Missouri State University - West Plains

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Catalog 

Student Services

Capital Funds Guidelines

The Student Capital Projects Fund is a program initiated by the students of Missouri State University-West Plains and authorized by the Missouri State University Board of Governors. The purpose of the program is to provide an annual funding source for capital projects which have the potential to enhance the quality of life and improve the level of service to all students and members of the campus community. The Student Government Association coordinates all activities of this fund and will happily work with students interested in improving the campus. Additional information may be found in the complete Capital Funds Guidelines at the following Internet address: http://www.wp.missouristate.edu/StudentLife/CapitalFunds.htm.

Career Planning

Students can explore options and plan for the future by using career assessments and resource materials in the Career Services and Campus Outreach Office (CSO). Additionally, the Job Locator and Development Program helps students find both temporary and permanent employment. Following graduation, alumni may continue to use the CSO services for assisting with a job search. Various resources are available to aid in the development of resumes and tips to support a successful search. The CSO also houses the Higher Education Resource Center – a Financial Aid, College, and Career Planning Lab – that is accessible to students and the public. Additional information may be found at the following internet address: http://www.wp.missouristate.edu/Career/.

Computer Usage Guidelines

Certain policies and ethics for student computer use and computer network use have been adopted and may be found at the following Internet address: http://www.missouristate.edu/ais/au.htm.

V.H. Drago College Store

Missouri State University-West Plains operates a full-service bookstore on the campus at 411West Main Street. Students can purchase textbooks, other course materials, reference books, best sellers, computer software and calculators, backpacks, greeting cards, gifts, and Missouri State University-West Plains/ Grizzly sportswear and souvenir items. The store offers online ordering of textbooks, which can be delivered to the students’ home addresses. Students may reserve textbooks for the semester by filling out a form at the store or online at the following web address: http://www.wp.missouristate.edu/Bookstore.

The early reservation service can result in significant savings through the purchase of used books instead of new ones. In addition, the college store offers book buyback services every day; however, the best time for students to sell their books is during finals week. During this buyback time, students usually can receive more money for textbooks that are scheduled for use in the next semester. Graduating students, faculty, and staff may obtain commencement regalia from the store. Upon presentation of valid student identification, students may obtain free tickets at the store for Grizzly basketball games and Grizzly volleyball matches.

Financial Aid

Missouri State University-West Plains has a program of financial assistance for students. The program consists of scholarships, loans, grants, work-study, campus and community employment, and short-term loans. To view a summary of various types of financial assistance, access the Missouri State University-West Plains Scholarships and Financial Aid Handbook at http://www.wp.missouristate.edu/FinAid/ or contact the Office of Financial Aid for a copy. Descriptions of Missouri State University-West Plains’ institutional, endowed, and restricted scholarships are listed, as well as numerous other resources available through different federal, state and other agencies. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) also is available for electronic completion through a hyperlink on the Financial Aid website, or it can be accessed directly at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Copies also are available in the Office of Financial Aid. Through a grant provided by the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority, three computer workstations are available for members of the public to apply electronically on the FAFSA. The resource center is located in Looney Hall, room 104. The FAFSA is the application used to apply for the Federal Pell Grant, SEOG Grant, Federal Work-Study Program, and Federal Family Education Loans (PLUS, Subsidized, and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans). Information regarding the application process for student financial assistance through the state of Missouri can be accessed at http://www.dhe.mo.gov. Application processes and deadline dates vary from program to program. Contact the Missouri State University-West Plains Office of Financial Aid at 417-255-7243 for more information.

Food Services/Putnam Student Center

The campus dining room, located in the Putnam Student Center just east of the Garnett Library, provides convenient access to nutritional meals or a quick snack for those on the run. A menu with a variety of food items is available at the snack bar, which opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes at 7:00 p.m. to match student schedules. Putnam Student Center, consisting of a student lounge with large screen television, comfortable couches, a dining room, and a game room with pool and ping pong tables, is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for students to relax or study between classes. The Student Government Association and the other student organizations all have office space in Putnam. 

The Office of Student Life and Development, which coordinates campus activities and judicial policies, is in Putnam. If students are looking for a great place to hang out, meet other students, or grab a bite to eat, Putnam is where they need to be.

