Annual Consumer Information Notice
Information Dissemination
The Vice Chancellor of Student Services is available on a full-time basis to assist enrolled or prospective students in obtaining information on financial assistance, Missouri State University-West Plains, graduation, and completion rates. The Office of the Vice Chancellor of Student Services is located in Lybyer Technology Center room 207, phone (417) 255-7255. The Associate Vice Chancellor for Business and Support Services is available to assist individuals with security policies and crime statistics. The Associate Vice Chancellor for Business and Support Services is located in Kellett Hall room 201, phone (417) 255-7258.
Athletic Program Information
Athletic Program Participation and Financial Support
The annual Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act Report that contains participation rates, financial support, and other information on men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletic programs is available from the Athletic Director, West Plains Civic Center, Room 202, Missouri State University-West Plains, 127 Jefferson Ave., West Plains, MO 65775, (417) 255-7990. Information can also be located on the athletic webpage > Inside Athletics > Equity in Athletics.
Graduation Rates for Student Athletes
- The number of students, categorized by race and gender, who attended the institution during the year prior to preparation of the report;
- The number of those students who received athletically related student aid, categorized by race and gender within each sport;
- The completion or graduation rate and, if applicable, transfer-out rate of all the entering, certificate- or degree-seeking, full-time students;
- The completion or graduation rate and, if applicable, transfer-out rate of those entering students who received athletically related student aid, categorized by race and gender within each sport;
- The average completion or graduation rate and, if applicable, transfer-out rate for the four most recent completing or graduating classes of those students, categorized by race and gender;
- The average completion or graduation rate and, if applicable, transfer-out rate of the four most recent completing or graduating classes of those entering students who received athletically related student aid, categorized by race and gender within each sport.
When Missouri State University-West Plains offers a prospective student-athlete athletically related student aid, the University discloses the information above to the potential athlete and his or her parents, high school coach, and guidance counselor. This information is also available from the Athletic Director; Missouri State University-West Plains; 128 Garfield Avenue; West Plains, MO 65775; Office: Putnam Hall; Telephone: (417) 255-7990 and can be located on the Institutional Research webpage.
Campus Contacts
University officials may be contacted to assist enrolled or prospective students with the following:
Discrimination Based on Sex: Title IX Coordinator, 205 Carrington Hall, Missouri State University – Springfield, (417) 836-4252; Title IX Coordinator Liaison, Carla Neff, Looney Hall, office 206, 128 Garfield Ave., (417) 255-8043.
Campus Safety
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report for the 2022 Reporting Year - Notice of Availability
Missouri State University – West Plains is committed to assisting all members of the University community in providing for their own safety and security, and to supporting the welfare of its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), the Office of University Safety prepares the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report each year for each campus.
Each individual campus report includes statistics for 2020, 2021, & 2022 calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings owned or controlled by Missouri State University, and on public property within the campus or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and other drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault and other matters. Campuses that have residential facilities will have a report that includes annual fire safety information including the number of fires in residential facilities, any injuries, deaths, or property damage resulting from those fires, and policies/procedures related to fire safety and responses to fires.
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports are available on the University Safety website at Campus Safety, Missouri State University–West Plains ATTN Associate Vice Chancellor for Business and Support Services, West Plains, Missouri 65775, (417) 255-7258 WPSafety@MissouriState.edu.
Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures
The Emergency Response and Evacuation Plan establishes policies and procedures that will be employed when there exists the potential for an emergency condition, such as severe weather; an emergency situation that has occurred or is occurring; or in any situation where it is necessary and beneficial for the operations of Missouri State University-West Plains to be conducted out of a single location. To ensure the various plans at Missouri State University-West Plains will work in an emergency, the University participates in drills and exercises that include campus personnel as well as local, county, and state public safety agencies.
The University has several procedures in place to communicate with faculty, staff, students and media regarding any emergency on campus and has established an emergency mass notification system, known as “Missouri State Alert”, on all Missouri State University campuses. Complete details about the Emergency Response Plan (Crisis Management) and the Missouri State Alert System are available from the Associate Vice Chancellor for Business and Support Services, Kellett Hall 201, Missouri State University-West Plains, (417) 255-7258, or can be found on the Campus Safety webpage.
