2014 – 2015
A GUIDE FOR PARENTS
produced by
in partnership with
For more information, please contact
Parent and Family Programs
Missouri State University
901 South National - PSU 416
Springfield, MO 65897
(417) 836-7641
FamilyAssociation@missouristate.edu
www.missouristate.edu/parents
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Welcome from the Missouri State University Family Association!
About the Family Association
A Family’s Guide to FERPA
Learning Beyond the Classroom: Academic Resources
Get Involved, Get Engaged: Co-Curricular Opportunities
Taking Care of Business: Campus Services and Amenities
Your Student’s Well-being: Health and Safety Resources
Missouri State Athletics
Residence Life and Services
Resources
Must-have knowledge to navigate your way
Campus Map
Residence Hall Mailing Addresses
Important Dates
Recommended Reading for Parents/Families
Your Missouri State Glossary
Missouri State Area Resources
© 2014 UniversityParent
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Welcome from the
Missouri State
University Family
Association!
At Missouri State University, we communicate to students that
our community is a place where students are challenged to excel
in and out of the classroom. At the same time, we also share that
students should expect assistance, support, and guidance during
their college experience. The encouragement and resources to
assist our students come from a partnership of many individuals
dedicated to student success—faculty, staff, and student leaders.
We invite you, as your student’s parents
and family members, to join us in this
partnership. You play a critical role in your
student’s success; students regularly
report that the most significant support
and encouragement they receive comes
from their parents and families, and
parental involvement positively influences
a student’s likelihood of graduating.
In this guide, you will find a wealth of
information about resources we offer
our students, as well as tips to help your
student adjust to his or her transition.
As a parent or family member, you
may also need support while your
student is attending college. The
Family Association aims to offer you
this support by providing regular
communications about campus events
and tips for encouraging your student’s
success, serving as a point of contact for
questions you may have, and offering fun
campus events in which students and
their families can participate together.
Please become a member of the Family
Association by visiting our website at
www.missouristate.edu/familyassociation.
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We genuinely want all parents and family
members to be a part of the Missouri State
experience. We encourage you to come to
campus during Family Weekend activities,
Homecoming, the annual Public Affairs
Conference, division I athletic contests,
cultural events, and any of the hundreds of
other exciting and enjoyable events that
occur on campus throughout the year.
Missouri State University is a great place
to live, learn, and grow! We look forward
to meeting you, and we will work diligently
to create a wonderful Missouri State
experience for you and your student.
Sincerely,
Joe Morris
Director of SOAR
Priscilla Childress
Coordinator of Parent & Family Programs
Erica Garnett
Graduate Assistant
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About the Family
Association
University Staff
Becoming a member of the Family Association is easy—and free!
Complete the online form at www.missouristate.edu/familyassociation/
membership.htm and you will receive information about campus
news, events, and tips for parenting a college student.
You can also stay informed by reading our blog, The Family Connection. It provides
families with regular updates on campus events, upcoming dates and reminders,
special news, and fun facts about Missouri State! Visit blogs.missouristate.
edu/familyassociation to see this exciting resource. Be sure to “like” the Family
Association’s Facebook page, located at www.facebook.com/missouristatefamily,
to stay informed and connect with other family members, as well.
Save the Date for
Family Weekend!
September 12-14
The Missouri State University Family
Association invites you and your family to
attend Family Weekend on September 1214, 2014. Family Weekend is an excellent
opportunity to visit your student at their
new college home and experience their
life in the Missouri State and Springfield
communities. Your student will be thrilled
to show off their favorite parts of the
campus and Springfield, the new friends
they have made, and the way in which
they have developed into a successful
student. You can also meet other parents
of Missouri State students and become
acquainted in a fun and informal setting.
Some tentative special events
for Family Weekend include:
•
Tailgating at Bearfest Village
•
The Bears’ home opening
game against the University
of North Dakota
•
A special banquet for parents,
families, students, and friends
•
Family Weekend competitions,
including giveaways
and special prizes
More fun and exciting events for students
and families are being planned as well.
We hope you take this opportunity to visit
your student and enjoy the Missouri State
campus. More information about Family
Weekend 2014 will be available online at
www.missouristate.edu/familyweekend as
the weekend approaches. See you there!
Tip for Parents and Families
Don’t ask if your
student is homesick.
Keeping busy with adjusting
to new surroundings, making
new friends, and managing
their time, often helps to keep
thoughts of homesickness away.
Asking them if they’re homesick
often introduces a thought
they have not yet considered.
If they are homesick, they
will tell you.
— University Staff
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These restrictions are often frustrating
to family members, particularly to those
paying college bills. Rather than seeing
these restrictions as obstacles to helping
your student, we encourage you to
view them as an opportunity to have
important discussion with your student.
A Family’s Guide
to FERPA
University Staff
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
protects your student’s privacy and grants him or her exclusive
right to view and share education records such as grades,
transcripts, disciplinary records, contact information, and
class schedules. Under this law, colleges and universities
may not disclose education records to anyone other than
the student—including parents and family members.
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Missouri State University
Relationships between families and
students are strengthened when your
student is provided independence to
grow and support when he or she makes
mistakes. When it comes to grades and
academic work, talk to your student
as an adult. Share your opinions, but
respect his or her decisions, too. Help
establish trust and communication in
your relationship with your student
through the following means:
www.universityparent.com/missouristate
•
Help your student set academic
goals for studying and grades
early in the semester; periodically
check to see if your student
is meeting these goals.
