Before you sign off for Thanksgiving break, give your future self something to be thankful for: get prepared for the spring 2026 semester! Find a registration checklist and extra tips and resources to help you start the spring semester on a high note below.

Thanksgiving break: November 22, 2025-November 30, 2025. No classes, offices closed November 26-28, 2025. (See academic calendar)

Your Registration Checklist

1. Meet with your academic advisor

• • Find your advisor’s name and contact information in My Missouri State > My Student Records > Advising Notes
  • With your advisor, you can discuss your degree requirements, course options, and resources for support if you need extra assistance in the upcoming term.
  • If you do not have an assigned advisor, contact the appropriate advising center or connect with your department directly.
  • Check out our tips for making the most of your advising appointments

2. Remove registration holds

• • • You won’t be able to register if you have any holds on your account, so it’s important to get those cleared up as soon as possible.
    • Clicking on the hold often provides more information or a way to resolve the hold, but a breakdown of hold codes can also be found online.
    • To find holds: Log in to My Missouri State > Registration > Registration Status Eligibility

3. Check your registration time

• • Your registration time is the earliest you’re able to register and is based on earned credit hours. You can register any time after your assigned time. It’s recommended to register as soon as possible to increase the likelihood of getting a seat in your preferred section(s).
  • This information is located on your Registration Status Eligibility page.

4. Register for classes

• • Review your Degree Audit to confirm the courses fit your program and requirements.
  • Use Trial Schedule Builder or the Class Schedule Search to review possible schedules. It’s a good idea to consider back up courses or alternative sections if you’re first option is full.

5. Check on your financial aid

• • Check the renewal criteria for any currently awarded scholarships
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Use federal school code 002503.
    • You can still make edits to your 2025-2026 FAFSA if necessary.
  • If you have questions regarding your aid package or need assistance completing the FAFSA, consider scheduling a meeting directly with the Office of Financial Aid.

Be Thankful You Thought Ahead!

If you are planning on taking classes in fall 2026 and spring 2027, set yourself up for success. The 2026-2027 FAFSA is open and applications are being accepted now. Complete by December 1, 2025 for priority consideration and to maximize your eligibility for grants and scholarships.

Furthermore, the MSU Annual Scholarship is also open! The deadline to submit is March 1, 2026; awards are dispersed in Fall 2026. This one application will apply you toward nearly 1,000 different scholarships. Please note that you must be admitted to MSU in order to access and complete this scholarship application.

1. Log into your My Missouri State account.
2. Locate your “Financial Aid & Scholarships” card.
3. Complete your Financial Aid e-Agree (if you have not already done so).
4. Select the MSU Foundation Scholarships link to complete and submit your application.

Additional Resources

• Registration Resources: find guides on using the Trail Schedule Builder and adding/dropping classes
• Academic Calendar: see important dates for spring 2026
  • Winter break: December 22-January 2 (no classes, offices closed)
  • Spring 2026 full semester and first block classes begin January 12, 2026
• Student Support: there are many offices at Missouri State available to help you be successful. Take advantage of them!

Thankful to be a Bear!