My name is Logan Elliott, and I am a second-year graduate student pursuing a Master’s Degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education. I am writing this blog to talk about my experience being a member and a leader in a student organization while pursuing my degree.

In this blog, I want to share some of the benefits of being involved with a student organization, as well as discuss some of the resources offered by the Office of Student Engagement (OSE), and how your student can connect with them.

First, I thought I would briefly discuss our OSE and some of the resources they offer to our students on campus. Our Office of Student Engagement creates experiences for students both residential and commuter while promoting lifelong learning by providing programs and resources for all students to develop and connect to Missouri State and its co-curricular communities.

Some of the programs and resources offered by the OSE are as follows: Traditions Council, Fraternity and Sorority Life, MO State Lead, Student Activities Council, Homecoming, Welcome Weekend, Transfer & Commuter Programs, and last but not least, Student Organizations.

As you can see there are a ton of different activities and organizations to get involved with at Missouri State. There are currently more than 300+ student organizations for students to choose from. Events are offered around campus multiple times a week!

Personally, student organizations are how I chose to get involved on campus.  I joined our Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA). When starting my graduate school experience, I got involved with SAGA as the Liaison for my class. In this role, I was able to represent my peers for the organization, in terms of their wants, needs, and reactions to things going on in SAGA.

In that role, I was able to connect and work with the organization’s executive board, which propelled me to run for a position on the exec board. I was successful. I currently serve as the President of the Student Affairs Graduate Association. Being president has been one of the most impactful things I have done at Missouri State.

Getting connected with a student organization can be a great way for your student to meet their peers and connect with other students with similar interests. They can also get connected with faculty and staff members which is a great way to build mentorship relationships and professional networks.

Finally getting involved with a student organization is a great way to get experience in leadership and build those skills. Involvement in college is a great way to build a resume with relevant experiences your can use in their future career.

Overall, getting involved and connected with the Office of Student Engagement was one of the best decisions I made after coming to Missouri State. I encourage you to have a conversation with your student about their involvement on campus.

If you want to ask more questions or contact the OSE please reach out to them by phone: 417-836-4386 or email: StudentEngagement@MissouriState.edu

Have a great rest of your semester, Bears!

Logan

(Logan Elliott, Graduate Assistant | Orientation & Transition Programs | Student Affairs Graduate Association | President)