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Hello Bulldogs, 

Studying abroad can be such a mind-opening and life-altering experience for students. This past year, the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) sent more Mississippi State students abroad than ever before. Our office is continuing to broaden the horizons of Bulldogs by enthusiastically promoting study abroad opportunities.

Future student travelers can learn more about Mississippi States' study abroad options by participating in our walk-in advising sessions or by attending one of our semester fairs. At walk-in advising every Monday (12-1:30 in McCool 129) and Tuesday (10:30-12 in Old Main 2060) of the Spring 2023 semester, students will speak with an advisor about program options, scholarship opportunities, and any concerns about going abroad. Study abroad fairs feature faculty leaders and provider company representatives who seek to help students step outside their comfort zones and explore new cultures. The spring semester fair will take place on February 8 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on the Drill Field.

OSA is continuing to reach pockets of the student population by hosting Gilman Scholarship meetings for Pell Grant recipients and giving presentations in academic classroom settings. Through the spring and summer, we hope to surpass the record-setting numbers of students who partook in study abroad, while continuing to grow Mississippi State as an internationally-minded community.

Please do not hesitate to connect with the Office of Study Abroad should you or your student have questions or concerns.

Office of Study Abroad | 662.325.8929 | studyabroad@international.msstate.edu

Hail State,

Cat Walker and Becky Faulk

662.325.3611

family@msstate.edu

Mississippi State offers several different study abroad opportunities that are designed to provide students with an enriching experience to enhance their undergraduate education.

FACULTY-LED PROGRAMS

These courses are designed and led by Mississippi State faculty members where students receive Mississippi State credit. Comprised of mostly Mississippi State students, these courses are taught in groups abroad. Faculty-led program offerings change annually, and updated lists of faculty-led programs are usually released six to eight months prior to each program’s start date. These programs are short-term programs over the summer, spring break, and winter term and range in length from one to ten weeks.

EXCHANGE PARTNERS

Mississippi State students enroll directly at the host institution and receive transfer credit at Mississippi State while paying tuition to Mississippi State. Students maintain their student status at Mississippi State during these programs. Some exchange programs are open only to students of a particular major. It is not always required to speak the language of the host country to study abroad at the host institution. Many universities have some or all coursework in English. These programs are long-term programs, either a semester or an academic year. Mississippi State has partner institutions in Japan, Spain, France, and many other popular destinations. 

PROVIDER COMPANIES

These programs are organized by an outside company working directly with universities abroad. Mississippi State partners with six different companies to offer a larger selection of programs comprised of students from across the United States. Classes are often taught in English; however, students with sufficient knowledge of a foreign language may choose to take foreign language courses and/or courses instructed in a foreign language. Students maintain their student status at Mississippi State and receive transfer credit at Mississippi State for courses taken abroad. These companies have options for both short (summer) and long-term programs (semester/academic year).

Students who study abroad experience lower unemployment rates and higher academic averages due to the numerous competences gained abroad. 

COMPETENCIES GAINED

• Enhanced awareness of cultures and customs
• Adaptability
• Ability to identify and achieve goals
• General improvement in communication skills
• Increased confidence and initiative
• Greater flexibility
• Awareness of global, economic, and political issues
• Increased language acquisition
• Comfort with uncertainty
• Ability to maintain an open mind and be tolerant of others
• Clarification of goals and improved self-awareness
• Resource management
• Organizational problem solving
• Crisis management
• Listening and observation
• Increased independence and self-reliance
• Stronger time-management skills

HEALTH & SAFETY

The safety, security, and well-being of study abroad program participants are of the utmost importance to Mississippi State, the International Institute, and the Office of Study Abroad.

All students complete an application, which includes health information and emergency contact information. Students are required to complete an Outbound Orientation, purchase adequate international emergency assistance insurance, and register through the Department of State.

The Office of Study Abroad also emphasizes to students, faculty, and parents that all program participants must take responsibility for their own safety and security just as they would in their home communities.

