University of Missouri 2015-2016 Guide for Parents

2015–2016A GUIDE FOR PARENTS

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University of MissouriOffice of Parent RelationsS4 Memorial UnionToll-free parent assistance line: (888) 631-1098email: [email protected]: mizzouparents.missouri.edu

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contents

www.universityparent.com/missouri 5

| Mizzou GuideComprehensive advice and information for student success

6 | Welcome to the Mizzou Family!

8 | Welcome from Parent Relations

10 | Family Weekend Schedule of Events

22 | Mizzou Family Weekend Game Day Tips

24 | Where to Park

26 | Office of Parent Relations

27 | Keys to a Well-Rounded School Year

29 | Making the Most of Family Weekend

32 | Important Academic Dates

33 | Campus Map

34 | Mizzou Football Seating Chart

36 | Game Day Parking Map


Dear MU Parents, Family and Friends,

Welcome to fall at Mizzou! We are pleased that you have joined us for Family Weekend 2015, and have scheduled a variety of activities designed especially for

you and your student to enjoy together — attending a college open house, enjoying the events on campus, cheering on the Tigers at various athletic events, and simply walking through the campus to get a closer look at your student’s MU home.

to the MIZZOU FAMILY!WELCOME


Visit the Student Center, state of the art Recreation Complex, and eat a meal in a dining hall. Cheer on the Tigers as the football team faces off against Connecticut. Get to know downtown and more about our Columbia community.

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 share stories of this special place.

We know parent and family support is a 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. ScroggsVice Chancellor for Student Affairs


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.

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 GaleCoordinator for Parent Relations



*indicates the event requires pre-registration

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Family Weekend Check-InNoon–7 p.m., MU Student Center

Black and Gold Friday8 a.m.–9 p.m., The Mizzou StoreGet the family geared up Mizzou-style! Save 25% all day on Mizzou logo clothing and gifts. www.themizzoustore.com

Open ClassesA 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 House1 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.

Family Weekend Schedule of Events


Office of Service-Learning Open House1 p.m.–5 p.m., Lowry Hall, 2nd FloorPlease 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 House2 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.

Missouri School of Journalism Family Weekend Open House2 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 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.

Photos with Truman the Tiger2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., MU Student CenterTruman has agreed to make a special appearance at Family Weekend. Stop by the 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.


Study Abroad Open House3 p.m.–5 p.m., International Center, N52 Memorial UnionStop by the International Center to learn about the wide array of study abroad options available to MU students across all academic disciplines. Study abroad advisors will be available to answer questions. Refreshments will be provided.

Ellis Library Guided Tours3 p.m.–5 p.m., Ellis Library

Mizzou Engineering Family Weekend Dessert Reception4 p.m.–6 p.m., Lafferre Hall South Entrance (Overholser Atrium)Registration Opens on August 17th. RSVP to engineering.missouri.edu/family-weekendDessert 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 Concert5 p.m.–7 p.m., First Baptist Church (1112 East Broadway, Columbia MO 65201)


*Shabbat Dinner7 p.m. at the Chabad House, 313 E. Brandon Rd Columbia, MO 65203(corner of S. Providence Rd)Come join us for Chabad’s weekly Shabbat dinners. At Chabad anyone from freshman 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 manner. For more information or to RSVP please contact Channy Lapine at (573) 442-5755 or [email protected].

Shabbat Services and Dinner at Hillel6 p.m. at Mizzou Hillel, 1107 University AveJoin 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 AuditoriumBring 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 OutShows at: 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Wrench Auditorium, Memorial Student UnionRiley 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 Mall8 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.


SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Family Weekend Check-In8 a.m.–10 a.m., MU Student Center

The Mizzou Store Hours8 a.m.–6 p.m.

*Family Weekend Breakfast 8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at two residential dining locations: Plaza 900 and RollinsJoin 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 House8 a.m.–10 a.m., 107 Lowry HallJoin 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 Families8:30 a.m.–10:0 a.m., Culinary Café, Eckles HallRSVP 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.


