Parent & Family
CALENDAR 2021–2022
WELCOME BOBCAT PARENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS We are excited to welcome you to our beautiful campus this fall as new members of our academic community! As Montana State University and the City of Bozeman become home for your student later this year, we have lots of advice for you as parents. It is critical that every student get connected and involved on campus in co-curricular activities as soon as possible. Each fall, we begin the academic year with a number of activities called MSU Debut that connect students to new friends and MSU staff and faculty on campus. Please review these incredible activities at montana.edu/msudebut and encourage your student to attend as many as possible.
If there is anything we can do to support you or your student, please do not hesitate to reach out and contact us. Please take advantage of all of the resources for parents and family members at montana.edu/parents. Best of luck to your new Bobcat!
We believe, and research shows, that student engagement inside and out of the classroom during the first three weeks of the semester is a key component to student success. MSU Debut is just one way for your student to start their involvement on campus. We are fond of saying, “there has never been a better time to be part of the MSU community.” Every day we interact and work with students from all different parts of our campus. And one of the best parts of our jobs at MSU is working closely with you, our parents and family members. At Montana State University we consider our parents and family members critical partners in student success. We know that our students cannot achieve their full potential without the unwavering guidance and support from home.
Matthew R. Caires, Ed.D.
Dean of Students
Erin Macdonald Peck, M.Ed.
Senior Assistant Dean of Students
ALLEN YARNELL CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS Office of Student Success
Career, Internship & Student Employment Services
The Office of Student Success impacts lives by equipping students with the individualized, comprehensive tools and resources necessary for personal growth and academic success through education, engagement and advising. Our tutors offer individual or group tutoring sessions to prepare students for their exams as well as day-to-day course work. Workshops are available for students to refine their habits through time management, note taking, choice architecture, learning management, and more. Success advisors are willing to help in every step of the way to ensure student’s success at the university.
Career, Internship & Student Employment Services provides opportunities for students to develop skills and strategies to identify their purpose and passion in order to design their professional career path. We establish and maintain mutually beneficial partnerships with employers in order to ensure our students have internship and post-graduation opportunities that meet their interests and goals. In addition to designing a career path, students can schedule an appointment with a career coach to practice their interviewing skills, have their resume critiqued and to find student employment opportunities.
Office of Financial Education The Office of Financial Education develops responsible, financially literate and independent students through group workshops and individualized programs and support so they can define and achieve their life goals. We assist students with understanding their student bill, student loans and FAFSA, building a budget, savings goals and future investing and retirement. Our Financial Coaches are here to help your student "live like a college student today, so they don't have to tomorrow."
Open Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Located in SUB 177 Check out our website for more details: montana.edu/aycss
Stay updated on our events and news: Facebook: MSUSuccess | Instagram: @montanastate_success
GET INVOLVED. GET CONNECTED. OWN YOUR EXPERIENCE.
The first year is pivotal in the academic, social, and emotional development of students entering their undergraduate career. In particular, experiences encountered in the first six weeks significantly influence a student’s academic commitment and engagement with the university community. MSU Debut was built to advance student engagement opportunities, integrate university programs and services to optimize the undergraduate experience, and guide students to craft their identity as a college student. Visit montana.edu/msudebut for a full schedule of events.
AUGUST Here Comes Move-In!
Tips for Staying in Touch
Finding a Place on Campus
Confirm your family’s travel plans and the move-in date, time and procedure. Your student can coordinate with roommate(s) about what to bring to their assigned residence. The room will be small so it’s a good idea not to over-shop — you can always buy/order necessary items later.
Talk to your student ahead of time about how (and how often) you will communicate. Let them suggest a day of the week and time for a regular call or video chat. By making a communication plan, you’ll be sure to touch base regularly while still giving your student space to adjust to their new routine.
Joining clubs, teams and organizations is a great way for students to make friends and build a connection to their new community. They can pursue existing interests or try something new. In general, engaged students are happier — and get better grades, too!
1 SUN 2 MON 3 TUE 4 WED 5 THU 6 FRI 7 SAT 8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21 Move into the Residence Hall
22
23
Move into the Residence Hall
Catapalooza from 10a.m.–3p.m. at the Centennial Mall
29 Sorority Recruitment
30
24
25 Fall 2021 Classes Begin
26
27 Sorority Recruitment Register here: montana.edu/fslife
31 Last Day to Add a Class Online
Notes
28
MONTH SEPTEMBER Adjusting to College-Level Work
Keeping Peace with Roommates
College academics are a lot harder than high school and your student may struggle at first. Encourage them to attend every class and go to study/review sessions as well as their professors’ office hours. The writing center is a great resource.
