shadowing program
- Resume assistance
- Mock interviews
- Career-related workshops
- Business etiquette dinners
- Job fairs
- On-campus interviews with companies and school districts
MyPlan
To assist students with career decisions, the Center provides MyPlan.com, a robust, comprehensive web-based career planning program. For free access to the MyPlan career assessments, students will need to call (254)968-9078.
Hire A Texan
Students and alumni may post resumes and access full-time, part-time and internship listings free of charge through the Hire A Texan employment system.
Call today for an appointment at (254) 968-9078, visit our website www.tarleton.edu/careers or stop by the office, Thompson Student center 218.
Dining services
Dining Services, managed by Sudexo, is committed to serving tasty, nutritious food at reasonable prices. And don't be shy about asking for seconds. The team works to create a community experience centered on culinary expertise, fresh ingredients, healthy options,and a shared sense of environment and social responsibility. Dining Services includes the Dining Hall, Texan Star Food Court and various retail food outlets around campus. For more information visit: www.tarletondiningservices.com or call (254) 968-9445.
Meal Plans
Dining Services offers a variety of meal plans to meet the needs of every student. Plans include 5-, 10-, and 15-meal dining hall plans as well as several block plans that can just be used at all Dining Hall Services locations. Students who reside in traditional residence halls are required to purchase a minimum 10-meal plan. For more information about meal plans call (254) 968-9445 or visit www.tarletondiningservices.com/plans/index.
Dining Hall
The 42,000 square-foot University Dining Hall offers a variety of menu items, many of which are prepared on the spot as the students request it. Food is prepared, presented and enjoyed in a relaxing atmosphere where the students can eat, visit with fellow students, faculty and staff, and experience one of Tarleton's hallmarks: the friendliness and warmth of its campus culture. The two-story facility also features a convenience store, Italian café and executive meeting rooms.
Food Court
The Texan Star Food Court located in the Thompson Student Center offers additional dining options for students, faculty, and staff. The selection includes Chick-Fil-A, Grill 155, Sub Connection and La Cocina.
Suave Café
Students, faculty, staff, and the general public can purchase coffee, hot chocolate, other specialty drinks, and snacks at Suave Café, located in the foyer of the Dick Smith Library.
Recreational Sports
The, Recreational Sports Department provides a variety of recreational activities and events to meet the physical fitness and/or personal enjoyment needs of students, retirees, faculty/staff, graduates, and spouses. Extracurricular opportunities are coordinated and implemented to provide intramural team and individual sports, self-directed activities, and special events. For more information go to: www.tarleton.edu/recsports.
Recreation Sports Center
The Recreational Sports Center is a 70,000 square-foot facility, housing a weight room, climbing wall, four racquetball courts, men's and women's locker rooms, outdoor pursuits equipment check-out, three basketball/volleyball courts, three badminton courts, two sand volleyball courts, archery range and two classrooms. The second floor includes two group exercise rooms, trackside cardio, cardio theatre, three-lane track and administrative office suite.
Vance Terrell Intramural Complex
The Vance Terrell Intramural Complex is equipped with four all-purpose fields to serve various organized and open recreational activities. Intramural Team Sport's programs played at the facility include flag football, soccer, softball, ultimate frisbee and disc golf.
Fitness/Wellness Programs
The Fitness/Wellness programming includes a wide variety of group exercise classes likeT90x, Jump Circuit, Zumba, Pilates, Spin, Muscle Blast, Turbo Kick and Yoga. Personal trainers are on staff at the center to provide fitness assessments and workout programs to fit individuals needs for a small fee.
Outdoor Pursuits
The Outdoor Pursuits division of Recreational Sports is comprised of several areas: Indoor Climbing, Outdoor Pursuits Center and Tarleton Challenge. Outdoor adventure trips are planned every semester using the center's gear, day-packs and cooking equipment. Equipment rental is available for a very nominal fee. Tarleton Challenge is an energized ropes course learning experience. By combining high and low elements, participates enjoy safe, fun, unique and innovative opportunities to promote group and personal growth, team-building, communication and trust.
