February Newsletter
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By Brent Lloyd, GEAR UP MSU Graduate Assistant
After successfully completing their first semester at MSU and learning the routines and rhythms of college life and academics, students may become more interested in becoming involved with the many extra-curricular activities that Montana State has to offer. GEAR UP encourages our students to become involved with organizations on campus as a means of developing community and staying active. There are many sources dedicated to helping students find the right fit for them in extra-curricular activities. MSU's Office of Student Engagement (OSE) offers a number of avenues for students to explore, from service opportunities to community organizations. MSU's CatsConnect program provides students with a comprehensive list of events and opportunities on campus to become engaged and involved. Check out CatsConnect at www.montana.edu/catsconnect. Participating in activities outside of class is an important aspect of college life that we encourage all students to partake in.
- "Watch out for upcoming deadlines. They will sneak up on you." -Mark MSU Sophomore
- "Remember to talk with your advisor(s) whenever you need them. They are here to help." -Hayden MSU Junior
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"Make sure to have free time while you are here. Have fun in and out of class." -Regina MSU Freshman
Housing Options for Returning Students
Current students living on campus are able to apply for continued on-campus housing for 2023-2024 beginning January 30th, 2023. Those who have completed their application by Feb. 10th will be assigned a time to log back into the Housing Portal to pick their room for the 2023-2024 academic year. Students who apply after February 10th will be assigned to a room rather than being able to pick their room. University Student Housing has developed "Know Before You Go" workshops designed to help students understand this process. See the flyer below for the dates, times, and locations of these workshops. All are welcome- even if the session is not in their hall. More information can be found at https://www.montana.edu/housing/halls/hps.html
Lucky Martin
Lucky is a first-year student from Libby studying history, a subject he enjoys because the various stories and events that make up our past interests him. Lucky was inspired to attend college because of the excellent AFROTC program here at MSU. His goal is a career in the Air Force following graduation. Prior to arriving at MSU, GEAR UP at Libby High School provided Lucky with the ability to tour various colleges and helped prepare him for college life, applying for scholarships, and generally being very helpful on his road to higher education. In high school, Lucky was involved in a number of things including Cross Country, Band, Close-Up, NHS, and student government. Now at MSU, Lucky is dedicated to AFROTC and volunteers with MAV security during football games.
Lucky Martin, Libby, MT
February Service Seminars
TRIO and GEAR UP students will have an opportunity for a FREE ski day at Big Sky after participating in at least one Service Seminar in February. Come to a service seminar to learn more about an organization, what they do to support students and community members, and find out how you might get involved. Food will be provided at each and RSVP in CatsConnect is requested. See www.montana.edu/catsconnect or check in with the GEAR UP MSU office for specific dates and locations.
GEAR UP Goes to College
Thursday, February 16th, 2:00-3:00 pm
GEAR UP Goes to College provides 7th-12th graders from Montana GEAR UP schools an opportunity to tour MSU virtually from their classroom. Throughout the month of February, colleges across Montana will be featured. MSU's feature will be on Thursday, February 16th from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. GEAR UP MSU is excited to share a virtual tour, Q&A, and participants will hear from current MSU students from GEAR UP schools.
Commnity Rec Night
Thursday, February 16th, 5:00-7:00 pm
Once a month TRIO Student Support Services hosts a community recreation night in the SUB Rec Center and welcomes GEAR UP students and their friends and family to attend. Community Rec Night helps foster community and engagement between students as they adjust to life at MSU, Dinner and actvities are provided at no cost to students. New this semester: monthly GEAR UP ChampChange prize drawings will be held at Community Rec Nights.
Career Fair
February 27th- March 3rd
The 'Almost' Spring Career Fair is February 27 - March 3, 2023. This week-long event is filled with workshops, resume and interview assistance, networking events with recruiters, and much more. Recruiters are seeking summer interns as well as part time and full time job and career opportunities. Don't miss it!
Native Student Preview Day
On January 23rd, Montana State hosted Native Student Preview Day in which dozens of students from across the state of Montana at both the high school and collegiate level were welcomed to MSU and shown the resources dedicated to aiding their success as students.
Students were given tours of MSU's beautiful campus and received presentations walking them through the process of applying or transferring to Montana State.
An information fair and "Major Madness" exposed students to academic and extracurricular opportunities and a student panel discussed life as a Native student at Montana State
The day ended with a talk by astronaut John Herrington, the first Native American to travel in space.
On Tuesday January 24th, TRIO SSS and GEAR UP hosted a semester kickoff event for students as they returned to campus for their spring semester!
More Images from MSU's Native Student Preview Day
