Adult Student Services Blog

Making the Most of Advisement

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It’s registration season and that means it’s time to meet with your advisor! You are pursuing a degree at Missouri State University and that means you have access to a wonderful resource: an academic advisor. Your academic advisor is available to help you navigate your major and degree requirements, connect with campus resources, and more. On your Registration Status page, there’s a line for an “Advisor Release,” sometimes it says, “Not Required,” other times there’s a red X and you’re blocked from registering for classes. This is called a hold. 

When/Why Do I Have an Advisor Release Hold? 

Some groups of students are required to meet with an advisor. 

    • All undergraduate students with less than 75 completed credits.
    • All undergraduate students with less than three fall or spring advisor releases.
    • First-time transfer students
    • Students on academic probation
    • All graduate students

However, it’s a good idea to meet with your advisor regularly to check in on your academic progress, help you navigate the course catalog, and help you meet your goals – even if it’s not “required.”

How Do I Find My Advisor? 

Before you can meet with your advisor, you first need to figure out who they are and how to contact them. Advisor information can be found in a couple places on your My Missouri State account. 

  1. Advising Notes and Release
    • My Student Records cared > Advising Notes
    • This is where you will see notes from all your advising appointments
  2. Registration Status 
    • Registration card > Registration Status link
    • This is where you’ll find any holds preventing registration

No advisor listed? No problem.
If you have a declared major, consult with the advisement center of the college of your major.* Reach out to the department of your major for assistance if your college is not indicated below.

 Darr College of Agriculture Student Success and Advisement Center
College of BusinessAdvisement Center
College of Education Advisement Center
College of Natural and Applied Sciences Student Success Office
McQueary College of Health and Human Services Student Success and Advisement Center
College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities Student Success and Advisement Center

*Incoming transfer students should locate their program’s transfer advisor. 

For adult students without a declared major, contact AdultStudentServices@MissouriState.edu to meet with an advisor.

After you locate your advisor, schedule with them using their booking link (if available) or send them an email to discuss meeting options. 

How Do I Actually Make the Most of My Appointment?

This is the hard part. You need to be prepared and engaged to recieve the greatest benefit of the meeting. First, review your degree audit/student planner, then write down any questions that come up while you review your materials . Don’t forget to mention any specific goals you have to explore ways to acheive them. We’ve provided a few examples below. Borrow these or make your own! This is your degree and journey. 

Questions to Ask

  1. What are the requirements of my degree?
  2. Are there any electives I should consider to boost my resume? 
  3. Is it worthwhile to add a certificate? 

Goals to Conisder

First, make sure you’re making S.M.A.R.T. Goals. 

  1. I want to raise my GPA by .5 this semester. What resources can I utilize to achieve this? 
  2. I want to finish my degree in 4 years – how many credit hours do I need to take each semester to meet this timeline? 
  3. I want to add in service learning to my curriculum. How can my program support this goal?

 Degree Audit and Student Planner

Degree audits are used by students and advisors for planning what courses to complete in order to earn a declared degree program and to view final graduation eligibility. The student education planner is used by students and advisor for planning course sequencing by semester (what order to take courses in).

  1. Sign into your My Missouri State.
  2. Locate the Degree Audit and SEP Card.
  3. View Degree Audit.

Finally, be sure to bring something to take down these notes: pen and paper, a laptop, even the notes app on your phone can be a good tool. Even though you can look back on your Advising Notes through your student portal, it is helpful to have notes of your own to refer to. 

Additional Resources

Preparing for Advising Appointments (CAST Blog, October 2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about Advising Issues 

Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals

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Each one of us has goals. To get an “A” in a course, to buy a new car, to retire by 65, etc. There’s not really any right or wrong goals, but you can go about acheiving them in a smart way… or should we say S.M.A.R.T way?

What is a S.M.A.R.T. goal?

A S.M.A.R.T goal is specific, measureable, attainable, realistic, and timebased.

