Information
Events
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Opportunities
Athletics
Campus Recreation
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Information
Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 – October 15
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15-October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988 on the approval of Public Law 100-402. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also Columbus Day or Dia de la Raza, which is October 12, falls withing this 30 day period.
Energy Awareness Month
September 29 – October 22
Energy Awareness Month is a campus-wide effort to raise awareness about energy consumption and challenge faculty, staff and students to reduce their energy usage.
See below for individual event information.
Stomp Out Hunger
October 1 – October 24
See below for more information.
Italian American Heritage Month
October 1-31
Every year the U.S. president signs an executive order designating the month of October as National Italian American Heritage Month. Coinciding with the festivities surrounding Columbus Day, the proclamation is recognition of the many achievements, contributions, and successes of Americans of Italian descent as well as Italians in America.
LGBT History Month
October 1-31
LGBT History Month is a month-long annual observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. It is observed during October in the United States, to include National Coming Out Day on October 11. LGBT History Month originated in the United States and was first celebrated in 1994. It was founded by Missouri high school history teacher Rodney Wilson. Spectrum and Advocates, MSU’s LGBT and Ally Alliances, along with the Office of Multicultural Programs provide a month-long series of events on campus to commemorate LGBT History Month. These include dances, panels, film screenings, fundraisers, discussions, art displays, and an annual talent show.
Please see below for individual event information.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October 1-31
In 1988, Congress designated each October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The Office of Disability Employment Policy has the lead in planning NDEAM activities and materials to increase the public’s awareness of the contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities. Various programs carried out throughout the month also highlight the specific employment barriers that still need to be addressed and removed. This effort to educate the American public about issues related to disability and employment actually began in 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities.
First Block Classes End
October 8
First Block classes end today.
Final exams for first block classes will be held during the last scheduled class.
Fall Break
October 9 – October 10
Classes will not be held on October 9 and 10. Offices will be open.
Homecoming
October 12-18
For a message from the Homecoming Committee, visit our Guest Blog.
See below for individual event information.
Second Block Classes Begin
October 13
Second Block classes begin today.
See Academic Calendar for drop, withdrawal, and refund deadlines.
Refund Deadline
October 15
Today is the last day to change sections, drop, or withdraw from fall 2014 Full Semester classes, with 25% refund.
Events
BearFest Village and Bear Statue Dedication
Saturday, October 18 at 11am-2pm, BearFest Village
A new bear statue will be located in the new diamond plaza area north of The Bill O’Neill Way gate entrance to Plaster Stadium. Dedication and unveiling will take place on Homecoming at noon, while BearFest Village is in full swing. The statue is a gift from the 2013-14 senior class, Darron and Donna Hemann and other private gifts.
MSU Students Caleb Doyle, Jordan McGee, and Ryan Gilyard will be featured speakers.
Please visit Athletics or Bearfest Village for more information about tailgating.
Bear Tracks 5K
Saturday, October 18 at 7am, Plaster Student Union Plaza
On your mark, get set… go! Bears will race across the finish line to win medals, trophies and cash prizes. The race will start and finish at the Bear in front of Plaster Student Union.
All participants will receive a gift bag. Trophies and cash prizes will be presented to the first-place male and female finishers. Medals will be awarded to first, second and third place finishers in the following age categories:
12 & Under
13-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60+
Entry fees
$15 for students of any age with an ID
$20 for adults pre-registered by 5 p.m. on Oct. 14
$25 for adults on race day
Packet pick up is on Friday, Oct. 17 Noon-6 p.m. Ridge Runner Sports 3057 South Fremont Avenue Springfield, Missouri
Please register for the race online, by mail or in person at Ridge Runner Sports.
Energy Awareness Month
Building Energy Competition
September 29 – October 19, Springfield Campus
All buildings on campus will compete to see who can conserve the most energy. The buildings with the largest reduction in energy usage will receive banners to be displayed until the next energy competition.
