Adult Student Services Blog

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!

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.

Nontraditional Week Spotlight: Graduate Assistant

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Adult Student Services is lucky to have a nontraditional student serving as our administrative graduate assistant. Jesica Boone took a few moments to share her experiences with us. 

Jesica is originally from Springfield, Missouri, but graduated from Paris High School. While it was initially a culture shock to live somewhere so rural, she ultimately made good friends and enjoyed her time there. She spent time with her family, particularly her sister and grandmother, who she shared strong relationships with. It was until much later in her life that Jesica realized what a strong impact her grandmother had made on her. Her grandmother was a gardener and very artistic. Jesica added, “She was eccentric, but she was content and lived by her own rules. She encouraged me to be curious and she let me explore and experiment and make mistakes. She was also kind. To everyone, all the time, without being judgmental or placing her expectations on them…”  

Jesica finds herself trying to do the same by caring for others, spending time outdoors with her husband, and working with stained-glass art. With her busy schedule, she wishes she had a bit more time for the latter. 

Jesica graduated with her undergraduate degree from Missouri State University this past spring. Currently, she’s in her first year of the Audiology doctorate program. She plans to graduate with her doctorate in 2027. 

Why Missouri State?

Prior to attending Missouri State, Jesica had taken classes at both Drury and Ozarks Technical College, where she ultimately earned her Associate’s degree. She struggled to commit to a degree path as she was interested in so many career options: architect, librarian, dietician. During COVID, it became clear that a change was necessary. Even though her job paid well, she was unable to take the time needed to care for family when facing significant health scares. MSU was a convenient option, affordable, and with the program Jesica decided she wanted to pursue – Communication Sciences and Disorders.  

This program helps to prepare students for graduate studies in either speech pathology or audiology. Jesica believes that communication is the most underused tool in helping people to live happier, more fulfilling lives. “Intervention for children who need it can change the course of their lives. Poor communication skills affect a person’s socioeconomic status, health, relationships, social status; every aspect of their life, in one way or another. ”  

This degree can lead to a broad range of career fields: education and literacy, healthcare, gender affirming care, entertainment, and more. And clients will range from young children to aging adults. “With so many career options, it’s important to keep an open mind,” she says, but is very interested in the medical aspects of the profession. Specifically, she’s drawn to working with ear/nose/throat teams or with cochlear implants. But at the moment, Jesica is taking advantage of the clinical trainings and externships and gaining hands-on experience within her doctoral program in the various emphasis areas. 

Highlights and Challenges

Jesica has particularly enjoyed being back in Springfield, where she feels anchored with her family and support base. She’s been able to dive into her studies and enjoy her time at Missouri State. When asked about some of her favorite aspects, she shared that her instructors and professors have made positive impressions. “I’ve had some amazing professors who have wonderful field experience to draw from while teaching, and who are so passionate about the field and making sure their students succeed,” she added.  

  

Final Thoughts

Jesica shares one last thought with us as she considered her full experiences at Missouri State, 

“Something I have learned since working as a GA in Adult Student Services is that there are so many resources available that a lot of people don’t know about or don’t know can be beneficial to them. I missed out on a lot of things that could have been beneficial because I didn’t utilize the resources, including funding, that are available. Even if you aren’t sure if something is applicable for you, it never hurts to ask. “ 

If you’d like help exploring resources, schedule a meeting with Jesica. 

Meet in person. 

Meet virtually. 

 

 

Jesica, thank you for being a Bear and for all the work you do in Adult Student Services! 

Nontraditional Student Week Spotlight: Sonja Blackburn

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While Sonja Blackburn currently resides in Lebanon, Missouri, she’s originally from Arkansas. Growing up in Fouke, Arkansas, she enjoyed a small-town, rural lifestyle. She learned to garden with her mother and learned to sew from her grandmother, a master seamstress. This time spent learning from her grandmother stayed with her into her adult life as she now enjoys quilting as a hobby.

Sonja, part of a graduating class of 28 students, began attending Texarkana Community College, but had to put her education on hold while she dealt with health issues. After moving to Missouri in the late 1990s, Sonja joined began attending the police academy in 1997. By 1998, Sonja embarked on her career in law enforcement.

Why Missouri State?

Missouri State University made sense for Sonja after transferring from Ozarks Technical Community College. She needed a University that was close to home and allowed for flexibility while working. Missouri State’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice fit the profile perfectly. And studying Criminology and Criminal Justice was the logical choice for Sonja, who had been a police officer for over a decade. She was able to pursue her passion – in both profession and education.

