Adult Student Services Blog

Nontraditional Student Week Spotlight: Elisabeth Portillo

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Elisabeth Portillo, a Bachelor of Special Education student at Missouri State, shared her experience transitioning to Missouri State with us.

Having moved from California to Missouri, Elisabeth felt a bit of initial culture shock.  After 15 years, Elisabeth has settled in and enjoys the City of All Seasons. Growing up, in both California and Missouri, despite their difference, she was always connected with her family and her faith. She spent most of her free time reading, exploring the outdoors, and learning a multitude of instruments including the recording, violin, and guitar.

Why Missouri State?

Elisabeth has spent the last decade as a paraprofessional educator and has loved working with her students. Her school district partners with Missouri State in the Pathways for Paraprofessionals program, meaning she can continue doing the work she loves while advancing her skills and careers with a four-year degree! After some encouragement from her teacher colleagues, she applied to Missouri State and is now a senior in the Pathways for Paras program.

After graduation, Elisabeth will continue her passion as an educator as an elementary special education teacher.

Highlights

Outside of the professional development and core classes of the program, Elisabeth greatly enjoyed Introduction to World Music (MUS 239). This class explores what it means to be human through a comparison of various world music and the associated recurring patterns of human behavior. Having grown up playing instruments and listening to music, being able to learn more about the background of music was enlightening. It gave the classical music and movie scores she listens to while studying a deeper meaning.

The flexible scheduling has also been a great benefit of Missouri State. While it has been challenging to both work and study full time, Elisabeth shares that it has been fulfilling. Being able to apply her every day experiences directly to her assignments – and vice versa – has also been fulfilling and confirmed that she’s pursuing the right career. She’s able to see how and why the resources and tools she learns about function in a real-life classroom setting.  “I personally think that every SPED teacher should be a para(professional) first, because it definitely goes hand in hand, and this program has helped affirm that for me.”

 

Any advice?

“It doesn’t matter when you start as long as you start and keep going. It doesn’t matter how long it takes you if you need to take a break – it’s you’re schooling and your health. No one else. You do what’s best for you so you can be the best you can be. Apply yourself and ask questions, because that’s how you actually learn!”

 

 

Thank you, Elisabeth, for sharing your story and being a MO State Bear!

 

Nontraditional Student Week Spotlight: Geneva Laverty

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Growing up in small town Nebraska, Geneva Laverty and her family found ways to make their own fun: road trips to the Badlands, Devil’s Tower, and all over Colorado. When they weren’t on the road, they enjoyed biking around town and staying involved with extracurriculars. Geneva was always artistic. She spent time in dance (as a performer and a teacher), band, art club, speech team, choir, and the local theatre (“On stage and crew – why do just one side?”) With her family, she was always encouraged to be herself and to create by painting, drawing, photography, and singing.

Why Missouri State?

Many relatives and friends attended Missouri State, so it seemed the logical choice. After 12 years in the Navy and 11 years as a correctional officer, Geneva felt it was time to try something new and knew Missouri State could help her. She explored her options and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Theatre, with a minor in Linguistics. The transition from military and criminal justice to theatre seemed drastic but she shared, “I’ve always felt like even being in the Navy and as a Corrections Officer, those were roles I was playing, and while I played them well, it would be a lot more fun to be able to be around the theatre and be able to embrace my creative side on a more regular basis.”

She would love to use her linguistic skills from the Navy to the bring scripts from different cultures and languages to the American stage. Being able to broaden someone’s view of the world and their understanding of another culture would be incredibly meaningful. After graduating, she dreams of running her own theatre and advocating for the shows she loves, new shows that need a chance in the spotlight, and give back to people and the arts.

Highlights

Geneva admits it’s hard to pick a favorite within her first semester at MO State, but describes Art in Context (ART 200) and Classical Mythology (LLT 121) as peak points. They capture two of her biggest loves and when they intersect it gives her a deeper insight into not only art and mythology but people of different times.