  • Specific – What is your specific goal? Be as precise as possible. Answer who, what, when, where, and why. 
  • Measurable – How do you measure success? How will you know when you have reached your goal? Your measurement needs to be precise and answer the question of “how many” or “how often.” 
  • Attainable – Make sure your goal is attainable and realistic. If it isn’t, it will always remain a dream. While setting high standards is important, if the standards are unrealistic, then they probably will not be achieved. 
  • Realistic – Does your goal align with your other goals and your values? If it conflicts with your vision of yourself or your short- or long-term plans, then you should reassess the goal. 
  • Time-based – Set a deadline for achieving your goal. If your goal includes steps or milestones, make a timeframe for them as well. Again, be precise. If your deadline is a vague “sometime in the future,” then your goal may always remain a dream. 

Goals in Action

Let’s take a look at an example. Riley has never attended college, he did not take high school dual credit classes, and he graduated from high school over 10 years ago. He has been working for a popular retailer as a sales associate. He wants to move into a management role, but he needs a college degree to do so.

Riley’s goal? Get a degree as quickly as possible.

Is this a good goal? Sure. Is it a S.M.A.R.T. goal? Not really.

 

Why wasn’t Riley’s goal S.M.A.R.T? He didn’t specify what degree he wanted to pursue, didn’t set a timeframe, and didn’t consider his lifestyle needs.

Make it S.M.A.R.T

Riley was on the right track but here’s how he can improve:

  • Make the goal specific: Riley wants to finish a degree at Missouri State that compliments his career goals in 4 years so he can apply for management positions in the future.
  • Make it measurable: He needs to complete 15 credit hours a semester for 8 consecutive semesters (excluding summer) to graduate in 4 years.
  • Consider attainability: 4 years is the “typical” time to complete a bachelor’s degree. There are many support services at Missouri State to s
  • Is it realistic?: Riley will need to keep working full-time to support himself (limited availability for seated classes), and he still wants to have free time to travel. It is possible to work and go to school full time, but this isn’t conducive to Riley’s desires. By extending his timeline or reducing his fall/spring course load to take 1-2 summer classes can help create that “free time” to relax, spend time with loved ones and enjoy himself. He can also consider pursuing his degree online so he can work towards his degree on his own time from just about anywhere!
  • Time-Based: By the end of each academic year, Riley will need to have completed 30 credit hours (15 hours in the fall, 15 hours in the spring or 6 hours in the fall and spring and 3 hours in the summer) to maintain his 4-year completion goal.

Even with this S.M.A.R.T.-er goal, it could be improved by taking costs into consideration and setting goals for his GPA. This plan also doesn’t account for any fluctuations such as changing majors or needing to retake a class. If your circumstances change, it’s okay (and smart!) to reevaluate your plan and make tweaks to keep yourself on track. Riley could choose to extend his timeline to take fewer classes each term, or he could decide to sacrifice travel opportunities to take additional credit hours.

Takeaways

We’re here to help you set S.M.A.R.T. goals and achieve them, even as life circumstances change. We are here to help you succeed and take all the factors into consideration.

Through advisement, financial aid, and dozens of student support services – Missouri State is here to help you every step of the way.

Meet with an Adult Student advisor to see how you can get started.

 

Spring Send Off

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Hello Bears,

You’ve nearly wrapped up another wonderful semester at Missouri State! Finals are just around the corner and Commencement is Friday, May 9th. Some of our Bears still have a little way to go before we celebrate their graduation. If that’s you, be sure to check out our following tips on getting set up for the summer and/or fall semesters.

  1. Are you registered? If not follow the steps below.
    • Check your student registration status to ensure that you do not have any holds listed. Login at https://my.missouristate.edu/
    • Navigate to the Registration card Click “Registration Status” in the My Registration card
    • If there are any red “X’s” then those are holds that you will need to clear up prior to registration- click the corresponding hyperlink on the left for more information (includes what office to contact).
    • If you have an advisor hold, contact the primary advisor listed on your registration status screen at the top of the Basic Information box.
    • Registration resources available through the Office of the Registrar.
  2. Do you have your course materials yet? Visit the University Bookstore in-person or order online to get the materials you need to succeed.  
  3. Do you know where your classes are? Check the Campus Map or go on a campus tour to get a lay of the land. Online classes – be sure you’re comfortable navigating our learning management system: Brightspace.  
  4. Are you new to Missouri State or looking for a refresher on campus resources and information? Join us for an in-person orientation for adult and nontraditional students on Saturday, August 16th: Adult Student Orientation.  

