2019-2020
Guide
nwmissouri.edu/parent
Welcome to the
Bearcat Family
Dear parents of our newest Bearcats, It is my pleasure to welcome you and your student to the Bearcat family! At Northwest Missouri State University, we have an incredibly special culture and much for which to be proud as we approach the 2019-20 academic year. Our mission is focusing on student success – every student, every day, and our faculty and staff are committed to helping your student build the skills they need to ensure they are “career ready, day one” upon completing their degree. At Northwest, Bearcats are resilient, Bearcats are champions and Bearcats are successful. We talk often about Being a Bearcat – we learn, connect, care, practice civility and show pride. I am excited to meet the class of 2023 and pleased to have your student joining our Bearcat family. Focused on student success,
John Jasinski, President Northwest Missouri State University
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Table of contents First-Year Experience Living on Campus Campus Involvement Student Services General Information Stay Connected
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First-year experience Northwest’s First-Year Experience is a holistic approach in transitioning to college life. The programs below are established to build a foundation for your student’s success. • Summer Orientation Advisement and Registration (SOAR) • Advantage • University Seminar • First-year advising Encourage your student to work with their advisors, faculty and mentors to aid in their success and discover their own journey. Advantage is a continuation of summer orientation and takes place during the first week on campus. Your student is required to attend and will have opportunities to meet new students, learn more about campus and get settled in to their new environment.
Advantage schedule Advantage Aug. 17 - 20 First day of classes Aug. 21
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Bearcat Tip
University Seminar begins Sunday Aug. 18. For details, visit nwmissouri.edu/admissions/fye/ advantage.
Academic Success Student Success Center The Student Success Center (SSC) is the hub for academic success at Northwest and focuses on transitioning, advising, supporting and connecting students to maximize their academic potential. The SSC supports student learning and contributes to growth and development from orientation to graduation.
University Seminar University Seminar is a one credit course students take during the first semester. Students can choose from traditional University Seminar or themed sections that include: • Global perspective • Leadership development • Community engagement
Academic Advising Northwest provides all undergraduate students with personalized advising that ensures their individual major and career goals are aligned and supported. This approach includes: • Assistance with course selection and student registration • Connections to campus resources • Introduction to profession-based experiences to support their major Students who are exploring majors will be supported by a deciding advisor who uses student interests, strengths and skills to assist in the exploration of and connection to potential majors.
Academic Success Coaching Select students may work with a success coach to provide additional support. For students interested in working with a success coach, contact studentsuccess@nwmissouri.edu.
Academic Support Encourage your student to participate in the FREE academic support services below: • Tutoring is offered individually and in small groups through appointments and designated walk-in hours. • Supplemental Instruction uses peer-led study groups for traditionally challenging courses. • The Writing Center helps students become better writers. • Additional academic support opportunities include the Math Lab, Chemistry Study Room and more.
TRIO
TRIO is a federally-funded program designed to support first generation, limited income families and students with accommodations.
Library support Northwest’s library provides a unique and modern learning environment that meets the individual needs of students. Library services include: • Private study rooms • Check out equipment for classroom projects • Research and citation assistance 5
Living on campus
Move in information Freshmen Move-in Day for fall 2019 will be Saturday, Aug. 17. During your designated time, pull up outside your residence hall. You can unload and take your belongings to your room. The Cat Crew is available to help unload and take your student’s belongings to their room if they need assistance.
Residential life staff
For more information about move in times, go online to nwmissouri.edu/admissions/fye/advantage.
Resident assistant
Bearcat Tip
If you are commuting to campus, be sure to complete the Commuting to Northwest card found at nwmissouri.edu/admissions/ AcceptForm.
Complex and hall directors Complex and hall directors are professional staff who manage residential buildings and oversee residential staff. Each floor has a resident assistant (RA) who will acquaint your student with the hall community and University policies. For information about residential hall policies, visit nwmissouri.edu/reslife/Fine_Print. B.R.I.D.G.E.S. B.R.I.D.G.E.S. are undergraduate students living in the residence halls who facilitate education about diversity and promote an enriching environment by providing programming and resources to stimulate an active interest in other cultures.
