MSU-West Plains News

  • Always Wanted to Play Piano? Start Here.

    Always Wanted to Play Piano? Start Here.

    MUS 101: Beginning Piano is open to all students, with no musical experience required. If you’ve never touched a keyboard or read a note of music, this class was made for you.

    You’ll learn the basics from the ground up: reading music, understanding rhythm, finding your way around the keyboard, and playing with good hand position and technique. By the end of the semester, you’ll be playing scales, chords, and simple pieces with both hands.

    You’ll learn in our brand-new Yamaha digital piano lab, where every student has their own instrument with headphones. You can practice at your own pace without anyone listening, then come together with the class for group playing.

    Whether you want to accompany yourself singing, pick up a lifelong hobby, or just try something new, MUS 101 is a fun and low-pressure way to begin. For more information, email MicahBoise@MissouriState.edu.

  • Angel Tree applications open

    SGA is once again sponsoring an Angel Tree for the children of our students.  The Angel Tree application is open and available for students to complete.  If you know a student who could benefit from the Angel Tree, please encourage them to apply.  November 2, 2026 is the opening of the Angel Tree for any who are interested to give or adopt as a Sponsor.  Angels will be located in Lybyer 207, Office of Student Services.  Thank you for your support of this worthy activity!

    Dr. Angela Totty
    Vice Chancellor of Student Services
    128 Garfield Ave.
    West Plains, MO  65775
    O: 417-255-7256

    AngelaTotty@MissouriState.edu | WP.MissouriState.edu

  • Employee Benefits

    MSU-WP Employee Benefits Fair

    All full-time and part-time employees are invited to the MSU-West Plains Employee Benefits Fair on Thursday, October 29, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Student Recreation Center.

    Connect with 20+ vendors offering information on medical and wellness benefits, financial planning, mental health resources, and community services. Complete on-site biometric screenings and receive a flu vaccination. Plus, enjoy giveaways and chances to win door prizes!

    Take advantage of this opportunity to explore available resources, ask questions, and learn more about the benefits and services available to you.

    Act Now: Limited Biometric Screening and Flu Vaccination Appointments Remain

    Appointments are required through the MyHealth Portal.
    Thursday, Oct. 29: Student Rec Center, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

     

    Medicare 101 Educational Session

    Thursday, Oct. 29
    1 – 2 p.m.
    Hass-Darr Hall, room 100

    Join us on Thursday, October 29, from 1-2 p.m. in Hass-Darr 100 for a Medicare 101 Educational Session. Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming, especially with the different parts, enrollment timelines, and supplement options. This session is designed to help you better understand how Medicare works so you can make informed decisions that align with your personal situation. RSVP Online 

    2027 Health Plan Premium Rates and Open Enrollment

    SEUSA

    Nominations are now being accepted for the Staff Excellence in University Service Awards. The awards recognize excellence in service to the university among staff employees. Six full-time staff employees will receive a one-time $1,500 award. Staff, faculty, and administrators are encouraged to submit nominations by Sunday, Nov. 8. Additional information can be found at http://www.missouristate.edu/seusa.

     

    Alyssa Collins
    Assistant Director, Human Resources
    Institutional Compliance Liaison
    Missouri State University-West Plains

  • Career Services events this week

    Schedule an Appointment with Career Services

    If you need to set up an appointment with Career Services, below are some of the options available:

    • Career Document/Portfolio Review
    • Off Campus Job Search/Networking
    • Interview Preparation
    • Transfer Process
    • Career Planning

    If you need to schedule an appointment, click schedule an appointment to meet with one of our career services staff members.

     

    Transfer workshop: Navigating your path to a bachelor’s degree

    Please note: This workshop has been canceled and will be rescheduled at a future time.

    Transfer Workshop
    Monday, Oct. 19
    10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
    Lybyer Hall, room 211

    Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? Join us for the Transfer Workshop: Navigating Your Path to a Bachelor’s Degree at 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. in Lybyer 211 on October 19. This is a comprehensive and interactive event designed to support students transition from an associate degree to a bachelor degree program.

     

    Resumé and Cover Letter Workshop

    Resume and Cover Letter Workshop
    Tuesday, Oct. 27
    2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
    Lybyer Hall, room 211

    Students and alumni are welcome to join this workshop to learn helpful tips to create a standout resume and cover letter. This will take place on October 27, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Lybyer 211

     

    ASU Rep Visit

    ASU Representative
    Thursday, Oct. 28
    11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
    Lybyer Hall, south entrance

    A transfer advisor from SEMO will be visiting the MSU-WP campus on Thursday, Oct. 28,  from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the Lybyer Hall main entrance. This will be a tabling event for students to drop by to visit with their rep about transfer opportunities.

