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WHAT MUST MY STUDENT DO TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNDS?
In order to receive emergency relief funds:
Students must certify that they have experienced financial need due and/or have emergency cost due to the pandemic.
To determine eligibility for receiving emergency relief funds and to certify ARP related expenses, students should login to their myState portal at my.msstate.edu and do the following:
- Click on the three little vertical lines (Hamburger) in the top left corner
- Click on Banner
- Click myBanner for students
- Under the Financial and Scholarship tab click the “ARP Act Application”
The deadline to complete this process is 11:59 pm on September 16, 2021
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Dear Friends,
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.
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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September 6
Labor Day Holiday
(No classes scheduled)
September 16
Deadline for undergraduate students receiving incomplete grades in a previous semester to submit the coursework
September 29
First progress grades reporting deadline (30th class day)
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October 6
Mid-point of semester
October 7 and 8
Fall Break - no classes scheduled
(subject to change)
October 11
Last day to drop a course with a “W” grade (36th class day) 5:00 p.m.
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MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS:
A GUIDE FOR FAMILY MEMBERS
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Every day, your student is experiencing something new or learning more about themselves than ever before. They are taking on new interests, meeting new people, and hopefully branching out more. While this is all a part of maturing, it can also be overwhelming and very stressful for your young adult.
Anxiety, fear of being left out, feelings of confusion, and much more can set in. Your student can benefit greatly by feeling supported and understood throughout their journey. Here are a few suggestions on how you can support your student while at MSU:
Stay connected. Listen to your students and reach out with words of encouragement. Often times, students just need little reminders from home that they are heard.
Ask questions. Show interest in what your students are doing even if you aren't very familiar with it. Example: You may not have one clue what your student just told you about their chemistry project but asking questions will help you learn more and help your student feel connected.
Allow your student to set the agenda for conversations. Be willing to discuss anything and everything with your student but let them lead the conversation. If you student is upset about something, let them open up without being pushed but remind them, you care for them and are available to listen whenever they are ready to talk.
Expect change. Your relationship with your student will continue to change as your student develops their own independence. Be willing to accept that change will happen. Praise your student when you recognize the good changes and be willing to chat with your student about the unpleasant changes.
Autonomy and responsibility. Your student is developing into a young adult and will go through various stages throughout their college years. Be flexible.
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HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND SAFETY |
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The Department of Health Promotion and Wellness (HPW) 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. Mississippi State 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 well-being for our students. Our mission is to collaborate with campus and community partners to provide student experiences that lead to holistic life-long well-being. Students can contact us at 662.325.2090 or healthpromotion@msstate.edu for upcoming events or if they need prevention and/or recovery support information.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” - Benjamin Franklin
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STUDENT COUNSELING SERVICES |
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Student Counseling Services (SCS) offers a variety of free and confidential mental health services to support students. SCS provides virtual screening for students to be matched with mental health services specific to their needs. The virtual waiting room is available Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For questions or concerns, students should call 662.325.2091 during regular business hours. After-hours crisis services remain available at 662.325.2091.
Students are welcome to come ready to talk about their goals! Student Counseling Services clinicians will help students pick from our menu of services to help get them where they want to be.
Let’s Talk is an outreach program that offers students convenient access to brief informal consultations with a Student Counseling Center clinician at different sites across campus. MSU students are encouraged to drop by and talk about what is important to them during a 15-20-minute conversation.
Clinicians will listen to your student's concerns and may offer support, information, and resources. Consultations are free and confidential. No appointment is necessary as students are seen on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Let’s Talk clinicians may provide insights, solutions, and information about other resources to address concerns such as:
- Academic struggles
- Relationship and family issues
- Financial concerns
- Stress
- Transitional anxiety
- Feeling sad
Let’s Talk is not a substitute for individual therapy or other mental health treatment. A Let’s Talk consultation helps a student know what it might be like to speak with a clinician and may help a student decide whether formal therapy at SCS may be more beneficial.
