MTSU 2024-25 Parent & Family Guide

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About This Guide

CollegiateParent has published this guide in partnership with Middle Tennessee State University. Our goal is to share helpful, timely information about your student’s college experience and connect you to relevant campus and community resources.

Please refer to the school’s website and contact information below for updated information in the guide or with questions about its contents. CollegiateParent is not responsible for omissions or errors. This publication was made possible by the businesses and professionals contained within it. The presence of university/college logos and marks in the guide does not mean that the publisher or school endorses the products or services offered by the advertisers.

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For more information, please contact New Student and Family Programs

P.O. Box 61

Murfreesboro, TN 37132

(615) 898-2454

mtsu.edu/nsfp

Welcome to MTSU

We at Middle Tennessee State University embrace our role as the destination of choice for Tennessee undergraduates while expanding our reach nationally and internationally through signature programs and select master’s and doctoral programs.

We have a wide variety of nationally recognized academic degree programs at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels. The University has eight undergraduate colleges, offering more than 40 departments and more than 140 degree programs. Our College of Graduate Studies offers more than 100 degree programs.

When we say, “I am True Blue,” it affirms that we are part of a tight-knit community of fellow students, professors, staff, and supporters, all working for your student’s progress and success.

We offer terrific opportunities, exceptional value, and a beautiful campus. Our undergraduates get realworld experiences that other universities offer only to graduate students.

Your student’s classroom may be behind a camera at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, combing an archeological dig site, helping patients on an

underwater treadmill, or adjusting a robot just like those used at state-ofthe-art manufacturing facilities.

MTSU is the No. 1 provider of graduates to the Greater Nashville economy. We are also a top choice among first-generation students, adults (ages 25 and up), veterans and transfers. I think this illustrates how our university serves to help so many people reach their education goals.

We have completed more than $1.5 billion in new construction and improvements on our campus over the last two decades, highlighted by our $147 million state-of-the-art Science Building, the crown jewel of our threebuilding Science Corridor of Innovation.

We just opened a cutting-edge, $40.1-million building to house our growing Concrete and Construction Management program. This 54,000 square-foot facility is six times larger

MTSU has more than 140 undergraduate programs of study and over 100 graduate programs.

than its previous home and will offer high-tech facilities for this innovative and industry-favored program. And just next door and under construction is a $74.8 million, 90,000 square-foot structure for our Applied Engineering programs.

These investments have provided a remarkable combination of top-notch classroom, research, laboratory, study, and gathering spaces designed to encourage faculty and student interaction.

We are extremely grateful and honored to be entrusted with something as important as the education of your student. On behalf of our university, we are pleased to welcome you as new members of our True Blue community.

Sincerely,

Sidney A. McPhee President

Student/faculty ratio: 17:1

Financial Aid Awarded: 72.9% of MTSU students in Fall '23 received an average aid award of $6,612

School Team Name: Blue Raiders

School Colors: Blue and White

Athletic Mascot: Lightning

NCAA Division I Teams: 17

Motto: I am True Blue.

№ 1 Producer of college graduates for the greater Nashville economy.

№ 1 Choice for transfer students, degree-seeking adults, and TN veterans.

New Student Checklist

Welcome to the Middle Tennessee State University community! We are so excited that you are joining the Blue Raider family. Here is a checklist to help your newly admitted student navigate the enrollment process.

Submit final transcripts after graduation

Create your password by clicking on “Password Management” at mtsu.edu/email and follow the instructions provided

Use your newly created password to access your PipelineMT and MTSU Email Account

Submit proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the US

Submit proof of immunization to Health Services

Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student A id (FAFSA)

Complete placement testing (if applicable)

Apply for Housing

Register for CUSTOMS new student orientation

Pay fees and confirm class schedule

Pick up your parking pass

Get your Blue ID

Scan the QR code to access a virtual checklist for your newly enrolled student!

