Hello Bear Family!
My name is Max Wagner and I am the new Parent & Family Programs Specialist! This is Article #1 of Max’s Musings. In this article series, I will talk with you about various aspects of Missouri State student life and upcoming opportunities that your students shouldn’t miss!
Today, there is a tremendous opportunity available to your student. If they choose to accept it, they will have an absolute blast while expanding their leadership skills and making an impact the next generation of Bears. This opportunity is being an Ursa Major! 
What is an Ursa Major?
Ursa Majors are student facilitators of the Ursa Experience and the face of Missouri State to over 200 incoming students who participate in the program. The Ursa Experience, started in 2015, is a three-day, two-night off-campus adventure in August that immerses incoming students in life at Missouri State University. As an Ursa Major, your student will build friendships with new students and fellow student leaders, mentor incoming students all about Missouri State, explore their personal strengths and leadership skills, gain connections with university administrators, and so much more!
I was an Ursa Major in 2015 and 2016. That’s me taking a selfie with my 2016 Ursa Minors on the bottom right of the picture! Being an Ursa Major was one of the most beneficial and fun experiences I had as an undergraduate. You get to learn so much about leadership and Missouri State and make great friends as a result of Ursa. It’s a fantastic program and a blast for everyone!
What are the requirements to be an Ursa Major?
- Hold full-time student status for Fall 2017
- Have completed 60 post-high school credit hours by the end of the Spring 2017 semester
- Possess and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Ability to attend the dates of the Ursa Experience: August 13-16, 2017
- Attend weekly Spring training sessions after Spring break, either Mondays at 4 or Fridays at 2:30
- Love for Missouri State
- Current and previous campus involvement
- Knowledge of Missouri state and campus traditions
Does your student qualify to be an Ursa Major? If so, what are you waiting for? Tell your student to apply to be an Ursa Major! The application can be found here: https://missouristate.collegiatelink.net/form/start/118328. The applications closes on Friday, February 10th at 11:45 p.m. If you have any questions, you or your student can contact me at wagner16@live.missouristate.edu! I look forward to meeting your student leader!
Thanks for reading and Go Bears!
Max Wagner, the new Parent & Program Specialist, is from Overland Park, KS and a December 2016 graduate of Missouri State University with a degree in Administrative Management and a minor in History. Max will be entering the Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) Masters Program here at Missouri State University in the summer.