September 25, 2009
Enrollment up by 8 percent
 Enrollment at Missouri Southern State University is up for the third consecutive semester.
Total enrollment for the fall 2009 semester 5,702 students, an 8.3 percent jump from one year ago, according to Delores Honey, Assessment and Institutional Research.
The number of credit hours in which students are enrolled also increased 7.6 percent, an increase of 5,195 credit hours, to 67,902.
"What is really impressive to me in the report is that we have an increase in credit hours in nearly every student category freshmen, first-time freshmen, sophomore, junior, senior, out-of-state and graduate," Honey stated.
"We feel our efforts to support students and improve retention are paying off," Honey commented after releasing the figures from the official census date that occurs at the end of the fourth week of classes. "Our admissions office has been working diligently to tell the story of Missouri Southern's quality academic programs, quality facilities and strong student support system. I think students and parents are hearing and acting on that message."
"I appreciate all of the hard work the entire campus has done to accomplish this enrollment increase," MSSU President Bruce W. Speck stated. "I believe this is a testament to the quality faculty, staff and services we offer at Missouri Southern."
Honey also noted the efforts to support new freshmen and transfer students through the Advising, Counseling and Testing Services office and the First-Year Experience Program. We are re-doubling our efforts to help our students be successful and graduate. We also are helping students who aren't sure what they want to focus on in their studies through the ACTS Master Advisor program and counseling undecided majors.
Academically, students can receive assistance from the Learning Center where services include tutoring by peers and faculty, workshops on note-taking, study skills and test-taking skills.
New this year is an Early Alert system (LION ALERT) that allows faculty, students and family to alert support services if a student is struggling with assignments, tests, missing too many classes, ill or if he or she has personal concerns, explained Kelly Wilson, Advising, Counseling and Testing Services. A strong advising program allows students to navigate through their academic program of study.
Homecoming Coronation today
 A wide variety of student activities are planned for the campus community during “Go for the Green, Go for the Gold” Homecoming week which runs through this Saturday.
Friday, Sept. 25:
10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. All Campus Picnic, the Oval. Free to students with I.D., $6 for Alumni
12 noon - Homecoming Royalty Coronation, the Oval
8 p.m. - Third-Annual Homecoming Bonfire; SE Corner of Duquesne and Newman Road (gravel lot)
Saturday, Sept. 26:
11:30 a.m. - Homecoming Parade, MSSU Campus
1:30 p.m. - Pre-Game Ceremonies, Hughes Stadium
2 p.m. - Kickoff, Homecoming Game between MSSU Lions and UNO Mavericks, Hughes Stadium
For more information contact Tori Christiansen, CAB, at (417) 625-9320. |
Alumni activities scheduled
Make plans to take part in the 2009 "Go for the Green, Go for the Gold" Homecoming slated for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25- 26.
Despite a cut power line and electrical outage earlier this week, Bob Harrington, Physical Plant, says Billingsly Student Center will be open for all Homecoming-related activities including the Thursday night Money Tree Game Show in Phelps Theatre, as well as Friday evening's Alumni Awards Reception, and Saturday morning's Lion Pride Brunch, both in the Connor Ballroom. BSC will be closed on two days (TBA) next week to complete repairs.
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Tonight will feature an Alumni Awards Reception from 6 - 8 p.m. in Connor Ballroom in Billingsly Student Center on the MSSU Campus. Business attire is recommended. The Reception is open to Alumni Association members for $8 and to non-members for $10. The Reception will honor the Outstanding Alumni Recipient, Lion-Hearted Recipients, Hall of Fame Inductees, Outstanding Professors, Governor's Award Recipient and 2008 Superior Service Recipients.
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On Saturday, Sept. 26, The Lion Pride Brunch will take place in Connor Ballroom in Billingsly Student Center on the MSSU campus. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the brunch will start at 9:30 a.m. Casual football attire is recommended. The cost for the brunch is $8 for Alumni Association members/Lionbackers and $10 for non-members. The Lion Pride Brunch will recognize all of the honorees for Homecoming.
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The Alumni Association takes the primary role in coordinating the annual Homecoming Parade will be held at 11:30 a.m. on campus. Recognition of awardees and others will take place during Pre-Game Ceremonies at 1:30 p.m. at Hughes Stadium and at the halftime ceremony of the 2 p.m. MSSU vs. the UNO Mavericks football game.
The MSSU Alumni Association office may be called at (417) 625-9355.
Tickets cost $12 at the gate for adults, $7 for children over age four. Admission is free for children age four and under.