Tips for Success

  • Find a good study spot. Whether it’s a quiet corner in your home, a sunny cafe, or station at the library, having a designated environment for studying can help signal your mind that it’s time to focus.  
  • Keep in contact. Take advantage of office hours and advisor appointments to maintain strong relationships and create plans for success.  
  • Maintain a schedule. Work, school, family, and a social life can all feel like a full-time job; finding the balance between them even more so. Use a planner (paper or digital) to carve out designated times for all your engagements to keep you accountable and prevent missed deadlines or surprise essays. Don’t forget to add in breaks and rest periods. (Check out our tips for time management!)
  • Know your resources. Missouri State offers many resources across campus to help students with whatever issues may arise during the semester. Explore Student Support. 
  • Go to class. Even when it would be more enjoyable to soak up the sunshine, make your best effort to prioritize attendance- including signing into your online classes. 

Important Dates

  • May 1: Full Semester and Second Block Classes End
  • May 2: Study Day (no classes, offices open)
  • May 3-May 8: Final Exam Period
  • May 9: Spring Commencement
  • May 15: Students’ Final Grades, GPA Calculations, Academic Status & Spring 2025 Degrees Earned Available on Transcripts
  • May 19: Digital Diplomas/Certificates for Spring 2025 will be available beginning this week. Paper diplomas will be mailed 4-6 weeks from this time.

See more for the summer sessions and fall semester on the Academic Calendar. 

 

To our graduating Bears, CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve worked tirelessly to achieve this goal; we could not be happier for you or more excited for what your future holds. Does it include graduate studies or joining the workforce? Remember that being a Bear is a lifelong club and you’re a member: explore our graduate programs if you’re looking to continue your education or schedule with the Career Center to help you prepare for the professional world.

 

Go Bears!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Midsemester Updates

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You have been hard at work in class and now, we are halfway through the semester and Spring Break is nearly here (March 15th-March 23rd)!  

Registration for Summer and Fall begins March 31. You can find your earliest registration time and your advisor on the Registration Status link in your My Missouri State Portal.  

You do not have to wait until your registration date to schedule an appointment with your advisor. Their schedules fill up quickly during registration, so schedule early and have a plan ready to go when it is time for you to register. Find your academic advising center or contact your advisor directly to get scheduled!  

 

Reminder

Beginning on March 25, 2025, a financial hold will be placed on accounts with a balance that is $1,000 or more. If the balance is $999 or lower the hold will not be placed on the account. This hold will prevent the student from registering for classes for future semesters.  

Review the update from Financial Services.

Important Dates

  • 3/15-3/23- Spring Break  
  • 3/26- Paws to the Polls- Springfield Public Schools School Board Candidate Panel  
  • 3/31- Deadline to have name listed in the Spring 2025 Commencement program  
  • 3/31- Summer and Fall registration sequence begins  

Keep up with MSU’s Academic Calendar for important semester dates and the Calendar of Events for more happenings on campus. 

As always, your Adult Student Services team is here to assist you in any way we can, so do not hesitate to reach out. Our booking links are always available online so you can schedule an appointment whenever you need us.   

Book your appintment with Jesica (Phone or Zoom)

Campus Resource Spotlight: Career Center

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Missouri State University offers numerous services to students – for both on campus students and those taking classes virtually. The Career Center is one area providing students with support. The Career Center can help you gain vital information about yourself, explore career options, and connect you with employers.  With spring commencement just around the corner, it’s a great time for our senior Bears to take a leap in preparing for the next step in the academic or professional journey. For our other undergraduate Bears, is it ever too early to begin planning for your future? 

