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

1. Open Forum for the Position of Director of the Counseling Center –  The Dean of Students office invites you to an Open Forum for the position of Director of the Counseling Center.  The candidates will give a presentation on “Mental Health and Wellness Within Higher Education” that will be followed by a Q&A session.

Desiree Malam
October 19, 2026
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Location: Union Club

 An evaluation QR code will be available at each session.  We hope you’ll be able to attend, and we appreciate your participation and support!

2. Join us as we celebrate Mary Ann Wood and her 30 years at Missouri State – Join us as we celebrate the retirement of Mary Ann Wood and her 30 years of dedication, service and accomplishments to the university. Come and go as you please October 21st,  3-5 pm, Meyer Library to enjoy refreshments and share memories as we wish Mary Ann the best in her exciting new chapter! Download the invitation to share with friends and co-workers. 

3. National Transfer Student Week (October 19 – 23, 2026) – National Transfer Student Week is a national celebration of transfer , students and the faculty and staff who support them. I plan Missouri State’s celebrations through the lens of creating fun opportunities that provide retention-focused support for the needs our transfer students have identified, including social connection, mental health, and more. Encourage any transfer students you work with to take part in the activities planned for the week.Download the Schedule of Events.  If you have questions, reach out to Campbell Keele at CampbellKeele@MissouriState.edu. 

4. 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:

5. Homecoming Parade Volunteers – The annual Homecoming parade is just around the corner! This year’s theme is Bearchella, and the parade will take place on the morning of Saturday, November 14. If you are interested in volunteering for the Dawn Patrol, please sign up at the link below by Oct. 30.

2026 HOCO Parade Volunteers  – Fill out form

6. Happy Careers in Student Affairs Month! Careers in Student Affairs Month is an opportunity to appreciate the dedication and impact of student affairs professionals, promote the profession’s value, foster the growth of current and future leaders, and advocate for the critical role student affairs plays in higher education.

Visit the NASPA website to to register for interesting virtual events, find great professional development resources and take part in NASPA’s signature Careers in Student Affairs Month programming, held live each Thursday in October at 4:00 p.m. ET,

7. Support National First-Generation Student Celebration Week – National First-Generation Student Celebration Day is Fri. Nov. 6, but we have opted to do a week-long celebration (Nov. 2-6).  If you self-identify as a first-generation college student, would you be willing to write a short (2-3 paragraphs) narrative about your own experience as a FG college student for us to share on social media during our First-Generation Student Celebration Week?  You might want to share some words of wisdom or a personal account that focuses upon your own experience as a FG student.  We will use a few different social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram), so 2-3 paragraphs should be fine.

Here is a link to previous submissions over the last few years: https://blogs.missouristate.edu/firstgeneration/

If you are willing, please send your submission Dr. Tracey Glaessgen by Wednesday, Oct. 21.  If you have any questions, please email TraceyGlaessgen@missouristate.edu

8. Winter Week of Welcome 2027 Preparation – We’re gearing up for an exciting Winter Week of Welcome, and we want YOU to be part of it! Whether you’re interested in volunteering, hosting an event, or just staying in the loop, fill out this quick interest form to let us know how you’d like to get involved. Let’s make this Winter Week of Welcome the best MSU has seen with engaging, welcoming, and unforgettable events!