2022 MONTANA STATE STUDENT GUIDE ■ A special publication of The Bozeman Daily Chronicle ■ PHOTO BY SAMUEL WILSON/ CHRONICLE/REPORT FOR AMERICA
2 | MSU Student Guide August, 2022 WW W. MA TTRE SS KIN G MAMT S SKI N MT .C OM 1585-5866 1 N. 7TH BO ZE MA ZEN $ 4 9 49 9 ...SLEEP ON IT AS SOON AS TONIGHT! STARTINGARAT TIN HAVE HAIT VE IT TODAY! with a purchase of a mattress* *With a mattress purchase of $549. SA LE SA! !BACK TO SCHOOL OVER OVE500 R M500 MATTRESSES INATTRESSES INSTOCK! STOCK! PLUS FREE BEDDING BUNDLE BOZEMAN TWIN Was: $299 NOW $ 19 9 $ 26 9 QUEEN Was: $429 NOW $ 29 9 VICTORY 300 MATTRESS 3 LOCALLY Y OWNED AND OPERATED FULL Was: $399 NOW
Sources:DiningMSU Quick Facts, Common Data Set, 2018 Career Destinations Report, MUS Budget reports, MUS dashboards, MSU Strategic Plan, MSU News Office, MSU Registrar reports, MSU Office of Planning & Analysis, Office of Sustainability and CantheGriz.com. MSU FAST FACTS 2022 MSU Student Guide | 3August, 2022 RACHEL LEATHE/CHRONICLE
BRAWL OF THE WILD
MSU FAST FACTS 2022 Founded 1893 – 129 years ago Traditional nicknames: “The Bobcats” and “Moo TrademarkedU” nicknames: “Trout U” and “University of the Yellowstone” STUDENT PROFILE Enrollment (fall 2021) – 16,841 (largest in Montana and a record for MSU) Male students – 8,695 (51%) Female students – 8,306 (48%) Other students — 110 (1%) Undergraduates — 14,668 (up 718 from previousGraduateyear)students — 2,173 (up 318) Montanans students — 8,902 (up 1,160) Out-of-state U.S. students — 7,939 (downInternational156) students — 387 (up 43) Native American — 811 students Hispanic — 876 students Asian — 674 students African American — 273 students Hawaiin/Pacific Islander – 127 students (Racial and ethnic numbers include students who identify as more than one group in each category they choose) STUDENT TUITION AND FEES 2022-2023 Montana undergraduates — $7,726 a year (up $198 from last year) Out-of-state undergrads — $29,604 (up $1,340)On-campus room & board — $11,300 (upBooks$900)& supplies — $1,450 Total estimated one-year cost for Montanans — $24,256 (up $970) Total one-year cost for out-of-state — $46,402 (up $2,450) Students taking out loans — 52% in 2020 (down from 66% in 2012) Average debt for students who borrow — $26,975 STUDENT SUCCESS Six-year graduation rate — 54% (down from 56% the previous year; MSU’s goal is 65%)Four-year graduation rate — 34.1% Retention rate (freshmen returning for sophomore year) — 75.5% (down from the record 78.2% set the previous year) Freshman average high school GPA — 3.5Average ACT score — 24.6 Average SAT score — 1198 Total degrees & certificates awarded (2020-21) — 3,410 Average graduates’ salaries (2019 survey):Bachelor’s degree — $49,946 Master’s degree — $52,854 Doctorate — $87,122 MSU-BOZEMAN BUDGET $72.9 million of revenue came from state taxpayers in FY21. $146 million in revenue came from students in tuition and fees in FY21. MSU received $6.5 million in COVID-19 related relief in FY20. GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET (“CURRENT UNRESTRICTED”): FY21 — $220.8 million RESEARCH SPENDING 2020-2021 — $193 million (all-time record)2019-2020 — $167 million 2018-2019 — $138.8 million 2017-2018 — $126.5 million 2016-2017 — $130.8 million FACULTY AND EMPLOYEES Student:faculty ratio — 17:1 Tenurable faculty — 581 Adjuncts & non-tenurable — 719 Administrators (president, VPs, deans, directors) — 60 Grad teaching and research assistants —Staff895 — 1,950 Total MSU employees — 3,310
Since the football rivalry began in 1897, the MSU Bobcats have won 41 games and University of Montana Grizzlies have won 73 games. There have been five ties. In this century, the Bobcats have won nine, including the 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 games. The Grizzlies have won 12 times, including last year’s. The Bobcats have won the Can the Griz food drive competition 18 out of 21 years.