Scan the QR code to learn more about joining the Parent and Family Association.

Parent and Family Association

The Parent and Family Association would like to welcome you to the MTSU family!

The MTSU Parent and Family Association exists to provide a support network for parents and families of incoming and current MTSU students. We believe that their success would not be possible without your support and the support they will receive here on campus. We want to ensure that we are providing you with adequate support as members of the True Blue Family. Join our Facebook Group and start connecting with other families today: Facebook.com/groups /MTSU.PFA !

We are always accepting new members. Dues are $30 annually, or a $60 one-time fee good for the entire time your student(s) is/are enrolled at MTSU. You can join online any time at mtsu.edu/parents

What you will receive as a member of the Parent and Family Association:

ȍ A Welcome Kit full of MTSU Proud Parent and Family Member Gear

ȍ Monthly eNewsletters designed to keep parents up to date on happenings at MTSU

ȍ Very Important Parent (VIP) discount card offering discounts to hotels, restaurants, and bookstores in the Murfreesboro area

ȍ Access to scholarship opportunities for your student

Family Weekend

Family Weekend gives you a wonderful opportunity to visit MTSU and learn more about the campus where your student’s college life is happening. Enjoy all the events and have a good time together! Please visit mtsu.edu/parents for up to date information about the weekend.

The College Transition

As your student begins their academic journey at Middle Tennessee State University, they will face a period of transition that will be both exciting and challenging. Your support is vital during this adjustment to college life. To help you prepare, we have outlined several common issues students face and strategies you can use to be supportive.

Challenges in the Classroom

When challenges inevitably arise in the classroom—whether that be difficulty understanding a new concept, a bad grade on an assignment, or a personal issue that impacts academic performance—encourage your student to talk to their professors. Professors are present to teach and to guide students, and they can assist students with any challenges they face. If your student encounters a roadblock in the classroom, encourage them to communicate any issues with their professor. Students can speak to professors during office hours, via email, or even before or after class. Encourage your student to view their professor as an ally in their academic success. Professors cannot help if they do not know a student is struggling.

Scan to learn about MTSU’s Office of Student Success’ free tutoring services for students.

Scan to learn about how the University Writing Center helps students hone their writing skills.

Time Management

Time management is a crucial skill that college students must foster to be successful inside and outside of the classroom. Many first-year students find that developing time management skills is a challenge. The rigor of college coursework and the expectations students place on themselves can leave many feeling overwhelmed when they struggle to balance the demands of their new schedule. Encourage your student to set healthy boundaries and priorities. Many students find that planners, agendas, and to-do lists help to keep them on track, while others prefer to rely on a daily routine. Encourage your student to develop a method of time management that helps them to be productive and establish a healthy school-life balance.

Scan to learn about MTSU’s Health Coaching on exercise, stress and time management, and more!

Homesickness

Many new students experience homesickness after moving away to college. Going away to college is the first time that many young adults leave their families to experience newfound independence and responsibility. Homesickness is a normal feeling for new students to have, and family members play a key role in helping their students to process these feelings. You can help make the transition easier for your student by setting expectations before your student leaves for college. Encourage your student to be open to the new experiences and people they will encounter. Set expectations for how often you and your student want to check in. And help your student identify ways they can combat their homesickness, like setting up a weekly Facetime call with family or packing a favorite blanket or other sentimental item to take to college.

Getting Involved

Did you know that a student’s involvement in social activities is one of the biggest indicators of whether they will persist until graduation? Forming peer-to-peer connections has a positive correlation with increased academic performance, student involvement, and mental wellbeing. Meeting new people and making new friendships can be daunting, but MTSU has over 300 student organizations and clubs to help get students involved outside of the classroom. MTSU also has Greek Life, intermural and club sports, volunteer groups, honors societies, pre-professional groups and much more!

