What Makes a university more like a community?
Being a Missouri State Bear doesn’t end at the classroom door. Our students deserve a full, rewarding
campus experience.
One of Missouri State’s missions is to develop educated citizens. Our wide range of programs helps us meet this goal. Students may join university programs for educational, fun, entertainment or social purposes. They may be a part of programs that help them gain professional, leadership and career skills.
You can help us as we expand university programs in important, student-centered ways.
What are university programs?
Programs are activities and opportunities that happen outside of the classroom. Programs engage students, complement our curriculum and enhance the university experience.
Examples of programs include:
- National Collegiate Athletic Association teams.
- University governance organizations.
- Student clubs and social organizations.
- Arts and cultural organizations.
- Multicultural programs and services.
- Recreation, health and wellness offerings.
- Resources and success centers (i.e.,
- Disability Resource Center, Trio
- Student Support Services, Counseling Center, tutoring and peer-mentoring).
- Family programs.
- Services for select groups of students, such as first-generation and veterans.
- Career and financial-aid advising.
How do students benefit from university programs?
Common experiences can create bonds for Bears that help them to feel more connected. Programs positively affect students’ emotional, intellectual, social and personal development.
Programs can:
- Lead to more academic success.
- Help us retain students by making them feel empowered and involved.
- Help students make friends and build relationships across campus.
- Inspire commitment to Missouri State’s public affairs mission and allow students to make a difference.
- Instill university pride and ensure MSU traditions continue.
- Allow students to gain skills, such as working with others, negotiating, communicating, managing conflict and leadership.
Celebrate diversity and increase - Bears’ appreciation for both differences and similarities.
- Enhance skills in critical thinking and time management.
- Help students gain self-confidence and more autonomy.
- Enrich the community through arts and culture events, economic development and productive partnerships.
Why are gifts for programs important?
Your gift will allow us to do more than we could ever do on our own. Donors to programs may help us expand how many students can participate, what types of materials or equipment we can offer, and where we can travel to learn, compete or participate.
- Programs also give students more time with faculty or staff mentors.
- Lastly, they afford Bears more opportunities for adventures! These include being a student-athlete, education abroad, participating in the arts and more.
Why is now a great time to support university programs?
- We think programs are so important that we made them one of four priority areas in Onward, Upward: The Campaign for Missouri State.
- With your support, we will be able to show prospective and current Bears that we are dedicated to offering them a campus life that is second-to-none. Thank you!
This article was originally published in Advancements Magazine Spring 2022 issue.
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