Career Development Process 

Whether you’re new to the workforce or trying to determine how a college education can help you get ahead, it’s important to understand the steps of the career development process. This ongoing process includes self-knowledge, exploration, decision-making, and action.  

Self-Knowledge 

Self-knowledge standardly refers to knowledge of your own thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and desires. It also includes knowing your values and skills. Being able to identify these things is the first step in connecting them to a meaningful career.  

The Career Center offers one-on-one meetings with career resource specialists to help you gain self-knowledge and identify career assessments and inventories that will benefit you. You may also opt to enroll in IDS 120: Exploring Careers and Majors. This two-credit hour class is 16-weeks (full semester), is available either online or seated, and covers all the stages of the career development process.  

Exploration 

The second step is exploration. The U.S. Department of Labor has categorized 840 classifications of occupations. While it’s not feasible to take a look at every single occupation, there are ways to test the waters and learn more about career fields.  

The self-knowledge gained from step one can help to identify potential career fields that would be a good fit based on your personality, interests, skills, etc. Another great tool offered through the Career Center is What Can I Do with This Major? This site offers helpful information for nearly every major: career areas, types of employers, strategies to become a more marketable candidate, and more.  

When possible, you should talk to professionals working in areas that interest you. This can look like informal interviews and open discussions, or even job shadowing. Job shadowing is a method for observing or “shadowing” professionals at work. Sometimes a job shadow experience lasts only an hour or two; sometimes you are able to shadow a professional for an entire day or longer. 

Consider joining a campus organization based on your desired profession. Check out student organizations through BearLink.  

Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of research. Research occupations, industries, and employers. If you’re committed to living in a particular geographic region, you may begin your search by looking for growing or stable industries in the region. Check out these helpful career research tools. 

The Career Center can help you navigate these tools. If you have decided on a major, you may want to meet with the career resources specialist linked to your major.

Meet the Career Center staff to find your liaison

Decision-Making 

Step three (decision-making) can feel overwhelming. Remember to move through the Decision-Making Process logically and deliberately.  

  1. Identify the decision 
  2. Gather information 
  3. Identify alternatives 
  4. Determine pros and cons 
  5. Consider (and choose) among alternatives 
  6. Take action 
  7. Review and evaluate decision 

The Career Center’s resource specialists can share more on the Decision-Making Process and provide additional resources as you move through this process.  

Take Action 

You’ve done all the research, you’ve made your career decision, and now? You’re ready to act.  

Set S.M.A.R.T. goals 

  • Specific – What is your specific goal? Be as precise as possible. Answer who, what, when, where, and why. 
  • Measurable – How do you measure success? How will you know when you have reached your goal? Your measurement needs to be precise and answer the question of “how many” or “how often.” 
  • Attainable – Make sure your goal is attainable and realistic. If it isn’t, it will always remain a dream. While setting high standards is important, if the standards are unrealistic, then they probably will not be achieved. 
  • Realistic – Does your goal align with your other goals and your values? If it conflicts with your vision of yourself or your short- or long-term plans, then you should reassess the goal. 
  • Time-based – Set a deadline for achieving your goal. If your goal includes steps or milestones, make a timeframe for them as well. Again, be precise. If your deadline is a vague “sometime in the future,” then your goal may always remain a dream. 

 

Additional Services  

Career Counseling and Academic Major Exploration 

Internships and Relevant Experience 

  • Handshake (free to students and alumni) to find full-time jobs and internships 
  • Mock interviews 
  • Big Interview, which is an online resource allowing students to practice interview skills and receive instant performance feedback using their webcam 
  • Portfolio development 
  • Employer and industry research 
  • Networking 

Job Search, Graduate School, and the World of Work 

  • Assistance with the job-search process 
  •  Review of application materials 
  • Access to free Professional Headshot Booth 
  • Interview assistance 
  • Assistance with applying for graduate work or professional schools 
  • Information on the world of work 
  • Career Fairs

Connect with the Career Center. 