Outside of the interest in her studies, she enjoys the community feel of the campus. “Everyone has been so helpful and kind. I have yet to meet a person who is not wonderful!”

She is also enjoying the many opportunities to get involved within her program area. Geneva recently began as an Assistant House Manager at the Juanita K. Hammon Performing Arts Hall and she knows this is an incredible opportunity to gain theatre experience.

Any advice?

While it’s early days in Geneva’s MO State career, she is excited to continue on with her studies and pursue this goal. She shares some parting advice for readers, “Never be afraid to go outside your comfort zone and try new things!”

We couldn’t agree more. Transitioning to a new institution or returning to higher education after an absence (or simply coming for the first time) is out of many students’ comfort zone. Adult Student Services is here to walk you through the process and ease the transition. Let us help!

Contact Adult Student Services

 

Nontraditional Student Week Spotlight: Lidia Santos

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Growing up in the busy city of San Jose, California, Lidia Santos was able to enjoy the diversity and experience language, foods, and cultures. With year-round beautiful and sunny weather, the weekends were filled with afternoons at the park, trips to the mountain or the beach. Despite these pleasures, life wasn’t always so simple and blissful: the cost of living was high, and that weighed differently on families. Lidia saw how some families seemed to have every advantage and others were working tirelessly, just to be scrapping by.

Lidia’s inspiration and motivation comes from her parents. Growing up in a family of eight, Lidia saw how hard her parents worked to provide for the family. Lidia shared, “Even though they never had the chance to pursue higher education, they never stopped reminding us how important it was to go to college and earn a degree. Their determination and sacrifices are the foundation of my drive and accomplishments.”

Why Missouri State?

Lidia finished her associate’s degree in California, and moved to Missouri in February of 2022. She decided it was time to chase a goal she’d be holding onto: earning a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Coming from a diverse city and raising a family, Lidia saw how education, community, and opportunity affected people differently. Through Sociology, she’s able to explore inequality, cultures, and social changes. There was a desire to study those patterns and relationships more deeply – allowing her to connect her personal experiences with an academic field, and an opportunity to make a difference in her community.

Highlights at MO State

Missouri State also offered Lidia scheduling flexibility she needed to make progress on her degree while balancing a full-time work schedule and home responsibilities. Through online classes, Lidia has been able to stay committed to her education goals without sacrificing her job or family life.

Beyond flexible scheduling, Lidia has enjoyed her psychology and history classes, and has been able to apply them to her studies in sociology. “Psychology really stood out to me because it helped me understand the individual side of human behavior, which ties in so well with sociology’s focus on society as a whole. I also enjoyed my history courses, especially world history, because they gave me a more profound perspective on how cultures and societies have developed over time. Both areas kept me engaged and gave me new ways of looking at people and the world around me.”

Above all, Lidia has gained confidence and resilience. It’s no easy feat to balance school, work, and home life, but by learning organization and time management skills, it’s allowed Lidia to move forward confidently.

Post-Graduation Plans

Lidia’s post-baccalaureate plans aren’t limited to a career focus. Using her degree to guide the way she connects with people and to understand their experiences. “For me, it’s not only about work opportunities; it’s about growing as a person and using what I’ve learned to be more aware, compassionate, and productive in my community and within my family. This degree represents more than just education; it’s a way for me to honor my parents’ sacrifices and to show my children and grandchildren the value of perseverance and learning,” she shares.

Parting Thoughts

Prior to returning to school to pursue her bachelor’s degree, Lidia questioned whether she could manage, and there were days that felt impossible. But she persevered, she kept going for herself, her children, and her grandchildren. Completing her Sociology degree isn’t just her accomplishment, but one she shares with her family. She’s thankful to Missouri State’s flexible scheduling and support of her professors. Furthermore, it was important to Lidia set an example:

It is never too late to learn, to grow, or to chase a dream.

One thing Lidia wants to share with future adult learners?

Lidia shares that it can be daunting to consider returning to school as an adult. Do you have the time, the energy, the ability? Every step you take, even the small ones through looming challenges, brings you closer to your goal.