Receiving and sending mail The University’s Mail and Copy Center delivers U.S. Postal Service mail to each residence hall Monday through Saturday. Packages that are sent parcel post (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.) are distributed to the residence halls within one day of arriving on campus. Mailing address:
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Northwest Missouri State University Student’s name Student’s room number and residence hall 800 University Dr. Maryville, MO 64468
Items in the room
(all items must remain in the room)
One twin bed per person
One closet per person Overhead light One dresser per person
One desk and chair per person
Active Cable TV outlet Air Conditioner Heater
Active computer network outlet for each person
THINGS YOU MAY WANT TO BRING • TV
• Hair dryer • Wrinkle release spray • Umbrella • Dishes, glasses, mugs, silverware • Coffee maker • Loft (Prohibited in Hudson, Perrin, South Complex, and Tower Suites) • George Foreman grill • Microwave oven (700 watts or less)
Visitation rules In the residence halls, visitation by members of the opposite sex is permitted during open and designated hours. • Weekday visitation hours for freshmen floors are 9 a.m. - 1 a.m., Monday through Friday. • 24-hour visitation begins at 9 a.m. Friday through 1 a.m. Monday.
Insurance Students are responsible for insuring the notebook computers that are provided by the University against fire, theft and water damage.
• Small refrigerator (not to exceed 5 cubic feet with 2.5 amperage)
Bearcat Tip
Don’t let your student bring their whole closet. Encourage your student to talk with their roommate about items to bring for their room. Make sure you don’t bring two microwaves. 7
Residential dining and all-access meal plans CAMPUS DINING Campus dining meal plans offer something for each student on campus. Additional meal plans are available for upperclass students. For more information, visit nwmissouri.edu/admissions/experience/meal-plans.htm.
Silver Base Plan • Most popular meal plan • Unlimited access to Bearcat Commons, seven days a week
Gold Base Plan • Unlimited access to Bearcat Commons, seven days a week
• $150 Resident Dollars • Five guest meal passes
Platinum Base Plan
• Unlimited access to Bearcat Commons, seven days a week • $300 Resident Dollars • Eight guest meal passes
5-Day Plan
• Unlimited access to Bearcat Commons, Monday–Friday
Bearcat Tip
campus involvement Office of student involvement 96% Overall Success Rate Freshmen persist at 96% when involved in one or more student organizations.
Northwest students have an opportunity to network, gain leadership skills, build creative skills and enhance the Bearcat experience through involvement in student organizations.
Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion The purpose of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is to provide support to all identities and help them succeed through mentorship, personal development, and student-led organizations. Northwest encourages students to join organizations and attend events that enhance cultural diversity at Northwest. DEI works to ensure all students, faculty and staff feel comfortable having healthy conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion.
Freshmen attend the Organizational Fair on Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. to learn about the different organizations on campus and how to get involved.
WELLNESS SERVICES
Wellness Services, located on the northwest corner of campus in the Wellness Center, is staffed with licensed staff and delivers highquality care to Northwest students. Services included in the cost of tuition are: • Outpatient clinical services • Personal development and counseling • Nutrition services • Health education and promotion • Public health services For more information, visit nwmissouri.edu/ wellness.
Campus Recreation Campus Recreation offers robust opportunities for students to stay engaged and fit. This includes: • Foster Fitness Center which features cardio and weight lifting equipment, group exercise courses, and personal training. • Hughes Fieldhouse which is an indoor facility offering a 300-meter track for student use and indoor fields for year-round intramural sports. Intramural offerings total as many as 30 or more per year. • The Student Recreation Center is comprised of basketball and racquetball courts and a suspended track for walking and running. • Mozingo Outdoor Education Recreation Area (MOERA), located at Mozingo Lake, features a challenge course, climbing tower and wall, trap and archery shooting, an observatory and other outdoor recreational activities.
