2015 –2016 A GUIDE FOR PARENTS

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For more information, please contact Office of Parent Relations S4 Memorial Union Toll-free parent assistance line: (888) 631-1098 Email: [email protected] Web: mizzouparents.missouri.edu

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Advertising Inquiries: (866) 721-1357 [email protected] Mizzou Guide | Comprehensive advice and information for student success 6 | Welcome to the Mizzou Family! 8 | Welcome from Parent Relations Sarah Schupp Publisher 10 | Family Weekend Schedule of Events Mizzou Family Weekend Game Day Tips mark hager DESIGN 22 | 24 | Where to Park Connect: 26 | Office of Parent Relations 27 | Keys to a Well-Rounded School Year facebook.com/UniversityParent 29 | Making the Most of Family Weekend twitter.com/4collegeparents 32 | Important Academic Dates 33 | Campus Map © 2015 UniversityParent 34 | Mizzou Football Seating Chart 36 | Game Day Parking Map

4 University of Missouri 5 www.universityparent.com/missouri 5 I’ll be looking for you at breakfast before you head out of town on Sunday. Through it all, I hope you will take an opportunity to meet other MU parents and students, and WELCOME share stories of this special place. We know parent and family support is a to the MIZZOU FAMILY! key component of student success, and our relationship with you is an important one. This weekend, I encourage you to get to know the Office of Parent Relations. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have and will be an excellent resource for you during your student’s time at the University. Let’s work together to help your student be successful inside and outside of the classroom. Welcome to the Mizzou family!

Sincerely,

Cathy C. Scroggs Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Dear MU Parents, Family you and your student to enjoy together — Visit the Student Center, state of the and Friends, attending a college open house, enjoying art Recreation Complex, and eat a meal the events on campus, cheering on the in a dining hall. Cheer on the Tigers Tigers at various athletic events, and as the football team faces off against Welcome to fall at Mizzou! We are simply walking through the campus to get Connecticut. Get to know downtown and pleased that you have joined us for Family a closer look at your student’s MU home. more about our Columbia community. Weekend 2015, and have scheduled a variety of activities designed especially for

6 University of Missouri www.universityparent.com/missouri 7 Welcome from Parent Relations

Colleagues from every aspect of campus have been involved in creating a schedule that has “something for everyone.” Whether you are a parent of a freshman or a senior, your first MU student or your last, we want you to enjoy everything about the University of Missouri this weekend. Look to our volunteers to help you navigate campus and answer any questions. Most of all, enjoy connecting with your student — we couldn’t be more proud of them.

Be sure to keep in touch throughout the year. We love hearing from you.

Enjoy your weekend and Go Tigers!

Leslie Gale Coordinator for Parent Relations

Parents and Families, We are so excited to welcome you to the tradition of MU Family Weekend!

Now that your student is four weeks into the fall semester, this is the perfect time to visit and truly see campus through their eyes. In planning the events for this weekend, one theme consistently came to mind — the Mizzou student experience. The best way to showcase this unique place is to bring you into the areas where our students eat, live and study, where they exercise, get involved, get motivated and where they relax. Walk around campus and get a feel for how your student spends their day.

8 University of Missouri www.universityparent.com/missouri 9 Office of Service-Learning Open House 1 p.m.–5 p.m., Lowry Hall, 2nd Floor Please come by and learn about the Office of Service-Learning. Service-learning at MU strives to develop civic, corporate, and social responsibility while enhancing the students’ personal growth and enriching the lives of people within our community. Our programs are local, national, and global. We serve the entire campus. This is an open house, so drop by anytime. We look forward to visiting with you. servicelearning.missouri.edu

Welcome to the Family! 2 p.m.–4 p.m., MU LGBTQ Resource Center (G225 Student Center) Tigers of all stripes are welcome in the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Resource Center! We’re celebrating every kind of Tiger family with food, games, and crafts! Cosponsored by The LGBTQ Resource Center and Triangle Coalition.

