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 a home away from home for your student this year, we have lots of advice for you as parents. It is critical that every student get connected and involved in campus co-curricular activities as soon as possible. Each fall, we begin the academic year with a number of activities through MSU Debut that connect students to new friends, staff, and faculty on campus. Please review these activities and opportunities at montana.edu/msudebut and encourage your student to attend as many as possible.
In line with current research, we believe at MSU 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 begin to get involved on campus.
At Montana State University we consider our parents and family members essential partners in student success. We know that our students cannot achieve their full potential without the unwavering guidance and support they receive from home. As such, one of the best parts of our jobs at MSU is working closely with you, our parents and family members.
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!
Matthew R. Caires, Ed.D. Dean of Students
Erin Macdonald Peck, M.Ed. Senior Assistant Dean of Students
Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success
At AYCSS, we offer a wide range of personalized coaching services to help your student achieve their academic, career, and financial goals. Our advisors and coaches are committed to providing students with the tools, resources, and support to help them advance their learning, development, and engagement at MSU.
Success Advising
Our success advisors can help students stay on top of their coursework with proactive time management strategies, study plans, and test-taking support. We also offer guidance on managing test anxiety, tutor referrals, and pathways to motivation.
Career Coaching
Our career coaches provide personalized guidance and support for students to help them achieve their career goals by focusing on self-assessment and major choice. We assist with resume critiques, job interview practice, networking, and preparation for our many industry career fairs including on-campus interview events. Our team is committed to empowering students with the tools and resources to help lead them to satisfying careers.
Financial Coaching
We understand that financial stress can be a significant obstacle for a student’s success. Our financial coaches can help students take control of their finances with expert guidance on managing student loans, finding scholarships, and creating a budget. We work with students to set SMART financial goals, establish a savings plan, consider major life purchases, and even begin planning for retirement. We also closely monitor federal financial education policies so we can advise students about loan forgiveness, deferment, and other repayment options.
Our goal is to ensure that all Bobcats receive the full benefit of the MSU experience – both inside and outside the classroom.
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 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.
August
Move-in Weekend Is Here
Confirm your family’s travel plans and the move-in date, time, and procedure. It may help to plan ahead for where and when you’ll say goodbye to your student to make that parting a little easier. Encourage them to attend any and all Engagement Events during MSU Debut. Move-In is a great chance for parents to explore campus, too — get to know the staff at Bobcat Parent and Family Programs and save the date for Parent and Family Weekend!
Course Schedules and Advisors
Fall semester starts off fast, and students should pay attention to deadlines for adding and dropping classes. Remind your student that their academic advisor is their go-to person for help with their schedule, advice about navigating the curriculum and declaring a major, as well as staying on track for graduation, and more.
Rules for Roommates
In addition to coordinating with their roommate(s) about what to bring to their assigned residence, it’s essential that roommates talk 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 their Resident Assistant. RAs are there to help!
Move-In Weekend
Move-In Weekend
Food Truck Rodeo • 'M' Photo
• Convocation
• Freshmen 1st Meal
Sorority Recruitment
Rocking the 'M'
Last Day to Self-Add Fall 2025 Classes Online
• Classes Begin
• Welcome Tents
Sorority Recruitment
• Catapalooza
• MSU Debut Concert
• President's Ice Cream Social Service Saturday
Football at University of Oregon
Bobcat
September
Finding Community
Joining clubs and teams is a great way for new students to make friends and build a connection to their new campus. Encourage your student to use their Orientation leader, CatsConnect, and the Office of Student Engagement to find organizations and events, like Service Saturdays and “Discourse & Nuggets” at Student Commons. The Outdoor Recreation Program also hosts special small-group trips just for freshmen.
Time Management
This life skill is a foundation for success in college. A big difference from high school is how much time students need to spend outside of class on their studies. Encourage your student to put everything in their planner, and make the most of time between classes. They can connect with a Success Advisor at AYCSS for strategies and support.