Missing Person Policy
In accordance with the Higher Education Act of 2008, all students who reside in on-campus housing may identify an individual who will be contacted by University or law enforcement personnel after it has been determined that the student is missing. If campus officials determine that a student for whom a missing person report has been filed has been missing for more than 24 hours, then within the next 24 hours, they must: notify the individual identified by the student to be contacted in this circumstance; notify a parent or guardian if the student is under 18 years old; and notify law enforcement. If at any time foul play is suspected or suspicious circumstances are uncovered, the Vice Chancellor of Student Services, the Associate Vice Chancellor for Business and Support Services, and law enforcement officials will be contacted immediately. The complete policy is available from the Office of Student Life & Development, Hass-Darr Hall, Suite 107, Missouri State University-West Plains, (417) 255-7233. The policy is also available on the Campus Safety webpage where the most recent Annual Security and Fire Safety Report will be located.
Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification
Under provisions of the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act (Wetterling Act), any person who is required to register under a state sex offender registration program must notify the state when he or she enrolls at an institution of higher education or is employed at such an institution and must notify the state of any change in enrollment or employment at an institution of higher education. Sex offender registration information is to be transmitted from each state to the law enforcement entities where the registered sex offenders reside. In Missouri, the sex offender list is maintained at the county level.
The University’s Campus Safety website includes a link to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Registry Sex Offenders List. Members of the University Community who wish to be informed of the identities of registered sex offenders who reside in Howell County are encouraged to access this information.
Prohibition of Discrimination and Harassment Policy
Missouri State University (“University”) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the university.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 ("Title IX") prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities at educational institutions receiving federal funds. Title IX protects all members of the university community, as well as applicants for university admission or employment, from all forms of sex discrimination. Similarly, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits sex discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual assault) in the workplace.
The university is committed to maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of discrimination, including discrimination based on sex. Moreover, the university is committed to maintaining an environment that is free from domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, as contemplated by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act ("Clery Act"), as amended by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 ("VAWA").
The University maintains a grievance procedure available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment, should be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Carrington 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65897, (417) 836-4252, or titleix@missouristate.edu. The University has adopted a grievance procedure policy for the prompt and equitable resolution of allegations of sexual discrimination, including sexual harassment. This policy is available at the Title IX website. Individuals may report an allegation of sex discrimination, file a complaint of sexual discrimination, or file a formal complaint of sexual harassment by contacting the Title IX Coordinator at Carrington 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65897, (417) 836-4252, or titleix@missouristate.edu, or visiting the Title IX website. All other inquiries concerning the complaint/grievance procedure related to discrimination and/or harassment on the basis of a Protected Class other than sex, as well as inquiries related to the University’s Affirmative Action Plan or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines, should be addressed to the Equal Opportunity Officer, Carrington Hall, 205, Springfield, Missouri, 65897; Equity@MissouriState.edu; (417) 836-4252; TTY: (417) 836-6974.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Missouri State – West Plains is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. Sex discrimination encompasses sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, and is strictly prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
This policy shall not be interpreted in a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
The University maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available
to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State
University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Minority/Female/Veterans/Disability/Sexual
Orientation/Gender Identity employer. Inquiries concerning the complaint/grievance
procedure related to sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual assault,
should be addressed to the Title IX Coordinator, Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897, TitleIX@MissouriState.edu, 417-836-4252, or to the Office for Civil Rights. All other inquiries concerning the grievance
procedure, Affirmative Action Plan, or compliance with federal and state laws and
guidelines should be addressed to the Equal Opportunity Officer, Office for Institutional Equity and Compliance, Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897, Equity@MissouriState.edu, 417-836-4252, or to the Office for Civil Rights. (Res. Board Policies No. 70-11; Bd. Min. 10-28-11.)