Encourage your student to talk to their roommate(s) early to establish expectations about cleaning, guests, noise, etc. Communication and compromise will prevent minor conflicts from turning into bigger ones. It’s also good to get to know the RA (Resident Assistant/Advisor) on their floor. RAs are there to help!
How to Help a Homesick Student • Remember that, even though it hurts, homesickness is normal. Settling in takes time. • Be a sounding board — listen and ask questions. • Don’t panic over every call or text. Your student may just need to vent after a hard day. • Encourage your student to check out residence hall and campus activities.
MON
SUN 5
6
7
(no classes, offices closed)
13
8
9
10
Last Day to Add a Class
Labor Day
12
TUE 1 WED 2 THU 3 FRI 4 SAT
Goldrush: Bobcat Football vs. Drake
Last Day to Drop a Class Online
14
15
16
17
Last Day to Drop without a “W” Grade
20
21
22
23
26
27
28
29
30
Notes Don't miss these dor essentials plus seasonal products we love collegiateparent.com/marketplace
18 Bobcat Football vs. San Diego
19
m
11
24
25
OCTOBER Finding a Healthy Routine
Time to Renew Financial Aid
Your Student’s Academic Advisor
It's especially important in the Covid-19 era to have regular conversations with your student about health and wellness. Sleep is key and most students don’t get enough. Regular exercise is also essential to physical and mental health and for managing stress. Remind your student to pile on the veggies in the dining hall, keep healthy snacks on hand, and steer clear of fast food and too much caffeine.
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is available after Oct. 1. Students renewing aid, or applying for the first time, must complete this each year. Find details (including important deadlines) on the college website.
Students typically meet with their advisors once per term. In addition to course selection, advisors can help your student set long-term academic goals and stay on track to an ontime graduation. Your student should make the most of this important relationship!
SUN
MON
WED
TUE
THU 1
FRI 2 SAT
Parent and Family Weekend Registration at the Museum of the Rockies 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Lecture in the SUB Ballrooms 4–5 p.m
5
6
Reception in Inspiration Hall 5–6 p.m
7
8
Bobcat Football vs. Northern Colorado Tailgate Dessert Reception at the Museum of the Rockies 6–8 p.m.
3
4
9
Parent and Family Weekend
Homecoming Week
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Bobcat Football vs. Cal Poly
Bobcat Football vs. Idaho State
24
25
31
26
27
28
29
30
Notes
CARE WHERE YOU NEED IT. Belgrade
|
Big Sky
|
Bozeman
|
BozemanHealth.org
NOVEMBER Midterm Reality Check
Countdown to Thanksgiving
The Privacy of Student Records
If your student’s midterm exam grades were disappointing, their self-confidence may be shaken. Your response can affect whether they view a low grade as a sign of their ability (“I guess that’s the best I can do”) or useful information about what works and what doesn’t, along with an opportunity to improve their study routine.
Confirm travel plans with your student and discuss if the Snowmester is right for them. This would also be a good time to revisit "house rules" to avoid conflict about curfew, car use, etc.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is why parents don’t have automatic access to their college student’s grades. Talk to your student about their academic goals. If you’d like to see their grades and your student agrees, your student may create a ShareLink account for you.
SUN 1 MON 2 TUE 3 WED 4 THU 5 FRI 6 SAT
7
8
9
10
11
12
Bobcat Football vs. Idaho
Veterans Day
(no classes, offices closed)
14
15
16
17
13 John Deer Ag Expo
18
19
20
25
26
27
Last Day to Drop with a “W” Grade
21
22
23
24
30
Thanksgiving Holiday
(offices closed Nov. 25th–26th)
28
Notes
29
DECEMBER How’s the Budget?
Powering Through Finals
Next Year’s Housing
Winter break is a good time to review your student’s fall spending and tweak their budget. If their bank balance is low, they might consider applying for a campus job next semester. In general, students who work part-time do better academically than those who don’t.
You may not hear much from your student as they wrap up their semester's work. Show your support by mailing a care package with healthy snacks, Vitamin C drops, something cozy to wear in cooler weather (fuzzy socks, a scarf or hat), and a note of love and encouragement.
Is your student reaching out to potential roommates? What’s the timeline to apply for on-campus housing? If they will move off campus, what are the options? Be prepared to offer advice about conducting a safe and thorough off-campus housing search, reviewing the lease, etc.
MON
SUN
TUE 1 WED 2 THU 3 FRI 4 SAT
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Last Day of Fall Semester
Fall 2021 Commencement
23
24
19
20
21
22
Christmas Day
Snowmester Classes Begin
26
27
25
28
Notes Join CollegiateParent's Private Facebook Group
29
30
31
JANUARY New Year’s Resolutions
Campus Health Resources
Opportunities and Applications
Your student learned a lot about how to “do college” last fall. Now they can put these insights to good use. Help them recognize areas of strength they can build on and set some new goals: to join a club or team, go to faculty office hours more often, find a volunteer opportunity, visit the career center.