SUSTAINABILITY
A water savings project has reduced water use by about 26 million gallons per year, resulting in $180,000 each year. The university as replaced roughly 1,000 outdoor lights to more energy efficient LED lights, saving an estimated $100,000 perSinceyear.MSU’s recycling program began, it has diverted 7.5 million pounds from the landfill.LEED-rated Platinum building: Asbjornson Hall; LEED Gold buildings: Rendezvous, Cooley, Jabs, Gallatin and Yellowstone halls; LEED Silver: Gaines Hall and Miller
‘University of choice’ MSU newlookspresidentaheadtoschoolyear
RACHEL LEATHE/CHRONICLE MSU President Waded Cruzado speaks at a groundbreaking for a new 87,000-square-foot office building on the Montana State Innovation Campus on Friday, June 10, 2022.
RECEIVE $3.00 OFF TYPHOON WASH SHO W STUDENT ID 1303 N 7TH Mon-Sat 8-6 Sunday 9-5 RECEIVE $3.00 OFF GALLATIN WASH USE CODE 189322 1193 N 15th OPEN 24/7 40 years locally owned and operated 406-586-6541 Rooted in God's grace, LCM provides a space for students to explore faith, engage in service, and encounter Christ's dynamic presence in LCM Campus Ministry at MSU where all are weLCoMe! MORE INFO: www.lutherancats.org email: jp@lutherancats.org weLCoMe Wednesdays at 8:00pm at Christus Collegium - 714 S 8th Ave. Case of the Mondays Coffee FREE coffee at Divine Donuts FREE Donuts on Tuesdays in September from 10am-1pm MSU Centennial Mall FREE Ziplining Adventure 9/5 at 9:00am the SRO in the SUB on Mondays 9:00-NOON community. By LIZ WEBER Chronicle Staff Writer
In an interview with the Chroni cle in late July, Cruzado applauded the successes of the past year and looked ahead to the upcoming Montana Legislature, continued campus growth and challenges around hiring and housing.
“Our students felt that we lis tened to their concerns and they wanted for us to know that they loved being on campus, learning in classrooms, having access to their faculty members in person. That was very important to us,” Cruzado said.While she was proud of how MSU navigated COVID, it high lighted “how delicate that financial balance is.”
As Montana State University’s campus prepares to shake off the summer slumber and welcome the bustle of returning students, its President Waded Cruzado sits in her office surrounded by Bobcat memorabilia and blue and gold.
A big challenge for all uni versities moving forward is how to maintain affordability while continuing to “serve our mission which is to educate the sons and daughters of the working families of America,” Cruzado said. Cruzado celebrated last year’s athletic successes, with the football team ending up in the national championship game, and the men’s and women’s basketball teams go ing to the NCAA tournaments.
Looking back at last year, Cru zado said she was proud that the university held in-person classes. As the university heads into school year three impacted by COVID-19, the safety measures will look largely the same, with vaccines and testing available through Student Health Partners.
“The bobcat athletic program turned into this wonderful op portunity to help us come back together as a community after COVID,” she said. Last year also saw the comple tion of a handful of long-term building projects, including the $18 million Bobcat Athletic Com plex, $20 million American Indian Hall, and $32 million in renova tions to Romney Hall. The $78 million Student Wellness Center, which broke ground in September 2021, is on track to be finished by 2023, Cruzado said.
4 | MSU Student Guide August, 2022 More CRUZADO I 5 KicKstart your morning! 9 E Main St Suite 102 406-696-2455 • coolbeansbozeman.com We use locally roasted coffee by Yellowstone Coffee Roasters Specialty Drinks Ice Cream Milkshakes Easy Eats
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
Looking ahead to the upcoming legisla tive session, Cruzado said MSU would be helping the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education and the Board of Regents with their legislative agenda, including campus budgets.
The cost of housing and living in Boz eman has been a challenge in recruiting and retaining employees for businesses across the city. MSU isn’t immune to those“Thechallenges.bestthing that we can do is to do our best and work very hard to keep and retain the wonderful staff and faculty and employees that we have. That’s num ber one,” Cruzado said. “Number two, we are looking at ways in which we can attract even more local people.”
“We want to make sure that every de cision that we make takes into consider ation where the campus is today but also where is the campus going to be when we are not around 50 years from now, 100 years from now?” she said.
“This is another opportunity that we have identified where our rural commu nities in Montana are deprived of dental health services. And that is something that through this program, we could start pre paring eight dentists every year and fulfill that need in our state,” Cruzado said.