•
Ask questions about your student’s
classes and what he or she is
learning; show that you’re interested
in more than just grades.
•
Show support during stressful
times like finals week by
sending encouraging e-mails
and care packages.
•
After supporting your student
through the whole semester,
ask if he’ll share his grades
with you. Respect his or her
decision, whatever it might
be. Continue to support your
student academically.
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We understand that working within the
restrictions of FERPA can be challenging,
but remember that this law is intended
to take personal responsibility for
his or her transcript and financial
obligations. Encourage your student to
take ownership over his education—
and to discuss his or her education
with you every once in a while.
Additional information about
FERPA can be found at
www.missouristate.edu/
registrar/FERPA.html.
Missouri state GUIDE
Partners in Education
(PIE) Program
student. Students may withdraw
permission to release information
to the partner at any time.
Partners in Education is a program which
aims to help first-year students and their
families build a relationship of trust and
communication, with the goal of improving
students’ academic success and retention.
By enrolling in the program, students
can grant a designated partner (usually a
parent or family member) authorization to
access information regarding the student’s
academic progress for their first year.
The partner will also mailed midterm and final grade reports of the
Students can enroll by completing the
PIE form in the appendix of their SOAR
Handbook. Contact the Academic
Assistance Office at (417) 836-5034
or visit www.missouristate.
edu/partnersineducation
to learn more about PIE. Please note
that only the Academic Assistance
Office personnel may release
academic information to the partner
indicated on the PIE form.
Tip for Parents and Families
Be prepared for emotional
phone calls home.
Students will often turn to family
first when they experience
difficulties. Try not to view this
as a problem to be fixed, but
as a chance for your student
to vent. Once he is finished,
ask him to tell you about a fun
experience to help him return
to a positive frame of mind.
— University Staff
“Relationships
between families
and students are
strengthened
when your student
is provided
independence to
grow and support
when he or she
makes mistakes.”
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Learning Beyond
the Classroom:
Academic Resources
University Staff
Students have access to a variety of campus resources
that can assist them in maximizing their academic success.
These resources help students perform better on course
assignments, boost their learning through out-of-class
experiences, and create a plan for obtaining their degree.
Encourage your students to use these resources often!
Academic Advisement Center
•
Appointments with peer tutors for
almost any academic subject.
•
Drop-in tutors who assist with
business, computer, mathematics,
and science courses.
•
Peer writing consultants who
help with a wide variety of
writing assignments.
•
Peer assisted study session
(PASS) leaders who offer review
sessions for students taking
historically difficult courses.
University College Hall 109
(417) 836-5258
www.missouristate.edu/advising
Academic Advisement Center advisors
assist undeclared students in exploring
majors and developing meaningful
educational plans to help them achieve
their life goals. Advisors help students with
course planning and scheduling, make
referrals to on-campus support services,
and encourage students to get the best
possible education at Missouri State.
BearCLAW (Center for
Learning and Writing)
Meyer Library, First Floor,
Southeast Corner
(417) 835-6398
www.bearclaw.missouristate.edu
The BearCLAW provides a number
of resources to help students
study and complete course
assignments. These include:
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Designed to foster collaborative
work and interaction, space in the
BearCLAW contains an open computer
lab in which students can access
online course materials or work on
assignments with their tutors and writing
consultants. BearCLAW faculty, staff,
and graduate students also present
student success seminars to classes
and student groups each semester.
Missouri State University
Career
Center
www.universityparent.com/missouristate
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Career Center
Carrington Hall 309 or Glass Hall 103
(417) 836-5636
www.careercenter.missouristate.edu
The Career Center assists students
with all of their career development and
job search needs. Students can make
individual appointments with career
counselors to identify, understand,
and research careers and majors.
This office can also assist students in
seeking internships and full-time job
opportunities. Staff members help
students explore current information for
hundreds of career possibilities, including
working conditions, job outlook, salary,
education requirements, and more.
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Citizenship and ServiceLearning (CASL)
Plaster Student Union 131
(417) 836-5774
www.missouristate.edu/casl
Service-learning is a teaching strategy
which course content is directly applied
to community service, giving students the
opportunity to learn civic responsibility
and strengthen community ties. As part
of Missouri State’s public affairs mission,
students in selected designate courses
work with non-profit and government
agencies to make a difference in the
community while gaining academic
credit, similar to a “mini-internship.”
Some courses, such as certain sections
of GEP 101, incorporate service-learning
throughout the course and all students in
the class have a shared experience. Other
classes provide service-learning as an
option for individual students. Contact the
CASL office to learn more about academic
courses offering service-learning.
Missouri State University
Disability Resource Center
International Services
Carrington Hall 302
Morris Center for Continuing Education
301 S. Jefferson
(417) 836-4192 or (417) 836-6792 (TTY)
www.missouristate.edu/disability
Missouri State University is committed to
providing an accessible and supportive
environment for students with disabilities.
Academic accommodations are available
at no cost to students who can provide
documentation of a disability from a
qualified specialist and can demonstrate
that the requested accommodations are
necessary for participation in University
programs. To initiate request for academic
accommodations, a student must
contact Disability Resource Center.
www.universityparent.com/missouristate
(417) 863-6618
www.international.missouristate.edu
International Services assists international
students with their unique needs. It
provides recruitment, admission and
retention services for international
students, as well as intercultural
awareness programs for the University
and local community. Other services
include transfer credit evaluation,
orientation to Missouri State and American
culture, special activity programming,
and assistance with complying with
immigration and US Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) regulations.