“Don’t ever doubt yourself.”

She recommends leaning on your faith, your family, your professors, and the support around you. “Most of all, remember that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish when you refuse to give up.”

 

The Adult Student Services team thanks Lidia Santos tremendously for sharing her story and experiences with us and the campus community!

A Study Guide for Studying: Part II, Review and Test Preparation

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Step 2 of learning how to study is actually studying (go back and read Part I: Note-Taking, if you missed it!). Studying is both simpler and more complex than one might think. Studying can be broken down into two smaller sections: preparation and time management.  

Preparation

In my opinion, the preparation takes the most time, because it requires planning (sometimes before you know what you’re planning for!). By reading your syllabus and keeping an up-to-date calendar of important due dates, you’re less likely to be surprised by any quizzes or exams. If you haven’t checked your syllabus or Brightspace lately for upcoming assignments, it’s not too late! Check down and begin preparing for future success.

If you’ve been keeping up with your notes (like we discussed in Part I), then you’ve been preparing! Taking notes help you actively engage with the material and promote retention. Next, do your assignments – doing is preparing.

Every assigned reading, discussion board, and homework assignment is designed to get you to study and retain information. By doing the work, your brain is making connections. 

Read your notes, revisit your graded assignments and make note of what you did well on and what areas could see improvement. Be brutally honest! If you find that you mix up dates in history, or swap integers in calculus, it’s important to recognize so you don’t continue to make the same mistakes.

Time Management

The second step, time management, would come after the test has been announced (or sooner if you’ve been keeping track on your syllabus!). A great way to manage your time to create a study plan. A study plan will help you stay focused and review the information you need to do. Questions to ask while you make your study plan: 

  • When is my test? 
  • What does it cover? (Specific chapters, topics/themes, etc.)
  • Was I comfortable with the assignments and readings that I completed in this module?  
  • What areas did I struggle most with?  

By asking these questions, you will be able to have a clear understanding of what you need to do.  

Making a Study Schedule  

While everyone’s study schedule will be different based on subject matter, familiarity level, timeline, etc., the following week-long sample plan serves as a solid foundation.

  • Day 1: Make an outline of what you already know. And revisit the textbook to add in additional details that you may have overlooked or forgotten. Also, leave a section for questions – write down any questions as they come (don’t answer them yet!).  
  • Day 2: Make flashcards for the unit, focusing on the areas that you struggled with, and quiz yourself regularly. 
  • Day 3: Take a brain break! Let your mind sit with information – allow the questions to arise (and write them down). This is a time where deficiencies can be defined clearly. 
  • Day 4: If you’re taking more than one class, begin mixing in flashcards from other classes to help your brain recall information when it’s not necessarily primed to do so. (This is a great tip from Cornell University!)
  • Day 5: Make a new outline of what you know. You’ve added more details and information in your mind, so it is a good idea review once more. 
  • Day 6: Test Eve! Find answers for all the questions you wrote down throughout the week and have not yet been able to answer during review.  
  • Day 7: Feel prepared on test day! 

 

Bonus Tips 

  • Get rest. It’s easy to fall into the thought pattern that you need to study as much as possible, even if it means giving up rest. This is a trap! Your mind and body need to rest in order to perform their best.
  • Proper nutrition*  Proper nutrition supports optimal brain function, so be sure you eat well during study sessions and on test day!
    • *If you’re facing food insecurity: visit the Bear Pantry or search Food Finder to find a local food pantry near you. 
  • Take advantage of MO State Resources!

 

Sources and Support

A Study Guide for Studying: Part I, Note-Taking

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Knowing how to take notes and how to study can be a key to success for students everywhere. By building strong habits and diligent practice, your memory will improve and your grasp on the information will strengthen. It’s more than rote memorization, it’s finding ways to deeply understand the information given and build your knowledge base.

