Parent & Family
CALENDAR 2020 – 2021
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. First, 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.
Fall MSU Debut Signature Events • Beginning Monday, August 10th – Photo Mosaic “M” Photo: An iconic MSU event with a digital twist – submit your photo to and be part of our tradition • Beginning Thursday, August 13th – Virtual Catapalooza: Learn where you fit into the MSU and Bozeman Community • Saturday, August 15th – Virtual SUBtacular: Get to know you’re the Strand Union Building-student success resources, great food, bookstore and beyond • Monday, August 17th – 1st day of school: Welcome Tents brought to you by the MSU Alumni Foundation • Friday, August 21st – Movie on the Lawn: Enjoy an outdoor movie with your classmates • Sunday, August 23rd – Rockin' the “M”: Help us refresh our iconic (and huge!) M with fresh paint in the beautiful foothills of the Bridger Mountains • Thursday, August 27th – Convocation: Celebrate and mark the start of a new year at MSU • Saturday, August 29th – Convocation Service Saturday: Serve your community as a Bobcat by choosing between several non-profits • Saturday, September 5th – Gold Rush Football Game All dates subject to change, please check university websites for current information.
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!
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
FRI 1 SAT
THU
Intramural job applications open for students Registration opens for Session 1 of Fall Intramural Leagues
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
New Student Move In
Virtual Catapalooza
19
20
Returning Student Move In Residence Halls open
MSU Debut Virtual SUBtacular
Virtual "M" photo submission starts
16 New Student Move In
Student locker rentals on sale at the Hosaeus Fitness Center
17
18
Fall Semester begins
21
22
MSU Debut Movie on the Lawn
School of Outdoor Leadership applications open for Outdoor Rec Programs
23
24
25
MSU Debut Rockin' the "M"
26
27
28
29
Pre-Convocation event with Sarah Vowell at the MSU Library
Sorority Recruitment
Convocation Service Saturday
Convocation
30
31
Sorority Recruitment
Notes
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 1 TUE 2 WED 3 THU 4 FRI 5 SAT
SUN 6
7
8
Labor Day
Friends of MSU Library Book Club
14
15
(no classes, offices closed)
13 20
21 28
Banned Books Week at the MSU Library
Library Trivia Night
Notes
Gold Rush: Bobcat Football vs. Long Island
9
10
11
12
16
17
18
19
Free Movie Night at the Procrastinator Theater
Bobcat Football vs. Dixie State
25
26
22
23
29
30
Registration opens for Session 2 of Fall Intramural Leagues
27
Free Movie Night at the Procrastinator Theater
24
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
Banned Books Week at the MSU Library
Homecoming Week
4
5
WED 1 THU 2 FRI 3 SAT
TUE 6
7
Priority Registration for Spring 2021 opens
Free Movie Night at the Procrastinator Theater
Bobcat Football vs. Northern Colorado
8
9
10 Service Saturday Bobcat Football vs. Cal Poly
11
12
13
14
15
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17
23
24
Free Movie Night at the Procrastinator Theater
18
19
20
21
22
Bobcat Football vs. Idaho State
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Notes
CARE WHERE YOU NEED IT. Belgrade
|
Big Sky
|
Bozeman
|
BozemanHealth.org
NOVEMBER Midterm Reality Check
Powering Through Finals
Countdown to Thanksgiving
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.
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.
Confirm travel plans with your student and discuss if the snow-mester is right for them. This would also be a good time to revist "house rules" to avoid conflict about curfew, car use, etc.
1 SUN 2 MON 3 TUE 4 WED 5 THU 6 FRI 7 SAT Election Day
(no classes, offices closed)
8
9
10
First Generation College Student Day
15
11
12
Free Movie Night at the Procrastinator Theater
Can the Griz Food Drive begins
13
14 Bobcat Football vs. University of Idaho
Veterans Day
(no classes, offices closed)
16
17
Service Saturday
18
19
Classes End
Finals
20
21 Can the Griz Food Drive ends
Free Movie Night at the Procrastinator Theater
22
23
Fall 2020 Commencement
Finals
24
25
26
Last Day of Fall Semester
Thanksgiving Holiday
Residence Halls Close for Winter Break
29
Notes
30
(offices closed Nov. 26–27)
27
28
DECEMBER How’s the Budget?
The Privacy of Student Records
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 this term. In general, students who work part-time do better academically than those who don’t.
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.
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 1 TUE 2 WED 3 THU 4 FRI 5 SAT
SUN 6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
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20
21
22
23
24
25
26
Christmas Day
27
Notes
28
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 1
WED
FRI 2 SAT
New Year's Day
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
19
20
21
22
23
26
27
28
29
30
Spring Semester begins
17
18 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
(no classes, offices closed)
24
25
31
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 1 MON 2 TUE 3 WED 4 THU 5 FRI 6 SAT 7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
25
26
27
Presidents’ Day
(no classes, offices closed)
21
22
23
24
28
Notes
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 two‌even 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 resumĂŠ 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 1 MON 2 TUE 3 WED 4 THU 5 FRI 6 SAT Service Saturday
7
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Notes
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 4
MON 5
WED 1 THU 2 FRI 3 SAT
TUE 6
7
8
9
MSU Rodeo
11
10
Parent & Family Weekend
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
MSU Rodeo Parent & Family Weekend
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.
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
FRI 1 SAT
THU
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
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11
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14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Memorial Day
(no classes, offices closed)
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 1 TUE 2 WED 3 THU 4 FRI 5 SAT
SUN 6
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30
Notes
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 4
MON
WED 1 THU 2 FRI 3 SAT
TUE
5
6
7
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9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Independence Day
(offices closed)
Notes
CARE WHERE YOU NEED IT. Belgrade
|
Big Sky
|
Bozeman
|
BozemanHealth.org
QUICK CONTACTS
DESIGNED BY Kade O’Connor | EDITED BY Diane Schwemm Photography provided by MSU Communications
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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. ©2020 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 2020–2021 All dates subject to change, please check university websites for current information.
2020 Fall Semester
2021 Spring Semester
August 17
Classes begin
January 18
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (no classes, offices closed)
August 21
Last day to add classes online using MyInfo
February 15
Presidents’ Day Holiday (no classes, offices closed)
August 28
Last day to add classes with an add/drop form or online using MyInfo
April 9–11
Parent & Family Weekend
September 4
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
September 5–November 9
Dropped classes are graded “W”
September 7
Labor Day Holiday (no classes, offices closed)
November 3
Election Day (no classes, offices closed)
November 10–25
No drops are allowed
November 11
Veterans Day Holiday (no classes, offices closed)
November 18
Classes end
November 19–25
Final examinations
STAY CONNECTED ALL YEAR LONG
November 22
Fall Commencement 2020
Subscribe to Bobcat Bulletin, a weekly e-newsletter, at montana.edu/bobcatbulletin.
November 25
Fall Semester ends
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