Information/Deadlines
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.
Refund Deadline – Second Block Classes at 50% Credit/Refund
October 30
Today is the last day to change sections, drop, or withdraw from fall 2014 Second Block classes with 50% refund.
Native American Heritage Month
November 1-30
In response to an effort by many to gain a day of recognition for the great influence American Indians have had upon the U.S., Congress designated a week of October to celebrate Native American Awareness Week in 1976. Yearly legislation was enacted to continue the tradition until August 1990, when President Bush approved the designation of November as National American Indian Heritage Month. Each year a similar proclamation is issued. President Clinton noted in 1996, “Throughout our history, American Indian and Alaska Native peoples have been an integral part of the American character. Against all odds, America’s first peoples have endured, and they remain a vital cultural, political, social, and moral presence.” November is an appropriate month for the celebration because it is traditionally a time when many American Indians hold fall harvest and world-renewal ceremonies, powwows, dances, and various feasts. The holiday recognizes hundreds of different tribes and approximately 250 languages, and celebrates the history, tradition, and values of American Indians. National American Indian Heritage Month serves as a reminder of the positive effect native peoples have had on the cultural development and growth of the U.S., as well as the struggles and challenges they have faced.
Panamanian Independence Month
November 1-30
The Fiestas Patrias (literally ‘Homeland Festivals’) mark the process by which Panama achieved independence from Spain in 1821, then Colombia in 1903, and (more empirically) from the United States with the handover of the Panama Canal in 1999. The celebration extends over the entire month of November, with various days singled out for their respective honors.
Last Day to Drop, Withdraw, Declare Pass/Not-Pass, or Audit for Full Semester Classes
November 7
Last day to Drop or Withdraw (student will receive an automatic W grade), declare Pass/Not-Pass, and Change to or from Audit for Full Semester Classes.
Kristallnacht
November 9-10
In remembrance of Kristallnacht (“Night of Broken Glass”). On November 9-10, 1938, after a series of attacks, thousands of Jewish homes, shops, schools and synagogues were ransacked and destroyed, leaving the streets covered in pieces of smashed windows – the origin of the name Kristallnacht or “Night of Broken Glass.”
Events
“A Musical Salute to Our Veterans” Concert
Sunday, November 9 at 4pm, Juanita K. Hammons Hall
The Missouri State University Bands will be presenting its annual “A Musical Salute To Our Veterans” Concert on Sunday, November 9 at 4:00 p.m. in the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. Entertainment ensembles, the Jazz Band and the the entire Pride Marching Band will combine forces to present an afternoon of inspiration, appreciation and entertainment. Featured speaker this year will be noted television personality, Jerry Jacob.
Bear Battalion Annual Halloween Costume Run
Friday, October 31 at 6:30am, Meyer Library Fountain
Pick a costume and your running shoes and join the MSU Army ROTC on our annual Battalion Costume Run! Starts 06:30 am, meeting at the fountains in front of Meyer Library. The public is invited for this fun 3 mile run.
Clothesline Project
Monday, October 27 – Friday, October 31 all day, PSU North Mall
This event will be hosted by Fraternity & Sorority Life Leaders of Social Awareness (formerly GAMMA). The clothes line project is a national event that happens to promote awareness for domestic violence. This event will be cosponsored with many other organizations on campus.
David Glass Lecture Series – Dr. Jason Selk
Monday, November 10 at 2:30pm, PSU Auditorium
Dr. Jason Selk will be on campus to talk to students about Executive Toughness, a mental training program to develop leadership performance.
While serving as the Director of Mental Training for the St Louis Cardinals, Dr. Jason Selk helped the team win their first World Series in over 20 years, and in 2011 he assisted the Cardinals in the historic feat of winning their second World Championship in a six year period. Dr. Selk is a regular contributor to Forbes, ABC, CBS, ESPN, and NBC radio and television and has been featured in USA Today, CNBC, Men’s Health, Muscle and Fitness, Shape and Self Magazine. Dr Selk’s second book,Executive Toughness, is a best-selling business book and his first book,10-Minute Toughness, is on pace to be one of the best-selling sport psychology books of all time.
Dr. Selk utilizes his in-depth knowledge and experience of working with the world’s finest athletes, coaches and business leaders to help individuals and organizations outperform their competition. Dr. Selk works with such clients as professional athletes in the NFL, NHL, NBA, PGA, LPGA, MLB and NASCAR. In addition, he works with such business clients as UBS Financial, Edward Jones, Wells Fargo, Northwestern Mutual and Enterprise Holdings, to name a few.
Energy Awareness Month
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.
