Information/Deadlines
African American History Month
February 1 – 28
Carter G. Woodson and the organization he founded, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), conceived and announced Negro History Week in 1925. The event was the first celebrated during a week in February 1926 that encompassed the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The response was overwhelming: Black history clubs sprang up; teachers demanded materials to instruct their pupils; and progressive whites, not simply scholars and philanthropists, stepped forward to endorse the effort. By the time of Woodson’s death in 1950, Negro History Week had become a central part of African American life and substantial progress had been made by bringing more Americans to appreciate the celebration. At mid-century, mayors of cities nationwide issued proclamations noting Negro History Week. The Black Awakening of the 1960s dramatically expanded the consciousness of African Americans about the importance of black history, and the Civil Rights movement focused Americans of all color on the subject of the contributions of African Americans to our history and culture. The celebration was expanded to a month in 1976, the nation’s bicentennial. President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” That year, fifty years after the first celebration, the association held the first African American History Month. By this time, the entire nation had come to recognize the importance of Black history in the drama of the American story. Since then each American president has issued African American Heritage Month proclamations.
President’s Day
February 16
Presidents’ Day Holiday – no classes/offices closed.
Monday Evening Classes Meet/Wed Evening Classes Do Not Meet
February 18
Monday evening classes (4:00pm or later) will meet today and Wednesday evening classes (4:00pm or later) will not meet. This is to compensate for holidays.
Last Day to Drop, Withdraw, or Delcare Pass/Not Pass or Audit for First Block Classes
February 16
Pass/Not Pass and Audit changes must be processed through the Office of the Registrar, Carrington Hall-Room 320. Drops and withdrawals can be processed online at My Missouri State, until midnight of the deadline day. If you have a hold on your account preventing the use of the web registration system to drop a class, contact the Office of the Registrar prior to midnight on the deadline day. Office hours are 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. After 5:00 pm, email Registrar@missouristate.edu from your University email account, or fax 417-836-6334.
Haven
Haven is a required online course for all in-coming freshmen and transfer students to complete to initiate understanding of consent, sexual assault, relationship violence, and bystander intervention. If this course is not completed by the student prior to the student’s spring registration date within the student’s first year at Missouri State University, a Registration Hold will be placed on the student’s account. This hold will be lifted from the account once completion of Haven has occurred.
To Log In:
- Always sign in at: my.missouristate.edu
- After signing in, go under the Academics tab and find the New Student or Transfer Student section. Within this square, there is a training section and the Haven link is in this area. To access Haven, choose the link and you can begin.
Course problems? Contact Emma Rapp, Dean of Students Graduate Assistant at Rapp703_@missouristate.edu or at (417) 836-6087
Those with disabilities who may not be able to access Haven because of the instructional format or design of the training program may request an accommodation by contacting the Disability Resource Center at drc@missouristate.edu or 417-836-4192
Events
ABC Black History Week
Sunday, February 8 – Friday, February 13
Game Night: Jeopardy
Wednesday, February 11 at 7pm, PSU 313
This free event is A.B.C’s rendition of the popular game show Jeopardy. The topics solely will be based on African-American history, culture, and celebrations. Attendees will be welcome to join the fun and will be divided in two different teams.
Sable Sensations
Wednesday, February 11 at 7pm, PSU 313
This free event is a celebration of the performance arts in the African-American history in the form of dance, song, poems, and monologues. The event will be featuring other Missouri State University multicultural organizations and other local talents.
Guest Speaker: Mustafa Abdullah
Thursday, February 26 at 7pm, TBA
The free event will be a guest speaker presentation with some discussion about the race relations in Ferguson and at Missouri State University and how to effectively bring about change.
