- October 9 ACCOUNTS DUE YESTERDAY - Students should review and pay all past-due account balances; service charges will begin to accrue now.
- October 13 Last day to apply for December 2017 degree via myState - $50 fee
- October 14 - November 29 Late December 2017 degree application via myState - $50 fee plus $100 late fee
- October 16 to October 27 Faculty advising for pre-registration (Some departments begin advising earlier)
- October 20 Second progress grade reporting deadline (end of week 10)
- October 30 to November 10 Pre-registration period for spring semester
- November 10 Last day to withdraw from University (ten days of classes remaining)
|
|
The Office of Parent Services will host Bulldog Family Weekend February 23-25, 2018 and registration is NOW OPEN. We sure hope you will join us. It is such a great time to come onto campus and see the campus environment through the eyes of your student. It will be a True Maroon Family experience at Mississippi State University. Come find out why your student loves being a part of the Bulldog family! To register, visit:
parents.msstate.edu/familyweekend/
Yesterday was the mid-point of semester, wow! It would be easy for your student to get a little distracted, but encourage your student to
stay focused
. By now, all students should have a good idea of how they are performing in each course. Have you spoken with your student about how he/she is doing in class? If you ask and the answer is "I'm not doing well" then ask some or all of the following questions:
- Have you spoken with the instructor?
- Are you utilizing the instructor's office hours?
- Have you met others in the class to form a study group?
- Have you researched other resources on campus, such as the tutoring in the Learning Center or the Writing Lab?
- Are you doing everything you know how to do to prepare for each class?
- If you are a freshman, have you spoken to your Navigator? Navigators are rich with information on how to navigate through our campus resources. Plus, they are students, too, so they know the ropes.
Incredibly, some students think it's not very important to read assignments prior to a class meeting. Some students expect professors to provide every bit of information needed for a test in class.
Both are incorrect.
Engaging in a course and grasping the lesson are so much easier if there is a familiarity about the topic and that takes preparation. Students are responsible for all materials, including class readings and lectures. Empowering your students to take "ownership" of their education is an amazing tool for their toolbox.
This month we are bringing the MSU calendar of advice to you! At this point in the semester, students may have increased stress and anxiety about academic performance. Adjustment issues may persist, causing some students to compare themselves to others who have made the transition easily. On the other hand, October is a time when many students begin to feel more at home at MSU and actively seek friendships and involvement.
- Midterm exams create tension and nervousness.
- If a student doesn't meet expectations on first tests he/she may have feelings of failure.
- Students may feel like a "small fish in a big pond" and question if they fit in.
- Being around others with differing moral and social views can be challenging.
- Not dating frequently or having a close friend leads to lower confidence.
- Roommate problems may begin to arise.
- Impulsive behavior to handle the social pressures of dating and drinking may result in unwanted consequences.
- Students unable to choose a major may feel they are behind.
- Some students may begin to have fears about properly managing finances.
- Some will want to transfer to a school closer to home.
- Other will start to find true friends and begin to feel at home.
How Parents Can Help
- Be willing to listen to your student express his or her frustrations with the adjustment process.
- Be sympathetic but careful not to provide too many suggestions on how to "fix" your student's problems. Convey your confidence in his/her own ability to find his/her way around in this new environment.
- Encourage your student to read the Reflector or the Student Express to learn about events on campus.
- Encourage your student to meet with an academic advisor prior to advance registration in November.
- Remind students of previous success in making friends and having relationships so that impulsive actions are mediated by innate common sense and memories of success before college.
- Discuss budget planning with your student so that issues do not build up and interfere with academics.
On another note, does your student know his/her advisor? An advisor can answer important questions.
- Is the class I need only offered in the spring?
- Am I on track to graduate?
- What should I do if a class I absolutely have to take is full?
All of these questions can be answered in a simple face to face meeting. Students should check with their respective departments to identify an advisor.
Is your student undeclared at this time? The University Academic Advising Center staff of advisors are available to meet with all undeclared students.
uaac.msstate.edu/faq/general-advising/
. If your student is still a bit confused on what to study, he/she is not alone. Check out
career.msstate.edu/students/
for a ton of tools/resources to help your student out including how to choose a major.
