Family Experience

Missouri State is all about family. We understand how important family concerns can be for first-generation students.

Let us help smooth the transition and keep your family involved in your new academic adventures.

A band performs for students and their families at the Ozark Celebration Festival

Family Programs

Family Programs at Missouri State provides support to families of current students by sharing helpful information, serving as a point-of-contact and offering memorable experiences. We invite family members to join us in a partnership dedicated to student success.


Families at SOAR – Student Orientation

Students aren’t the only ones making an adjustment to college life—family members transition, too! Our family orientation program is designed to help families understand their changing role and how to best support their student through his or her own transition.

Family member attendance is optional, but we encourage those interested to register well in advance of their student's session.


Student Organizations

We hope our first-gen families will encourage their students to get involved in a variety of on-campus activities, including the many student organizations that first generation students can join. This is a great way to network for the future, to gain leadership and communication skills and to get engaged on campus. Encourage your student to check out MSU: I'm First, a student organization just for first-generation students!

Students who are engaged are happier and enjoy greater academic success. Becoming a part of the Missouri State community provides one more good reason to stick around and graduate.


Family WeekendFamily Weekend Logo

Join your student on campus for a fun-filled weekend of events such as the annual Student Showcase, Family Welcome Breakfast, Haunted Campus tours, rappelling with the Bear Battalion, a Bears football game and much more.


Tips for Family Members

Starting college for the first time is both an exciting and frightening journey. This journey will probably make your student a different person, but don't forget that this is a journey for you as a family member as well. You share in the happiness, sorrow, success and failure.


FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law protecting students and their privacy. Students who would like to work together with their parents and the Student Success Division during their first year should join up with Partners in Education (PIE).

For more information on family and new student services at Missouri State, please contact the Family Programs office.