ALICE/Active Shooter Training
Tuesday, February 17 at 3pm, Taylor Health and Wellness Conference Room
A.L.I.C.E., an active shooter response training, provides new and empowering options to students, faculty and staff allowing them freedom, in a violent situation, to react in any way necessary to save their lives and the lives of those around them. A.L.I.C.E. teaches concepts that are easy to remember and simple to apply. This program will raise your awareness and get you thinking about survival mentality. You will learn concepts from earlier identification of a violent events, to having an escape plan in mind, to countermeasure options when face to face with the assailant. Food will be provided. Please reserve your spot by contacting Jerilyn at 417-836-4045 or jerilynreed@missouristate.edu. There is no cost to attend this program.
Missouri State University trained A.L.I.C.E. instructors will be leading this training.
After Ferguson: What’s Next?
Thursday, February 12 at 6:45pm, Carrington 208
An examination of the issues and response posed by Ferguson and related events.
Panelists:
- Dr. Alisa Warren, Executive Director of Missouri Commission on Human Rights
- Wes Pratt, MSU Equal Opportunity Officer
- Briana Simmons, Student Black Bear President
- Caleb Hearon, Ambassador
Boko Haram: Taming the Monster
Thursday, February 19 at 12:30pm, Strong Hall 301
This study examines the history and objectives of Boko Haram, a core Salafi religious group in Nigeria. As the study argues, Boko Haram could be understood in two paradignamic ways – as agitation against the Nigerian states and as ‘internal dialogue’ within Islam. Beyond these analyses, the study’s main preoccupation is how best to counter and control Boko Haram and any other group that could derail Nigeria.
Dr. Bukola Oyeniyi is an assistant professor in the History Department.
Carnations for your Cutie
Thursday, February 12 at 2pm, PSU
Gamma Phi Beta will be selling carnations for valentines day to support our philanthropy.
Chinese New Year Celebration Week
Tuesday, February 17 – Satruday, February 21
Chinese New Year is an important traditional Chinese holiday celebrated at the turn of the Chinese calendar. In China, it is also known as the Spring Festival, which means the first day of the Season of Spring. Traditionally, Chinese people call the New Year “Nian” (pinyin: Nián), and “Guo Nian” (pinyin: guò Nián) is commonly used to refer to the act of celebrating the arrival of the Chinese New Year.
To celebrate Chinese New Year at Missouri State University, the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Office of China Programs together present you a week long Chinese New Year Celebration (Feb. 17 – 21). It will be a cultural fest to exhibit Chinese arts, handcrafts, music and other traditions and customs. You are invited to come to experience the new culture and to celebrate the fes`tival with us.
For the daily schedule, please see the following link:http://china.missouristate.edu/ChineseNewYear.htm
Eating Disorder Screenings
Monday, February 23 – Friday, February 27 at 10am-3pm, Carrington Hall 311
The Counseling and Testing Center will offer FREE Eating Disorder Screenings Monday-Friday, February 23-27, 2015 in Carrington Hall, Room 311. No appointment necessary, just walk in between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm for your free screening. You may contact the Counseling and Testing Center at 417.836.5116 for more information.
Explore PSU
Traditions Council
Thursday, February 12 at 11:30am, Across form PSU Info Desk
The Traditions Council will be featured and there will be a surprise for every student that stops by. In addition, Dining Services will provide snacks from Panda Express.
Leadership
Tuesday, February 17 at 11:30am, Across form PSU Info Desk
The Leadership Development office will be featured and there will be a surprise for every student that stops by. In addition, Dining Services will provide a special treat.
Runaways | Musical Production
Thursday, February 12 at 7:30pm, Coger Theatre
Friday, February 13 at 7:30pm, Coger Theatre
Saturday, February 14 at 7:30pm, Coger Theatre
Sunday, February 15 at 2:30pm, Coger Theatre
Drawn from interviews and workshops with hundreds of teens, Runaways weaves together songs, dances, soliloquies and poems to expose the harsh reality of life on the streets.
The world of the runaways is a precarious one, fraught with emotional turbulence and myriad dangers. The characters — who span the spectrum of socio-economic, racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds —talk about why they ran away from home, their daily struggles and their hopes for the future. They are at once vulnerable and tough, and their stories are both touching and unsettling.
