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 to connect you to relevant campus and community resources.
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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 real-world 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-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.
MTSU is the No. 1 choice for our state’s transfer students, the No. 1 provider of graduates to the Greater Nashville economy (the second-largest producer of graduates in the state), and the No. 1 choice of adults (ages 25 and up) seeking a four-year degree.
An example of our student-first commitment is our $147 million, state-ofthe-art Science Building, the crown jewel of our three-building Science Corridor of Innovation. We also opened a cuttingedge, $39.6 million Academic Classroom Building to house three disciplines in the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences – Criminal Justice Administration, Psychology, and Social Work. And we’re building a new home for the School of Concrete and Construction Management.
We have completed more than $1 billion in new construction and improvements on our campus, investments that 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
Welcome
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Middle Tennessee State University community. We look forward to your student’s arrival on our campus and will have a variety of activities planned to help ease their transition during the first days and weeks.
We know that the 2020-21 academic year was a particularly challenging season in the life of our incoming students, and we are all looking forward to sharing a more vibrant community life in the upcoming year. As a university, we will continue to monitor the coronavirus and any other emerging public health risks and will do our best to balance responsible safety measures with the creation of a supportive and engaging community life for the campus.
I hope that you will take advantage of all that MTSU has to offer the families of our students. As a special project of the office of New Student and Family Programs, this guide is meant to supplement your knowledge of the Murfreesboro area and help facilitate your visits to campus. In addition to the wide variety of extracurricular activities that we offer to students, we have a host of family activities that we believe will interest you, including exciting athletic events, musical concerts, theatrical programs, and worldclass speakers. Many of these carry very low ticket prices or are free and open to the public. I hope you’ll join us!
Please plan to join your student in reading our 2021 summer book selection, the Wall Street Journal and New York Times bestseller The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates , by Wes Moore. Each
year MTSU faculty select one book that they believe will create an exceptional shared academic experience for the entering class of freshmen, and all of our new students are expected to have completed their reading of the book during the summer, prior to the first day of classes. This year’s book, The Other Wes Moore, tells the story of two young men born a year apart, sharing the same name and growing up just blocks apart. Why did one grow up to become a Rhodes Scholar, decorated Army combat veteran, an aide to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and business leader while the other became a convicted murderer, sentenced to life in prison? The first of those two men wrote this book as the result of his efforts to understand the answer to that question.
Throughout the summer, we will send you and your student updates of our plans for activities to open the school year, including meals, social events, speakers, and other traditional programs that you won’t want to miss. The opening weekend, Friday and Saturday, August 21 and 22, help to set the stage for success in the all-important beginning of your student’s career at MTSU. You’ll want to be sure your student takes those days off from any part-time job so that he or she can be fully involved with the campus that weekend.
Please be sure that you encourage your student to create a Facebook account and join the MTSU Class of 2025 Facebook group (if a freshman) or the MTSU Transfer Facebook group (if transferring). Even if Facebook Is not your student’s preferred form of social media, several thousands of their classmates — joined by me and a number of my staff! — will be busy interacting on those two Facebook pages. If your student doesn’t participate, he or she risks getting left out of important conversations about activities, study groups, where to live, joining student organizations, and general support while they all get to know one another. While family members are not permitted to join the Class of 2025 or the Transfer Student Facebook page, you can join the conversation with me, several thousand parents, and my staff on the MTSU Parent and Family Facebook page. I am looking forward to getting to know you better!
We know that students who are most successful at MTSU balance hard work in the classroom with an active campus life, whether through athletics, band, living and working on campus, or joining a variety of clubs and organizations. You can help model the importance of campus involvement and encourage your
student’s participation by joining us for those activities that are of interest and fit into your calendar. We welcome your presence on campus. Watch for activities throughout the year by bookmarking our webpage at mtsu.edu . Sports fans will also want to keep an eye on the official website for MTSU Athletics, goblueraiders.com
When your student wants to take a break from studying, they can log on to our campus life website (mtsu.edu/campuslife) for information about campus programs and events ranging from service projects to concerts to leadership development workshops.
