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Dear Bobcat parent and family members,
Another Finals Week is upon us, and it feels like the semester has flown by. After much waiting and unseasonably warm temps this month, Bozeman was dusted with snow this weekend. I know many of our students are disappointed with the slow start to winter. But they can rest assured: Winter will come. In the meantime, I wish you and your student a safe, relaxing and enjoyable winter break.
During the break, there are a few topics of conversation you might consider raising with your student:
- Spring 2024 registration status check-in - Registration remains open for spring classes! There is still plenty of time for your student to resolve registration holds, meet with their adviser, and choose their schedule. Students have until Jan. 23 to register online through MyInfo on the MSU website, and instructors can add students to their classes until Jan. 30. The Registration Process webpage has detailed information, and students can visit the Registrar's Office in Montana Hall for in-person assistance.
- Application for scholarships - Applying through the MSU Cat Scholarships portal is very straightforward. Deadlines for many scholarships are rapidly approaching, so encourage your student to apply soon.
- Fall semester grades will be posted on MyInfo late next week, and while the university cannot legally share grades with parents due to FERPA, students certainly can share their grades with you. I recommend checking in with your student on how they are faring academically, especially if they are first-year students transitioning from high school to college.
If your student needs to leave a car on campus, MSU will again offer winter break parking in Bison Lot 26 and Bobcat Lot 18 for students, faculty and staff. Parking vehicles in these designated lots makes it easier for the city of Bozeman and MSU to keep campus streets and lots clear of snow. Plus, your student won't return to find their car trapped in a snow bank! A few important notes about winter parking:
- A permit is not required to park in Bison Lot 26 and Bobcat Lot 18 from Dec. 15 through Jan. 17. Permits are required to park in any other campus lots over the break.
- Vehicles that will be parked in the same location for more than three consecutive days must be parked in lots 18 or 26.
- Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in vehicle towing at the owner's expense.
- MSU is offering a permit for covered parking on the second and third floors of the MSU parking garage. These permits cost $150 and will allow parking in the garage from Dec. 15 through Jan. 17. Students can purchase these permits on the MSU Parking Services webpage.
Questions about parking can be directed to 406-994-1723 or [email protected], and more information can be found at www.montana.edu/parking.
Is your student looking for a job next semester? MSU's brand-new Student Wellness Center will be opening in March, and the facility is seeking student employees in a variety of positions, including customer service, climbing gear technicians, group fitness instructors, referees, lifeguards and more. No experience is necessary, and the positions provide flexible hours, competitive pay and valuable skills. More information is available on the Student Wellness Center webpage.
This is our final message of the semester, and I want to sincerely thank you for reading these emails. I read and appreciate each response I get from parents. Thank you for your civility, kindness, and grace in communicating with us. In case you missed any of these messages or want to revisit a particular resource, we've posted all our communications on the Bobcat Parent-Family News webpage.
We'll be back in touch soon as we gear up for the spring semester of 2024.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Take care,
Matthew R. Caires
Dean of Students
P.S. Is your student one of our many ski and snowboard enthusiasts? If you live near Bozeman or plan to visit this winter, our Outdoor Recreation Program will be hosting one-day avalanche awareness clinics for students and parents to learn about safe, backcountry travel together. With these small-group events, we aim to help students and their families build skills and awareness about risk in the winter backcountry. Email Daniel Sandberg or visit the ORP website for more information!