Dearest Bulldog Families,
Well, we are coming into the final stretches and hoping y'all are hanging in there. Final exams will be here before we know it. We hope your students are buckled down, doing well, and finishing strong. Honestly, as you can imagine, the end of the semester can be a particularly stressful period for many students. Supporting them during this time with positive encouragement and understanding is important.
Your student can expect their final grades to be posted by 10:00 a.m. on December 1. Remember, if your student has granted you access to the Parent Portal then you will be able to view the final grades as they are published.
If your student is a first-year student and their first semester grades are lower than expected, please keep in mind that grades will often improve moving forward as students adjust to their new college experience. The Center for Student Success is a great resource for assistance. Also, it's a good time to sit down with your student and discuss what went right, what went wrong, and what adjustments need to be made for the spring semester. Establishing new expectations is super important to your student's success.
We hope that these weeks of rest and renewal prepare your student to tackle all the work ahead in 2021. As always, do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We will do our best to help, we promise. We are always here to lend an ear and point you in the right direction.
Hail State, y'all!
Dr. Cat Walker & Becky Faulk
Office of Parent & Family Services
662.325.3611 | family@msstate.edu
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Masks are still required in all campus buildings, including athletic venues, and strongly encouraged outdoors as well.
Please continue to encourage your student to stay #CowbellWell!
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October 24 to November 16
Late December 2020 degree application
via myState - $50 fee plus $100 late fee
November 3
Last day to withdraw from University
(ten days of classes remaining)
Progress grade reporting closes
November 16
Deadline to apply for December 2020 degree via myState
$50 fee plus $100 late fee
Classes end
November 17
Reading Day
(No mandatory class assignments, requirements, meetings)
Classes end
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November 18 - 20
Final exams
November 21
Make-up day (if needed)
November 23 - 24
Final examinations
November 25
Starkville Campus Commencement
(details below)
November 26 - 27
Thanksgiving holiday
(no classes scheduled)
December 1
Final grades due - 10:00 a.m.
December 23 to January 1
Winter Holidays - All offices closed
(Staff returns January 2)
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Fall semester of 2020 has been a unique, learning experience of how to safely and effectively deliver courses to MSU students. As we prepare for the spring 2021 semester, we are considering the situation we may expect from a pandemic standpoint, coupled with what we have learned from the fall semester.
The Spring Semester 2021 will include an increased number of courses that are offered face-to-face (F2F) but still maintaining social distancing and face mask requirements.
When a course is offered F2F, faculty are to revert to the accommodations provided by our academic operating policies (AOPs).
Livestreaming or video capture will not be required of every course if the instructor has other effective means of delivering accommodations for those students with excused absences. Audio/video capture will still be available as an option for those faculty who choose that as a means of academic accommodation. The university certainly encourages the use of this technology. Additional strategies utilizing best practices to accommodate students may include providing slides and handouts, online office hours and chat rooms, etc.
Students who miss class must obtain documentation for an excused absence in keeping with our AOPs and requirements outlined in the course syllabus. Students with absences due to COVID-19 precautions/quarantining may be required to obtain an excused absence from the Longest Student Health Center. Other non-COVID-19 absences will require an excuse. Instructors should still be compassionate as the university continues to try to maintain best practices during this pandemic.
Faculty must state the course delivery method prior to enrollment, allowing students to know what to expect when they enroll, and hold to that delivery method for the semester except in exceptional circumstances, and only as approved by the dean and provost.
Faculty teaching F2F classes are encouraged to consider lessons learned from the fall semester and incorporate effective synchronous and asynchronous learning tools to enhance the educational outcomes for students. While recording class attendance is challenging with the various modes of instruction employed, it is highly encouraged to take attendance to help with student engagement and accountability.