Trulaske College of Business Open House 2 p.m.–4 p.m., 112 Cornell (Trulaske College of Business Visitors Center) The Trulaske College of Business will host a Meet ‘n Greet with the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs & Student Services reception on Friday afternoon from 2–4 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet with the assistant dean, academic advisors, Business Career Services, and Professional Development Program staff members as well as take a tour of Cornell Hall with a current student ambassador. Family Weekend Missouri School of Journalism Family Weekend Open House 2 p.m.–4 p.m., Room 100 A, Reynolds Journalism Institute Families can stop in 100 A of Reynolds Journalism Institute to pick up a map to the Schedule of Events various areas in the school that will be open. Parents can visit with faculty, see labs, and learn about projects going on at the school. Refreshments will be served.

*indicates the event requires pre-registration Photos with 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., MU Student Center Truman has agreed to make a special appearance at Family Weekend. Stop by the FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 registration area Friday afternoon for a chance to have your photo taken with Truman. There is no cost and the photo will be emailed to you. This opportunity is sponsored by MU Counseling Center in conjunction with the Office of Parent Relations. Family Weekend Check-In Noon–7 p.m., MU Student Center

Black and Gold Friday 8 a.m.–9 p.m., The Mizzou Store Get the family geared up Mizzou-style! Save 25% all day on Mizzou logo clothing and gifts. www.themizzoustore.com

Open Classes A chance to really see what college is like through the eyes of your student! A complete list of classes open to families is posted online at mizzouparents.missouri.edu.

Student Success Center Open House 1 p.m.–3 p.m., Student Success Center (located on Lowry Mall) The Student Success Center will have an open house including tours of the building and information on what the center offers to provide students with the tools they need to succeed.

10 University of Missouri www.universityparent.com/missouri 11 Study Abroad Open House *Shabbat Dinner 3 p.m.–5 p.m., International Center, N52 Memorial Union 7 p.m. at the Chabad House, 313 E. Brandon Rd Columbia, MO 65203 Stop by the International Center to learn about the wide array of study abroad options (corner of S. Providence Rd) available to MU students across all academic disciplines. Study abroad advisors will be Come join us for Chabad’s weekly Shabbat dinners. At Chabad anyone from freshman available to answer questions. Refreshments will be provided. to PHD candidate is welcome. You will partake in an intimate and elegant dinner where we will eat, meet new Jewish friends and celebrate Shabbat in a warm and enjoyable Ellis Library Guided Tours manner. For more information or to RSVP please contact Channy Lapine at 3 p.m.–5 p.m., Ellis Library (573) 442-5755 or [email protected].

Shabbat Services and Dinner at Hillel 6 p.m. at Mizzou Hillel, 1107 University Ave Join Hillel and the Jewish Student Organization for an egalitarian, student-led Shabbat service followed by a homemade, kosher dinner. A great opportunity to connect and relax. For more information please visit www.mizzouhillel.com.

Comedy Show: Family Weekend Comedian Buzz Sutherland 7 p.m. Jesse Auditorium Bring your guests and join comedian Buzz Sutherland as he opens up Family Weekend with some great laughs. Cost is $5 for MU Students and $8 for the general public. Tickets are available at the MSA/GPC Box Office in the MU Student Center. Visit stufftodo.missouri.edu for more information. Sponsored by MSA/GPC Special Events Committee.

Weekend Movie: Inside Out Shows at: 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Wrench Auditorium, Memorial Student Union Riley is uprooted from her Midwestern life when her family moves to San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions: Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. Join us for this animated family film! Tickets available at the door. Visit stufftodo.missouri.edu. Sponsored by the MSA/GPC Films Committee.

Family Weekend: Mizzou on the Mall 8 p.m.–11 p.m., Lowry Mall (Rain Site: MU Student Center) Show off Mizzou to your family by coming to Lowry Mall, where we will have lots of Mizzou treats and activities including Buck’s Tiger Stripe Ice Cream, a photo booth and more! This event is free and open to the general public. Visit stufftodo.missouri.edu for more information. Rain site: MU Student Center. Sponsored by Parent Leadership Council, The Department of Student Life-Campus Activities, MSA/GPC Tech, MSA, GPC, and Mizzou After Dark.

