Student Government Association Blog

Your Student Body. Your Student Voice. SGA.

Dear Missouri State

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It feels like yesterday I was driving from Independence to Springfield with my mom, sister and a car full of my belongings.

I didn’t know what I was getting myself into.

A family achievement

When I was young and living in Saudi Arabia and Syria, going to college was a dream. A dream that many kids in countries like the ones I lived in have, but do not achieve.

Going to college was a big deal for my family and me. As I was moving into Wells House, it was the start of truly seeing my mom’s sacrifice being paid off. She fled her home country, Somalia, because of a war, and settled in Saudi Arabia to start a family.

She later moved to Syria for better opportunities. After several years, she wanted her kids to have the best opportunity possible and migrated to America. All of this took a lot of sacrifice from her so that I could be in the position that I am today.

‘Being a Bear is a privilege and an honor’

Missouri State gave me everything and more. I remember my freshman year Welcome Weekend and how fun everything was. I was meeting new people and slowly feeling more comfortable. As each year went on, more opportunities started to come. I continued to accept every opportunity that came up because if not now, then when?

College is supposed to be a time to challenge yourself, get out of your comfort zone, and to have fun. Missouri State challenged me in ways that I didn’t think it would.

No matter what I was going through, there were many resources available for me. There were faculty and staff members who were there to assist me and an advisor that I could email any of my questions to. The beauty of going through struggles is the opportunity to grow and learn. Missouri State helped me do just that.

Being a Bear may mean loving the fountain, knowing the fight song, being able to explain the public affairs mission, supporting our athletics or loving Clif Smart so much that you probably thought about inviting him to your wedding one day. To me, being a Bear is a privilege and an honor. It means that you have pride in yourself and confidence that you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

‘To the Class of 2020: You did it’

As this chapter closes, I will always cherish the past four years. I was scared when I first came to Missouri State, but quickly, Missouri State made me feel comfortable and took me in with open arms.

Although these past four years cannot be celebrated with a traditional graduation ceremony in May, it still does not take away all of the sacrifices many of those graduating this spring made. To the Class of 2020: You did it. You all have made many people proud. We will always be Bears.

Missouri State, thank you for teaching me valuable skills that will help me for the rest of my life. Thank you for teaching me how to be a servant leader and helping others as much as possible. Thank you for teaching me that no dream is too big. No matter where life takes me, I will always cherish the moments I had here.

Missouri State, thank you for making my dream come true.

SGA Approves Extension of Library Hours during Finals Week

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Student Government Association has approved a resolution in support of extending Meyer Library’s hours of operation during final examination periods to 24 hours per day.

The Student Government Association passed a similar resolution in the spring of 2011 to extend the library’s hours until 2 a.m. throughout the year. Considering that students have used the library heavily during these extended hours, SGA and the Meyer Library staff are excited to see the turnout during “Finals Week.”

After considering student feedback regarding the library’s hours of operation, the library staff and Thomas Peters, dean of library services, will provide 24-hour support during the final examination period this fall.

Instead of its regular hours of 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Mon-Thurs, beginning Sun. Dec. 9 through Thurs. Dec 13, Meyer Library will stay open non-stop.

Students present in the library during these extended hours can expect various promotions from the library staff aimed at keeping students motivated for their exams.

For more information, please contact Riana Sears, Chief Communications Officer at Riana21@live.missouristate.edu.

Wheelchair ramp to be added to Bear Paw

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The Student Government Association has approved a resolution that will provide for a wheelchair ramp to be added to the “Bear Paw” of Missouri State’s “North Mall” in front of the Plaster Student Union.

The addition of the wheelchair ramp exemplifies both SGA’s and Missouri State’s commitment to an inclusive and accommodating environment. This project also places the Bear Paw in adherence with disability guidelines.

The Student Government Association is grateful to the Office of Student Affairs, as Dr. Earle Doman, dean of student affairs, has offered to fund this project in support of a movement towards a continuously diverse campus community.

For more information, please contact Riana Sears, Chief Communications Officer at Riana21@live.missouristate.edu.

SGA Commends Presidential Search Committee

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The Student Government Association recently drafted and sent a resolution to the Presidential Search Committee commending their selection of Clifton Smart III as the 11th president of the university on Oct. 16, 2012.

Smart had been interim president since June 27, 2011. During his term as interim president, Missouri State set an enrollment record on the Springfield campus for fall 2012, broke the record for private gifts in a single year and hired the first permanent vice president for diversity.

The Student Government Association has noted and greatly appreciated the countless hours the search committee devoted to interviewing and discussing applicants for the position, selecting two well-qualified finalists and then selecting Clif Smart as the next university president.

The Student Government Association is excited to continue working and collaborating with President Smart. To express this sentiment, a copy of the resolution was sent to Joe Turner, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee; Gordon Elliott, Chair of the Board of Governors; and Clif Smart, President of Missouri State University.

For more information, please contact Riana Sears, Chief Communications Officer at Riana21@live.missouristate.edu.

SGA Co-Sponsors First Annual Senior Celebration Week

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Missouri State University’s Student Government Association has teamed up with Student Activities Council to present the first annual Senior Celebration Week.

The celebration, held during the last week of classes, will consist of special events for students who have filed their intent to graduate in addition to discounts across campus.

In order to participate in events and gain access to discounts, graduating seniors must pick up their Senior Celebration Week Pass Card during the week of April 23-27. Tables will be set up from 10 am to 2 pm Monday through Thursday, with locations inside the PSU on Monday and Tuesday and between the PSU and Siceluff Hall on Wednesday and Thursday.

Events for the week include a last lecture series on Monday, May 7th at 7 pm in Carrington Auditorium, free late-night dining in Blair-Shannon Dining Hall from 9 to 11 pm on Tuesday, May 8th, and a Senior Picnic on the North Mall from 11 am to 2 pm on Thursday, May 10th.

More information about Senior Celebration Week can be found online at: http://www.facebook.com/SeniorCelebrationWeek2012

For more information, please contact Paige Oxendine, Chief Communications Officer, at Oxendine100@live.missouristate.edu.