Faculty teaching hybrid courses that are choosing to have F2F components must clearly define the days and weeks in which classroom attendance will be required. That allows the students to plan their schedule more effectively and will aid in more effective classroom utilization, given the high demand for classroom space under physical distancing requirements. This information must be communicated to the students prior to the first day of classes.
Faculty should post the course syllabi on the web (in Banner) prior to registration advising. Hence, students understand the instructional mode and level of effort required to complete the course (e.g., assignments, assessments, etc.).
Departments and faculty are encouraged to work with students to avoid issues and conflicts regarding exams and other major assessments. Online students can only be administered online assessments; that is, they cannot be required to come to campus to take an exam. Common exams resulting in conflicts with other scheduled classes will result in an accommodation for the course that caused the conflict. Final exams will follow the AOPs in terms of timing and delivery method.
MSU believes that transparency regarding these issues with students, their families, and our dedicated faculty and staff is the key to eliminating confusion and inconsistency in the application of these academic guidelines and requirements.
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For the first time in more than a decade, Mississippi State University is offering a winter session to help students advance in their academic journeys and earn credits on an accelerated schedule.
Through the MSU Winter Express, scholars can choose from an updated, expanded selection of more than 200 online courses that begin December 1 and conclude January 4.
The condensed, five-week semester allows students to earn up to six hours of course credits while getting a head start on the spring semester, finishing core course requirements, taking classes within majors or picking up extra credits to accelerate graduation. They also can explore new subject areas, concentrate on difficult courses and benefit from smaller classes taught by MSU’s world-class faculty.
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Located on the 3rd floor of Montgomery Hall, the Career Center is excited to serve your students on their academic and career journey. The Career Center will help your students discover, develop, design, and deliver on their career goals. Whether this is your student’s first semester or last, we hope you will encourage them to engage with the Career Center through one of the following methods.
Live Chats
Students who have quick questions can use the live chat feature in their Connections account. Career Center staff are available to chat weekdays 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. (CST). Students will need to look for the “Chat with a Coordinator” tile on the right-hand sidebar.
Appointments
Students can meet with their coordinator via phone or video chat to answer questions about career goals, search strategies, career-readiness skill development, interview preparation, and more. The team of coordinators cover each college, school, and program at MSU…even undeclared majors! Students can make an appointment through their Connections account, by calling the Career Center at 662.325.3344, or by emailing career@career.msstate.edu.
Mock Interviews
Resume Assistance
Encourage your student to check out the Career Center's handbook for advice and samples. Students can send a resume document for review and recommendations.
If your student is looking at changing their major or selecting one for the first time, we'd like to encourage your student to consider taking one of the two (or both) assessments the Career Center offers or enroll in the Career and Academic Planning class (COE 1323) to assist with major exploration. The Career and Academic Planning class is provided to students each semester and is designed to provide freshmen and sophomores with information, tools, and skills that help with exploring majors and making career decisions.
The goal of the MSU Career Center is to aid in your student’s preparation for a lifetime of career fulfillment.
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As part of the university's strategic plan, understanding graduates' next steps related to employment and continuing education is vital. The Career Center is charged with collecting and reporting this information on behalf of Mississippi State.
The new guidelines for cap & gown pick-up for this semester impact the typical methods for collecting information for our December graduates. In response, we are encouraging all graduating students to complete the First Destination Survey.
The data gathered not only gives Mississippi State an understanding of what our students are doing after graduation, but also identifies underserved populations, directs programming, and is essential to gauge our institution's contribution to the state, region, and country. We ask that you encourage your graduating seniors to complete the "First Destination Survey."
Thank you for your help. If you have questions or would like additional information, please call the MSU Career Center at 662.325.3344.
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Mississippi State University is happy to announce details for the fall 2020 commencement ceremonies. We will be hosting four, in-person ceremonies on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 in the Humphrey Coliseum on the Starkville Campus. For the safety and wellness of everyone in attendance, the following precautions
will be taken and enforced during the ceremonies:
- Total guest capacity will be limited to roughly 25% of normal conditions.
