August 1, 2019
Cowbell Connections
Mississippi State University Office of Parent and Family Services
provides the ONLY official parent/family communications.
If you have any questions regarding any Mississippi State University events, programs, policies, or developments, please contact Cat Walker, Director of Parent and Family Services, which is part of the university’s Division of Student Affairs.

MSU’s Office of Parent and Family Services official website is family.msstate.edu .

@MSStateFamily is our official handle for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
HAPPY PACKS
Interested in surprising your freshman student with Happys throughout the year? These affordable gifts are delivered directly to your student's residence hall with a personalized message from you.

Here's a sneak peek at what your student can expect before the first day of classes...   and there's more!

The Office of Parent and Family Services creates and distributes “Happys” for students from families during the school year. You can purchase three larger happy packs  (Welcome to MSU, Winter Finals, and Spring Finals)  for only $99. In addition, smaller Halloween and Valentine’s Day packages can be purchased. “Happys” will be delivered to residence halls.

Each pack will include at least one unique MSU item.

Note: Because we purchase and put together all packs and do not use a 3rd party vendor, we are limited to the first 200 orders so reserve your “pack” now!   (If you do not know your student’s netid or 9-digit ID, do not worry, we can look it up on our end.)

Orders must be placed online by August 9. To order one of these Happys for your student, please click the button below:
Hello Bulldog Family,
We're going to start off by saying this is absolutely the longest e-newsletter you will receive all year, but it has a ton of important information for both new and returning families so be sure to read everything .

First things first, please follow us on social media. We are on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @MSStateFamily . Don't forget to tag us in your posts. #MSStateFamily

We will work hard to keep y'all in the loop because we want you to feel like a part of your student's college experience. Most days YOU will be MSU's greatest link to our students. So please, help us help you help your student and know that we are here to partner with you every step of the way .

You may have questions or concerns throughout the year, too. Life happens to all of us! When you or your student are in doubt, REACH OUT . We are here for y'all and want to make certain you have both a great and successful experience as an MSU Bulldog.

Hail State, our friends!

Cat Walker and Becky Faulk
Office of Parent & Family Services
662.325.3611/ family@ msstate.edu
IMPORTANT DATES
August 1
Deadline for payment in full
or student must be enrolled
in a payment plan.

August 17
Move-in Day
(MVNU2MSU)

August 18
Blues Breakfast

August 21
Classes Begin
August 22
Fall Convocation for all new students

August 27
Last day to drop a course without a grade (5th class day); by 11:59 p.m.

August 28
Last day to register or add a course (6th class day); by 8:00 AM

September 2
Labor Day Holiday - no classes
A FEW TIPS
  1. Student accounts must be paid in full by August 1 (TODAY) or a payment plan must be set-up in MSU QuikPAY. Visit paymybill.msstate.edu for all the details.
  2. Remind students to check their MSU BullyMail daily.
  3. MSU QuikPAY and the MSU Parent Portal are two different systems, requiring two different logins. Details explaining the differences between the two systems are below.
  4. Students can walk to any academic building on campus in less than 10 minutes. Another option is our free shuttle system. Students should not expect to get a parking spot in front of class. This will cause unnecessary stress and likely result in a parking ticket. Students will want to keep their vehicles parked and enjoy our beautiful campus!
  5. Don't fall for "There is nothing to eat on campus and I need money to go out to eat." With over twenty options, there is something for everyone. Check out MSU Dining to learn more. (A budget will help.)
  6. It's not too late to set (realistic) expectations for the 2019/20 academic year. Students tend to rise to (and exceed!) expectations. Having these important conversations may save y'all from scrambling at the end of a semester. We love a good if/then statement. i.e. If you get a parking ticket, then you will pay for it. Check out our freshmen and transfer checklists at family.msstate.edu for some conversation starters. There is more on this below, too.
FIO: FIGURE IT OUT
What should you do if your student calls or texts you one day in a panic about something that happened with a class assignment, instructor, roommate, or life in general? Before jumping in to fix it, take a deep breath and try to follow these guidelines:

  1. Listen. And then listen some more.
  2. Ask questions. Who at MSU have you spoken to about this? What resources have you utilized? What can you do to resolve this issue? Etc.
  3. After you've listened, discuss why your student is upset. Everyone gets upset; understanding why helps students rationalize the situation.
  4. Offer guidance, but let your student do the heavy lifting to muddle through it.