Faith & Life Matters Series: Mark Joslyn
Monday, November 3 at 7pm, Coger Theatre
Mark Joslyn has been in media management and consulting since 1993. During that time he managed the business and financial end of over 750 programs for networks such as A&E, Bio, History, Discovery, National Geographic, MSNBC, Lifetime, and Weather Channel. He studied Finance and Business Administration at the University of Chicago Graham School of Business and has a BFA in Theatre from Missouri State University. Mark was part of the cast of “The Normal Heart” when it was performed at MSU twenty-five years ago. Fall 2014 marks the 25th anniversary of the theatre production that put Springfield, Missouri in the national spotlight.
Halloween in the Halls
Wednesday, October 29 at 5pm, Blair-Shannon House Grand Lounge
The residence hall association and the department of residence life, housing and dining services will be sponsoring a safe indoor Halloween experience for the children ages 2 to 12 of all Missouri State faculty, staff and students. Tours will start at 5:15 p.m. and the last tour will leave the Grand Lounge at 7:30 p.m. The Pumpkin Patch, in the Blair-Shannon Grand Lounge will include check-in, games and refreshments. All floors will be non-scary. Residents of our buildings will be trained to be tour guides known as Pumpkin Pals and will escort the children through the residence halls.
View the Guest Blog for more information!
Humans vs. Zombies: Gotham City
Monday, October 27 – Sunday, November 2 all day, Springfield Campus
Players fight for their lives against the zombie apocalypse! The most notorious villains of Gotham City have unleashed a growing horde of zombies. Fight your gruesome fate, take back your city, and bring the villains to justice!
Internationally Renowned Ceramic Artist Lecture
Thursday, October 30 at 7pm, Brick City Room 312
Internationally renowned ceramic artist Richard Hirsch will present a lecture on his work at 7 P.M. on Thursday, October 30. The lecture will take place in Room 312 of Missouri State University’s Brick City Building One, 327 West Mill Street in downtown Springfield.
Richard Hirsch is an internationally renowned ceramic artist who served for many years as a professor in the School for American Craft at Rochester Institute of Technology. His artwork can be found in numerous museum collections both in the US and abroad.
LGBT History Month
The Normal Heart
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.
Big Gay Talent Show
Wednesday, October 29 at 6pm, PSU Theatre
It’s finally time for our 4th Annual Big Gay Talent Show! Join Spectrum for a night of fun showcasing the many talents of fellow students!
Missouri State University Film Series – Ticket Out
Friday, November 7 at 7pm, PSU Theatre
Written by Hunger Games creator Suzanne Collins & director Doug Lodato, Ticket Out is a thriller set in the world of the controversial underground railways that aid women and children escaping from abusive, sometimes murderous spouses. The film stars Ray Liotta, Alexandra Breckenridge (True Blood, American Horror Story) and Billy Burke (Twilight, Revolution). Liotta plays a taut and mysterious character who aids Jocelyn (Breckenridge) and her children in their flight from her abusive ex-husband (Burke).
2nd Assistant director, Ken Chaplin, will hold a talk-back session following the film. A member of the Director’s Guild of America, Ken also travels extensively presenting seminars on Production Assistant Training and Film Crew Essentials.
Native American Archaeological Research
Wednesday, November 5 at 7pm, MSU Center for Archaeological Research (622 S. Kimbrough Ave)
Florice Pearce will share recent archaeological work on Native American sites in the Ozarks entitled, “A Study of the Plentiful Ivy Site and Other Selected Upland Sites in Southern Missouri.”
SAC Events
Find out more about SAC films, concerts, and comedy by looking at our SAC Events Blog.
Movie: The Purge: Anarchy
Wednesday, October 29at 9pm, PSU Theatre
Sunday, November 2 at 9pm, PSU Theatre
Free movie in the PSU Theatre. Check out SAC Events Blog for more information.
Rock n’ Bowl
Friday, October 31 at 7:30pm, PSU Level 1 Game Center
Friday, November 7 at 7:30pm, PSU Level 1 Game Center
Free bowling, table tennis and billiards in Level One Game Center.
Movie: 22 Jump Street
Wednesday, November 5 at 9pm, PSU Theatre
Sunday, November 9 at 9pm, PSU Theatre
Free movie in the PSU Theatre. Check out SAC Events Blog for more information.
After Hours: Fandom Night
Thursday, November 6 at 9pm, PSU Food Court
This event will be a trivia night that will allow those in attendance to express their knowledge of different fandoms such as Doctor Who, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, etc. Students will compete in teams for prizes. Teams will be established at the event.
Comedy Club: John Jacobs
Friday, November 7 at 7pm, PSU Ballroom West
After a childhood spent battling Tourettes Syndrome and a series of family tragedies, comedy has been John’s primary means of defense. He is the star of the newest show on MTV: Are You The One?
