We are grateful you have entrusted us to assist your student in navigating this phase of their life’s journey and your student’s health, safety, and well-being is of primary importance to everyone on campus. To that end, we have many resources devoted to assisting your student in achieving their optimum health and well-being which are being highlighted here in this month’s newsletter. From recreational activities to personal counseling services to student healthcare, we are actively engaging your student in health and well-being related information and activities.
We also are continually evaluating how to help our campus be as safe as possible and it is an obligation we all take very seriously and hope your student does as well. We all contribute to campus safety and here are a few things your student can do to ensure their personal safety:
- lock their residence hall rooms and vehicles when left unattended
- walk with someone else at night or call Safe Walk for an escort
- be aware of their surroundings at all times by leaving headphones off and looking up from phones/electronic devices when walking, crossing the road, etc.
- use Maroon Alert as the primary source of emergency information on campus.
September 10 through 13
, we will host
Safety Week
on campus. 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.
Students who are healthy, well, and have a safe environment to live, study, and learn are more likely to succeed in their academic pursuits so we look forward to engaging your student in these efforts.
Hail State!
Regina Young Hyatt, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
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MSU Parents and Family Members,
We hope your students have successfully tackled their first week of school and are easing into a routine.
Each month we will send y'all a special edition e-newsletter, focusing on various areas we think will assist you in helping your student be successful, both personally and academically. Mississippi State University cares about the health, wellness, and safety of our students so this month we reached out to our departments on campus that specialize in this area. These folks work day in and day out to make sure your students have a well-rounded experience and the resources they need to stay healthy.
Announcements and Reminders are at the bottom.
Please contact us, or the respective departments, if you have any questions. And remember, we are
always
here to lend an ear and point you in the right direction.
Cat Walker and Becky Faulk
662.325.3611
family@msstate.edu
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Center for America's Veterans
662.325.6719
Collegiate Recovery Community
662.325.3192
Dining Services
662.325.7120
Health Promotion and Wellness
662.325.7545 or 662.325.2141
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Longest Student Health Center
662.325.2431
Maroon Alert
662.325.4521
Student Counseling Services
662.325.2091
University Police Department
Non-Emergency: 662.325.2121
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University Recreation
662.325.7529 (PLAY)
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Benefits of an Active Lifestyle
Students who participate in collegiate recreational opportunities experience a number of benefits from being physically active, including increased retention rates and improved health and wellness. Those who participate often and in a range of activities benefit even more. An active lifestyle can contribute to reduced stress and anxiety, improved self-confidence, better sleep, and better mental clarity and focus.
MSU offers a wide variety of sports and recreation opportunities, such as traditional intramural sports, group exercise classes, and adventure trips. Whether students want to continue playing the sports they played in high school, take up new hobbies like ballroom dancing, or simply stay in shape and relieve stress, MSU has the people, programs, and facilities to make it happen.
Encourage your student to visit the
U
niversity Recreation Center
to learn what programs and activities are offered so health is a priority.
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STUDENT COUNSELING SERVICES
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Student Counseling Services (SCS) offers a variety of
free
services to help students in all walks of life. In addition to individual therapy, group therapy, support groups, advocacy, and crisis intervention services, SCS is excited to offer the following workshops as part of our
Wellness U
series:
- Stress and Anxiety 101: Understand the physical effects of stress and anxiety.
- Changing Unhelpful Thoughts: Learn alternative responses to unhelpful thinking.
- Well Mind, Well Body: Learn about mindfulness and increasing health and wellness.
- The ABZzzzs of Sleep: Learn about sleep hygiene and how sleep affects the everyday life.
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September is Suicide Prevention Month, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. The most effective way to prevent suicide is to recognize the warning signs and know how to respond.
Warning signs could include:
- Hopelessness
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Sleep disturbances
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Unexplained anger
- Talking about death
- Purging possessions
Help is available on and off campus for students going through any crisis or seeking information about workshops. To make an appointment, students can call 662.325.2091 or stop by the office located in Hathorn Hall between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Walk-in crisis services are available during these business hours
.
For more information, students can e-mail
scsgroups@saffairs.msstate.edu.
For after-hours crisis, contact
662.325.2091
to speak with a counselor. Off-campus, help is available through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at
800.273.8255
. In the event of an emergency, contact campus police at
662.325.2121
or call
911
.