Even with her years of experience in the field, she says that learning different aspects of her criminology has been her favorite part about earning degree. “I always looked at crime through the lenses of a police officer instead of a normal person. This year in particular has been a real eye-opener for me.” Sonja is excited to further her career when she earns her diploma in the spring.

Looking back on her MSU journey, Sonja says her favorite aspect has been the encounters with her amazing professors. She states that they have been helpful and wonderful to learn from. Besides her criminology classes, Sonja found learning about the Dead Sea Scrolls in her religions elective class enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

When asked if she had any advice to pas on to future adult learners at MSU, Sonja shared,

“Keep your mind open. Be impressionable to learning new things and study hard.”

Overall, Sonja feels that attending Missouri State University has been a phenomenal experience. She’s thankful for the help and encouragement from her instructors and advisors making her dream of obtaining her bachelor’s degree a reality.

 

Thank you for choosing to be a Bear, Sonja! 

Nontraditional Student Week: Alumni Spotlight

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Jaime Ross, Director of Adult Student Services, recently spoke with Missouri State University alumna Melvi Cifuentes Paul about her experiences at the University and what she’s doing post-graduation. Melvi graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a minor in Spanish.

Early Days

Melvi grew up in Noel, Missouri, and was heavily involved in sports and extracurriculars. She was part of the basketball and softball teams, and participated in both track and cheer. She also helped to form the Missouri Conservation Club chapter at her school. In high school, Melvi continued to cheer under the coaching of Tracy Allman. Under Allman, Melvi and her fellow cheerleaders participated in many cheer championships. In 2011, her team placed fifth at the UCA National Championship. These awards provided the potential for partial scholarships to cheer in college, which Melvi states, “is something I did not think possible before joining the team.” She began the recruitment process in her junior year of high school and decided to attend an out-of-state college, but life had other plans for Melvi.

Why Missouri State?

At 23 years of age, Melvi was a “nontraditional student” and was looking for a college or university that would help her through the admissions and enrollment processes. Admissions departments were also treating her as an international student, despite being a Missouri resident for tuition purposes. That’s when she came across MSU’s Adult Student Services. She scheduled an in-person meeting with a counselor who took the time to discuss enrollment, tuition, financial aid, and helped Melvi through the admissions process step-by-step. In the fall of 2015, Melvi attended her first semester at Missouri State.

Working three (sometimes four) jobs to get through college was no easy feat. Melvi says that the first year was the hardest, but found people and resources available to help.

“I am forever grateful for everyone involved in the Adult Student Services department. I am grateful for a university that fostered so much personal and professional growth.”

Melvi chose political science to learn more about the US and international political systems. “I thought that perhaps a political science degree would lend itself to a future law degree. I found the program fascinating and challenging.” In taking advantage of elective hours, Melvi enjoyed courses in religion, anthropology, and African American studies. “There were a few times when the content was so intriguing that I wondered what it would take to change my major,” she adds.

What was Your Favorite Part?

Melvi fondly remembers her time as an administrative student worker for Adult Student Services. She worked directly alongside the department she credits for helping her to begin her pursuit of higher education, but also assisted her in achieving her goal of graduating in three years. This work-study arrangement created an environment that allowed Melvi to focus on academics and establish transferable work skills at the same time. “Missouri State gave me the tools to thrive – beginning with having a department specifically dedicated to students who did not enroll right after graduating from high school.”

All Missouri State undergraduates are required to complete a public affairs capstone experience. Melvi’s favorite aspect of her degree was satisfying this capstone requirement with the volunteer work she did at the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAISES) in San Antonio, Texas. Melvi says, “I witnessed firsthand how politics and policies in place drastically affected local communities and people migrating into the U.S. I was able to put into practice both the knowledge from my major and minor to assist this NGO (nongovernmental agency) in achieving its mission.”

What’s Happened Since Graduation?

A common question for students is how they will use their degrees after graduation. After graduating from MSU in 2018, she pursued a law degree at the University of Lousiville Brandeis School of Law. She completed her degree in May 2021. Melvi found that embracing MSU’s Public Affairs Mission benefitted her as a student and a professional. By learning about the political atmosphere in the US and other countries, she’s able to understand the laws that impact us daily.

“Working in immigration law, cultural competence comes into play with every conversation you have with a client or prospective client. The world we live in and the experiences we have are vastly different so one has to be cognizant that their lived experiences carry equal value and truth. Ethical leadership involves a host of characteristics, but integrity and accountability to those you serve are some of the most important. You must be honest with people, even if it’s not the result they hoped for. Lastly, community engagement: whether that’s speaking to youth about their goals, or being involved and attending community events – showing up for your community matters.”