Resident Living & Learning
Residential Living & Learning seeks to foster authentic communities that engage and empower residents to value learning, citizenship and diversity through faculty and peer engagement. The University offers 14 on-campus residential facilities. Each residence hall offers a unique and comfortable environment for students. Rooms are equip with cable TV and Internet connections as well as a combination refrigerator/freezer with a microwave unit. Laundry facilities are offered in each residential environment. Residential facility staff is available to provide students with the assistance they need to succeed socially and academically. The University requires all students classified first-year students and all students residing on campus in a traditional residence hall to purchase a minimum 10-meal plan. Visit www.tarletondiningservices.com for specific information regrading meal plan options.
On-Campus Housing Requirement
residing on campus creates atmosphere where students are immersed in the university environment; therefor, Tarleton supports a live-on requirement of:
Two (2) academic years for:
- All students classified as first-year students who are under 21 years of age, prior to the start of his/her registered semester. Credit hours earned through dual/AP credit while in high school or credit hours earned during the summer between high school and the incoming fall semester do not alter the classification as a "first-year student."
- All "Transfer" students who are under 21 years of age with less than twelve (12) credit hours, prior to the start of his/her registered semester.
One (1) academic year for:
- All "Transfer" students who are under 21 years of age with twelve (12) credit hours or more and less than sixty (60) credit hours, prior to the start of his/her registered semester.
Students' who meet the requirements within an academic year Housing Contract will be required to fulfill the applicable contract and meal plan requirement when assigned in a residential hall environment. Housing contracts are for an academic year (fall and spring.)
Students may file for an exemption to this requirement for the following reasons:
- Living with a parent at their legal, full-time residence within 45 miles of campus
- Living with a sibling who is a registered Tarleton student at their legal full-time residence within 45 miles of campus
- Married or have a dependent child
- Medical reasons
It is recommended that students not arrange to live off-campus until their request for exemption has been approved through Residential Living & Learning. Proof must be submitted with a complete off-campus request form located on the Residential Living & Learning website at: www.tarleton.edu/housing. For more information, call (254) 968-9083.
Housing Applications
Housing applications are available online at: www.tarleton.edu/housing. A $100 deposit must be submitted with all applications. Applications are processed in order of the date they are received. Assignments are processed in the order the Housing Application/Contract is complete. Contact the Residential Living & Learning office at (254)968-9083 or www.tarleton.edu/housing for more information.
Learning Communities
A Learning Community is a group of no more than 24 students, with a common major or interest, who enroll in a set of faculty selected courses and participate in activities together both inside and outside the classroom. Participation in this program allows students to be part of a group enrolled in primarily the same courses. Students benefit from the linked courses through connections with peers, faculty, and a higher level of engagement in the scholarly work. Students interests in our Learning Community programs can also choose, if they would like, to live in a residential hall together with other participants in the Learning Community. Although not required, students who choose the residential option typically experience an increased level of academic success. For more information, view out live-learn links on our website: www.tarleton.edu/housing or call (254) 968-9763.
Rodeo Activities
The Office of Rodeo Activities provides students the opportunity to be active in rodeo activities on campus and at the intercollegiate level. Tarleton State University is a member of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) and competes in the Southwest Region. The Tarleton Rodeo Association provides students with the opportunity to plan and/or participate in events such as the Intramural Rodeo, the NIRA Rodeo, youth rodeos and various other jackpot events. The Office of Rodeo Activities provides some stock for practice and skill development at the Rodeo Practice Arena adjacent to the Agriculture Center. Scholarships and travel allowances are available for outstanding rodeo athletes. For more information go to: www.tarleton.edu/rodeo or call (254) 968-9187.
Student Activities
The Office of Student Activities provides co-curricular opportunities that assist students in developing valuable skills that complement their academic education and enhance their college experience.Students are encouraged to participate in student organizations, co-curricular activities and service-learning opportunities to develop an appreciation of citizenship, social responsibility and ethical leadership.
Student Organizations
While academic success is the highest priority, participation in a student organization(s) can add an important dimension to the college experience. Student organizations provide opportunities for development in areas of leadership, personal management, collaboration, supervision, organization, communication, networking, event planning and relationship development. More than 130 student organizations are active on the Tarleton campus. For more information about involvement in student organizations visited the Ozone located on the lower level of the Thompson Student Center or www.tarleton.edu/studentactivities.
School Wide Activities Team
The School Wide Activities Team (SWAT) is the university's main programming board. SWAT provides a variety of programs and activities for the university campus and Stephenville Community. Students learn leadership and interpersonal skills by planning and implementing educational, recreational and entertainment programs. visit the SWAT website at www.tarleton.edu/studentactivities/SWAT/ for more information.