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CENTER FOR AMERICA'S VETERANS
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The Center for America’s Veterans honors the legacy of the 1943 Mississippi State alumnus and 15-term U.S. congressman who authored the Montgomery G.I. Bill, Gillespie V. “Sonny” Montgomery.
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The Center is recognized as a national leader in providing individualized and comprehensive support through focused programs and services. The services and amenities are designed to ensure all MSU military connected students have a successful transition into academic life and beyond.
Services
- Veteran Affairs Educational Benefits (G.I. Bill), counseling and processing
- Processing of all VA medical, disability, and other claims
- Scholarships
- Out-of-State Tuition Waiver
- Priority registration (G.I. Bill recipients)
Amenities
- Computer lab with common access card
- Private study rooms
- Complimentary printing, copying, faxing, and scanning
- Student lounge with television and dining area with kitchenette
- Multipurpose meeting room
- Student Veteran Association (SVA) office
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There are numerous opportunities available through the Center to help students find their fit at MSU. Our programs and initiatives serve a variety of interests.
Student Veteran Association
As one of the largest student organizations on campus, the SVA exists to serve MSU’s military connected student population by strengthening ties between the veteran and higher education communities. It also provides opportunities for campus and community involvement.
MSU Veterans Horsemanship Program
A 10-week program offered in the fall and spring to area veterans to promote wellness. Participants learn about horse behavior, horse care, grooming, equipment, and natural horsemanship methods.
VetFit
A fitness program available to veterans and dependents.
Librarian on the Loose
An MSU librarian is available at the Center every Wednesday from
2 p.m. to 4 p.m
. to assist students in their writing and research efforts.
Maroon Friday Goes RED
A campus-wide initiative to Remember Everyone Deployed. Wear your RED t-shirts every Friday to show support for our deployed service members.
The staff welcomes the opportunity to assist students transitioning into college life. Our doors are open from
8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
during the semester. To learn more about the services offered, visit the Center of America's Veterans website by clicking the link below.
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LONGEST STUDENT HEALTH CENTER
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MSU has its very own Health Center located conveniently on-campus. Walk-ins are allowed but making an appointment is preferable. However, if a student needs immediate attention, emergencies will always take precedent.
The Longest Student Health Center is not open 24/7. Students who become ill when the Health Center is closed should consider visiting one of Starkville's urgent care facilities or the Oktibbeha County Hospital, if it's an emergency and cannot wait.
If a student has been seen by an allergist and prescribed allergy injections, the Health Center can obtain that information from their allergist and arrange to administer those injections in the clinic. Students can simply call and ask for an appointment in the allergy clinic.
Help your student stay healthy by encouraging:
- regular exercise, at least 4-5 times a week for 30 minutes (a few laps around the Drill Field or a stroll across campus)
- healthy eating habits
- lots of sleep
- smart choices
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Safe Walk provides campus with an escort service at night to help people to and from their cars or buildings. Upon request, Safe Walk employees will be sent to walk students to their destination. They are equipped with two-way radios and wear reflective vests. In addition, they patrol the campus on foot and golf carts in an effort to provide an extra set of eyes and ears for the Police Department and report any activities that the Police need to respond to. Hours of operation vary but typically begin at dark and last through the early morning hours.
Call or text
662.325.2121
to request a Safe Walk escort.
As an added security measure, “Emergency Blue Light” non-dial, outdoor emergency telephones are located at strategic points throughout campus. The phones are easily identified by their distinctive blue lights that can be seen both day and night.
When the button is activated/pushed or the receiver is lifted, the caller is immediately placed in contact with MSUPD Dispatch Center. In addition to providing voice contact with a police dispatcher, the dispatcher will also know the caller’s precise location. These Emergency Blue Light phones are checked regularly by MSUPD personnel and are for emergency use only.
The MSU Police are committed to helping our students stay safe!
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MSU's community is filled with a variety of students living on and off campus. Since this will be the first time many of our students will be living away from home, we want to encourage each student to make good decisions that will ensure academic success and enhance personal safety.
Severe weather occurs throughout the year in Mississippi. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to always be aware of changing weather conditions and take the necessary precautions to stay safe.
Maroon Alert
is the best way for faculty, staff, and students to stay informed and receive official university instructions during an emergency. Families who wish to stay up-to-date regarding campus emergencies can follow
@maroonalert
on Twitter or visit the MSU homepage for web banner updates.
