2026–2027
Welcome Bobcat Parents and Family Members
Welcome to MSU
We are excited to welcome you to our beautiful campus this fall as new members of the Bobcat community. The Office of the Dean of Students provides dependable support while helping students learn to advocate for themselves and meet academic and community expectations. Our programs support students through challenges, crises, and opportunities for growth.
Dean On Call
A Dean of Students staff member is on call Monday–Friday to provide immediate support for students, families, and campus partners. This program allows students to meet with a staff member through walkin or same- or next-day appointments, ensuring they receive timely guidance and support when questions, concerns, or unexpected challenges arise.
MSU CARE Program
MSU CARE brings together staff from the Dean of Students Office, University Police, Counseling and Psychological Services, Campus Civil Rights, Student Housing, and Advising. The team reviews reports of concerning behavior and coordinates proactive, supportive responses designed to help students and community members before situations escalate into crisis.
Bobcat Parent and Family Program
All parents and families of MSU students are part of the Bobcat Parent and Family Program. This program supports families as students navigate college by offering resources, programs, and communication with university partners. Our goal is to keep families informed while helping students grow into independent, confident Bobcats.
Matthew R. Caires, Ed.D. Dean of Students
Erin Macdonald Peck, M.Ed. Senior Assistant Dean of Students
Montana State Culinary Services
About the Dining Halls
Montana State University Culinary Services is a self-operated department serving more than 12,000 meals daily to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Dining is an important part of campus life. Our dining halls feature diverse cuisines and welcoming spaces where students can gather with friends, study, connect, and enjoy campus events.
Our Services
Our team is committed to offering safe, inclusive dining options that support student health and success. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and locally sourced foods are available across campus. Students can view daily menus online and schedule a free consultation with our registered dietitian for personalized dietary guidance and support.
Parents or friends may also order a complimentary birthday cake for an on-campus resident with a meal plan by filling out our online form.
Sustainability
Through our Farm to Campus program, Culinary Services supports more than 100 Montana vendors, with about 25% of food purchases coming from local producers. Our chefs prioritize local ingredients across campus dining locations. Both dining halls are LEED certified and incorporate sustainability practices such as composting, energy efficiency, and water conservation.
Career Services From Orientation to Graduation and Beyond
Explore possibilities. Build purpose. Launch a future.
Explore Opportunities
At Montana State University, professional preparation starts on day one. Career development isn't just about a first job — it's about lifelong success. Encourage your student to connect with Career Services, attend employer events, and engage in hands-on industry opportunities. From gaining meaningful on-campus experience to building valuable professional relationships, students can grow their skills, networks, and confidence long before graduation.
August
Sororities and Fraternities at Montana State University
Montana State University is home to four sororities and nine fraternities. These organizations are communities built on scholarship, service, leadership, and personal growth. Members support one another academically and socially while working toward shared goals. Through meaningful traditions and values, fraternity and sorority life fosters belonging, connection, and engagement across campus.
Leadership, Service, and Friendship at MSU
Sororities and fraternities provide opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, build lifelong friendships, and make a large university feel more connected. Members serve in campus leadership roles and complete thousands of service hours each year. Chapters also prioritize academic success through study support, accountability, and recognition for student achievement.
Recruitment
Sorority recruitment occurs early in the fall semester and allows students to learn about chapters, meet members, and find the community that fits them best. Fraternity recruitment takes place throughout the academic year, with chapters hosting events for potential members. Families are encouraged to review recruitment information and key dates on MSU’s Fraternity & Sorority Life website.
September
Dress for Success
Bobcat Career Closet helps students prepare for interviews, career fairs, and professional events at no cost. Encourage your student to access professional attire that builds confidence and readiness. When students feel prepared and polished, they’re empowered to pursue internships, on-campus jobs, and future career opportunities.
Show Up and Stand Out
In a world of online applications and endless résumé submissions, nothing replaces a face-toface conversation. Career fairs allow students to connect directly with employers, ask questions, and make lasting impressions. Encourage preparation: update the résumé, research employers, and practice an elevator pitch. One conversation can open unexpected doors.
An Exclusive Hiring Hub for Bobcats
Hire A Bobcat, powered by Handshake, connects Montana State University students with employers specifically seeking Bobcats. This curated hiring hub provides access to internships, part-time positions, and full-time opportunities. Encourage your student to activate their account, explore opportunities, and take advantage of this direct pathway from campus to career.
Fall 2026 Graduation Application Deadline for Graduate Students
Labor Day No classes, offices closed)
• Last day to self-add
• MSU 101 Workshop: MSU Online Platforms
Student Employment Job Fair
• Bobcat Career Closet Grand Opening
• MSU 101 Workshop: Study Strategy Basics
• Last day to add, via instructor
• Last day to self-drop
• MSU 101 Workshop: The Study Cycle
MSU 101 Workshop: Notetaking Essentials
Notes
Career Fair: Resumé Drop-in
• Last day to drop, via advisor, w/o a "W" grade
• Last day to confirm bill
• Bobcat Career Prep with Employers
• 20th Annual Margaret Alderson Etiquette Dinner
• MSU 101 Workshop: Find FLOW & Establish HABITS
Career Fair: All Majors Career Fair: Networking Events
MSU 101 Workshop: Overcoming Procrastination
Bobcat Football vs. Butler (Gold Rush)
Bobcat Football at Nevada
Bobcat Football vs. Central Connecticut State (Pack the Place in Pink)
Bobcat Football vs. Northern Arizona University (Homecoming)
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah
Yom Kippur
Fall Career Fair
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!