Howdy Week
Held the first week of school during the fall semester, Howdy Week features a variety of activities sponsored by student organizations. These activities are assigned to welcome current students back to campus and to showcase student organizations to new students.
Homecoming
During the week-long celebration, upperclassmen introduce new students to Tarleton's treasured traditions. A variety of activities are held during the week including the Silver Bugle Hunt, Organizational Day, Yell Contest, Drum Beating, Midnight Breakfast and Bonfire. All of these events culminate into a weekend in which alumni flood the campus to enjoy social gatherings, luncheons, the annual homecoming parade and the Texan Football game.
Leadership and Service Awards
Designed to honor student, faculty, staff and community supporters for their contributions to the student life program, the annual Leadership and Service Awards dinner and ceremony is held each spring. In addition to special recognitions, 14 campus-wide awards are presented that evening.
Student Counseling Center
The Student Counseling Center provides counseling services to students enrolled on the Stephenville campus at Tarleton. Services include individual, couples and premarital counseling. Also provided; preventative educational outreach programs to student groups, residence halls communities, fraternities and sororities on various topics such as stress management, test anxiety, relationship issues, time management, safe dating and specially requested topics of interest (please provide a two-week notice for those topics not listed). Services are funded through the health service fee. The center is committed to diversity and meeting the needs of a changing university community. Appointments may be scheduled by calling (254) 968-9044. All counseling services are confidential to the limits provided by Texas Law and Professional Ethics. For more information go to: www.tarleton.edu/counseling or call (254) 968-9044.
Center for Student Engagement
The Center for Student Engagement provides opportunities for students to become connected both socially and academically with Tarleton State University. Through involvement in transition programs, Greek Life, leadership programs, civic opportunities and service learning, students will develop an understanding for social responsibility and the significant of "learning beyond the classroom." The Offices of Student Leadership Programs and Transitions and Family relations are housed within the Center for Student Engagement. Visit us in Room 201 of the Thompson Student Center, go to : www.tarleton.edu/engagement or call (254) 968-9490.
Student Leadership Programs
The office of Student Leadership Programs seeks to provide opportunities for students top engage in the development of self-efficiency as leaders of the local community while exploring their leadership abilities through interpersonal relationships that support peer-to-peer mentoring. For more information please visit: www.tarleton.edu/leadership or call (254) 968-9490
Tarleton L.E.A.D.S.
Leadership, Engagement, Action, Development and Service (L.E.A.D.S.) are the key values that we believe are essential in the development of a well-rounded leader in society. L.E.A.D.S. is a two-semester leadership program in which students develop their own leadership philosophy and establish fundamental practices of leadership. Through interactions and experiences with peers, each student has the opportunity to engage in leadership development that will benefit them during their college career and beyond. Upon completion of the program, each student will be defined as "leadership certified" with university documentation included on his or her diploma and transcript.
Greek Life
Greek Life at Tarleton provides opportunities for brotherhood/sisterhood, scholarships, leadership and services. Groups range from social to social/professional and offer numerous activities that include philanthropies, team building events and social gatherings. The variety of fraternities and sororities on campus allow students the opportunity to select on that will best fit their needs. Recruitment is held during the first few weeks of the fall and spring semesters. For more information go to: www.tarleton.edu/stulife/greeklife or call (2534) 968-9490.
Transition and Family Relations
The office of Transitions and Family Relations is comprised of a number of programs designed to help new students make a smooth transition to Tarleton State University. For more information go to: www.tarleton.edu/transition or call (254) 968-9490.
Texan Orientation
Texan Orientation Conferences are designed to introduce new students and their parents to the academic environment of Tarleton State University. Students have the opportunity to interact with faculty and staff and familiarize themselves with the university's advising and registration process. New students also learn about the resources available to aid their academic success.
Duck Camp
Duck camp is an off-campus experience that welcomes new students to the Tarleton State University family. The camp gives new students an opportunity to have fun, make friends, learn about campus life, and become familiar with Tarleton's great traditions. Student leaders, faculty and staff facilitate discussions and conduct activities throughout the duration of the camp, providing opportunity for new students to gain a connection and sense of belonging at Tarleton.
Texan Transition Week
Texan Transition Week is esquired for all incoming first-year students and is held during the week prior to the beginning of the fall semester. New students move into their residence halls and experience a week full of activities designed to help them adjust to their academic and social environment before classes begin. The week also guides student through the resources available to adjust to Tarleton's environment and culture both inside and outside the classroom.