KGCS plans Homecoming coverage
KGCS-TV will record Saturday's Homecoming activities, and broadcast them Sunday night. The activities to be covered include the parade (weather permitting), which will air Sunday at 6 p.m.
The Homecoming football game, with coverage of halftime festivities, will air at 7 p.m. on KGCS-TV. The activities are being covered by students, faculty and staff of KGCS-TV, a service of the Department of Communication.
KGCS programming may be seen over-the-air on UHF channel 22. Local cable television systems carrying the station include Cable One (ch. 7) and Mediacom (ch. 77).
Today's Brown Bag
Today's Brown Bag presentation will feature Melvyn Mosher, Physical Science. It will be held at noon in the Spiva Art Gallery in the Art Department. The lecture series is free and open to all faculty and staff.
The Gallery currently features Inuit soapstone carvings from the collection of Melvyn and his wife are currently on view as part of the Canadian Semester exhibit “Cultural Reflections: Inuit Art.” Melvin enjoys the study of Native American Petroglyphs and will discuss this interest and the Inuit objects in this collection.
Bring your own brown bag lunch and enjoy an opportunity to witness some interesting works and creative efforts. For additional information contact, Frank A. Pishkur, Art, at ext. 9735.
Focus on careers
Career Development Day is coming. The event will be held from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 on the 3rd Floor of Billingsly Student Center. Your assistance is requested.
To obtain two-sided ½ sheet flyers to hand out students or an 11" X 17" poster to hang in departments, e-mail Lora Burch, Career Services, at burch-l@mssu.edu. Her office will deliver them ASAP.
Please do encourage all students to attend this event. It is the perfect opportunity for freshman and sophomores to begin fine-tuning their net-working skills and learn about opportunities in their major area of study. Juniors and seniors should re-visit employers they’ve met at previous job fairs to learn about possible internships or to actively begin their job search.
To help students prepare for this event, students can submit their resume to Career Services for critique, but do encourage them to get them submitted early.
Also, starting Friday, Sept. 25, Job Fair Basics (handouts which describe how to prepare for a job fair) will be available in the lobbies of most of the buildings on campus. Encourage your students to pick one up.
Health Care Roundtable
The Department of Finance/Economics and International Business at Missouri Southern is hosting the second public economic roundtable entitled “Health Care Reform: What’s In It for Me?”.
The roundtable will consist of economists, legislators and local leaders in the insurance and health care industry discussing the current Health Care proposal and how it might impact both individuals and the local area. The roundtable will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28 in Cornell Auditorium, located in the Plaster Free Enterprise Center at Missouri Southern. The roundtable is free and open to the public.
Panelists include:
Scott Brothers – President, The Insurancenter, Joplin
Gary Duncan – President and CEO, Freeman Health System, Joplin
Dr. Jeffery Milyo – Health Economist, University of Missouri, Columbia
Rep. Kevin Wilson, Chair, Special Standing Committee on Health Insurance, Mo. House of Representatives
Please contact Nii Adote Abrahams, SOBA, at 625-9536 with any questions.
Readings in Canadian literature
Examples of native Canadian literature will be presented Friday, Oct. 2 in Spiva Library. The readings, part of MSSU’s “Canada Semester” activities, are free and open to the public
The term “national” is used here to identify literature that could be encompassed by the general label of “Canadian” as opposed to the distinct areas of native or francophone literature. This body of literature is shaped in part by the English colonial experience and contemporary ties with Britain, along with Canada’s relationships with its very large and powerful North American neighbor to the south.
Readings by faculty members from the MSSU English department will touch on a variety of intriguing texts that touch on compelling aspects of the nation and its people.
Seminar today on optional portable benefits
Missouri Southern and Human Resources are happy to announce two new optional portable benefits available to all full and part-time (at least .50) benefit eligible employees (Note: adjunct faculty, seminar instructors, interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for this benefit).
Through a State of Missouri partnership with Allstate Insurance Company, State organizations are being allowed to offer their employees and their designated family members the opportunity to enroll in optional whole life (also known as universal life) insurance with no underwriting required (guaranteed issue).
Also available to MSSU employees is an optional cancer policy. During this limited guaranteed issue enrollment period, even if you or your family members have had health issues in the past, you are eligible to participate in both the cancer policy and the Whole Life enrollment. If employees wish to decline this opportunity, only the employee and his/her dependents will be offered an open enrollment opportunity, subject to underwriting, in the future.
The second of two informational seminars will be held at 2:30 p.m. today, Friday, Sept. 25 in Cornell Auditorium. Allstate representatives will give an overview of the plan and will distribute information regarding rates and options available under this offering. Please mark your calendar to plan to attend.
