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

1. Division of Student Affairs All-Staff Meeting – The Division of Student Affairs All-Staff Meeting is Thursday, September 11th from 8:30am-10:30am in the PSU Theater.  This program will include the DOSA Awards Ceremony, important updates, and a panel discussion with:

Dr. Clarenda M. Phillips – Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Jamie Birch – Chief of staff/Assistant to the President for legislative affairs
Dr. Dawn Medley – Vice President for Enrollment Management

All three administrators are new to Missouri State.  They will share their reflections on their time here so far and answer questions from the team. If you would like to submit a question, be it serious or fun …scan the QR Code and submit your question. No personal information will be collected.

Light refreshments will be served. Questions? Reach out to Stef Hall or Priscilla Childress.

2. 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 the Welcome Lunch Coupon. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with coworkers and enjoy a fun meal together! Flyer

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. 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.

5. 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.

6. The Bears Share Program – We know that hunger can be a hidden barrier to student success. That’s why I’m especially proud of our new Bear Share Program. The program connects students with leftover food from campus meetings and events. When an event ends, organizers can quickly notify students, who then have the opportunity to pick up a serving.  The program is being piloted with students currently enrolled in the Bear Pantry, with the goal of expanding as it develops. Students interested in signing up can do so through the Bear Pantry.

The brainchild of Teri Trickey and a group of dedicated staff and faculty including Ellen Currie, Dr. Alex Johnson, and Dr. Melinda Novik, Bears Share is possible thanks to their leadership and our partnership with Chartwells. By reducing food waste and ensuring students have access to hot meals, this initiative is a simple but impactful way we can live out our public affairs mission and build a stronger community of care.

7. Student Affairs Advisory Board – The Division of Student Affairs Student Advisory Board exists to provide an open dialogue and discussion between Missouri State University students and the Vice President for Student Affairs. Dr. Siscoe is recruiting students for the 2025-2026 Student Affairs Student Advisory Board. Please share the graphics/pdfs with students in your area. The applications close on Friday, September 5th at 5pm. The direct link for the application is: https://tinyurl.com/SAB2526.