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Study Away Programs
Morris Center for Continuing Education
(417) 836-6368
www.international.missouristate.
edu/studyaway/
Study Away offers Missouri State students
extensive opportunities to develop their
understanding of and competence in
dealing with other cultures by studying
abroad. Study Away offers over
experiences in over 70 different countries,
ranging anywhere from one week up to
one academic year. In addition to helping
students research these opportunities,
it assists them with applying for financial
aid, preparing for departure, and
transferring credit back to Missouri State.
University Libraries
Duane G. Meyer Library
(417) 836-4525
www.library.missouristate.edu
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Learning Diagnostic Clinic
Multicultural Services
Alumni Center 502
Carrington Hall 302
(417) 836-4787
www.psychology.missouristate.edu/ldc
(417) 836-3043
www.multicultural.missouristate.edu
The Learning Diagnostic Center (LDC)
serves students who are diagnosed as
having a learning disability, psychological
disorder, and/or a neurological disorder,
and it assists Missouri State University
in complying with certain aspects of the
laws and guidelines of the Americans with
Disabilities Act. Students who might need
support services through the clinic need
to first register with Disability Resource
Center and to do so as soon as possible.
Multicultural Services assists students
from under-represented ethnic
groups with their overall academic
development. It serves as an advocate
for issues affecting Missouri State’s
African American, Asian American,
Hispanic, and Native American students.
Additionally, Multicultural Services staff
promotes minority student recruitment
and retention, offers multicultural
education and programming to the
campus and local communities, and
provides community outreach/relations.
Missouri State University
The Missouri State University library
system is comprised of the Duane
G. Meyer Library, the Music Library,
the Haseltine Library at Greenwood
Laboratory School, Garnett Library on
the West Plains campus, and the Evans
Library on the Mountain Grove Campus.
Students have access to a wide variety of
materials by using the latest technology,
such as online record catalogs.
www.universityparent.com/missouristate
Students can check out materials from
academic libraries around the state and
have them delivered to Meyer, Mountain
Grove, or West Plains. Access to library
resources is available on the web. There
are twenty-one group study rooms, an
open computer lab, a coffee shop, lobby
lounge, and Wi-Fi for student use.
Tip for Parents and Families
Visit.
Students love to show off their
new room, friends, organizations
and college life to loved ones.
Plan a time to visit campus
on a weekend that works for
both you and your student.
Even if you live nearby, plan
an afternoon shopping trip or
a dinner night for your student
and some of his new friends.
— University Staff
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Get Involved, Get
Engaged: Co-Curricular
Opportunities
University Staff
The college experience
includes much more
than studying and
classroom work. Much
of students’ learning and
personal development
comes through their
involvement in:
Campus Recreation
Foster Recreation Center
(417) 836-5334
www.missouristate.edu/recreation
Campus Recreation offers students
opportunities to remain active, stay
fit, and meet other students through
participation in intramural sports, fitness,
wellness activities, outdoor trips, and
workshops. The new Foster Recreation
Center (FRC) includes a recreational pool,
climbing wall, three-court gymnasium,
indoor jogging track, complete fitness
center, and multipurpose rooms.
Volunteer Programs
Plaster Student Union 131
(417) 836-7615
www.missouristate.edu/
studentengagement/
LeadershipandVolunteerism.htm
Volunteer Programs provides students
with service opportunities to agencies,
individuals, and efforts in the local
community and beyond. These
opportunities include one-time and
regular service, immersion programs in
the fall and spring semesters, and special
service events like our “Into the Streets”
program or “Bear Blitz Service Trips.”
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Dean of Students Office
Office of Student Conduct
Plaster Student Union 405
Plaster Student Union 405
(417) 836-5527
www.missouristate.edu/dos
(417) 836-6937
www.missouristate.edu/studentconduct
The Dean of Students Office assists
students in accomplishing personal and
educational goals, including helping
them remove barriers that might make
these goals more difficult to reach.
Staff members are available to answer
questions or concerns, refer students to
appropriate resources, and help students
navigate their way through University
procedures. The office also serves as a
resource for parents, faculty, and staff.
The Office of Student Conduct serves the
students of the Missouri State University
community by implementing the Code
of Student Rights and Responsibilities,
adjudicating alleged violations of
the Code, safeguarding student
rights, and dealing with emergency
situations which involve students.
The Dean of Students Office
also offers notary services, voter
registration and access to free legal
advice from a local attorney.
This office strives to create awareness
that all Missouri State University students
possess certain rights and privileges
along with corresponding duties and
responsibilities. Through a participatory
educational process, students learn how
to balance the exercise of individual
rights while maintaining and enhancing
an academic environment within a
caring, civil, and safe community.
Student Conduct also serves as a
resource to student organizations,
University departments, and individual
faculty, staff, and students who may be
victimized by other students or student
organizations. Parties involved in such
disputes are provided a fair and impartial
enforcement of University policies and
mediation of conflicts, leading to an
understanding and acceptance of the
consequences of their behaviors.
major campus events such as Bear
Bash, New Student Festival, Sample
Springfield, College Bowl, the STAR
Awards, May Day, and After Hours late
night programming. During Homecoming
Week, the OSE hosts various competitions
and events for students to participate in,
all in celebration of our great University
and community. These traditions have
become a fun and exciting way for
students to get involved on campus.
