Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
This guide to Missouri State University is created especially for parents and families to help them navigate their student’s college experience. It answers key questions parents have about the university and includes links to further information. Parenting a college student comes with its own challenges and joys, and having the right information can help parents provide the best support possible. The guide is made through a partnership between UniversityParent (www.universityparent.com) and the university.
Citation preview
2015BEAR FAMILY HANDBOOK
Missouri State University4
For more information, please contact
Parents and Family ProgramsMissouri State University901 South National – PSU 416Springfield, MO 65897(417) 836-7641www.missouristate.edu/BearsFamilies
produced by
in partnership with
About this Guide
UniversityParent has published this guide in
partnership with Missouri State University with
the mission of helping you easily navigate your
student’s university with the most timely and
relevant information available.
Discover more articles, tips and local business
information by visiting the online guide at:
www.universityparent.com/missouristate
The presence of university/college logos and
marks in this guide does not mean the school
endorses the products or services offered by
advertisers in this guide.
2995 Wilderness Place, Suite 205Boulder, CO 80301www.universityparent.com
Advertising Inquiries:(866) [email protected]
Sarah Schupp Publisher
mark hager DesiGN
Connect:
twitter.com/4collegeparents
facebook.com/UniversityParent
© 2015 UniversityParent
5
contents
www.universityparent.com/missouristate 5
| Bear Family HandbookComprehensive advice and information for student success
6 | Welcome to Missouri State University
8 | New Student and Family Programs
9 | First Year Student Checklist
11 | Academic Resources for Students
13 | Campus Safety
15 | Top Tips for Maintaining Wellness
17 | A Family’s Guide to FERPA
19 | What if my Student Wants to…
21 | Advice From the Experts
22 | Conversation Starters for Families
23 | There’s Nothing to Do…
25 | Advice from Seasoned Family Members
26 | Missouri State Traditions
27 | Ask a Bear
29 | Key Contacts
Missouri State University6
Dear Bear Family Members:
Welcome to Missouri State University! We are thrilled that your student has selected MSU for an exciting and rewarding college experience. It is always thrilling to welcome new students and their families to Springfield and to the campus community!
You will quickly discover that Missouri State University is a very special place filled with outstanding faculty and staff ready to encourage and support your student on this stage of his/her journey. In addition to challenging academic course work, MSU offers a comprehensive, co-curricular experience that complements the learning environment by promoting connectedness, diversity, integrity, lifelong learning and passion. Our student affairs mission suggests our desire to support student success, foster student engagement, inspire commitment to public affairs, and instill pride and tradition. And, we fulfill this mission by providing programs, services, facilities and meaningful experiences that serve to champion your student’s success.
We appreciate your interest in your student’s education and we value the relationship that we will have with you. If there is ever anything that we can do to help you, or your student, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
I trust that you will find this handbook to be helpful to both you and your student. Be sure to visit our family website at www.missouristate.edu/BearsFamilies
www.universityparent.com/missouristate 7
to learn more about the resources available to BEAR families. We look forward to partnering with you and promoting your student’s development, learning and success here at Missouri State University.
Go BEARS!Dr. Dee SiscoeVice President for Student Affairs
Missouri State University8
The Office of New Student and Family Programs is excited to welcome you and your student to Missouri State University. Our goal is to help family members like you support your student while also giving them the independence they desire. We call this process not “letting go,” but “letting grow.”
Please consider us your resource for everything Missouri State. Our office assists you by providing:
• Information on events, such as our annual Family Weekend
• Bear Notes, our monthly e-newsletter of campus news and tips
• A first point of contact for answering questions
• Much more
New Student and Family Programs: Here for YOU!
Plan to attend Family Weekend 2015, Sept. 11–13. It is an excellent way to reconnect with your student, meet other parents and family members, and show your Missouri State pride. We look forward to seeing you there!
Stay in touch with us by liking us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MSUFamilies or following us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BearsFamilies. Visit the Family Association website at www.missouristate.edu/BearsFamilies to find numerous resources that will help you encourage your student.