I’m excited for the arrival of our Blue Raider Class of 2026 and our new transfers, and I can’t wait to begin working with your students. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of assistance in the coming year. I can be reached in Room 212 of the Keathley University Center, by calling (615) 898-2440, or via email at debra.sells@mtsu.edu
Best wishes to you and yours for a safe and productive year.
TRUE BLUE!
Debra Sells
Vice President
for Student Affairs and Vice Provost for Enrollment and Academic Service
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, and we want to ensure that we are providing you with adequate support as members of the True Blue Family.
What you will receive as a member of the Association:
• A Welcome Kit full of MTSU Proud Parent and Family Member Gear
• Monthly eNewsletters designed to keep parents up to date on happenings at MTSU
• Very Important Parent (VIP) discount card offering discounts to hotels, restaurants, and bookstores in the Murfreesboro area
• Access to scholarship opportunities for your student
• Access to our MTSU Parent and Family Association Facebook Group
• Opportunity to apply and volunteer with our Parent Ambassador program
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 .
Family Weekend
MTSU Launches Campus Life as the Ultimate Student Resource
MTSU recently launched Campus Life as a one-stop spot for students to learn about all that campus has to offer from events, to organizations, to dining and student services information.
Surveys conducted in the fall by the Division of Student Affairs showed that students wanted to get more involved on campus but found that information was often spread across multiple websites and social media pages, according to Justin Reed, director of student unions.
“They (students) were frustrated with all the different places that they had to go to find the information,” Reed said.
Jackie Victory, director of student organizations and service, added that the need for improved communication only grew with the onset of COVID-19 because pandemic updates happened so frequently.
“We learned that the virus could bring changes to programs, club meetings, dining, and more at the drop of a hat,” Victory said. “We were always trying to get information to students quickly or
trying to update information that might have changed. Allowing one place for those programs allows us to ensure that information that is around campus is accurate when changes happen quickly.”
Recognizing that the campus community needed a streamlined and organized place to access information, Student Affairs launched the Campus Life initiative in January, Reed said.
“Campus Life gives them a centrally located space that they can go to and find out not only about events and activities on campus, (but) how to get involved in clubs and organizations, how to become a part of the student leadership teams across campus,” he said. “It’s all in one place.”
The student-centered design and configuration of the initiative sets it apart. A team of students, faculty, and staff collaborated to curate calendars and
11, 2020, on campus. MTSU file photo Cat Curtis Murphy
pages with information students want most, Reed explained.
“We’re trying to make it really simple for students to find out where to go, what to do, where to eat,” he said.
“For example, we brought an Athletics calendar into the Campus Life page,” Reed explained. “It takes you straight to the calendar…. We put food as one of our top links because when you’re on campus, that’s a big thing. The link takes you straight to the page with all of the dining facilities and the hours that they are open.”
The team took the same approach when assembling the events and involvement calendars, too.
The Campus Life webpage, Facebook , and Instagram are not just for current students either. They can be used by potential students as well, Jackie Victory said.
“When you are shopping for a school, you want to know the entire picture from academics to involvement and campus life,” she said.
The Student Perspective
Caroline Haynes, a Lebanon, Tennessee, native and senior agribusiness major, works with the initiative team to provide a student’s perspective and input.
“The best part about Campus Life is its purpose is to directly impact the students and make their time at MTSU the best it can be,” Haynes said. “Although Campus Life just launched, it’s already provided easier access to all things student-related. When you look at our website, all the resources you could need are at a click of a button.”
Haynes highlighted the benefits of following the initiative both on the webpage and the social media accounts.
“We are hoping to have some giveaways coming up,” Haynes said. “That way we can bring in more students.… It’s easier (to follow on social) than going on the website every day to check what’s (happening) on campus. This way you can stay informed and might win something as well.”
Reed added that Instagram, especially, will update students with campus happenings in real-time.
“We’re planning to use Instagram (to show) ‘This is happening right now. If you’re on campus and you’re around, come check it out,’” Reed said.