Public Safety

Missouri State University-West Plains is relatively crime-free. The campus adheres to a set of educational and administrative policies which are essential to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment and which foster a sense of community and public accountability. A Campus Safety and Parking Committee – involving students, faculty, and staff – meets regularly to assess safety issues on the campus and make recommendations for improvement.

The University contracts with off-duty members of the West Plains Police Department, Howell County Sheriff’s Department, and/or other certified personnel to provide an Evening Safety Services program. These services include a campus security presence, escort service, and emergency services. Contact the Office of Student Services for more information. Emergency Procedures posters – providing instruction in the event of fire, tornado, earthquake or other emergencies – are located in each room in each campus facility. Missouri State-West Plains conducts emergency drills annually.

Missouri State-West Plains provides the following emergency and safety-related information:

  • Annual Safety Report and Crime Statistics: Missouri State University -West Plains, in compliance with Part II of the Federal Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, publishes an annual Safety Report. It provides applicants, students, and employees with safety policies, resources, and crime statistics. Copies are available online at http://www.wp.missouristate.edu/StudentLife/CrimeStat.htm or by contacting the Office of Student Life and Development at (417) 255-7233.
  • Bomb Threat Procedures: In the event of a bomb threat, the West Plains Police and Fire Departments will be called immediately. Missouri State-West Plains will prosecute to the fullest extent possible under law any persons placing any threat to students, faculty, staff, and campus facilities.
  • Crime Reporting: Any individual on the West Plains Campus who is a victim of, or observes any, criminal activity should report the incident immediately to the West Plains Police Department, 911 or (417) 256-2244, and to either the Office of Student Services (417-255-7225) or the Office of Business Services (417-255-7260).

    For evening assistance at the campus, call (417) 257-9078 to access campus personnel.

  • Earthquake Procedures: Drop, cover, and hold on! Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place (e.g., under a sturdy table or desk). Most injured persons in earthquakes move more than five feet during the shaking. It is very dangerous to try to leave a building during an earthquake because objects can fall on you. Many fatalities occur when people run outside of buildings, only to be injured by falling debris from collapsing walls. In U.S. buildings, you are safer to stay where you are. After the shaking has stopped, if you go outside, move quickly away from the building to prevent injury from falling debris.
  • Emergency Messages: The Office of Registration and Records (417-255-7979)may be contacted by emergency personnel or your family to relay messages to you in case of an emergency. In order to allow instructors to conduct orderly class sessions, routine messages are not accepted. In the event of an evening emergency, please call the Garnett Library (417-255-7945) or Evening Safety personnel (417-257-9078).
  • Fire Procedures: Students, faculty, and staff are urged to give special consideration to possible exit routes in case of a fire. When a fire occurs or a fire drill is held, utilize the closest exit and do not use elevators. In the event of a fire, activate the nearest fire alarm and call 911 for emergency response. Consult the Emergency Procedures posted in each campus facility for specific instructions.
  • First Aid Kits: First Aid kits are available in all campus buildings as indicated below:

Drago College Store

  • North wall of receiving area

Garnett Library

  • South wall of room 108

Grizzly House

  • North wall of room 105

Kellett Hall

  • South wall of room 103

Looney Hall

  • Cabinet in mail room
  • Room 201 (Closet in Office of Financial Aid)

Lybyer ETC

  • North wall of room 107
  • West wall of room 206

Melton Hall

  • East wall of room 201
  • South wall of room 217
  • West wall of room 212

Putnam Student Center

  • West wall of room 105
  • South wall of room 101

Higher Education Center (Houston Extended Campus)

  • South wall of restroom.

Shannon Hall (Moutain Grove Extended Campus)

  • North wall of room 109
  • Incidents and Accidents: Members of the campus community needing to report an incident or accident on campus can do so by contacting the Dean of Student Services. Persons reporting incidents and accidents will be asked to file an incident report with the Office of Business Services.individual to the appropriate medical facility.
  • Medical Emergencies: If a medical emergency should arise on campus, contact a member of the faculty or staff immediately. This employee will assess the situation and take the appropriate action. If warranted, an ambulance and a trained paramedic will be summoned to provide on-site care and/or transport the Persons reporting incidents and accidents will be asked to file an incident report with the Office of Business Services.individual to the appropriate medical facility. For non-emergency medical needs, students covered under the Student Health Services Plan should follow those procedures. See “Student Health Services” below.
  • Tornado Procedures: When tornado sirens are sounded or communication from the police is relayed to the campus, students and faculty should use their discretion in the safety precautions that are taken. However, the specific procedures posted in each room in each campus facility are recommended. Complete information about the Missouri State University-West Plains Campus Safety program may be accessed online at: http://www.wp.missouristate.edu/CampusSafety/.