Please don’t hesitate to contact Priscilla Childress, coordinator for parent and family programs at [email protected] or (417) 836-3060 with questions.
Go Bears!
www.universityparent.com/missouristate 9
First Year Student Checklist
Students have a lot to remember as they start classes at Missouri State. Use this checklist to help remind them of requirements.
3 Review tuition and fees statement
Statements are sent monthly to students’ Missouri State email accounts. They are not mailed. Upon registration, students can view their financial account on the Profile tab of their MyMissouriState portal. Students can also enroll in Non-Payroll Direct Deposit at this location to have financial aid and refunds directly deposited into a personal bank account.
3 Complete HAVEN
Haven is an online program which educates new students about consent, relationship violence, sexual assault and bystander intervention. Students are required to complete this program before they may register for second semester courses. They can access the Haven course on the Academics tab of their MyMissouriState portal.
3 Complete the Medical History Form and Immunization Record
Access and print this form from health.missouristate.edu/forms.htm and submit it to Taylor Health and Wellness Center. Doing so will reduce time and effort on your student’s part if they need to see medical staff in the future.
3 Present proof of the Meningococcal vaccine
Mandated by Missouri Law SB 567, any student who lives in MSU residence halls as of July 1, 2015, must have a documented written record of receiving the meningococcal vaccine. If your student has not received the meningitis vaccine previously, he/she must get this vaccine prior to moving into the residence hall. The only exceptions allowed are a written medical exemption, approved by Taylor Health and Wellness Center, or a written religious exemption, approved by Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services.
Missouri State University10
3 Complete the online Tuberculosis screening questionnaire
Missouri Law (RS 199.920) requires all Missouri institutions of higher education to perform a targeted tuberculosis testing program for all on-campus students. Your student can complete the simple five-question online survey through their MyMissouriState portal. Select the Profile tab, then select the “Tuberculosis Screening Survey” link in the Wellness channel.
3 Purchase a Missouri State parking permit
Students planning to park on campus must have a valid parking permit. Permits are required for all motorized vehicles 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Purchase a parking permit online at missouristate.edu/parking.
3 Consider opening a local bank account
Where will your student keep his/her money while at school? Commerce Bank has ATMs and banking locations located conveniently on campus. Visit www.commercebank.com/msu to learn about services specialized for students.
3 Review the “What to Bring” list on the Residence Life website
The “What to Bring” list outlines items your student will need in the residence halls plus items not allowed. reslife.missouristate.edu/FAQ.htm#Bring
3 Download the MSU mobile app
Missouri State University’s official smartphone app gives your student quick access to campus resources such as an interactive map with BearLine shuttle tracking, grades and class schedule, and news and events.
www.universityparent.com/missouristate 11
For many students, the transition to college courses can be challenging. Missouri State offers many resources to support students as they become comfortable with the format of college classes. Nearly 80% of students who use these services see an increase of one letter grade. Encourage your student to take advantage of the following resources:
Academic Advisement Center – Academic Advisement Center advisors assist undeclared students in exploring majors and developing meaningful educational plans to help them achieve their life goals. Advisors help students with course planning and scheduling, make referrals to on-campus support services, and encourage students to get the best possible education at Missouri State. Visit missouristate.edu/advising for more information.
Academic Resources for Students
Missouri State University12
Bear Claw – This interactive space in Meyer Library unites the resources and expertise of the faculty, library personnel, computer and information technology, the Writing Center, subject-area tutoring, Absent Professor Program, PSY 121 Undergraduate Learning Assistants and PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) in an environment that fosters informal, collaborative work and social interaction. Bear CLAW tutoring services vary by subject. The Bear CLAW space is open during regular library hours. Find out more at bearclaw.missouristate.edu.
Disability Resource Center – Missouri State is committed to providing an accessible and supportive environment for students with disabilities. Academic accommodations are available at no cost to students who can provide documentation of a disability from a qualified specialist and can demonstrate that the requested accommodations are necessary for participation in University programs. To initiate request for academic accommodations, a student must contact the Disability Resource Center. Learn more at www.missouristate.edu/disability.
