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.

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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.

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Women’s History Month

March 1 – 31
This month pays tribute to the generations of women whose commitment to nature and the planet have proved invaluable to society. The celebration was met with positive response, and schools began to host their own Women’s History Week programs. The next year, leaders from the California group share their project at a Women’s History Institute at Sarah Lawrence College. Other participants not only became determined to begin their own local Women’s History Week projects but also agreed to support an effort to have Congress declare a national Women’s History Week. In 1981, Sen. Oran Hatch (R-UT) and Rep. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) cosponsored the first Joint Congressional Resolution proclaiming a “Women’s History Week.” In 1987, the National Women’s History Project petitioned Congress to expand the celebration to the entire month of March. Since then, the National Women’s History Month Resolution has been approved every year with bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.

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Irish American Heritage Month

March 1 – 31
March is designated as Irish American Heritage Month to recognize the contribution that Irish immigrants and their descendants have played in the formation of our Nation. Among those contributions are nine signers of the Declaration of Independence, over twenty of Washington’s generals, the first man to hold a commission in the United States Navy, over 190,000 Irish born Americans who fought in the Civil War, pioneering women such as Nellie Bly and Christa McAuliffe, the inventor of the modern submarine and 253 Medal of Honor recipients who list the place of their birth as Ireland.

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Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March 1 – 31
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month thanks to a 1987 Presidential Proclamation which was the direct result of the advocacy efforts of The Arc. A lot has changed since then: more people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are living and thriving in their communities rather than in institutions, there are more opportunities in education and employment, more protections in health care, the legal system and other areas of human rights, there are more positive and accurate portrayals of people with I/DD in the arts, the list goes on. But we must remember that many of those advancements were hard won. Self-advocacy and advocacy on behalf of those with I/DD was the impetus for many of the positive changes in our society such as the proclamation that recognized DD Awareness Month.

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Student Commencement Speaker Application

March 20
Interested in applying to be a Student Commencement Speaker? Students graduating in May 2015 are eligble to speak at commencement.  The ideal student speech should endeavor to inspire and motiviate, while remaining relevant, encouraging, and memorable for not only their fellow graduates but all guests at Commencement.  One speaker will be chosen for each ceremony.

Student Commencement Speaker Application

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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:

1. Always sign in at: my.missouristate.edu
2. 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

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Events

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.

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Career Expo

Tuesday, February 24 at 1pm, JQH Arena
The Career Center is hosting their annual CAREER EXPO on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at the JQH Arena from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

This career fair is open to MSU, Drury, SBU, Evangel & College of the Ozarks students and alumni from ALL majors and academic programs.

The employers who attend will be from various industries and looking to fill internships as well as full-time positions.  School districts do not attend the Career Expo as they will attend Education Day on April 7 instead.

To see a list of the employers attending, click on this link: CAREER EXPO

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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

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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.

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Explore PSU

Event and Meeting Services

Wednesday, February 25 at 11:30am, Across form PSU Info Desk
Event and Meeting Services will be featured and there will be a surprise for every student that stops by.  In addition, Dining Services will provide snacks from Papa Johns.

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Ferguson: Dignity – Faith – Poverty

Thursday, February 26 at 7pm, Carrington 208 (Carrington Auditorium)
We invite you to join the conversation as we continue our “Faith and Life Matters” series with Mustafa Abdullah.

For more details visit our website: www.UMHE.org

Mustafa Abdullah

• Program Associate for the ACLU of Missouri
• Named one of 21 Kick-Ass Muslims Who Changed the Narrative in 2014 by Buzzfeed
• Co-Founded Muslims for Ferguson
• Recipient of the “Sunrise Award” from the I Am Love Campaign
• Member of the Alumni Speakers Bureau for the Interfaith Youth Core

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Missouri State Imrov

Monday, February 23 at 9pm, Carrington 208 (Carrington Auditorium)
Monday, March 2 at 9pm, Carrington 208 (Carrington Auditorium)
Join us in Carrington Auditorium at 9PM for a showcase of our most hilarious improv comedy teams! The show is always free and is considered appropriate for anyone 18+

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SAC Events

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

Film: If I Stay

Sunday, February 22 at 9pm, PSU Theatre
Come see the movie If I Stay.

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.

Film: Dear White People

Wednesday, February 25 at 9pm, PSU Theatre
Come see the movie Dear White People.

After Hours: Masquerade Ball

Thursday, February 26 at 9pm, PSU Ballroom
SAC and RHA partner to bring you a Masquerade Ball! Dance the night away while hiding your identity with a elegant mask!

Rock n’ Bowl: Neon Night

Friday, February 27 at 9pm, PSU Level 1 Game Center
Free bowling, ping-pong, and pool for students on Friday Nights in Level One Game Center.

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Shattering the Silences: “A Dialogue”

Wednesday, February 25 at 5:30pm, PSU Theater
“A Dialogue” is a staged reading of a conversation between James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni on the subject of race.  Though the conversation was transcribed in the 1970’s, it is filled with points that are still pertinent in the 2010’s.

Registration is free and open to the public but please RSVP at fctl@missouristate.edu

Refreshments are provided by Division for Diversity and Inclusion

The reading will be under the direction of MSU Assistant Professor of Dance, Darrly K. Clark.

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Spring Family Day 2015

Saturday, March 21 at 1pm, Hammons Field

Invite your family to Spring Family Day 2015, March 21^st! 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 110^th anniversary of the founding of our university. In addition, we celebrate 10 years as Missouri State University. Questions? Ask Priscilla at pchildress@missouristate.edu.

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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)

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Foreign Language Institute

Learn language for your next vacation!

The Foreign Language Institute is offering a series of courses, designed for travelers. The next time you go on vacation you can ask for your food in the target language without having to be just another tourist. These courses are designed for the students, whether you are traveling to do business, adopt a child, for vacation, or any reason.  We can help you learn necessary words and phrases to make your experience one to remember. Courses cost $150 and are available at fli.missouristate.edu under “Non-Credit Registration” and the “Register Now” button. (MSU employees may also register on LMS.)

Courses run for eight weeks from March 16 until May 7 and are taught for two hours, one day per week. We look forward to meeting your language needs and introducing you to all that the Foreign Language Institute can offer. For more information email: fli@missouristate.edu or call 417-836-5497.

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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

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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/

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Athletics

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

• Friday, February 20, Tennis vs. Arkansas State, 11am, Cooper Tennis Complex
• Saturday, February 21, Tennis vs. South Dakota St, 3pm, Cooper Tennis Complex
• Wednesday, February 25, M Basketball vs. Bradley, 7:05pm, JQH Arena
• Friday, February 27, Baseball vs. UCS, 3:05pm, Hammons Field
• Friday, February 27, W Basketball vs. Northern Iowa, 7:05pm, JQH Arena
• Saturday, February 28, Softball vs. Saint Louis, 2pm, Killian Stadium
• Saturday, February 28, Baseball vs. UCA, 2:05pm, Hammons Field
• Saturday, February 28, Softball vs. SEMO, 4pm, Killian Stadium
• Sunday, March 1, Softball vs. UMKC, 10am, Killian Stadium
• Sunday, March 1, Baseball vs. UCA, 1:05pm, Hammons Field
• Sunday, March 1, W Basketball vs. Drake, 2:05pm, JQH Arena

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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 21^st.  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 1^st, so get your team together and register on imleagues.com by February 25^th!
• 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

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