Office of Student Engagement
Student Activities Council (SAC)
Plaster Student Union 101
www.organizations.missouristate.edu/sac/
(417) 836-4386
www.missouristate.edu/
studentengagement
The Office of Student Engagement (OSE)
provides students with involvement
opportunities that allow them to
explore their potential and develop
into productive, principled citizens. The
OSE oversees the University’s 300-plus
student organizations and coordinates
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SAC, Missouri State’s student
programming board, provides
opportunities for growth and personal
development through social, cultural
and diverse events it plans. Open to
the entire student body, these activities
are funded through the student
involvement fee that every student pays;
most are free to students. Students
are encouraged to participate in its All
Council, Executive Board and committees
to help spend student money wisely
and plan events students want.
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Fraternity and Sorority Life
Missouri State currently has 16 national
fraternities, 7 national sororities, 1 local
sorority, 3 NPHC fraternities, and 2
NPHC sororities registered on campus.
Fraternity & Sorority Life also houses 4
local organizations. Each chapter has its
own unique programs and characteristics,
yet all are founded on similar principles
of community involvement, academic
excellence, and leadership. The fraternity
and sorority community at Missouri State:
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•
Regularly contributes tens of
thousands of community service
hours and dollars to local charities.
•
Has average GPAs that
consistently exceed that of the
all-campus average GPA.
•
Produces more campus leaders than
any other organization on campus.
•
Helps foster your student’s
involvement and success.
Missouri State University
We encourage all parents and students
to explore the benefits of joining our
Greek community. Please visit the
parents’ section on their website at
www.missouristate.edu/
studentengagement/FSL/
for additional facts and information.
Statement on Hazing
Both Missouri State University and the
fraternity and sorority community do not
condone or tolerate hazing. Hazing is
defined as any action taken or situation
created, whether on or off fraternity/
sorority property, to produce mental or
physical discomfort or ridicule. Sanctions
and disciplinary actions will be taken
against those who haze and, in some
cases, those who allow hazing to continue
unchallenged. Please see our policy
on hazing in Article 4.5 of the Code of
Student Rights and Responsibilities at
www.missouristate.edu/studentrights.
www.universityparent.com/missouristate
Tip for Parents and Families
Talk to others.
Several other families are going
through a similar experience
as you, while their student is in
college. Keeping in contact with
other families that you meet at
orientation or campus events
can be an additional source of
support for you and your family.
— University Staff
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Taking Care of
Business: Campus
Services and Amenities
University Staff
College students are a busy bunch. Between their studies,
jobs, and campus involvement, they often need convenient
services and amenities to help them take care of their
business, their appetites, and their health and wellness.
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Missouri State University
BearPass Card Office
Missouri State Bookstore
Plaster Student Union 128
Morris Hall
(417) 836-8409
www.missouristate.edu/bearpasscard
(417) 836-5403
www.missouristatebookstore.com
The BearPass Card is Missouri
State’s official multipurpose student
identification card. It is the required
method of identification on campus.
The BearPass is used to verify students’
identity, cash checks at the Bursar’s
Office, check out materials at the library,
obtain services at Taylor Health and
Wellness Center, and utilize meal plans.
The University-owned and operated
Bookstore is the best place for students
to purchase textbooks, course-related
material, and a full line of BearWear
(official Missouri State apparel). The
Bookstore carries classroom supplies
and health-related items, and it has
a full-service Clinique counter.
www.universityparent.com/missouristate
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The Bookstore operates a number of
affiliate stores around campus, as well.
•
•
•
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Bear Necessities, located on
the second floor of the Plaster
Student Union; Bear Park South
Convenience Store, located in the
Bear Park South shuttle waiting
area; and Boomer’s Convenience
Store, located on the first floor
of Hammons House, offer a
variety of convenience items
like refreshments and snacks.
BearHouse Entertainment, also
located on the second floor of the
Plaster Student Union, provides
computer hardware, peripherals,
and supplies, gaming systems and
accessories, electronics, and a wide
selection of current PC and console
video games, CDs, and DVDs.
Students have access to
bestselling books and novels as
well as works from local authors
in PawPrints Union Bookstore,
a comfortable and relaxed shop
in the Plaster Student Union.
•
•
Stock up on clothing and
accessories for your fraternity
or sorority at It’s a Greek Thing,
located on the second floor of
the Plaster Student Union.
Located in the JQH Arena,
the BearWear Team Store has
everything you need to show
your Bear pride including
apparel, accessories for your
home and office, as well as
collectible memorabilia.
The Bookstore also offers a textbook
reservation program as an easy and
convenient way for students to get the
books and course materials they need.
Visit www.missouristatebookstore.com/
TextRes.htm for more information or to
help your student utilize this program.
Missouri State University
Bursar’s Office
CopyThis
Carrington Hall, First Floor
Plaster Student Union 210
(417) 836-5128
www.missouristate.edu/bursar/
(417) 836-5808
www.missouristate.edu/
printing/copythis.htm
Does student have fees that need to be
paid? He or she can visit the Bursar’s
Office, which serves as the University’s
cashier. This office processes payments
from students, faculty, staff, University
departments, and businesses. It
can also cash personal checks.