Career Services
Information regarding services provided by the Career Services Office, including career development and job search preparation, can be found on the Career Services webpage. For more information contact Career Services, Lybyer 210, Missouri State – West Plains, 417-255-7230.
Copyright Infringement
Missouri State University prohibits the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials, including the use of peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. The Copyright Policy and Copyright/File Sharing information apply to all members of the University community who use these networks to share copyrighted media files will have network access suspended until an agreement to no longer share material is made. Subsequent unauthorized sharing by students will result in disciplinary action through the Vice Chancellor of Student Services. University employee actions are presented in the Faculty and Staff Handbooks. In addition, unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including peer-to-peer file sharing, may subject a student or employee to civil and criminal liabilities summarized below:
Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or “statutory” damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For “willful” infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorney’s fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505. Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.
Policies and more information can be found by contacting the Information Security Officer, 163 Cheek Hall, Missouri State University, (417) 836-8391 or on the Information Security webpage.
Disabilities Resources
Missouri State University-West Plains is committed to providing an accessible and supportive environment for students with disabilities. Equal access for qualified students with disabilities is an obligation of the University under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Missouri State University-West Plains does not discriminate on the basis of disability against otherwise-qualified individuals in any program, service or activity offered by the University. Information is available in the Advisor’s Office located in Lybyer Technology Center, Room 210, Missouri State University-West Plains (417) 255-7222 or the Disability Services webpage. The University is committed to ensuring that no otherwise-qualified individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated or otherwise treated differently than other individuals because of the absence of auxiliary aids or other appropriate services; however, accommodations cannot result in an undue burden to the University or fundamentally alter the requirements essential to a program of instruction.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
The Alcohol and Drug policy of Missouri State University-West Plains is annually distributed to every employee and student of Missouri State University-West Plains out of concern for their welfare and in compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act. Missouri State University-West Plains is committed to providing a healthy, safe, and learning environment for its students, faculty, staff, and guests. Abuse of alcohol and other drugs disrupts this environment and interferes with the academic and personal development of the student, and personal and professional development of University employees. This policy can be found on the Campus Safety webpage in the most recent Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. Consequences for violation of the campus Drug and Alcohol Policy can be found in the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities or the Employee Handbook.
Education Abroad
For information about Education Abroad opportunities at Missouri State University-West Plains, visit the following Education Abroad or contact the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Lybyer Technology Center 206, (417) 255-7272.
Financial Aid & Education Abroad
Missouri State University-West Plains degree-seeking students who are studying abroad at the China campus may be eligible to use their federal financial aid and/or Missouri State University-West Plains scholarships. To use any financial aid or scholarships, this MUST be approved by the Financial Aid Office.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. They include the right to: 1) inspect and review these records; 2) request an amendment to the records; 3) consent to or restrict disclosures of personally identifiable information in the records; and 4) file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning the University’s alleged failure to comply with FERPA. Copies of the complete policies and procedures for reviewing educational records and requesting an amendment of the records may be obtained from the Office of Registration & Records, Cass Hall, Missouri State University-West Plains, (417) 255-7979, or on the Registration & Records webpage.
Financial Aid
The following information regarding financial aid and its availability to students can be obtained at the Office of Financial Aid, Cass Hall, Missouri State University-West Plains, (417) 255-7243 and can also be found on their Financial Aid webpage.
- Cost of Attendance
- Net Price Calculator
- Types of awards available
- How to apply for financial assistance
- Eligibility Criteria
- Student Loans
- Terms and Conditions of Loans
- Loan Entrance & Exit Interviews
- Disbursement Information
- Student Rights & Responsibilities
- Withdrawal and Return of Federal Funds
- Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
- Repeated Courses and Financial Aid Eligibility
- Contact information for the Office of Student Financial Aid
Student Loan Forgiveness Opportunities
Borrowers in the Federal Direct Loan program may be eligible for deferred payment provisions for service in the Peace Corps, service under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, or comparable service as a volunteer for a tax-exempt organization of demonstrated effectiveness in the field of community service. Details are available from the Office of Financial Aid, Cass Hall, Missouri State University-West Plains, (417) 255-7243, and can also be found on the U. S. Department of Education Student Loan Forgiveness website.