Taking the first step to meet new people when arriving at college can be intimidating, but each semester MTSU hosts student programming called Connection Points to help students meet new people. Connection Point events give new and returning students an opportunity to interact with other MTSU students and have fun! Our students have ice skated, played laser tag, sang karaoke, tailgated, attended concerts, danced the night away, and painted the Commons. Encourage your student to get involved on campus and attend as many Connection Point events as possible!

Scan to learn about the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership and how your student can get involved on campus.

Scan to see the upcoming Connection Point calendar.

What Families Need to Know about FERPA

We believe that students are best served by a learning environment that meets their needs as individuals through the integration of student life services and academic programs. Similarly, we believe that many students may also benefit from their participation in a collaborative partnership that includes the student, their family or advocates, and the MTSU staff.

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 is a federal law that affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. FERPA protects the student privacy by allowing students to control who has access to their educational records. This means that students determine who can see their academic or financial records. The MT One Stop will not be able to share any information with you unless your student has granted you permission to be a part of our Partners In Education (PIE) program or an Authorized User.

Joining the Partners In Education (PIE) Program

The Partners In Education (PIE) program helps address the needs of students by creating a partnership, fostering communication between students, their families, and the University. The PIE program allows students to grant access to another individual to request information about issues such as grades, attendance, or financial aid.

To participate in the Partners In Education (PIE) program, a student simply clicks on the “Partners in Education (PIE)” link in PipelineMT. Students will set a PIN number that their PIE Partner must provide to the

MT One Stop when requesting information. The student may remove the authorization at any time by simply returning to this link. Please note that this program does not provide the PIE partner with online access to student information or access to health and counseling records. All information requests are fulfilled through the MT One Stop. If you have questions regarding Partners in Education (PIE), please contact the MT One Stop at MTOneStop@mtsu.edu or visit the One Stop in the Student Services and Admissions Center (SSAC).

Becoming an Authorized User

A PIE Partner does not have access to view or pay a student’s bill. The Authorized User program allows students to grant access to another individual to view bills, pay balances or view 1098-T statements by creating an Authorized User account via PipelineMT. Students can add an Authorized User by clicking on the “Billing & Payment” tab and selecting the “Authorized User Setup Icon” in their PipelineMT account.

Once a student authorizes a user, the user will receive an email with a password and a URL to sign on and set up a personal password. Authorized Users can also log in at the Parent/Guardian payment link found at w1.mtsu.edu then select Quick Links.

Scan to learn more about the PIE program.

Scan to learn more about how to set up an Authorized User.

MT One Stop

The MT One Stop provides integrated services in the areas of financial aid, registration, tuition, billing, and transcripts. We are here to assist students with all their enrollment needs!

The MT One Stop is located on the second floor of the Student Services and Admissions Center, connected by a bridge to the MTSU Student Union Building. If you are unable to come in person to receive assistance, the One Stop staff works hard to answer emails in one business day or less, so send your questions to MTOneStop@mtsu.edu . You can also contact our Call Center at (615) 898-2111 for general questions and assistance. Parents and family members, if you contact the One Stop on behalf of your student make sure you are an active Partner in Education. You’ll need your PIN number if you contact the One Stop about your student’s records!

Want to speak face-to-face with an Enrollment Coordinator but can’t make the trip to campus?

Try the MT One Stop Virtual Counter via Zoom, which is available Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.

Housing

Your student has the option to live either on campus or off campus.

We strongly encourage students to live on campus during their first year because research shows that students who live on campus have a higher retention rate, on average, than their off-campus peers. However, your student will need to select the housing situation that works best for them. Here is some information about MTSU’s housing options:

On-Campus Housing:

Campus Housing provides your student with opportunities for growth, development, and learning outside of the classroom. We are so much more than a roof over your student’s head! We invite your student to become a part of campus life by joining one of our many Living Learning Communities, participating in their hall’s Programming Council or simply attending one of their RA’s programming events. There are so many ways to contribute to this vibrant community!