Paying Students’
Accounts Online
In order for parents and family members
to access copies of their student’s account
statements and make payments online,
that student must first create a Parent PIN.
Instructions for doing so can be found at
www.missouristate.edu/
SOAR/cashnet.htm.
www.universityparent.com/missouristate
This one-stop shop provides students,
faculty and staff a variety of copy,
lamination, binding, and computer
services—all at great savings.
Dining Services
Blair-Shannon House 114
(417) 836-5660
www.missouristate.edu/dining
Dining Services offer on-campus students
the option to select a 10-meal, 14-meal,
19-meal, or unlimited meal plan. The
unlimited meal plan provides complete
access to all dining center services
anytime the dining centers are open.
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•
$150 of BoomerMeals can
be purchased for $135
•
$200 of BoomerMeals can
be purchased for $180
for the benefit of the entire University
community. It oversees activities
related to class registration, produces
the annual Undergraduate Catalog,
and ensures the accuracy, integrity,
and security of academic records.
•
$250 of BoomerMeals can
be purchased for $220
Student Employment Services
For example:
Students use their BearPass Card to
redeem meals in any dining facility;
a computerized system keeps track
of the number of meals used as
well as the remaining balance.
Commuting students may purchase a
traditional meal plan to be used within
the dining centers or Boomer Meals
to be used at any dining location on
campus. Contact Dining Services for more
information regarding meal plan options.
Tip for Parents and Families
Blair-Shannon House 113
(417) 836-5627
www.missouristate.edu/studentemp
Student Employment Services keeps an
active file of permanent and temporary
part-time jobs, from on campus and in
the Springfield community. Currently
enrolled students can access the
job locator database by visiting the
website above and signing in with their
BearPass login and password.
Trust your student.
Your student will face many
tough decisions on her own,
maybe for the first time. Knowing
that you fully trust and support
her will help your student
be confident in her ability to
make the right decision.
— University Staff
Office of Student Financial Aid
Carrington Hall 101
(417) 836-5262
www.missouristate.edu/financialaid
The 10-meal, 14-meal, and 19-meal
plans allow 10, 14, or 19 visits to the
dining centers weekly. The week
begins at breakfast on Monday and
ends with the Sunday dinner meal.
In addition to their meal plan, on-campus
students also select a BoomerMeals
option; these meals can be used in any
dining location on campus. BoomerMeals
operate similarly to a debit account,
where the balance decreases as meals
are redeemed. Dining Services provides
bonus dollars for each BoomerMeals
option, giving you even more value!
30
The Office of Student Financial Aid offers
several types of financial assistance,
including scholarships, grants, loans, and
employment opportunities. Funding for
these programs comes from institutional,
federal, state, and private sources.
Financial aid is made available to students
who may not have sufficient financial
resources to cover all college expenses.
Specific information about financial
aid programs for entering students
can be found at the website above.
Office of the Registrar
Carrington Hall 320
(417) 836-5520
www.missouristate.edu/registrar
The Office of the Registrar supports
the University’s mission to develop
educated individuals by interpreting,
communicating, and enforcing
academic policies and procedures
Missouri State University
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31
Missouri state GUIDE
Missouri state GUIDE
Your Student’s
Well-being: Health and
Safety Resources
University Staff
Taylor Health and
Wellness Center
•
Consultation services in
gynecology, dietetics, orthopedics,
internal medicine, general surgery,
radiology, and psychiatric care
•
Diagnostic laboratory testing
and radiological procedures
and interpretations
•
Women’s health services
•
Wellness programming
Morris Hall
(417) 836-4000
www.health.missouristate.edu
Taylor Health and Wellness Center
and its staff of physicians, nurses,
pharmacists, technicians, and support
staff provide a variety of health
services for students, including:
•
•
32
A primary clinic for diagnosis and
treatment of illnesses and injuries
A full-service pharmacy
with both prescribed and
over-the-counter medications
Required student fees include a
health fee, which provides them with
unlimited prepaid basic office visits.
Some services incur additional charges,
including laboratory tests, consulting
physician visits, X-rays, prescriptions,
and other specified procedures.
Missouri State University
Counseling and Testing Center
Carrington Hall 311
(417) 836-5116
www.counselingandtesting.
missouristate.edu
www.universityparent.com/missouristate
The Counseling and Testing Center
promotes students’ personal
development and psychological wellbeing. Experienced professional
counselors, psychologists, social
workers, and graduate students assist
clients in resolving conflicts which may
interfere with their progress at the
33
Missouri state GUIDE
University. The Center offers individual
and group counseling sessions,
educational programs, consultations
and referrals, and emergency and
crisis services; it also administers
several national standardized tests.
The Center’s counseling services
are free and strictly confidential; no
information—including whether an
individual has received counseling—
will be released without the informed
written consent of the client, except
in certain emergency situations.
Missouri state GUIDE
Safety and Transportation
636 E. Elm
(417) 836-5509
www.missouristate.edu/safetran
The Department of Safety and
Transportation coordinates campus
safety, parking, vehicle and bicycle
registration, safe walk services, and
the Missouri State Alert system.
Students who operate a motor vehicle
on campus are responsible for being
informed about Missouri State’s parking
and traffic regulations. A copy of the
Missouri State University Parking and
Traffic Regulations can be obtained
at the website above. Parking in a
disabled space in a University parking
lot requires a state-issued disabled
parking permit. Concerns regarding a
disability permit should be directed to
the Parking Administration Office.