Homesickness and Family Communication
Homesickness is painful (for students and parents!) but completely normal. Acclimating to a new life and routine takes time. Communicate regularly but not too often (let your student suggest a day of the week and time for a call) — this gives you a chance to serve as a sounding board and a safe place for them to vent.
Labor Day (no classes, offices closed)
Last Day to Self-Drop Fall 2025 Classes Online
• Last Day to Drop Fall '25 Classes w/o "W" Grade
• Last Day to Confirm Bill/ Receive 50% Refund for Dropped Courses Notes
Bobcat Football vs South Dakota State
Bobcat Football vs University of San Diego –Pack the Place in Pink
• Bobcat Football vs Mercyhurst University –Stripe the Stadium
• Fall 2025 Graduation Application Deadline for Graduate Students
Bobcat Football vs Eastern Washington University –Homecoming
October
Midterms and Campus Resources
Midterm exams tend to sneak up on first-year students. During this stressful time, encourage your student to lean into all the support there is on campus: faculty office hours, study sessions, the Writing Center, and SmartyCats Tutoring at AYCSS. They have a lot on their plate, but they can do it!
Health and Wellness
With the onset of cold and flu season, it’s important for students to take extra care of their health. Sleep is key and most students don’t get enough. Exercise and good nutrition are also essential to physical and mental health and for managing stress. Make this topic a regular part of your conversations, and remind your student that support is always available at Student Health Services and the counseling center.
Parent and Family Weekend
If you’re able to attend, there’s so much fun awaiting you, from the big game to lectures, performances and museum tours. Join a hike, or just chill out in Bozeman. Your student will be excited to show you around their new home! If you can't make it, encourage them to join in all the festivities anyway and ask to hear about the highlights.
Bobcat Football vs Idaho State University – Blue & Gold Gala
Bobcat Football at Cal Poly
Bobcat Football at Northern Arizona
November
Countdown to Thanksgiving
As you confirm Fall Break travel plans with your student, it’s a good idea to revisit “house rules” to avoid conflict about curfew, car use, etc. when they are home. You might also want to discuss if they’ve started reaching out to potential roommates about next year’s housing (whether they’ll live in the residence halls or off campus).
Grades and Finals Prep
Your student should know where they stand in each of their courses, and have a plan to make up missed assignments and get extra help in challenging classes. Keep in mind that because of FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), parents don’t have automatic access to their student’s grades. If you’d like to see their grades and your student agrees, they may give you access to their academic records.
Reapplying for Financial Aid
Students renewing financial aid or applying for the first time must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) each year. Montana State’s preferential filing date is Feb. 1st, but the FAFSA should be open by Dec. 1st and your student is encouraged to complete their application as soon as possible. The Office of Financial Aid Services can answer all your questions about student loans, scholarships, and more.
December
Final Exam Support
You may not hear much from your student as they wrap up their semester’s work. Cheer them on with love and support and by being a safe place for them to vent if they need it. Remind them that this is temporary stress and they will get through it!
Second Semester Checklist
■ Attend to unfinished fall semester business. Are there any incomplete grades? Is their spring course schedule complete?
■ Order textbooks now to have them when classes start, not a week or more into the semester.
■ Check to see if professors assigned presemester work and get it done.
■ Adjust their meal plan if needed.
Winter Break Rest and Reflection
Your student learned a lot about how to “do college” this semester. You can help them reflect and put their insights to good use. Help them recognize areas of strength they can build on and set some new goals: to go to faculty office hours more often, visit the career center, socialize less (or more), maybe even just get more sleep.
Finals Week Commencement
Semester Ends
Last Day to Apply for Spring 2026 Residency
Christmas Day Hanukkah Begins (offices closed) Kwanzaa Begins Notes
January
How’s the Budget?