To ensure added safety and health measures are taken, the Office of Study Abroad closely monitors U.S. State Department (DOS) Travel Advisories and Country Specific Risk Indicators. Regular reviews of reports by the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), as well as information provided by trusted security analysis services, local governments and media outlets are also made.

Rest assured; your students will be well-cared for!

SPOTLIGHT ON CONSTRUCTION AND CULTURE ABROAD

Brought to you by the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD), Construction and Culture Abroad is a study abroad program that immerses students in two quintessential European cities: London and Paris. Students will spend two weeks in these cities learning about construction cultures across the centuries. Students will earn three credits in the humanities field and will engage in numerous immersive discussions in the context of hands-on site visits. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for students to explore a new lens for their views of the western world.

To learn more about the program, students can meet the faculty leaders at the spring study abroad fair on February 8 from 10 a.m - 2 p.m on the Drill Field. Additional information about this inspiring program and other faculty-led courses can be found on the Mississippi State Study Abroad website. 

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Commencement

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Reception: 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Ceremony: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Location Pending

Doctoral Graduation and Hooding Ceremony

Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 3 p.m.

Bettersworth Auditorium

Main Campus Ceremonies (Bachelors, Masters, Edu. Specialists)

Friday, May 12, 2023

Davis Wade Stadium

Morning TBD

Academic Affairs

College of Architecture, Art & Design

College of Arts & Sciences

College of Education

ACCESS

Evening TBD

Bagley College of Engineering

College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

College of Business

College of Forest Resources

College of Veterinary Medicine

Mississippi State University has partnered with My Student Support Program (MySSP) to help our students receive access to additional mental health resources and to be successful. MySSP provides free, confidential mental health and well-being support to all Mississippi State students. MySSP includes many resources such as 24/7 free mental health support by phone or text through the app. 

Students can receive help anytime with:

• adapting to changes or challenges
• being successful at school
• navigating relationships with friends and family
• handling feelings or sadness, loneliness, homesickness, or more
• or to just to talk to someone.

Make sure your student downloads the app today! Students can search "MY SSP" in the app store to download the My SSP App and get connected.

Upcoming Events

Saving and Investing for Your Future

Wednesday, February 1 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Online Event

Join Bulldog Budgets virtually to learn how you can budget to save and to invest. Led by Lisa Roberts and Trisha Fuchs of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), you'll hear about the importance of developing a budget in an effort to start saving and then investing to make your money grow.

“What Would Mama Fannie Do?” Presentation and Book Signing

Wednesday, February 1 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Mitchell Memorial Library - John Grisham Room

Jacqueline Hamer Flakes, the youngest daughter of Mississippi civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer, will be speaking at Mississippi State University’s Mitchell Memorial Library on February 1, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in the John Grisham Room, located on the library’s third floor. Her talk, “What Would Mama Fannie Do?” will be followed by a reception and the opportunity to purchase her book, Mama Fannie: Growing Up the Daughter of Civil Rights Icon Fannie Lou Hamer, for signing. The event is free and open to the public.

2023 Spring Building Construction Science Career Fair

Thursday, February 2 | 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Bost Conference Center

2023 Spring Career Expo - Engineering Majors

Thursday, February 9 | 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Mill Conference Center

2023 Spring Career Expo - All Majors

Friday, February 10 | 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Mill Conference Center

2023 Spring LA Interview Day

Tuesday, February 21 | 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Bost Conference Center

2023 Spring Education Career Fair

Tuesday, February 28 | 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Colvard Student Union - 2nd Floor

The Education Career Fair is an opportunity for teaching graduates to network and interview with school districts from Mississippi and surrounding areas to secure teaching positions for the upcoming school year.

Tradition Keeper Medallion

Your student is an essential part of carrying on time-honored traditions that we hold true at Mississippi State. By completing thirty traditions, they will earn the official Tradition Keeper Medallion for a little extra swag to wear at graduation. For more information, visit our website at the Mississippi State Alumni Association.