Housing applications open in September of each year for the following academic year. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all beds are filled. Freshmen are not required to live on campus , so they will need to apply for on-campus housing if they intend to live on campus.

Off-Campus Housing:

There are many different living arrangements for students off campus. MTSU does not endorse or operate any apartment complexes or housing options located off campus. You and your student will need to do some research to see what arrangement may be best for them. Many have transportation to and from campus, and various living arrangements are available. For a list of off campus housing complexes, please visit offcampushousing.mtsu.edu .

We welcome you and your student to explore mtsu.edu/housing to find out more about on-campus living.

Campus Map

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Parking and Transportation Services office is located in the Parking Services Building (PTS). Use map for reference only. Please refer to signage and/or pavement markings for specific designations.

Color code for parking designation

Faculty, Staff, Administration (white permit)

Green Permit Parking

Disabled Parking (blue permit)

Red Permit Parking (MTSU Housing residents only)

Open to currently enrolled students. A green, red, or handicap pass is required

Metered parking

Skywalk Motorcycle

Construction Seek Alternate

Map is subject to change. See legend on next page.

Campus Map Legend

For the most current map, please visit mtsu.edu/parking/documents/parking-map.pdf

ACB Academic Classroom Building, 1751 MTSU Boulevard, D3

ALOF Alumni Office, 2263 Middle Tennessee Boulevard, A5

ALUM Alumni House, 2259 Middle Tennessee Boulevard, A5

AMG Alumni Memorial Gym, 2610 Middle Tennessee Boulevard, B3

BAS Business and Aerospace Building, 1642 MTSU Boulevard, D4

BDA Boutwell Dramatic Arts Building, 615A-615B Champion Way, C3

BH Beasley Hall, 323 Friendship Street, C5

BLH Black House, 1417 East Main Street, C6

BRAGG John Bragg Media and Entertainment Building, 1735 Blue Raider Drive, D4

CAB Cope Administration Building, 315 Visitor’s Circle, B5

CH College Heights Building, 1601 East Main Street, C6

CKNB Cason-Kennedy Nursing Building, 610 Champion Way, C3

COE College of Education Building, 1756 MTSU Boulevard, D4

COGN Central Utility Plant/Cogeneration Plant, 729 Champion Way, C2

CORL Corlew Hall, 1634 MTSU Boulevard, C3

CSB Central Services Building, 1835 Alumni Drive, E5

DH Deere Hall, 1619 Alumni Drive, D5

DSB Davis Science Building, 422 Old Main Circle, C4

DYS Tennessee Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia, 200 North Baird Lane, C6

EHS Ellington Human Sciences Building, 2623 Middle Tennessee Boulevard, A2

EMAIN 1403 East Main Street, B6

FAIR Fairview Building, 820 Fairview Avenue, A1

FH Forrest Hall, 543 Champion Way, C3

GH Greenhouse, 1724 Lightning Way, D3

GRH Gracy Hall, 321 Friendship Street, C5

HARR Harrison House, 1416 East Main Street, B6

HC Horticulture Facility, 1714 Lightning Way, D3

HMA Housing Maintenance Annex, 657 Founders Lane, D3

HOB Holmes Building (Maintenance Complex), 836 Champion Way, D2

HONR Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building, 1737 Blue Raider Drive, D4