Mizzou Engineering Family Weekend Dessert Reception 4 p.m.–6 p.m., Lafferre Hall South Entrance (Overholser Atrium) Registration Opens on August 17th. RSVP to engineering.missouri.edu/family-weekend Dessert Reception for Engineering students and their families. There are a limited number of spaces available and registration is based upon a first-come first-served basis.

Family Weekend Choral Concert 5 p.m.–7 p.m., First Baptist Church (1112 East Broadway, Columbia MO 65201)

12 University of Missouri www.universityparent.com/missouri 13 School of Health Professions Annual Pancake Breakfast 9 a.m.–11:30 a.m., Lewis Hall Lobby School of Health Professions students and their families are invited to join the Dean for the annual SHP Family Weekend Pancake Breakfast. SHP faculty and staff will be serving pancakes, sausage and fruit. SHP t-shirts, sweatshirts and other SHP items will be on sale at the event. This event is free.

Saturday Morning Science 10:30 a.m., Monsanto Auditorium, Bond Life Sciences Center Dr. Ted Daeschler, Vice President for Collections and Associate Curator of Vertebrate Zoology at the Academy of Natural Sciences, and Associate Professor, Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science at Drexel University will be speaking. The tentative title for his talk is “New Discoveries from the Age of Fishes including the Origin of Limbed Vertebrates.” No science background is required, only enthusiasm for and an interest in science. The talks are free and open to the public.

*Family Craft Hour at the Craft Studio SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 10 a.m.–2 p.m., The Craft Studio, N12 Memorial Student Union (lower level of Memorial Union North) Family Weekend Check-In Register your family for an hour at the Craft Studio and express your TIGER PRIDE by 8 a.m.–10 a.m., MU Student Center making a black and gold picture frame (1 frame included with registration, additional frames can be purchased on-site). Hang it on your wall to let everyone know your true The Mizzou Store Hours colors… BLACK AND GOLD FOREVER! Whether you’re super-crafty or not-so-much, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. we’ll make sure you walk away with a keepsake to remember your Family Weekend experience for years to come. Open to all ages (children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Sponsored by the MSA/GPC Craft Studio. Reservations are required for *Family Weekend Breakfast guaranteed spot. 8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at two residential dining locations: Plaza 900 and Rollins Join us for a breakfast celebration in a location your student enjoys every day! Guest servers and lots of black and gold will provide a festive atmosphere for fans preparing to cheer on the Tigers! Pre-paid tickets are encouraged and available through Family Weekend registration. Sponsored by Campus Dining Services.

Arts and Science Advisement Center Open House 8 a.m.–10 a.m., 107 Lowry Hall Join Associate Dean Ted Tarkow and other staff from the College of Arts & Science for an Open House.

School of Nursing Open House 8:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m., Sinclair School of Nursing Building The building will be open for tours and faculty will be available to meet parents and family members. There will also be breakfast foods and door prizes!

*CAFNR Family Breakfast for CAFNR Students and Families 8:30 a.m.–10:0 a.m., Culinary Café, Eckles Hall RSVP required by September 10th. Please make reservations online at www.cafnralumni.com/familyweekend2015. Please call (573) 882-0089 with questions.

Study Abroad 101 for Parents 9 a.m.–10 a.m., 2501 Student Center (Leadership Auditorium) Do you have a student interested in studying abroad? Come and learn more about the programs MU offers, the planning process, health and safety abroad, costs, scholarships, academic credit, and more! Coffee and light breakfast snacks will be served.

14 University of Missouri www.universityparent.com/missouri 15 *Football Game: MU vs. University of Connecticut Kick Off, 11 a.m., , Memorial Stadium

*Family Weekend Climb 3 p.m.–6 p.m., Venture Out Complex, location details at ventureout.missouri.edu/location Come out to climb the 60 foot tall Alpine Tower after the game. The Alpine Tower is designed to be fun and safe for climbers of all abilities. Never climbed before? Come learn how! Experienced climber? Check out the challenges the Alpine Tower has to offer. Cost is $15 per climber. Ages 4 and up only.

