Starting with the Fall 2026 semester, Missouri State University is changing how we verify student participation for financial aid purposes. While students have always been expected to attend and participate in their courses, the process Missouri State uses to document that participation is changing.

This new process takes place during the first week of the semester and is designed to provide a consistent way for the University to verify that students receiving financial aid have begun participating in the courses for which they are enrolled.

What does this mean for students?

The most important change is that your participation at the beginning of the semester can now directly affect the processing of your financial aid.

Students should:

• Attend their classes during the first week of the semester.
• Participate in online courses and complete required activities.
• Review course materials and syllabi for participation expectations.
• Communicate with instructors if they cannot attend a class.
• Make appropriate arrangements with instructors when circumstances prevent them from participating as scheduled.

Simply being registered for a course does not necessarily establish participation.

What will instructors do?

Instructors will verify participation for students enrolled in their courses through the University’s faculty participation verification process. Initial verification will occur near the beginning of the semester. The process will also allow instructors to report participation for students who were added to a course after verification began. Students do not need to submit a separate participation form to the Office of Student Financial Aid.

What if I cannot attend during the first week?

We understand that circumstances sometimes prevent a student from attending a class.

If you cannot attend, communicate with your instructor as soon as possible and follow their instructions for participating in the course. Making appropriate arrangements with your instructor may allow your participation to be verified.

Do not assume that simply being registered for a course is sufficient.

Where can I learn more or get help?

To learn more, you can visit our page Participation Verification.

If you need assistance from our team, email us at VerifyParticipation@MissouriState.edu