Tailgate
Saturday, November 8 at 11am, Bearfest Village
SAC will be hosting tailgates at the new Bearfest Village with free food, some prize giveaways, and a place to paint faces and make spirit signs.
Concerts: Coffee Shop Sound
Monday, November 10 at 7pm, PSU South Lounge
Coffee Shop Sound is an event filled with numerous acoustic players to set the mood for the students. It’s a relaxing evening for people to enjoy coffee or tea and cookies while perhaps doing homework. The atmosphere is great and everyone enjoys themselves.
Symphony Orchestra Concert
Tuesday, November 4 at 7pm, Juanita K. Hammons Hall
MSU Symphony Orchestra Concert featuring special guest string orchestra Olathe South High School from the Kansas City area. Each group will perform selections of their own, and then will combine to play the final works on the concert. Actual pieces to be performed will be published soon.
MSU Symphony Orchestra Concert featuring special guest string orchestra Olathe South High School from the Kansas City area.
Opportunities
For more opportunities, subscribe to the Community Opportunities Newsletter.
Beacon Village Playground Build Day
Saturday, November 1, Beacon Village
The Kitchen, Inc. has been awarded a grant to construct a playground at Beacon Village. Volunteers are needed to help sort and assemble parts, spread mulch, provide childcare, and perform many other various tasks necessary to construct a safe, fun play-space for Beacon Village. Join The Kitchen, Inc. and Housing Plus on November 1st for community build day!
Contact: Theresa Oglesby
Phone: 417-837-1500
Bear Service Day at Ozarks Food Harvest
Thursday, November 6 at 5:30pm, Plaster Student Union
Bear Service Team will be taking a group of volunteers to Ozarks Food Harvest. Ozarks Food Harvest is a food bank that provides millions of meals to people in our community every year, but they need help from volunteers like you to get this accomplished.
This group will be attending the volunteer session on Thursday, November 6 from 6-9 pm. Volunteers will meet in the Plaster Student Union at 5:30 pm and sign the volunteer agreements needed to participate in the volunteer session at OFH. Volunteers will be assisting with the assembly of Weekend Backpacks for at risk elementary students and also assist in the building of commodity boxes for low income seniors. Drivers are needed for the event, so if you can drive, make sure to indicate that when you sign up here.
Location: Ozarks Food Harvest
Contact: Nicole Noonan
E-mail: Noonan1994@live.missouristate.edu
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
Athletics
For a review of events that have already happened, please visit our Athletics Blog Page.
- Friday, October 31, D2 Ice Hockey vs. University of Central Oklahoma, 7pm, Mediacom Ice Park
- Saturday, November 1, D2 Ice Hockey vs. University of Central Oklahoma, 7pm, Mediacom Ice Park
- Tuesday, November 4, W Basketball vs. Central Methodist, 7:05pm, JQH Arena
- Saturday, november 8, Football vs. Southern Illinois, 2pm, Plaster Stadium
- Saturday, November 8, M Soccer vs. Evansville, 7pm, Allison South
- Saturday, November 8, M Basketball vs. Missouri Southern, 7:35pm, JQH Arena
- Sunday, November 9, W Basketball vs. Southwest Baptist, 2:05pm, JQH Arena
Campus Recreation
- Trick or treat your way to the top of the climbing wall with this year’s Creepy Crawly Costume Candy Climb! On October 29th from 4PM-10PM you can scale the FRC climbing wall to retrieve candy! It sure is a nice incentive to make it to the top!
- The FRC Haunted Trail is back this year! Come to the Foster Recreation Center between 9PM-12AM on October 30th for a haunted house through the FRC basement. Co-sponsored by SAC, we’ll also be providing free food and music on the FRC patio! This event is FREE for students so you do not want to miss out on this Halloween scare!
- Time is running out! The deadline to register for this year’s annual Ski Trip to Steamboat Springs, CO is November 4! The trip will be over winter break, from December 13-20. Learn more about this awesome opportunity at http://www.missouristate.edu/recreation/OutdoorAdventures/140219.htm
- Interested in becoming a BearFit instructor? Sign up for the BearFit Instructor Workshop! This $15 event will be held on November 10th or 17th from 7-8:30PM. Sign up at the FRC Welcome Desk before November 11th to secure your spot!
- Plan a Western Adventure with Campus Rec – Outdoor Adventures is headed to Utah! Explore Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park for only $300. OA will provide camping equipment, transportation, park fees, and camping fees. Just bring clothes, food, and sense of adventure.
- 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 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.
- Only one SHARP Session left! Register online for this free self-defense course for females. November 17-18 from 6:30-9PM in the FRC, studio A. Register by November 14.
- 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.