Sunset Jazz 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., Traditions Plaza (Carnahan Quad) Spend the evening under the stars at the newly constructed Traditions Plaza. Students SATURDAY RESIDENCE HALL EVENTS from the MU Jazz Studies Department will perform. You are invited to bring your own food and beverages to enjoy with the music. Hatch Hall, Schurz Hall & Honors College Joint Reception 8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Bingham Hall Classroom *Family Trivia Night Residents of Hatch & Schurz, Honors College students, and families are invited to 7 p.m., Stotler Lounge, Memorial Student Union attend a refreshments and pastry reception in the Bingham Classroom. This will be an Students, families, and guests are invited to join Student Affairs for a night of general opportunity for the students to show off the community and for parents to interact with knowledge trivia and family fun! Snacks provided. Proceeds to benefit the Parents Fund. faculty and staff. Seating is limited; open to families who pre-registered. College Avenue Hall Weekend Movie: Inside Out 8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Shows at: 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Wrench Auditorium, Memorial Student Union Students and their families will be invited to join the staff for refreshments and pastry Riley is uprooted from her Midwestern life when her family moves to San Francisco. Like reception in the main lobby. This will be an opportunity for the students to show off the all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions: Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. Join us community and for parents to interact with the staff. for this animated family film! Tickets available at the door. Visit stufftodo.missouri.edu. Sponsored by the MSA/GPC Films Committee. McDavid Hall 9 a.m.–10 a.m. McDavid is hosting an open house and art exhibit for Family Weekend. In the Art Gallery you will find work that has been created by residents and represents the theme of family. You are also invited to create a note of encouragement for your student in the McDavid main lounge. All you need to bring are your supportive words and creative thoughts to give to your student, basic art supplies will be provided. Light breakfast and some live student performances will be taking place in the main lounge.

Mark Twain Hall 9 a.m.–10 a.m. Enjoy a light breakfast and meet Mark Twain staff. Visiting families and friends of students can write small notes or cards to students that will be delivered at a later date. Guests can also experience brunch at The MARK on 5th Street, the newly renovated campus dining facility located in Mark Twain Hall.

16 University of Missouri www.universityparent.com/missouri 17 Johnston, Wolpers, Hawthorn/Galena/Dogwood Halls, Defoe-Graham, and Tiger Reserve 9 a.m.–10 a.m. Your student’s staff and Hall Government officers are teaming up to make this a weekend to remember! Family and friends are encouraged to drop by the front desk or office (Tiger Reserve) for a light breakfast (while supplies last) and an opportunity to leave an encouraging note for your student. These cards will be delivered to your student by hall staff later in the semester. We hope to see you there! SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Laws, Lathrop, North/Center, & South Halls 9 a.m. Family and Friends are encouraged to come by with their student to our front desks and *Family Breakfast with the Vice Chancellor lobby areas for light refreshments and an opportunity to leave an encouraging note for 9 a.m. Stotler Lounge, Memorial Student Union their student. Stationary will be provided for family and friends to write an encouraging Vice Chancellor Cathy Scroggs extends a special invitation to parents and students note to their student, which will be delivered one week later to the student’s mailbox by for Sunday breakfast. Wrap up your Mizzou weekend with great food and conversation hall staff. We hope to see you there! while you learn more about the Mizzou student experience. Seating is limited; open to families who pre-registered.

Catholic Student Association Family Weekend Masses 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the St. Thomas More Newman Center, 602 Turner Ave (corner of Turner and Tiger, across from the Business School) Join the St. Thomas More Newman Center community for Mass and stay for a meet-and- greet reception! Contact JoAnn Shull ([email protected]), Assistant Director of Campus Ministry, for more information.

The Mizzou Store Hours 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

*MIZ Legacy Brunch 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m., Reynolds Alumni Center Registration Opens August 18th. RSVP at www.mizzou.com/legacybrunch2015. The Mizzou Alumni Association hosts this annual brunch celebrating our incoming legacy students and their families. This is free for current students, $5 for Mizzou Alumni Association Members, and $10 for non-members and guests. Space is limited and you are encouraged to register early. Truman will be onsite and available for family photos. Be sure to wear your black and gold!

