November 7
Campus to Community, Foster Ballroom of the Colvard Student Union at 11 a.m.
November 16
Last day to withdraw from the University (ten days of classes remaining) by 5:00 p.m.
&
Progress grades reporting closes
November 21 - November 23
Thanksgiving Holiday - no classes scheduled
November 26
Classes resume
December 5
Deadline for graduate students receiving incomplete grades
in a previous semester to submit the coursework,
Deadline to apply for December 2018 degree via myState - $50 fee plus $100 late fee,
&
Classes end
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We can't wait to meet each of the families and students this weekend!
REGISTRATION closed October 19 and there is
no on-site registration
.
You must have a ticket/nametag to attend all the events.
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If you can't make it for our fall event, make plans to join us this spring! We will be hosting Tailgates and Tees on
February 23, 2019.
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This is a very exciting time of the year for the MSU community. Homecoming festivities are upon us, students are inching closer to the end of the fall semester, and of course, our Bulldog Family Weekend event is here! We couldn't be more excited for this wonderful, fun opportunity and hope those of you joining us will enjoy it as much as we do. We always love an opportunity to meet our Bulldog Families.
Speaking of our Bulldog Family, MSU consists of a wide range of students, faculty, and staff that make up the diverse population of campus. In this issue, you will learn about our Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, hear from some of our students, and be able to recognize the importance of diversity to our college students.
As always, when you need someone to talk to or have no idea what to do, please reach out to us. We are
always here to lend an ear and point you in the right direction.
Hail State!
Cat Walker and Becky Faulk
Office of Parent & Family Services
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"Mississippi State is a diverse community in many ways including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, political views, religious affiliations, and many more identities. As a diverse community, it is incumbent upon the MSU community to educate themselves about the differences within our communities and to learn about one another. Every day on campus there are events being sponsored by student organizations and university departments where students can learn more about the people around them."
Regina Young Hyatt, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
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The Holmes Cultural Diversity Center (HCDC) is named after Dr. Richard E. Holmes, the first African American alumnus. He made history by becoming the first African American to enroll at Mississippi State University in July 1965. Completing his Bachelor at MSU, he would later go on to attend Michigan State Medical School and receive a Doctor of Medicine degree. In 1991, MSU recognized Holmes’ campus achievements and medical career by naming the University’s multicultural center in his honor.
HCDC exists to enhance the cultural college experience of students at Mississippi State. We accomplish this goal by facilitating a wide range of academic & cultural programs and by providing resources and leadership opportunities to students. HCDC offers over a hundred programs a year - cultural and intercultural celebrations, heritage and awareness events, dialogues, workshops, student leadership training and social justice engagement courses. We offer 2,000 square feet of open space for students to study, relax, and hang out.
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"I first learned of HCDC from the Latino Student Association (LSA). Since my first interaction, HCDC has made me feel welcomed at MSU where the Latino community is small. I have found a family here -
HCDC is a place of diversity and inclusion and where I feel free to express myself and my culture without fearing judgment or discrimination. I have found my fit with HCDC by being a part of the executive board for LSA. It provides me with the opportunity to meet new people and learn of different cultures and other point of views. Students seeking involvement with MSU are invited to visit HCDC where they can get away from the usual classroom atmosphere to expand on their knowledge of cultures that surround them. HCDC helps students learn about different organizations that may help students feel more at home and included."
Domenica - Mechanical Engineering (SO)
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"The Holmes Cultural Diversity Center is like a family to me. I have found it to be a safe space for all students to come together to discuss similarities and differences without feeling excluded. When I am in the HCDC office I feel comfortable and able to socialize with all of my fellow peers without feeling judged. HCDC has impacted me by expanding my mindset about people. I've become more knowledgeable on diversity - it consists of more than race and ethnicity. I am more patient and understanding of others around me and have gained friendships with different people that do not necessarily look like me or come from the same place as I do.
Kelsey - Finance (JR)
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"Throughout my time here at MSU, HCDC has played a major role in my wonderful experience. I've met and made many friends from different places, backgrounds, and religious beliefs. Students unsure of where they fit in at a university campus should spend 10 minutes in HCDC. That short amount of time can help any student realize it can be their home away from home. The friendly and positive attitudes displayed from the staff and students is a prime example of what type of environment anyone would want to be a part of."
Levert -
Interdisciplinary
Studies (SR)
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"HCDC is almost like my home on campus. I get there early in the morning to drop off my lunch and return later to eat with my friends. All of the student organizations with HCDC act as a platform for the students to display and develop various skills. The International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) is one organization that has given me an opportunity to implement various ideas, grow as an individual, work on my weaknesses, and promote various international cultures on campus. Any student seeking to find a place at MSU should take a moment to step out of their comfort zone; getting involved is the key to finding your people, your family, and your pack at state."
Yashaswin - Psychology (JR)
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INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK
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This year’s International Education Week festivities will be November 12 - 16. The week of events will focus on providing a place to celebrate the benefits of worldwide educational exchange. The Holmes Cultural Diversity Center at Mississippi State University will commemorate this world-wide celebrated week by extending an opportunity to experience a variety of other countries customs and traditions
to students, staff, faculty and the Starkville community.
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WHY DIVERSITY MATTERS IN COLLEGE
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Students enter into college with their own life experiences, personality, and outlook on life. A college campus is the insight to what the world has to offer when it comes to meeting new people with a wide range of personal backgrounds, life experiences, interests, goals, and much more. College campuses are also made up of a wide variety of diverse groups.