Haynes noted that students can peruse the mixture of virtual and on-campus events — such as the Winter Wonderland event complete with a synthetic ice rink or an upcoming free online cooking class, she said. They can learn about clubs and organizations, job and leadership postings, and counseling and academic support.
“There is something for everyone,” she said.
To get fully immersed in the campus experience, visit the Campus Life webpage and follow their Facebook and Instagram accounts for information and giveaways.
Stephanie Barrette
ƍ Stephanie.Barrette@mtsu.edu
Angle-left The Colleges of Basic and Applied Sciences and Liberal Arts at MTSU hosted a mural painting event Sept. 22, 2020, on campus. MTSU file photo by
ANGLE-UP MTSU students participated in the 2020 Homecoming Picnic and Cake Walk outside the Recreation Center in October 2020 MTSU file photo by Andy Heidt
James Cessn
Academic Calendar
FALL SEMESTER 2021
April 5–16
(Term Dates: August 23–December 9, 2021)
Priority Registration
August 23 Classes Begin
September 6
October 9–12
November 24–27
Labor Day Holiday — No Classes
Fall Break — No Classes
Thanksgiving Holidays — No Classes
December 1 Last Day of Classes
December 2
December 3–9
December 9
December 11
December 12
Study Day — No Classes
Final Examinations
Last Day of Term
Commencement
Deadline for Final Grades
SPRING SEMESTER 2022
November 1–12, 2021
January 18
(Term Dates: January 18–May 5, 2022)
Priority Registration
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday — No Classes
January 19 Classes Begin
March 7–12
Spring Break — No Classes
April 27 Last Day of Classes
April 28
April 29–May 5
May 5
May 6
May 7
May 8
Study Day — No Classes
Final Examinations
Last Day of Term
Commencement for College of Graduate Studies
Undergraduate Commencement
Deadline for Final Grades
Campus Map
Parking and Transportation Services office is located in the Parking Services Building
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
ABER Abernathy Hall, 1719 Alumni Drive, D5
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 B usiness and Aerospace Building, 1642 MTSU Boulevard, D4
BDA B outwell Dramatic Arts Building, 615 Champion Way, C3
BH Beasley Hall, 323 Friendship Street, C5
BLH TCWNHA (Black House), 1417 East Main Street, C6
BRAGG J ohn Bragg Media and Entertainment Building, 1735 Blue Raider Drive, D4
CAB C ope Administration Building, 315 Visitor’s Circle, B5
CH C ollege Heights Building, 1607 East Main Street, C6
CKNB Cason-Kennedy Nursing Building, 610 Champion Way, C3
COE C ollege of Education Building, 1756 MTSU Boulevard, D4
COGN C entral Utility Plant/Cogeneration Plant, 729 Champion Way, C2
CORL C orlew Hall, 1634 MTSU Boulevard, C3
CSB C entral Services Building (Day Care Center), 1835 Alumni Drive, E5
DH D eere 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
EZEL E zell Hall, 1727 Blue Raider Drive, D5
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 C enter for Historic Preservation (Harrison House), 1416 East Main Street, B6
HC Horticulture Facility, 1714 Lightning Way, D3
HMA Ho using 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 J im Cummings Hall, 1744 MTSU Boulevard, D3
JH J ones Hall, 624 Old Main Circle, C3
JUB James Union Building, 516 Alma Mater Drive, B4
JUDD J udd 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
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, 503-509 Bell Street, (See inset at top right)
MGB 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
PKS Parking Services Building, 1403 East Main Street, B6
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
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 Cybercafe, 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
The Partners in Education (PIE) Program
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.
The Partners In Education (PIE) program helps address the needs of students by creating such a partnership, fostering communication between students, their families, and the university. Through the Partners in Education program, PIE partners can request academic information and suggestions to help them provide effective support for their students.
Students
For information about this program and to start the process, follow these easy steps:
• Login to PipelineMT (mtsu.edu/pipelinemt).
• Click on the Registration & Student Records link.
• Select Partners in Education (PIE) link in the Academic Records box.
