Information

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.

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Stomp Out Hunger

October 1 – October 24
See below for more information.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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My Payment Plan Deadline

October 25
The final installment of the “My Payment Plan” for fall 2014 housing and required student fees is due today. If paying in person, payment must be received in Bursar’s Office by 4:00 p.m. Payments submitted via the web must be completed by 4pm also to be processed in time.

For more information see the Bursar’s webpage.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Events

#AllieStrong Dodgeball Tournament

Sunday, October 26 at 2pm, Hammons Student Center
Come out to help us support our teammate, Allie Alvstad, and her battle against leukemia by participating in our double-elimination dodgeball tournament!! All proceeds will be going to Allie and her family.

Costume-themed—you and your teammates will dress up!! Prizes awarded for best costume!

Special prizes for the first-place team

If you are interested in playing, pick up a form today from the softball office in Hammons Student Center or at the Rec Center front desk.

Deadline to register is October 20.

Contact Braxton Coil (Braxton94@live.missouristate.edu) for more information.

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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.

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Carrie’s Café Opens

Thursday, October 23 at 11:30am, Professional Building Room 426
Carrie’s Café will open today and will be open every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30am to 1pm.

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City of Angels | Musical Production

Thursday, October 23 at 7:30pm, Coger Theatre
Friday, October 24 at 7:30pm, Coger Theatre
Saturday, October 25 at 7:30pm, Coger Theatre
Sunday, October 26 at 2:30pm, Coger Theatre
Set in Hollywood in the 1940s, City of Angels weaves together two plot lines: the “real” world of Stine, a young crime novelist, with the “reel” world of P.I. Stone, his hard-boiled, fictional hero.

$18 Adults; $16 Students/Seniors; $12 in advance with MSU ID.
Craig Hall box office: Monday-Friday, 10AM-5PM, or by calling 417-836-7678.

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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.

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Communication: How We Connect and What To Do About It When We Don’t

Wednesday, October 22 at 5pm, Taylor Health and Wellness Center Conference Room
This presentation will explore the ways we connect with our partners, the poisons that permeate our partnerships, and how we sometimes fall into the abyss of relationship emptiness. What happened to our once-loving bonds? What makes love last? Do men and women need the same things in relationships? The presenter will describe the emotional heritage that we bring to our relationships and participants will examine how to repair and rebuild healthier happier lives.

A light snack and beverages will be provided.

Please register by contacting SheilaBowen@Missouristate.edu or by calling Sheila at 836-4064.

This presentation is provided by Dr. Libby Bennett, who is a licensed clinical psychologist and published author. Dr. Bennett practices locally and specializes in sex therapy.

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Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

Friday, October 24 at 8pm, Juanita K. Hammons Hall
Saturday, October 25 at 2pm, Juanita K. Hammons Hall
SAturday, October 25 at 8pm, Juanita K. Hammons Hall
Once again, the holidays will kick off early at Juanita K. Hammons Hall, as the producers of HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS mount and launch their national Broadway tour at the Hall. The company will spend a week and a half in our venue prepping their production – putting the final touches on sets, songs, scenes and dances – and then present the show for our subscribers and patrons before they head out on the road.

$25 – $55. Missouri State Tix box offices, by phone at 417-836-7678, or at HammonsHall.com.
Single ticket on-sale date TBA

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Energy Awareness Month

Dining in the Dark

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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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LGBT History Month

The Normal Heart

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 Food Court
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.

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!

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Majors Fair

Tuesday, October 28 at 9am, PSU Ballroom
The Majors Fair is an event that brings together students with faculty and staff from the nearly 200 academic paths available at Missouri State University.

This event is a great opportunity for students to gather printed materials from various majors and minors, ask questions of faculty, staff and advisors, and compare academic options.

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Public Affairs Convocation Lecture: Eric Greitens

Tuesday, October 28 at 7pm, Juanita K. Hammons Hall
The convocation lecture is free and open to the public, but requires a ticket for entry. Tickets will be available exclusively to current MSU ID holders October 6-9, 2014. Beginning Friday, October 10th tickets become available to the general public as well as to members of the MSU community.

Free tickets can be picked up at the ticket offices of Hammons Hall, for the Performing Arts, JQH Arena or Plaster Student Union.  Tickets may be ordered by phone through the ticket office by calling 417-836-7678, but a $5 shipping and handling fee will apply.

