The Ursa Experience has been growing rapidly here at Missouri State, not only in numbers but also in opportunities! I have broken down the entire program to help show how you can get involved! 

URSA Minors–These are incoming freshmen students who sign up to attend a 3-day, 2-night orientation to the non-academic side of Missouri State. We like to say, “if SOAR is the academic side of orientation, URSA is the social/involvement side”. Here, new students will learn MSU traditions, our public affairs mission, how to #BearUp and so much more! There are limited seats available, so if you’re coming in Fall 2017, be sure to look out for the sign-up start date!

URSA Majors–These are Missouri State students, with 60 credits (after high school) and above, who help facilitate groups during URSA. The application for this role can be found at here. Ursa Majors will have a partner and a small group of URSA Minors. This is a great leadership opportunity and a way to be involved in our new students’ first look at what it means to be a Bear!

 URSA Mentors-These are Missouri State students, sophomore or above, who love Missouri State and people! Each URSA Mentor will get their own small group of URSA Minors to mentor throughout their first year. This will create an instant connection and resource for all URSA Minors. Mentors will plan hangouts, activities, share personal experiences, showcase resources and encourage mingling between all the groups. Applications along with the position description for this role will be available February 15th so keep an eye out on Family Association social media!

 URSA Crowdfunding–This is for any person of any age and/or student status! We want to make sure every new student has an opportunity to attend Ursa. Our very own Priscilla Childress, Assistant Director of New Student and Family Programs, is heading the campaign to raise money to offer scholarships to students to help them attend. Our current goal is $5000, and every penny counts! If we reach out goal, Priscilla will be hoisted up in the air and put on a high ropes course to complete (did I mention that she’s afraid of heights?). Please support this great fundraising event.

Hopefully this breakdown gives you a better idea of the URSA program and how YOU can be a part of it! If you have more questions make sure to check out social media (www.twitter.com/bearsfamilies, www.facebook.com/MSUfamilies, www.missouristate.edu/ursa, www.missouristate.edu/newbears, www.missouristate.edu/bearsfamilies and www.twitter.com/MSUUrsa) and feel free to contact the New Student and Family Programs office at (417) 836-3060!

~Zoë
Member, Ursa Experience Planning Committee
Family Assistant
Member, Social Sorority