And even though we still have several weeks left in the fall semester, pre-registration for the spring semester is right around the corner, beginning October 30. Be sure to read the the section on Money Matter$ - Student Accounts, and make sure your student is eligible for spring registration.
Please do not hesitate to call or email me or our new office Coordinator, Becky Faulk (662.325.3611 or
parents@msstate.edu
) with any questions or concerns. And we always welcome suggestions on how we can better support our parents. Have an idea? Share it, please!
Cat Walker and Becky Faulk
Office of Parent Services
|
|
December commencement ceremonies will be held on Friday, December 8, with one ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m. and a second ceremony beginning at 4 p.m. Students will march in 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start time. Students should attend the appropriate ceremony based on the college of their major.
9:30 Ceremony
College of Architecture, Art & Design and School of Architecture
College of Arts & Sciences
College of Education
4:00 Ceremony
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences and School of Human Sciences
College of Business and Adkerson School of Accountancy
Bagley College of Engineering & Swalm School of Chemical Engineering
College of Forest Resources
College of Veterinary Medicine (Masters and PhDs)
The change to hosting two December ceremonies should help alleviate issues of overcrowding and extended ceremony length. We hope you will make plans to celebrate your December graduate with us on Friday, December 8.
|
|
Save the Date - February 23-25, 2018
Registration will include an opportunity to purchase Men's Basketball tickets v. University of South Carolina at a discounted rate. Details coming soon but you may want to go ahead and make lodging arrangements if you plan to join us.
If you have any suggestions for the weekend's events, please submit them to
parents@msstate.edu
.
|
|
STRESSED OUT? GET MOVING!
|
|
Exercise is a great stress reliever. Even with a hectic student schedule, a few minutes of exercise can help boost endorphins and distract from daily worries. Here’s how it works:
- Exercise boosts your endorphins. Physical activity helps increase your brain's production of endorphins, a feel-good neurotransmitter. After a workout, you’ll often experience a sense of calm and relaxation. That’s the endorphins doing their job.
- Exercise is meditation in motion. Following a workout, you’ll often feel like your mind has had a time-out from daily worries. This is because during the workout, you’ve had to focus your mental energy on what your body is doing, not the 3 exams you have later in the week. As exercise becomes part of your daily routine, you’ll find that not only are you strengthening your body, you are also improving your ability to focus of tasks as well.
- You feel better. Daily exercise can increase self-confidence, relax you, and lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety. Exercise can also help you sleep better. All of these exercise benefits can ease your stress levels and give you a sense of command over your body and your life.
The friendly staff at the Sanderson Recreation Center can help your student discover the many benefits of exercise. University Recreation offers a wide variety of programs and activities. For more information, please visit us at
Urec.msstate.edu
|
|
We need your help, parents!
Please ask your student to check and update their
Personal and Maroon Alert Information
in Banner. In case of an emergency, it is imperative for the university to be able to contact students directly and for students to be able to receive official MSU communications.
Students
should do the following to update their information:
- Go to Banner and under Personal Information tab click on Update Your Directory & Address Information .
- Home Address: Address that you call home. Where you return when not in school.
- Local Mailing Address: Address where you wish to receive local mailings while at school. (Must be a valid street address or P.O. Box).
- VERIFY/UPDATE PHONE NUMBERS
- Click on link to update MAROON ALERT information
- Add or update student cellphone number.
- Send a TEST text and email message to make sure students are receiving alerts.
|
|
Importance of Internships
Internships are valuable experiences for every student, and are typically the initial step in receiving full-time jobs for after graduation. Internships give students opportunities to apply what they are learning in the classroom. When they return to school, they have better understanding of the real-world application of their studies as well. Students should use internships to build their professional networks. Interacting with employees and fellow interns gives students broader views of work and the career paths they have chosen. In turn, employers are able to see the interns’ ability to do the work to determine if they will make full-time job offers. Even for internships that do not conclude with job offers, students who have interned have work experience in their fields of study that make them stronger candidates as they pursue additional internships and jobs.