Final Thoughts

Melvi shared parting advice for future adult learners at Missouri State and those who feel that pursuing college after a break is daunting:

“No matter the amount of time that’s passed between your high school graduation and your enrollment in higher education, KEEP GOING. It may be tough and a bit discouraging, but you must believe in yourself. Time will continue to pass by so why not take action today towards accomplishing your goals.”

 

A special thank you to Melvi Cifuentes Paul for taking the time to talk about her experiences. We’re so proud of her and the work she’s done, and wish her the best! 

Wrapping Up the Fall Semester

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November and December are an exciting time: spring semester preparations, commencement, holiday breaks, and so much more.

Important Dates

  • 10/30-11/20 Sequenced Registration: find your earliest registration date through the Registration Eligibility link in the Registration tile of your My Missouri State.
  • 11/1 MSU Foundation Scholarship application becomes available for the 2025-2026 academic year, deadline to submit is March 1, 2025
  • 11/2 Fall Showcase 2024: an opportunity for transfer students to get information about Missouri State, tour the campus, meet faculty, and get information about scholarships and financial aid and much more!
  • 11/6 Celebrate Nontraditional Student Week with sweets in the Plaster Student Union
  • 11/8 Last day to drop, declare pass/not pass, or audit for full semester classes 
  • 11/7 Foundation Scholarship Workshop 
  • 11/18 Last day to drop, declare pass/not pass, or audit for 2nd block classes 
  • 11/23-12/1 Thanksgiving Break (offices will be closed 11/27-11/29) 
  • 12/1 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available for 2025-2026 academic year 
  • 12/5 Full semester and block classes end 
  • 12/6 Study Day 
  • 12/7-12/12 Final Exam Period: final exams are not always on the same schedule as classes. Please remember to check the Final Exam Schedule for exam times.  
  • 12/13 Fall 2024 Commencement 
  • 12/23-1/3 University Closed for Winter Break  
  • 1/6-1/10 Winter Intersession: Intersession classes are a great way to reduce the time it takes to earn your degree. Ask your advisor to see if this option can benefit you! 
  • 1/9-1/17 MSU 62 Spring Registration 
  • 1/13 Spring 2025 semester begins 

Resource Spotlight: Office of Financial Aid 

With MSU Foundation Scholarships and the 2025-2026 FAFSA applications to be released soon, we want to remind you that the Office of Student Financial Aid is ready to assist you with any questions you may have. You can schedule a meeting with one of several Financial Aid Counselors that specialize in different areas such as Federal Eligibility, Scholarships, Loan Questions, and more. 

5 Tips to Prepare for Next Semester

  1. Check your registration eligibility status – Common holds include needing to declare a major at a certain number of hours, and/or get an advisor release.  
  2. Run a Degree Audit – see what courses you still need to complete, then use the course catalog to find your courses and plan out a schedule.  
  3. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor – review how things are going and get guidance on your path to completion.  
  4. Register for classes – don’t put off registration until the last minute. Classes can fill up quickly, by registering sooner you’re more likely to get the classes you need and the sections you want.
  5. Get your booklist – have the materials you need to be successful when classes begin.  

BONUS TIP: Even though time off from classes does not mean time off from other responsibilities, enjoy the break and try to take a moment for yourself. You have been working hard!  

 

Enjoy these last weeks of the fall semester and enjoy your well-earned break. 
Stay warm, Bears! 

 

One more thing!

You may have seen our announcement or previous blogpost, but our office has a new home! We can be found at Clay Hall (744 E Cherry St, Springfield, MO 65807). 

Make an in-person appointment with an advisor.   Make a telephone/Zoom appointment with an advisor.

We’re Moving (Again)!

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The Park Central Office Building housed many Missouri State University offices over the years, and in March 2024, Adult Student Services was added to that list. While we have enjoyed our time in the PCOB, we are looking forward to moving a little closer to the excitement of the main campus.  

On October 11, 2024, our office will move into Clay Hall located on 744 E Cherry St, Springfield, MO 65807.  

This move is exciting for so many reasons, but permanent and accessible space has been a goal for our office since we moved remote in summer 2023. Jaime Ross, Director of Transfer Articulation and Nontraditional Student Services has this to say,

“We are looking forward to our move to Clay Hall. The Office of Adult Student Services is committed to providing advocacy, support, and resources to adult learners attending Missouri State University. This move will make that support more accessible and we are looking forward to utilizing the space to continue identifying and meeting the unique needs of the adult learner at MSU.”  

 

We are so excited for you to visit us in our new space, but we ask that during this transitional period, you continue to schedule appointments.  

