Safety First

Statewide Tornado Drill – Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

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On Tuesday, March 2, 2021*, Missouri will hold its annual statewide tornado drill at 10:00 a.m. Missouri State University participates in this annual drill. It provides a good test and review of our tornado procedures. During this drill, all faculty, staff and students are asked to react in accordance with the University’s Emergency Action Plan Severe Weather and Tornado Procedures. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these procedures before the drill. For a complete list of shelter locations, go to the Building Evacuation and Shelter Locations Reference Chart.

Tornado Facts

  • Tornado sirens are designed as a warning for people outdoors.
  • Wind speeds can reach in excess of 300 mph.
  • Paths of destruction can be more than a mile wide and 50 miles long.
  • Tornadoes can occur at any time of day, but most frequently occur between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
  • Tornadoes in Missouri peak March through June, but can occur at any time of year.
  • Missouri has averaged 46.7 tornadoes per year.
  • Missouri is in the top 10 states that experience tornadoes and is part of “Tornado Alley”.
  • The U.S. averages 70 deaths per year from tornadoes.
  • Tornadoes are measured on the Enhanced Fujita Tornado Scale (EF) and can be EF0 – EF5 rated; only a few (0.1%) in the United States annually achieve EF5 status.

Be Smart. Stay Safe!

*Should hazardous weather be a threat, the drill will be postponed until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 4th.

Spring 2021 COVID-19 testing and return to campus

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As students, faculty and staff return to campus for the spring 2021 semester, COVID-19 testing will be required for students living on campus and broadly available for everyone else. 

Requirements for students living on campus 

Students who will be living in on–campus housing are required to be tested for COVID-19 or show they meet other criteria before they will be able to move back in. 

On-campus students must be tested for COVID-19 OR meet one of the following criteria:

  • Have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken on or after Jan. 6, 2021.
  • Have proof of testing positive for COVID-19 on or after Oct. 10, 2020, and have been released from isolation.

Students who meet one of these criteria should bring documentation to Hammons Student Center during the times listed below.

Students who choose not to be tested and who do not meet the other criteria must quarantine in on-campus quarantine housing for 10 days.

Students MUST check-in at Hammons Student Center before moving back into residence hall

When returning to campus, on–campus students should first report to Hammons Student Center, 661 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway. 

Testing and check-in will be available during the following times: 

  • Tuesday-Thursday, Jan. 5-7: 1-4 p.m. 
  • Friday-Sunday, Jan. 8-10: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Required testing will also be available to on-campus students 1-4 p.m. Jan. 11-15 at Plaster Student Union 400.

Students should NOT return to campus outside of these times. They will not be allowed to move in until they check in.

Students living on campus during the spring semester received an email from residence life on Dec. 18 with additional details.

Testing for other students, faculty and staff 

Students who live off campus, faculty and staff can get tested through the university’s existing testing processes.  

People with symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested at Magers Health Center. 

If you have COVID symptoms and need to schedule a COVID-19 test, schedule your same day appointment online by going to MyHealth Portal. 

For people with symptoms: Schedule a test

Those with no symptoms can get tested through the university’s asymptomatic testing process. 

Learn about asymptomatic testing options

Get COVID-19 tested prior to Thanksgiving break

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Students, faculty and staff may be travelling to see loved ones or hosting loved ones for the Thanksgiving break. This year, it is especially important to protect yourself and your loved ones during your time together by masking, social distancing and washing your hands. The university has expanded asymptomatic testing for the week before Thanksgiving break.

Before Thanksgiving break

Saliva-based testing is available for those without symptoms on the following schedule. We recommend being tested three business days before you plan to depart from campus.

Testing schedule

  • Monday, Nov. 16: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Glass Hall east lobby.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 17: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Foster Recreation Center lobby.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 18: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Meyer Library lobby.
  • Thursday, Nov. 19: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Plaster Student Union east lobby, second floor.
  • Friday, Nov. 20: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Plaster Student Union east lobby, second floor.
  • Saturday, Nov. 21: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Garst Dining Center entrance.
  • Sunday, Nov. 22: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Garst Dining Center entrance.
  • Monday, Nov. 23: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Meyer Library lobby.

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested at Magers Health and Wellness Center rather than through these testing locations. Please schedule your same day testing appointment online by going to MyHealth Portal.

During Thanksgiving break

Take COVID-19 safety precautions during Thanksgiving whether you are on or off campus.

Follow the CDC holiday guidance for lowering your risk of exposure while celebrating, including:

  • Limiting social gatherings to people who live with you.
  • Wearing masks around people who don’t live with you.
  • Protecting friends and family members who may be at high risk for more serious illness by maintaining at least 6 feet of distance, especially while eating and drinking.

If you test positive during break, stay home and away from other people and notify the COVID-19 Response Team.

After Thanksgiving break

If you develop symptoms after you return to campus, isolate yourself from others and contact Magers Health and Wellness Center to schedule a test.

Stay up-to-date on COVID‑19 news, details and changes around campus by regularly checking the COVID-19 Information Center.

Fall Test of the Missouri State Alert system

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The fall test of the Missouri State Alert system will occur on Tuesday, September 29th at 10:50 a.m. The test will provide an email to all members of the campus community. It will also send a text and voice message to those that have provided this information. If you do not receive this test via the methods you desire, please go to the Missouri State Alert website to manage your preferences or to learn more about this vital communications tool. This test provides a good opportunity to review your emergency plans.

Also, if you want to have the latest safety information, subscribe to the Safety First blog. Safety tips and crime information is posted throughout the semester. Finally, if you need additional information, please visit the University Safety website.

Missouri State Highway Patrol displays vehicles for Criminology students

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On August 21, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., the Missouri State Highway Patrol will have multiple vehicles on campus between Kemper Hall and Bear Park South. The vehicles are on display for Criminology students. For additional information about the event contact Diane Leamy.

This is also a good reminder to update your contact information in the Missouri State Alert system. This system notifies the campus of emergencies and actions to take. You can confirm your contact information at the Missouri State Alert Preference site.