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.
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.
Homecoming
October 12-18
For a message from the Homecoming Committee, visit our Guest Blog.
See below for individual event information.
Refund Deadline
October 15
Today is the last day to change sections, drop, or withdraw from fall 2014 Full Semester classes, with 25% refund.
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 http://www.missouristate.edu/bursar/66337.htm.
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.
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.
Carrie’s Café Opens
Tuesday, October 21 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.
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.
Clothesline Project
Monday, October 27 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.
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.
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
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.
Homecoming
Find out more about Homecoming by looking at our Guest Blog.
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.
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.
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!
LGBT History Month
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.
Mo State Student/Faculty Fitness Face-Off
Tuesday, October 21 at 10am, Freddy Lawn (McDonald Area is the inclement weather location)
This event will have multiple booths including Crop Fit, an obstacle course, football toss, deskercise and many more that encourage healthy behavior as well as fostering relationships between students and faculty and staff. We are asking students to challenge a professor or other staff member to participate.
Opportunity (Career) Fair
Tuesday, October 21 at 10am, PSU Ballroom West
The Career Center is sponsoring an Opportunity Fair for students of all class levels to learn about and network with a variety of employers, graduate, and professional schools.
This Opportunity Fair will have exhibitors with part-time, internship, volunteer, and full-time job opportunities available, both paid and unpaid.
Exhibitors in attendence will be representing the non-profit, government, healthcare, law enforcement sectors amongst other industries, as well as a variety of graduate and professional schools and their programs.
SAC Events
Find out more about SAC films, concerts, and comedy by looking at our SAC Events Blog.
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, 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.
Rock n’ Bowl
Friday, October 17 at 7:30pm, PSU Level 1 Game Center
Friday, October 24 at 7:30pm, PSU Level 1 Game Center
Free bowling, table tennis and billiards in Level One Game Center.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
- 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
- Saturday, October 18, Football vs. South Dakota, 2pm, Plaster Stadium
- Saturday, October 18, D3 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 vs. La Salle, 11am, Allison North Stadium
- 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
Campus Recreation
- 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!
- 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.
Week two of the summer session brings us two more groups of SOAR students from the class of 2015. It’s also week two for Camp Bear, the fun experience for young future Bears (age 9-13) who take academic enrichment classes and have lots of fun on campus during the day. This week they will be joined by the kids in Camp Bear International, a cooperative program between the English Language Institute and Camp Bear. These kids get a chance to improve their English skills in classes in the morning, and then have fun in the Camp Bear afternoon sessions.