Multicultural Center Family Brunch 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Multicultural Center, MU Student Center In recognition of Family Weekend, come join the Multicultural Center for a family brunch! Come by with your own family or hang out with our Multicultural Center family. Rollins (Hudson & Gillett Halls) & Virginia Avenue (Excellence, Respect, Discovery & Responsibility Halls) & Gateway Hall College of Human Environmental Sciences Scholarship and Honors Convocation 9 a.m. 1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m., Stotler Lounge, Memorial Union Family and friends are encouraged to drop by the front desks for light refreshments, The College of Human Environmental Sciences will recognize all students who have and an opportunity to leave an encouraging note for their student, as well as walk away received scholarships throughout the year as well as invite the donors of those with a memorable photo. Your student’s CA/LA/PAs and Hall Government officers are scholarships to allow them the chance to be recognized and potentially meet their teaming up to make this a weekend to remember. Stationery will be provided for family scholarship recipient. Students are encouraged to invite their families to attend and and friends to write an encouraging note to their student, which will be delivered one celebrate their achievements with them at this event. week later to the student’s mailbox by hall staff. A Mizzou backdrop will allow family and friends to pose with their student for a free picture (photos will be emailed). We hope to Mizzou Women’s Soccer vs. TCU see you there! 6:30 p.m. Columbia, MO

18 University of Missouri www.universityparent.com/missouri 19 20 University of Missouri www.universityparent.com/missouri 21 If You Are Hosting Your Own Tailgate locations are identified by a single letter (West Side), double letter (East Side), Mizzou Family Weekend Many families and fans choose to or section number (South End zone). have their own tailgate in one of the General Admission ticket seating is on surrounding parking lots or garages. If you the grass hill overlooking the North End are planning to host your own pre-game Zone. Students using their student season experience, be sure to have your favorite tickets must sit in the student section and snacks and beverages. Keep in mind that will not be permitted to sit with reserved no kegs or bulk quantities of alcohol are ticketholders. This includes their families. allowed in vehicles or anywhere near Students wishing to sit with their family will the stadium. Remember that University need to have purchased a ticket next to alcohol policies are still in place, and it is their family. illegal for anyone under 21 to consume alcohol. Barbecue grills are allowed in Will Call parking lots but not in garages. To pick up tickets at WILL CALL all Be Safe! customers must show a valid photo ID. The person ordering the tickets MUST Make sure you don’t leave valuables in be the person picking up the tickets. Any plain sight in your vehicle. If you bring a alterations to this policy must be arranged purse or bag, it will be searched as you with the University of Missouri Ticket enter the stadium. Office in advance of the event. The ticket office and WILL CALL window will close at Restrooms the end of halftime.

Temporary restrooms are provided How Do I Leave the Stadium? in designated parking areas. Stadium Game Day Tips restrooms that open to both the concourse As you leave, you may notice traffic is and parking areas will be switched from heavy once again. Please look for the outside access to inside access one hour officers who are directing traffic. Some prior to game time. Baby changing stations Expect Game Day Traffic All Residence Halls Will Be Locked streets will be designated as right-hand are available in most restrooms except turn only. Pay close attention and follow Allow plenty of time to get to the stadium. If you need to get into a residence hall, be inside gate 6E and 6W. the officers’ instructions to be sure you Typically, roads and parking lots are sure to take your student with you. All halls get out safely. crowded on game days, so plan some are locked twenty-four hours a day, seven How Do I Get To the Stadium From My extra time for traffic delays. Plan some days a week and will require a Student ID Tailgate or Parking? extra time for parking as well. Many lots of a resident for entrance. Walk! The stadium is just west of the and garages are available around campus . Follow the directions for free or a small fee. As you head What To Wear of the police officers that are directing toward your tailgate, make sure to follow traffic. Be sure to look at the signs above directions of those people directing traffic. Gold! or Black! (that depends on your the gates to see which entrance is closest Only cross at designated spots. assigned section in the stadium) The Family Weekend game this year is also the to your seat. Gates will open 90 minutes before game time. What Not To Bring Tiger Stripe game! Most tickets purchased through Family Weekend will be in Gold Memorial Stadium does not allow sections, but you can double-check based Ticketing Procedures umbrellas, strollers, coolers, video on the section map found on p. 34. You Gates to Memorial Stadium will open cameras, pets, outside food or drink, can get some great black and gold Mizzou 90 minutes prior to kickoff. All persons weapons, or backpacks. Please leave gear at the Mizzou Store on Friday for attending must have a ticket (as a these items at home or in your car. 25% off or at the Tiger Team Store on courtesy, children age two and under Game Day. Make sure you have your are admitted at no charge, provided they sunscreen. You might also consider do not take up a seat). Reserved ticket bringing a rain poncho.