Office of Registration and Records

The Office of Registration and Records coordinates all registration and change of schedule services; assesses required student fees through a student information system, and processes all withdrawals. The Office also maintains all student academic records; processes initial grades and grade changes, pass/ not pass and audit requests, substitutions and course waivers, and name and address changes; produces transcripts; provides degree and enrollment verifications; processes applications for graduation, and certifies honors and degrees for graduation. The office is located in Looney Hall, Room 202. Additional information can be found at the following Internet address: http://www.wp.missouristate.edu/RecReg/.

Student Health Services

Missouri State University-West Plains has a contractual relationship with the Urgent Care/ Internal Medicine Clinic of Ozarks Medical Center to provide basic office visits to Missouri State University -West Plains’ students who are enrolled in six or more credit hours. Urgent Care/Internal Medicine Clinic will also provide many medical related services and procedures, as well as referral services to women’s health services, counseling, and a variety of specialists and surgeons. Clinics are also available forstudent use in Gainesville, Thayer, Alton, Winona, and Mountain Grove, as well as in Salem and Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. The outreach clinics have different hours so students should check the web address listed below for details. The basic office visit is provided to qualified students at no cost; all other services will be charged to students. Information is distributed to students through an informative brochure. Contact the Office of the Dean of Student Services or the Coordinator of Student Life and Development for information. More information can be found at http://www.wp.missouristate.edu/StudentServices/MedicalServices.htm.

Student Health Insurance

Optional medical insurance is available for all students to purchase. Contact the Office of Student Life and Development or the Student Services secretary for information. International students (students for whom Missouri State University-West Plains has issued student visa documents) will be charged a mandatory medical insurance fee each semester at the time of registration. The Office of Admissions can answer questions from international students.

Student Life and Development

The Office of Student Life and Development, located in Putnam Student Center, coordinates residence life, student activities, student organizations, the student judicial system, campus programming, and preparation of certain campus publications. Additional information about the office may be found at the following Internet address: http://www.wp.missouristate.edu/StudentLife/.

Student Organizations

  • Adult Students in Higher Education (ASHE)
  • Anime Viewers Anonymous (AVA)
  • Campus Crusade for Christ
  • Christian Campus House
  • Math and Science Club
  • Missouri Student Teachers’ Association
  • ONE Campus Ministries
  • Phi Beta Lambda
  • Phi Theta Kappa
  • Student Alumni Association
  • Student Government Association
  • Student International Club
  • Student Nurse and Allied Health Association
  • Tri-Lambda
  • University Ambassadors
  • University Democrats
  • University Golf Teams (Club Sport)
  • University Republicans
  • Virtual Planes Users Group (VPUG)
  • Wesley Club

The Student Government Association is the official voice of the student body at Missouri State University-West Plains. Through representatives selected by the student body, SGA suggests and provides information to the campus administration concerning students’ thoughts and desires for the campus. SGA also is responsible for monitoring and publicizing Capital Funds proposals. These proposals are student sponsored plans for permanent improvements to the campus through the use of the Capital Fund Fee. For more information contact SGA at (417) 255-8051.

Missouri State University-West Plains encourages the development of student organizations. Anyone interested in developing a group on campus should contact the Office of Student Life and Development at (417) 255-7233.

Student Volunteer Center

The Volunteer Center located in the Career Services and Campus Outreach Office puts student, faculty, and staff volunteers in touch with volunteer opportunities in the community. Volunteer opportunities are collected from community and university agencies and departments. Any student interested in volunteering should contact the Career Services and Campus Outreach Office located in M.O. Looney Hall.

Vehicle Operation and Parking Regulations

Any person who operates a motor vehicle on campus is responsible for following the parking and traffic regulations which are printed in the Campus Procedures section of the catalog.