The setting is New York City in the late 1970s, yet the situations and experiences portrayed are all too familiar for many children and youth in Springfield, and around the world, today.
Composed in the ensemble style of Hair and A Chorus Line (which were also produced by Joseph Papp’s New York Shakespeare Festival/Public Theater), this musical combines childhood chants and nursery rhymes with the rhythms of rock, pop, reggae, rap, salsa, samba, country and blues.
Underlying all is the longing for a true home and family.
SAC Events
Find out more about SAC films, concerts, and comedy by looking at our SAC Events Blog.
Movie and Comedy: Movie Roast of the Notebook
Wednesday, February 11 at 9pm, PSU Theatre
Enjoy a humorous roast of the award winning movie: The Notebook!
Lectures: Gun Control Debate
Thursday, February 12 at 7pm, PSU Ballroom
John Lott and Paul Helmke will be debating on whether or not America has the proper regulations over firearms. They will discuss how guns come into play with small violations to mass murders. Dr. Lott is an advocate for less gun control, while Paul Helmke speaks for more profound regulation on firearms.
After Hours: That’s So Pinteresting
Thursday, February 12 at 9pm, PSU Food Court
SAC will provide materials ranging from canvas to mason jars for students to recreate all of their favorite Pinterest crafts. There will also be an iPad Giveaway.
Tarot-To-Go
Friday, February 13 at 11am, PSU Atrium
This program will bring a psychic to read the future of students. Students will have the fortune told and their names will be entered into a grand prize drawing that will be announced at the end of the event. Small prizes will be handed out periodically throughout the event.
Tarot-To-Go is a Unitarian Universalist walking a pagan path this lifetime, with the gifts of mediumship and divination. Tarot-To-Go’s goal is to empower clients to get what they want from life now. Along the way, Tarot-To-Go runs a non-profit with donations from readings that provides free food to the ill, elderly, home bound people in Southwest Missouri, along with pet food and pet supplies for animals.
After Hours: Chinese New Year
Thursday, February 19 at 9pm, PSU Ballroom
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with traditional festive activities and snacks!
Rock n’ Bowl: Mardi Gras
Friday, February 20 at 9pm, PSU Level 1 Game Center
Mardi Gras is coming to Rock N Bowl this week! Come on down to celebrate with free food, bowling and games!
Cultural Affairs: Nikki Skies
Monday, February 23 at 7pm, PSU Theater
Nikki Skies’ poem, One Day White Women, is a performance-lecture that encourages dialogue on race relations and beauty standards between Caucasian and African-American women.
SOFAC Training Presentations
To schedule a SOFAC training sessions for the 2014-2015 academic year please contact Nick Elliott, the Graduate Assistant or Kathryn Blair, the Student Specialist for SOFAC. We will train you during a personal meeting.
Please note that a member of your organization must attend a training session before being eligible for SOFAC funds.
Spring Family Day 2015
Saturday, March 21 at 1pm, Hammons Field
Invite your family to Spring Family Day 2015, March 21st! The highlight of the day is Family Day at Hammons Field where the Bears Baseball team will take on Indiana State University in an afternoon game. Join us as we celebrate the 110th anniversary of the founding of our university. In addition, we celebrate 10 years as Missouri State University. Questions? Ask Priscilla at pchildress@missouristate.edu.
Opportunities
For more opportunities, subscribe to the Community Opportunities Newsletter.
Food Assistance for Students
Mondays at 3pm-6pm while MSU is in session
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.
If you are interested in volunteering at the Well of Life, please click here to sign up!
Well of Life – MSU Student Food Pantry
418 S Kimbrough
Springfield, MO 65804
(Just across from the Qdoba near Bear Park North)
Ozark Literacy Council
Monday, February 23 at 4:30pm
Ozarks Literacy Council’s mission is to raise awareness and promote literacy through free programs for adults and children in southwest Missouri. Volunteers are key for carrying out that mission.