School of Health Professions Annual Pancake Breakfast9 a.m.–11:30 a.m., Lewis Hall LobbySchool 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 Science10:30 a.m., Monsanto Auditorium, Bond Life Sciences CenterDr. 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 Studio10 a.m.–2 p.m., The Craft Studio, N12 Memorial Student Union(lower level of Memorial Union North)Register your family for an hour at the Craft Studio and express your TIGER PRIDE by 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 colors… BLACK AND GOLD FOREVER! Whether you’re super-crafty or not-so-much, 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 guaranteed spot.


*Football Game: MU vs. University of ConnecticutKick Off, 11 a.m., Faurot Field, Memorial Stadium

*Family Weekend Climb3 p.m.–6 p.m., Venture Out Complex, location details at ventureout.missouri.edu/locationCome 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 Jazz6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., Traditions Plaza (Carnahan Quad)Spend the evening under the stars at the newly constructed Traditions Plaza. Students from the MU Jazz Studies Department will perform. You are invited to bring your own food and beverages to enjoy with the music.

*Family Trivia Night7 p.m., Stotler Lounge, Memorial Student UnionStudents, families, and guests are invited to join Student Affairs for a night of general knowledge trivia and family fun! Snacks provided. Proceeds to benefit the Parents Fund. Seating is limited; open to families who pre-registered.

Weekend Movie: Inside OutShows at: 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Wrench Auditorium, Memorial Student UnionRiley 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.


SATURDAY RESIDENCE HALL EVENTS

Hatch Hall, Schurz Hall & Honors College Joint Reception8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Bingham Hall ClassroomResidents of Hatch & Schurz, Honors College students, and families are invited to attend a refreshments and pastry reception in the Bingham Classroom. This will be an opportunity for the students to show off the community and for parents to interact with faculty and staff.

College Avenue Hall8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.Students and their families will be invited to join the staff for refreshments and pastry reception in the main lobby. This will be an opportunity for the students to show off the community and for parents to interact with the staff.

McDavid Hall9 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 Hall9 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.


Johnston, Wolpers, Hawthorn/Galena/Dogwood Halls, Defoe-Graham, and Tiger Reserve9 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!

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 lobby areas for light refreshments and an opportunity to leave an encouraging note for their student. Stationary will be provided for family and friends to write an encouraging note to their student, which will be delivered one week later to the student’s mailbox by hall staff. We hope to see you there!

Rollins (Hudson & Gillett Halls) & Virginia Avenue (Excellence, Respect, Discovery & Responsibility Halls) & Gateway Hall 9 a.m.Family and friends are encouraged to drop by the front desks for light refreshments, and an opportunity to leave an encouraging note for their student, as well as walk away with a memorable photo. Your student’s CA/LA/PAs and Hall Government officers are teaming up to make this a weekend to remember. Stationery will be provided for family and friends to write an encouraging note to their student, which will be delivered one 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 see you there!


SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

*Family Breakfast with the Vice Chancellor9 a.m. Stotler Lounge, Memorial Student UnionVice Chancellor Cathy Scroggs extends a special invitation to parents and students for Sunday breakfast. Wrap up your Mizzou weekend with great food and conversation while you learn more about the Mizzou student experience. Seating is limited; open to families who pre-registered.

Catholic Student Association Family Weekend Masses9 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 Hours10 a.m.–6 p.m.

*MIZ Legacy Brunch10:30 a.m.–12 p.m., Reynolds Alumni CenterRegistration 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 Brunch11 a.m.–1 p.m., Multicultural Center, MU Student CenterIn 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.

College of Human Environmental Sciences Scholarship and Honors Convocation1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m., Stotler Lounge, Memorial UnionThe College of Human Environmental Sciences will recognize all students who have received scholarships throughout the year as well as invite the donors of those scholarships to allow them the chance to be recognized and potentially meet their scholarship recipient. Students are encouraged to invite their families to attend and celebrate their achievements with them at this event.