Honestly, most of the time your student simply wants to vent a bit and be heard. Think about the tools you are helping them develop for their toolboxes by letting them figure it out . Priceless. These tools will benefit your student for years to come. College is a different Bulldog (pun intended) from high school. Students are expected to make decisions about their academic path, social life, personal well-being, and classroom outcomes. Decision making skills aren't just college-based skills that will end once they've graduated; they are transferable skills that will help them throughout life. Try not to be their google. (And try to remember this advice. We know firsthand how tough it is to not jump in and take control, trust us.) Don't worry, they will figure it out .
SETTING EXPECTATIONS
College is completely different from high school and community college. It may take a bit of time to figure out all the new pieces. Rest assured, parents and families still play an important role in the future of their student's academic success... it just looks a bit different.

For example, students will go to bed on their own time. They will eat at odd hours throughout the day. More likely than not, they will procrastinate, and some may even put in just enough effort to get by. Phone calls home may not be frequent, text messages may go unanswered, and visits home may not be often. These are just some of the changes you may notice.

While many students start the semester off knowing by the end of the academic year, they must have a specific GPA in order to keep their scholarships, financial aid, or external funding, help students understand what is expected of them by discussing:

  1. What type of student do you expect them to be academically and personally? Do you expect perfect attendance and a 4.0 (and is this realistic?)
  2. How often do you expect calls home, text message responses, and visits home? College is a full-time job for students; availability may be limited.
  3. How to be resourceful! The internet has so much information today that students can literally Google anything and find an answer. Remind students to utilize their resources (not just the internet, but people!) before panicking. Make every effort to not be their google. (See above, FIO.)
  4. In case of an emergency, can your student get in touch with you? Do they know your contact information should they lose, misplace, or become separated from their cell phone?
  5. Consequences - What happens if your student gets a parking ticket, misses 3 or more classes, doesn't get involved/engaged, etc.? Be sure to set expectations.
PREPARING FOR THE UNEXPECTED
Students may start the academic year off with high expectations (along with their family's expectations.) When the first sign of defeat occurs, students may begin to experience a range of emotions that can sometimes feel unfamiliar. Anxiety, lack of appetite, sickness, sleepless nights, and disassociation are just a few common issues students face when their goals or their family's goals (academically and/or personally) are not met.

Remember, college is transitional. Students have left the safety and comfort of home and are trying to figure out what they want to do in life, which academic path to pursue, and what interests them the most. Trying new things will likely come with a few bumps.

How can you help your student prepare for ups and downs? H.E.L.P.
  • Help shape their perception. Students need to understand that experiencing perceived failures are a part of the learning experience.
  • Expect bumps. Have a game plan! Discuss steps your student should take immediately following a bump in the road.
  • Learn to process the good and the bad. Focus on strengths to help you and your student discuss weaknesses.
  • Praise them, too. Students need to know what they've done successfully.

In the words of Albert Einstein, " Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new ."
SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media is likely a big part of your student's existence. Posting a range of personal information comes with pros and cons. Start having conversations with your student about social media and how he/she can make smart, discretionary posts. Not only will it help your student become aware of the potential implications of a social media footprint, it may help keep your student safe.

It's also important to remember, a simple photo or post that seems funny at the time, might not be so funny when a future prospective employer is checking you out online. Many articles have been written about employers actively using social media to evaluate a potential job candidate. Help your student understand the value of pondering their post before they hit enter. Being respectful and responsible on the internet has long-term benefits.
INVOLVED & ENGAGED STUDENTS
While succeeding academically is probably your student's main goal, encourage your student to seek out opportunities to get involved, too. Not only are college years about learning academically, they also consist of learning experiences outside the classroom. What will differentiate your graduate from another graduate with the same degree? We want students to leave MSU with the proper tools, prepared for a diverse, complex world.

