Personal Support FAQ

Does MSU offer parent orientation and other parent resources to help their children?

• Once you are admitted to Mississippi State, we encourage you and family members to sign up for an Orientation session.  Information regarding Orientation sign-up can be found at https://www.admissions.msstate.edu/enrollment.  
• Parents and Families are also encouraged to connect with the Office of Parent and Family Services.  A handbook is updated annually to help guide families through MSU’s many different resources. The handbook can be viewed at www.family.msstate.edu/resources/handbook/.

I am having trouble transitioning, who can I talk to?

Mississippi State’s Counseling Center is staffed by licensed psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and social workers to provide comprehensive services for the personal, social, developmental, and general mental health needs.  As part of the services they offer both individual and group counseling.  More information regarding services can be found at https://www.counseling.msstate.edu/. 

How does MSU communicate with students and parents/guardians in emergency situations?

• Maroon Alert, is the university’s emergency notification platform and uses texts, emails, phone calls and more to inform the university community of imminent or existing dangers.  Additionally, the university has various guidelines, policies and procedures related to emergency situations.  To view the processes, visit www.emergency.msstate.edu and follow @MaroonAlert on Twitter to receive important information and updates.  
• Families and friends can sign up for Maroon Alert by texting “MAROONALERT” to 888777. This keyword is not case-sensitive. You will be enrolled in the Maroon Alert Community Engagement and will receive a text from 888777 anytime an alert is issued. You may text “STOP” to 888777 at any time to be removed from the system.

Are there nutritious meals served in a cafeteria? If so, how much does it cost to eat on campus in the cafeteria once they get to MSU?

Our dining services offers 23 on-campus restaurants including 5 all you care to eat Residential Dining Halls.  Our dining services team include chefs and dietitians that recognize and accommodate food allergies, preferences, and special dietary needs in a personalized manner.  All freshman students will be automatically enrolled in the Ultimate Meal Plan when you enroll in housing on campus. The Ultimate Meal Plan comes with unlimited meal swipes into the dining halls and $150 Flex. You have the option to change to the Gold or Silver Plans within the first two weeks of each semester.  For more information regarding University dining, please visit https://msstatedining.campusdish.com/.