Advice
Absences
There are no excused absences. Your student should inform the instructor about absences due to illness, make alternative arrangements and provide a doctor’s note. For long absences, the student or parent should contact Student Affairs at 573-882-6776.
Activities
Suggest that your student get involved with volunteer opportunities that can add to the college experience and provide a larger view of the world.
Better breaks
While at home during a break, your student may express some loneliness for college friends. Encourage your student to stay in touch and reconnect with friends from home.
For family harmony during a break, discuss your expectations in advance.
Career planning
Be supportive of your student’s options for the best career path. Remind him or her to check HireMizzouTigers.com for career fairs and events.
Certificate of enrollment
Students may obtain certificates of enrollment for insurance providers or other parties in person or online though the Office of the University Registrar in Jesse Hall.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that ensures the privacy of students’ educational records and gives students the right to inspect and request amendments to those records.
Grades, course schedules and transcripts are among the data considered to be educational records and not directory information. In accordance with FERPA, the university can neither discuss nor share non-directory educational records with anyone other than the student, including parents, without the student’s written permission. Waivers may be obtained at the request of the student. This request by the student can now be made online.
For more information, visit the University Registrar’s FERPA page.
Grades
Students may view and print their grade reports on myZou. The University of Missouri will disclose information from education records to parents only with the written consent of the student.
Graduation
MU Commencement is held in May and December. Details about your student’s ceremony will depend on her or his academic college. Please visit the Commencement page for more information.
The Mizzou Store is the primary contact for your orders of announcements, caps, gowns and other graduation materials.
Health care after hours
The Student Health Center closes at 5 p.m. After hours, students may call 573-882-7481 to talk with a nurse. There is no charge for the after-hours nurse service; however, students must pay for medical services outside of SHC. The pre-paid health fee does not cover emergency or urgent care. For emergencies, students should call 911.
Immunizations
See the immunization information on the Student Health Center site.
Jobs
If your student works part time on or off campus, communicate the importance of balancing work and social activities.
Encourage your student to visit the Career Center for help with employment and career development. Information about work-study positions is available through the Financial Aid office.
Living off campus
The Wellness Resource Center provides students with assistance in locating offcampus.missouri.edu.
If your student is planning to live off campus, discuss how study habits, finances and other responsibilities may change.
Mail is delivered to the residence halls Monday through Saturday, except on holidays. When a package arrives, the recipient is notified through Mizzou email and can then pick up the package at the front desk.
Care packages are now available for purchase through The Mizzou Store!
Money
Discuss budget planning with your student so financial issues do not interfere with academics.
Check out these books for parents of college students.
- You’re On Your Own (But I’m Here If You Need Me): Mentoring Your Child During the College Years; Marjorie Savage
- Don’t Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money: The Essential Parenting Guide to College; Helen E. Johnson and Christine Schelhas-Miller
- Letting Go: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding the College Years; Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence Treeger
- Helping Your First-Year College Student Succeed: A Guide for Parents; Richard H. Mullendore and Cathie Hatch
- When Your Kid Goes to College: A Parent’s Survival Guide; Carol Barkin
- Let the Journey Begin: A Parent’s Monthly Guide to the College Experience; Jacqueline MacKay and Wanda Ingram
- I’ll Miss You Too; Margo E. Bane Woodacre and Stephanie Bane
- Empty Nest, Full Heart: The Journey From Home to College; Andrea Van Steenhouse
Registration and myZou
The Office of the University Registrar has complete information on registration and myZou.
Stress
Offer encouragement and support to your student as stressful final projects, tests and deadlines approach. If your student seems anxious or depressed or expresses feelings of hopelessness, recommend an appointment with the MU Counseling Center.
Student success
Remind your student that attending class and keeping up with assignments are keys to academic success. Encourage your student to participate in class and meet with instructors during office hours.
The Student Success Center is home to Academic Exploration and Advising Services, Academic Retention Services, the Career Center and the Learning Center. There students can help with tutoring, academic and career transitions, employment and/or admission to graduate schools.
Summer plans
Discuss study-abroad programs, internships, employment and summer courses. Encourage a visit to HireMizzouTigers.com.
Time management
Assure your student that feeling overwhelmed is normal for new college students. Encourage your student to build a time-management schedule.
University housing
Visit the Residential Life site for housing rates, move-in day tips, safety info and resources for MU parents.
Wellness
The Wellness Resource Center plans ongoing activities and events that support various wellness issues such as alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse, nutrition, body image, stress reduction, depression, as well as problem gambling prevention, and safe driving issues.
Talk with your student about the importance of a healthy diet, adequate sleep and relaxation. Recommend regular exercise at the Student Recreation Complex and visits to the Student Health Center.