As you think ahead to the fall semester, which is quickly approaching, you might find it helpful to start familiarizing yourself with Missouri State’s website and campus (if your schedule permits).

Below are a few suggestions:

1. Become familiar with Missouri State. If your schedule permits, spend a couple of hours on campus.  Missouri State will become your new home for the next four years.  Stroll through the library looking for a quiet place to do homework.  Wander through the Plaster Student Union scouting out items of interest.  Visit the bookstore to purchase your favorite apparel to wear on BearWear Fridays.  Search for your fall class rooms.  Ride the Bear Line Shuttle Service—it’s free!  If schedules and time permits, family members may enjoy learning more about Missouri State’s campus, too.
2. Become familiar with the Missouri State website. The more familiar you are with the website, the easier it will be to find out useful information.  The alphabetical search index posted on the upper, right side is one easy way—just click on a letter and scan items of interest.  For instance, clicking on “A” will display information for Academic Appeals, Academic Calendar, and Academic Policies and Procedures.  This information is useful for both families and students.  Want to learn about the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities?  Just click on C.  Want to learn about student engagement opportunities?  Just click on S.  Want to learn more about President Clif Smart?  Just click on P (or S).  Other times, you can just type into the search box to find useful information.  For instance, if you would like to request an Academic Coach to assist you with your academic course load and to learn some useful tips, just type in “Academic Coach” in the search box.  By the way, requesting an Academic Coach is not only an easy process but like so many other great resources at Missouri State, it’s free.
3. Become familiar with My Missouri State. Log into My Missouri State and click on the various links.  You’ll notice that you have different tabs across the top; those tabs include Home, Profile, Student, Registration, and Campus Life.  Many questions can be answered using the information found on My Missouri State.  The Home tab is a quick way to see campus events planned.  The Profile tab includes information about account balances and directory information.  The Student tab includes academic information and graduation path.  The Registration tab includes class schedules, booklists, and university catalog.  Campus Life includes information for computer help desk and parking.

Spending time now during the summer becoming familiar with Missouri State, both by visiting campus and by perusing the website, will help you and your family transition to college.  Though the students will be the ones to take classes, Missouri State has dedicated faculty, staff, and administrators eager to help students and families as they begin and continue their academic journey.

(submitted by Dr. Tracey Glaessgen, Center for Academic Success and Transition & First-Year Programs, Missouri State University)