Finding Internships
We bring hundreds of companies to campus each semester who are recruiting for internships. Students can learn about these opportunities through our website and by visiting the Career Center. Not only do we have internships posted through our website, but also we have events such as information sessions and career fairs that allow students to meet the employers and learn more about the companies and their internships. The common misconception about internships is that they are unpaid. Most internships are paid, but students need to do their research to know all the details before applying for or accepting internships. The most important advice for your students in seeking internships (or graduate schools or full-time jobs) is to start early. The more time they have to make decisions, the more satisfied they will be with the results.
|
|
MONEY MATTER$ - STUDENT ACCOUNTS
|
|
Account Due Date Reminder:
Students should review and pay all past-due account balances by
October 9, 2017
. If unpaid, the account will be placed on HOLD and begin accruing late fees. Students with a HOLD on their account will not be permitted to pre-register for the Spring 2018 semester; pre-registration for Spring 2018 begins
October 30, 2017
.
According to university policy, student accounts must be current in order to continue enrollment at Mississippi State University.
Authorized Payer Reminder:
To access and/or make payments on your student’s account, your student will need to designate you as an Authorized Payer through
QuikPAY®
. Please visit
controller.msstate.edu/accountservices/paymentinfo/
for step by step instructions on how your student can set you up as an Authorized Payer.
|
|
Final exams are right around the corner. The Learning Center is here to help. We offer tutoring in over 40 subjects. You can find our information at
tlc.msstate.edu
or call us at 662.325.2957.
|
|
ALUMNI DELEGATES - TUITION DRAWING
|
|
The Mississippi State University Alumni Delegates will hold its eigth Tuition Drawing in November to give one student the opportunity to win one academic semester of free tuition. Any current in-state student returning in the spring is eligible to enter. The winner of the drawing will receive one semester at MSU paid in full. The parents of each eligible participant will receive six tickets as well as specific instructions in the mail. Parents can mail back tickets for the cost of $5 each or all six tickets for $25. Additional tickets can be requested from the Alumni Association.
Will Basden, president of Alumni Delegates, is excited to continue the raffle and give one student such a great opportunity. “We are so excited about this unique fundraiser here at MSU to support a student with a semester of tuition,” Basden said. “Our hope is that we will raise funds exceeding the cost of a semester of tuition and be able to use the proceeds to
benefit programs and scholarships at Mississippi State.
”
Additional Information about the drawing will be mailed to parents in October. The winner will be announced in mid-November.
Founded in 1980, Alumni Delegates currently consists of a diverse group of 40 students. The organization serves as a liaison between MSU’s students and alumni. The group volunteers at alumni events throughout the year and is active in service across campus.
|
|
File the FAFSA Now for 2018-2019
Students are able to submit a 2018-19 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as early as Oct. 1, 2017. To complete a FAFSA go to
fafsa.ed.gov
.
For the 2018-19 FAFSA, students (and parents, as appropriate) will report their 2016 income information. Don't forget to transfer the tax information directly from the IRS to your FAFSA. Doing this will minimize the documents you are requested to submit.
For information call the Office of Student Financial Aid at 662.325.2450 or visit
sfa.msstate.edu
.
Apply Now for Aid From the State of Mississippi for 2018-2019
Mississippi residents can find need-based and merit-based grants and scholarships at
riseupms.com/state-aid
starting October 1 for the following Fall. Deadlines to apply are March 1 (Nissan Scholarship), March 31 (HELP) and September 15 (MTAG and MESG). You must apply each year and be enrolled in and complete 15 hours.
Money Saving Tips
Department of Student Financial Aid
662.325.2450
|
|
The 2018-19 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) was available beginning Sunday, October 1, 2017. Students can complete the FAFSA online at
www.fafsa.ed.gov
.
The FAFSA will ask for income data from the 2016 tax year. While completing the FAFSA online, it will ask if you and your student want to use the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Data Retrieval. With the push of a button, the 2016 income tax information required for the 2018-19 FAFSA will be transferred directly and securely from the IRS to the FAFSA.
All FAFSAs and any required supporting documentation received
on or before April 1, 2018
will receive maximum consideration for financial aid. We also guarantee that if we receive the FAFSA and all supporting documentation by this date, your student’s financial aid will be processed before classes begin in August 2018. Furthermore, Using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing the FAFSA will save you time and ensure that your data is accurate, lessening the chances of being asked to provide additional IRS documents to the financial aid office.