Meet with Jesica via Zoom or Telephone

Meet with Jaime via Zoom or Telephone 

 

See you soon, Bears!  

Adult Student Spotlight: Jerome Montgomery II

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Jerome Montgomery II is an online student from Louisiana who has not only been working on his education, but also working to recover after an injury.

In 2019, Jerome was injured at his GED ceremony. Since then, he has been earning his degree and attending physical therapy regularly. Before his injury, Jerome thought he would be going to a college in Louisiana and taking seated classes, however, Covid-19 was at its height when he first began attending MSU, so starting classes online was the norm for everyone.  

According to Jerome, the best part about being an adult student is having more maturity and feeling less naive and nervous about the experience, and overall being able to handle things better. Jerome credits his family, especially his mother and grandmother, for supporting him when he began college and helping him stay motivated to complete his educational goals while recovering.  When asked if he had any advice to share with others, Jerome stated that people should try to “enjoy every moment and embrace it, because it will be helpful when you want to help others.” He went on to say:

“Any adult student needs to believe and have faith that they can achieve their endeavors. Adversity can be rough on people trying to fulfill their dreams, especially first-generation students fulfilling a lot of things that their family members did not have a chance to. There will be people who doubt or question you, but you know what is important to yourself.”  

Jerome hopes to graduate in Fall 2025 with a degree in Psychology then attend graduate school in Louisiana.  

We wish you the best, Jerome!

 

Contact us to share YOUR story!

October News for Adult Students

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Important Dates this Month

  • October 9- Deadline for voter registration in Missouri for the November 2024 election (Paws to the Polls can help you get registered)

  • October 10 and 11- Fall Break (No classes, Offices open)

  • October 11- Return to Learn Scholarship application deadline

  • October 14- Second block classes begin

  • October 19- Homecoming vs. Indiana State Sycamores

  • October 29- MSU Bears Basketball vs. SBU Bearcats

  • October 31- Spring 2025 registration begins*

*Find your earliest registration date and advisor contact info through your Registration Status link on your My Missouri State, or view the Spring Registration Sequence 

It is always a good idea to check in with your advisor before selecting classes for the next semester. Making an appointment ahead of time will ensure you can plan ahead and get the classes you need.

Exciting News!

We are expanding our Adult Student Services Community on Brightspace! We have added an Ask Adult Student Services forum in the Discussion area. You can use this forum to ask us questions and share information with your fellow students. Let us know what you would like to see and how we can help!

If you do not have access to the Adult Student Services Community on Brightspace but would like join, contact HannahSmith@MissouriState.edu.

Resource Spotlight: Dean of Students

The Dean of Students Office can provide practical support for students when the unexpected happens by offering multiple programs and services.

Andrea Weber, Assistant VP for Student Affairs/Dean of Students shared this note:

“Happy Fall and welcome from the Dean of Students Office. My name is Andrea Weber, and I serve as the Dean of Students. I am excited you chose to be a bear! The mission of the Dean of Students Office is to assist students in personal and educational goals by removing barriers and providing essential support. Our office lives this mission by the services and resources that we provide. I hope, if you ever need it, you will utilize our services. We are always happy to help.”

Things to Do

  • Join the Fall Walking Challenge October 1-28 and you will have the chance to win a gift card to the MSU Bookstore.

  • The Voting Fair at Plaster Student Union provides voter resources and information.

  • Hospitality Showcase on Tuesday, October 22nd in PSU Grand Ballroom, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Join in the festivities and network!

  • Whether you want to get crafty, see a live performance, enjoy the weather, or make your way down the Cashew Chicken Trail, Springfield is not lacking in October events. Check out the Springfield calendar of events to find your next adventure.

Successful Study Tips

  1. Midterms are around the corner. These tips will help prep you for success!

  2. Spend a  little time each day with material instead of trying to cram before an exam.

  3. Teach what you have learned to someone else. Talking through something can help organize your ideas about a topic.

  4. Draw it out. Whether it’s a graph, flowchart, or silly cartoon, finding different ways to view concepts can help you recall information.

  5. Keep a reading journal Read a section at a time, then write a summary about what you’ve read. This gives your brain a moment to process the information instead of going on autopilot.

  6. Schedule breaks. Set a time and settle in fora focused study with a built-in break. Experts recommend 30-45 minutes of studying with a 10-15 minute break. Knowing there is an end in sight helps you stay focused and avoid distractions.

  7. Don’t forget the resources at MSU! Make an appointment with your instructor to review material, request to meet with a success coach, or utilize the services offered by the BearCLAW. For more tips on successful study habits, visit the Center for Academic Success and Transition.

Go Bears! You’ve got this!