Note Taking

Whether you enjoy taking notes or not, it is proven to be a valuable tool in learning and understanding. Simply writing down everything your instructor says word-for-word is unlikely to be helpful. Plus, can you really write as fast as someone speaks? Taking notes forces active engagement with the material. Because you cannot write as quickly as someone speakers, you are forced to condense and paraphrase the message in your own words (this strengthens comprehension!).

Typing and writing are both great ways to take notes, but by writing the information, new neural pathways are created which improves your memory. A study done in 2011 showed that, “Statistically, most studies on the relationship between handwriting and memory (including those conducted in Japan, Norway, and the United States) have shown that people remember information better when it is handwritten compared with when it is typed.” (Handwriting vs Typing, Longchamp) Typing is still an effective learning tool, but has spurs different brain activity.

Whether typing or handwriting your notes, you are forced to make connections with what you know and new information presented. Organizing the information by headings, bullets, and diagrams also helps simplify these complex ideas into digestible content. There are multiple proven note taking methods, but the best method for you is the one that you can stick with.

Cornell Method

This method was devised by Walter Paulk an education professor at Cornell University. With this method, you creat a space to write down facts (Notes), write down questions (Cue), and summarize the information on the page (Summary). You can use the Cornell Method for any subject and for any type of class or presentation: in-person, virtual, video, PowerPoints, etc.

Example:

example image of Cornell note set up

Learn more from the experts at Cornell

Outlining

Outlining is an easy and simple method for notetaking. Goodnotes breaks down the process into four easy steps:

  1. Write down the main point to the left of the page
  2. Indent to the right, and note any supporting ideas below it
  3. Whenever you need to elaborate on a point, indent to the right and start adding new points below
  4. Repeat

This method of note taking allows you to easily identify a hierarchy of ideas and how each point relates to each other. Outlining may not be best suited for diagrams, visuals, or charts, due to the overall structure of this note-taking style. This style is particularly beneficial for online/typed notes where information can quickly be added and adjusted for ease of organization.

Example

Example of outline structure with advantages and disadvantages

Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is another popular technique for notetaking. It can be particularly helpful within the review phase of studying, or as a summarization tool. A mind map is a visual representation of information and ideas, organized around a central topic, and branches and sub-branches help to capture relationships. Goodnotes offers 4 separate mind mapping methods: library maps, brace maps, flow charts, and brainstorming.

  1. Library maps are best used for organizing everything you need to know about a topic.
  2. Brace maps are usefully in breaking down big ideas into small parts- going from big ideas to topic specifics.
  3. Flow charts are helpful when you need to illustrate a process.
  4. Brainstorming is ideal when ideas are free-flowing. This may not be ideal for structures note taking during a lecture, but can be helpful when you’re generating ideas for creative projects or problem solving.

See examples for Mind Mapping

 

Summary

This is not a comprehensive list of note taking styles or methods, and more than likely, you’ll end up using a blend of these methods. Personally, I use the outlining method and add in visuals and diagrams as necessary, with labels to help me connect the point to the visual. The Center for Academic Success and Transition has additional academic resources for students on active reading strategies, additional note taking strategies, study tips, and more! Stay tuned for Part II – How to Actually Study.

Mind map showing the three note methods, concluding that individuals should choose what works for them.

Take Part in the 2025 Public Affairs Conference

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It’s once again time for the Public Affairs Conference on campus! Our public affairs mission sets Missouri State University a part from other institutions and continues to be a beacon for students, staff, and faculty. The three pillars of public affairs are woven throughout the educational experience at Missouri State to support ethical leadership, cultural competence, and community engagement. This year’s theme Resilient People, Resilient Future discusses the impact of resilience on communities and individuals alike. Discussions also held regarding how resilience influences arts, agriculuture, business, education, environment, and within social, health, and behavioral sciences. Resilience is not necessarily inhereit, but can be taught and strengthened.

With 20 virtual sessions and 4 in-person plenary speakers, there is something for everyone. The Conference events are free and open to public, no registration necessary!