Getting involved in student organizations, campus programs, or even taking time to attend a campus event, will help students discover new interests, rediscover old interests, find their social group, and connect with campus staff. Students who focus solely on their academics may find themselves under-performing academically and unhappy in their current environment. (Think old adage, you get out of life what you put into it.) Students who put in an effort to find "fit" tend to develop an affinity for the university and enjoy their time at MSU more, while successfully maintaining academics.

Help your student understand the importance of campus involvement and engagement by checking out the Student Organizations link and discussing ways to become a part of MSU.
PARENT & FAMILY RESOURCES
Freshman and Transfer Checklists

We believe that it's important to take some time before classes start to sit with your student and discuss the upcoming semester. To help start the conversation, we've put together a checklist to help you both navigate through important topics. The checklists will also provide helpful reminders for what is required of your student before classes begin.
Parent and Family Handbook

We want to keep you up-to-date with campus resources, contact information, and other important information so our office works hard with many of the departments on campus to put together this resource for you.
Click the link below to view our Freshman and Transfer Checklists and peruse through our latest edition of the Parent and Family Handbook on our family website.
ACCESSING TWO PORTALS
Parent Portal
How do you get access?
  • Students should sign into myState
  • Click the box in the top left corner and select the Banner link
  • Click on myBanner for Students
  • Under Academic Records, students will click on FERPA Release & Parent Portal Access
  • Click on add New Parent/Guardian and complete the required information, including an email address
  • An email will be sent to the approved family member in order to establish a password

If a family member already has a FERPA waiver on file, the student will follow these same steps, but click Update on the existing information under Actions and add an email address for the family member.

What can you see on the portal?
  • Class schedules
  • Account information
  • Course progress*
  • Class attendance*
  • Campus Resources

*Attendance records and grade course progress are updated by the individual professors. While faculty are encouraged to enter this information, it is not required. If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.
QuikPAY (where you can PAY)
How do you get access?
  • Students should sign into myState
  • Click the box in the top left corner and select the Banner link
  • Click on myBanner for Students
  • Under Account information, students will click on View and Pay Your Account (popups MUST BE enabled)
  • Once the QuikPAY page loads, the student will need to click on Authorized Payer to the left of the page
  • Select the green plus sign on the right once the page changes
  • Complete the information for the authorized payer as directed on the screen
  • An email will be sent to the approved family member in order to establish a password

What can you see in QuikPAY?
  • Current Activity
  • Statement History
  • Transaction History
  • Payment Sources
MSU DINING REMINDERS
Making a change to your student's meal plan.
During the first 2 weeks of classes, August 21 - September 6 , students can call MSU Dining Services or visit in person (between Subway and Moe's) to make a change to their meal. After September 6, downgrade changes can no longer be made.
Help your student understand when and where
they can use their meal plan to help them better utilize it.
Block Meals can be used during operating hours at our three residential dining halls: Marketplace at Perry, The Fresh Food Company, and RFoC at Templeton.

Students may also use block meals as Meal Equivalency or Meal Exchange. These locations are listed on the meal equivalency chart.

Flex Dollars can be used at any of our 23-dining location on campus, as well as student concession stands at football, baseball, basketball, and softball. Flex dollars also rollover from the fall semester to the spring semester.

Students love the flexibility of a Flex Dollar. Additional Flex Dollars can be added at any time by visiting MSU Dining .
HOUSING RESOURCES
Requesting a Roommate Change
Beginning August 17 after 5:00 p.m. residents seeking a roommate change are encouraged to speak with their Residence Director (RD) or Community Director (CD). More details will be shared with your student at their first residence hall meeting.

When your student needs assistance in their residence halls, who should he/she contact?
Students experiencing issues in their resident hall should always contact their Resident Advisor (RA) first. The RA lives on their floor and can help them with a variety of issues. If their RA is not available, students can go to the front desk and speak with the Information Assistant (IA). The IA will contact the Residence Director (RD) or Community Director (CD) on duty. Following the appropriate channels will result in a quick resolution to most issues.
 
