MSU invites students to sample college life March 8 at MSU Friday

by Brenda McDonald
MSU-Bozeman News Service

02/08/2002 --Bozeman - Did you know that it's OK to enter college as a general studies major, that children really will miss their parents and even their siblings while at college, and college roommates are a good thing?

These are some of the nuts and bolts college issues college bound students and their parents learn during MSU Friday on the campus of Montana State University. These events are held three times each academic year. The next session is scheduled for March 8.

MSU Friday includes a slate of activities including campus and housing tours, sample classes by some of MSU's best professors, meetings with college deans, a display of organizations and special services and presentations on financing a college education as well as panels for parents and students.

"People expect 18 and 19 year olds to know what they want to do with the rest of their lives," said Rita Sand, general studies advisor. "That's a lot to expect. Students need to explore, to see what's out there and learn about themselves. We acknowledge as a positive thing that you don't know what your major will be."

Sand emphasizes that going into the general studies program prevents students from spending two years in a curriculum and then deciding that they don't like it. "Less than 10 percent of students who declare a major as a freshman, graduate in that major," she said.

During MSU Friday students and parents have the opportunity to ask questions of students. Parents at a recent MSU Friday asked student members of the Advocat program what they could do for their students at college. The students universally recommended that they send mail. "Send letters to their mailbox. They need to get a physical piece of mail that they can hold in their hand."

The Advocats also recommended that parents encourage their child to stick with college even though its tough being away from home for the first time and they may miss their parents and siblings.

"Encourage their students to stay on campus for the first few weekends. Then they'll make new friends," said one Advocat.

When asked whether students should have a roommate. The answer again from the Advocats was a unified yes. They recommended a roommate for the experience of getting to know other people and expanding the opportunities to meet people.

Ronda Russell, director of MSU's Admissions and New Student Services, notes the three major reasons students choose to attend MSU: the quality of academic programs, the location to first class outdoor recreation and success in finding jobs after college.

"Employers seek MSU students because of their work ethic. They're well prepared academically for their fields and they're good people," Russell said.

During a recent MSU Friday, Larry Baker, assistant dean for the College of Education, Health and Human Development at MSU told parents and students, "You can't get a better education than MSU, just a more expensive one."

MSU president Geoff Gamble notes that MSU has untapped potential.

"There's great energy here. MSU is an academic gem," Gamble said. "The education received here allows students to compete with the nation's best."

Cost for MSU Friday is $12, which includes lunch and activities.

Students visiting on March 8 will have the opportunity to check out Bridger Bowl Ski Area at a discounted rate on Saturday, March 9.

Students wishing to spend a night on campus with a current student, sample food and experience campus life after hours may contact the Residence Life Office (406) 994-2661 about its HOST program. The cost of the program is $45 a night. For more information about MSU Friday, contact MSU Admissions and New Student Services at 1-888-MSU-CATS or (406) 994-2452.

Send questions or comments to Brenda McDonald: bmcdonal@montana.edu. Or you can send letters to Brenda McDonald, MSU Communications Services, 416 Culbertson Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717.

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