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LONGEST STUDENT HEALTH CENTER |
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Mississippi State 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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MISSISSIPPI STATE CAMPUS POLICE |
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Safe Walk
Safe Walk provides our students with a safe walking service at night for students who would like assistance walking to their cars or buildings. Upon request, Security Officer 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 MSU Police Department (MSU PD) and report any activities that the police need to respond to.
Students can contact the MSU PD for this service by calling or texting 662.325.2121.
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 MSU PD 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 MSU PD personnel and are for emergency use only.
MSU PD will be hosting their first R.A.D. class of the Fall semester. This is a women's self-defense class. If you have a young lady who would be interested in properly defending themselves, please encourage them to stop by the police department to register.
There will be three classes this semester and each class has three sessions. After completing the class, each participant will receive a FREE self-defense key chain. Class dates are September 13-15, October 19-21, and November 8-10. The location will be at the Sanderson Center.
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Emergency Plan
Mississippi State'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 Mississippi State 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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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.
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 Mississippi State 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
- Scholarship opportunities
- Out-of-State Tuition Waiver
- Priority registration (G.I. Bill recipients)
Amenities
- Computer lab
- Private study rooms
- Complimentary printing, copying, faxing, and scanning
- Student lounge with television and dining area with kitchenette
- Multipurpose meeting room
- Student Veterans Association (SVA) office
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
An 8-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 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to assist students in their writing and research efforts.
Career Development
Our Senior Coordinator from the Career Center is available every Wednesday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm to assist with your career development needs.
Other events and programs include monthly financial seminars, veteran and military appreciation events, service projects and other outdoor related activities.
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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COLLEGIATE RECOVERY COMMUNITY |
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Mississippi State 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 Mississippi State hosts a wide array of events to normalize the recovering college experience - anonymous meetings, back to school socials, graduation celebrations, family weekends, sober tailgates, speaking events, de-stressor activities and life skills workshops.
No student should ever feel that they are alone. 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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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 also contribute to reduced stress and anxiety, improved self-confidence, better sleep, and more 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 Sanderson Center's website at University Recreation to learn what programs and activities are offered so health is a priority.
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MSU FOOD SECURITY NETWORK |
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Mississippi State offers several resources for students who may be experiencing food insecurity. Nationally, approximately 30% of college students experience food insecurity during their enrollment. We want to ensure you are aware of the resources available to all students via our Food Security Network.
Bully's Closet and Pantry (BCP)
120 Morgan Avenue on campus
1 PM to 6 PM
BCP offers nutritious food, necessities like toiletry items, household goods, school supplies, and professional clothing for students in need. Students can access BCP every weekday.
In-Person Appointment Days:
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
Students will need to visit BCP Shopping to schedule an appointment.
Curbside Pick-Up Days:
Wednesday and Friday
Orders are placed through Cowbell Connect - Bully's Closet Pantry Curbside Pick-Up.
Block by Block
The Block by Block Program provides short-term assistance by allocating block meals to students' ID cards when needed. Students can also donate up to three block meals per semester via an online form. Both the form to request meals and to donate meals is available through the MSU Food Security Network.
Maroon Meals
Maroon Meals is a text notification system informing students of the availability of free food on campus, including the type of food available, location, and length of time available. The steps to enroll are simple.
- Download the myState app and log in with your MSU NetID and NetPassword.
- Under the Student, Faculty, and Staff section, go to Notification Sign-Up.
- Turn the Maroon Meals slider to the "on" position and press Save. Make sure notifications are enabled for the myState app on your phone.
Students with a valid MSU ID can access any of these programs directly. Referrals can also be made via blockbyblock@msstate.edu or by calling 662.325.3611.
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Mississippi State Dining Services 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 considers each individual student’s personal dietary needs to make every effort in providing helpful information to students with food allergies.
The goal of Mississippi State Dining Services 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 Mississippi State's Dining Registered Dietitian, Jill Hamilton.
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August Issue of our e-Newsletter
In our August e-Newsletter, we provided information on various topics that included:
- Academic Resources
- Refunds
- Football Tickets
- Enrollment Verification
- Student Loans
If you would like to view the August e-Newsletter, please visit Get Connected. |
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Conversations Starters
Take time this month to ask your students the following questions:
- Tell me about your classes. Are they what you expected? What are you learning?