 

 

The world is yours, Bears!

Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarship Available Now!

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We are happy to share information about a scholarship opportunity for undergraduate adult students attending Missouri State University offered by Alpha Sigma Lambda. Alpha Sigma Lambda is a nationally recognized honor society for adult learners. The Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarship award will be made to adult students in continuing higher education based on scholarship, leadership, the clarity and content of their personal statement, strength of recommendation and need. 

Funds will be disbursed to the student and made payable to the student and the university/college. Maximum award per individual will be determined each year. 

For the 2025-2026 Academic year, Alpha Sigma Lambda will award: 

  • Six (6) scholarships of $3000. 
  • Fourteen (14) scholarships of $2500. 
  • Three (3) scholarships of $2000. 

Qualification Criteria 

  • Adult students who are attending an institution that currently has an active Alpha Sigma Lambda chapter and who have achieved the following criteria 
    • Student does not have to be a member of the local Alpha Sigma Lambda chapter to apply
    • Missouri State University is an eligible institution 
  • 10% of the coursework completed toward an undergraduate degree program at your institution (not including transfer hours, assessment hours, CLEP credit, and the like and not including any course in which the student is currently enrolled. 
  • Achieved a grade point average of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale on all work taken at this institution (Missouri State University). 
  • Has a financial need for assistance to complete their degree. 
  • Graduate students are not eligible to apply. This scholarship opportunity is limited to undergraduate students.  

 

Students must submit their applications to the institutional chapter counselor, as only chapter counselors are authorized to send application packets after validating application materials.  Missouri State’s chapter counselor is Tara Bresee in Adult Student Services. 

Documents and Instructions for 2025-2026 Scholarship Applications 

Please read through the instructions on the application packet carefully and fully.

2025-2026 Applicant Scholarship Packet

2025-2026 Faculty Recommendation Form

Submit completed application packet to AdultStudentServices@MissouriState.edu. Faculty recommendation forms should also be submitted to AdultStudentServices@MissouriState.edu, as well. All application materials must be received no later than 5:00pm (central standard time) on Friday, April 4, 2025. Applications received after this time will not be submitted to the ASL Central Office for review. 

Adult Student Services will review applications and the top 2 applications will be sent to the Central Office for final consideration. Scholarship review guidelines are available on page 6 of the Applicant Scholarship Packet.

 

If you’re interested in joining Alpha Sigma Lambda at Missouri State University, please visit our website for more information. 

Good luck, Bears!

Get Involved and Connected at Missouri State

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Arguably, one the best parts of college is the sense of community. Colleges and universities, including MSU, are wonderful places to build your community and network. If you’re a student who finds themselves taking classes remotely or working during the day, it can be difficult to know how to connect with the campus or even where to get started.

Here we offer some tips and resources on connecting with the campus community.

Missouri State Calendar of Events

Do you keep up to date with the Missouri State Calendar of Events? Don’t miss out on great opportunities to connect with your peers, colleagues, and meet new people. There are opportunities to attend workshops, seminars, concerts, sporting events and so much more.

With so many activities coming up this semester, we’ve decided to highlight a few free events. Click on the corresponding link below for additional information on the event, including time/location, and host contact details.

Free Activities Coming Soon

While there are free events, there are also some that require advanced registration or the purchase of tickets. Missouri State University has a wide network and events across the nation. We encourage you to explore the calendar and attend what interests you – wherever you may be!

Explore Upcoming Events

 

Looking for More Ways to Connect?

Office of Student Engagement

The Office of Student Engagement promotes lifelong learning by providing programs and resources for all students to develop and connect to Missouri State and their co-curricular communities. We’ve highlighted a few key areas of their office below.

Student Activities Council

Housed within the Office of Student Engagement, the Student Activities Council (SAC) is a student-run, programming organization dedicated to enhancing the college experience at Missouri State for the entire student body. By effectively utilizing the Student Involvement Fee, SAC aims to provide educational, entertaining, cultural, and leisure opportunities to complement the students’ academic experience and act as the student’s voice. We strive to encourage involvement and improve the sense of campus community. Student Activities Council is funded by the Student Involvement fee that is a part of the Missouri State University tuition.

