Adult Student Services Blog

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

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!