BULLDOG CHECKLIST
Between Orientation and the first day of class, we believe it’s important for you and your student to spend
some time together discussing their transition to university life. Please take a moment to go over the following
information, ensuring your student is positioned for a successful year. As always, you are welcome to contact
the Office of Parent & Family Services if you ever have questions or need guidance.
Encourage your student to:
✓ Be themselves!
✓ SYNC Microsoft O365 (student e-mail account) with their phone (and check email daily!)
✓ Make sure Banner info is always updated with current contact information (student info!)
✓ Enroll in Duo two-factor authentication (details explained at servicedesk.msstate.edu)
✓ Use a calendar daily (ex. due dates from syllabus, academic calendar, holidays, finals)
✓ Stick with their schedule. DO NOT drop/add classes without academic advisor approval.
✓ Get to know their Navigator freshman.msstate.edu (if a freshman!)
✓ Attend class and purchase ALL class materials (books, access codes, supplies, etc.)
✓ Read/Follow syllabus & get to know their professors
✓ Park in designated spots only to avoid tickets parkingservices.msstate.edu
✓ Be responsible! (sleep, eat, and exercise!)
✓ Be respectful! (roommate expectations/classroom conduct)
✓ Get involved & make friends.
✓ Be resourceful - use student resources:
Dean of Students’ Office Student Health Center
Center for Student Activities Student Support/Disability Services
The Learning Center Student Counseling Services
The Writing Center Holmes Cultural Diversity Center
The Math Domain Center for Student Success
College/Departmental Tutoring Career Center
Mitchell Memorial Library University Academic Advising
✓ When in doubt, ASK FOR HELP!
Have a conversation with your student regarding:
Expectations and Consequences (G.P.A., scholarships, behavior, spending, etc.)
Campus Safety and Awareness emergency.msstate.edu
Communication Expectations (how often - cell phone, texts, emails, etc.)
Time Management & Managing Freedom
Code of Student Conduct policies.msstate.edu/policypdfs/91100.pdf
Know important dates, fees, and deadlines
Tuition Due Dates: Fall (August 1) | Spring (January 1)
Academic Calendar: registrar.msstate.edu/calendars/academic-calendar
August 24: Last day to drop a course without a grade (Withdraw from the University - 90% refund)
October 7: Mid-point of semester & Last day to drop a course with a W grade (0% refund)
November 13: Last day to withdraw from University
Refund Schedule: registrar.msstate.edu/files/withdrawal-refund-schedule.pdf
Tuition Costs: controller.msstate.edu/accountservices/tuition
Student Financial Aid: sfa.msstate.edu
State Financial Aid: msfinancialaid.org
662.325.3611
family.msstate.edu | ocss.msstate.edu
Discuss the budget
Make sure your student makes you an Authorized Payer (QuikPAY®)* so you can access account details.
controller.msstate.edu/accountservices/paymentinfo/authorizedpayer
Items to Consider
Semester Cost
MSU Student
Account
All of these expenses will be
credited or charged to the
centralized MSU Student
Account.
Family Contribution
Student Income
Scholarships
Financial Aid (federal grants/loans, state grants)
Total Student Funding
Tuition/Fees (may include Printing & Lab fees)
Housing (on-campus)
Dining Plan (msstatedining.campusdish.com)
Parking Permit
Football Tickets
Longest Student Health Center
Total MSU Student Account Expenses
Miscellaneous
None of these expenses will be
charged to the centralized
MSU Student Account.
Books/Supplies ($600 per semester is typical)
Groceries/Eating out
Renters Insurance
Cell Phone
Off-Campus Housing & Utilities
Entertainment
Clothing & Laundry
Automobile (payment, insurance, maintenance, gas, etc.)
Student Involvement (i.e. organizational dues)
Other
Total Miscellaneous Expenses
Have your student grant you access to the Parent Portal*
Visit family.msstate.edu and click on Get Access under the Parent Portal information box to find out how
your student can grant you access.
Submit Proof of Immunizations (health.msstate.edu) to:
Longest Student Health Center | P.O. Box 6338 | Mississippi State, MS 39762
Submit FINAL transcript from previous institution/s (admissions.msstate.edu) to:
Office of Admissions and Scholarships | P.O. Box 6334 | Mississippi State, MS 39762
Final transcripts should clearly identify the date of graduation
Submit Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test scores
(registrar.msstate.edu) to:
Office of the Registrar | P.O. Box 5268 | Mississippi State, MS 39762
*QuikPAY® and Parent Portal are not the same system; you will need a separate login for each.
662.325.3611
family.msstate.edu | ocss.msstate.edu
