Dear Bobcat Parent and Family Members,

Well, your student has made it through another semester--and so have you. Most students are halfway through their finals, and every day we're seeing more vehicles stuffed with belongings as they depart campus for summer adventures. Not all are headed out though; many students will be attending our first summer session May 13.

Much credit goes to you, our parent and family members. We know the resiliency of many of our students and their achievements this past year are due in part to the support and encouragement they receive from you.  

I also know that many of you are excited to have your student return home for the summer. There may even be some of you who are a little apprehensive about having them under your roof again. Here are two good readings that help with setting the stage for their return, along with some helpful "rules" of engagement with your student, who is now into their journey through the beginnings of adulthood.

For those of you who have a student graduating this weekend, congratulations! While I'll be sitting as a member of the platform party during Commencement, I always spend time before and afterward with the graduating students. If you see me on campus, please don't hesitate to introduce yourself to me and the other members of the administration.

I hope these communications have kept you informed and even a little inspired about student life at MSU, with a bit of humor thrown in. It's a team effort to write these emails, with members on my staff and the MSU Alumni Foundation behind the scenes. We're all pulling for you and your family as you support your student through the college experience. I know from personal experience: I would never have made it through my undergraduate degree if it wasn't for the unwavering support from my mom and dad.  

So, please accept a heartfelt thanks for taking the time to read our messages throughout the academic year. I appreciate all of you who have responded with questions, concerns, thoughts and suggestions. I'm signing off for the summer, but if something comes up that I think you'll want to know about or might find intriguing before August, I'll be back in touch.  

Here's to a summer filled with adventures,

Matthew R. Caires

Dean of Students

P.S. Look for opportunities to gather with Bobcats in your area at fun events scheduled this summer. 

Bobcat Parent & Family Program
174 Strand Union Building | P.O. Box 174220 | Bozeman, MT 59717
www.montana.edu/parents | parents@montana.edu | 406-994-7359