Safe Walk Services
Students who do not feel safe walking
from one campus location to another,
during dark hours, can request a
public safety officer to accompany
them. To obtain this service, students
should call (417) 836-5509 and state
their name, location, and destination.
An officer will then be dispatched
by radio to that location. Encourage
your student to add this number to
their address book or contact list.
SHARP (Self Defense & Rape Prevention)
SHARP training teaches students how to
protect themselves through prevention
of attacks and learning techniques for
escape. Valuable information about
confrontation avoidance and selfdefense techniques are shared in two
evening course sessions conducted by
the Missouri State University’s Safety
and Transportation Department. This
FREE course is designed for women.
Class dates and times can be
found on the website above or
through Campus Recreation.
Springfield Police Campus Substation
The Springfield Police Department
maintains a substation on Missouri State
University’s campus. Located at 636 E.
Elm, this substation places the officers
on campus, making them a part of,
and readily available to, the University
community. Commissioned Springfield
police officers regularly patrol campus
and partner with University faculty and
staff to provide programs and information.
34
Missouri State University
Bear Line Shuttle Service
The University operates a free shuttle
service for use by students, faculty,
staff, and guests of Missouri State
University. The shuttle makes numerous
stops at locations convenient to
University parking lots, residence halls,
academic buildings, Meyer Library,
Plaster Student Union, Hammons
Student Center, and Morris Center.
www.universityparent.com/missouristate
“Commissioned
Springfield police
officers regularly patrol
campus and partner with
University faculty and
staff to provide programs
and information.”
Tip for Parents and Families
Expect change.
College is a very diverse
environment in which your
student is being immersed. They
will face many new challenges,
and will learn things about
themselves that they may want
to change or keep the same.
Remember that at their core, they
are the same person they were
when they went away for school.
— University Staff
35
Missouri state GUIDE
Missouri state GUIDE
Missouri State Athletics
University Staff
Tickets: (417) 836-7678
www.missouristatebears.com
Missouri State Athletics sponsors Division I teams in baseball, men’s and
women’s basketball, women’s cross country, women’s field hockey, football,
men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and
women’s swimming and diving, women’s track and field, and volleyball.
More details about Missouri State Athletics, including schedules and
ticket purchasing information, are available at the website above.
FIGHT SONG
ALMA MATER
Uphold tradition our school
we hold so dear
We will be loyal throughout
our college years
Fight for victory as we stand up and cheer
Let’s hear it for the Bears!
B-E-A-R-S! Bears!
M-I-S-S-O-U-R-I-State!
Sing We Praises,
Now to Our Alma Mater,
All Hail Maroon and White,
Missouri State,
We Pledge Devotion,
May You Live Ever in Truth and Light.
May You Live Ever in Truth and Light.
Residence
Life,
Housing
and Dining
Services
University Staff
Hammons House 104
(417) 836-5536
www.missouristate.edu/reslife
Missouri State University provides
students with housing facilities that reflect
a strong commitment to education. Wellmaintained living accommodations and
highly trained staff provide opportunities
for your student to grow as an individual
through the development of new
friendships, exploration of new ideas,
and involvement in new activities.
University Housing Policy
All single students under 21 years of age
with fewer than 30 hours of transferrable
credit earned after high school graduation
are required to live in University housing.
Students commuting from a legal
guardian’s permanent address within
60 miles of Springfield may request, in
writing, an exception to this policy.
Student Housing Contracts
Housing information and contracts are
available upon request. All students
may submit the housing contract
and a $100 security deposit by mail
or online upon admission. Housing
contract terms span both fall and spring
semesters (or the remaining portion of
the year at the time of occupancy).
Tip for Parents and Families
Write often.
Students check their mailboxes
at least once a day. Nothing
brightens up their day like
receiving a letter or care package.