22 University of Missouri www.universityparent.com/missouri 23 Where to Park

There are several options parking on the shoulder of either side of for those wishing to park in Providence Rd., from Stadium Blvd. south to Reactor Field. Cones are placed on the proximity to Memorial Stadium prohibited areas to facilitate pedestrian on a single-game basis. walkways to the stadium on Providence Road. There are seven on-campus garages available for game day parking. Most of these garages are free with the exception of the Maryland Avenue garage located at the corner of Tiger/Maryland Ave. and Hospital Drive, and Parking Structure #7, located at the corner of Monk Drive and Virginia Ave. The fee for these two garages is $25 per game.

For those wishing to park in open-air parking lots, there is parking available in the small lot to the immediate south of Lot R on Research Park Drive, as well as in the Dalton Parking Lot located to the north of Lot R on Research Park Drive. These lots will fill quickly and are available on a first come, first served basis for a fee of $20. Both the on-campus garages as well as the two open-air parking lots are reserved for passenger vehicles only. RVs and buses will not be allowed to park in these areas.

On game days, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the Missouri State Highway Patrol prohibit

24 University of Missouri www.universityparent.com/missouri 25 Keys to a Well-Rounded School Year By Priscilla Childress for UniversityParent

Office of Parent

Relations When it comes to what the first Work on time management skills. year of college should look like, Mizzou students can get a free planner at you and your student may have many campus offices, including at the front Parent Assistance Line: just for parents, as well as important very different visions. desk of their residence hall. There are (888) 631-1098 updates from MU. Browse our list of time-management and “to-do list” apps Email: [email protected] recommended readings for parents of Possibly you picture him in the library for smartphones. Suggest your student Web: mizzouparents.missouri.edu college students, view the frequently 24/7, his head buried in a book (and he’s get a planner or download an app and add asked questions or simply locate a phone studying, not sleeping, behind there!). important dates from his class syllabi as a Parents are an integral part of the Mizzou number or website of an office you’d like Your student, meanwhile, might assume starting point for managing his schedule. family. The University recognizes the to contact. Above all, don’t ever hesitate that freshman year will be a whirl of critical role you play and strives to create to contact our office with questions or continuous campus activities and parties, With just a little thought and planning, a positive partnership with you. concerns — we are here for you. with classes being his “down time.” your student will find that freshman year can be a successful blend of the academic The Office of Parent Relations serves as We hope you’ll take full advantage of the Balance is the goal. Of course we want and social aspects of collegiate life — the primary liaison between the University services and resources that the Office of our students to enjoy college, and we laying the groundwork for a rewarding and MU parents. We plan, develop and Parent Relations provides. We are your link understand that being social and getting college experience. implement specific programs and services to the University, and we welcome your involved is crucial to their success and designed to inform, educate and assist feedback. Best of luck to you and your happiness. But academics need to come Help him spot those open hours between MU families. student this year, and we look forward to first. You can help your students find classes, meals, and sports that he might seeing you on campus! that happy medium right off the bat by not think of as prime homework time. Be sure to submit your contact information encouraging them to: By using them wisely, he can really take under the “Stay Informed” section of our pressure off his evenings. Website to receive monthly e-newsletters

26 University of Missouri www.universityparent.com/missouri 27 Join clubs selectively.

Advise your student to look into the organizations and teams that really spark his interest and choose two or three to start. He doesn’t have to join in every activity on campus. Just a few will help him meet people, learn more about what the school has to offer, and open his eyes to different cultures and experiences. When he settles into a routine, he’ll know if he has time to take on the extra responsibility of a leadership position within an organization. If he tries to do too much too soon, he risks overload.

Take advantage of professors’ office hours.