     

    College Transfer Day

    College Transfer Day
    Wednesday, Nov. 4
    10 a.m. – noon
    Carol Silvey Student Union, Hass-Darr Hall

    College Transfer Day is a dedicated event designed to assist students who are considering transferring to another institution upon graduation to complete their preferred undergraduate and doctoral studies. The event aims to help students explore transfer options, gain insights into various colleges and programs, and receive personalized guidance from representatives of multiple institutions. This comprehensive event provides the resources and support needed to make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures.

    Career Services

    Lybyer Hall, Room 210
    Missouri State University-West Plains
    128 Garfield Avenue
    West Plains, MO 65775

    417-255-7230

    WPCareer@MissouriState.edu

  • Study Abroad: China 2027

    Study Abroad: China 2027

    Informational Meeting
    Monday, Oct. 19
    2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
    Lybyer Hall, room 205

    Study Abroad in China While Earning Your Degree

    Have you ever wanted to travel internationally, experience a different culture firsthand, or learn about life in another part of the world? The Missouri State University-West Plains China Study Abroad Program offers you the opportunity to do all of that while earning credit toward your associate degree at our Dalian, China campus.
    Participants receive round-trip airfare and housing as part of the program. In addition, eligible financial aid and scholarship funds awarded through Missouri State University-West Plains may be applied to program costs, making this an affordable and accessible international experience.

    Learn More

    Interested in learning more? Attend an informational meeting on October 19 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Lybyer Hall 205. During the session, Dr. Michael Orf, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, along with other program representatives, will provide an overview of the experience, discuss eligibility requirements, and answer questions about studying abroad in China.

    Criteria

    Students interested in participating in the program must be in good standing at Missouri State University-West Plains, will have completed at least 30 college credit hours before the Spring 2027 semester, and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. To apply, students must submit a completed application, two academic letters of recommendation, and a personal statement describing why they would like to participate in the program. Applicants will also participate in an interview as part of the selection process.

    Deadline

    The application deadline for the China Study Abroad Program is November 8.
    This unique opportunity allows students to gain valuable international experience, develop a broader global perspective, and create memories that will last a lifetime. If you’ve ever considered studying abroad, now is the time to learn more and take the first step toward an unforgettable experience.
    We hope to see you at the informational meeting!
     
    Michael Orf
    Vice Chancellor
    Academic Affairs
    Missouri State University-West Plains

  • Career Services Events

    October 15

    SEMO Rep Visit

    A transfer advisor from SEMO will be visiting the MSU-WP campus on Thursday, October 15, from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., in the Lybyer Hall main entrance. This will be a tabling event for students to drop by to visit with their rep about transfer opportunities.

    October 19

    Transfer Workshop: Navigating you path to a Bachelor’s degree

    Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? Join us for the Transfer Workshop: Navigating Your Path to a Bachelor’s Degree from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. in Lybyer 211 on October 19. This will be a comprehensive and interactive event designed to support students like you as you transition from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree program.

    October 27

    Resume and Cover Letter Workshop

    Students and alumni are welcome to join this workshop to learn helpful tips to create a standout resume and cover letter. This event will take place on October 27 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Lybyer 211.

    October 28

    ASU Rep Visit

    A transfer advisor from SEMO will be visiting the MSU-WP campus on Thursday, October 28, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Lybyer Hall main entrance area. This will be a tabling event for students to drop by to visit with their rep about transfer opportunities.

    November 4

    College Transfer Day

    College Transfer Day is a dedicated event designed to assist students who are considering transferring to another institution upon graduation to complete their preferred undergraduate and doctoral studies. This event is scheduled for November 4 from 10 a.m. t0 noon in the Carol Silvey Student Union inside Hass-Darr Hall.

    This event aims to help students explore transfer options, gain insights into various colleges and programs, and receive personalized guidance from representatives of multiple institutions. This comprehensive event provides the resources and support needed to make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures.

