The beginning of the fall semester is an exciting time at Missouri State. I hope you will read Inside Missouri State each week to stay informed about events and other happenings on campus.

Looking forward to a wonderful fall

We have many important events planned in the next several months, including:

• Ozarks Celebration Festival on Sept. 9 – 11
• Public Affairs Week on Sept. 12 – 19
• Hunger Banquet at 5 p.m. on Sept. 12 in the PSU Ballroom
• Civic Engagement Conference 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 14 in the PSU Ballroom
• Fall Showcase on Sept. 24
• Homecoming activities on Oct. 10 – 15
• Family Weekend on Oct. 28 – 30
• Public Affairs Convocation featuring Sonia Nazario at 7 p.m. on Nov. 1 at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
• Veterans Day Taps Cascade at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 11 on the South Mall
• President’s Holiday Open House at 2 p.m. on Dec. 6 in the PSU Ballroom

Support your Football Bears Sept. 1

Home football games and tailgating at Bearfest Village are fall traditions for our students, faculty and staff. This year our first home football game is on Labor Day weekend. To allow students to attend the game and be part of Bearfest Village, we decided to schedule the game for the night of Thursday, Sept. 1.

We recognize Thursday night games present disruptions on campus. We have taken a number of steps to minimize these disruptions. These steps include:

• Subject to supervisory approval, most faculty and staff will be released from work at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1. Staff scheduled to work between 4 and 5 p.m. will be paid for the time they are regularly scheduled to work during that period even though they may have been released from work. Talk to your supervisor if you have not yet been told whether you will be released at 4 p.m. on Thursday.
• All parking lots will be open all day on Thursday, Sept. 1 with only two exceptions — Lot 4 and part of Lot 22 will be closed starting at 6 a.m.

Please make time to join the festivities on Sept. 1. A variety of campus groups will have tents at Bearfest Village, including Staff Senate, Athletic Boosters, International Programs and more. Faculty and staff are encouraged to purchase tickets to eat at the alumni tent ($10 in advance and $15 at the door.

After the tailgate, cheer on our Bears to victory against Southwestern College, and take in the halftime show by the Pride Marching Band. All employees get their tickets to the game for half price.

Check out the full schedule for football and other athletic programs on the athletic department’s new website.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!