For MSU’s own hiring, Cruzado said the faculty staffing has remained relatively stable, with “some churning there,” while areas like custodial services, culinary services and grounds crews have been more challenging.
When asked about the challenges for graduate students moving to Bozeman, who often rely on stipends or fixed in comes, Cruzado said, “We are trying to get ahead of that concern.”
In the last year, MSU also announced additional donations of $101 million to the Collee of Nursing from Mark and Robyn Jones to expand facilities at five campuses and $50 million to the School of Computing from the Gianforte Family Foundation for a new building.
“Last year we were able to house a good number of our graduate students. And this year our numbers tell us that while we expect a strong student enroll ment, that we are very close to being able to meet demand,” she said.
Cruzado said the university is looking forward to future housing demand, with a feasibility program regularly assessing student housing and where the areas of pressure are. With 6,500 beds available to MSU students, just over 1,000 beds are devot ed to graduate students, including their families, according to MSU spokesman Michael Becker.
“I think we should continue to have some strong numbers but here’s the thing that I like most about what I see preliminarily in the numbers for this year: I see a lot of Montana addresses. I see a lot of Montana students,” she said. She added it meant MSU “continues to be the university of choice.”
MSU Student Guide | 5August, 2022 Cruzado/from 4
Montana State University president Waded Cruzado speaks to media outside Hyalite Hall during MSU’s move-in weekend on Monday, August 23, 2021. The school expected about 4,500 students to move into residence halls over the course of four days. We’ve aptly been called the “Weirdo Store!” and we’re proud of it.
STAFFING, RETENTION AND HOUSING
“That is very sad when industry comes knocking at our door and saying, we need for the university to prepare or to help us with this workforce development area and we have the goodwill, we have the interest but right now don’t have the space to do that,” she Cruzadosaid.said
The university’s decision to renovate Romney and Gaines halls instead of constructing new facilities, she said, was an example of prioritizing what the uni versity had and dedicating new spaces for programs that are growing fast, like computer science programs.
While official enrollment numbers won’t be available until later in the fall, Cruzado said “it’s looking strong.”
Tracy Ellig said the communications department has hired three employees from out-of-state in the last six months. For those positions, people have still been willing to move to Bozeman knowing there are housing challenges because they consider the lifestyle so attractive.
Last fall, the university reported 2,173 graduate students, a new record and an 8% increase from the previous year.
SAMUEL WILSON/CHRONICLE/REPORT FOR AMERICA
it makes sense for Gallatin College to be co-located on MSU’s campus since it’s already “a part of the continuum of degrees that Montana State University can“Ioffer.”think it’s important for the university to convey that message about the impor tance of all educational programs, includ ing two-year programs,” she said. The second project MSU is hoping to get approved is a partnership with the University of Washington School of Den tistry and its Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) program. Montana res idents would do their early coursework at MSU, complete their dental degree at the University of Washington and then return to Montana for their practicum.
Music, Vinyl Records, Toys, Apparel, Gifts, Souvenirs, Incense, Body Jewelry
When asked about balancing cam pus growth in a town where land is at a premium, Cruzado said the balance was of “paramount importance.”
As of early August, there were around 250 jobs posted to MSU’s job board, which includes positions across its cam puses in Bozeman, Billings, Havre and GreatMSUFalls.spokesman
In addition, MSU has two projects it’s hoping to get approved. One is a build ing for MSU Gallatin College, which has its programs dispersed between four locations.“Thisis the only two-year program in the state of Montana that doesn’t have a dedicated building,” Cruzado said. “We would love to have a building for Gallatin College and we would love for that build ing to be right here on campus so that those students could avail themselves of all the student services that the university provides.”Manyof its programs are at or near capacity due to limited space for students.
Cruzado said she has also been in con versation with local business owners in strategizing ways students could balance their school schedule and be employed either by the university or local employ ers to both fill a need and gain experi ence.“So, we are trying to envision what would be that opportunity so that stu dents can be part of the solution but also without having to sacrifice their progress towards a college degree,” Cruzado said.
Doing well on advanced placement tests in high school can give you a boost in college. Scoring a three or above on AP tests can earn you credit at MSU. Furthermore, some AP class-equivalent courses are prereq uisites for higher level classes, which means you can take them earlier in college and not repeat something you have already learned. Be sure to send in your scores to the registrar to receive credit.
