October 15th, 2019
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Dear Bobcat parent and family members,I am currently in Denver, Colorado with MSU's Chief of Police and Title IX Coordinator for a week-long Clery Compliance Academy. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (1990), also known as the "Clery Act," is a federal law that requires all campuses to publish 116 different safety and security policies, along with specific types of crime statistics that occur in their campus "Clery" geography. Most parents and family members are unaware that October 1 is the annual deadline for every college and university across the country to publish their Annual Security Report (ASR). MSU published our 2019 ASR this year on September 27, 2019, and it was emailed to all MSU employees and students. In the report's opening paragraph, President Cruzado assures that, "our highest priority at MSU is the safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors..." The ASR covers a lot of ground, from security awareness programs and policies to data and definitions. Please be in touch if you have questions or concerns. Shifting now from student safety to student finances, the renewal cycle for 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened October 1. I want to remind you that MSU's annual priority deadline for submitting the FAFSA is December 1. Submission of the FAFSA by the priority deadline helps ensure your student maximizes financial aid and scholarship opportunities. And for parents of students who are planning to graduate in December, please encourage them to attend the Annual Grad Fair coming up on October 24 from 10:00-2:00 p.m. in the MSU Bookstore. It's a lively and informational event to help students learn about the details associated with the graduation process. Another event I look forward to every year is the Student Organization Leadership Conference (SOLC). This one-day gathering is for student leaders of registered student organizations at MSU and provides both new and experienced student leaders with the tools and knowledge to successfully lead their clubs and organizations utilizing available resources on campus. It's also a great way for students to meet others involved and making a difference on campus. Events like the SOLC would not be possible if it wasn't for the generosity of parents, just like you. Each year, students who work with our Annual Fund reach out to alumni, friends and parent and family members to support our work on campus. If you receive a call from a student-caller, I hope you will take a minute to talk with them and ask about their MSU experience. I think you'll find it interesting to hear about our work through the experience of these students. Lastly, it's not too early to start thinking about your student's return home at the end of the fall semester. Many parents ask me about when the semester ends, and my answer is always, "It depends." Ask your student to find out the specific timing of each of their finals before you purchase plane flights. Professors will not reschedule final exams for a student to catch a flight home. You can find out more about the 2019 Fall Semester Schedule of Finals Week Exams. Warmly,
Matthew R. Caires Dean of Students |
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Bobcat Parent & Family Program |
