Joining a student group is a great way to get involved on campus. Whether it is as an AdvoCat or in one of the other groups on campus, getting involved is the way to enhance a student's experience.

Encourage your student to ask questions...There are no stupid questions in the Registrar's Office.

Encourage your student to start building their success plan early with their Student Success Advisor. They will be set up with FREE tutoring, tips on how to be successful in college (we know college is different than high school), time management strategies and a personal connection on campus with people who care! Stop in to SUB 177 as soon as they get to campus, or call us at 994-ROAR (7627) to schedule an appointment.

Take an active role in getting the most out of your MSU experience.

Stay in contact with the university. We are great partners in your student's journey through Higher Education.

I hope all of you attend Parent and Family Weekend! And, consider reading Karen Coburn's wonderful book, "Letting go: A parent's guide to understanding the college years. This book has helped many, many parents to better understand the issues their students confront as incoming college students.

Be sure to explore the MSU website, especially the Parent & Family page.

The Academic Advisory Center can help any student with core classes, possible minors or ideas on how to 'add value' to their degree. Those students who decide their first declared
major is not a good fit can work with advisors in the Academic Advisory Center to take useful courses while exploring other major options.

College is not only a destination, it is also a journey. Remind your son or daughter to enjoy their 'journey of discovery' … just like Lewis and Clark.

The MSU Bookstore is student-owned and here to serve you. Please come in and ask any and all of your questions. We're happy to help!

Communicate with your students...Ask in-depth questions.

Encourage your kids to lock up and protect their personal belongings. They should be sure to lock their bikes, cars, computers and rooms.

Thank you for entrusting your sons and daughters to the staff and faculty at MSU! Please know that your student's well-being is of paramount importance to us. Do not hesitate to call or e-mail if we can be of assistance to you or to your student.

Recommend to your students they take advantage of all MSU events the week before school starts, including Catapalooza, Convocation, Move-In Day and Legend of the Bobcat, to name a few.

Do an internship! Your student must do an internship or research experience while at MSU. They can begin searching for student employment and internship opportunities this summer on www.MyCatCareers.com. Additionally, your student should plan to attend the Student Employment Job Fair on September 11th in the SUB Ballrooms.

Send CARE packages!

Make sure you sign up for Bobcat Bulletin, MSU's weekly e-newsletter. The stories and events highlighted in the bulletin will be great conversation starters with your student - you might even impress them with how much you know about their University!

There are many opportunities for student employment in Auxiliary Services, and they are flexible with schedules.

Work with us to help your son or daughter create the success and experience that they want at MSU. Consider joining the Parent & Family Association, attending Parent & Family Weekend, signing up for our Family eNewsletter, contacting us via email, or calling our parent hotline (406-994-7395)!

Keep breathing mom and dad and encourage your student to get involved while attending MSU. The ideal complement to the academic experience is engagement with peers, faculty, staff and community members. Pursuing interests and passions on campus and in the community can be both enlightening and great fun for your student!

Encourage your students to get to know their faculty. Suggest they stay after class or go to their professor's office and a strike up a conversation with him or her. They won't regret it!