Some general education courses fulfill multiple core requirements, which allows students to knock out core re quirements quicker and frees up time to take major-specific classes. For example, a student could take the introductory biochemistry class, which satisfies both the university’s research and natural science inquiry requirements in lieu of taking a course for each requirement. It’s possible for a student to complete up to three requirements in a single class.
LOAD UP Don’t shy away from signing up for a full load of courses. As a general rule, five classes a semester is a good way to set yourself on track for a four-year degree. However, it is important to pay attention to the number of credits offered per class, because some class es have more or less than the average of three credits. Try to take at least 15 credits a semester.
MEET WITH YOUR ADVISER Advisers are your resource to use, so make sure to ask for help. Academ ic advisers can help you plan your schedule, talk about your college path and help you overcome bumps in the road. Try to meet with an adviser at least once a semester to stay on track for graduation.
PICK A MAJOR EARLY ON
DOUBLE DIP CORE CLASSES
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SUMMER CLASSES
Attending school in the summer might sound like a bore, but summer classes are a great way to further your progress toward a degree. Summer classes are typically shorter than their fall and spring counterparts and can help you efficiently work toward com pleting your major. For students who work or leave Bozeman for the sum mer, try an online class.
Getting required core classes out of the way can help you focus on ma jor-specific classes down the road. Additionally, taking a wide array of subjects in the beginning of your col lege career can help you narrow your interests and help you decide a major. Some of the general classes are also prerequisites for higher-level courses.
How to graduate in four years
SAMUEL WILSON/CHRONICLE/REPORT FOR AMERICA
6 | MSU Student Guide August, 2022
A Montana State University graduate shows off her diploma during MSU’s spring 2022 after noon commencement ceremony at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse on Friday, May 13, 2022.
USE YOUR AP SCORES
While this step is not required to graduate in four years, knowing what you want to major in early in college can help in a big way. Having a specific or even general idea of what you wish to focus on will lead you in the right direction toward taking classes needed for your degree. If you know what you want to do, don’t be afraid to declare early and find an adviser.
TAKE GENERAL REQUIREMENTSEDUCATIONFIRST
We are proud to be Local, Independent & Community Owned Join Our Team 20% Discount • Paid Time Off • Benefits Ever yone Welcome
1st, 2nd, 3rd class, ATC, HIMS 711
uce Rober tson,
Main St., Bozeman,
Pallets pollute. P A L L E T F I R E S A R E R E S P O N S I B L E F O R T H O U S A N D S O F N A I L S I N H Y A L I T E P A R K I N G L O T S E A C H Y E A R . R E C R E A T E R E S P O N S I B L Y L E A V E T H E P A L L E T S A T H O M E hyalite.org AVIATION MEDICAL EXAMS
A sign urges students to get vaccinated through University Health Partners on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, outside the Strand Union Building.
MSU will offer COVID-19 testing and vaccines for students
Dr. J. Br MD West MT
59715 (406) 551-2306 Call for an appointment today! MSU Student Guide | 7August, 2022
RACHEL LEATHE/CHRONICLE
As Montana State Univer sity enters the third academic year impacted by COVID-19, many of the precautions have been slimmed down com pared to previous years. Masks are not required on campus. The university has plans to offer COVID-19 test ing and vaccines for students. While the university previously offered a walk-up testing site, it has moved to testing by appointment to students Monday through Friday, according to MSU’s website. Students can sched ule a free test via the patient portalAnyoneonline.can also request free at-home tests from the federal government via covid tests.gov.Ifastudent tests positive with an at-home test, they should report their result to the Gallatin City County Health Department. If they live on-campus, they should contact the student housing office at 406-994-2661 and inform close contacts that might have been exposed. Those who test positive for the virus should isolate. But as of May 13, the university stopped offering isolation housing for students who live on“Itcampus.isrecommended that students limit their expo sure to others by staying in their residence hall room for the recommended period of time. If a student is able to travel home or isolate off-campus, it is recommend ed that they do so,” according to the university’s website. If isolating in the dorms and residence halls, students are encouraged to wear a mask, avoid areasinteractions,face-to-faceavoidcommonandhavemealsdropped off at their door. If they live off-campus, they should stay home and avoid others. As of May 13, the univer sity also implemented a new contact tracing procedure. If students receive a posi tive result at MSU, they can complete a five-minute online survey. They can also call the COVID-19 call center at 406582-3163.Withstudents gone for the summer, COVID-19 vaccines have been on hold on campus from July 13 to August 24 due to minimal requests in June and July. The university said it will reassess vaccine clinics as the start of classes nears. On its COVID website, the university recommends students looking to get a vaccine or booster consult the FDA and CDC recommen dations. Students can also search vaccines.gov to find an open site.