All Council meetings are held every Tuesday at 4:00pm in PSU 313 – this is an opportunity for all students, even non-members, to attend and help get involved.

Connect with SAC on social media for more information on upcoming events: @MOStateSAC on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, & TikTok.

Student Organizations

With over 300 student organizations on campus, you’re sure to find an organization that suits you!  Student Organizations are a great way to bring you together with other students who have similar ideas and goals. They exist in nearly every category: social concern, arts and music, culture, academic/professional sects, recreation/wellness, and special interest groups. See a full list of active organizations online. 

 

 

Want to get involved but not sure where to start?

Meet with an Involvement Ambassador

Explore OSE Upcoming Events

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Welcome Back, Bears!

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The spring semester is finally here!

We hope you had a restful break and are eager to jump into the spring with renewed energy. This article provides important dates and major updates for the spring semester.

Important Dates

  • 1/13/25-1/17/25: Full Semester and First Block Change of Schedule Period
  • 1/20/25: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (no classes, offices closed)
  • 2/10/25: First Installment of My Payment Plan due
  • 2/17/25: Presidents’ Day (no classes, offices closed
  • 3/1/25: MSU Foundation Scholarship application for 2025-2026 academic year is due.
  • 3/6/25: First Block Classes end
  • 3/7/25: Mid-Semester/First Block Final Exams
  • 3/10/25: Second Block Classes Begin
    • 3/10/25-3/14/25: Second Block Change of Schedule
  • 3/10/25: Second Installment of My Payment Plan due
  • 3/31/25: Deadline to have name listed in Spring 2025 Commencement program
  • 3/31/25: Sequenced Registration begins for Summer and Fall 2025 terms
  • 4/4/25: Last day to Drop, Declare Pass/Not Pass or Audit for Full Semester courses
  • 4/10/25: Final installment of My Payment Plan due
  • 4/18/25-4/20/25: Spring Holiday (no classes, offices closed)
  • 4/21/25: Last day to Drop, Declare Pass/Not Pass or Audit for Second Block
  • 4/23/25: Non-sequenced Registration begins for Summer and Fall 2025
  • 5/1/25: Full Semester and Second Block classes end
  • 5/2/25: Study Day (no classes, offices open)
  • 5/3/25-5/8/25: Final Exam Period
  • 5/9/25: Spring Commencement

A full list of important dates is available via the Office of the Registrar’s Academic Calendar.

Don’t forget to have fun this semester! Check out the Calendar of Events for sport and music events, and more!

 

Update from Financial Services

Financial Services shared an important update via My Missouri State earlier this month. Beginning with registration for the Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 semesters, the University’s hold limit will decrease from $2,000 to $1,000. Students must have an account balance of less than $1,000 to register for the Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 semesters. This change will not affect the Spring 2025 registration.

Beginning on March 25, 2025, a financial hold will be placed on accounts with a balance that is $1,000 or more. If the balance is $999 or lower the hold will not be placed on the account. This hold will prevent the student from registering for classes or starting a new housing contract for future semesters.

New Hold Limit Timeline What This Means for YOU Action Required
Previous limit: $2,000

New limit: $1,000

 Takes effect: March 25, 2025
Affects registration for:
Summer 2025 semester
Fall 2025 semester
Does NOT affect Spring 2025 registration		 If your balance is $1,000 or more:

A financial hold will be placed on your account
You cannot register for future classes
You cannot start a new housing contract
If your balance is $999 or less:

No hold will be placed
You can register and proceed normally

 Keep your account balance below $1,000 to avoid registration and housing restrictions.