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Facial coverings will be required for everyone in attendance (please bring your own).
- Sanitation stations will be available throughout the Coliseum.
- Graduates and guests will be seated using appropriate social distancing.
- Attendance will be limited to four guests per graduate and electronic tickets will be distributed prior to the ceremonies (more details will be announced soon).
- Custodial staff will sanitize the Coliseum before, during, and after each ceremony with special attention to restrooms, entry areas, and high-touch areas.
- An entrance processional for graduates will not be included in the ceremonies, but graduates will still walk across the stage as they are announced and congratulated.
- MSU President Dr. Mark E. Keenum will give the commencement address and confer degrees.
- Once graduates are recognized by walking across the stage, they will not return to their seats, but will be guided to have a professional photo taken, and then will immediately exit the Coliseum.
- Guests are expected to begin leaving the Coliseum once their graduate exits the stage.
- Re-entry into the Coliseum will not be permitted, and each ceremony should last roughly one hour.
Professional photography (Pro Pics) will be available on campus for graduates during cap & gown pickup at Barnes & Noble on November 12th & 13th from 8am-5pm. All 2020 spring, summer, and fall graduates are invited to have their photos taken on a studio backdrop and/or at the bulldog statue in the Junction. Students can make an appointment by visiting MSU Photos or at any point during the regalia pickup times. There is no cost to have a photo taken and no obligation to purchase. Questions about photo opportunities can be emailed to Pro Pics.
The ceremonies will be divided by academic college.
Ceremony schedule for November 25, 2020:
8:00 a.m. - Arts & Sciences
11:00 a.m. - Education; Architecture, Art & Design; University Studies
2:00 p.m. - Business; Agriculture & Life Sciences
5:00 p.m. - Engineering; Forest Resources; Veterinary Medicine
Doors will open to the Coliseum one hour prior to each ceremony. Please give yourself plenty of time for travel, parking, and for the security screening that will be performed before entering the Coliseum. A livestream and recording of each ceremony will be available online. For more details and streaming access, please visit the Office of the Registrar.
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Money Matter$
Past due holds and late fees were 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 a reminder, October 1, the 2021-22 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) became available to complete. Students can complete the FAFSA online. The FAFSA will ask for income data from the 2019 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.
Student Account Reminders
In an effort to foster responsible financial management and reduce student debt, we would like to remind you about important payment requirements related to student accounts.
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Payment Plans are Available MSU offers payment plans that will allow you to pay tuition, residence hall costs, meal plans, and other expenses through monthly installments. Learn more on our website at Pay My Bill.
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PAYMENT Due Dates ARE the 1st of Each Month Your monthly billing statement will be available around the 15th of each month, and the due date is the 1st of the following month. For example, a July 15th billing statement will have a due date of August 1st.
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Bills Must be Paid Before your student can register for classes, you must pay the full balance on your student’s account (net of aid) or be enrolled in a payment plan. Otherwise, your student will be placed on an Account Services Hold.
Degree applicants must also pay their MSU account balances in full, prior to the graduation ceremony.
NOTE: If your account balance is displayed in (parentheses), it means you have a (credit balance), and MSU owes you a refund. A (credit balance) means you do not need to make a payment or enroll in payment plan.
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Did you know that undergraduate students that have completed at least 200 volunteer hours, and graduate students that have completed at least 100 volunteer hours, are eligible for an SLCE Maroon Graduation Cord? The Maroon Cord that is worn at graduation is our way to honor your student with their commitment to making our community a better place for others.
To qualify, students must:
- Have at least 200 volunteer hours (or 100 for graduate students) logged on Cowbell Connect
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Complete the Maroon Graduation Cord request at Cowbell Connect
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As students begin to prepare for their finals, we want to take a moment to highlight a few changes the Mitchell Memorial Library will be making to their operating hours.