Open Access Labs – Computer services maintains three computer labs that are open to the Missouri State community. Whether your student needs wireless setup on his/her laptop or smartphone, help with using a computer program or just needs somewhere to sit and study, they have a place in Cheek, Glass and on the second floor of the Meyer Library. Encourage your student to visit helpdesk.missouristate.edu/resources/open-access-labs to find out more.
Writing Center – The Writing Center is a welcoming place for your student to gain advice on any writing assignment regardless of the course or topic. Whether he/she is just beginning an assignment or is in the final stages of a project, the Writing Center can help. It is the Writing Center’s philosophy that improved writing skills lead to educational and professional success in college and beyond. Learn more at writingcenter.missouristate.edu.
www.universityparent.com/missouristate 13
The department of Safety and Transportation coordinates campus safety, parking, vehicle and bicycle registration, safe walk services and the Missouri State Alert system.
Bear Line shuttle service
The University operates a free shuttle service for use by students, faculty, staff and guests of Missouri State University. The shuttle makes numerous stops at locations convenient to University parking lots, residence halls, academic buildings, Meyer Library, Plaster Student Union, Hammons Student Center and Morris Center.
Blue Light Safety Phone
Blue Light Safety Phones are located across the campus. If students are in an uncomfortable situation, pressing a button on the phone activates flashing blue lights. Students will be connected with the public safety office and an officer will be dispatched to his/her location.
Missouri State Alert system
Missouri State Alert is the University’s mass notification system, which uses a variety of methods to contact students, faculty and staff in the event of an emergency or school closing. Learn more about the Missouri State Alert System at www.missouristate.edu/safetran/missouristatealert.htm.
Campus Safety
Missouri State University14
Safe Walk services
Students who do not feel safe walking from one campus location to another during dark hours can request a public safety officer to accompany them. To obtain this service, students should call (417) 836-5509 and state their name, location and destination. An officer will then be dispatched to that location. Encourage your student to add this number to his/her address book or contact list.
SHARP (Self Defense and Rape Prevention)
SHARP training teaches students how to protect themselves through preventing attacks and learning techniques for escape. Valuable information about confrontation avoidance and self-defense techniques are shared in two evening course sessions conducted by the Missouri State University’s Safety and Transportation Department. This FREE course is designed for women. Class dates and times can be found at missouristate.edu/recreation/wellness/sharp.htm.
Springfield Police Campus Substation
The Springfield Police Department maintains a substation on Missouri State University’s campus. Located at 636 E. Elm, this substation places the officers on campus, making them a part of, and readily available to, the University community. Commissioned Springfield police officers regularly patrol campus and partner with University faculty and staff to provide programs and information.
www.universityparent.com/missouristate 15
• Select healthier foods and never skip breakfast – Breakfast can improve energy levels, help maintain focus in the classroom and increase the overall quality of a student’s diet. Students should choose leaner protein options, make half their grains whole grains and consume plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Utilize Taylor Health and Wellness Center – Should your student become ill, Taylor Health and Wellness Center provides free general office visits and immunizations.
• Maintain hydration – Dehydration is often mistaken for hunger. Your student should keep bottled water close by and limit their consumption of beverages high in sugar or caffeine.
Top Tips for Maintaining Wellness: Encourage your Student to Live Well, Be Well
Did you know that eight of the top 10 reasons why students struggle in their first year of college are health and wellness related? Concerns like stress, sleep problems, depression, anxiety and alcohol abuse have been linked to failure in college. Partner with us to ensure these issues don’t become barriers to your student’s success.
To help you enhance your student’s overall well-being, encourage them to:
Missouri State University16
• Stay physically active – Campus Recreation offers numerous ways students can be physically active at all hours of the day. Remind them to take a tour of the fitness center, try a BearFIt class or take advantage of outdoor adventure trips. Physical activity is a great way for students to manage their stress and meet new people.