Eric Greitens will reflect on his experiences as both a soldier and a humanitarian.  Eric is a former Navy SEAL, award-winning author, Rhodes Scholar, and Founder and CEO of The Mission Continues. He speaks on living with resilience, and leading with strength and compassion through adverse circumstances. His work as a social entrepreneur, is transforming how America views our veterans.  Greitens will discuss his book, The Heart and the Fist: The Education of a Humanitarian, the Making of a Navy SEAL.

As this year’s common reader for Missouri State University, his book The Heart and the Fist will be on sale at the event with a a book signing following the presentation.

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SAC Events

Find out more about SAC films, concerts, and comedy by looking at our SAC Events Blog.

Movie: Transamerica

Wednesday, October 22 at 9pm, PSU Theatre
Sunday, October 26 at 9pm, PSU Theatre
Free movie in the PSU Theatre.  Check out SAC Events Blog for more information.

Diwali Celebration

Thursday, October 23 at 6pm, PSU Ballroom
It’s the festival of lights (deep = light and avali = a row i.e., a row of lights) that’s marked by four days of celebration, which literally illumines the country with its brilliance, and dazzles all with its joy. Each of the four days in the festival of Diwali is separated by a different tradition, but what remains true and constant is the celebration of life, its enjoyment and goodness.
Candle holders will be created to celebration of Diwali.

After Hours: Ultimate Frisbee

Thursday, October 23 at 9pm, FRC Basketball Courts
SAC is hosting an ultimate frisbee tournament. Students will be split into teams at the event and a tournament bracket will be used for the night.

Comedy Club: Carlie & Doni

Friday, October 24 at 7pm, PSU Union Club (Room 400)
Carlie and Doni are a straight girl/lesbian musical duo that have spent the last 4 years turning their 7 minute musical act into a one hour comedy extravaganza. They were voted Best comedians in L.A. for 2011 by Los Angeles Magazine. You can catch them headlining the Hollywood Improv and at universities and comedy clubs all over the United States. They are a hilarious duo that incorporates silly songs that offer a crude humor for college students.

Rock n’ Bowl

Friday, October 24 at 7:30pm, PSU Level 1 Game Center
Friday, October 31 at 7:30pm, PSU Level 1 Game Center
Free bowling, table tennis and billiards in Level One Game Center.

Movie: The Purge Anarchy

Wednesday, October 29 at 9pm, PSU Theatre
Sunday, November 2 at 9pm, PSU Theatre
Free movie in the PSU Theatre.  Check out SAC Events Blog for more information.

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Veteran’s Ball

Friday, October 24 at 5:30pm, Tower Club
Veteran Student Organization will host a Veteran Ball as an omage to their military service. All community members are invited. Additional details will be provided closer to the event.

Open to current students, future students, family of students, alumni, faculty, staff, community, visitors.

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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!

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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)

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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

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KSMU Public Radio Fall Fundraiser

October 16-24, Strong 115
Ozarks Public Broadcasting will be holding its fall fundraiser from October 16th to October 24th. This fundraiser is in place to help raise money for KSMU Public Radio. Volunteers can sign up for shifts one hour at a time and will be in the phone bank taking pledges from listeners. Free food and drink will be provided during your shift. Go to Volunteer Spot to sign up!

Contact: Tana Aguas
Phone: 417-836-4402
E-mail: TanaAguas@MissouriState.edu

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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

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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 1-24^th. 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!

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Athletics

For a review of events that have already happened, please visit our Athletics Blog Page.

• Friday, October 24, Field Hockey vs. Miami Ohio, 4pm, Allison North Stadium
• Friday, October 24, Volleyball vs. Bradley, 7pm, Hammons Student Center
• Saturday, October 25, W Soccer vs. Loyola, 1pm, Allison South Stadium
• Saturday, October 25, M Soccer vs. Bradley, 6pm, Allison South Stadium
• Saturday, October 25, Volleyball vs. Loyola Chicago, 7pm, Hammons Student Center
• Friday, October 31, D2 Ice Hockey vs. University of Central Oklahoma, Mediacom Ice Park
• Saturday, November 1, D2 Ice Hockey vs. University of Central Oklahoma, Mediacom Ice Park

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Campus Recreation

• How about some Bubble Soccer?! Sign up on imleagues.com to register for this year’s game!  Men’s and women’s divisions are available for this October 25^th FREE tournament from 10AM-12PM.  Donations will be accepted for #AllieStrong.  For more info on bubble soccer, check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQQo08CPGm8

• Trick or treat your way to the top of the climbing wall with this year’s Creepy Crawly Costume Candy Climb!  On October 29^th 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 30^th 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!

• Mark your calendar for October 27^th, 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 48^th 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 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.

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