ING Sam H. Ingram Building, 2269 Middle Tennessee Boulevard, A5

JACK Tom H. Jackson Building, 628 Alma Mater Drive, B3

JCH Jim Cummings Hall, 1744 MTSU Boulevard, D3

JH Jones Hall, 624 Old Main Circle, C3

JUB James Union Building, 516 Alma Mater Drive, B4

JUDD Judd Hall, 217 Friendship Street, C5

KOM Kirksey Old Main, 612 Old Main Circle, B3

KSHF Emmett and Rose Kennon Sports Hall of Fame, 1320 Greenland Drive, B2

KUC Keathley University Center, 1524 Military Memorial, C4

LH Lyon Hall, 414 Alma Mater Drive, B4

LIB James E. Walker Library, 1611 Alumni Drive, D5

LRC Ned McWherter Learning Resources Center, 1558 Military Memorial, C4

LYTL Lytle House, 1114 East Lytle Street, A5

MARY Miss Mary Hall, 414 Alma Mater Drive, B4

MB McFarland Building, 654 Founders Lane, D3

MC Murphy Center, 2650 Middle Tennessee Boulevard, B2

MCH McHenry Hall, 414 Alma Mater Drive, B4

MEC Andrew Woodfin Miller, Sr. Education Center, 503 Bell Street, (See inset at top right)

MGB E.W. Midgett Building, 612 Old Main Circle, B3

MOH Monohan Hall, 312 Alma Mater Drive, B5

NEO Naked Eye Observatory, 346 Old Main Circle, B4

NICK Nicks Hall, 1715 Alumni Drive, D5

OBS Observatory, 346 Old Main Circle, C5

PCS Homer Pittard Campus School, 923 East Lytle Street, A4

PH Peck Hall, 537 Old Main Circle, B4

PHLP Project Help, 206 North Baird Lane, C5

PSB Printing Services Building, 1756 Greenland Drive, D2

PTS Parking and Transportation Services, 205 City View Drive, F6

REC Health, Wellness, and Recreation Center (Health Services located inside the HWRC), 1848 Blue Raider Drive, E4

REH Reynolds Hall, 312 Alma Mater Drive, B5

RH Rutledge Hall, 526 Alma Mater Drive, B3

ROTX ROTC Annex, 531 Champion Way, C4

SAG Stark Agriculture Center, 651 Founders Lane, D3

SBCH Stephen B. Smith Baseball Clubhouse, 641 Champion Way, C2

SCA Scarlett Commons Apartments 1-9, 1858 MTSU Boulevard, E3

SCC Sports Club Complex, 2111 East Main Street, F7

SCCM School of Concrete and Construction Management, 1723 Blue Raider Drive, D5

SCH Schardt Hall, 312 Alma Mater Drive, B5

SCI Science Building, 440 Friendship Street, C5

SCP Satellite Chiller Plant, 215 College Heights, C5

SFA Saunders Fine Arts Building, 629 Normal Way, C3

SIMS Sims Hall, 215 Friendship Street, C5

SL Soils Lab, C6

SMH Smith Hall, 318 Old Main Circle, C5

SSAC Student Services and Admissions Center, 1860 Blue Raider Drive, E4

STRO Strobel Lobby, C4

STU Student Union Building, 1768 MTSU Boulevard, E4

TB Telescope Building, 1852 MTSU Boulevard, F4

TENN Buck Bouldin Tennis Center, 1210 Greenland Drive, B1

TCM Telecommunications Building, 732 Champion Way, D2

TLC Tennessee Livestock Center, 1720 Greenland Drive, D2

TODD Andrew L. Todd Hall, 542 Old Main Circle, C4

UP University Police, 1412 East Main Street, B6

VA Vocational Agriculture, 1704 Lightning Way, D3

VET Voorhies Engineering Technology, 1212 Faulkinberry Drive, B3

WANH Internal Audit (Wansley House), 209 North Baird Lane, C6

WC Woodmore (featuring Chris Young Café), 319 Friendship Street, C5

WH Warehouse (Maintenance Complex), 1672 Greenland Drive, D1

WLA Womack Lane Apartments A-L, 1815 Alumni Drive, E5

WMB Wright Music Building, 1439 Faulkinberry Drive, C3

WPS Wiser-Patten Science Hall, 422 Old Main Circle, C4

WSC Wood-Stegall Center (Development and University Advancement), 120 Old Main Circle, B5

Dining

Here at MTSU, there are over 20 dining options located across campus for your student’s convenience. Whether they have a meal plan or not, your student is able to eat at any location on campus. From coffee in the morning at Starbucks or Just Love Coffee, to a snack before or after class from one of the Provisions on Demand (P.O.D) locations, to lunch and dinner in locations such as Chick-Fil-A, McCallie Dining Hall, Subway, Nashville Chicken & Waffles, and many others –your student has plenty of options.