  • Employee Benefits

    MO Deferred Compensation 1:1 Sessions

    Kevin Polley, Financial Education Specialist with the Missouri Deferred Comp Plan, will be available to meet one-on-one with employees on Tuesday, October 13 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. in Kellett 101. These 30-minute sessions offer personalized guidance to help you set retirement goals and develop a retirement savings strategy. See the attached flyer for details.

    Schedule an appointment

    Health Plan Premium Rates and Open Enrollment

    See Flyer for more details 

    Flu Vaccinations & Biometric Screenings

    Appointments are required through the MyHealth Portal.

    • Wednesday, October 14: Student Rec Center, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
    • Thursday, October 29: Student Rec Center, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

    SEUSA

    Nominations are now being accepted for the Staff Excellence in University Service Awards. The awards recognize excellence in service to the university among staff employees. Six full-time staff employees will receive a one-time $1,500 award. Staff, faculty, and administrators are encouraged to submit nominations by Sunday, Nov. 8. Additional information can be found at http://www.missouristate.edu/seusa.

    Thanks!

    Alyssa Collins
    Assistant Director, Human Resources
    Institutional Compliance Liaison
    Missouri State University-West Plains
    128 Garfield Ave.
    West Plains, MO 65775
    417-255-7265

  • ASK Week

    ASK Week is almost here!

    click image to enlarge

    View PDF version of ASK Week Poster.

    Please encourage students to make plans in their schedules to meet with their academic advisors during ASK week: Monday, Oct. 26, through Friday, Oct. 30. Advisors have set aside additional advising time during ASK Week specifically for student convenience.

  • Employee Benefits

    Save up to $360 on your annual health insurance premiums!
    October 14 and October 29

    Full-time employees enrolled in Missouri State’s health plan can earn the full 2027 wellness incentive of $30 per month ($360 annually) by completing any two of three activities by December 1, 2026:

    • Complete the wellness educational video/questionnaire in My Learning Connection (available Nov. 1–Dec. 1).
    • Get a flu vaccination.
    • Complete a biometric screening.

    Flu vaccinations and employee biometric screenings will be available at the MSU-WP Student Recreation Center on October 14 and October 29.

    Flu vaccinations provided by Magers are available to all employees, including full-time and part-time employees, as well as household members and students.

    Read the full HR announcement

    Ready to Retire Seminar
    Tuesday, Oct. 13

    MOSERS will host a Ready to Retire Seminar from 8:30 a.m. – noon on Tuesday, October 13 in Kellett Hall 101.

    Representatives from the Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System (MOSERS) will present pertinent information concerning retirement benefits. The seminar is designed for all MOSERS members who are considering retirement within the next five years. Seating is limited. Refer to the flyer for registration instructions.

    Medicare 101 Educational Presentation
    Thursday, Oct. 29

    Join us on Thursday, October 29, from 1-2 p.m. in Hass-Darr 100 for a Medicare 101 Educational Presentation.

    Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming, especially with the different parts, enrollment timelines, and supplement options. This educational session is designed to help you better understand how Medicare works so you can make informed decisions that align with your personal situation. RSVP Online

  • Fitness classes available

    Fitness classes available

    HIGH is a modern twist on aerobics in a non-stop, action-packed mix of cardio, toning and push tracks. Bring tennis shoes and water.

    YO is a modern twist on deep stretching that will take strength, balance and flexibility to the next level. Bring a mat and water.

    Both classes will be held at the Student Recreation Center.

    Fitness Instructor: Courtney Hughes
    Check the monthly calendar on Instagram at @h.i.g.h.withcourt
    For more information, contact Courtney Hughes at 417-293-3296

    YO is back!

    Midterms got you feeling stressed?  Your October reset starts here! YO is back on campus for the month of October.
    YO puts a modern twist on yoga-inspired deep stretching to help improve your strength, balance, and flexibility. Come move, stretch, and recharge — your body will thank you!

    October 13 & 20

    • Tuesdays @ 4:30 PM
    • Student Recreation Center
    • Bring: A mat + water

    Take a little time to slow down, stretch it out, and unwind.

    HIGH-lloween

    Get ready to sweat, move, and get into the Halloween spirit!
    High-lloween combines an energetic mix of cardio, toning, and push tracks with choreography set to limited-edition Halloween-inspired dance tracks. It’s your workout with a spooky twist!

    October 1, 15 & 22

    • Thursdays @ 4:30 PM
    • Student Recreation Center
    • Bring: Tennis shoes + water
    Grab a friend, bring the energy, and let’s get moving!