— During the winter months, people who don’t want to downhill ski can cross-country ski, snowshoe or ride a fat bike through this 500-acre tract of private land just north of Bridger Bowl. There are about 30 miles of trails of varying difficulty levels.
Season passes: -Adult season pass — $900 starting on Aug. 1 or $1,000 starting on Nov. 1. -Young adult season pass — $850 starting on Aug. 1 or $950 starting on Nov. 1. -Local’s pass (season pass with some blackout dates)— for adults: $725 starting on Aug. 1 or or $800 starting on Nov. 1.
RYAN BERRY/CHRONICLE
Getting out: A to
guide
BIG SKY RESORT — About an hour from Boze man, opportunities abound for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels at Big Sky Resort.Fifteen percent of the terrain is geared toward beginners, 25% toward intermediate skiers, 42% for advanced skiers and 18% for experts. The ski area lies on, below and around the dramatic Lone Peak, which rises 11,166 feet up from the Madison Range. Visitors can ride 26 chair lifts and 12 surface lifts to access the resort’s 5,850 acres of skiable terrain. On average, over 400 inches of snow falls on the ski area per year. Expert, thrill-seeking skiers and snowboarders who sign in with patrol can ride the Big Couloir — a narrow run that drops 1,400 vertical feet from the Lone Peak Tram at a 35 to 50 degree pitch. Avalanche gear and an experienced partner are required to descend it.
8 | MSU Student Guide August, 2022 DON’T GET PULLED OVER, CALL TODAY FOR 15% OFF! (406) 586-2002 best sandwich in town
A pair of skiers head up to the top of the mountain in a ski lift during Bridger Bowl Ski Area’s opening day in 2019.
skiing and snowboarding around Bozeman
BRIDGER BOWL SKI AREA — A 30-minute drive from Bozeman, Bridger Bowl Ski Area is the closest ski area to Bozeman, boast ing 2,000 acres of skiable terrain in the Bridger Range. Popular among locals and families, Bridger Bowl lies on leased Forest Service land and is run by a non profit. People can ride eight chair lifts, three surface lifts and, in some places, hike to access terrain. Bridger Bowl sees about 300 inches of snowfall a year on average. There is plenty of terrain for beginners and interme diate skiers on the lower mountain, but challenging expert terrain draws droves of experienced skiers to the upper mountain. A chunk of expert terrain called the “ridge” is ung roomed and only accessible by foot from the tops of Bridger and Schlasman’s lifts. Avalanche beacons are required to ascend the ridge and Schlasman’s lift. Shovels and probes are highly recommended.
Season passes: Adult season pass: $210 Student season pass: $190 SKIINGBACKCOUNTRY
Season passes: -Black season pass (ac cess to the mountain every day of the season) — Adult: $1,329 or Young Adult: $1,129Double black season pass (access to the mountain every day of the season with 10 days of access to the Tram) — Adult: $1,869 or Young Adult: $1,429 CROSSCUT MOUNTAIN SPORTS CENTER
— For people who don’t want to pay to ski or snowboard and are willing to put in a little more effort, great turns can be found in the mountain ranges that surround the Bozeman area — most notably, the Gall atin, Madison and Bridger ranges.Skiers and riders should always have a knowl edgeable partner, the proper gear and sufficient avalanche training before heading into the backcoun try. They should always check and assess forecasts from the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center before venturing out.
MSU’s VOICE Center provides confidential support to students
RACHEL LEATHE/CHRONICLE
Students file past the bobcat statue on a rainy Friday afternoon on the Montana State University campus. 2022 Get answers for commonly treated conditions such as indigestion, or flu and cold symptoms from your cellphone, computer or tablet with b2VirtualCare.com today. Dowload the b2 Vir tualCare App to talk to a doc tor after hours, today.