Winter break is a good time to review your student’s fall spending and if necessary help them tweak their budget. Is their bank balance low? They might consider looking for a campus job this semester. As a rule, students who work part-time (ideally no more than 15–20 hours a week) do better academically than those who don’t.
Make Time for Fun
Is your first-year student looking for something new this semester? The Office of Student Engagement can connect them with service and volunteering opportunities in the community. It’s also the perfect time to join a club or team to explore the fun options at Campus Recreation such as yoga, fitness classes, and lap swimming. Drop in at the Outdoor Recreation Program to sign up for a trip or find affordable equipment rentals.
Opportunities and Applications
During the winter, information about RA (Resident Assistant) positions, study abroad, Undergraduate Research Opportunities (UROPs), orientation leader selection, summer internships and fellowships, and more become available. Encourage your student to make note of application deadlines and plan ahead for spring break and next summer.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (no classes, offices closed)
February
Choosing (and Changing) Majors
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.
Take Care of Mental Health
More and more young adults are experiencing mental health challenges. Sometimes “winter blues” turn into seasonal affective disorder. If your student is feeling low, nudge them to visit campus counseling/mental health services. A light box or lamp, outdoor exercise, social interaction, and healthy eating can help boost their mood.
Campus Career Services
Career, Internship & Student Employment Services is where your student can access online job and internship listings, connect with alumni mentors, attend networking events and career fairs, get help with their resume, polish interview skills, and much more. Help your student prepare for job interviews by making sure they have a few pieces of professional clothing in their wardrobe.
First Day of Black History Month
Notes
Presidents' Day (no classes, offices closed)
• Last Day to Drop Via Advisor w/o "W" Grade
• Last Day to Confirm Bill/ Receive 50% Refund for Dropped Courses
Spring 2026 Job & Internship Fair
Spring 2026 Graduation Application Deadline for Graduate Students
Valentine’s Day
Notes
March
Spring Break Safety
Will your student travel over spring break? Share safety tips with them about how to safeguard their money, ID, and other valuables, be safe in hotels and on public transportation, and suggest that they use a buddy system with friends so that they’re less vulnerable in potentially crowded or chaotic situations.
Future Course Registration
Priority registration for summer and fall classes is coming up, and is a chance for your student to try something new academically. Continuing students are automatically admitted to the summer session which offers 4-, 6- and 12-week courses. Their spring advising meeting is a good time to double-check requirements and make sure they’re taking the right courses in the right order to graduate on time.
Cultivate Resilience
The college journey comes with plenty of setbacks and disappointments. How do you help your student bounce back? Recall a time when you failed. Help your student cultivate their resilience by reflecting on how they’ve already been resilient in life. Remind them that failing, frustration, and getting it wrong are all necessary parts of learning.
MSU Powwow
MSU Powwow
April
The End-of-Semester Master Plan
Encourage your student to use a calendar or spreadsheet to map out remaining projects, and break 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.
Reducing Stress During Finals
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.
Preparing to Move Out
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.
MSU Bobcat Rodeo
MSU Bobcat Rodeo
May
Last-Minute Tasks
Students should be sure to read all school emails about year-end requirements (returning library materials, paying outstanding fees, etc.). In addition:
• Is their fall course schedule finalized?
• Are housing arrangements in place?
• Can they sell old textbooks and buy used books for fall classes now?
Goodbye to Freshman Year
Move-out day is tiring, and can be very emotional. If you’re going to campus to help your student move home, bring trash bags — and patience! Your student will need time to say goodbye to their friends, and maybe a favorite professor. Their residence hall room should be left clean with furniture returned to its original location.
Reentry Tips
They completed their first year of college! After the celebrating, it may take a while for your household to settle back down and reestablish a routine. As you negotiate chores, meals/cooking, car use, and curfew, try to be flexible. Your student has been managing life on their own. Allow them to maintain their independence by letting go, just a little.
