Keeping Up with GEAR UP Newsletter Graphic

Click here to view the newsletter as seen in print

Cat$cholarships are one of the amazing support systems that the Bozeman and the Montana community have provided MSU students who wish to continue their education through financial support. By completing this one Cat$cholarship application, you will be eligible for the many scholarship options in the database.  You'll need your Net ID to access the applicaiton.  The priority deadline is approaching fast on February 1st, 2022, so be sure to complete this application before then. 
To help you with this application process, there will be two more Scholarship 101 workshops offered by the Office of Financial Education: 
  1. Tuesday, January 25th at 4 pm in SUB Ballroom B 
  2. Wednesday, January 26th from noon-1pm, also in SUB Ballroom B 
The Cat$cholarship application can be found here.

"Be careful not to take too many credits your first semester, research the courses you want to take before you register."

-Sam Williams (Junior)

"Make it a priority to meet one person in every one of your classes."

- Cayden Rose (Junior)

Spring Courses begin January 19th

Spring 2022 Classes Begin

Wednesday, January 19th, 2022

If you haven’t already registered for spring semester classes, do so right away! Instructions and more details can be found at The Office of the Reigistrar's website!

We hope you enjoyed your break and are refreshed to start your new semester.

Financial aid office bobcat graphic

CatScholarship Priority Application Deadline

February 1, 2022

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 Involvement Fair February 8th

Spring Involvement Fair

Februrary 8th from 10am-2pm in SUB Ballroom A

Come on by Ballroom A in the SUB to check out Student Organizations & Clubs at MSU, Study Abroad opportunities, and local non-profits!

Open House and Round Dance January 20th

Open House and Round Dance

Thursday, January 20th at 4pm and 5pm 

The MSU American Indian Hall will host a celebratory Open House and Round Dance with invited drum group from the Blackfeet Nation - Young Grey Horse. Along with singing and dancing, there will be a feed as well. The Open House will begin at 4pm. Following the Open House, the Round Dance festivities will begin in the Great Hall space of AIH at 5pm. We hope to see you on campus in the new American Indian Hall soon!

By Addie Rohlman, Freshman at MSU from Corvallis, MT and former Science Olympiad Competitor

Montana Science Olympiad students competing

Science Olympiad is an incredible opportunity for middle and high school students to experience a more accurate sense of true science. As a student in high school, my idea of science was centered around reading a textbook. I never understood how a person would be inspired to pursue a career in a science field because all I saw was the academic side of it. Science Olympiad was an opportunity for me to see something other than a textbook, and to finally develop a genuine, passionate interest to pursue a career in science. For rural Montana students, being able to study topics not taught in a typical curriculum, travel to a university to explore the campus, and meet faculty and students pursuing careers in the science field is a rare opportunity. That is why Science Olympiad is so special; it broadens young students’ minds and gives them experiences that will last a lifetime.

When competing in Montana Science Olympiad, middle and high school students will choose an event of their interest and then study and prepare for the state tournament that is hosted at Montana State University on Friday, April 15, 2022, where they will compete against other schools in the state for an exciting opportunity to bring home a personal medal or trophy for their team. 

Students have a variety of knowledge-based, laboratory, and building events to choose from. The 2021-2022 state competition consists of events such as Mouse Trap Vehicle, Disease Detectives, Codebusters, Cell Biology, Experimental Design, and many more events that can be found on the Montana Science Olympiad website.  These events cater to a wide range of students’ interests and provide a unique experience for students to engage in hands-on science activities while in a university setting. Science Olympiad is an amazing self-confidence builder, team builder, and science skillset developer for young students that can set them on their journey to pursuing a STEM career.

Congrats First-Year StudentsAre You Ready For Spring Semester 2022?

Complete this checklist and complete your online orientation for extra help preparing for the semester

If you entered Fall 2021 as a Freshman, you are able to access an online orientation to help you navigate this next semester and any questions that you might have to start the semester. To find your online orientation follow the steps below: 

  1. Log Into CatsConnect with your NetID

  2. Under "Paths" you can find your orientation pathway
  3. Navigate to any of the following sections:
    1. Understanding MSU Technology: This will help you understand how to access technology like DegreeWorks and Brightspace
    2. Academics 101: This details how students can reference the course catalog, refresh their knowledge of CORE curriculum and track degree progress
    3. Academics 102: This module helps refresh your understanding of the CatCourse Registration system
    4. Paying for School: If you need help in financing your education or confirming your bill, we recommend referring to this module and/or scheduling an appointment with the Financial Education office
    5. Finding Community: This module includes a campus map and a list of building abbreviations, the link to the MSU bookstore search feature, and much more