— University Staff
36
Missouri State University
www.universityparent.com/missouristate
37
RESOURCES
RESOURCES
Residence Hall
Mailing Addresses
Blair-Shannon House
Sunvilla Tower
1001 E. Madison St. - Blair Room # OR
Shannon Room #
Springfield, MO 65807
833 E. Elm St. - Apt. #
Springfield, MO 65806-2431
Monroe Apartments
1141 E. Bear Blvd. - Room #
Springfield, MO 65807
Freudenberger (Freddy) House
1000 E. Madison St. - Room #
Springfield, MO 65807
Scholars House
1116 E. Cherry St. - Room #
Springfield, MO 65807
Hammons House
1001 E. Harrison St. – Room #
Springfield, MO 65807
Hutchens House
1021 E. Harrison St. – Room#
Springfield, MO 65807
Wells House
1132 E. Madison St. - Room #
Springfield, MO 65807
Kentwood Hall
700 E. Saint Louis St. - Room #
Springfield, MO 65806-2496
Woods House
1115 E. Bear Blvd. - Room #
Springfield, MO 65807
RESIDENCE HALL PHONE NUMBERS
38
Important Dates
Fall Semester 2014
August 15
August 18
August 22
September 1
October 8
October 9-10
October 14
November 26-30
December 4
December 5
December 6-11
December 12
Spring Semester 2015
January 12
January 16
January 19
February 16
March 6
March 9-15
March 16
April 2-5
May 7
May 8
May 9-14
May 15 Main Office
(417) 836-5536
Blair-Shannon House
(417) 836-5196
Freudenberger House
(417) 836-5189
Hammons House
(417) 836-4907
Summer Semester 2015
Hutchens House
(417) 836-8484
Kentwood Hall
(417) 836-4818
Monroe Apartments
(417) 836-8228
Scholars House
(417) 836-8787
Sunvilla Tower
(417) 836-5410
Wells House
(417) 836-5193
Woods House
(417) 836-5338
June 8
June 9
July 2
July 4
July 6
July 9
July 29
July 30-31
July 31
Missouri State University
Move-In Begins
Fall 2014 Classes Begin
Last day-Drop First Block Classes at 100% credit/refund
Labor Day Holiday
First Block Classes End
Fall Break
Second Block Classes Begin
Thanksgiving Holiday
Last Day of Classes
Study Day-No Classes
Final Exam Period
Fall Commencement
Spring 2015 Classes Begin
Last day-Drop First Block Classes at 100% credit/refund
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
President’s Day Holiday
First Block Classes End
Spring Break
Second Block Classes Begin
Spring Holiday
Last Day of Classes
Study Day-No Classes
Final Exam Period
Spring Commencement
Semester Session 1, 2, 3 Begin
Last day-Drop Session 1, 2, 3, at 100% credit/refund
Session 3 Classes End/Final Exams
Independence Day-No Classes
Session 4 Classes Begin
Session 2 Classes End/Final Exams
Last Day of Sessions 1 & 4
Final Exam Period for Sessions 1 & 4
Summer Commencement
www.universityparent.com/missouristate
39
RESOURCES
RESOURCES
Recommended Reading
for Parents/Families
Books
The following publications are available for purchase through most major retailers.
You're On Your Own (But I'm Here If You Need Me): Mentoring Your Child
During the College Years by Marjorie Savage (Touchstone, ISBN: 1416596070)
Letting Go: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding the College
Years (5th ed.) by Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence
Treeger (Harper Perennial, ISBN: 0061665738)
I'll Miss You Too: An Off-to-College Guide for Parents and Students by Margo
E. Bane Woodacre and Steffany Bane (Sourcebooks, ISBN: 1402206410)
I Wish My Family Had Known . . .
Missouri State Students
•
That just because I went to college doesn’t mean I am any less a part of my family.
•
They raised a strong and confident young man/woman
that is capable of a lot more than they realize.
•
How accepted I would be here and how many new friends I would make.
The Naked Roommate: For Parents Only (2nd ed.) by
Harlan Cohen (Sourcebooks, ISBN: 1402267568)
•
How welcome they would be to visit me anytime they want.
•
How much I would miss them.
Dollars & Sense for College Students: How Not to Run Out of Money by
Midterms by Ellen Braitman (Princeton Review, ISBN: 0375752064)
•
That I wasn’t going to get a 4.0 like I did in high school.
•
That packages, mail, and visitors are my favorite things.
•
How busy college can be at times.
•
The stereotypes on TV are not true.
Don’t Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money (2nd ed.) by Helen E. Johnson and
Christine Schelhas-Miller (Golden Guides; Second Edition, ISBN: 0312573642)
Financial Aid for the Utterly Confused by
Anthony Bellia (McGraw-Hill, ISBN: 0071467319)
Booklets
The following resources are published by the National Resource Center for the First-Year
Experience and Students in Transition and are available for purchase at www.nrcpubs.com.
“Empowering Parents of First-Year College Students: A Guide for Success”
“A Family Guide to Academic Advising” (2nd ed.)
“A Guide for Families of Commuter Students: Supporting Your Student's Success”
40
Missouri State University
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41
RESOURCES
RESOURCES
Deferred Payment
The option to charge goods and services provided by University businesses
and vendors (such as the Bookstore, Taylor Health and Wellness Center,
etc.) to a student’s account. This option gives students the convenience
of paying for items on the same bill as their student fees.
Your Missouri
State Glossary
Hold
University Staff
A block which prohibits students from functions such as registering
for courses or receiving a transcript or diploma.
Hall Director
Full-time staff members who manage the daily operations of the residence halls.
Access Card
Cards issued to residence hall students which serve as electronic keys, granting them
access to their specific residence hall (and in some cases, their specific floor or wing.)
BearPass Card
Student photo identification cards. They are used to confirm a student’s identity,
redeem meals from their meal plan, defer books or other goods to the student’s
University account, and check out books from the library. BearPass Cards also have
a debit function which allows students to use money from a prepaid balance.
BearPass Login
The user name that students use to log on to campus computers and e-mail accounts.
BearPass Number
Missouri State’s student identification number. This number is needed for
class registration, financial aid needs and any other business conducted
with the University. It is important that students remember this number.
Blackboard
The Blackboard Learning System™ is an online tool to support teaching and
learning at Missouri State University. Blackboard is frequently used by those
taking online courses or as supplement to traditional seated courses.
Block Courses
Courses that meet for one half of a semester. Two sessions
of block courses are offered per semester.
Carillon
A collection of 48 bronze bells located in a 140 foot tower attached to the Meyer
Library. These bells can be heard through campus, usually at the top of each hour.
Curricular Learning Communities (CLC)
Two or more linked classes which the same group of students attend. These
linked courses often share a common subject; the faculty for these courses
coordinate lessons and assignments to this subject. Incoming freshmen
students are encouraged to enroll and participate in these courses.