On top of Covid-19 concerns, winter challenges our immune systems as seasonal colds and the flu circulate. You and your student can visit the MSU website to review health services available on campus. They should have a first aid kit with thermometer and basic over-the-counter remedies, and know how to tell when an illness is serious enough to seek professional care.
During the winter, information about RA (Resident Advisor) positions, study abroad, Undergraduate Research Opportunities (UROPs), orientation leader selection, summer internships and fellowships, and more becomes available. Encourage your student to keep their eyes open!
SUN
MON
TUE
THU
WED
FRI 1 SAT New Year's Day
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Last day of Snowmester
16
17
18
19
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
20
21
22
27
28
29
Spring 2022 Classes Begin
(no classes, offices closed)
23
24
25
30
31
26
Notes
CARE WHERE YOU NEED IT. Belgrade
|
Big Sky
|
Bozeman
|
BozemanHealth.org
FEBRUARY Tending to Mental Health
What’s Your Major?
A Home Away from Home
Sometimes the “winter blues” turn into Seasonal Affective Disorder. If your student is feeling low, encourage them to visit campus counseling/mental health services. A light box or lamp, outdoor exercise, social interaction and healthy eating will help boost their mood.
It’s common for students to start college undecided, or to change majors once they get there. Choosing a major can be stressful. Remember that your student will be most successful if they study what they love. Encourage them to explore a variety of subject areas and take advantage of academic and career advising resources.
It can take a while for students to settle in and find their place. Encourage your student to make intentional connections with new people through activities and maybe a campus job. Exploring the town and surrounding area is another way to begin putting down roots.
SUN
MON 1 TUE 2 WED 3 THU 4 FRI 5 SAT
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
Presidents’ Day
(no classes, offices closed)
27
Notes
28
MARCH Internships and Summer Options
A Four-Year Plan
Exploring Campus Career Services
Summer internships expose students to careers they might (or might not) like and provide important hands-on experience. Encourage your student to research possibilities and apply. Summer can also be a chance to travel or study abroad, volunteer, take a class or two…even start their own business!
Your student's spring advising meeting is a good time for them to do a credit audit and double-check requirements to make sure they're taking the right courses in the right order to graduate on time.
The career center is where your student can access online job and internship listings, connect with alumni mentors, attend resumé and interview workshops, and much more. Help your student prepare for job interviews by making sure they have a few pieces of professional clothing in their wardrobe.
SUN
MON 1 TUE 2 WED 3 THU 4 FRI 5 SAT Service Saturday
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19 26
Spring Break
(no classes, offices open)
20
21
22
23
24
25
27
28
29
30
31
Notes
m
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APRIL With a Plan, They Can Do It All
Reducing Stress During Finals
Preparing to Move Out
Encourage your student to use a calendar or spreadsheet to map out remaining projects/papers (breaking big things into smaller tasks). Half an hour of planning now will help them stay organized and avoid panic. And remind them that it’s never too late to seek out help in classes where they’re struggling.
Whether it’s tossing a frisbee or petting a therapy dog, brief mental breaks (15–20 minutes) improve performance on prolonged tasks like studying for exams. Your student should also continue to make time for their favorite exercise class, coffee with a friend, or any activity that helps them stay centered.
Confirm your student’s travel arrangements (plane, train, bus, driving itinerary). Will they ship or store belongings? If they have questions about move-out timing and expectations, they can ask their RA.
SUN
MON
WED
TUE
THU 1
FRI 2 SAT
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
University Day
(no classes, offices open)
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Notes
CARE WHERE YOU NEED IT. Belgrade
|
Big Sky
|
Bozeman
|
BozemanHealth.org
MAY The Wrap-Up • Is their fall course schedule finalized? • Are housing arrangements in place? • Can they sell old textbooks and buy used books for fall classes now? • Have they lined up a campus job for next year?
Saying Goodbye
Welcome Home
Your student should make sure to read all school emails about year-end requirements (returning library materials, paying outstanding fees, etc.). Their room should be left clean with furniture returned to its original location. If you’ll help at move-out, be prepared for it to take longer than you might expect; build in time for them to say goodbye to their friends.
You may notice that the person who moves back home isn’t exactly the same one who left in the fall. This is a wonderful, more mature version of the child you’ve loved for so long. Enjoy getting to know one another again.