Hour Without Power
September 29 – October 19 at 5pm-6pm, Springfield Campus
We challenge you to consume zero energy – turn off lights and power down your devices. Can you go an hour without power?
Dining in the Dark
October 13 – 17 at 11am-1pm, Garst
October 20 – 24 at 11am-1pm, Kentwood
Campus Sustainability Day
October 22 at 11am-1pm, PSU NE Lobby
Visit us.
Do One Thing Instagram Competition
October 1 – October 31
Join your fellow bears, commit to Do One Thing to reduce your energy usage. Follow @MSUSustain on Instagram to learn how to enter #MSUEnergyMonster
Over $500 in prizes, including: Osprey Backpacks from Dynamic Earth; 5 Hot Yoga Classes at Sumits Yoga; $10 gift card to Mudhouse; Free Jimmy Johns Subs; $25 gift card to MaMa Jeans Natural Market; $10 gift card to Grad School; 1 Reusable Cup Membership. Enter by October 31st. Winners will be notified on November 3rd.
Hermés Quartet | String Quartet
Wednesday, October 8 at 7:30pm, Juanita K. Hammons Hall
Violinists Omer Bouchez and Elise Liu, violist Yung-Hsin Chang, and cellist Anthony Kondo won the 2012 Young Concert Artists International Auditions. The Paris-based ensemble currently holds the Helen F. Whitaker Chamber Music Chair of YCA. Student rush tickets available for $10 one hour prior to the performance with a valid student ID.
Ticket are $20 for onstage seating at the Missouri State Tix box offices.
Homecoming
Find out more about Homecoming by looking at our Guest Blog.
Decorate Downtown
Sunday, October 12 at 12pm, Downtown Springfield
Each participating student organization will be partnered with a downtown Springfield establishment. It will be the responsibility of your organization to reflect the spirit and pride of Missouri State Homecoming with exciting and appropriate decorations. Each organization is to remember that they are representing Missouri State University and should reflect their school pride in their decorations.
Window Painting / Spirit Banner / Chalk-n-Rock
Sunday, October 12 at 2pm, PSU North Mall
Decoration of Plaster Student Union as part of Homecoming competition
Bookstore Madness
Monday, October 13 – Saturday, October 19 all day, Bookstore
Select items per day will be on sale for 20% off original pricing at the Bookstore and online at missouristatebookstore.com. See the website for more details about which products will be on sale and when.
Can We Build It
Monday, October 13 at 2pm, Trottier Plaza
In conjunction with the University Public Affairs mission, Can We Build It is a way to show off your organization’s talent and support a local charity. All food will be donated to Ozarks Food Harvest.
Rockstar
Tuesday, October 14 at 7pm, Hammons Student Center
Come see who can put on their best rockstar impression. Participants will be singing and dancing their hearts out trying to get first place.
Maroon and White Night
Wednesday, October 15 at 4pm, PSU North Patio
It is time for our annual chili cook-off! Let’s see who on this campus is the best cook. Come out and support your friends while enjoying the smell of yummy food. This event will also feature free inflatable games and a free concert.
Pep Rally / Yell Like Hell
Thursday, October 16 at 6pm, Hammons Student Center
Let’s get pumped up for the big game on Saturday by celebrating at the biggest pep rally of the year. Come out and enjoy some fun!
Homecoming Dance
Thursday, October 16 at 9pm, PSU Ballroom East
The Homecoming dance is a Headphone Disco for students. Each attendee will be given a pair of headphones with three channel settings, allowing them to choose the music they want to dance to. Attendees may dress as desired; casual, fancy and everything in between.
Field Day
Friday, October 17 at 4:30pm, Allison South Stadium
Balloons will be popping, trivia will be answered, and sponges will be relayed. This event will surely become a Homecoming favorite!
Parade
Saturday, October 18 at 9am, JQH Parkway
Come out and begin our Homecoming celebration. The parade starts at 9 am. The Bear Fest Village Tailgate Party starts at 11 am. The football game starts at 2 pm.
