After the last few weeks of having a pretty quiet campus, things are ramping back up.

Summer classes started yesterday. We’re always happy to have students back on campus although about 75% of summer school credit is earned online.

And SOAR started yesterday, too. When you see our incoming students and families on campus, smile and say, “Hi.” If they look lost or confused, ask if they need help.

After all the challenges we (and other universities) experienced with the rollout of the new FAFSA, fall enrollment looks promising. Some students are still making final decisions about where they’ll attend college — even when they’re attending SOAR. So, let’s make them feel welcome.

Tent Theatre starts this week. I plan on attending the Friday performance of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” which is one of my favorite shows. Tent is such an iconic part of summer in Springfield. I hope you’ll join me in catching one or more of the shows.

United Way Day of Caring

Bears have an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in southern Missouri this summer. Missouri State’s support for United Way will start earlier this year. In addition to signing up for group projects like in past years, there are several options for the campus community to participate in United Way’s Day of Caring on June 13.

Staff Appreciation Week

From June 17-21, we’re celebrating staff with a week of events.

We’ll start the week with MSU Family Night in Mother’s Backyard. Staff and their families are invited to attend.

I hope you’ll join me for a staff photo and cookies on Tuesday.

We’re closed Wednesday in recognition of the Juneteenth holiday.

Thursday, we invite you to stop by for free Pineapple Whip and share your appreciation for staff on social using the hashtag #MSUStaffShoutout.

We’ll close out the week with root beer floats and an early release at 3 p.m.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State. Go Bears!

Clif