December Newsletter
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Stop by the GEAR UP Office anytime during the weeks of December 6-10 or 13-16 (Finals week) for a grab-and-go snack pack from the Bounty of the Bridgers and a Self-Care Kit from the Office of Health Advancement. The GEAR UP office will be open on the second floor of the Library from 8-5 Monday through Friday. We would love to help you out with some snacks and a kit to pamper yourself with during the stressful finals season. More events are happening across campus during "DeStress Fest" Dec. 6th-10th, hosted by the Office of Health Advancement. Find more details about DeStress Fest on on CatsConnect!
" Write things down where you're going to check and remember whether it is a planner or a phone"
-Lea Smith (Graduate)
"Get some sleep!"
-Taylor Bayne (Grad Student)
"Be friends with people who make you feel happy and loved"
-Ajah Crowther (Junior)
This year we have had many schools visit the MSU campus including Libby, Thompson Falls, Harlem, Hardin, Lodge Grass, St. Ignatius, and St. Regis. Some of these schools were able to set up a formal day with the GEAR UP office and with other MSU programs, while others were on campus for events such as John Deer Ag Days or state volleyball. We encourage all GEAR UP Montana schools to reach out to our office if you are planning a trip to Bozeman. We would love to put together a day for your students!
St. Ignatius is one of the schools that were able to come to Bozeman this year to tour our campus with a bus full of ninth-grade students. They had to opportunity to tour the College of Arts and Architecture with the Dean JoDee Palin (a St. Ignatius graduate), eat at one of our dining halls, and get a personalized presentation and science demonstration from Brooklin Hunt (a former St. Ignatius student and current MSU student). They also were able to hear from our American Indian Council, Gallatin College, and received goody bags from offices around campus. With several hours to complete all of these activities.
Thomas Tanner
Arlee, MT
Tommy Tanner is a freshman at Montana State University studying Industrial Engineering. He is originally from Arlee, MT. Thomas enjoys working and doing hands on work. He also enjoys spending time with his friends and listening to music. Tommy decided to come to Montana State because of the program that is offered here for Industrial Engineering and because of the beautiful scenic landscape that is visible throughout all of Bozeman. Tommy says that "GEAR UP gave me the information and resources I needed to choose a college. Without it I wouldn't have any idea where I would want to go." Thomas hopes to graduate and start a career that can help support those who have supported him over the years.
GEAR UP wants to provide an opportunity for your family to come and visit you here at MSU! If you are a GEAR UP freshman this year, we have meal passes for you! These meal passes are for you to take your parents/family to one of MSU's dining halls for FREE during their visit here. Only two meal passes for each GEAR UP freshman are available, so contact the GEAR UP MSU office or stop by on the 2nd floor of the MSU Library to pick yours up.
Grab a meal pass for your family today at the GEAR UP Office!
Holiday Ornament Decorating
Come join us for a night of ornament decorating. All supplies will be provided for you to go home this winter break with homemade ornaments to help you celebrate the holiday season.
CatScholarship Priority Application Deadline
The holiday break is a great time to work on the Cat$cholarships application, which is ONE application for hundreds of MSU-awarded scholarships. There will be two more help sessions available in January. Scholarships 101, hosted by MSU’s Office of Financial Education is scheduled for Tuesday, January 25th at 4 pm in Ballroom B & also Wednesday, January 26th from noon-1pm, in Ballroom B.
Spring Semester Begins
If you haven’t already registered for spring semester classes, do so right away! Instructions and more details can be found at the registrar's office webpage. Have a wonderful holiday break and we’ll see you back on campus on January 19th!
Holiday Break Ride Share
This year we almost a month off for Christmas! If you are planning on going home for that time and don't have a ride, or are able to provide a ride for someone, go to the GEAR UP MSU website to see our Ride-Share options. This program will allow Montana students that don't have a vehicle to travel with a fellow Bobcat who does have a vehicle home for the holidays. Sign up now!
St. Ignatius students examine some blood samples from MSU student research on campus
The St. Regis FFA Chapter had several students place in the top 10 of their events at the John Deere Ag Days competitions
Thompson Falls girls volleyball team stopped by the GEAR UP office before their state volleyball tournaments
Hardin's Big Horn FFA Chapter participated in the John Deere Ag Days competitions and their Horse Judging team placed 10th of 41 teams.
November 8th, 2021
The celebration of our First-Generation students on MSU campus was a success. We handed out donuts at Montana Hall and talked with many first-gen students to encourage them and inform others about what that means to be a first-generation student. Find more at Montana State's First-Gen Website.
A Trip to Western MT GEAR UP Schools
Kaleb Chambers graduated from MSU in the Spring of 2021 with a B.S.in Economics. Kaleb now works as an Admissions Counselor through the MSU Office of Admissions. "My job is to be the main point of contact for students and parents as they are exploring MSU," says Chambers. As an admission counselor, he has traveled throughout Montana meeting with high schoolers personally and answering questions, and connecting them to resources. Chambers says "One of my favorite parts of my job is getting to travel to schools and meet students face to face. I especially love visiting the small schools. I’m from a town of about 400 people, so going to rural towns in Montana reminds me of home". So far, Kaleb has visited Troy, Libby, Thompson Falls, Arlee, and Superior which are 5 of our GEAR UP schools in Montana. "A lot of who I am comes from growing up in a small town, so I appreciate meeting with students that have a similar experience." Chambers remarks. Kaleb got the chance to explore many of the beautiful small towns on the western side of the state, he states that when visiting those schools, you could tell how deeply the community cares about their students inside and out. Chambers reflects on his own experiences in a small school where he graduated from in Colorado. He remembers how overwhelming it was to think about attending a university of 17,000 when you lived in a town of 400. Kaleb says that he loved giving advice to students that let them know about the different support systems that are in place for students exactly like them on campuses like MSU. These services include offices like GEAR UP. "GEAR UP, professors, admissions counselors, resident advisors, and so many more people are here to help you when you come to college and want to see you succeed" Chambers adds.
Be on the lookout for other admissions counselors like Kaleb that will be coming to your schools. Find the schedule for their travel at the Office of Admissions website.