LGBT History Month
National Coming Out Day and GLO Anniversary Open House
Saturday, October 11 at 10am, GLO Center
Celebrate the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of the Ozarks (GLO) anniversary with Spectrum, Advocates, and Lambda Alliance on the National Coming Out Day
Ally Week
Monday, October 13 – Friday, October 17, Springfield Campus
A whole week where we can engage in a national dialogue about how everyone in and out of school can work to become better allies to the LGBTQ community.
Homophobic Dilemmas in Pop Culture
Wednesday, October 15 at 6pm, PSU 312
Rethinking popular culture and examining the effects on the LGBTQA community
Big Gay Talent Show Auditions
Wednesday, October 15 at 9pm, PSU 312
Thursday, October 16 at 4pm, PSU 312
We’ll be holding a auditions for anyone willing to showcase their skills. All talents are welcome – and all ages. Please spread the word to anyone you think should show their talent at the Big Gay Talent Show!
Spirit Day
Thursday, October 16 all day, Springfield Campus
Millions of American wear purple on Spirit day as a sign of support for the LGBT community and to speak out against bullying.
The Normal Heart
Friday, October 17 at 7:30pm, 431 S Jeffereson Ave #136
Saturday, October 18 at 7:30pm, 431 S Jeffereson Ave #136
Sunday, October 19 at 2pm, 431 S Jeffereson Ave #136
Friday, October 24 at 7:30pm, 431 S Jeffereson Ave #136
Saturday, October 25 at 7:30pm, 431 S Jeffereson Ave #136
Sunday, October 26 at 2pm, 431 S Jeffereson Ave #136
Friday, October 31 at 7:30pm, 431 S Jeffereson Ave #136
Saturday, November 1 at 7:30pm, 431 S Jeffereson Ave #136
Sunday, November 2 at 2pm, 431 S Jeffereson Ave #136
Fall 2014 marks the 25th anniversary of the theatre production that put Springfield, Missouri in the national spotlight. Larry Kramer’s landmark play about love, AIDS and New York in the 1980s chronicles the rise of the AIDS crisis in New York City as seen through the eyes of writer/activist Ned Weeks, the gay Jewish founder of a prominent HIV advocacy group. Ned unexpectedly finds himself at the forefront of the fight against AIDS at a time when the disease was so terrifyingly new it didn’t even have a name. As more and more of his friends fall ill, Ned tries his best to rally support for the cause all the while finding love with Felix and raging against institutions of media, medicine and government that seem determined to ignore him. The play is as dramatically powerful, timely and poignant as it was when it first appeared in 1985. Winner of the 2012 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play, this production contains adult language and subject matter.
Kick-Off *Rescheduled
Thursday, October 23 at 6pm, PSU North Mall
Celebrate the start of LGBT History Awareness with your LGBTQ friends and family! Be sure to swing by and mingle with Spectrum, Advocates, Lambda Alliance, and the LGBT Resource Center.
SAC Events
Find out more about SAC films, concerts, and comedy by looking at our SAC Events Blog.
SAC Movie: Jurassic Park
Wednesday, October 15 at 9pm, PSU Theatre
Sunday, October 19 at 9pm, PSU Theatre
Free movie in the PSU Theatre. Check out SAC Events Blog for more information.
After Hours: Homecoming Dance
Thursday, October 16 at 9pm,
The Homecoming dance is a Headphone Disco for students. Each attendee will be given a pair of headphones with three channel settings, allowing them to choose the music they want to dance to. Attendees may dress as desired; casual, fancy and everything in between.
Rock n’ Bowl
Friday, October 17 at 7:30pm, PSU Level 1 Game Center
Free bowling, table tennis and billiards in Level One Game Center.
Soar Leader Information Session
Monday, October 20 at 7pm, Meyer Library Room 101
Tuesday, October 21 at 6pm, Meyer Library Room 101
Want to know more about being a SOAR leader, including responsibilities, qualifications, benefits, compensation and more? Then attend one of our two upcoming SOAR leader information sessions.
