Keeping Up with GEAR UP Newsletter Graphic

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By Emma Hill, GEAR UP MSU Program Assistant

Smart Start Graphic

New GEAR UP and TRIO Student Support Services students who come to Smart Start will be able to move in to their assigned dorm room early, have a parent/family send-off celebration, build community and connection, engage in some fun activities with MSU programs and services, and have some outdoor recreational opportunities! There is no charge for Smart Start, and all meals and rental of outdoor recreation gear is provided! RSVP now for Smart Start on CatsConnect or by scanning the QR code!

Smart Start QR Code
Book Borrowing Program QR Code

Book Loan Program

Fill out our application now!
GEAR UP MSU is excited to announce a new service for our First Year students. Students who graduated from a Montana GEAR UP high school in 2022 and will be entering college at MSU Bozeman are eligible for our book borrowing program. Through this program, GEAR UP MSU will loan you textbooks for the semester at no cost to you! Scan the barcode to request your textbooks now or navigate to our Book Borrowing Program application here!
Books

WRIT 101 Sections for GEAR UP and TRIO

Register today!

WRIT 101 is a required course all MSU students must take. One section is reserved just for new GEAR UP and TRIO students. The purpose of a specialized section of WRIT 101 is for students with similar experiences and backgrounds to take it together. The course will be held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1:10-2:00 pm this Fall.  Let the GEAR UP office know if you would like to take this section of WRIT 101.

Fall Semester Kickoff on August 25th

Fall Semester Kick-Off

August 25th from 5-7 PM in SUB Ballroom A

All GEAR UP students (Freshmen through Graduate students) are invited to a Fall semester Kickoff event on Thursday, August 25th from 5-7pm. Come enjoy some food, games, and get to know other GEAR UP and TRIO students. Let's get the Fall semester kicked off successfully! RSVP on CatsConnect.

Outdoor Rec Day on August 27th

GEAR UP and TRIO Outdoor Rec Day

August 27th
GEAR UP is partnering with MSU's Outdoor Recreation Program to bring students a day of whitewater rafting, team building, and fun on the river (pending the conditions of the rivers and roads due to recent flooding). Come and join GEAR UP, TRIO Student Support Services, and staff for a fun day of adventure the Saturday after classes start. It is the perfect opportunity to make new friends and decompress from the busy first week of classes.  RSVP on CatsConnect. 

See the CatsConnect Page for More Information!

CatsConnect Information

Lucky Martin and his mom at New Student Orientation
MSU New Student Orientations were held in June. Incoming students spent two and a half days on campus learning about programs and services and registering for Fall semester courses.  GEAR UP MSU is happy to fund students' and parent(s)' Orientation registration fees and on-campus lodging. Reach out to the GEAR UP MSU office to inquire about using GEAR UP funds for orientation. Lucky Martin, incoming Freshman from Libby, MT, and his mom Kristan, attended orientation June 11-13, 2022.
Ben Croft and his mom, Vicky
Ben Croft, incoming Freshman from Thompson Falls, MT, with his mom Vicky. Ben and Vicky attended orientation June 27-29, 2022.
Students at the Mueseum of the RockiesStudents touring behind the scenes at the MORStudents touring the archives at the Museum of the Rockies
MSU hosted the MSU Explore: Earth & Space Science Camp June 19th through the 24th. Middle School students from across Montana's GEAR UP schools spent the week living on campus, eating in the dining halls, learning about space and science, and having some fun social activities. These young scientists  visited the Museum of the Rockies to get a behind-the-scenes experience of the processes of paleontology and how artifacts are recovered and placed in museums around the world and right here in Bozeman. 
Students learning about hydrologyStudents building a dam during Earth and Space Science Camp
Earth & Space Science Camp students participated in a workshop where they were tasked with building dams. They were able to use hands-on activities to help them visualize how hydrology impacts our world. Workshops like this provide GEAR UP middle school students with a glimpse into career paths that individuals just like them have opportunities to get involved in. 
Student assembling a robot at Earth and Space Science CampStudents programming a drone during Earth and Space Science Camp
A group of MSU Explore: Earth & Space Science camp participants learning about coding, robots, and drones. They participated in activities that fostered team building, innovation, and creativity. 
Students in the chemistry lab during Earth and Space Science Camp
Here students got to experiment with the tools and equipment used in chemistry labs at MSU. There is a chemist somewhere in this curious group of young GEAR UP students!
GEAR UP and TRIO Community Building
On June 7th, 2022 the GEAR UP office staff (Judi Haskins and Emma Hill) joined the TRIO Student Support Services office staff on the Yellowstone river with the MSU Outdoor Recreational program. The water was cold, the guides were amazing, and we can't wait to do it again with the students in our programs come August!