Live Virtual Sessions

The live virtual sessions are presented via Zoom, with the Zoom links for each session posted on the conference schedule. Closed captioning is provided for all 20 virutal events. With so many sessions, it’s unlikely that you can attend all the ones you wish to see. Fret not! These panel sessions will be recorded for viewing up to three weeks after the conference for Missouri State University students and employees. Recordings will be made available within 1-2 days after the conference on the schedule webpage.

In-Person Events

There are four events that are only available in-person, and they will not be recorded or broadcasted virtually. As with all other Conference events, no registration or tickets are required, and seating is on a first-come basis.

Parking

For campus visitors and community members, free on-campus parking will be available in Bear Park North parking garage for these in-person events. NO permit will be required in Bear Park North during these events. For more information and directions, contact 417-836-4825 or Parking@MissouriState.edu.

See the Conference Schedule

 

Disability Accommodations

“Missouri State University provides reasonable accommodation with adequate notice. Please contact Disability Resource Center, Meyer Library, Suite 111 , Springfield, MO 65897 or 417-836-4192 or 417-836-6792 (TTY), MissouriState.edu/Disability at least three business days prior to the program date in order for adequate arrangements to be made.

On the West Plains and Mountain Grove campuses, students should contact the Advisement and Academic Coaching Center for Empowering Student Success (AACCESS), 128 Garfield, 417-255-7222, WPAACCESS@MissouriState.edu.” (Per Conference Information)

 

Keynote Speaker

This year’s conference keynote speaker is David Feherty. Feherty is a former pro-golfer and now a broadcaster, author, and humorist. The keynote presentation (Tuesday, September 16th, 7:00p-8:00p) is free and open to the public. “A New York Times bestselling author and founder of the Troops First Foundation, he’s also been open about his struggles with depression and addiction—using humor as a path to healing and resilience. With heart, humor, and hard-earned perspective, David brings a unique voice to Missouri State University’s Public Affairs Conference.” (A Pathway to Healing and Resilience)

For those interested, there is a special VIP experience with David hosted by the MSU Foundation. The VIP experience includes:

  • A photo opportunity with David
  • An autographed copy of Feherty: The Remarkably Funny and Tragic Journey of Golf’s David Feherty.
    Cocktails, beverages and hors d’oeuvres.
    Special reserved seating at the keynote

Tickets are available for purchase online: get tickets.

 

Additional Thoughts

We encourage students, faculty, staff, and community members to attend these Public Affairs events, meeting with others and engage in meaningful discussion.

Public Affairs at Missouri State University

Public Affairs Conference 2025

Conference Information

See Speakers and Panelists

Welcome Back, Bears!

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Sharpen your pencils and charge your laptop, it’s time to kick off a new semester of learning and growth, and we are so happy that you have joined us!

We understand the unique needs of adult learners and this monthly newsletter full of resources, tips, and important dates is just one way Adult Student Services can support you in achieving your academic goals.

In this month’s newsletter you will find important dates regarding the beginning of the semester, change of schedule, and refund/drop deadlines; an introduction to campus and learning resources; and tips for overcoming challenges and setting yourself up for a successful semester.

Important Dates

  • August 18 – First day of full semester and first block classes
  • August 18-22- Change of schedule period
  • August 22- Last day to drop for 100% refund * Be sure to check your Personalized Refund and Drop Deadlines from your portal August 29- Return to Learn Scholarship application deadline
  • September 1- Labor Day (no classes)
  • September 10- My Payment Plan installment due

Back-to-School Checklist

Student Resources

There are many resources available for Missouri State students, whether attending classes on campus or online.

Adult Student Services is your resource for resources! We understand that being a student is just one aspect of your life, and we are here to help you find a way to manage it all.

The Veteran Student Center serves veteran and military students and their dependents.

Bear CLAW Center for Learning and Writing offers tutoring, peer mentors and coaches, the Writing Center and Presentation Center.

The Disability Resource Center provides support, accommodations, and resources to help individuals with disabilities.

MSU Libraries offer access to all types of media, research assistance, and more.

