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Five Things – This Week in Student Affairs – August 25th

August 25, 2025 by Priscilla Childress

Take a moment to see what’s happening this week in the Division of Student Affairs! As we get to the end of this week and month, we hope everyone enjoys the long weekend in celebration of Labor Day!

1. Join us for a Party in the CUSA! –  We’re starting the semester with a celebration worthy of the Bears!  On Tuesday, Aug. 26, Missouri State will host Party in the CUSA — a community-wide kickoff for our move into Conference USA and our first season as an FBS institution.

This free event begins at 6 p.m. in BearFest Village, just north of Plaster Stadium, and it promises something for everyone:

  • Local food trucks with tacos, wings, churros, lemonade and more
  • Inflatables, face painting and yard games for the kids (and kids at heart)
  • A chance to meet our student-athletes and coaches
  • Music, pep rally on the Bear head, and plenty of Bear pride
  • NCAA Football 2026 eSports station and adult beverages for sale
  • The movie “Game Plan” will be screened on the field at Plaster Stadium, starting at 7:45 p.m.

And here’s something just for you: Faculty and staff can stop by for a FREE special T-shirt pick up. They will have sizes from youth small through 4X — so bring your family and grab your BearWear!  Check out the Flyer for the event!

2. Division of Student Affairs All-Staff Meeting – The Division of Student Affairs All-Staff Meeting is right around the corner on Thursday, September 11th from 8:30am-10:30am in the PSU Theater. If you don’t have it on your calendar, add it now! This program will include the DOSA Awards Ceremony, a look at the Division and where we are at and where we are going with our new strategic plan process, and committee reports. Light refreshments will be served. Questions? Reach out to Stef Hall or Priscilla Childress.

3. Threads & Trends: A Professional Clothing Event – Missouri State Campus Stores invites all faculty and staff to Threads & Trends: A Professional Clothing Event on Thursday, September 4 from 3:00–6:00 PM in the PSU Ballroom East. This special gathering will feature wine, cheese, and Bear Wear as you explore samples of maroon and branded professional clothing designed exclusively for MSU employees. Whether you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe or simply enjoy a fun afternoon with colleagues, this is the perfect opportunity to #StyletheBearWay. Please RSVP to secure your spot. For questions, contact bookstore@missouristate.edu. Click here to learn more

4. Office of Student Conduct Open Forums – The Office of Student Conduct is inviting you to join us for the open forums for the position of Student Conduct Officer.  The candidates will give a presentation on Best Step-by-Step Practices in Student Organization Misconduct Investigations followed by a Q&A session.

Kaitlyn Killingsworth
Tuesday, August 26, 2025   9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
PSU 308C

Abbie Williams
Tuesday, August 26, 2025  1:15 – 2:00 p.m.
PSU 308C

Evaluation QR codes will be available at each session.  Evaluations will close Wednesday, August 27th .

5. Back to School luncheon – The Division of Student Affairs invites you to join your friends and colleagues for the Back-to-School Luncheon on Friday, September 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Union Club. Enjoy a delicious menu featuring chicken fajitas, cheese enchiladas, vegetarian black beans, Spanish rice, tortilla shells and fixings, along with caramel apple nachos topped with vanilla ice cream, plus iced tea and water. The cost is just $5 (cash only) with a coupon. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with coworkers and enjoy a fun meal together! Flyer

6. Get to Know the Division of Student Affairs – We are excited to welcome our new staff members to the Division on Monday, September 15th, 3pm-4:30pm in PSU 308. You’ll have the opportunity to meet Dr. Siscoe, Vice President, Student Affairs and members of the VP-Staff, and learn more about the Division while mingling with other DOSA employees.  Look for the invitation in your email by Wednesday. RSVP to Priscilla Childress at pchildress@missouristate.edu by September 10th. Review the flyer here.

7. 22nd Annual MSU Public Affairs Conference –Plan now to attend the 22nd Annual Public Affairs Conference September 16-18, 2025. This year’s theme is “Resilient People, Resilient Future”. Explore the theme through virtual panel sessions, in-person plenary speakers and the kick-off keynote featuring David Feherty. All events are free and open to the public. Click here to learn more

8. Help Stock the Bear Pantry! – The Bear Pantry Food Drive runs through August 29 at Magers Health and Wellness Center. Most needed items include bar soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, and shampoo. You can also donate through the Amazon wish list or find other ways to give. Let’s Bear the Hunger together! Flyer

9. Inspire the Roar 5K – Join us for the Inspire the Roar 5K on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 8:00 AM, starting and finishing at the Foster Recreation Center! This Family Weekend tradition welcomes all fitness levels for a fun run/walk through the scenic Missouri State University campus. Enjoy music, snacks, a recovery zone, and the chance to win awards—plus a commemorative T-shirt (while supplies last)! Strollers and leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome, and MSU spirit gear is encouraged. Come celebrate Bear pride, wellness, and community in this family-friendly event. Click here to learn more.

10. GROW Coaching initiative – The Division of Student Affairs supports the GROW Model which can help staff and managers discuss goals, celebrate achievements, identify action items, and work together to create a plan for future accomplishments.  All supervisors in the Division have participated in training from EAB (Education Advisory Board) and are now ready to work their supervisees on this new initiative. The flexibility of this coaching model allows one to see where they are now, where they want to go, and how they are going to get there as they move forward personally and professionally.

11. Lunch and Learn –  Mark your calendars for the upcoming Fall Lunch and Learn Series—free and open to all in Student Affairs and friends across campus. Bring your lunch! Drinks and desserts will be provided. Topics include:

  • MSU joined C-USA—what does that mean? : Led by Kelsey Tolbert (Sept. 25, 12–1 p.m., PSU 314)

  • Stop Campus Hazing Act : Led by Gabby Catlin & Jeff Mitchell (Oct. 15, 12–1 p.m., PSU 317)

  • Developing the SA Strategic Plan : Led by Dr. Rabekah Stewart (Nov. 10, 12–1 p.m., PSU 317)

  • SA Student Learning Outcomes Assessment :  Led by Rebekkah Wall (Dec. 4, 12–1 p.m., PSU 317)

Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/LnLFA25

 

 

 


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