• Select the Add/Update/Remove my Partners in Education link to add your partners if you want to participate in the program.
Partners
Becoming a Partner In Education
To become a partner, the student simply completes the steps above. Please note that the release does not apply to personal counseling or health information protected by FERPA; however, if students are experiencing problems in these areas, MTSU staff will identify available resources. The student may remove the authorization at any time by simply following the steps above.
PIE Partner PIN
The required PIN is for the purpose of identifying you as a partner when calling to request information. Please remind your student to choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember. If you forget your PIN, your student can access this information online using the steps above.
Partners Contact the MT One Stop Using their PIE Partner PIN to:
• Request information on students’ grades, grade point average, and class attendance.
• Get assistance to help set up services for the student.
• Discuss matters regarding financial aid and billing.
Questions, concerns, or problems? Email the MT One Stop at MTOneStop@mtsu.edu and make sure to include your student’s M# and your Partner in Education PIN number.
What to expect from the PIE program
When your PIE partner contacts the MT One Stop and places a request for information about issues such as grades or attendance, the MT One Stop will contact the necessary parties to fulfill the request and direct them to campus resources as needed. When the information requested is available, the MT One Stop will send it via email. Please note that the student is notified and copied on the requests that are made.
Student Authorization for Release of Confidential Information
By adding partners on the “Add/ Update/ Remove my Partners in Education” link, a student authorizes the release of confidential academic, financial aid, student financial account information, academic progress reports, and grades (when available) to the person(s) named. This release does not apply to other information (discipline, counseling, and health records) protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Authorization is valid as long as the student is enrolled (without a break in enrollment) at Middle Tennessee State University or until the partner is removed via the “Add/ Update/ Remove my Partners in Education” link in PipelineMT.
If you have questions regarding Partners in Education (PIE), please contact the MT One Stop at MTOneStop@mtsu.edu or visit us in the Student Services and Admissions Center (SSAC).
All activities of Partners in Education are directed toward strengthening the collaborative relationship among the student, the family, and Middle Tennessee State University, with the goal of improving the academic success and retention of students.
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 36 commissioned police officers, 6 full-time dispatchers, approximately 20 part-time student workers, plus full-time administrative staff. University Police operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. It is located at 1412 E. Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37132.
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. These functions include:
• 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 twenty-four (24) hour a day basis to prevent and control crime.
• The investigation of crimes, the apprehension of criminal offenders, and the recovery of stolen property.
• The preservation of the peace and maintenance of good order.
• Traffic enforcement and the issuance of citations for traffic violations.
• 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.
• The support of special events and activities through the control of employment of contract security personnel, traffic, informational assistance, and the maintenance of an orderly atmosphere.
• 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
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 2020 Annual Security Report is available at mtsu.edu/police/ docs/2020AnnualSecurityReport.pdf
For more information, visit the MTSU Police Department’s website mtsu.edu/police or call (615) 898-2424 .
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.
Q Why can’t I attend my student’s advising appointment during CUSTOMS?
A
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.
Q When can I access my student’s bill for the fall semester?
A Fall 2021 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 .
Q How do I pay my student’s bill?
A Your student will need to grant you permission to access and pay their bill online through Authorized User Account Information in their PipelineMT account. Once your student authorizes you, you 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 listed under Quick Links on the mtsu.edu website.
AQWhere should my student live?
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! We welcome you and your student to explore mtsu.edu/housing to find out more about on-campus living.
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.
Q What will my student eat on campus?
AHere 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 can eat at any location on campus. From coffee in the morning at Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts, 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, Farmer’s Market, Steak ‘n Shake, the two all-you-can-eat dining halls, and many others — your student has plenty of options. For a complete list of dining services, as well as information about meal plans, please visit mtsu.campusdish.com
AQHow 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.
AQWhat is the S.T.A.R. Program?
Should my student enroll?