Upcoming Scholarship Deadlines

The Return to Learn Scholarship application deadline for the Spring semester is January 31, 2025. Each fall and spring semester, the Office of Adult Student Services awards a limited number of the “Return to Learn Scholarships” for undergraduate students 25 years of age or older. This scholarship will be awarded to degree-seeking adult undergraduate students entering college for the first time or returning after an absence of three years or longer who have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree. The scholarship is intended for adult students who exhibit outstanding potential for academic success at Missouri State University. The $1050 scholarship is applied to the recipient’s account over two semesters if all criteria have been met. Check out our website for additional eligibility criteria and to download the scholarship application.

The MSU Annual Scholarship application for the 2025-2026 academic year is due March 1, 2025. While not required to apply for MSU Foundation scholarships, all students who are able are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1.

What else…

If you’re not already a part of our Brightspace Community page (Adult Student Services Community), reach out to Hannah Smith (HannahSmith@MissouriState.edu) to request access. The Adult Student Services Community page is a collection of information and resources for adult and nontraditional students that you can refer back to at any time. There are no assignments or grades involved. We’d love for you to join.

 

Welcome Back, Bears!

MSU 62 Course Highlight

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Each fall and spring semester, Adult Student Services holds a registration event for eligible Missourians to register for a single class free of tuition. We’re pleased to share that for the Spring 2025 semester, MSU 62 registration will be held virtually on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

Of the many courses available to MSU 62 participants, two programs are asking you to consider their courses.

Religious Studies – REL 330, Judaism

The Languages, Cultures, and Religions Department is offering a course on Judaism (REL 330). What is Judaism? Is it a religion defined by beliefs and practices? Is it a culture based on values and traditions? Are Jews a national entity with a common history? Or are they an ethnic group?

This course introduces students to key aspects of Judaism, from ancient times to the early modern period and beyond. Judaism has appeared in many different forms throughout history and around the world. It has evolved by adapting both to past traditions and to changing present conditions, often influenced by local non-Jewish cultures. This course will explore Judaism through three main areas: history, religious practice, and texts. Students will learn about Jewish ideas on important topics like creation, law, chosenness, prophecy, exile, and redemption, as well as the  ongoing debates on these subjects.

The texts read will represent different ways Judaism has expressed its creativity, including religious law (halakhah), Biblical interpretation, philosophy, mysticism, and prayer and ritual. Studying Jewish rituals and practices will help students better understand Jewish history, theology, and texts, as rituals themselves combine these elements in Jewish life.

With a PhD in Jewish Thought, associate professor, Dr. Vadim Putzu leads this course in Judaism.  He mentions, “This is a course that might be of interest not just to people curious about different religions and cultures, but also to students who may want to learn more about alternative perspectives on the Bible and its interpretation as well as to those who want to dive into a lesser known aspect of local history.” In this course, students will have the opportunity to tour downtown Springfield to discover its early Jewish residents and businesses, visit the local Jewish cemetery , and attend services at Temple Israel in Rogersville. 

For the spring 2025 semester (1/13/25-5/8/25), the course will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:15am-12:05pm in Strong Hall, room 450.

Students with questions may reach out to Dr. Putzu via email: VPutzu@MissouriState.edu.

 

Gerontology and Art and Design – GER 397, Intergenerational Artistic Expression

This course, first offered in Spring 2023, is an interdisciplinary offering between the Geronotology program and the Art and Design Department. Students can expect an inviting environment that welcomes the sharing of personal stories and connection through the assignments. The class allows for connection among traditional aged college students, nontraditional students, and senior community members through the creation of art. Watercolor and acrylics are ussed, although no prior artistic experience is needed. If you’re an artist, this class will help one look at the intuitive process through curiousity and wonder.  

With varied experience levels and artisitc mediums, peers will have the opportunity to learn from one another while engaging in both individual and collaborative projects. Students who have completed the course found it to be encouraging and an overall very positive experience.

This class is taught on Fridays (January 13-May 8, 2025) by Diane Denton in Brick City 3, room 117. Read more on the course from the Art + Design blog, debuted December 16, 2022.