Fix-It Ticket
When students need maintenance attention in their room, they should always submit a Fix-It Ticket. This lets our Housing Facilities team know that attention is needed in that student’s room and gives us a system with which to track the progress of the maintenance request.
 
To submit a fix-it ticket online:

  • students will log on to the Housing Portal at my.housing.msstate.edu
  • select “Fix It” from the black menu bar at the top of the page
  • select “New Job”
  • complete the form and submit it.

Once the ticket has been submitted, students can track the progress of their maintenance request by calling Housing Facilities at 662.325.2190 or emailing  hfacwo@saffairs.msstate.edu .
GETTING AROUND
MSU can help your student get around campus and the Starkville community (including the Golden Triangle Regional Airport) on the Starkville MSU Area Rapid Transit, better known as SMART.

SMART is absolutely FREE ! To view and track all of the routes and stops, students can download the DoubleMap app on their smartphone or computer. Students can also text their Stop ID to 662.268.5180 to request an ETA. Visit smart.msstate.edu for more information.
Parking Tips - Help your student avoid a citation.

  1. All vehicles parking on campus must have a valid permit.
  2. Students living on campus should not have to move their vehicle in order to get to class. Each residence zone has a SMART bus stop that can help get students closer to the core of campus for classes. Encourage your student to walk to class and enjoy our beautiful campus!
  3. Students with a valid MSU permit should always park in their designated parking zone. If your student's zone becomes full at any time, students should park in the available North and South zones shown on MSU's parking map.
  4. Before parking in ADA-accessible spaces, students must register their state-issued placard or plate with MSU Parking and Transit Services. In the event a disability-related accommodation is needed to obtain access to another zone, please contact the Director of Parking and Transit Services at 662.325.1827 or by email at jpd1@msstate.edu. Requests for parking accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis, with consideration given to the nature of an individual’s impairment and the availability of suitable parking spaces.
  5. Regardless of the time of day, parking in spaces designated as Exclusive Service, Service Parking, Reserved, or Handicap is never allowed. 

FUN FACT
Starkville has Uber !
Getting around Starkville just got easier now that Uber is in town.
MONEY MATTER$
Accepting/Declining Offered Loans
Students who have been offered Federal Loans (Unsubsidized or Subsidized) can log into their myState to accept or decline the loan offers. Students will need to select Banner in the left drop-down menu, select myBanner for Students, and click the link labeled "Award Notification Letter/Supplemental Information Form."

FAFSA
Starting October 1, students can apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov for the fall semester of the next school year. Students should apply and turn in any required documents as soon as possible to be sure their funds are ready by the beginning of the next academic year.
State Aid
Starting October 1 , Mississippi residents can apply for need-based and merit-based grants and scholarships at msfinancialaid.org for the following academic year. Students must apply each year and be enrolled in (and pass) 15 hours.  
Other Ways to Pay for School
Students have the opportunity to be reviewed for additional scholarships after each spring semester. Students will need to maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher, complete 12 or more hours each semester, and complete their general scholarship application in their myState portal. 

Locate scholarships outside of MSU with search engines like fastweb.com or the U.S. Department of Labor careeronestop.org/toolkit/training/find-scholarships.aspx .
 
For additional loan options visit the Student Financial Aid website to get information on the federal Parent PLUS loan and compare private loan options.
Students can look for an internship, co-op, or part-time job by visiting the MSU Career Center .

The GI Bill is available for Active Duty Military, Veterans, and Reservists. The Army or Air Force Reserve Officer Training Program (ROTC) helps pay tuition and books while providing a monthly stipend. Contact the MSU Center for America’s Veterans for more details.

Students can have their out-of-state fees waived if you seek a degree not offered in your home state. Check here for details about the Academic Common Market .
Finish in Four
Finishing school in four years can save thousands in tuition, room, and board! Students can plan accordingly through their departmental academic advisor & the CAPP in their myState portal.
CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
"Secrets to College Success"
  • Go to class
  • Ask for help
  • Study
  • Start strong!

Remind students of these 4 very basic items regularly. This simple strategy will guide all students on the path to success at MSU.

