Philosophy Statement for the First-Year Experience

Missouri Southern State University is committed to making the first year of college a success for each student. This ideal is translated into action by fostering five integrated components:

• a smooth transition into university life
• a sense of shared responsibility
• a challenging and stimulating learner centered academic environment
• a sense of inclusive community
• a comprehensive support program of personnel and resources

The University facilitates the transition to higher education from diverse life experiences and develops lifelong learners for intellectual, cultural, and social exchanges. The responsibility for student learning is shared by all members of the campus community. The University’s liberal arts foundation prepares students to become knowledgeable, critical thinkers who can meet the challenges and responsibilities facing global citizens.

Missouri Southern fosters a sense of community, campus spirit, and support for its first year students by promoting connections with faculty, administrators, support staff, and peers. Continuous quality assessment of each of the components is conducted so that necessary changes are implemented to maximize the first-year experience.