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Family Guide nwmissouri.edu/parents/
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 2020-21 academic year. Our mission is focusing on student success – every student, everyday – 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 the same time, we are working diligently to protect the health and safety of your student as we navigate these uncharted times. To stay updated about Northwest’s COVID-19 recovery plans, visit nwmissouri.edu/alert/ recovery/. At Northwest, Bearcats are resilient, Bearcats are champions and Bearcats are successful. We talk often about what it means to be a Bearcat – we learn, connect, care, practice civility and show pride. I am excited to meet the class of 2024 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 to 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 Move-in Day Aug. 14 - 16 (see page 6 for details) Advantage Aug. 16 - 18
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First day of classes Aug. 19
BEARCAT TIP
University Seminar begins Sunday, Aug. 16. For details, visit nwmissouri.edu/admissions/fye/advantage.
FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE
ACADEMIC SUCCESS STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER
ACADEMIC SUCCESS COACHING
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.
Select students may work with a success coach to provide additional support. For students interested in working with their success coach, contact studentsuccess@nwmissouri.edu.
UNIVERSITY SEMINAR
Encourage your student to participate in the FREE academic support services below:
University Seminar is a one-credit course students take during the first semester. Students can choose from a traditional University Seminar or themed sections: • Global perspective • Leadership development
ACADEMIC ADVISING Northwest provides all undergraduate students with personalized advising that ensures their 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 exploring majors will be supported by an advisor who uses student interests, strengths and skills to assist in the exploration of and connection to potential majors.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT • 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 your student. Library services include: • Private study rooms • Equipment for classroom projects • Research and citation assistance NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY | 5
LIVING ON CAMPUS MOVE-IN INFORMATION Move-in hours To help protect the health and safety of the Northwest campus community, the University has put in place measures for the campus based on public health directives from the state of Missouri and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Time slots to move in are limited, so students need to sign up to move in to their residence hall. Students will receive detailed information about move-in day, including sign-up instructions, by email.
RESIDENTIAL LIFE STAFF Complex and hall directors are professional staff who manage residential buildings and oversee residential staff. Resident assistant
Hours include: Friday, Aug. 14: 6 - 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16: 9 a.m. - noon
Each floor has a resident assistant who will acquaint your student with the hall community and University policies.
Cat Crew volunteers will be available to assist families with unloading, and there is no limit to the number of helpers a student can bring. Face coverings are required in all community areas including hallways, elevators, community restrooms and lounges.
B.R.I.D.G.E.S.
For information about residential hall policies, visit nwmissouri. edu/reslife/Fine_Print. 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 BEARCAT TIP
If you are commuting to campus, be sure to complete the Commuting to Northwest card found at nwmissouri.edu/admissions/AcceptForm.
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The University’s Mail and Copy Center delivers U.S. Postal Service mail to each residence hall Monday through Friday. Packages that are sent parcel post (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.) are distributed to the residence halls within two business days of arriving on campus. Mailing address: 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
Active Cable TV outlet Air Conditioner Heater
One desk and chair per person
Active computer network outlet for each person
THINGS YOU MAY WANT TO BRING • TV
INSURANCE
• Hair dryer
Students are responsible for insuring the notebook computers that are provided by the University against fire, theft and water damage.
• Wrinkle release spray • Umbrella • Dishes, glasses, mugs, silverware • Coffee maker • Loft (Prohibited in Hudson, Perrin, South Complex, and Tower Suites) Lofts not provided by the University are only allowed in Dieterich and Milikan Halls • George Foreman grill • Microwave oven (700 watts or less)
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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.
• Small refrigerator (not to exceed 5 cubic feet with 2.5 amperage)
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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. The following have been implemented to ensure the safety of the campus community: • Staff will wear face coverings • Frequent santization of tables, chairs and other high touch points • Food at all stations will be served by staff Northwest will implement capacity restrictions at all dining venues. Encourage your student to eat at non-traditional times to avoid large crowds.
Silver Membership Most popular meal plan • Unlimited access to Bearcat Commons, seven days a week
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Gold Membership
Platinum Membership
• Unlimited access to Bearcat Commons, seven days a week
• Unlimited access to Bearcat Commons, seven days a week
• $150 Resident Dollars
• Eight guest meal passes
• Five guest meal passes
• $300 Resident Dollars
Weekday Membership • Unlimited access to Bearcat Commons, Monday–Friday
BEARCAT TIP
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Freshmen attend the Organizational Fair on Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. to learn about the different organizations on campus and how to get involved.
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 AND INCLUSION The purpose of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion 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. Diversity and Inclusion works to ensure all students, faculty and staff feel comfortable having dialogue about diversity and inclusion.
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WELLNESS SERVICES Wellness Services, located on the northwest corner of campus in the Wellness Center, is the hub for campus health and well-being initiatives. Wellness Services is staffed with licensed clinical and mental health professionals to provide comprehensive health and well-being care to Northwest students, including: • Outpatient clinical services • Individual and group counseling • Prevention, Outreach, and Education • 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: • The Foster Fitness Center features cardio and weight lifting equipment, group exercise courses, and personal training. • The Hughes Fieldhouse 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 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’s Career Pathing Program offers students an opportunity to advance in their position and earn higher pay while participating in personal and professional development. The Maryville community also 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 or check out the Career Closet on campus for interview attire!
• Career counseling/assessment • Résumé critiques • Internship opportunities • Interview skills • Mock Interview days • Career days • On-campus interviews • Profession-based experiences NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY | 11
STUDENT SERVICES UNIVERSITY POLICE Northwest University Police serves to maintain a safe campus environment, discourage inappropriate activity and provides preventative education students, faculty and staff. For more information, visit nwmissouri.edu/ police/. 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. The program 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, Chick-fil-A, Einstein Bros., Zen and 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. NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY | 13
GENERAL INFO Viewing Student Records 1. Online access to view account and pay bills • 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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Accessibility and accommodations Northwest Missouri State University is committed to providing students with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in the University’s programs, courses and activities. Title IX and Equity, Accessibility and Accommodations provides learning and living accommodations to any student who has a documented disability. For more information and an accommodations application, visit: nwmissouri.edu/titleixequity/accessibility/.
Textbooks and laptop programs Like any major employer, we provide your student with the tools and technology they need to be successful. Primary textbooks are included • Saving your student 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.
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NOTES
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nwmissouri.edu/parents/ Student Success Center studentsuccess@nwmissouri.edu 660.562.1695 20 | FAMILY GUIDE 20
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