The hotline, which you can call or text, connects people to trained advo cates who can provide confidential support, resources and informa tion, according to the center’s website. It also offers trainings, education and prevention presenta tions and great volunteer opportunities for people who are interested in helping survivors and pre venting relationship and interpersonal violence on campus and in the Boze manThecommunity.VOICECenter is centrally located on the third floor of the Student Union Building, one of the busiest hubs on campus. It offers walk-ins between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays during the regular academic semes ter. Appointments can be made outside of those times as Educationneeded.and pre vention are two major pieces in the puzzle to end relationship and gen der-based violence. The VOICE Center offers pre sentations and resources for individuals and groups to learn more about how to avoid victim-blaming, learn how to intervene safely and effectively and continue to work to change the culture around interpersonal and sexual violence. The center’s workshop topics include consent, gender stereo types and how they play into our day-to-day lives, bystander intervention and the components of a healthy and unhealthy or abusive relationship. In addition to support ing survivors relationship violence or sexual assault, the VOICE Center offers trainings and resources for people who want to be supportive of friends, family members or other loved ones who are survi vors of violence. The VOICE Cen ter also hosts Students Against Sexual Assault, an MSU student group that focuses on building healthy relationships and recognizing and speaking out against all forms of violence. SASA sponsors and hosts events like film screenings, marches and art displays for both the campus community and Bozeman as a whole. More information about the VOICE Center can be found on its web site, edu/oha/voice.http://www.montana.
The VOICE Center offers a 24-hour hotline and a confidential space on campus for anyone experiencing sexual, rela tionship or interpersonal violence or stalking.
MSU Student Guide | 9August,
G e t a n sw e r s f r o m d o c t o r s . N ot so m e ran do s on th e in ter ne t. b2 C a r e s . c o m
Montana State University’s faculty-led study abroad trips return More ABROAD I 11
By LIZ WEBER Chronicle Staff Writer
Brian Smithers and his Montana State University students started their push for the summit of Africa’s second highest peak around 1 a.m., the culmination of a dayslong trek. Heads down and headlamps on, the crew focused on putting one-step in front of the other in the thin moun tain air as they neared the summit of the 17,000-foot see the summit. It was a powerful moment for everybody.”Thestudents suddenly had “an extra bounce in their step” and a renewed dedication to reach the top, he said. Led by Smithers, an al pine ecologist and profes sor in MSU’s department of ecology, it was part of a four-week summer class, “Kenya and the World’s Biomes.” The class was split between two weeks in Bozeman and two weeks in Kenya. The trip was MSU’s first faculty-led study abroad trip since the COVID-19 pandemic started. The pandemic impacted the ability of many students to do a semester abroad, which typically happens in their sophomore or junior year due to con straints for upper-level major“Theycourses.come to college thinking they want to study abroad and then COVID happens. For a number of these students, it was their only chance,” Smithers said of the sum mer study abroad trip. In addition to the five days up and back on Mt. Kenya, the students also explored conservation and game parks, includ ing one where they saw the last two white rhinos.
10 | MSU Student Guide August, 2022 S C A N M E ! F O R T H E L A T E S T J O B O P E N I N G S We offer students: areer opportunities Weekly paychecks Referral bonuses b search assistance rview, and career coaching C .COM/BOZEMANMT PENINGS ON THE EXPRESSJOBS APP
“They will be extinct in (the students’) lifetimes,” Smithers said. “It’s life changing to see these an imals that you read about and see on nature shows. There are things you don’t think you’ll see in reality that the students saw.”
August, 2022 Smithers had originally planned a similar study abroad trip for the sum mer of 2020, which had been in the works since 2019. The class was full of students who had paid for the class, bought plane tickets and received travel visas.While he and the stu dents were disappointed, Smithers said, it was im portant to remember that there were bigger prob lems happening during that time in the pandem ic. Two of the students who had signed up for the original class were able to make the Kenya trip. “A lot of things were sacrificed at the alter of COVID in 2020,” he said. For about half of the 15-student group, it was the first time they left the country, Smithers said.
MSU Student Guide | 11
Upon their return, a handful of students researched different charities and organized donations, according to Smithers.Smithers hopes to hold the Kenya trip every other year and is considering an ocean to mountaintop ex ploration class in Borneo or Costa LookingRica.ahead, there are already quite a few faculty-led trips in the works for the next year or so, according to Toby Blake, MSU’s faculty-led study abroad coordina tor. Some countries with trips in the works include Belize, Australia, New Zealand, United King dom, Tanzania, Morocco and Peru.
Prior to COVID-19, MSU hosted between 10 and 20 faculty-led group trips abroad each year, Blake“Comingsaid. out of COVID, we’re kind of starting from scratch a bit,” he said, adding it was an opportunity to do new and different things.