If you have questions about completing the FAFSA you can email us at
financialaid@msstate.edu
or by phone at 662.325.2450
|
|
HOLMES CULTURAL DIVERSITY CENTER
|
|
Homecoming Comedy Show
It is that time of the year where we get ready for the excitement of Homecoming!! Join the Black Student Association and Student Association for our Annual Homecoming Comedy Show on Tuesday, October 17 at 7:00 pm in Bettersworth Auditorium. This year’s show will feature MTV’s Wild ‘N Out cast. Students don’t want to miss the opportunity to watch a list of celebrity improv comedians at this year’s Comedy Show!
|
|
Happy Fall Bulldogs!
Did you know? Students, as well as parents, can view the remaining Meal Plan balance on MyState under the Banner tab. After clicking the tab, you will be able to see the “View Your Meal Plan” link under Account Information. It’s a great way for keeping track of how many Block Meals and Flex Dollars your student has used and if it’s time to add more Flex Dollars!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay current on our events, promotions, giveaways, and more! Feel free to visit our website
www.msstatedining.com
, give us a call at 662.325.7120, or stop by the MSU Dining Office (located between Subway and Moe’s Southwest Grill). As always, Feed The DAWG Inside!
|
|
Basketball season is approaching! Help us kick-off the new season by joining your men’s & women’s basketball team at The Hump Friday, October 13
th
at 8:30 PM for Maroon Madness.
Time is running out to secure your men's & women’s basketball season tickets!
In season three of Head Coach Ben Howland and with the return of Quinndary Weatherspoon, it will be an exciting year of men’s basketball, and we don't want you to miss a second! Purchase your season tickets today for only $275!
Fresh off a run past UCONN, and on to the National Championship game, your women’s basketball team is poised for another exciting year! Reserved season tickets have already sold out, but general admission season tickets remain and are available for the 2017-18 season for only $60. Kids 12 and under must now purchase $3 tickets unless they are a member of Bully's Kids Club in which they will receive free admission for the entire season. Call the ticket office to reserve your tickets at 662.325.2600.
To sign up for Bully’s Kids Club visit:
bullyskidsclub.com
! Bully’s Kids Club members receive the following:
- Free admission to all regular season home women's basketball and baseball games
- Free admission to select men's basketball games (12/9 vs. North Georgia, 12/16 vs. UT Martin, 12/20 vs. UALR, 12/30 vs. North Florida)
- Official jersey t-shirt of the year (members receive one for EVERY year of membership!)
- Exclusive birthday party opportunities and a personal Birthday email from Bully himself!
- Official maroon Bully's Kids Club drawstring backpack
- Official membership card/ticket with Mississippi State lanyard
If your student hasn’t already, make sure to remind them to sign-up for Hail State Rewards! Hail State Rewards offers points for checking-in or staying late at all MSU Athletic events to where you can claim your points for prizes in the prize store. Visit
HailState.com/rewards
for more information!
MSU Football will be back at home this month hosting both BYU on October 14
th
and Kentucky on October 21
st
. BYU kick-off time as been set for 11:00 AM and Kentucky, which will be this year’s homecoming game, is slated for 3:00 PM. Need tickets? Check out the new Top Dawg Mini Plan for $99 which includes a ticket to both Kentucky and this year’s Egg Bowl. To purchase or for more information, visit
hailstate.com/tickets
.
Make sure to take advantage of the remaining home football games this season and upgrade your gameday experience with Maroon Memories! Mississippi State Athletics strives to give fans the best gameday experience possible by offering exclusive opportunities and behind-the-scenes access through Maroon Memories. We create special memories for Bulldog fans of all ages by inviting you to join us in ways our fans never have before, taking the games and experiences we all love to an even higher level. At
hailstate.com/memories
(must be accessed from an iPhone or Android phone), Mississippi State fans are able to purchase different gameday experiences and limited merchandise. Maroon Memories is available for every home football, men’s and women’s basketball, and baseball game. Follow us on Twitter at @MaroonMemories to keep up with the latest details!
|
|
View our website by clicking the button above to find valuable resources for you and your student.
Make sure you #MSStateFamily when you post on social media.
#MSStateFamily
|
|
662.325.3611 |
parents@msstate.edu | www.parents.msstate.edu
|
|
|
|
|
|
|