Getting to know their professors is an excellent way for students to adjust to college classroom culture and to the school as a whole. Talking to a professor outside of class can make it easier to be Making the Most of an active participant during class, and it bolsters a student’s self-confidence, too. Your student’s professors are a resource Family Weekend not only for academic help but also for career guidance and possible leads to internships and research opportunities. At large universities where students in When visiting campus, it’s may pick up on some subtleties that lecture courses have less contact with not just about crab puffs at don’t come through long-distance professors, they can seek out teaching via IM and phone calls. and research assistants. receptions and shaking hands. • Attend Classes. See what your This is a real opportunity to student is experiencing in the connect with your student and classroom so you can “talk his/her campus! academics” throughout the remainder of the year. Here are a few tips to help make the • Try New Things. There will likely be most of your visit: quite a slate of activities available during the weekend. Try some of • Listen to Your Student. Listen these new things with your student. as he tells you about the rugby He/she may find a new hobby, intramurals team he joined or the interest or direction as a result! bio lab he’s really enjoying. Listen • Stay Connected with the Office of as she tells you about a group Parent Relations. Make sure you’re she’d like to join or how much she signed up for our parent newsletter has connected with her CA/LA/ by visiting mizzouparents.missouri. PA. This is your time together to edu and stay informed throughout communicate face-to-face. Try to the year. talk less and listen more — you just

28 University of Missouri www.universityparent.com/missouri 29 • Put Yourself in Visitor Mode. You’re • Check out campus facilities while on your student’s turf this weekend. you’re visiting. If the pool is open, Let him take the lead and show you why not go for a swim? Roam his place with pride. And have a around the student union, visit wonderful visit! nature nooks on campus and soak • Ooh and Aah Instead of Huffing it all in. and Puffing. Try to be upbeat and • Hide a note under your student’s positive throughout the weekend. pillow or tucked into his computer Comment on how good the dining keyboard so that he’ll find it once hall food is instead of making you’ve gone home. It’ll help the negative remarks. Compliment what good feelings associated with your student has done to make her your visit linger on. room look homey, how pretty the campus grounds look, and more. Your student will be seeing campus through your eyes this weekend! • Meet and Mingle. Attend receptions, talk with other parents, and meet administrators and faculty. These folks are at your disposal during the weekend. Plus, you’ll get a better feel for what campus life is about and who is available to your student. • Participate on Campus. It might be tempting to head off campus away from the hubbub yet participating on campus is how you and your student will likely feel most connected.

More Tips

• It may be time for your student to switch from summer clothes to fall/ winter ones. If you’re driving in for Family Weekend, bring a load with you and take the no longer needed clothes home. It’ll save your student some valuable space! • Get to know your student’s friends during the weekend. You may even want to suggest ahead of time that a group of their friends and families all go out for dinner one night (with everyone paying their own way).

30 University of Missouri www.universityparent.com/missouri 31 Important Academic Dates

2015–2016 ACADEMIC CALENDAR

FALL SEMESTER 2015 DAY DATE Classwork begins @ 8 a.m. Mon August 24 Labor Day Holiday (no classes) Mon September 7 Thanksgiving recess begins @ close of day Sat November 21 Classwork resumes @ 8 a.m. Mon November 30 Classwork ends @ close of day Thu December 10 Reading Day Fri December 11 Final examinations begin Mon December 14 Fall semester closes @ 5:30 p.m. Fri December 18 Commencement Fri/Sat December 18 & 19 SRING SEMESTER 2016 DAY DATE Martin Luther King Holiday (no classes) Mon January 18 Classwork begins @ 8 a.m. Tue January 19 Spring Recess begins @ close of day Sat March 26 Classwork resumes @ 8 a.m. Mon April 4 Classwork ends @ close of day Thu May 5 Reading Day Fri May 6 Final examinations begin Mon May 9 Spring semester closes @ 5:30 p.m. Fri May 13 Commencement Fri, Sat, Sun May 13, 14 & 15

32 University of Missouri www.universityparent.com/missouri 33 34 University of Missouri www.universityparent.com/missouri 35 36 University of Missouri www.universityparent.com/missouri 37 38 University of Missouri www.universityparent.com/missouri 39 Where parents find connection, support and information

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