
Tell us about yourself. My name is Cara Connor I am a senior majoring in Communication with double minors in Ethical Leadership and Advertising & Promotions. After I finish my undergraduate degree, I plan to obtain my Masters in Higher Education & Student Affairs. Some of my hobbies and interest include hiking, gardening, and binge-watching TV shows.
How did you get involved in the Student Government Association? Why was it important to you? I got involved with Student Government Association (SGA) because of my friends encouraging me to join. After learning more about what SGA does on campus I was super interested in seeing how I could become involved with this awesome organization. This eventually led me to apply for the position of Director of Student Affairs.
SGA is important to me because it focuses on improving student life and activities on Missouri State’s campus. Additionally, as a future higher education professional, I believe this position will teach me numerous things that I utilize in my future career.
You were named Director of Student Affairs for the Student Body Association. What are your goals for this position? What does this position do for the SGA? In the position of Director of Student Affairs, I support student success, foster student engagement, inspire commitment to public affairs, and instill pride and tradition while working with 25 departments across the Missouri State campus.
My goals for this position is to finish up on-going projects for scholarships and new campus improvements. Things I hope to work on in this position is adding additional resources for first-generation students, SGA sponsored scholarships, and resources for non-traditional students.
You are very involved on campus. Why do you think students should be involved on campus? What are the benefits? How can new students get involved on campus? I believe students should get involved on campus because it offers so many opportunities to find friends, develop leadership skills, and discover their passions. The best ways to get involved on campus are to check out Campus Link to learn more about organizations and reach out to the organization’s president to find out how you can become involved with their organization.
What are some tips you have for our new Bears as they start college in August?
-Utilize free resources on campus like Counseling sessions, the Bear CLAW, Multicultural Resource Center, and Career Center
-Join at least one organization on campus
-Don’t go home until Missouri State University feels like home
-Check out all the free events put on by the Student Activities Council
-Walk your class schedule before classes start to become more familiar with campus
-Get to know your roommates and the people on your floor
-Download the Missouri State App so you have access to all the dining menus, the bear line shuttle, and your class schedule
What is your favorite Missouri State tradition? Why? My favorite Missouri State tradition is getting a picture with the Bear Statue outside the Plaster Student Union. This is my favorite tradition because it is the first one I completed on campus when I toured Missouri State’s campus. I also love this tradition because the Bear statue also dresses up for big events that happen on campus like tailgates and graduation.
What advice do you have for family members as they start college in August? My advice to family members to give your students time to grow, although it may be hard not to call your student every second of the day to see what they are up to it’s important to give them space to become independent. I recommend setting up a specific time each week that you call and catch up with your student. This allows them the space they need but also gives you plenty of time to keep in touch with them.
You are a SOAR (Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration) Leader. What are the benefits of SOAR for our new students? Why did you want to work with our incoming Bears? SOAR allows you to understand the resources that Missouri State provides for students, make connections with fellow students, and start to become more familiar with the Missouri State campus. SOAR is an extremely important resource to help students adjust to college life.
I wanted to work with incoming Bears because of how much I enjoyed my SOAR experience as an incoming student. In my time at SOAR I was able to become more comfortable with the campus, start to prepare myself for college, and make connections with other students in my field of study. I truly believe my transition to college would have been substantially different if I did not have the experience of SOAR that helped prepare me for the transition.