S.T.A.R. is a program designed to jump-start your student’s college career. It is held the week prior to classes beginning and will aid their transition to MTSU. Benefits for S.T.A.R. participants include: a head start on college; positive academic, social, and long-term impact; enhanced preparation for college-level general education courses; leadership training, service-learning, and teambuilding opportunities; and early move-in to housing. All students must enroll and complete the University Seminar (UNIV 1010) or Successful Transitions (UNIV 2020, for transfer students only) course during the fall semester. The program will cover meals, activities, and early move-in charges for students who have secured their on-campus housing. Commuter students are also welcomed to attend the program. Students may apply anytime online before August 1st.
Program Fee:
• Before May 1 $65.00
• May 2–June 26 $85.00
• July 1–August 1 $100.00
AQWhere can my student look for a job on or off campus?
Students can search on Handshake for part-time and full-time on campus, off campus, and internship/co-op positions that will prepare them for their future careers. For more information and to review job postings, students can log in here: mtsu.edu/career/handshake.php. For more information about the types of oncampus student jobs available, please visit, mtsu.edu/facserv/StudentWorkers.php . For all other opportunities, students are encouraged to reach out to the specific department they’re interested in working for to see what opportunities might be available.
AQCan 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 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
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.
PipelineMT
The system students use to register for classes, pay fees, check email, and more.
The Blue Horseshoe
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.
M#
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 PipelineMT.
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. Convocation is followed by the President’s Picnic.
Connection Point
Provides incoming students a great way to immediately get involved with out-ofclassroom 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. mtsu.edu/connect
Raider Funds
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.
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.
Raider Xpress
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 .
Resource
Athletics
goblueraiders.com (615) 898-2450
Business Office (Bursar) mtsu.edu/tuition (615) 898- 8476
Campus Organizations
mtsu.edu/sos (615) 898-5812
Campus Recreation mtsu.edu/camprec (615) 898-2104
Career Development Center
College of Basic and Applied Sciences
College of Behavioral and Health Sciences
College of Business
College of Education
College of Liberal Arts
College of Media and Entertainment
Counseling Services
mtsu.edu/career (615) 898-2500
mtsu.edu/cbas (615) 898-2613
mtsu.edu/cbhs (615) 898-2900
mtsu.edu/business (615) 898-2764
mtsu.edu/education (615) 898-2874
mtsu.edu/liberalarts (615) 898-2534
mtsu.edu/media (615) 898-8490
mtsu.edu/countest (615) 898-2670
Disability and Access Center mtsu.edu/dac (615) 898-2783
Education Abroad
mtsu.edu/abroad (615) 898-5179
Experiential Learning (EXL) mtsu.edu/exl (615) 898-5542
FAFSA Application fafsa.ed.gov (615) 898-2111
Financial Aid
Food Services
Fraternity and Sorority Life
mtsu.edu/financial-aid (615) 898-2111
mtdining.com (615) 898-2675
mtsu.edu/greeks (615) 898-5812
Resource
General Education
Health Services
Honors College
mtsu.edu/gen_ed (615) 898-2386
mtsu.edu/healthservices (615) 898-2988
mtsu.edu/honors (615) 898-2152
Housing and Residential Life mtsu.edu/housing (615) 898-2971
Information Technology
Intercultural and Diversity Affairs
International Programs
James E. Walker Library
June Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional Students
MT One Stop
Parent and Family Association
Parking Services
Phillips Bookstore
Post Office
Student Affairs
mtsu.edu/itd (615) 898-5345
mtsu.edu/idac (615) 898-5812
mtsu.edu/intered (615) 898-2116
mtsu.edu/library (615) 898-2817
mtsu.edu/jac (615) 898-5812
mtsu.edu/one-stop (615) 898-2111
mtsu.edu/parents (615) 898-2454
mtsu.edu/parking (615) 898-2850
mtsu.edu/phillips (615) 898-2700
mtsu.edu/postoffice (615) 898-2459
mtsu.edu/stuaff (615) 898-2440
Student Government Association mtsu.edu/sga
Student Programming and Activities
Testing Services
University Police
mtsu.edu/events (615) 898-2551
mtsu.edu/countest (615) 898-2863
mtsu.edu/police (615) 898-2424