For November 17 - 19 and 22 - 23 the Mitchell Memorial Library will be extending their hours until midnight in support of students needs during the exam period.
On November 20, 21, and 24 the Library will return to regularly scheduled hours.
The Library will close for the Thanksgiving holiday break beginning November 26. Throughout December, the hours will be adjusted to 7:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., Monday - Friday.
As a reminder, all visitors are required to wear a mask.
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Residence halls will close Wednesday, November 25 at 6:00 p.m. for the Winter Break.
Your students are not required to move their belongings from their room. Students will not have access to their room during the break so please remind your students to grab what they need before leaving.
Winter Break housing applications will be available soon. Please encourage your students to check their email and communicate with their RA if they have questions. Student can learn more about closing procedures and options for Winter Break Housing by visiting Housing & Residence Life or by contacting housing@saffairs.msstate.edu.
Residence halls will open Saturday, January 2 at 2:00 p.m. for Spring term.
Note: College View Apartments will remain open for residents throughout the winter break.
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In the Spring 2021 semester, the Department of Sociology will be offering SO/CRM/SLCE 4153 - Mentoring for At Risk Youth on Tuesdays from 12:45 to 3:35 p.m. This is a course that can change your student's life and the life of someone else!
Students will spend a month learning how to be a mentor, why it is important, and so much more. They will spend the last 3 months of the semester mentoring a middle school student from the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated Partnership School following the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring model.
If you have a junior or senior who might be interested in working with kids, and who has the ability to make a middle school student a priority in their life for one semester, this opportunity is made for them.
Students can contact Dr. David May within the Department of Sociology for more details.
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Here are a few things you can do to help put you and your student at ease.
Allow your student time to reach out.
- Studying and preparing for classes is exhausting. Students forget (more often than you'd think) that they got a text or call from home while sitting in class or walking to/from class. Your student may be too busy to answer.
- If it's been 24 hours and you haven't heard back from your student, check the Parent Portal for absences. If there are no recent absences, your student could easily be swept up in a busy schedule (or being involved with campus activities.)
- Consider emailing your student since that's one tool they should be checking daily!
Send a personalized care package from home.
- Packages can include anything from a photo of the family pet wishing your student good luck to a t-shirt from home with that "at home smell."
- Students love anything homemade. Consider baking cookies and popping them in the mail.
How can you help?
Remind your student the following resources are on campus to help:
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Proctored testing enables Mississippi State to ensure academic integrity, which is core to the success of our students. Therefore, some courses may use an online proctoring system called Honorlock.
Honorlock is a well-respected proctoring system and is used by universities similar to Mississippi State including several SEC institutions. These systems make it easier for students in that they do not have to take the time and suffer the inconvenience of finding an in-person proctor and traveling to a specific location to take the exam. The online proctoring system allows students to take the exam at home or another convenient location. We chose Honorlock because of the array of features for faculty and students, the reviews received from other universities, the support provided for our institution and to students and because it is one of the least invasive, yet effective systems compared to other solutions.
It might be helpful for you to understand a little about how Honorlock works. The Honorlock extension is a small program that modifies the Chrome web browser and not your computer. Nothing is installed on the computer. If they choose, students can remove the Honorlock Chrome extension as soon as their exam is submitted.
Honorlock is FERPA compliant and uses securely encrypted protocols to save and view all test taker assets. Honorlock's certified proctors and Mississippi State’s faculty are able to review test session videos until deleted based on the school's retention policy. (Mississippi State faculty make judgements regarding academic integrity as they would in a classroom setting. More information can be found by visiting Honorlock.)
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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 Friday
Students will need to visit BCP Shopping to schedule an appointment.
Curbside Pick-Up Days:
Wednesday and Thursday
Orders are placed through Cowbell Connect - Bully's Closet Pantry Curbside Pick-Up.
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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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Dietary Health Needs
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. To set up an appointment, students should email pichardo-andrea@aramark.com.
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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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