Scan to learn about dining services, as well as information about meal plans.

Student Accessibility

The Disability & Access Center is a cultural, social, and academic support hub for students. The DAC serves MTSU’s campus by providing accommodations that level the academic playing field. We are also a cultural hub that provides relevant programming that gives students another avenue to participate fully in campus life.

Students wanting to register with the Disability & Access Center (DAC) should contact the office in a timely fashion. For incoming students, please start the process as soon as possible; however, requests can be made throughout the semester.

If your student has accommodations or would like to register with the Disability and Access Center, scan the QR code to learn more.

Health and Wellness

Health Services

Health Services offers free office visits and inexpensive lab work, x-rays, and prescriptions to students. The clinic provides a variety of services including health education, sick visits, physicals, healthy skin visits, a travel and allergy clinic, women’s health, and specialty referrals as needed. If your student is feeling ill, Health Services is here to help.

Campus Recreation

The Recreation Center offers students the best opportunities for sport, recreation, and fitness in the area. We operate six basketball/volleyball courts, six racquetball courts, a three-lane indoor track, a 4,000-square-foot aerobic room, and more than 21,000 square feet of free weights, cardiovascular machines, and functional fitness equipment. The Recreation Center also features an indoor 12-lane swimming pool with water slide and diving board, an outdoor four-lane swimming pool, and a sundeck adjacent to four grass volleyball courts. There is also an indoor soccer arena, a rock-climbing wall, a low ropes/challenge course, and two outdoor field complexes. We are excited about what we can offer you and hope you will take full advantage of all the fitness and recreational opportunities available to you at MTSU.

Scan to learn about Campus Recreation.

Scan to learn about Health Services.

Counseling Services

Counseling Services offers an abundance of resources to support students from online modules and mindfulness tools, group counseling, weekly counseling, short-term psychiatric services, to crisis services. Counseling Services provides free counseling for currently enrolled students with short-term care needs, typically around six sessions or less. Our counselors can help refer students with long-term needs to community providers. Crisis counseling is immediately available for students who are struggling with self-harm or having suicidal ideations.

Scan to learn about Counseling Services.

University Police Department and Emergency Notification

The University Police Department at MTSU is a fully functioning law enforcement agency.

MTSU Police Officers are certified by the State of Tennessee as authorized police officers with full police powers including the authority to respond to criminal complaints and emergencies, investigate crimes, and affect arrests.

The department currently consists of 44 commissioned police officers, six full-time dispatchers, approximately 20 part-time student workers, plus full-time administrative staff. University Police operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week. It is located at 1412 E. Main Street, Murfreesboro.

University Police has the overall responsibility of helping to maintain the safety and security of the MTSU community; the Police Department is dedicated to creating and preserving a campus that is a safe place to learn and work. In addition, University Police provides several related support functions as a general service to various departments within the University.

For more information, visit the MTSU Police Department’s website mtsu.edu /police or call (615) 898-2424

These functions include:

ȍ The overall responsibility for promoting the safety and security of persons, buildings, and property on or about the campus of MTSU, including the patrol of the campus grounds on a 24-hour-per-day basis to prevent and control crime.

ȍ The investigation of crimes, the apprehension of criminal offenders, and the recovery of stolen property.

ȍ The prime generator of reports, records, and state/federal mandated annual statistics concerning all crimes committed on university property or properties controlled by the University, including reports of missing persons, missing public and private property, accidents, and certain incidents of alleged violations of university regulations.