Volunteer readers go into the Special Education Preschools in Springfield three times a semester, lead a specially designed lesson around the book, and send children home with the book and a letter to parents. The books for the sessions are pre-selected and the lesson plans are pre-written by a Special Education Teacher. Training sessions are held to cover each book, lesson plan and activity.
There are three books that are to be read to classrooms between February 23 and the end of May. Each reading takes about 30 minutes. When you volunteer for this program you are committing to reading all three books to the same classroom. The dates and times are decided between you and the teacher. There are AM and PM classes available.
A mandatory training is scheduled on February 23 from 4:30 – 5:30. Volunteers will receive their materials at this meeting and learn how to read to the children. Please e-mail Becky to sign up for a time slot and RSVP for the training.
Contact: Becky Lucas
Phone: 417-616-0505
E-mail: blucas@ozarksliteracy.org
Website: http://www.ozarksliteracy.org
Sertoma Chili Cook Off
Friday, February 27 – Saturday, February 28, Springfield Expo Center
In its 34th Year of raising money for local children’s charities, this event has grown and improved year after year. The now famous event garners crowds in excess of 10,000 people and sells more “adult beverages” in 6 hours than an average high-volume bars sells in a year. You’ve probably heard about it…now it’s time to come see for yourself. The Miller Lite stage will host four entertainers and the Wild Turkey stage on the upper level will feature acoustic acts from 11AM – 4:30PM. Find more information here.
Many volunteer opportunities available! The event starts Feb. 27th and ends Feb. 28th. sign up here!
Location: Springfield Expo Center
Contact: Ashley Phillips
Email: aphillips@bgclubspringfield.org
Phone: 417-862-9249
Website: http://www.sertomachilicookoff.com/
Athletics
For a review of events that have already happened, please visit our Athletics Blog Page.
- Friday, February 13, W Basketball vs. Bradley, 7:05pm, JQH Arena
- Sunday, February 15, M Basketball vs. Northern Iowa, 3pm, JQH Arena
- Sunday, February 15, W Basketball vs. Loyola, 7:05pm, JQH Arena
- Wednesday, February 18, M Basketball vs. Indiana State, 7pm, JQH Arena
- Friday, February 21, Tennis vs. South Dakota St, 3pm, Cooper Tennis Complex
Campus Recreation
- Want to test your limits on the climbing wall? Your chance is almost here! Check out the Pumped or Stumped – an inaugural bouldering competition on February 21st. Check out the details on our website at http://www.missouristate.edu/recreation/OutdoorAdventures/ClimbingWall.htm
- SHARP Sessions will be held in the FRC again this semester! Three sessions will be sponsored by the Missouri State University Department of Safety and Transportation as well as by Campus Recreation Wellness. The classes are free so register for one of the following sessions! All sessions are from 6:30-9p.m.
Session 1: February 23 & 24
Session 2: March 30 & 31
Session 3: April 27 & 28
- Bump, set, spike. Get ready for this year’s Indoor Volleyball Tournament! This year’s competition will be held on March 1st, so get your team together and register on imleagues.com by February 25th!
- Interested in an Outdoor Adventure? All of our Spring 2015 trips are set so be sure to mark your calendars so you don’t miss out! All trips can be found online at missouristate.edu/recreation/outdooradventures, or stop by the FRC to pick up a brochure with all of our trip information.
- The Spring 2015 Intramural Schedule is set! Pick up yours in the FRC today!
- Face your Fear with this year’s Swim Lessons. We will offer three levels of swim lessons this spring. Fear of Water Lessons – Monday and Wednesday, 5:30-6PM. Beginner Swimming Lessons – Monday and Wednesday, 6:15-6:45PM. Intermediate Swimming Lessons – Monday and Wednesday, 7-7:30PM. Classes run from February 2-March 4 (no class on 2/16). $40 for members, $50 for nonmembers.
- Remember that the Foster Recreation Center offers the awesome services of Massage Therapy and Personal Training. More information can be found on our website at missouristate.edu/recreation