During MSSU’s annual open enrollment period in October, Allstate representatives will be on campus conducting confidential employee enrollment for these benefits. Those dates and times will be determined and announced next week.
An important note to remember; If you do not wish to enroll in this optional benefit, you will be required to make your option to decline the coverage in writing. More information concerning that task will be forthcoming.
Great Big Sea to perform at Southern October 5
 One of Canada’s top folk-rock bands will take the stage at Missouri Southern as part of “Canada Semester” activities.
The group Great Big Sea will perform at 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 5 in Taylor Performing Arts Center. The show is free and open to the public.
Great Big Sea, from Newfoundland, has become one of Canada’s most popular exports. The group draws upon their homeland’s strong Irish and Scottish ancestry and centuries-old seafaring heritage for a mix of sea shanties, folk pop, rowdy Celtic pub songs, and Cajun-style sounds.
“Our music is of Newfoundland,” explains multi-instrumentalist Sean McCann. “It would be impossible to do what we do if we were from anywhere else." “Our songs come from the sea and the cliffs and the rocks and all the other natural beauties our country provides,” he says, adding, “Without her we simply couldn’t exist.”
Great Big Sea’s fans have been responding since their self-titled debut in 1993; all of their albums have gone gold, and most are multi-platinum.
Suzuki students visit China
Suzuki Violin Academy students in China
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The summer for Suzuki Violin Academy students Edith, Glenn, Hallah, Jasmine, and Kristina was very exciting as they visited China from June 1 to June 12. The students performed on the majestic Great Wall in Beijing, at the Music Fountain Square near the Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, and on the beautiful Li River in Guilin.
Kexi Liu, Music, says the group of 14 people, including the students, their families and friends, also enjoyed a dragon boating on the Kuming Lake at the Summer Palace and seeing a dozen pandas at the Zoo in Beijing; visiting a night market and having a banquet in Tang Dynasty imperial style in Xi'an; exploring the Reed Flute Cave and seeing a splendid song and dance performance in Guilin; and of course, shopping in Shanghai.
After the group returned home, one wrote: "We loved it. The children just made the trip special and the reaction to them was so neat." Another commented, "China was not really a country I had hoped to visit, but now I would love to go back. Thank you for giving me this chance to see a wonderful place!"
Kexi says the Southern Symphony Orchestra made a trip to China from May 19 to June 1. Members visited a variety of major cities and performed with the symphony orchestra of Henan Song and Dance Company in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan Province.
For a complete story on that journey, plus a photo, visit http://www.mssu.edu/news/2009/chinatrip09.html.
Weight loss competition to begin Monday
An on-campus weight loss competition will begin next Monday. Stop by the office of Natalie Bruce, Advising Counseling and Testing Services (Hearnes Hall 114B), for your initial weigh in. Final weigh in will be on Monday, Dec. 21. That is 12 weeks to get prepared for the holidays!
Natalie will send out weekly inspirational emails with healthy tips, and will also arrange a workout schedule that is optional to participate in. You are free to stop by and check your weight at any time.
It costs $25 to join, but the top 3 winners (winners determined by total percentage of body weight lost) will win the pot of money from those who originally signed up. Join the competition by weighing in BEFORE noon on Monday, Sept. 28 and pay your entry fee.
Exhibit extended
The exhibition "Cultural Reflections: Inuit Art from the Dennos Museum Center" at the Spiva Art Gallery of MSSU has been continued for two weeks. The exhibition will be on viewed in the MSSU Spiva Art Gallery until Oct. 9. "Response from faculty, students, and general community has been exceeding positive," says Val Christensen, Art. "We ask faculty to bring their students," he adds.
The gallery hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. For more information contact: Val at ext. 9631.
Relay for Life
The MSSU Relay for Life team is doing a 50/50 raffle to raise money for the American Cancer Society (ACS). Tickets are available for $1 each or 6 for $5. Winning ticket will get half the funds raised in the raffle with the other half going to the ACS. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Josh Doak, Student Services, at doak-j@mssu.edu or at the Homecoming picnic in the Relay for Life tent. Last year's winner was awarded $150. Come support a great cause.
Trivia night at your library
Are you smarter than your students? Prove it at “Trivia Night @ Your Library” at 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24. at Spiva Library.
There will be great prizes including: MSSU basketball tickets, bowling passes, free movie tickets and rentals, gift cards to restaurants and local businesses and much more.