ȍ The support of special events and activities through the management of contract security personnel, traffic, informational assistance, and the maintenance of an orderly atmosphere.

ȍ The preservation of the peace and maintenance of good order.

ȍ Traffic enforcement and the issuance of citations for traffic violations.

ȍ The coordination of efforts in areas of common responsibility and concern with other area law enforcement agencies in order to ensure representation of the University’s interests.

Emergency Notification

Rave Alert is part of MTSU’s critical notification alert system, Alert4U. The critical notification system will be used to send text, email, and/or voice alerts to those in the system. The system will be used only under circumstances that pose a threat of imminent danger to the campus community and/or when it is vital to contact members of the campus community as quickly as possible to take some kind of action. All

staff, faculty, and student email addresses are loaded into MTSU’s alert system automatically. Additional phone numbers for texting and/or voicemail or additional email addresses can be added. For more information about what to do in case of an emergency, go to mtsu.edu/alert4u

Annual Security Report

The Annual Security Report contains information about crime statistics for three previous calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or properties owned or controlled by MTSU, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to the campus.

The 2023 Annual Security Report is available at police/annual-security-report.php

Your Top Questions Answered

We know that this is a time of transition for everyone in your family. We have come up with a list of answers to frequently asked questions to help alleviate stress and to help you and your student be successful during this time.

Why can’t I attend my student’s advising appointment during CUSTOMS?

In 1974, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) was passed as United States law. FERPA passed the right to privacy onto students when they reach the age of 18 or attend an institution beyond the high school level. Under FERPA, you are not permitted to attend your student’s advising appointment during CUSTOMS.

This is a great opportunity for your student to practice advocating for themselves and it gives them a space to begin building a relationship with

their academic advisor. We know being involved in your student’s academic career is important to you. Though you’re unable to attend the advising appointment, you will be able to speak with your student about their schedule once they’ve met with their advisor and scheduled their classes. If you believe a change needs to be made to your student’s schedule, the change can be done online through PipelineMT with the permission of your student’s academic advisor.

When can I access my student’s bill for the fall semester?

Fall 2024 registration bills will be available online through your student’s PipelineMT account in July. Bills will not be mailed. For a complete list of important Financial Aid dates and deadlines, please visit mtsu.edu/tuition/dates.php.

How will my student be supported academically?

There are many resources offered on campus to help your student succeed academically. Your student will be assigned an Academic Advisor based on their major. This process is meant to foster a collaborative and mentoring relationship among advisors and students to ensure student success throughout their time on campus. Advisors will provide guidance about courses and major progress while supporting students by connecting them to other services that will aid in their success. These services can include free campus and online tutoring, supplemental instruction, and a series of workshops designed to assist freshmen as they navigate their first year in college.

Students are also encouraged to build relationships with their professors and seek additional support during their office hours and study sessions when available. Your student can also visit the Office of Student Success for additional support.

Where can my student look for a job on or off campus?

Students can search Handshake for on-campus and off-campus jobs as well as internship/co-op positions that will prepare them for their future careers. For more information and to review job postings, students can join or login here: mtsu.joinhandshake.com . For additional on-campus opportunities, students are encouraged to reach out to the specific department they are interested in working for to see what opportunities might be available.

Can my student earn a degree in four years?

At MTSU, students must complete a minimum of 120 semester hours with a 2.00 grade point average. We encourage students to carry a full-time course load of 15 hours per semester in order to complete their degree in four years. This is not a requirement, but if students are fulfilling that 15-hour full-time status, they can easily graduate in four years. Degree requirements do vary from major to major, so please be sure that your student discusses their graduation goals with their academic advisor to create the best graduation plan for them.

Lightning’s Lingo

BlueID is an ID card that identifies MTSU students, faculty, and staff for access to campus services and privileges. With the BlueID card, students can check out books at the MTSU Library, be admitted to the Recreation Center and campus computer labs, and buy tickets to campus events. In addition, students can use the card to receive student health services, use student meal plans, and be admitted to residence halls.

