Take a moment to see what’s happening in the Division of Student Affairs.  As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, thank you for all the hard work and long hours you’ve dedicated to supporting our students. We wish you a wonderful break with your family and friends, and hope you enjoy some much-deserved rest and relaxation.

As a reminder, the University will be closed Wednesday, November 26th, reopening on Monday, December 1st. Classes are out of session Monday, November 24th, returning to the full schedule on Monday, December 1st.

1. Ready…Set…Register! – Ready…Set…Register, organized by Student Success, is an opportunity to provide our students assistance as they get ready to register for classes for the Spring Semester. Students will also be able to earn a chance to win a $1000 scholarship for the spring semester! Share this informational flyer with the students you work with in your area.

At Ready, Set, Register, students will be able to:

Check for holds on their account
Review account balances
Confirm financial aid status
Meet with staff from Financial Aid, the Bursar’s Office, CAST, Adult Student Services and Student Affairs
Leave the event with a personalized registration checklist for the spring semester!

*To be entered into the raffle to win a $1000 scholarship for the spring semester, the student must sign in when they arrive!*

Three opportunities to attend Ready, Set, Register!

Wednesday, November 19th: PSU sidewalk, 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

2. Insurance Open Enrollment Period – Open enrollment is the yearly period to choose or change your medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending plans. Additionally, voluntary benefit carriers may provide guarantee issue during this period as well (determined yearly by the carrier). For the 2026 plan year, open enrollment is from Nov. 1, 2025, to Dec. 1, 2025. Visit https://www.missouristate.edu/Human/open-enrollment.htm to get all the details of what needs to be done for you to get your enrollment finalized.  If you have questions, reach out to Deidre Mings at DeidreMings@MissouriState.edu

3. Chartwell’s Annual Holiday Luncheon – Join Chartwell’s for their Annual Holiday Luncheon on Friday, November 21st, 11am-1pm, PSU Grand Ballroom! You’ll enjoy a beautiful holiday luncheon with all the trimmings and a delicious dessert buffet. Email teritrickey@missouristate.edu if you have a part of 6 or more and need reservations. See the flyer here.

4. Lunch and Learn with the OSE – Utilizing BearLink – Join the OSE on November 7th at 12noon for a Lunch and Learn on BearLink! The Lunch & Learn will focus on introducing university stakeholder to the BearLink digital platform and how each department or university functioning area can use Bearlink to track engagement, and collaboratively share events. Questions? Contact Desmond Dunklin at DesmondDunklin@MissouriState.edu.

Review the event flyer for more details.

5. Donuts for DOSA – Join the Division of Student Affairs for Donuts for DOSA on Friday, December 5th, PSU 308, 8am-9:30am! Enjoy some delicious donuts and hot chocolate courtesy of Chartwells Catering, visit with friends and get into the holiday spirit. Review the flyer for more information.  Questions? Reach out to Priscilla at pchildress@missouristate.edu.

6. Camp Claw Parents Night Out- December – Welcome to a Grinch Themed Parents Night Out hosted by Campus Rec on December 5th, 5pm-10pm, Foster Rec Center. You child will enjoy an evening of holiday-themed camp activities while you take some time to get your holiday shopping done. Contact Caroline Wieters at cwieters@missouristate.edu  with questions.

Register Here!

7. Fall Lunch and Learn Series –  Mark your calendar 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. Review the flyer for the Lunch and Learn here.

• SA Student Learning Outcomes Assessment :  Led by Rebekkah Wall (Dec. 8, 12–1 p.m., PSU 317)

8. Boomer’s Five and Dime – It is the time of year again for Boomer’s Five and Dime, organized by National Residence Hall Honorary – Boomer Chapter (NRHH)! This event will be held in the Blair-Shannon Grand Lounge (across from the Plaster Student Union). Boomer’s will be Wednesday, December 3 – Friday, December 5, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM each day. On Friday, December 5th there will also be a live auction that features gift cards from local businesses, handcrafted items from vendors, delicious baked goods and more.   Visit the website for more information.

9. Board of Governors Executive Committee Meeting – The Board of Governors Executive Committee meeting is being held Wednesday, November 19th, 4pm-5pm via Zoom.  Committee agendas can be found here: https://www.missouristate.edu/BOG/committees.htm  

To learn more, visit the calendar event here.

10. Department Website Blogs – Update with Current Information – Blogs are an excellent way to highlight the great work happening in our departments. They offer a valuable space to spotlight students, promote upcoming events, and advance the mission of your area. However, it’s important to keep them updated. When visitors land on your website and see outdated posts, it can leave the wrong impression.

The Missouri State website pulls blog stories onto the front page of each department site, meaning your blog may be one of the first things visitors notice. Let’s make sure they’re seeing current, engaging content. Posting one to two new blogs each month will help keep your site fresh and relevant. These posts don’t need to be long—simple ideas like upcoming events, student spotlights, department trivia, or a staff feature work perfectly. They’re easy to write because they’re about the area you know best!

Share what makes your department special, and showcase how your team shows what it means to be Champions for Student Success!

11. Student Achievement Celebration – You are invited to the Student Achievement Celebration, December 4th, 4pm-6pm,  in the Student Resource Center, PSU 101. Special guests from University Administration will be present to help celebrate the new graduates. This is a “drop-in” occasion. Registration required. Register here.  Download the flyer for more information.

**Please note: We love to get info for Five Things! Send your submissions to pchildress@missouristate.edu with submission details, photos, and any information you want to share. As a reminder, Five Things goes out on Monday’s so it’s best to have your information to me the Thursday of the week before you want your information posted.  Thanks so much! ~Priscilla