Take the Next Step
The Career Peer Program connects students with trained peers for quick, practical career support – at no cost. Mentored by professional Career Coaches, Career Peers provide approachable, student-tostudent guidance. Whether reviewing a résumé, refining a LinkedIn profile, navigating Hire-A-Bobcat, or preparing for the career fair, students can gain clarity and confidence. Encourage your student to schedule a session and keep moving toward their career goals.
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.
MSU 101 Workshop: Growth Mindset & Resiliency
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
MSU 101 Workshop: The Study Cycle
Fall 2026 Career Fair
• Career Fair: Interview Day
• Spring 2027 Graduation Application Deadline for Undergraduate Students (including Gallatin College AA/AS/AAS)
MSU 101 Workshop: Study Strategy Basics
MSU 101 Workshop: Overcoming Procrastination
MSU 101 Workshop: Find FLOW & Establish HABITS Notes
Parent and Family Weekend
Halloween
Bobcat Football vs. Cal Poly (Ag/Military Appreciation Day)
Bobcat Football at Eastern Washington University
Bobcat Football vs. Weber State (Parent Family/Native American Heritage)
Bobcat Football at Idaho
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.
First Day of American Indian Heritage Month • Daylight Saving Time Ends
• First day to apply for residency
MSU 101 Workshop: Growth Mindset & Resiliency
MSU 101 Workshop: Overcoming Procrastination
Break (No classes) Election Day Veterans Day (no classes, offices closed)
Last day to drop with a "W"
via advisor Thanksgiving Day (offices closed) Native American Heritage Day (offices closed)
Bobcat Football at Northern Colorado
Bobcat Football at Idaho State
Bobcat Football vs. University of Montana (Senior Day)
Field & Stream Lodge
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.
Notes
MSU 101 Workshop: Study Strategy Basics
MSU 101 Workshop: The Study Cycle
Hanukkah Finals Week Commencement
Last day to apply for residency Teach Montana: Careers in K-12 Education Semester Ends
Christmas Day (offices closed)
Hanukkah
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa
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.
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No classes, offices closed) Kwanzaa Notes
New Year’s Day (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
Spring is the perfect time for students to secure summer jobs and internships that build skills and clarify career goals. These opportunities offer handson experience, professional connections, and a competitive edge for future employment. Encourage your student to explore openings, attend employer events, and apply early. A meaningful summer experience can strengthen their résumé, expand their network, and help them return to campus with confidence and momentum.
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.
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.
Dress for Success
Bobcat Career Closet helps students prepare for interviews, career fairs, and professional events — at no cost. Encourage your student to access professional attire that helps them feel confident and ready to shine. When students look the part, they’re empowered to take the next step toward internships, on-campus employment, and future careers.
First day to apply for summer 2027 residency
Last day to drop with a "W" grade via advisor Tax Day
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.
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?
Discover Direction
Career success doesn’t happen by accident — it starts with action. From career fairs and employer connections to internships and on-campus employment, students have access to hands-on opportunities that turn exploration into experience. Encourage your student to engage early, build meaningful relationships, and take advantage of the resources designed to support their goals. With the right preparation and support, they can graduate confident and ready for what’s next.
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
Subscribe to Bobcat Bulletin, a weekly e-newsletter, at montana.edu/bobcatbulletin.
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Quick Contacts
DESIGNED BY Kade O'Connor
Photography provided by MSU Communications CollegiateParent has published this calendar to share 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.
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University Police (406) 994-2121
Important Dates 2026–2027
2026 Fall Semester
August 23-24 Move-In Weekend
August 26 Classes begin
September 1 Last day to self-add
September 7 Labor day (no classes, offices closed)
September 9 Last day to add via instructor; Last day to self-drop
September 16
Last day to drop, via advisor, without a "W" grade; Last day to confirm bill
September 20 Fall 2026 graduation application deadline for graduate students
October 1
Spring 2027 graduation application deadline for undergraduate students (including Gallatin College AA/AS/AAS)
October 23–24 Parent & Family Weekend
November 3 Election Day
November 11 Veterans Day (no classes, offices closed)
November 18
Last day to drop with a "W" grade via advisor
November 23–27 Fall Break (no classes, offices closed 26–27)
December 14–17 Finals Week
December 18 Commencement
2027 Spring Semester
January 12 Classes begin
January 18
January 19
January 26
February 2
Martin L. King Day (no classes, offices closed)
Last day to self-add
Last day to add, via instructor; Last day to self-drop
Last day to drop, via advisor, w/o a "W" grade; Last day to confirm bill
February 15 Presidents’ Day (no classes, offices closed)
March 1
March 15–19
March 26
April 1
April 14
May 3–6
May 7
Summer/Fall 2027 graduation application deadline for undergraduate students
Spring Break (no classes, offices open)
University Day (no classes, offices closed)
First day to apply for summer 2027 residency
Last day to drop with a "W" grade via advisor
Finals Week
Commencement
All dates subject to change; please check university websites for current information.
2027 Summer
May 17–August 6 Full semester 12-week session
May 17
May 31
June 1
June 14
July 5
July 12
August 2
August 6
May 4x4
Memorial Day (no classes, offices closed)
First day to apply for Fall 2027 residency
June 4x4
Independence Day observed (no classes, offices closed)
July 4x4
Last day to apply for Fall 2027 residency
Semester ends