Connection Point provides incoming students a great way to immediately get involved with out-of-classroom activities. Each semester a slate of fun, educational, and athletic events are organized just for your student. In addition to meeting new people and making new friends, they can also win some terrific prizes.

FlexBucks , similar to Raider Funds, are for food purchases only and can be used in any ARAMARK dining location on campus. FlexBucks can be reloaded at any time throughout the semester. FlexBucks attached to a meal plan expire at the end of the semester.

Lightning (MTSU’s Mascot) is a flying Pegasus, a blue, winged horse, born in 1998. Lightning symbolizes the University’s Aerospace program and the Middle Tennessee region’s heritage in the walking horse industry.

M# is a Student ID number that has been assigned to each student to replace the use of Social Security Numbers on campus. This number can be found on the BlueID card and on Pipeline MT.

PipelineMT is the system students use to register for classes, pay fees, check email, and much more.

Raider Funds is the debit card feature of the ID system. Students and employees may deposit money in their personal Raider Fund account and then use their BlueID to pay for fees, meals, vending machines, and photocopiers, and to purchase books, supplies, and personal items at the bookstore.

The Blue Horsehoe

Raider Xpress is a shuttle service designed to transport faculty, staff, students, and visitors around campus. The service is available only when classes are in session. Current bus routes with construction detours can be found at mtsu.edu/parking/transportation.php.

Student Government Association (SGA) Road Rallies are student trips to away football and basketball games offered at a discounted price through the SGA. The package price includes transportation, a hotel room (if an overnight trip), and a game ticket. The Road Rally price usually ranges from $20–$100 depending on the trip. For more information, visit mtsu.edu/sga/rally.php.

The Blue Horseshoe The Horseshoe was created by MTSU Student Ambassadors to establish a new campus tradition. A penny from 1911, the year MTSU was founded, was dropped into the ground under the statue and supplies good luck for those who touch the Blue Horseshoe. Alumni, students, and fans are encouraged to touch the Blue Horseshoe for good luck before an event — such as the big game, performance, student organization function, or even before a test or class presentation.

University Convocation , held before classes begin each fall semester, marks the beginning of a new academic year and the transformation of each student into a contributing member of the MTSU community. It also marks the transformation of our academic community, which will be forever changed by the entrance of each class.

The True Blue Pledge

I am True Blue.

As a member of this diverse community, I am a valuable contributor to its progress and success.

I am engaged in the life of this community.

I am a recipient and a giver.

I am a listener and a speaker.

I am honest in word and deed.

I am committed to reason, not violence.

I am a learner now and forever.

I am a Blue Raider. True Blue!

Health

Honors College

Housing and Residential Life

Intercultural

International

James

June Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional Students

MT One Stop

Parent and Family Association

Parking

Phillips

Student

Student Programming and Activities

Testing Services

University Police

898-2152

(615) 898-2971

898-5345

898-2817

898-5812

898-2111

898-2850

898-2464

898-2551

898-2863

898-2424

Academic Calendar

Fall Semester 2024

Term Dates: August 26–December 12, 2024 DATE

April 1–12 Priority Registration

August 26

Classes Begin

September 2 Labor Day Holiday — No Classes

October 12–15 Fall Break — No Classes

November 27–30

Thanksgiving Break — No Classes

December 4 Last Day of Classes

December 5 Study Day — No Classes

December 6–12 Final Examinations

December 12

December 14

Last Day of Term

December 15 Deadline for Final Grades

Spring Semester 2025

Term Dates: January 21–May 8, 2025

November 4–15, 2024 Priority Registration

January 21

March 10–15

Classes Begin (Tuesday after MLK, Jr. Day)

Spring Break — No Classes

April 30 Last Day of Classes May 1 Study Day — No Classes

May 8

Last Day of Term

May 10 Undergraduate Commencement