Teams may consist of 4-8 participants. Entry fee is $10 per person. Please pick up an entry form from the Library and return by Monday, Oct. 19. For more information, please contact: Amber Carr, Library, at ext. 9335 carr-a@mssu.edu or Melissa Forsythe, Library, at ext. 9362 forsythe-m@mssu.edu.
All proceeds will be used to purchase new chairs for the Library computer labs.
Type A flu case reported
Missouri Southern's Willcoxon Health Center officials reported that a student was referred to Freeman Health System on Wednesday, Sept. 23 with flu-like symptoms that included a severe headache and a fever.
It has been confirmed that the individual was diagnosed with a Type A flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines that indicate more than 90 percent of Type A flu viruses are H1N1, officials from the Joplin Health Department stated. The State of Missouri is not testing for H1N1 unless individuals are hospitalized, but officials are using the CDC guidelines to determine the type of flu strain. Without further testing the Type A flu cannot be confirmed to be H1N1, but the Missouri Southern student is being treated appropriately based on medical advice.
The University is continuing to share information about the signs and symptoms, precautions, and best methods for prevention to students and on the University web site at http://www.mssu.edu/emergencyinformation/flu-h1n1.htm.
Any MSSU student, faculty or staff member who experiences flu-like symptoms, including a fever, headache or a cough, is urged to contact the Willcoxon Health Center in the Beimdiek Recreation Center at (417) 625-9323 or call a primary care doctor, stated Jan Dipley, Willcoxon Health Center.
Missouri Southern officials will continue to monitor this situation and will communicate any developments that may impact the University community via its web site, Facebook site (linked from the web home page), Twitter at liontales, email notifications, LioNet announcements, classroom announcements and other means deemed necessary.
Program features salute to Hearnes
An upcoming edition of the KGCS television program, "Missouri Legislative Update" includes a farewell to former Missouri Governor Warren Hearnes, who passed away recently. The tribute will take a look at his service in all three branches of state government. The program will also feature a look at legislation that was signed by the governor into law, and work done by legislators during the summer months.
"Missouri Legislative Update" will air on KGCS-TV starting next week, with the program scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28 and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29. KGCS programming may be seen over the air on UHF channel 22, and on area cable television systems, including Cable One, Mediacom and Suddenlink.
FACULTY/STAFF
Karen Bradshaw, Lisa Robinson and Jim Krudwig, MSSU Small Business & Technology Development Center, participated in the Kaysinger Business Conference on Sept.17 at Cottey College in Nevada. Karen Bradshaw presented a session, “Planning for Profits: The Benefits of a Business Plan.” Lisa Robinson and Kathy Macomber, Business Development Specialist with the University of Missouri Extension in Barton County, presented a session, “Increasing Profits with Your Website.” The MSSU SBTDC had a booth providing information on their services and academic programs at The Robert W. Plaster School of Business Administration.
Pat Hurley, Career Services, will appear on KODE's early-morning program Good Morning Four States on Thursday, Oct. 1. She will be prepared to discuss current job market information and how students, graduates and the general public can prepare for the job searches, as well as the Job Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
Frank A Pishkur, Art, has a display of ceramic works entitled “Missouri Celadons” in the Elsie Plaster Gallery at Crowder College through Oct. 7. The exhibition features stoneware vessels with carved surfaces covered with a variety of celadon blue and green glazes. There will be an Artist’s Closing Reception from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct 2.
CLASSIFIED
For Sale: Classy 1994 red Chevy Camaro; automatic; power windows, doors, locks, and driver's seat; remote entry; well-maintained engine; 131,000; good condition; good tires; one-owner; $2700. Telephone (417) 673-1943.
Corn Maze: Sponsored by Pathways Church. For more information visit Pathways Corn Maze online.
For Sale: 2200 sq. ft. lake front house for sale in Shell Knob, Mo. on Table Rock Lake. Boat dock available at King's River Marina nearby. 2 - 4 bedrooms, central heat/air. Propane heat, electric water heater and air. 2 baths, 1.5 garages, front and back decks. Newer roof, recent siding, totally remodeled and ready to move into. Includes appliances, window coverings, new carpet, walkout basement, new tile, paint, fans and fixtures. Must see to appreciate. $162,900. Call (417) 540-3423. To see pictures, e-mail gallemore-r@mssu.edu,
Renaissance Festival Tickets
Bonner Springs, Kan. (Near K.C.)
Open weekends and Columbus Day through Oct. 18
10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Rain or Shine.
Adult- $13
Child - $7
Tickets at the MSSU Bookstore
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