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How are you managing your assignments? (Encourage using a planner.)
- How are you meeting people?
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What are you doing for self-care? (Share the resources mentioned above.)
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Student Handbook
Please encourage your students to familiarize themselves with all our many different campus resources, policies, and procedures.
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Admissions
Some students will be emailed during the month of September to remind them of the need to submit their final high school or prior college transcript(s) officially to MSU. Most students are admitted using their in-progress transcripts, so these final transcripts are needed to close out their contingent admission.
Please ask your student to be sure to check their official MSU email account and promptly request the transcript to prevent future registration holds. It’s always a good idea to have your student follow-up by checking their myState Banner account to view any active holds. A hold will prevent the student from participating in the pre-registration process for the next academic semester.
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Scholarships
The scholarship applications for the 2022-2023 Academic Year will open on October 1, 2021. 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, 2022.
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Alumni Delegate Tuition Drawing:
The Mississippi State University Alumni Delegates will hold its 16th Tuition Drawing in October! Any student returning for the spring 2022 semester is eligible to enter. The winner of the drawing will receive one in-state semester at MSU paid in full. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting the Alumni Association by October 15. The winning ticket will be drawn on October 28 and the winner will be announced on the MSU Alumni Association’s social media accounts (@msstatealumni) following the Prize Patrol the week of November 1.
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MSU Class Ring Days
We encourage your child to be a part of the time-honored MSU ring tradition during Ring Days, which will be held from September 27 to October 1 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 Class Ring. Students who order an official ring are invited to participate in the Class Ring Ceremony at the Chapel of Memories on Dec. 9 at 5pm. Class Rings are presented to participants by MSU President Mark E. Keenum.
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Mississippi State University (MSU) has launched a new online networking and mentorship platform which will harness the full power and potential of the Mississippi State alumni network and put it at the fingertips of all MSU Bulldogs. Join us and be part of this global Bulldog Network Mentoring Program that offers a digital space to forge meaningful, personal and professional connections.
When you join the Bulldog Network Mentoring Program, you will be able to:
- Connect and network with other Bulldogs
- Flash mentor with students and alumni
- Participate in a formal mentoring program to support MSU students and student success
- Access exclusive professional development resources and discussion forums
- Post and refer job opportunities to other Bulldogs
Registration is quick and easy! Once signed up, you can network with fellow alumni in the larger community while waiting to be paired with a student in the mentoring program.
This program will run in the Fall 2021 academic semester. Mentors and mentees will be required to meet 6 times over the course of the semester. Each meeting will have specific topics, and we'll guide you along the way!
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Rock Out the Red Zone: Glow Golf
September 3 | 8:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Students are encouraged to join their peers at Rock Out the Red Zone: Glow Golf to participate in fun activities, enjoy free food, win free prizes, and more. At the event, members of Health Promotion and Wellness will provide resources designed to help students practice safe decision-making skills as they embark on the new school year and know who to at the University reach out to in a time of need. Students can sign up to RSVP through Cowbell Connect. |
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MSU vs Louisiana Tech (Starkville)
September 4 | 3:00 p.m.
Fans are encouraged to wear Maroon or White.
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Step Up September
September 14 | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Step Up September is a student ice cream social that will be hosted by Health Promotion and Wellness. The purpose of this event is to provide students with information on bystander intervention, self-care resources, and of course...FREE ice cream. Students can sign up to RSVP through Cowbell Connect. |
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The Talk
September 21 | 6:00 p.m.
This event will take place in Taylor Auditorium and will be a discussion/conversation regarding healthy vs unhealthy relationships, respect and boundaries, effective communication, empathy, compassion, and vulnerability.
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A Family that Sings Together
September 24 | 7:00 p.m.
Students are invited to participate in Karaoke Night at the Dawg House with members from Health Promotion and Wellness. More details on this event will be shared with students through Instagram @nphc_msstate.