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Missouri State University
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43
RESOURCES
RESOURCES
Prerequisite
Specific requirements that must be completed prior to enrolling in a given class,
program, or field of study. Prerequisites often apply to the completion of other courses.
Provost
The chief academic officer of the University. The Provost is responsible
for providing primary administrative leadership, direction, and evaluation
for all academic activities and faculty affairs of the University.
Recruitment
The term used to describe the mutual selection process for joining a fraternity or sorority.
Resident Assistant (RA)
Trained student leaders who live on each residence hall’s floor or wing to assist students
with issues, build floor community, enforce policies, and maintain a safe atmosphere.
Residence Hall Association (RHA)
Student organization which serves as the voice of students in the residence halls. The
RHA General Assembly is comprised of student leaders from each residence hall.
Service-Learning
A type of experiential education that combines and pursues both
academic achievement and community service in a seamless
weave, requiring the use of effective reflection exercises.
JQH Arena
The arena in which Missouri State Bears and Lady Bears play
basketball and concerts and other community events are often
held here. Named for its benefactor, John Q. Hammons.
Student Government Association (SGA)
The student e-mail system on campus.
A governing group comprised of students which represent and serve as
the voice of Missouri State’s student body. SGA’s resolutions inform and
guide policy decisions made by Missouri State’s administrators.
Meal Plan
Suitemates
Office 365 Account
An amenity provided by Dining Services which allows students to
dine in campus dining centers. Students can choose plans which
offer 10, 14, 19, or unlimited number of meals per week.
My Missouri State
Some residence halls on campus offer suite-style rooms where 4-6
people share a suite with multiple bedrooms. The students who live in
the same bedroom are considered roommates, while the students who
stay in the other bedroom(s) would be considered suitemates.
The University’s online student information and record portal which can be accessed
through my.missouristate.edu. Students use it to access information and conduct
University business. It is only accessible by Missouri State students, faculty, and staff.
New Student Convocation
The official ceremony designed to welcome new students to the
University. It is held the Sunday afternoon before classes begin.
Plus/Minus Grading
Grading system approved in 2008 that gives instructors the option of grading
their classes on a plus/minus scale (A, A-,B+,B,B-,C+,C,C-,D+,D,F).
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Missouri State University
www.universityparent.com/missouristate
45
RESOURCES
Missouri State Area Resources
For more area resources: www.universityparent.com/missouristate
Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
A series of voluntary review sessions for students taking historically difficult
courses. PASS leaders (trained students who have been successful in these
courses) guide these sessions and help students compare notes, discuss important
concepts, develop strategies for studying the subject, and test their knowledge.
Places to Stay
Best Western Route
66 Rail Haven
Syllabus
A document provided by a course instructor that outlines the instructor’s
contact information, required material, information about what the course
will cover, attendance policy, available points, grading procedures, and
important dates and deadlines for tests, papers, and projects.
203 S. Glenstone Ave.
Springfield, MO 65802
(417) 866-1963
www.bwrailhaven.com
Please see ad on back cover.
DoubleTree by Hilton
Springfield
2431 N. Glenstone Ave.
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 831-3131
doubletree.hilton.com
Please see ad on p. 43.
The Pride
Missouri State’s 300 member marching band.
Drury Inn & Suites ‚ Springfield
2715 N. Glenstone Ave.
Springfield, MO 65803
(800) 378-7946
www.druryhotels.com
Please see ad on p. 23.
Motel 6 Springfield North
Ramada Plaza Hotel &
Oasis Convention Center
2546 N. Glenstone
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 866-5253
www.ramadaoasis.com
Please see ad on p. 41.
2655 N. Glenstone Ave.
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 831-2100
www.motel6.com
Please see ad on p. 31.
The Standard
The official student-run newspaper of Missouri State University.
Places to Live
Undergraduate Catalog
Contains information about every college, department, major, and course
located within the University. It also offers general information about
the university, and its policies, programs, offices, and services.
Town & Campus Apartments
2010 E. Page St.
Springfield, MO 65802
(417) 566-3449
www.townandcampusapts.com
Please see ad on p. 17.
Withdrawal
Dropping all courses at Missouri State University. To withdraw, students must
submit a written request to the Office of the Registrar, Carrington Hall 302.
XF
Letter grade assigned to students who commit academic dishonesty or cheating.
Additional Services
Career Center
Carrington Hall 309
Glass Hall 103
901 S. National Ave.
Springfield, MO 65897
(417) 836-5636
careercenter.missouristate.edu
Please see ad on p. 13.
CoxHealth‚
The Clinic at Walmart
2021 E. Independence St.
Springfield, MO 65804
(417) 885-1445
www.coxhealth.com
Please see ad on p. 19.
Penske Truck Rental
5117 S. Campbell
Springfield, MO 65810
(417) 890-0777
www.PenskeU.com
Please see ad on p. 33.
Trinity Lutheran Church
1415 S. Holland
Springfield, MO 65807
(417) 866-5878
www.trinitylutheranspfd.org
Please see ad on p. 45.
UniversityParent E-News
www.UniversityParent.com
Please see ad on p. 29.
View the
For advertising inquiries, please contact
UniversityParent at (855) 947-4296 or
email: ads@universityparent.com
46
Missouri State University
Parent
Handbook
Online
www.universityparent.com/missouristate