Visit http://www.missouristate.edu/soar/applyforsoar.htm for more information about the position and opportunities to tell us you are attending on Facebook.
Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Friday, October 17 at 4pm, PSU Ballroom
Over its 108-year history, Missouri State has developed a rich heritage of outstanding faculty and staff who have contributed much to the success of our university. The Wall of Fame, which is located outside the ballroom in the Plaster Student Union (3rd floor), is a designated location for the university to recognize and honor employees who have excelled at Missouri State and significantly contributed to the success and positive collegiate experience of students. While Missouri State has had many outstanding employees during its long history, the intention of the Wall of Fame is to recognize those faculty and staff members who have had a positive impact on students that is considered truly noteworthy.
Opportunities
For more opportunities, subscribe to the Community Opportunities Newsletter.
Bear Service Team
Bear Service Team (BST) is a student organization team that plans and promotes service opportunities for Missouri State University students. BST collaborates with local agencies in Springfield and beyond to have meaningful service experiences that allow students to become engaged in the community. BST is looking for students who want to become engaged in the community, have a passion for social issues, and have creative ideas about how to get students involved. Visit the Center for Community Engagement (the green room) for more information and pick up an application!
Food Assistance for Students
Mondays and Tuesdays at 3pm-6pm while MSU is in session
The Food Pantry for Missouri State University Students is for any student facing food insecurity. This may be students going hungry, not able to make ends meet, facing a delay in Financial Aid or other assistance, or any other reason.
Well of Life – MSU Student Food Pantry
418 S Kimbrough
Springfield, MO 65806
(Just across from the Qdoba near Bear Park North)
Halloween Spooktacular at Dickerson Park Zoo
Thursdays – Sundays, October 9-31 at 6:30pm-9pm, Dickerson Park Zoo
Halloween SPOOKTACULAR is the largest on-grounds annual fundraiser for Friends of the Zoo. 2014 is the 31st year of hosting this family friendly, evening Halloween event. Halloween SPOOKTACULAR averages 20,000 attendees, and proceeds from SPOOKTACULAR support the zoo’s Conservation Education and Outreach programs.
About 30 volunteers will be needed each night. Most evenings more than one service group will be used to fulfill the requirements. It is suggested that you select 2 or 3 possible dates for your organization to volunteer in case your first choice is not available. It is very important to be accurate with your RSVP numbers when scheduling volunteer groups so that plans can be made accordingly. In most cases, it is not possible to accommodate groups larger than the nightly requirements, but groups can be split over multiple evenings.
On the evening you are scheduled: Be at the zoo no later than 5:45 p.m. for event orientation and volunteer assignments. Please plan to stay until 9:30 p.m. If you choose to dress in a costume, please make certain it is non-scary & family appropriate! Keep the weather in mind when choosing a costume. Please note: SPOOKTACULAR is an outdoor event and DOES NOT cancel due to poor weather conditions.
All treats are provided by the zoo. Not all volunteers will be handing out treats; at least half will be working activity stations and interactive areas. Princesses and Superheroes: On select nights, when we do not have actual actors in these areas, we would like a couple of volunteers to dress as princesses and superheroes for interaction with kids. If interested, please inquire specifically about these character positions for details and scheduling.
Contact: Erin Hitsman (Sorensen)
Phone: 417-833-1570
E-mail: ehitsman@dickersonparkzoo.org
Website: http://www.dickersonparkzoo.org
Meals a Million
November 14-16, Springfield Exposition Center
Friends Against Hunger is hosting the Meals A Million Pack-A-Thon! Every half hour, 100 volunteers will start packaging food. In past years, MSU Bears have filled thousands spots to help package meals.
Register you and your organization to volunteer: MealsAMillion
Contact: Karen Wood
Phone: 417-773-1639
E-mail: director@fahunger.org
Stomp Out Hunger
October 1-24, Springfield Community
Join Missouri State, Drury, OTC, Evangel and SBU in making a difference both locally and globally through the all collegiate shoe drive.
