What are you talking about?

It is natural to want to stay connected with your student when they leave your home for college. And, while we want our students to grow and experience life beyond home, we also want to understand what our kids are talking about. Every university has some vocabulary specific to their school, including Missouri University of Science and Technology. Here is an A-Z list to help you understand your student’s new lingo as they navigate college life on campus.

Additional Authorized Access (Triple A):Missouri S&T students can grant other users direct and authorized online access to their student information in Joe’SS, which may include student account information, academic information, directory information, and financial aid.

Arrival District: A series of building and landscape projects which will dramatically connect the university with Interstate 44.

Authorized Payers: Missouri S&T students may select one or more authorized payers that are allowed to view and pay the student account.

Blarney Bash: A campus event that includes non-alcoholic events to students during St. Pat’s festivities.

Block Party: Campus event that occurs in April which includes food, fun, and inflatable games 

Campus Alert – an emergency alert notification system

Canvas: Course management system used for online instruction and learning.

Career Fair: Biannual campus event that attracts 300+ recruiters for co-op, internship, and full-time position interviews.

Celebration of Nations: Campus event that showcases cultural diversity.

Cooperative Education Program (Co-Op): Program that allows students to take a break from their studies and work full time for 8-9 months for a company prior to graduation.

Declining Balance Dollars (DBDs): Most meal plans include declining balance dollars which roll over from the fall to spring semester. 

Family Connection: An emailed newsletter distributed to parents and families weekly when classes are in session. Subscribe here.

FERPA: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level.

Greek System: Campus system composed of fraternities and sororities.

Havener Center: Home of many aspects of student life including food vendors, the bookstore, and the offices of many on-campus organizations.

Hold: If a student has been notified that a hold has been placed on his or her student account, he/she must determine the cause of the hold and then remedy the situation before being allowed to register for class. Common reasons for holds are: financial (past due balance) or advising (student needs to see his or her advisor).

Internships: A summertime program giving students valuable work experience while making professional connections. Internships can be paid or unpaid, depending on the company.

IT Help Desk: Provides over-the-phone troubleshooting and support for technology needs. 573-341-HELP.

Joe Miner:  the official mascot of Missouri S&T

Joe’SS: System that provides online registrations, payment of fees, and access to student records.

KMNR: S&T’s student operated radio station. 89.7 FM

Kummer Institute: Established in 2020 through a $300 million gift from June and Fred Kummer, it encompasses the Kummer Center for STEM Education, four research centers, the Kummer College of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development, and the Kummer Vanguard Scholars and the Kummer I&E Doctoral Fellows Programs.

Leach Theatre: On campus theatre that offers world class entertainment to the south central Missouri area.

Millennium Arch: Campus landmark near Castleman Hall, sculpted with waterjet technology.

Miner BUCKS: Miner BUCKS can be purchased on their own or as a supplement to a meal plan. Miner BUCKS transfer from one semester to the next.

Miner LINK: S&T student’s launchpad for on campus involvement; students can access information for all 200+ RSO’s, events on campus, and other exciting opportunities by logging in with their campus credentials.

Miner Rama: An event that occurs early in the fall semester to showcase student organizations and design teams.

Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy (MSM): Former name of the institution. (1870-1964)

On-Track: At-risk student program that refines student’s study skills, self- management skills, and knowledge of campus resources through seminars, one-on-one meetings, and supplemental activities. 

Parent and Family Weekend: occurring September 23-25, 2022, an event in which parents and families are invited to attend Celebration of Nations and experience campus life with their student.

RA (Resident Assistant): Undergraduate student living on each floor of the residence hall.

Rave Guardian App: a free mobile app that turns a smartphone into a personal safety device.

RD (Residence Director): Full-time professional staff member that manages the day-to-day operations of the residence hall.

Registrar: Office that handles transcript, academic calendars, academic records, and more.

RHA (Residence Hall Association): Student governing body within the residence halls on campus.

RSO: Recognized Student Organization

Stonehenge: Scaled down replica of the prehistoric English monument crafted with waterjet technology.

St. Pat’s: Annual celebration of St. Pat, the patron saint of Engineering.

StuCo (Student Council): Student Body Government at S&T.

SUB (Student Union Board): Recognized Student Organization responsible for campus-wide programming and student activities.

The Puck: Campus landmark located between Centennial Hall, Norwood Hall, and the Rolla Building.

UCARE: University Committee for Assistance, Response, and Evaluation for the early intervention, prevention, and support of at risk or students in need.

University of Missouri- Rolla (UMR): Former name of the institution. (1964-2008)

Welcome Center – a new facility under construction in the Arrival District to facilitate the onboarding of new students.

Withdrawal (WD): The process by which students may drop a class (or multiple classes) after the drop date has passed. Check out the Registrar’s academic calendar for information pertaining to dates and deadlines that govern withdrawal.

Parent & Family Relations

Norwood 107• 320 W. 12 Street / parents@mst.edu

Phone: 573-341-4209 • Website: http://parents.mst.edu/

Facebook: Parent & Family Relations at Missouri S&T