Mizzou Women’s Soccer vs. TCU6:30 p.m. Columbia, MO




Expect Game Day Traffic

Allow plenty of time to get to the stadium. Typically, roads and parking lots are crowded on game days, so plan some extra time for traffic delays. Plan some extra time for parking as well. Many lots and garages are available around campus for free or a small fee. As you head toward your tailgate, make sure to follow directions of those people directing traffic. Only cross at designated spots.

What Not To Bring

Memorial Stadium does not allow umbrellas, strollers, coolers, video cameras, pets, outside food or drink, weapons, or backpacks. Please leave these items at home or in your car.

All Residence Halls Will Be Locked

If you need to get into a residence hall, be sure to take your student with you. All halls are locked twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and will require a Student ID of a resident for entrance.

What To Wear

Gold! or Black! (that depends on your assigned section in the stadium) The Family Weekend game this year is also the Tiger Stripe game! Most tickets purchased through Family Weekend will be in Gold sections, but you can double-check based on the section map found on p. 34. You can get some great black and gold Mizzou gear at the Mizzou Store on Friday for 25% off or at the Tiger Team Store on Game Day. Make sure you have your sunscreen. You might also consider bringing a rain poncho.

Mizzou Family Weekend

Game Day Tips


If You Are Hosting Your Own Tailgate

Many families and fans choose to have their own tailgate in one of the surrounding parking lots or garages. If you are planning to host your own pre-game experience, be sure to have your favorite snacks and beverages. Keep in mind that no kegs or bulk quantities of alcohol are allowed in vehicles or anywhere near the stadium. Remember that University alcohol policies are still in place, and it is illegal for anyone under 21 to consume alcohol. Barbecue grills are allowed in parking lots but not in garages.

Be Safe!

Make sure you don’t leave valuables in plain sight in your vehicle. If you bring a purse or bag, it will be searched as you enter the stadium.

Restrooms

Temporary restrooms are provided in designated parking areas. Stadium restrooms that open to both the concourse and parking areas will be switched from outside access to inside access one hour prior to game time. Baby changing stations are available in most restrooms except inside gate 6E and 6W.

How Do I Get To the Stadium From My Tailgate or Parking?

Walk! The stadium is just west of the Hearnes Center. Follow the directions of the police officers that are directing traffic. Be sure to look at the signs above the gates to see which entrance is closest to your seat. Gates will open 90 minutes before game time.

Ticketing Procedures

Gates to Memorial Stadium will open 90 minutes prior to kickoff. All persons attending must have a ticket (as a courtesy, children age two and under are admitted at no charge, provided they do not take up a seat). Reserved ticket

locations are identified by a single letter (West Side), double letter (East Side), or section number (South End zone). General Admission ticket seating is on the grass hill overlooking the North End Zone. Students using their student season tickets must sit in the student section and will not be permitted to sit with reserved ticketholders. This includes their families. Students wishing to sit with their family will need to have purchased a ticket next to their family.

Will Call

To pick up tickets at WILL CALL all customers must show a valid photo ID. The person ordering the tickets MUST be the person picking up the tickets. Any alterations to this policy must be arranged with the University of Missouri Ticket Office in advance of the event. The ticket office and WILL CALL window will close at the end of halftime.

How Do I Leave the Stadium?

As you leave, you may notice traffic is heavy once again. Please look for the officers who are directing traffic. Some streets will be designated as right-hand turn only. Pay close attention and follow the officers’ instructions to be sure you get out safely.


There are several options for those wishing to park in proximity to Memorial Stadium on a single-game basis.

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

Where to Park

parking on the shoulder of either side of Providence Rd., from Stadium Blvd. south to Reactor Field. Cones are placed on the prohibited areas to facilitate pedestrian walkways to the stadium on Providence Road.



