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

1. The Citizen Scholars Award – Nominate a Deserving Student – The Citizen Scholar Award is the highest award available to Missouri State University students. Since the award’s inception in 2007, 112 exceptional students have been recognized for their stellar achievements with academics, community engagement and leadership.

The Board of Governors is soliciting nominations for the 2026-2027 Citizen Scholar Award.  We request your nominations for the recognition of six more outstanding Citizen Scholars. The nomination deadline is Friday, September 4, 2026. 

Visit the Citizen Scholar website to learn more and nominate deserving students.

2. Sign up for Bear Crew and House Calls – It’s never too early to volunteer to take part in Bear Crew and House Calls. Become a member of the Bear Crew and welcome incoming students and their families to campus by helping them move into their residence hall rooms. We are looking for volunteers from our current student body, faculty, and staff to help with Missouri State move-in on August 13-15, 2026.

House Calls 2026 will take place Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 5:15pm to approximately 8pm. The House Calls program is designed to reach out to residence hall students and give them an opportunity to interact with faculty, staff, and administrators on a more personal level. By visiting individual rooms in the residence halls, volunteers can welcome students, help determine if they need any assistance, and answer any questions they might have.

Sign up here: https://forms.missouristate.edu/view.php?id=1538087

3. Week of Welcome 2026 – It’s hard to believe, but the 2026 Week of Welcome will kick off on Thursday, August 13th with the start of Move-In for our new students, and the first of a week’s worth of fun events that will engage our students across the campus. The Office of Student Engagement has been working hard with many areas across campus to plan a fantastic slate of events for our students to enjoy! Events include Bear Bash, New Student Convocation, Room Decor Bingo, 417 Street Fest, Grab a Scoop with FSL Transfer Student Popcorn Social, the 2030 Class Photo, Campus Fest CMA, Student Organization Festival and so much more! Take a look at the full schedule now.

Download the Week of Welcome flyer!

If you are interested in volunteering at any of the events, reach out to Desmond Dunklin at DesmondDunklin@MissouriState.edu!

4. Inspire the Roar 5K hosted by Campus Rec – A Family Weekend Event – Join us for the Inspire the Roar 5K, September 20th, a spirited run/walk through the beautiful Missouri State University campus! Whether you’re a Bear looking to set a personal record, a family member wanting to explore campus, or someone who just loves a good fun run, this event is for YOU. All fitness levels are welcome!

This Family Weekend tradition is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of Bear pride, wellness, and community. Participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt (while supplies last), and awards will be given to top finishers in multiple categories!  Don’t delay, register today at https://runsignup.com/Race/MO/Springfield/Inspiretheroar! 

Start/Finish: Foster Recreation Center
🗓 Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Time: 8:00am

For more information, visit the Inspire the Roar 5K website

5. Upcoming Public Affairs Events – It’s never too early to add events to your calendar, especially when we are all so incredibly busy! Here are Public Affairs events you definitely want to be aware of and attend.

Public Affairs Events Citizen Bear Alert – Tuesday, Aug. 4^th is an important election day for Missourians.  Check out our blog for access to your ballot, issues at a glance, and more.

The 2026 Public Affairs Conference schedule is now available to view online.  We are proud to announce an exciting line-up of 5 in-person speakers, 18 live virtual panels and 3 pre and post events!  Our 60+ expert speakers represent 17 different states, 6 countries and 12 MSU alumni!  Don’t miss attending this year’s opening keynote, Rainn Wilson, actor from The Office.

6. Missouri State Vendor Expo – The Office of Procurement Services is excited to host its first-ever Vendor Expo, bringing together university departments and valued supplier partners for an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and learn about products and services that support the university’s mission. The event will provide attendees with direct access to vendors, insights into available resources, and opportunities to build relationships that foster innovation, efficiency, and value across campus.

When: Wednesday, August 5, 2026. 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: PSU 313

7. Mo State employee fall kickoff hosted by Staff Senate and Employee Wellness – Employees and their families or household members are invited to the Foster Recreation Center on August 6th, 6-8pm for an evening of connection and community. Take a dip in the indoor pool, tackle the climbing wall or get in on some friendly competition with basketball, volleyball, pickleball and futsal. Afterward, refuel with pizza and mocktails, then head to the campfire for complimentary s’mores.  Come celebrate, reconnect and create new memories with colleagues, friends and family as we kick off another school year together.  Registration is free, but space may be limited. Register here to save your spot.

8. A Night Out with your Co-Workers – Join your friends and co-workers for a fun night out at Wherehouse Bar on Thursday, August 6th, 6pm-9pm.  This will be a great opportunity to relax, build community, boost morale, and reconnect with colleagues from across the division before we welcome students back to campus. To find out more details, download the event flyer.  Questions? Reach out to Desmond Dunklin at desmonddunklin@missouristate.edu.  Great People! Good Vibes! Stronger Together!

9. 2027 NASPA Awards Nominations are Open – NASPA awards recognize the individuals and initiatives across the field deserving of the highest recognition for their improvement of student outcomes and contribution to the field. What a great way to nominate a Student Affairs professional that is making a difference in the field we work in and love. Nominations for the awards close on October 1, 2026.  Visit the NASPA Awards Portal for more information.

10. Before Election Day: Review your Voting Leave Benefit – Election Day is almost here! If you plan to vote on Tuesday, August 4, now is a great time to review Missouri State University’s voting leave benefit and make your plan to cast your ballot.  Visit the HR Blog to review the policy!