• Recharge with sleep – It is recommended that 7–9 hours of sleep is crucial for optimum performance inside and outside of the classroom.
• Get connected with friends and organizations – While loneliness can be a normal part of the college transition, students who are socially connected and engaged on campus cope better with homesickness. Students should be encouraged to ask a friend if they are feeling overwhelmed and need help.
• Address signs of stress early – Forgetfulness, moodiness and fatigue can all be early signs of stress. Bears need to make stress management a part of their everyday college life.
• Create a care plan – If emotional concerns of mood, anxiety or substance use have been a part of your student’s past, ensure you have a plan for how these emotional care needs will be met. The Counseling Center can help you navigate the best treatment options.
www.universityparent.com/missouristate 17
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects your student’s privacy and grants him or her exclusive right to view and share education records such as grades, transcripts, disciplinary records, contact information and class schedules. Under this law, colleges and universities may not disclose education records to anyone other than the student — including parents and family members.
These restrictions are often frustrating to family members, particularly to those paying college bills. Rather than seeing these restrictions as obstacles to helping your student, we encourage you to view them as an opportunity to have important discussion with your student.
Relationships between families and students are strengthened when your student is provided independence to grow and support when he or she makes mistakes. When it comes to grades and academic work, talk to your student as an adult. Share your opinions, but respect his or her decisions, too.
A Family’s Guide to FERPA
Missouri State University18
Partners in Education (PIE) Program
Partners in Education is a program which aims to help first-year students and their families build a relationship of trust and communication, with the goal of improving students’ academic success and retention. By enrolling in the program, students can grant a designated partner (usually a parent or family member) authorization to access information regarding the student’s academic progress for their first year. The partner will also be mailed the student’s mid-term and final grade reports. Students may withdraw permission to release information to the partner at any time.
Students can enroll by visiting the Partners in Education link on the Academics tab of their My Missouri State portal. Contact the academic assistance office at (417) 836-5034 or visit www.missouristate.edu/sdpa/PartnersInEducation.htm to learn more. Please note that only the academic assistance office personnel may release academic information to the partner indicated on the PIE form.
Help establish trust and communication in your relationship with your student through the following means:
• Help your student set academic goals for studying and grades early in the semester; periodically check to see if your student is meeting these goals.
• Ask questions about your student’s classes and what he or she is learning; show that you’re interested in more than just grades.
• Show support during stressful times like finals week by sending encouraging emails and care packages.
• After supporting your student through the whole semester, ask if he or she will share grades with you. Respect his or her decision, whatever it might be. Continue to support your student academically.
• We understand that working within the restrictions of FERPA can be challenging, but remember that this law is intended for your student to take personal responsibility for his or her transcript and financial obligations. Encourage your student to take ownership over his education — and to discuss his or her education with you every once in a while.
Additional information about FERPA can be found at missouristate.edu/registrar/ FERPA.html.
www.universityparent.com/missouristate 19
Get involved in a campus organization?
There are more than 300 student organizations at Missouri State! Through a variety of organizations, activities, programs, events, workshops and services, there is truly something for everyone. The Office of Student Engagement (www.missouristate.edu/studentengagement) is a great resource for students wanting to find their place and their passion.
Learn more about choosing a career?
Encourage your student to visit the Career Center (careercenter.missouristate.edu) which offers career assessments, career counseling, job search coaching, resume critiques, practice interviews, career fairs and current part-time, internship and full time professional employment opportunities posted in Job Tracks, its online job posting system.
Make a difference in the community?
Missouri State is a campus that is devoted to developing leaders to affect our community, whether it be on campus, our local neighborhoods, or globally. The Office of Community and Volunteer Service (www.missouristate.edu/communityinvolvement) offers service-learning programs that help students discover passions and talents, giving them the opportunity to work with their communities and build up their ability to lead in their careers.
Join a fraternity or sorority?