It's important to understand that diversity comes in many forms. Age, religion, national origin, ability/disability, income status, political/ideological convictions, and race are just a few areas of diversity that students encounter while at a university that encourages diversity.
While in college, students are encouraged to enjoy their time. They are allowed the opportunity to explore new interests, study abroad, join student organization, cheer on their student athletes at a sporting event, and run for student leadership. Not only are these opportunities a highlight of a students' college career, but interacting with other individuals that come from around the globe can also be a positive impact. For example, students surrounded by a diverse population have the opportunity to:
- Expand their sense of worldliness
- Improve social skills
- Prepare students for future opportunities academically and/or professionally
- Increase self-awareness
- Promote creative thinking
As our world around us continues to evolve, so does our thinking on diversity. Colleges that embrace a diverse student body and faculty group help promote student engagement with similar individuals they would most likely encounter in the workforce. Students cannot grow in knowledge, wisdom, and experience if they are not provided experiences that will allow them to do so. Having a diversity of backgrounds, races, political views, abilities/disabilities, nationalities, etc. allows students (our future generation) to learn from others, craft new opinions, and be provided with experiences that can help them mature and prepare for real-world interactions.
"We are a nation of communities... a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky." - George H.W. Bush
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Graduation Details
Students planning to graduate in December have until
October 19
to apply for their degree.
Applications submitted after this date will be charged a late fee.
Commencement Schedule
Friday, December 14 - Morning Ceremony
College of Architecture, Art and Design
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Education
University Studies
Students arrive to the Humphrey Coliseum no later than 8:30 a.m.
March in at 9:00 a.m.; Ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m.
Friday, December 14 - Afternoon Ceremony
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences & School of Human Sciences
College of Business & Adkerson School of Accountancy
Bagley College of Engineering & Swalm School of Chemical Engineering
College of Forest Resources
College of Veterinary Medicine (Masters & PhDs)
Students arrive to the Humphrey Coliseum no later than 3:00 p.m.
March in at 3:30 p.m.; Ceremony begins at 4:00 p.m.
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Invitations are not required for attendance. Family and friends are all welcome!
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ANNOUNCEMENTS & REMINDERS
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In the Community
Join the Starkville and MSU community on November 2 for a City Wide Tailgate to kick off Homecoming weekend!
The Tailgate Party includes a homecoming parade
(weather permitting), a competition for the best homecoming decorations of storefronts and entrances to campus buildings, and much more. Entries are judged by a panel of local celebrities.
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The 25
th
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Homecoming Step Show will take place November 2, 2018. The Homecoming Step Show is NPHC’s annual event fundraiser to showcase the talents that our council has to offer and attracts alumni from all ages. Each NPHC organization will perform to compete for the title of “Homecoming Step Show Champion”. In its 25
th
year at Mississippi State, the Homecoming Step Show is an established tradition that showcases strolling and stepping performances.
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Financial Aid and Scholarships
October 1
st
was the open date to completing the FAFSA for the 2019-2020 academic year. As a reminder, students planning to be reviewed for Pell Grant or loans need to complete the FAFSA each year. Don't hesitate, complete it now!
In-State students hoping to continue to receive MS aid must also complete aid applications each year by visiting
riseupms.com
.
Students wanting to be reviewed for academic scholarships for the
2019-2020
academic year should complete the General Scholarship Application located in Banner. Students having trouble with the application can visit the Office of Admissions and Scholarships located on the 1
st
floor of Montgomery Hall.
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Housing and Residence Life
RSVP will be a one-step ‘apply/sign/select’ process for current residents to live in the residence halls for Fall 2019/Spring 2020
- RSVP Opens:
- Monday, November 12 for current residents who want ‘squatter's rights’ to re-select their current space.
- Tuesday, November 13 for current residents to select from any open space on campus.
- Apply
- Sign Your Housing Contract
- Select Your Space
RSVP Closes: Friday, December 14
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2019-2020 New Maroon Camp
Planning has started for next year's New Maroon Camp. New Maroon Camp is an avenue of support and engagement for incoming MSU students to get connected to the Mississippi State bulldog family. New Maroon Camp focuses on forming relationships with incoming freshmen and transfer students, and easing their transition into Mississippi State.
Students interested in becoming a team member and looking to make an impact with next year's entering students, are encouraged to visit
OrgSync today.
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Parking and Transit Services
As you and your student make plans for the Thanksgiving Holiday season, don't forget about MSU's Parking and Transit Services' GTR Airport Express. Students needing a ride to the GTR Airport will need to call Parking and Transit Services 72 hours prior to their scheduled flight time. Visit
Parking and Transit Services today for more details.
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Good Student Discount
Do you need to provide proof of your student's academic achievements at MSU sometime this semester? Be sure to check out your Parent Portal under General Information for the "Good Student Discount" printable form.
Your student can also retrieve it by visiting their myBanner for students and selecting "Good Student Discount" located to the far right of the page. This may come in handy towards the end of the semester when the overall GPA is updated.
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MSU Dining Services
Student's planning to graduate, transfer, or intern/co-op in Fall 2018 who need to cancel their Meal Plan should email
April Lawrence
.
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Don't forget to visit us on social media and at
family.msstate.edu.
Make sure you mention
#MSStateFamily
when you make a post.
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Office of Parent and Family Services | 662.325.3611 | family@msstate.edu
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