Family Relations
Tarleton State University recognizes the family support networks vital part of students' success and has designed programs to help keep parents, guardians and families integrated into each student's collegiate experience. These programs include the Tarleton Parents Association, Parents Orientation and Family Weekend.
Student Government Association
The Student Government Association is the representative voice of Tarleton student and it is directly responsible for bringing the interests and concerns of students to the administration and university community. For more information, go to the Student Government Association website: www.tarleton.edu/sga.
Student Health Center
The Student Health Center provides health services to students enrolled through the Stephenville campus. The student health fee covers office visits. Reasonable fees are charged for treatment, injections, test and medications as well as physical and women's health exams and birth control. Identification card presentation is required with each visit. Health literature is available for personal and educational purposes.
Services Provided
- Limited prescriptions and over-the counter medications
- Treatment of minor/acute illnesses and injuries
- Suturing of simple lacerations
- removal of simple skin lesions
- Services of a medical doctor or nurse practitioner
- Administration of allergy injections as directed by the student's allergist
- Consulting regarding any health problems (including referrals)
- Blood pressure checks
- Continuation of health care following surgery or illness as directed by a physician
Immunizations
Tuberculosis (TB) testing, tetanus, meningitis, influenza, and hepatitis A&B vaccines are available at the Student Health Center for a reasonable fee.
Information about Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine
The State of Texas requires that all entering students must provide proof of vaccination against Bacterial Meningitis. All entering students must have received an initial vaccination dose or booster within five (5) years of the first day of the entering term. Proof of vaccination must be received by Tarleton State University at least ten (10) days prior to the first day of the semester in which the student initially enrolled. Students who do not attend one of Tarleton's physical campuses or who are 30 years of age or older are exempt from the vaccination requirement. For more information about Bacterial Meningitis requirement, contact Undergraduate Admissions at (254) 968-9125 or visit www.tatleton.edu/admissions/bacterial-meningitis.html.
All x-rays, laboratory tests, and medical services conducted outside of the Student Health Center are performed at the student's own expense. The Student Health Center is an advocate for the physically disabled. The university offers students a comprehensive injury and sickness insurance plan to cover students beyond the services of the Student Health Center. For more information, call (254) 968-9271, come by the Student Health Center in Room 212 of the Thompson Student Center or go to: www.tarleton.edu/healthservices.
Student Judicial Affairs
Student Life Studies
Student Publications
The J-Tac
The J-TAC, the official student news organization for Tarleton State University since 1919, offers news and features of interest to the university community. The J-TAC also provides a forum for expression of opinion. The J-TAC is primarily an online publication – found at www.myjtac.com – that is updated daily throughout the calendar year. Special print editions are published several times during each semester.
The Grassburr
The Grassburr, first published in 1916, is a official student yearbook and is permanent record of class, club, campus, athletic and other events. The cost of the book is included in Stephenville undergraduate student fees assessed during the spring semester. Yearbooks are mailed to graduate seniors each year at no additional charge.
The Student Handbook
The Student Publications office creates the official online Student Handbook, which includes information about university services, academic rights and responsibilities, campus rules and procedures and the Code of Student Conduct. The Student Handbook is available online at www.tarleton.edu/studentlife/documents/TarletonStudentHandbook.pdf.
Thompson Student Center
Thompson Student Center (TSC) provides a variety of programs, services and facilities to meet the needs of the university campus and Stephenville community. The TSC is home to several university departments including Advising Services, Career Services, Diversity and Inclusion, Judicial Affairs, Ozone, Rodeo Activities, School Wide Activities Team, Student Activities, Student Government, Student Health and Counseling, Student Leadership Programs, Student Publications, Student Success, Tarleton Campus Store and Transition and Family Relations. In addition, the 160,000 square-foot facility features conference rooms, three ballrooms, a student organizational area, lounge areas, a food court and post office. For more information go to: www.tarleton.edu/studentactivities or call (254) 968-9256.
Ozone
Located on the lower level of the Thompson Student Center, the Ozone offers services to meet the needs of student organizations. The area offers a computer lab, lockers, copy machine, banner machine, laminator, poster paints, button maker and much more. The Ozone can accommodate small meetings and is the perfect place to meet friends.