Fraternity and Sorority Life at MSU consists of more than 30 recognized chapters, including 20 fraternities (17 Interfraternity Council and three NPHC), and 10 sororities (seven national, one local and two NPHC chapters). Your student can learn more about the process of joining a fraternity or sorority by contacting the office of fraternity and sorority life at (417) 836-4386, online at www.missouristate.edu/studentengagement/FSL or stopping by the office on the first floor of the Plaster Student Union.
What if my Student Wants to…
Missouri State University20
Get a jump start on meeting new people in the residence hall?
Encourage your student to join the Residence Hall Association (rha.missouristate.edu). Remind your student to participate in the Hall Council meetings where students have the opportunity to influence change in the residence hall. Find out more about residence life on reslife.missouristate.edu.
Learn more about multicultural programs?
Suggest that your student visit the Office of Multicultural Programs (missouristate.edu/MulticulturalPrograms) to learn about multicultural student organizations, the LGBT Resource Center and programs designed to enhance academic performance, ethical leadership, community engagement, cultural competence and social awareness.
Learn more about financial wellness?
Refer your student to the Real L.I.F.E experience (www.missouristate.edu/FinancialAid/RealLIFE), a program designed to enhance the financial wellness and awareness of undergraduate students.
Learn about the study away program?
Encourage your student to visit the Study Away Programs office and learn about the extensive opportunities to develop understanding of and competence in dealing with other cultures by studying abroad. Study Away (international.missouristate.edu/studyaway) offers experiences in more than 70 different countries, ranging anywhere from one week up to one academic year.
Find out more about dining on campus?
Your student has many options for dining at Missouri State including three dining halls, a food court in the Plaster Student Union, and Outtakes in Strong Hall and Meyer Library. Refer your student to the Dining Services website (dineoncampus.com/missouristate) to view menus, check hours of operation, upcoming events and more.
Develop their leadership skills?
The leadership development team, part of the Office of Student Engagement, strives to offer opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills and prepare for leadership roles on campus and post-graduation. Refer your student to the leadership development website (missouristate.edu/studentengagement/leadership) for more information.
My best advice is to encourage your son/daughter to begin the process of self-assessment early in his/her career at MSU. It is important to remember this is a time of personal growth and development. Encourage your student to try a variety of classes,
to think about obtaining some relevant experience either through a part-time job or internship, and to remember they are the ones who will be going to work every day.
Encourage them to take something they are passionate about and translate that into a career. “Follow Your Passion…Find Your Place.”
Jill Wiggins, Director – MSU Career Center
Academic advisors support students as they make educational plans and encourage students to get the best possible education at Missouri State University. Urge your
student to meet with his or her advisor early in the first semester, and frequently throughout college. While advisors are here to support students, students make the ultimate decisions. Encourage your student to be actively involved in the academic
planning process by reading the undergraduate catalog, keeping up with the academic calendar, and learning to read a degree audit. If your student does not feel comfortable with the assigned advisor after two or three advising sessions, sometimes it’s a good
idea to ask the departmental office for a change in advisor. Each student deserves a knowledgeable, caring academic advisor to offer support, give accurate
information, and provide guidance.
Kathy Davis, Director – Advisement Center
Going off to college is a transition for your student and for you… so, allow them to have the time and space necessary to adjust to college life. Make sure that she/he knows you are always there when they really need you. But, try to let them make their own
decisions and sometimes their own mistakes. Check in every so often (but not too often) and schedule your visits ahead of time.
Dr. Dee Siscoe, Vice President for Student Affairs
Advice From the Experts
www.universityparent.com/missouristate 21
Missouri State University22
12345
Conversation Starters for Families
Try these five questions to get the conversation flowing with your student:
What campus events have you attended? What groups have you joined? If you haven’t joined one yet, have you found
some that interest you?
What would you put in a time capsule that showcases your freshman year in college?
What is your plan if you get sick? Have you been to Taylor Health and Wellness?
How are you managing your workload? What is your study schedule?
How are you maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
www.universityparent.com/missouristate 23
Involvement is an important aspect of your student’s college experience. Students who are involved outside the classroom develop valuable leadership skills and learn how to maintain a great balance between their social and academic life.