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Off-Campus Student Services - Fall Housing Fair
September 29 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Students who are interested in learning more about off-campus living and would like to meet local properties are invited to attend the fall housing fair. This event will take place inside the Colvard Student Union on the first floor. Students will have the opportunity to meet with local landlords, win free swag items, and collect free resources related to off-campus living.
Members from Housing and Residence Life will also be present to chat with students about healthy living tips on-campus and to answer questions.
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Montgomery Leadership Applications
Due by September 24 | 5:00 p.m.
The Montgomery Leadership Program is part of the Office of Student Leadership and Community Engagement, where students are invited and encouraged to take service and leadership to new heights and challenges. The goal of the Montgomery Leadership Program, formally the Appalachian Leadership Honors Program founded by former MSU president Robert H. "Doc" Foglesong, is to mold young minds into the future leaders of our state and nation.
At Mississippi State, the Montgomery Leadership Program will work with a select group of students who commit themselves to develop leadership skills that transform lives - both theirs and others. Participants will undergo an intense multi-semester study of leadership and apply their knowledge through service-learning projects throughout the community.
Students who are interested in applying should visit the Montgomery Leadership Program. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, September 24, 2021.
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COVID-19 response in the residence halls
Any student testing COVID positive will not be able to Isolate/Quarantine in their residence hall room. Students who become infected with COVID-19 or are required to quarantine because of exposure will be required to vacate their residence hall room for the period of isolation or quarantine. A very limited number of isolation/quarantine spaces may be available for short-term needs. Students who have been fully vaccinated will not be required to quarantine if exposed to COVID-19 unless they are exhibiting symptoms, due to the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
In the event of an outbreak, students on that wing/floor who are unvaccinated must quarantine or be tested for COVID-19. If the test is negative, the student may stay in the residence hall. If positive, the student will be required to isolate outside their residence hall.
How we manage the limited isolation/quarantine areas
- The student will be permitted to return briefly to their residence hall after getting their results to pick up personal items while wearing a mask or face covering.
- They will then immediately check into the short-term isolation/quarantine facility. The student will be allowed to drive to and park at the quarantine facility.
- If the student does not have a vehicle, transportation will be provided to take them to the quarantine facility.
- A representative from Student Affairs will greet them upon arrival and ensure they have everything they need.
- Students in isolation will be provided a welcome letter and packet of information regarding expectations of their quarantine, contact information for on-call personnel, and a welcome bag including food and other supplies.
- Quarantine facilities will have on-call and on-site non-medical staff available.
- MSU Dining will provide meals to quarantined individuals in keeping with Aramark. Food can additionally be delivered, at the student’s expense, from local restaurants as they order it.
- The Longest Student Health Center will check in with students in isolation by phone.
- Students experiencing severe symptoms may be referred to emergency services for transport to the hospital if necessary.
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REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN!
BULLDOG FAMILY WEEKEND
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We are excited to announce the dates of our Bulldog Family Weekend fall event.
Bulldog Family Weekend will be held October 22-24, 2021. MSU football will take on the Vanderbilt Commodores in Nashville, TN and we will host a tailgate and watch party here in Stark Vegas. Be sure to register each individual family member that will be attending. We are working out the details, but we sure hope you will make plans to join us. It will also be an opportunity to highlight some (other) wonderful things on and off campus.
Our feelings won't be hurt if you would rather come another time to visit with your student and enjoy the area or see a home football game. As we have said in the past, EVERY weekend is a great weekend to be on campus. Come whenever it works best for you and your family.
If you're interested in making plans to join us, we would like to encourage you to make your hotel reservations now.
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We are calling on our Bulldog students to help us design the Bulldog Family Weekend 2021 t-shirt. The winning design will be featured as our Bulldog Family Weekend event t-shirt and the winner will receive:
- a one-of-kind hand painted cowbell with the winning t-shirt design,
- a free t-shirt,
- four tickets to the 2021 Bulldog Family Weekend tailgate on Saturday, October 23, 2021, and
- recognition at the tailgate event, on the MSU Parent and Family website, social media pages, and the Cowbell Connections email newsletter.
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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 an inaugural 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!
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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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