Mississippi State Class Ring Days

We encourage your student to be a part of the time-honored Mississippi State ring tradition during Ring Days [February 28-March 2] at Barnes & Noble on Mississippi State’s Campus. During Mississippi State Ring Days, students will have the opportunity to view all ring designs, try on rings, be sized and ask any questions before ordering. Students who order an official class ring are invited to participate in the Class Ring Ceremony at the Chapel of Memories on May 5th. Class Rings are presented to participants by Mississippi State President Mark E. Keenum.

For more information, please visit alumni.msstate.edu/classring to keep “ringing” in this special tradition. Contact our staff at the Mississippi State Alumni Association with more questions at tcarter@alumni.msstate.edu or 662.325.7000.

Alumni Delegates Tuition Drawing

The Mississippi State University Alumni Delegates will hold its 18th Tuition Drawing in April! Any student returning for the fall 2023 semester are eligible to enter. The winner of the drawing will receive one in-state semester at Mississippi State paid in full. Tickets can be purchased online through the Alumni Association by April 6. The winning ticket will be drawn on April 13 and the winner will be announced on the Mississippi State Alumni Association’s social media accounts (@msstatealumni) following Prize Patrol the week of April 17. 

The Alumni Association hosts the annual Leadership Conference for alumni volunteers. Alumni and friends hear from key university representatives and several alumni volunteers. Volunteers also have a chance to visit with peers and leadership in other areas to get new ideas on strengthening membership, recruiting students and better serving the Mississippi State alumni base.

1098-T Form

Form 1098-T is an information tax document to aid taxpayers in determining whether they are eligible to claim a tax deduction or one of the education tax credits. The IRS requires the University to issue Form 1098-T to each student by January 31. Forms are mailed to the student’s address on file. Students may also access this information by visiting the Office of the Controller and Treasurer.

Money Matter$

Past due holds and late fees will be assessed on the October 15th statement. Holds prevent pre-registration for the upcoming semester. Remember, classes fill up fast! In order to be eligible for pre-registration, students must be enrolled in an active payment plan or have a current account balance of zero.

As of October 1, the 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to complete. Students can complete the FAFSA online. The FAFSA will ask for income data from the 2021 tax year. Some federal aid has limited funding. Therefore, to receive maximum consideration for all aid types we encourage your student to complete the FAFSA today.

Scholarships

Do you have a student interested in being considered for scholarship resources for the upcoming academic year? The scholarship applications for the 2023-2024 Academic Year will open on October 1. Current students may apply for competitive, private, and departmental scholarships by completing the General Scholarship Application. The priority date for submitting these applications is March 1, 2023.

The Family Club was started in 2008 to help parents stay informed about Mississippi State University. By joining, you will receive email notifications of important dates, be informed of the latest campus news, and stay connected to campus life and resources for your student. We believe that the Mississippi State family extends beyond our campus borders to include students, parents/guardians, grandparents, siblings, alumni, staff, and faculty.

The Family Club enables you to be an integral part of the Mississippi State family! The Family Club membership is open to parents and family members of current, former, and future Mississippi State University students. Benefits of joining include:

• Mississippi State Family Club Padfolio
• Family Programming Support

Would you like to make an impact on your student's Mississippi State experience and represent Bulldog Families just like you?

We would like to personally invite you to become a member of our Maroon Family Alliance. The Maroon Family Alliance will financially support programs and events that enhance your student's experience and our campus community as a whole.

The Maroon Family Alliance will meet on a Friday afternoon in both the fall and spring semesters. During these meetings, members will tour some of Mississippi State’s top facilities, learn about innovative programs, hear from dynamic faculty and administrators. Most importantly, members will decide as a group how Maroon Family Alliance funds will be used to strengthen Mississippi State University and its Division of Student Affairs. It is a special way for parents and families to become connected with key University members and other Bulldog families.

You can be a part of the Maroon Family Alliance by following the “JOIN NOW” link below to make your annual contribution of $2,500. You may also call Jana Berkery, Director of Development, at 662.325.9129 to make your contribution by phone.



Visit mfa.msstate.edu for more information and we look forward to working with the new Mississippi State Maroon Family Alliance!