Student Affairs Blog

Five Things – This Week in Student Affairs – October 1st

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Take a moment to see what’s happening in the Division of Student Affairs.

1. Lunch and Learn: Expressive Activity – Come join Dr. Siscoe for a Lunch and Learn on Expressive Activity on October 2nd from 12:00-1:00 in PSU 317. Guest speakers are Todd Revell and Gabrielle Catlin. Seating is limited please contact Peggyjones@missouristate.edu to reserve a seat. Bring your lunch, drinks and desert will be provided.

2.  US Naturalization Ceremony: Wednesday, October 16, 2024, Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.  Witness as those applicants in the United States Courts for the Western District of Missouri take their Oath of Allegiance and thereby complete the process of becoming a United States citizen. There will be a variety of speakers along with performances by Missouri State University’s vocal talent.  This event is free and open to the public.

3. Submissions are currently being accepted for the Dr. Michael N. Compton Public Affairs Essay Contest.  Any full-time classified freshman through senior attending the Missouri State University Springfield campus are eligible for this contest.   First place winner receives a check from Sigma Pi IDEAL for $1,500 plus and additional $500 to e donated in the winner’s name to the charity or non-profit of their choice.  Awards also made for second and third place essays.  Visit the website for details.  Deadline for submission is midnight, October 27, 2024.

4. Join us in celebrating Careers in Students Affairs Month 2024 this October! Every October, NASPA celebrates the profession of student affairs. Through this month-long celebration, the NASPA community comes together to share their knowledge, network, and uplift the student affairs profession. Here are some opportunities for professional development provided by NASPA through the month of October:

NASPA 101 & NASPA MembershipsLearn more about NASPA and how it can serve you in the start of your professional journey! Join Kevin Willis, NASPA Membership Manager, as he introduces you to NASPA through our NASPA 101 program as well as gives an overview of NASPA Membership Benefits and opportunities – October 2nd – 4pm – ET – Register here

NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP) and Undergraduate Student ConferenceCome to this session to learn about these two fantastic ways to get involved with and benefit from NASPA as an undergraduate student. Presenters will highlight the opportunities available in each and share details about how to get involved or attend. – October 3rd – 3pm ET – Register here

Guiding the Future: Mentorship in Student Affairs for New Professionals and Graduate StudentsAttend this insightful session that is designed for both prospective mentors and new professionals/graduate students with less than four years of experience. We will explore a new mentorship initiative aimed at fostering growth and development. Whether you’re looking to mentor or be mentored, this webinar will provide valuable insights and actionable steps to enhance your career. – October 11th – 3pm ET – Register here

5. The Inauguration of the 12th President of  Missouri State University – Dr. Richard B. Williams – The Missouri State University Board of Governors cordially invite you to the Inauguration of Missouri State University’s 12Th President Dr. Richard B. Williams on Thursday, October 17th, 4pm at Juanita K. Hammons Hall.  See the flyer for more information.

6. Voter Awareness Week hosted by Paws to the Polls Voter Education Initiative – The leadership team of Paws to the Polls Voter Education Initiative is excited to announce our fourth Voter Awareness Week between September 30th and October 3rd. We provide voting-related information and voter registration ahead of the October 9th registration deadline for the November 5th election. The week’s activities consist of:

  • Tabling at outdoor contact tables from 10:30 to 3:30 on Monday, September 30, Tuesday October 1, and Thursday, October 3 between PSU and Siceluff.  We can register voters and answer questions.
  • Wednesday, October 2: Voting Fair 11:30 to 2:30
    • West Lawn (west of Carrington, between stadium and McDonald Arena), with PSU atrium as a rain backup.
    • Tie-dye table (we have 150 branded T-shirts to give for tie-dye), free pizza, games and prizes, photos with Boomer and The Bill.
    • Paws will partner with SGA to present “Conversations with Candidates.” Candidates from all parties were invited to campus for a meet-and-greet, and 12 to 14 of them will be on campus. Respectful behavior will be enforced. Most candidates will be present between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m.
    • Shane Schoeller, the Greene County Clerk, will be here with voting machines for students to try them out, and that office will also provide voter registration and answer questions.
    • The focus for this voting fair is voter education! We will have a few “election information stations” to cover all procedural voting-related topics to help make students confident and equipped to go to the polls.
  • Volunteer opportunities: If students need service hours, they can sign up here to help at the Voting Fair: Volunteers Voting Fair Fall 2024.xlsx
  • Please keep in mind that students can register to vote here in Greene County (even if from another Missouri county or even another state), and if registered here, they can vote on campus on November 5th.   (There is no length of time one must live here before voting here!)
  • Questions? Pawstothepolls@missouristate.edu