Faculty encouraged to attend Showcase

As we prepare for a new semester, I would encourage each of our faculty members to participate in the 30^th Showcase on Teaching and Learning this Wednesday. Highlights will include morning workshops presented by our faculty and the Showcase luncheon and keynote address presented by Dr. Michele DiPietro from Kennesaw State University. Dr. DiPietro is one of the co-authors of the book How Learning Works: Seven Research-Based Principles for Smart Teaching. He is a notable speaker on learning from the student’s perspective and provides practical approaches for leveraging how students learn into college teaching.

All workshops and the luncheon will be on the third floor of PSU. Walk-up registrations will be accepted.

Help welcome students back to campus

Later this week we will be welcoming new and returning students to campus. We want to make this transition as effortless as possible for our students and their parents. I would encourage each of you to participate in the following upcoming events designed to make our students feel a sense of belonging here at Missouri State.

Join the Bear Crew

Move in begins for most students at 8 a.m. on Friday. Students in a living-learning community or the Honors College may move in early beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday. We have a tradition of having “Bear Crew” teams of faculty and staff at the residence halls to help students and their families carry their belongings to their rooms. If you have registered to be part of this year’s Bear Crew, please plan to come out and join us. If you have not registered but still want to help, please send an email to Glenda Admire or call 836-4779.

Participate in Welcome Weekend activities

Following move in, we have a number of events for our new and returning students during Welcome Weekend. These events include a See You Later Brunch at 11 a.m. on Saturday, New Student Convocation at 2 p.m. on Sunday and the New Student Festival at 3 p.m. on Sunday. See the full schedule of Welcome Weekend events.

Help make ‘House Calls’ on Aug. 26

Finally, this year’s Residence Hall House Calls will begin at 5:15 p.m. Aug. 26. During House Calls, faculty and staff reach out to residence hall students and give them an opportunity to interact with faculty, staff and administrators on a more personal level. By visiting individual rooms in the residence halls, volunteers welcome students, help determine if they need any assistance and answer any questions they may have. I participate in House Calls each year, and I would encourage each of you to participate as well. You can sign up for House Calls by completing the online form.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!