Day
• May 4x4 Begins
• 12-Week Session Begins
• 1st 6-Week Session Begins Semester Ends First Day of Asian
Memorial Day (no classes, offices closed)
Notes
June
Reflecting on the Past Year
Suggest that your student think about the lessons of freshman year in order to build on them:
• What classes did you love? Which ones didn't thrill you? Why?
• What were your grades like? Are there reasons they were good — or not so good?
• What’s the biggest lesson you learned this past year?
Professionalism in the Summer Workplace
Whether your student will intern at a law firm or local hospital, or wait tables or scoop ice cream, their approach to their summer job makes all the difference. Talk to them about setting personal goals, taking initiative, asking good questions, and looking for transferable skills. No job yet? Explore summer classes, micro internships, job shadowing opportunities, or a volunteer commitment.
Summer Bucket List
Everyone’s busy, but that doesn't mean you can’t put a few fun things on the family calendar. How about learning to cook a new kind of cuisine, or teaching them how to make some of their favorite family recipes? (A good skill, especially for students moving off campus.) Get tickets to a concert or sporting event, plan a camping or road trip, or set a fitness goal with your student that you can train toward together.
July
Summer Conversations
• Ask your student about their academic and personal goals. Rising sophomores are sometimes surprised by how much harder upper-level classes are. Talk about this and how different it will feel to return to campus this time.
• What might they do differently this year to enhance their experience or give it a new focus? Will they participate in new activities, take on a leadership role, or join a professional organization?
Money Lessons
Sit down together to make a budget for the coming school year. 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. Students moving off campus will have new expenses and responsibilities — talk these over and make a budget for fall.
Summer Action Items
Your student can hit the ground running when they return to campus for their second year by taking care of a few practical tasks now:
• Clean up any "old" business from last semester, such as incomplete courses or financial issues.
• Review degree progress and requirements and make any necessary schedule changes.
STAY CONNECTED ALL YEAR LONG
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Quick Contacts
Important Dates 2025-2026
2025 Fall Semester
August 16-19 Move-In Weekend
August 20 Classes Begin
August 26 Last Day to Self-Add Fall 2025 Classes Online
September 1 Labor Day (no classes, offices closed)
September 3 Last Day to Self-drop Fall 2025 Classes Online
September 10 Last Day to Drop Fall 2025 Classes Without a "W" Grade
September 10 Last Day to Confirm Bill/Receive 50% Refund for Dropped Courses
September 20 Fall 2025 Graduation Application Deadline for Graduate Students
October 1 Spring 2026 Graduation Application Deadline for Undergraduate Students
October 10–11 Parent & Family Weekend
October 21 Priority Registration Opens for Spring 2026
October 31 First Day to Apply for Spring 2026 Residency
November 11 Veterans Day (no classes, offices closed)
November 12 Last Day to Drop Fall 2025 Classes With a "W" Grade
November 24–28 Fall Break (offices closed 27–28)
December 8–11 Finals Week
December 12 Commencement
December 15 Last Day to Apply for Spring 2026 Residency
2026 Spring Semester
January 13 Classes Begin
January 19 Martin L. King Day (no classes, offices closed)
January 20 Last Day to Self-Add Spring 2026 Classes Online
January 27 Last Day to Self-Drop Spring 2026 Classes Online
February 3 Last Day to Drop Spring 2026 Classes Without a "W" Grade
February 5 Spring 2026 Graduation Application Deadline for Graduate Students
February 16 Presidents’ Day (no classes, offices closed)
March 16–20 Spring Break (no classes, offices open)
April 3 University Day (no classes, offices closed)
April 15 Last Day to Drop Spring 2026 Classes With a "W" Grade May 4–7 Finals Week May 8 Commencement
All dates subject to change; please check university websites for current information. 2026 Summer May 18 May 4x4 Begins May 25 Memorial Day (no classes, offices closed)
June 15 June 4x4 Begins
July 3 Independence Day Observed (no classes, offices closed)
July 13 July 4x4 Begins