To help campus prepare for weather alerts, severe weather warning sirens are tested at noon on the first Tuesday of each month. Siren tests are only conducted during good weather. If a test is not possible on the first Tuesday, it may be conducted on the second Tuesday.
What do students need to do if a tornado warning is issued?
- Move quickly to a room with few or no windows, preferably in the lower level of a building.
- Cover your head and wait for the tornado warning to pass.
- Do not attempt to drive during severe weather.
Students living off-campus should know where their safe zone is prior to a weather emergency.
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HEALTH PROMOTION AND WELLNESS
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The Department of Health Promotion and Wellness understands health and well-being are essential for student success, engagement, and retention, which are all integral to the core business of the university. Education and awareness are cornerstones of prevention and recovery support. MSU has implemented various prevention measures to promote responsible decision-making, reduce the likelihood of harm, and support the creation of a healthier campus culture.
The transition to college life comes with all sorts of challenges, but we are here to create a culture of wellness for our students. Students can contact us at
662.325.2090
for upcoming events or if they need prevention and/or recovery support information.
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COLLEGIATE RECOVERY COMMUNITY
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MSU houses one of the most holistic and encompassing Collegiate Recovery Community’s (CRC) in the Southeast and the Nation. The CRC program supports students that are in recovery from alcohol, other drugs and process addictions. With the preventative measures on campus through our Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention team, our highest hope is that a student will never have to suffer the negative repercussions that come with a substance use disorder.
The CRC at MSU hosts a wide array of events to normalize the recovering college experience. We host anonymous meetings, back to school socials, graduation celebrations, family weekends, sober tailgates, speaking events, de-stressor activities and life skills workshops. Beyond that we provide a safe place on campus, academic scholarships, study space and study hours, referrals to student support services, housing, counseling services, one on one meetings and most importantly a student community which fosters peer-to-peer support.
No student should ever feel that they are alone or that they must choose between recovery and academics. They can achieve recovery and academic success at Mississippi State. From our family to yours, know that it “takes a family” and that your student is never alone in their collegiate journey. If there is ever any way we can support your student please reach out to us at
662.325.3192
or visit our website for more information at
recovery.msstate.edu
.
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MSU Dining supports students who have food allergies by providing information and knowledge that is necessary for a student to make informed food choices at each dining location. The dining staff takes into account each individual student’s personal dietary needs to make every effort in providing helpful information to students with food allergies.
The goal of MSU Dining
is to provide students with the tools they need to be active in the management of their food allergy or food-related medical condition while eating on campus. Students needing to develop a plan that fits their dietary needs can contact MSU's Dining Registered Dietitian, Jill Hamilton. To set up an appointment, students should email
Pichardo-andrea@aramark.com
.
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Whether studying alone or in a group, MSU is filled with various locations to hit the books.
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One of the best new spots on campus to study is the Old Main Academic Center. It features 90,000 square feet of classroom and study space. The facility contains 14 group study rooms with screens and laptop connections, allowing students to collaborate, study and practice for presentations. Along with study space, there is a 16 station computer lab and collaboration station available on the main floor.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS & REMINDERS
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September 3
Labor Day Holiday - no classes scheduled
September 20
Deadline for undergraduate students receiving incomplete grades in a previous semester to submit the coursework.
October 3
First progress grade reporting deadline (30
th
class day)
October 11 - 12
Fall Break - no classes scheduled
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Join us
November 2 - 4, 2018
for a fun-filled weekend with your student as the MSU Foundation and Alumni Association partner with the Office of Parent and Family Services to host our first Fall Bulldog Family Weekend.
Registration will include a Welcome Reception, Tailgate before the LA Tech Football game, breakfast Sunday morning, and an opportunity to purchase discounted football tickets.
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Campus to Community Fair
MSU is hosting its first ever Campus to Community Fair. If your student plans to move off-campus at some point, this will be a fantastic opportunity to help with the transition. Students already living off-campus are invited, too.
Encourage your student to attend for an opportunity to meet with various housing complexes within the Starkville community, speak with local community partners, and receive information regarding smart lease signing.
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Student Events
The Holmes Culture Diversity Center will host
Salsa in the Streets
on
September 21.
Salsa in the Streets is a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month through various forms of salsa dancing and food. The event will kick off with a dance lesson starting at 7:00 pm. Following the lesson, students can enjoy dancing while they enjoy the music.