If your student tells you “There’s nothing to do on campus” remind him/her about the resources that were presented at SOAR.
Suggest visiting the Office of Student Engagement website (missouristate.edu/studentengagement) to check out the events calendar and explore the many options, including the following:
• Encourage them to attend Welcome Weekend events. The Office of Student Engagement (missouristate.edu/welcome) has a full weekend of events planned to help your student acclimate to Missouri State. With lots of events to choose from such as Bear Bash, Playfair and the New Student Festival, your student is bound to find things that interest them and connects them with new friends and resources.
There’s Nothing to Do…
Missouri State University24
• Remind them to read the E-Bulletin, (blogs.missouristate.edu/ebulletin) a weekly e-newsletter that arrives in their student email every Wednesday, sharing information about upcoming events, programs, activities and important deadlines.
• Remind your student to take part in MSU campus traditions. There are many celebrated fun Missouri State traditions, including Homecoming, Bear Breaks, Maroon Madness, and Rock-n-Bowl they can attend or help plan! The Traditions Council is a great organization for your student to join and leave a legacy on the campus.
• Suggest they attend an athletic event. It’s a great way to generate school spirit and have fun with friends and classmates. With 16 NCAA sanctioned sports teams represented at MSU, there is always an athletic event to attend. The schedule for all teams can be found at missouristatebears.com.
• Encourage your student to check Twitter for upcoming events and opportunities. Twitter is a great way to keep up with activities on campus. From @MOSTATEOSE (Office of Student Engagement), to
@ClifSmart and @MOStateService (volunteer opportunities) to @BearsFamilies (a resource for our family members also) plus many more, your student will be “in the know” about the Missouri State campus.
• Suggest they join a campus organization. With more than 300 organizations (organizations.missouristate.edu/guide) on campus, your student’s options are wide-open. From academic and professional organizations and special interest groups to fraternities and sororities and multicultural student organizations, there are so many ways to get involved!
• Encourage them to join R.E.A.L. Bears (Recruiting Emerging Alumni Leaders). R.E.A.L Bears (alumni.missouristate.edu/realbears) is sponsored by the Missouri State University Alumni Association. R.E.A.L. Bears is about getting involved with the University, developing leadership skills, connecting with alumni, building relationships, community service and much more.
“Have a conversation about time management. Up to this point in their lives, someone else has kept them on schedule. It’s their turn now. Give them a planner and talk about the importance of being aware of all of
their commitments. Encourage them to plan ahead.”
“Keep a positive attitude with your student even if the first semester isn’t going like everyone had hoped. Remind them of resources available on campus. Encourage your student to meet with their
professors when they are struggling with a class.”
“Really encourage your son or daughter to get plugged in with student activities/groups on campus, as soon as possible. New experiences
are so much easier to navigate and survive when you are going through them with others, especially when some of those others
have already been there.”
“Understand that your student is going to pursue their own interests — even if you wonder where it’s leading! They are entering the next chapter of their life and it’s theirs to run with. Let them know you are
supportive and love them whatever course their life takes.”
Advice from Seasoned Family Members
www.universityparent.com/missouristate 25
Missouri State University26
BearWear Friday – Show your colors and wear your BearWear every Friday!
Homecoming – Homecoming is a spirit-filled, Maroon and White celebration of Missouri State. Alumni return to reminisce about their days at MSU and students take part in numerous activities such as “Can You Build It,” Yell like Hell, RockStar and the Homecoming Parade. The week culminates with tailgating at BearFest Village and cheering on the Bears at the football game.
Welcome Weekend – Welcome Weekend is a must for new students. Events such as Bear Bash, Playfair, New Student Festival and the New Student Convocation engage the students with the University and offer opportunities to meet new people and have fun at the same time.
Fight Song – The current Missouri State University Fight Song was adopted in the 1960s. “The Scotsman” has been a University tradition for nearly 50 years, and is an important aspect of Missouri State athletic events, pep rallies, and other gatherings.