Donating just one pair of shoes directly helps feed the hungry both in the U.S. and internationally, provides footwear goods for local vendors in developing countries, helps build water purification systems for villages in Kenya and Haiti, as well as impacts educational and healthcare needs.
Shoes will be collected at sites across campus from October 1-24th. The final “shoe-in” will occur on October 24 at 1-4pm at Country Girls Espresso, 2671 E Sunshine St, located next to Schweitzer United Methodist Church!
Athletics
For a review of events that have already happened, please visit our Athletics Blog Page.
- Friday, October 10, Volleyball vs. Wichita State, 7pm, Hammons Student Center
- Saturday, October 11, W Soccer vs. Evansville, 7pm, Allison South
- Tuesday, October 14, W Golf vs. MSU Payne Stewart Memorial, 8:30am
- Thursday, October 16, Swimming and Diving vs. Drury, 6pm, Hammons Student Center
- Thurdsay, October 16, D3 Hockey vs. Marquette, 7pm, Mediacom Ice Park
- Friday, October 17, Field Hockey vs. Central Michicgan, 4pm, Allison North Stadium
- Friday, October 17, D2 Hockey vs. University of Iowa, 7pm, Mediacom Ice Park
- Friday, October 17, D3 Hockey vs. McKendree University, 9:45pm, Mediacom Ice Park
- Friday, October 17, Football vs. South Dakota, 2pm, Plaster Stadium
- Saturday, October 18, D2 Hockey vs. McKendree University, 3pm, Mediacom Ice Park
- Saturday, October 18, D2 Hockey vs. University of Iowa, 7pm, Mediacom Ice Park
- Sunday, Octover 19, Field Hockey cs. La Salle, 11am, Allison North Stadium
Campus Recreation
- Looking for an interesting way to explore the Ozarks? Look no further than Outdoor Adventure’s Buffalo River Backpacking Trip! The trip will start on October 18th at 9AM and return on October 19th at 5PM. Register by October 13th for this $35 trip that includes everything but food.
- SHARP Sessions are set! Register online for this free self-defense course for females. There will be three sessions you can choose from. All held from 6:30-9PM in the FRC, studio A:
- Session 2: October 20-21, Register by October 17
- Session 3: November 17-18, Register by November 14
- Mark your calendar for October 27th, it’s Yoga by Jack-O-Lantern! Get in the Halloween spirit by taking Yoga in a studio lit by jack-o-lanterns. This special event will be at 7PM and cost only $2.
- We’re already planning your winter break! The 48th annual Ski Trip is scheduled to Steamboat Springs, CO during December 13-20. Learn more about this awesome opportunity at http://www.missouristate.edu/recreation/OutdoorAdventures/140219.htm
- American Red Cross CPR and First Aid Certification. Register online or in person at the FRC. Registration deadline is 2 days before each class. Limited seats are available. CPR/AED and First Aid are held in the Aquatics Classroom. CPR is $55 and First Aid is $40.
- CPR/AED Session 2: October 8 from 1:30pm-5:00pm
- First Aid Session 2: October 8 from 5:00pm-6:30pm
- CPR/AED Session 3: November 15 from 8:30am-12:00pm
- First Aid Session 3: November 15 from 12:30pm-2:00pm
This certification does not fulfill the requirement for MSU nursing students.
- Power Yoga dates are set for this fall! Here is a list of all your Power Yoga options:
- Session 2: Tuesdays, 12:10-12:50PM, 10/21-11/11, Register by 10/17
- Session 2: Thursdays, 12:10-12:50PM, 10/23-11/20, Register by 10/17
Open to faculty and staff, eligible for non-credit fee waiver, $35 for members, $45 for non-members.
- Personal Training is offered at the FRC! Reach all of your goals this year with help from one of our certified personal trainers. For more information visit our website: http://www.missouristate.edu/recreation/Wellness/AssessmentsAndTraining.htm
- Massage Therapy is offered at the Foster Recreation Center. Check our website for more information on times, prices, and how to sign up: http://www.missouristate.edu/recreation/Wellness/Massages.htm.