Services Offered:
  • Freshman Year Navigators - Every freshman on our campus has a navigator that reaches out to them on a weekly basis through email, text, phone calls and one-on-one meeting, offering help and assistance with any issue a student may have. Remind your freshman, "Have you talked to/asked your navigator?"
  • Freshman Success Strategies - Several hundred freshmen will be placed automatically in this course to ensure they get a good head start here at MSU. This 1-hour course teaches items from study skills to finding your fit on our campus.

Tips to help your student succeed in the classroom:
  • Get to class ON TIME (be sure to scan in if your class has a scanner)
  • Bring materials to take notes, and actually take them!
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help. Students should approach a teacher before/after a class or during office hours for additional guidance. Don't be scared!
  • Use your resources - Whether you need tutoring from The Learning Center, help from the Math Domain, or tips from the Writing Center, we offer plenty of resources to help students academically.

Students should attend all SI courses on their class schedule.
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a free academic program designed to help students succeed in historically difficult courses. The goal of SI is to help students integrate course content and study skills while working together. Be sure your student knows what time their SI class meets by visiting The Learning Center today.
FIRST TWO WEEKS
The first couple of weeks at MSU can be an exciting time with lots of activities occurring around campus to help students get involved and engaged, while meeting new friends and learning about life on campus. Dawg Days will include movie nights, trivia and game nights, a hypnotist, concerts, service opportunities, URec The Day, Shades of Starkville, The Drill, free food, and much more.

Visit dawgdays.msstate.edu today!
BARNES AND NOBLE
Benefits to shopping online
Students can guarantee that they order the correct books for their classes and can skip the lines at the register. Texts will be waiting for pick up when your student arrives to campus.
Deadlines for returns/exchanges
Students can return books during the first week of classes for a full refund. Students no longer needing a text due to dropping a course will need to speak with Barnes and Noble during the first full week of classes. After August 28, students are not guaranteed a full refund or exchange.
Students must have their original receipt when returning or exchanging a book.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & REMINDERS
Join us  October 25- 27  for a weekend with your student as the MSU Alumni Association and Foundation joins the Office of Parent and Family Services to host our Fall Bulldog Family Weekend. Register today by clicking the button below.
Enrollment Verification
Are you needing to submit documentation to an employer, insurance agent, or tax assessor to verify your student's enrollment status at MSU? You can print off your student's enrollment verification form by logging into the Parent Portal , selecting your student's name, and clicking the "General Information" tab.

Purchasing Football Tickets
Students will be notified in their MSU BullyMail to sign up for a DogTag account. This will generally occur sometime before the end of the first week of school.
Fall Convocation
Freshmen, new Transfer students, and family members are invited to attend MSU 2019 Fall Convocation on August 22 at 5:30 p.m. in the Humphrey Coliseum.

Post Office
All students residing on campus are strongly encouraged to reserve a United States Postal Service (USPS) box to receive mail and packages sent via the carrier. Students may complete an application online or in person at MSU's USPS located in the Roberts Building (next to Steak n Shake) at 414 Lee Blvd. For instructions on how to send mail to your student visit MSU's Housing and Residence Life .
Safety Week will be August 26 – 29
from 1:00 – 3:00 on the Drill Field.

Throughout each day, students will have an opportunity to learn brief safety related interventions and get information on preventing common safety concerns. We can use your help in encouraging your student to look out for these activities and resources.
Longest Student Health Center (LSHC)
The LSHC Pharmacy is a complete outpatient pharmacy staffed by licensed pharmacists who fill prescriptions written by both LSHC medical staff and outside physicians. Over-the-counter items such as cold medications, pain relievers, first-aid products, etc. can also be purchased. 

2019-2020 Student Injury and Sickness Insurance Plan
For many years, the Student Association of Mississippi State University has sponsored an optional health insurance plan for students and dependents. Students with existing health insurance should have no need for this coverage. For more information visit the Longest Student Health Center site today.
We can't wait to see your students on the MSU Drill Field in a few weeks!
Don't forget to visit us on social media and at family.msstate.edu.
Make sure you mention #MSStateFamily when you make a post.
Office of Parent and Family Services | 662.325.3611 | family@msstate.edu