“Happy Family Weekend” Week! The campus will be alive with family members arriving starting Friday, September 18th for Family Weekend 2026! There are events all weekend for the students and their families so get ready to say hello and “Go Bears” to all our families! And…take a moment to see what’s happening this week in the Division of Student Affairs.

1. Save the Date – State of the University Address – Friday, October 2nd, 12pm-1pm – Plaster Student Union Theater. Join President Richard “Biff” Williams for Mo State’s 2026 State of the University where  he  will provide a year one progress report on the strategic plan Igniting Opportunity!

When: Friday, October 2nd
Time: 12pm-1pm
Where: Plaster Student Union Theater

2. 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

3. Fall Student Affairs On-boarding Event – Our Fall Student Affairs Onboarding Event will take place on September 15th, 3:30-5pm in PSU 308! If you are new to the division since March, keep an eye on your email as the invitation should be arriving very, very soon!

This is a great opportunity for you to dive deeper into our division, ask questions of Dr. Siscoe and the VP Staff, and have the opportunity to meet other staff members from different departments. RSVP or ask any questions to Priscilla Childress at pchildress@missouristate.edu! We look forward to seeing you on September 15th. Download the event flyer.

4. Meet your Magers Providers – Join Magers for an opportunity to meet the providers! This come-and-go event is a great way to put faces to names, learn more about the services available to you, and get to know the providers who are here to support the health and well-being of the MSU community. Stop by, say hello, and discover how Magers Health and Wellness can help you feel your best!

Location – Magers Health and Wellness Conference Room – Room 100
When – Thursday, September 17
Time: 4:30 – 6:30pm
Refreshments: Charcuterie, Vegetables and Fruit Displays

5. Family Weekend 2026– Get ready to welcome our family members back to campus!  Family Weekend 2026 starts Friday, September 18th and continues through September 20th. There are lots of activities taking place for family members and their students during the weekend such as BearWear Bingo -Family Edition, Inspire the Roar 5k, the Bear Family Tailgate, Mini-Destress Fest, the Counseling Center Scavenger Hunt and more! View the full schedule.

If you are interested in volunteering at any of the events, reach out to pchildress@missouristate.edu! We would love to have you help us provide our family members and students a great weekend at Mo State!

6. Camp Claw Parents Night Out – Campus Recreation is thrilled to announce that Camp Claw will be hosting Parents Night Out! This is a one-night event where kids can come enjoy a smaller version of their favorite parts about Camp Claw. Parents Night Out will run from 5-10 p.m. with check-in starting at 5 p.m. and pick up starting at 9:30 p.m. We will enjoy the pool, rock wall, pizza, games and so much more during our time together. 

Friday, September 25, 2026 (Register by September 22)

Friday, October 16, 2026 (Register by October 13)

Friday, December 4, 2026 (Register by December 1)

Register Here!

The cost for this event is only $50/camper! When you register, you will have access to our “Parents Night Out Information Sheet” that will tell you everything you need to know about that night.

If you have any questions please email: CWieters@missouristate.edu

7. 2027 Health Premium Wellness Incentive: Earn your Discount by December 1st – Complete at least two activities to earn the full discount: Educational questionnaire (video), flu vaccination, biometric screening.  To educate employees about health benefits resources, support proactive health management and reduce the impact of influenza on our workforce, full-time employees enrolled in the Health Plan will qualify for the full 2027 wellness incentive by completing any two of these activities by Dec. 1, 2026:

Watch/complete an educational wellness video/questionnaire through My Learning Connection (Nov. 1-Dec. 1, 2026)
Receive a flu vaccination (between Aug. 1-Dec. 1, 2026)
Complete a biometric screening (between Jan. 1-Dec. 1, 2026)

Visit the Human Resources blog to get more information about the Wellness Incentive!

8. Threads and Trends – Join the Bookstore for a shopping event like no other on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM in the PSU Ballroom West! Explore a curated selection of un-logoed, school-colored professional women’s clothing from a variety of styles and vendors. Purchase your favorite pieces and leave them with our bookstore team to be embroidered with official Missouri State branding, if desired.

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a dirty soda bar, and a photo booth while you shop. Bring your friends and get ready to find your next piece of professional BearWear!

https://calendar.missouristate.edu/#event-details/962e1dfd-73d1-4ea1-8497-42cb3026d1b5

9. Public Affairs Conference 2026 – The 23rd Public Affairs Conference is Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2026. Join us for 5 in-person speakers, 18 live virtual panels and 3 pre and post conference events. There is something for everyone as we explore together the impact of community engagement, collaboration, and leadership in business, science, education, agriculture, health, humanities, the arts and more.

Rainn Wilson presents the opening keynote on Tues., Sept. 29 at 7:00pm at Juanita K Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. Best known for his iconic role on The Office as Dwight Schrute, Wilson is one of television’s most recognizable comedic actors. Beyond the show, he has built a career as a producer, author and co-founder of media company SoulPancake. This is a live, in-person event only and is free and open to the public.

All conference events are free and open to the campus and the public. No registration is necessary. Visit the conference website for all the details of the conference.