The Student Association will host
Bulldog Bash
(All American Rejects) on
September 28
. Bulldog Bash is Mississippi's largest free outdoor concert, typically drawing around 35,000 participants
. It will be held this year the night before the Bulldogs take on the Florida Gators.
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Center for Student Success
Has your student attended their SI sessions? 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.
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FAFSA
Don't forget that October 1
st
is the open date to complete the FAFSA for the academic year 2019-2020. MSU's federal school code is 002423. Go ahead and get it out of the way.
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Graduation Details
We know it's only September, but seniors need to be making plans now for December graduation. Students planning to graduate in December can begin applying
NOW and must apply by October 19
to avoid late fees.
Students planning to graduate in December will need to complete the following:
- Confirm with advisor that all degree requirements have been met. CAPP degree audit system is a guide for this, but we recommend consulting advisors to be sure.
- Log in to myState (Banner) and select “Apply for a degree.”
- Complete ALL steps of the application and select SUBMIT.
- Students will receive a confirmation number signifying the application was successfully submitted.
Other graduation notes:
- Students must have their account balance paid in full in order to graduate. This includes everything from tuition to parking and library fines.
- Students with an unpaid balance will not receive a diploma.
- Students who plan to walk in the December commencement ceremony must order caps and gowns through Barnes & Noble bookstore beginning August 27 at gradsupply.com/msu.
- Students who have taken courses away from MSU at any time (summer courses at home, etc.) need to have all transfer transcripts sent to MSU. If a transcript containing a required course has not been received, a student may not be eligible to graduate.
- Invitations are not required for attendance. Family and friends are all welcome!
Visit the MSU Academic Calendar (posted above) for December commencement dates and times.
No applications will be accepted for fall graduation after December 5
.
**Students graduating in May will apply in the Spring semester.**
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Center for Student Success
Has your student attended a Supplemental Instruction (SI) session? The goal of SI is to help students integrate course content and study skills while working together. Visit
The Learning Center
today to learn more about Supplemental Instruction.
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MSU Post Office
Remember, students expecting to receive mail or packages are encouraged to have a United States Postal Service (USPS) box to ensure delivery and security of their items. Students may complete an application online or in person at MSU's USPS located in the Roberts Building
(next to Burger King) at 414 Lee Blvd.
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Students are invited to join MSU's Career Center for Career Days!
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When?
Non-Technical Degree seeking
Tuesday, September 25
Technical Degree seeking
Wednesday, September 26
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Where?
Humphrey Coliseum
What Time?
12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
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In the Community
Each Sunday following Mississippi State University home football games, fans can enjoy special shopping and dining hours with our participating shops and restaurants Downtown & Around Town!
Not only is this a great opportunity for fans to take in Starkville before heading home, but it also provides an opportunity for students to show their families some of their favorite dining locations off campus.
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ALUMNI DELEGATE TUITION DRAWING
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The Mississippi State University Alumni Delegates will hold its 10
th
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 $25 for 6 tickets. Additional tickets can be requested from the Alumni Association.
Andrew Martin, 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,” Martin 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.”
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The MSU ring is a time-honored tradition at Mississippi State University, just like cowbells and Bully. The MSU Class Ring is reserved exclusively for the following individuals: undergraduate students who have completed 60 credit hours, transfer students who have completed 30 MSU hours, graduate students who have completed all degree requirements, and alumni who have completed any of the above requirements.
We want to encourage your student to be a part of the MSU ring tradition during Ring Days, September 17-19, 2018, at the Hunter Henry Center. During MSU Ring Days, students will have the opportunity to view, try on rings, and be sized before ordering their MSU Ring. Help your student proudly display his/her maroon pride as he/she becomes a Bulldog graduate. For more information, visit
alumni.msstate.edu
and join fellow classmates to keep “ringing” in this special tradition.
Students who order an official ring are invited to participate in the Class Ring Ceremony. Twenty four hours prior to the ceremony, the rings are placed in the historic Chapel of Memories where they are guarded by cadets of the MSU ROTC. Be a part of this neat tradition!
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact the MSU Alumni Association at
mwachter@alumni.msstate.edu
or
662.325.7000
.
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The Center for Student Activities held its 8
th
Annual “Shades of Starkville” on Wednesday, August 22, 2018. Shades of Starkville was a fun, interactive event combining the Showcase of Starkville and the Student Involvement Fair, where students got to explore what Starkville and MSU offers by way of food vendors, clothing stores, student groups, and more.
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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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