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sTUDENT EMPLOYMENT
Career Services
Northwest relies on students to help in our offices and gain valuable experiences. Encourage your student to explore on-campus job opportunities and positions online at nwmissouri.edu/hr/student/jobs. Northwest also has a Career Pathing Program that allows students to advance in their position and earn higher pay while participating in personal and professional development. Additionally, the Maryville community offers many employment options for Northwest students.
Northwest provides resources, events and opportunities for students, parents, employers, faculty, staff and alumni to bring talent and opportunity together. Encourage your student to participate in the events and take advantage of resources to ensure they are career ready, day one. Example services include:
Bearcat Tip
If your student plans to apply for jobs, make sure they bring their Social Security Card or passport. Don’t forget interview clothes!
• Career counseling/assessment • Résumé critiques • Internship opportunities • Interview skills • Mock Interview Days • Career Days • On-campus interviews • Profession-based experiences 11
Student Services University Police
The primary responsibility of Northwest’s University Police is for all law enforcement, emergency management, behavioral intervention and safety on campus. Residential Life works closely with University Police in order to provide students with a safe living environment. All exterior residence hall doors are secured 24/7 with an electronic access system.
Safe Ride Home program
The Safe Ride Home program is a safe and timely transportation service within the city limits of Maryville, Missouri, offered by students, for students. Safe Ride Home provides a shuttle system so students can travel to various retail stores in Maryville throughout the week. Northwest also offers a taxi service for late night transportation when students are in situations that they feel are unsafe.
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Financial Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) The Free Application for Federal Student Aid should be completed each year if your student is in need of additional financial support. This can be done at fafsa.ed.gov beginning Oct. 1 each year.
Important financial conversations to have with your student Before your student begins their first year at Northwest, it is encouraged that you discuss the importance of being fiscally responsible. For example, your student may need to learn how to: • Budget money • Use a credit card responsibly • Pay bills • Balance a bank account • Use a debit card • Write a check
Responsible spending Your student may have selected a meal plan that includes declining residential or dining dollars. This means the money is already credited to their account and declines as they use it at campus retail locations including Starbucks, Chickfil-A, Einstein Bros., Zen Asian, Mooyah as well as vending machines, concession stands, Northwest tailgates and the Provisions on Demand (P.O.D.) convenience stores.
Bearcat Tip
Encourage your student to utilize their meal plan responsibly to avoid unnecessary charges to their account.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Northwest complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act which provides guidelines on storage and release of student and former student records. For more information about FERPA, visit nwmissouri.edu/ registrar/privacy.htm.
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general info Viewing Student Records
Accessibility and accommodations
1. Online access to view account and pay bills
Northwest is committed to providing quality student services to all students. If your student has an IEP, 504 plan or documented disabilities in school, encourage them to visit the accessibility and accommodations office as soon as they can. For more information, visit nwmissouri.edu/diversity/accessibility/index.htm.
• Log into CatPAWS • Click ‘Account Tab’ • Navigate to ‘Account/Payment Center’ • Click ‘Authorized Users’ • Add an authorized user This will generate an email that will be sent to the new authorized user with login instructions to the account/ payment center. 2. Release of information concerning grades, student account and financial assistance • Log into CatPAWS • Click ‘Student Tab’ • Click ‘Authorize Release of Information’ A unique Northwest ID will be created beginning with ‘T11’ for the authorized user to log into CatPAWS.
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Textbooks and laptop programs Like any major employer, we provide your student the tools and technology they need to be successful. Primary textbooks are included • Saving you more than $1,200 per year Fully loaded laptop and on-campus technical support • $2,400 value Textbooks and laptop can be picked up during Advantage. For computer specifications, visit nwmissouri.edu/admissions/laptop/.
stay connected Parent Website To ensure your student is ready to arrive on campus and to get all of your questions answered, visit nwmissouri.edu/parents.
Keep in touch
If you would like to hear from the Director of Academic Success and Retention during the semester, sign up for our digital newsletter at nwmissouri.edu/parents/planning/subscribe.htm.
Bearcat Tip Log in to CatPAWS to view your personalized incoming student checklist.
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Notes
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nwmissouri.edu/parents Student Success Center studentsuccess@nwmissouri.edu 660.562.1695 20
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