Navigating the Academic Year: A Guide to Montana State University's Academic Calendar
Montana State University (MSU) Billings, a public institution founded in 1927, operates on a semester-based academic calendar. Understanding this calendar is crucial for students, faculty, and staff to plan their academic year effectively. This article provides a comprehensive overview of MSU's academic calendar, including key dates, holidays, and important considerations.
Montana State University Billings: An Overview
Montana State University Billings is ranked No. #95 in Regional Universities West and No. #50 in Top Public Schools. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,881 (fall 2024), its setting is city, and the campus size is 168 acres. The student-faculty ratio at Montana State University Billings is 14:1. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $7,220; out-of-state tuition and fees are $22,691. Fifty-four percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $14,484. The four-year graduation rate is 17%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $39,531.
Key Components of the Academic Calendar
The academic calendar is divided into semesters, with specific dates allocated for instruction, holidays, breaks, and final exams. Here's a breakdown of the key components:
Fall Semester
The fall semester typically begins in late August. For example, Fall 2021 first day of classes for the fall semester was Wednesday, Aug. 17. Classes run through late November, with final exams concluding before Thanksgiving.
Spring Semester
The spring semester usually commences in January and concludes in May.
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Summer Session
MSU may offer a summer session, providing students with opportunities to take courses, often in an accelerated format.
Important Dates and Holidays
The academic calendar includes important dates such as:
- First day of classes for each semester
- Last day to add or drop courses
- Withdrawal deadlines
- Holiday breaks (e.g., Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Day)
- Final exam periods
- Commencement ceremonies
Impact of External Factors on the Academic Calendar
External factors, such as public health concerns, can influence the academic calendar.
Adjustments Due to COVID-19
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Montana State University made adjustments to its academic calendar to reduce the risk of infection. For instance, the Fall semester started earlier and ended on Wednesday, Nov. 25, before Thanksgiving. This adjustment aimed to minimize travel during the typical flu season and allow students to spend Thanksgiving with their families.
"MSU Snow-mester"
To provide additional learning opportunities during the extended winter break, MSU considered offering a winter session called "MSU Snow-mester" with select online courses.
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Accessing the Academic Calendar
The most up-to-date academic calendar is available on the Montana State University website. Students should consult the official calendar for specific dates and deadlines.
Montana Technological University: A STEM-Focused Institution
Montana Technological University, formerly known as the Montana State School of Mines, is a leading STEM institution in the Rocky Mountain West. It offers nationally and regionally ranked programs in engineering, sciences, and health care.
Colleges and Programs
Montana Tech comprises several colleges, including:
- The Lance College of Mines & Engineering
- The College of Letters, Sciences & Professional Studies
- The Graduate School
Specific degrees, majors, and options are listed under each college.
Research Opportunities
Montana Tech is actively involved in research, partnering with entities like the National Science Foundation and DEVCOM ARL laboratory. Research entities include:
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- The Center for Advanced Materials Processing (CAMP)
- The Center for Environmental Remediation and Assessment (CERA)
- The High Performance Computing Cluster (HPC)
- The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG)
- The Underground Mine Education Center (UMEC)
Montana State University's Response to COVID-19
In 2020, Montana State University took proactive measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission on campus. These measures included:
Academic Calendar Adjustments
The university adjusted the academic calendar to complete the fall semester by Wednesday, Nov. 25. The first day of classes for the fall semester was Monday, Aug. 17. Final exams concluded on Wednesday, Nov. 25.
Health and Safety Protocols
MSU implemented extensive mitigation plans, including education and hygiene measures, screening, and quarantine plans for students in residence halls. The university coordinated with city, county, and state public health entities to establish effective protocols for testing and screening.
Decision-Making Process
The decisions to adjust the academic calendar and implement health and safety protocols were made in consultation with Faculty Senate Leadership, the Academic Continuity Task Force, the University Reconstitution Committee, and the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education. Input was also gathered from the Bozeman School District, the Gallatin City-County Health Department, ASMSU leadership, and the university's health care professionals.
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