Parent Assistance Line: (888) 631-1098Email: [email protected]: mizzouparents.missouri.edu

Parents are an integral part of the Mizzou family. The University recognizes the critical role you play and strives to create a positive partnership with you.

The Office of Parent Relations serves as the primary liaison between the University and MU parents. We plan, develop and implement specific programs and services designed to inform, educate and assist MU families.

Be sure to submit your contact information under the “Stay Informed” section of our Website to receive monthly e-newsletters

Office of Parent Relations

just for parents, as well as important updates from MU. Browse our list of recommended readings for parents of college students, view the frequently asked questions or simply locate a phone number or website of an office you’d like to contact. Above all, don’t ever hesitate to contact our office with questions or concerns — we are here for you.

We hope you’ll take full advantage of the services and resources that the Office of Parent Relations provides. We are your link to the University, and we welcome your feedback. Best of luck to you and your student this year, and we look forward to seeing you on campus!


When it comes to what the first year of college should look like, you and your student may have very different visions.

Possibly you picture him in the library 24/7, his head buried in a book (and he’s studying, not sleeping, behind there!). Your student, meanwhile, might assume that freshman year will be a whirl of continuous campus activities and parties, with classes being his “down time.”

Balance is the goal. Of course we want our students to enjoy college, and we understand that being social and getting involved is crucial to their success and happiness. But academics need to come first. You can help your students find that happy medium right off the bat by encouraging them to:

Work on time management skills.

Mizzou students can get a free planner at many campus offices, including at the front desk of their residence hall. There are time-management and “to-do list” apps for smartphones. Suggest your student get a planner or download an app and add important dates from his class syllabi as a starting point for managing his schedule.

With just a little thought and planning, your student will find that freshman year can be a successful blend of the academic and social aspects of collegiate life — laying the groundwork for a rewarding college experience.

Help him spot those open hours between classes, meals, and sports that he might not think of as prime homework time. By using them wisely, he can really take pressure off his evenings.

Keys to a Well-Rounded School YearBy Priscilla Childress for UniversityParent


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 an active participant during class, and it bolsters a student’s self-confidence, too.Your student’s professors are a resource not only for academic help but also for career guidance and possible leads to internships and research opportunities. At large universities where students in lecture courses have less contact with professors, they can seek out teaching and research assistants.


When visiting campus, it’s not just about crab puffs at receptions and shaking hands. This is a real opportunity to connect with your student and his/her campus!

Here are a few tips to help make the most of your visit:

• Listen to Your Student. Listen as he tells you about the rugby intramurals team he joined or the bio lab he’s really enjoying. Listen as she tells you about a group she’d like to join or how much she has connected with her CA/LA/PA. This is your time together to communicate face-to-face. Try to talk less and listen more — you just

may pick up on some subtleties that don’t come through long-distance via IM and phone calls.

• Attend Classes. See what your student is experiencing in the classroom so you can “talk academics” throughout the remainder of the year.

• Try New Things. There will likely be quite a slate of activities available during the weekend. Try some of these new things with your student. He/she may find a new hobby, interest or direction as a result!

• Stay Connected with the Office of Parent Relations. Make sure you’re signed up for our parent newsletter by visiting mizzouparents.missouri.edu and stay informed throughout the year.

Making the Most of Family Weekend


• Put Yourself in Visitor Mode. You’re on your student’s turf this weekend. Let him take the lead and show you his place with pride. And have a wonderful visit!

• Ooh and Aah Instead of Huffing and Puffing. Try to be upbeat and positive throughout the weekend. Comment on how good the dining hall food is instead of making negative remarks. Compliment what your student has done to make her 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).

• Check out campus facilities while you’re visiting. If the pool is open, why not go for a swim? Roam around the student union, visit nature nooks on campus and soak it all in.

• Hide a note under your student’s pillow or tucked into his computer keyboard so that he’ll find it once you’ve gone home. It’ll help the good feelings associated with your visit linger on.



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

Important Academic Dates








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University of Missouri 2015-2016 Guide for Parents