Mississippi State University Office of Parent and Family Services
provides the ONLY official parent/family communications.
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If you have questions regarding any Mississippi State University events, programs, policies, or developments, please contact the Office 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.
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If you know someone who would like to receive our Cowbell Connections
communication, please send them the below link to subscribe.
To unsubscribe, please click the unsubscribe link located at the bottom of this email.
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Dear Friends,
It's finally here, the fall semester! We are super excited to see students back on campus and in our community. Whether your student is in their first or final year with us, adjustment to a new academic year can be both exciting and challenging.
First things first, please follow us on social media. We strive to keep you up-to-date with campus announcements, events or activities that are going on around campus, and helpful tips. We are on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @MSStateFamily.
As family members of a Mississippi State student, we see you as partners in supporting your student's educational experience. 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 welcome you to stay in touch and want to make certain you have both a great and successful experience as an MSU Bulldog.
Hail State, our friends!
Dr. Cat Walker & Becky Faulk
Office of Parent & Family Services
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August 18
Classes begin
August 24
Last day to drop a course without a grade
(5th class day) 11:59 p.m.
August 23 to October 15
Apply online via myState for December 2021 degree - $50 fee
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August 25
Last day to register or add a course
(6th class day) 5:00 p.m.
Last day to request undergraduate academic forgiveness via myState
September 6
Labor Day Holiday
(No classes scheduled)
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The 2021 Fall Convocation is currently postponed as the University exercises an abundance of caution due to current COVID-19 concerns. A new date has not been set. |
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REGISTER TODAY!
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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ACADEMIC RESOURCES AND TIPS |
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We want to make sure you have the tools and resources needed to help your students navigate through academic resources for this fall semester.
"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.
Freshman Resources:
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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?"
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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.
Tutoring at The Learning Center
The Learning Center offers a variety of tutoring opportunities for students to get plugged into. Students will need to download the Penji App to access tutoring schedules, courses offered, and schedule a tutoring session. We encourage students to utilize this resource early in the semester rather than later.
Students can also request a tutor by visiting The Learning Center and selecting Don't See a Course? We also encourage students to form their own study groups, reach out to their classmates for tutoring assistance, and to take advantage of their professor's office hours.
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.
Tips to help your student succeed in the classroom:
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Get to class ON TIME (be sure to scan in if your class has a scanner)
- Schedule out your week. Know what is due by creating a calendar based on the assignment deadlines in each syllabus.
- Bring materials to take notes, and actually take them!
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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!
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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.
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EXPECTATIONS IN A NEW SEMESTER |
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College is completely different from high school and community college. Students are no longer surrounded by a close-knit community that they once leaned on for guidance. They are now miles away and learning how to navigate a new territory and new expectations.
It takes time for students to naturally figure out where they fit, what activities they like, and who they enjoy being around. This academic fall semester is a great opportunity for students to re-evaluate their expectations, set new goals, and break free from their comfort zone. It may take a bit of time to figure out all of the new pieces. Their own expectations of what their experience should look like may not resemble what you expect. You can still play a valuable role in your student's college journey.
You will soon learn (if you haven't already) that 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 begin to 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 your student understand what is expected of them by discussing:
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What type of student do you expect to be academically and personally? Do you expect perfect attendance and a 4.0 (and is this realistic?)
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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.
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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.)
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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?
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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.
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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.
Adina Glickman, founder of Affinity Coaching and author of How to Motivate my Student, explains that "adjusting to college isn’t just about learning how to tackle harder academics, it’s a lot about learning how to be an adult. And one of the greatest challenges of becoming an adult is shifting the “who’s in charge of my life” from parents to self."
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.
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Help shape their perception. Students need to understand that experiencing perceived failures are a part of the learning experience.
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Expect bumps. Have a game plan! Discuss steps your student should take immediately following a bump in the road.
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Learn to process the good and the bad. Focus on strengths to help you and your student discuss weaknesses.
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Praise them, too. Students need to know what they've done successfully.
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INVOLVED AND ENGAGED STUDENTS |
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What will differentiate your graduate from another graduate with the same degree?
While succeeding academically is probably your student's main goal, encourage your student to seek out opportunities to get involved, too. Getting involved in student organizations, campus programs, or even taking time to attend a campus event, will help your student discover new interests, rediscover old interests, find their social group, and connect with campus staff.
Help your student understand the importance of campus involvement and engagement by checking out Student Organizations and discussing ways to become a part of Mississippi State. The benefits of getting involved in college can have an impact on a student's overall college experience. Something as simple as introducing yourself to another peer may lead to connections with potential employers, references, new friends, and some great opportunities.
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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:
- Listen. And then listen some more.
- 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.
- After you've listened, discuss why your student is upset. Everyone gets upset; understanding why helps students rationalize the situation.
- 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.
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Making a change to your student's meal plan.
During the first 2 weeks of classes, August 18 - September 1, students can visit MSU Dining Services or stop by in person (between Subway and Moe's) to make a change to their meal. After August 31, downgrade changes can no longer be made.
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 in the 2021-2022 Meal Plan Guide.
