Welcome back bears! I hope everyone’s first week went great!

I want to take this time to remind everyone on a number of things. First, remember that if you feel uncomfortable about walking alone on campus, make sure you either walk with a buddy or call campus police and have them walk with you. I know that walking with a buddy sounds so ninth grade, but it can be critical if something happens. It’s better to have someone to walk with and not have something happen than to not have someone and need them.

Second, make sure you have the Campus Police and/or the Springfield Police Department programmed into your phone. You never know when you might need them and it is better to have those numbers and not use them than need them and not have them. If you are in a 4-person, 6-person, or 2-person room and you and your roommates/suitemates are in a situation where you feel threatened, contact Campus Police or the Springfield Police Department.

Lastly, if you ever need someone to talk to about your academics or anything related to Missouri State, you can come by the Center for Academic Success and Transition, Meyer Library Suite 116, and talk with an Academic Coach or Peer Counselor. We are available to assist you in any way that we can, no matter what you need.

Since the semester just started, I thought I would close by sharing the following video from our Academic Coaches to help you if you feel a bit overwhelmed about taking online classes.

~Rhiannon

(Bio: My name is Rhiannon Casey, a transfer student from Arkansas State University. I am currently a Senior Marketing Major with an emphasis in Advertising and Promotions.)