Alma Mater – The Alma Mater is also a long-standing University tradition. This tune, the traditional “alumni” song of Missouri State, is performed at every commencement ceremony and sometimes played at athletic events or other ceremonies.
Photo with the Bear Statue – Students document their first and last day of college with a photo with the Bear Statue, located in front of the Plaster Student Union.
Missouri State Traditions
www.universityparent.com/missouristate 27
Ask a Bear!Name three things you recommend new Bears do during their first year at Missouri State. I think all new Bears should meet as many people on their floor as they can, go to the Kentwood Dining Center and the Union Club (the best kept secrets on campus!), and play at least one intramural sport in their first year.
– Michael Brinkmeyer, junior
Share some study tips that helped your transition from high school to college classes. I never had to study much in high school. It was hard for me to focus for long periods of studying. One thing that I learned to do is take my notes from class and try to turn them into questions that I think I’d see on the test. During class I mark material that I think is likely to be an essay question, and before the test I write potential questions that I think I’ll see.
– Matt Hinken, senior
How did your involvement on campus help you during your freshman year? It was a great way to meet people and become connected to the University. I didn’t just go to the school, I was a part of the school! Once you are involved in one thing, the doors keep opening up! There are so many paths and avenues you just have to jump in and start somewhere.
– Reina Hill, senior
Missouri State University28
What was your biggest shock/challenge about the change from high school to college? The different lifestyles that I had not experienced before. Different does not mean better or worse, it just means that there are new experiences and people to meet and get to know in order to broaden your perspective on life.
– Jordan McGee, senior
What is one piece of advice you would give to families who are “letting their student grow” for the first time? One piece of advice I would give to parents is let their student learn responsibility. Going off to college is their time to learn how to make their schedule, handle their own obligations and to stay on top of things. They do not need their families making sure that they are doing everything they are supposed to do. It’s okay to check up on them from time to time to see how they are doing but let them be the one to uphold that responsibility.
– Justin Roberts, junior
What conversation do you wish you had with your family before starting your first year of college? When coming to college, I wish I would have talked to my parents about money. I really wasn’t sure what I should be paying for or how to really use money in college. My dad went to college for a few semesters, but other than that, I am a first generation college student. We weren’t sure how much extra money I would need, so that was something I had to figure out as I went along.
– Kristi Patrickus, senior
www.universityparent.com/missouristate 29
Key Contacts
DEPARTMENT NAME PHONE NUMBER
Athletics (417) 836-5244
Campus Directory Assistance (417) 836-5000
Campus Recreation (417) 836-5334
Community Involvement and Service (417) 836-5774
Counseling and Testing (417) 836-5116
Dean of Students (417) 836-5527
Dining Services (417) 836-5660
Disability Resource Center (417) 836-4192
Financial Aid (417) 836-5262
Missouri State University30
Leadership Development (417) 836-4386
Multicultural Programs (417) 836-5652
New Student and Parent Programs (417) 836-7641
Office of Student Engagement (417) 836-4386
Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs (417) 836-5526
Parking and Transportation Services (417) 836-8870
Parent and Family Association (417) 836-3060
Partners in Education (PIE) (417) 836-5034
Plaster Student Union (417) 836-5886
Police Substation (417) 836-5509
Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services (417) 836-5536
Student Conduct (417) 836-6937
Student Government Association (417) 836-5500
Study Away (417) 836-6368
Taylor Health and Wellness Center (417) 836-4030
Veterans Services (417) 836-6199
What banks are near campus?
Who should I call if I want to send my daughter flowers?
Where should we stay when we come to visit our student?
Where can my daughter store her belongings over the summer?
What's the best way to get from the airport to campus?
For advertising inquiries, please visit reachcollegeparents.com or email: [email protected]
www.universityparent.com/missouristate
What are some of the area’s best restaurants?
What are some fun things to do in the area?
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MSU?
UNIVERSITYPARENT.COM/MISSOURISTATE