1 SUN 2 MON 3 TUE 4 WED 5 THU 6 FRI 7 SAT 8 15
9 16
10
11
12
13
Last Day of Spring Semester
Spring 2022 Commencement
14
17
18
19
20
21
26
27
28
May-start 4x4 Session
22
23
24
25
29
30
31
Notes
JUNE Your Family Reunited
Reentry Tips
If They’re Not Home This Summer
Small things can make your student’s return feel special: dinner at their favorite restaurant, new linens for their childhood bedroom, a family bonding activity like mini golf, a backyard BBQ with old friends and neighbors.
It may take a while for your household to reestablish a comfortable routine. As you negotiate chores, food shopping and meals, car use and curfew, try to be flexible. Remember that your student has been managing life on their own. Encourage their independence by letting go — just a little.
Plan a visit for later in the break after they’ve settled in at their job or internship. What if the position doesn’t live up to their high hopes? Help them brainstorm solutions to their challenges; resist the urge to try to “fix things” for them.
MON
SUN
TUE 1 WED 2 THU 3 FRI 4 SAT
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18 25
June-start 4x4 Session
19
20
21
22
23
24
26
27
28
29
30
Notes
m
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JULY Nurture a Growth Mindset
Find Time for Money Lessons
Summer Bucket List
When your student reflects on the past school year, listen for signs that they may have a “fixed mindset” about their abilities. If you hear “I’m just not good at…,” remind them of times they’ve persevered through a challenge and seen results. Praise their effort and learning, rather than the outcome (their grades).
Sit down with your student to make a budget for the next school year (this is a good rainy day activity). Be clear about how much you expect them to contribute to their expenses. Are they ready for their own credit card? Explain the importance of keeping the account in good standing and help them research card options.
Everyone’s busy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put a few fun things on the family calendar. Get tickets to a concert or sporting event, plan a camping or a road trip, or set a fitness goal with your student that you can train toward together.
SUN 3
MON 4
WED
TUE
THU 1
FRI 2 SAT
5
6
7
8
9
12
13
14
15
16
Independence Day
(offices closed)
10
11 July-start 4x4 Session
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Notes
CARE WHERE YOU NEED IT. Belgrade
|
Big Sky
|
Bozeman
|
BozemanHealth.org
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CollegiateParent has published this calendar to share insider information about the college parenting experience and highlight campus and community resources. It is brought to you by Montana State University. Please refer to the school’s website, montana.edu, for updates or clarifications to the university information and dates in the calendar. This publication was made possible by the businesses and professionals contained within it. The presence of university/college logos and marks does not mean that the publisher or school endorses the products or services offered by the advertisers. ©2021 CollegiateParent. All rights reserved.
Contact
Phone
Office Hours
Admissions
(406) 994-2452
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success
(406) 994-7627
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Ask Us Desk
(406) 994-4636
6:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m.
Bobcat Parent & Family Program
(406) 994-7359
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Bookstore
(406) 994-2811
7:45 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Sat. 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Dean of Students
(406) 994-2826
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Financial Aid
(406) 994-2845
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
First Interstate Bank
(406) 586-0757
7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Health Services
(406) 994-2311
8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Office of the Registrar
(406) 994-6650
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Office of Student Engagement
(406) 994-2933
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Orientation
(406) 994-2827
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Parent & Family Hotline
(406) 994-7359
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Residence Life
(406) 994-2661
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
University Business Services
(406) 994-1991
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
University Police
(406) 994-2121
24 hours per day 7 days per week
Parent & Family
CALENDAR IMPORTANT DATES 2021–2022 All dates subject to change, please check university websites for current information.
2021 Fall Semester
2022 Spring Semester
August 25
Classes begin
January 14
Last Day of Snowmester
August 31
Last day to add classes online using MyInfo
January 17
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (no classes, offices closed)
September 6
Labor Day Holiday (no classes, offices closed)
January 19
Classes begin
September 8
Last day to add classes with an add/drop form or online using MyInfo
February 21
Presidents’ Day Holiday (no classes, offices closed)
March 14–18
Spring Break (no classes, offices open)
September 15
Students who have not confirmed their bill (paid fees) will be dropped from their classes at 4:30 p.m. Last day to drop classes without a grade
April 15
University Day (no classes, offices open)
September 16
Dropped classes are graded “W”
May 12
Last day of classes
October 1–3
Parent and Family Weekend
May 13
Spring 2022 Commencement
November 11
Veterans Day Holiday (no classes, offices closed)
November 22–26
Thanksgiving Holiday (no classes, offices closed Nov. 25th and 26th)
December 16
Classes end
STAY CONNECTED ALL YEAR LONG
December 17
Fall Commencement 2021
Subscribe to Bobcat Bulletin, a weekly e-newsletter, at montana.edu/bobcatbulletin.
December 20
Snowmester Classes Begin
Montana State: facebook.com/montanastate Twitter @montanastate
Parent Page: facebook.com/msupfa Instagram: Montanastateuniversity