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.
Tip: Don't fall for "There is nothing to eat on campus and I need money to go out to eat." With the variety of options on campus, there is something for everyone!
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Requesting a Roommate Change
Beginning August 20 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:
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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 by emailing hfacwo@saffairs.msstate.edu.
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Encourage your students to utilize the Starkville MSU Area Rapid Transit, better known as S.M.A.R.T. S.M.A.R.T. is committed to provide safe, efficient and reliable mobility options to improve the quality of life for citizens and visitors to the City of Starkville, Mississippi and the campus of Mississippi State University.
S.M.A.R.T. 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.
Parking Tips - Help your student avoid a citation.
- All vehicles parking on campus must have a valid permit.
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Students living on campus should not have to move their vehicle in order to get to class. Each residence zone has a S.M.A.R.T. bus stop that can help get students closer to the core of campus for classes. Encourage your students to walk to class and enjoy our beautiful campus!
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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.
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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.
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Regardless of the time of day, parking in spaces designated as Exclusive Service, Service Parking, Reserved, or Handicap is never allowed.
Fun Fact: Students can walk to any academic building on
campus in less than 10 minutes. (We've timed it!)
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Conversations Starters
Each month, we hope to provide you with a few questions that we believe will help initiate conversations with your students. These are simply suggestions that we feel can help you understand your student's experience and encourage important discussions.
- Tell me about your roommate. What is their major? What are they interested in? Where are they from?
- What steps do you plan to take to stay on top of your class work?
- Where have you looked to find what student organizations are available to join at Mississippi State? What student organizations have you found that you think you'd like to join?
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With an exciting collection of activities and events held during the first two weeks of classes, students will have a variety of opportunities to meet new people and get involved. Dawg Days begins on August 14, with numerous programming activities and fun giveaway opportunities. Students can view the event calendar by clicking the button below. |
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Join MSU Dining for the Welcome Social after move-in on August 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy a Street Food Fest featuring Street Tacos, Pulled Pork Sliders, Chicken on a Stick, Funnel Cakes, MSU Ice Cream, & more. There will also be live music and fun games to play. Free T-shirts will be given out while supplies last.
Come meet other students, families, & community members. Students are able to use Block Meals to get in & can treat up to 4 family members. The price without a Meal Plan is only $10 for all you care to eat!
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Disability Resource Center
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) assists in determining the classroom accommodations that are most appropriate for students with disabilities based on documentation of their disability.
DRC recognizes individuals with temporary disabilities that are the result of injuries, surgery, or short-term medical conditions may need accommodations similar to individuals with permanent disabilities.
Students with a chronic illness should contact DRC for assistance with occasional absences and tardiness. Documentation of illness is required in order to receive accommodations.
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First Generation Student Programming
First Generation students are those who are the first in their family to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree. At Mississippi State, we are aware of how important a supportive community is for our first-generation student population and are committed to offering guidance through navigating this new world of higher education. Since 1965, TRiO programs have existed to offer first-generation, low-income, and students with documented disabilities access to equitable academic opportunities.
If you have a student who meets the criteria of a First Generation Student, we would like to encourage for your student to connect with the First General Student Programming Office. Students can apply by clicking the button below.
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Post Office Reminder
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.
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Proof of Enrollment
Students may obtain enrollment verification information by logging in to their myState account, click on the “Banner” tab, and select either the National Student Clearinghouse Link or MSU Enrollment Verification under the “Enrollment Verification” tab. This information is available to all students.
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.
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The Part-Time Campus Job Fair will provide students with the opportunity to explore on-campus and off-campus employment. Students are encouraged to bring an up-to-date resume and dress business casual. Students will also get the opportunity to seek volunteer opportunities. |
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Student Injury and Sickness Insurance Plan
The Student Association of Mississippi State University has sponsored an optional health insurance plan for students and dependents. Beginning with the 2021 Fall semester, MSU has partnered with Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. to offer a new student insurance plan through UnitedHealthcare. Students with existing health insurance have no need for this coverage. Learn more by visiting the Longest Student Health Center.
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Student Football Tickets
2021 Mississippi State Football student season tickets will go on sale for all current Hail State Rewards members Monday, August 16 and for all other enrolled Mississippi State students on Tuesday, August 17. Once tickets are purchased an email will be sent to the student with the email address on file. Students must have a student Dog Tag account prior to purchasing. Students can visit Hail State to learn how to activate their student Dog Tag.
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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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Student Loans
Students who have received student loan offers through their FAFSA can now accept or decline those funds. Have your student log into their myState account, select Banner, hover over myBanner for Students, and select the Awards Notification Letter/Supplemental Information link.
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Refunds
In order to receive refunds by direct deposit, students must keep updated banking information in their myState portal. Learn how your student can sign up for direct deposit refunds by visiting the Office of the Controller and Treasurer.
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MSU releases new COVID policy as surge grows
All of us at Mississippi State University look forward to the start of the Fall 2021 semester. Our plans, as noted in prior announcements, were for a return to an open and traditional university environment. That type of environment remains our...
Read more
www.msstate.edu
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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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