Abroad/from 10 COURTESY
One new plan could see a handful of MSU study abroad trips open up to alumni or people living in the Bozeman area, Blake said. While the model is in the early planning stages, he said, the uni versity is looking ahead at allowing the general public opportunities to travel with MSU faculty and students. It typically takes profes sors and departments be tween 10 and 12 months to plan and execute a study abroad trip, which can take place during the summer, fall or spring semesters. Many of the trips have projected dates in 2023, but a College of Nursing trip to Tanzania could happen as early as November 2022, accord ing to WithBlake.COVID has come an extra layer of proce dural and compliance steps when planning trips, Blake said. Before the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. State Department might have 10% to 15% of countries on a high travel advisory level. But with the pandemic that has jumped to around 85%, with advisories constantly changing.“Itdoes offer a couple extra layers of security and steps that our office needs to go through,” Blake said. For Smithers, the planning and work are worth it to bring these experiences to students. He recalls a similar trip he took as a student to East Africa.“Itchanged the trajecto ry of my career and I said if I end up in academia this is what I want to do for students,” he said. Liz Weber can be reached at chronicle.comlweber@dailyor582-2633. OF BRIAN SMITHERS
“There’s no substitute for seeing the world,” Smithers said. “I don’t want to pretend that spending two weeks as a student tourist will change the world but it opens people up to how others are living.”
Montana State University ecology professor Brian Smithers took 15 students on a trip to Kenya, the first faculty-led study abroad trip for the university since the pandemic’s start.
$10
OURBANK.com /// 406.585.3800 is only for online account openings, a free gift will be given for in branch openings. $10 will be deposited into new account within 1-2 business days of completion. Bank rules and regulations apply
The local nonprofit Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) operates Streamline at no cost to passengers. All buses are wheelchair accessible. The bus service also accommodates cyclists. Buses are equipped with bike racks and Streamline rents bike lockers on MSU’s campus to keep bikes safe for
Usingcommuters. Bozeman’s transit service More TRANSIT I 13 Visit Us At 12 N. Willson We Are Open • 11am - 11pm Daily!
Bozeman has a free public bus system that picks up passengers on Montana State University’s campus. It has a fleet of buses that zip all around town and to Belgrade, Livingston and BigStreamline’sSky.
THE FARE-FREE SERVICE
canary-yellow buses follow five fixed routes around and out of town every day. There’s also a late night service that runs until 2 a.m. The changes to the service this year offer bidirectional routes — meaning service will travel in both directions instead of a loop, as it has been for more than a decade — and more stops in west Bozeman.
12 | MSU Student Guide August, 2022 SERVING BOZEMAN’S BEST BREAKFAST FOR OVER 20 YEARS Main Street Serving Breakfast & Lunch 9 EAST MAIN • DOWNTOWN BOZEMAN Open 7 Days a Week: Mon-Fri 7am-1pm, Sat & Sun 7am-2pm With valid college ID Not valid with aNy other offers OFF ONE TIME 20%eet 1933338
Book
Streamline’s Blueline travels north and south and stops at MSU, downtown, Walmart, Target and Gallatin Center. The Goldline goes from MSU to west Bozeman, including stops at the Gallatin Valley Mall and in neighborhoods on Fallon Street, North Ferguson Avenue, West Durston Road and West Babcock Street. The Purpleline stops at Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital, in downtown Bozeman, at the Gallatin Valley mall and west to Cottonwood Road. The Brownline stops downtown, at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds then west along Durston Road and Oak Street to Gallatin HighWeekdaySchool.service in Bozeman runs from around 7 a.m. to around 9:30 p.m., depending on the stop. Weekend service operates from around 9 a.m. to around 5 p.m.Streamline also offers a Latenight route, which runs between MSU and downtown with stops on 19th and 8th avenues from around 8 p.m. to around 2 a.m.The Pinkline to and from Belgrade — the home of the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport — stops at Walmart in Bozeman, a park and ride in Belgrade and Belgrade High School. Streamline also offers trips to Livingston, a town of 7,600 and gateway to the Paradise Valley along the Yellowstone River. The service runs seasonally Monday through Friday from 5:50 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. from October 18 through April 15th, 2022. A full schedule of Streamline’s daytime and late night stops are available online at streamlinebus.com. The app RouteShout, available on Apple and Android phones, gives up-to-the-minute information on when buses will arrive or if they’re delayed.