Prior teaching experience from her program developed with Senior Age, “Young at Art–Diversity and Inclusion,” and a teaching certification from Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art has prepared Denton to lead this course. “We will create pieces based on what you love, what brings one joy and also look at the challenges that life can bring and how we can create from that space.   The class is limited to 15 students.  Both MSU62 and undergraduate students find the class empowering, a safe place to create and an opportunity to get to know their classmates.  It is thought-provoking.  We look at real life stories and create from those prompts,” Denton shares.

If you have any questions relating to the course, reach out to Ms. Diane Denton via email: dld72e@missouristate.edu.

 

Can I Take Other Classes?

While MSU 62 participants are not limited to these two options, we hope that you consider these two wonderful offerings among the many courses available at Missouri State University. To explore additional offerings, visit the Class Schedule Search.

You may filter by a variety of fields, although it is not necessary to enter any filtering criteria. We recommend the following fields:

  • Subject: if known
  • Campus: Springfield, MO
  • Modality: Traditional for seated courses, Internet-Other for online
  • Check the “Open Sections Only” box before clicking submit.

Read our blog for more helpful preparation information.

Registration for MSU 62 begins Thursday, January 9th at 9:00am on the MSU 62 website. The last day to submit registration forms is 2:00pm on Friday, January 17th.

Review MSU 62 Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions.

MSU 62 Coming Soon!

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Each fall and spring semester, the Adult Student Services Office holds a registration event for eligible Missourians to register for a single class free of tuition. We’re pleased to share that for the Spring 2025 semester, MSU 62 registration will be held virtually on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

Weather in the Ozarks can hard to predict in the spring. In efforts to keep participants, volunteers, and staff safe we have decided to conduct registration 100% online.

Who can take a class?

Those eligible to participate in MSU 62 are:

  • A Missouri resident (living in the state of Missouri for 12 or more months)
  • Aged 62 or older
  • Nondegree-seeking student
  • Enrolling in either undergraduate or graduate courses (if postbaccalaureate)
  • Not able to apply this waiver to intersession, special courses, noncredit, or off-campus courses

Do I have to pay anything?

The MSU 62 fee waiver covers the cost of tuition and student service fees. However, students are still required to pay special course fees, required textbooks and course materials (including digital materials). Students are able to take classes online or in-person. If your class is taught in person, you will also be responsible for purchasing a parking permit.

How will I register?

At 9:00am on January 11th, a form will be posted to the MSU 62 website for you to submit. Shortly after you submit your form you will receive an email confirming that your form has been received and submitted. Forms are not processed automatically. These forms are manually reviewed and processed by our staff in the order that they are received; typically, you can expect an email confirming your admission and registration within 1-2 business days.

The online registration form will be available until 2:00pm on Friday, January 17th.

The form has three pages:

Page 1: MSU 62 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF GUIDELINES  Page 2: MSU 62 NONDEGREE-SEEKING COURSE ENROLLMENT FORM  Page 3: MSU 62 AUDIT REQUEST 
Strongly encouraged to review so that you understand the program guidelines and limitations. This is where you’ll provide general information about yourself and the specific course you’re looking to take. If you do not wish to receive academic credit (i.e., a grade) for your course and wish to take it leisurely, then you may complete this page to have for course audited.

If you wish to receive academic credit for the course, leave the text boxes blank and only sign the signature box at the bottom of the page.

What class can I take?

Registration is subject to seats available and completion of prerequisites. You can explore the course offerings through the online Class Schedule Search. You may filter by a variety of fields, although it is not necessary to enter any filtering criteria. We recommended including the following fields:

  • Subject: enter if known
    • Leaving blank will show all available subjects
  • Modality: Traditional for seated sections,  Internet-Other for online
  • Campus: Springfield, MO
  • Check the “Open Sections Only” box

The Religious Studies and Gerontology programs are asking you to consider two of their offerings this spring. Read more on our blog: MSU 62 Course Highlight.

We hope that you’ll take advantage of this wonderful opportunity!

Review Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any additional questions, please contact our office at AdultStudentServices@MissouriState.edu.