The Computer Services Help Desk offers online and in-person support for account access, computer troubleshooting, and many how-to guides for processes such as registering for classes and using Brightspace.

The Career Center offers guidance about where different degrees can lead you, career fairs, mock interviews, and much more.

Student Wellness, Student Engagement, and the Foster Recreation Center create opportunities to connect, learn, engage, and take care of yourself through programs like the Fall Walking Challenge, online counseling, and student organizations.

This is nowhere close to a complete list of all the resources available to you as a student at Missouri State University, if you can’t find what you are looking for, please ask!

Tips for a successful semester:

1) Get organized- Whether you want to call it a plan, a schedule, a routine, or something else, time management is a big part of your life. You know what all you are responsible for, knowing how you are going to put the puzzle pieces together ahead of time will help you fulfill your responsibilities.

2) Plan on studying- The time commitment outside of class varies from course to course, but in general, doing well in your classes will require some study time. Maybe you will study in the evening after the kids are asleep or get up early to study before you go to work. Maybe you need to leave the house entirely to be able to focus and study at a library or coffee shop. Find what works best for you and protect it.

3) Communicate- Strong communication skills are important for every person in every aspect of life. Talking with your support network, instructors, and advisors can make a huge difference in your life as a student. Ask questions, ask for help, share your ideas and experiences.

4) Set realistic goals- An important factor in your success is being realistic about how much you can add to your already busy schedule. As tempting as it may be to dive in head-first, you are a full-time adult and easing back into school as a part-time student may benefit you in the long run. This allows you to acclimate to the changes in your schedule, routine, and get used to schoolwork again.

5) Keep an open mind- If it has been a while since you were in a classroom, school may be different than you remember. Technology has changed, the demographics of students have changed, academic expectations have changed, and most of all, you have changed. Whether you were previously a “good” student or a “bad” student does not define the type of student you will be now. You are not just here because you are “supposed” to be. You are actively choosing to be here, and that is powerful.

 

Here to Help!

Whether it is your first time attending college or you are picking up where you left off, we are excited to help and support you as you work towards your goals. Check out the Adult Student Services Blog and the Adult Student Services Community on Brightspace for more detailed information about resources and tips for success. 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.

Campus Resource Spotlight: Meyer Library

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Everyone knows that a library is full of information, but did you know that Missouri State’s Meyer Library is also full of unique and exciting resources?

At Meyer Library, you will find books for leisure reading and research. You may access online databases and peruse special collections and University archives. As a student, you’ll have access to research and collection tools. The Library is also the perfect study location; with quiet and social zones, you’re certain to find an area that meets your needs. (Did we mention that you can reserve a private study room?)

There are a variety of equipment available for check out, as well: Apple pencils, portable audio recorders, Blu-ray players, cameras, laptops and more! Explore equipment lending.

One of my favorite “hidden gems” of the Library is the audio studio. The audio studio is located on the north side of the lower level. The exterior is upholstered in grey fabric and features a large window and white door. It’s a sound isolation room equipped with hardware and software to help you record yourself for a speech class, video audition, or even a quiet place to conduct a video interview with a potential employer. Reservations of the studio are highly recommended – make your reservation.

If you need to take a proctored exam, you’ll also find yourself helped by the Testing Center located in the lower-level of the Library. The Library offers many exams, such as the Accuplacer, ACT and SAT, HiSET, LSAT, Parapro, and many more.

Explore the Meyer Library Services

 

Conveniently Located Resources

There are also additional services and units located within the Library building! This makes it easy to get the support you need in a convenient location.

Not a current student?

Not a problem! Active Community, Reciprocal Borrowers, and members of the MSU Alumni Association can use certain library facilities and materials. Check out general collection books maps, government documents, and educator resources (juvenile books and curriculum guides). Within the Library you can use bound and unbound periodicals, educator resources (textbooks and curriculum kits), DVDs/videotapes/audiovisual materials, microforms, general reserve materials, reference books, and computers are available upon specific request for online research. Become a community borrower today!

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 card > 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.