MSU Student Guide | 13August, 2022
RACHEL LEATHE/CHRONICLE
Transit/from
CONNECTING TO THE MOUNTAINS Skyline is a year-round bus service that connects Gallatin Valley to Big Sky Ski Resort. It stops in Bozeman at Walmart, MSU, Four Corners and Gallatin Gateway Inn before heading up the Gallatin Canyon. The route is called The Link Express and is scheduled make two trips back and forth from Big Sky in the morning and the evening everyday until Nov. 21. Skyline also offers routes that make stops in Mountain Village in Big Sky, at area hotels and at Moonlight Basin. More information and pass prices can be found at skylinebus.com 12
Passengers rush to catch a Streamline bus on Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, in downtown Bozeman. same-day,a no wait appointment
online today Fastb2MicroCare.comatconvenientcareforminorailments.b2MicroCare.comNot room.*waitingaverageyour *Unless you are used to waiting** in the comfort of your own home or on your commute to be seen by on of our healthcare experts.
14 | MSU Student Guide August, 2022
By LIZ WEBER Chronicle Staff Writer
Students walk through campus near Montana Hall on Monday, Nov. 29, 2021.
“There’sactivities.alotof continuity in those experiences and its carries through and it’s really powerful,” he said. Liz Weber can be reached at lweber@dailychronicle.com or 582-2633.
As Montana State University prepares for the start of the fall semester at the end of August, it is planning a series of events for returning and new students.
Montana State University to welcome students with event series, including movie night and concert
MSU Debut, which started around a decade ago, and coin cides with move-in weekend on Aug. 20 and the first few weeks of Whileclasses.the events have changed in scale and scope over the years, the goal of connecting students and building commu nity has stayed the same, said Chris Pruden, student engage ment and leadership adviser.
The series of events will launch with a hypnotist on Aug. 20 and culminate in the MSU Debut concert on Sept. 16. The artist has yet to be announced but the concert will be held on Jake Jabs Lawn at 7 p.m. One new event this year will be a movie night on the Rom ney Oval Lawn on Aug. 21 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The scheduled movie is the newest installment in the Harry Potter universe, “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.” A handful of food trucks will also be onsite, with MSU footing the bill for students’Prudenmeals.saidit will also be an opportunity for students to hang out on the Romney lawn again, which has been inacces sible due to the construction and renovation around Romney Hall.In addition to some of the larger events like the con cert, the planning group also scheduled smaller activities for students who might be more drawn to those, Pruden said. “(Those are) more focused on students who want to have a small community building experience,” Pruden said. “We want to make sure their life at MSU is really holistic and not just focused on academics.” Catapalooza, the annual club and business fair, will be on Aug. 22 on the Centennial Mall and Romney Oval from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Over 350 vendors are scheduled to be there. The annual M photo of all incoming freshman will be on Aug. 23 at the Bobcat Stadium and Kagy Practice Field from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. President Waded Cruzado is scheduled to speak to the students, according to “ThatPruden.will be a great wel coming event for students to be exposed to university leadership and have an inspiring message from the president,” Pruden said.Other events include a first day of class ice cream party on Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Centennial Mall; a trivia night on Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. in the SUB Ballrooms; a volunteer day on Aug. 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and singing bingo on September 7 at 7 p.m. in the SUBGoldBallrooms.Rush,the Bobcats’ first home game of the season, will be Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. The annual Rockin the M event will continue this year, with students refreshing the large white ”M” on the hill side overlooking town from the south end of the Bridger Mountains. The university will provide lunch and transporta tion while students paint new rocks on Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.Pruden said Bozeman residents hiking the M trail are encouraged to help out by car rying provided rocks up to the M in the week leading up to the event. Signage at the trailhead will have more details, he said. Pruden, who works with students on a daily basis, said he often hears from them that one of their first memories at MSU is attending one of the Debut events and it inspired them to stay engaged and involved with campus
RACHEL LEATHE/CHRONICLE
MSU Student Guide | 15August, 2022 1-800-445-3328 | SKYFCU.ORG Federally Insured By NCUA Robyn Erlenbush, CRB, Broker/Owner Each of fice indep endently o wne d and op erate d. Offices in Bozeman, Big Sky, Livingston & Ennis ER ALandmark. c om 406 . 5 8 6 .13 21 | in f o@er alandmark. c om “ “ When our MSU student star ted to look for of f- campus housing, we s aw an oppor tunit y to inve st in a great communit y At that point, we turned to ER A Landmark to help us find a great proper t y to purchas e. Our ER A agent was adept at working remotely, being there ever y step of the way. ” Valerie (S eat tle, WA) MARKET EXPERT S to help you make the right investment. COMMUNIT Y MINDED giving back to the community we love. WHY CHOO SE E RA?
16 | MSU Student Guide August, 2022 Good Health star t s with Primar y C are SCLHealt h.org/Bozeman