Missouri A+ Scholarship Program
If a student has completed the Missouri A+ Scholarship Program in high school and is or will be utilizing the A+ Program tuition benefit for the current academic year, the student should be aware of A+ Program guidelines. Students should be aware that the withdrawal or dropping of courses can negatively impact the ability for A+ funds to be used and a student may become responsible for the tuition and fees for that course or courses. Prior to making changes to their registration status, students should review their information with Financial Aid for a determination of impact. A student's eligibility for A+ funds expires with the earliest of the following: Completion of an associate's degree OR 48 months have expired since high school graduation OR completion of 105 percent of the hours required for the program in which the student is currently enrolled. More information can be found on the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) website.
Graduation Rates
Under regulations developed by the United States Department of Education, colleges and universities are required to report graduation rates to current and prospective students. The Missouri State University-West Plains graduation rates can be obtained from the Office of Institutional Research, 128 Garfield, Missouri State University-West Plains, (417) 255-8083, or from Institutional Research webpage.
Health Disclosures
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
Missouri State University’s Board of Governors has designated the University and those components of the University, which transmit health information in electronic form, as a hybrid entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Before or during the first visit by a patient or client to a University Health Care Component (HCC), the HCC must require the person to sign an Acknowledgement that they have received the HCC’s Notice of Privacy Practices. The University and its HCC must comply with HIPAA unless complying violates other federal or state laws, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). More information is available online about the University’s HIPAA Policies, Procedures, Forms, Privacy Officers, and Security Officers.
Meningitis Immunization
Missouri Law requires: All students who reside in on-campus housing must have received the meningococcal vaccine unless a signed statement of medical or religious exemption in on file with the institution’s administration. This must be received before moving into on campus housing. Additional information about the Meningococcal Disease is available on the Department of Health and Senior Services’ website. The brochure includes: risk factors for and symptoms of the disease; how it may be diagnosed and its possible consequences if untreated; how the disease is transmitted; the latest scientific information on the disease immunization and its effectiveness; and a statement that any questions or concerns regarding immunization against meningococcal disease may be answered by contacting the student’s health provider. For additional information, contact the Bureau of Immunization Assessment and Assurance at (800) 219-3224.
Tuberculosis Screening
Relative to Missouri Senate Bill 197, applicable to all Missouri colleges and universities, students and new faculty are required to complete a survey designed to identify persons who may be at high risk for latent tuberculosis infection. Missouri State-West Plains has developed a survey instrument to help persons comply with this state law. Students may complete the TB Screening Questionnaire by logging into My Grizzly Den and selecting "Student" from the menu at the top left. Use the link for the Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Questionnaire (New students only) found on the "Other Student Resources" card. For assistance accessing My Grizzly Den, please contact the Lybyer Help Desk at (417) 255-7995.
Institutional Information
Academic Programs
Descriptions of academic programs and degree offerings are available from the Missouri State University-West Plains Course Catalogs or by contacting the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Lybyer Technology Center 206, Missouri State University-West Plains, (417) 255-7272.
Accreditation
Missouri State University-West Plains is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Associate of Science in Nursing Degree Program is fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing, 3605 Missouri Boulevard, P. O. Box 656, Jefferson City, MO 65101 and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326, Phone: (404) 975-5000.
Admission Information
Admission requirements for Missouri State University-West Plains students can be found on the Admissions webpage or by contacting the Office of Admissions, Hass-Darr Hall, Suite 113, Missouri State University-West Plains, (417) 255-7955.
Bookstore
Textbooks and other required materials for courses are available at the Drago College Store, located in Hass-Darr Hall. Additional information about required textbooks, including ISBN information, and course materials can be found online. Drago College Store Refund Policy: Books may be returned within seven business days after classes begin for Fall/Spring semesters or the first five business days of classes during the Summer semester. A cash register receipt is required. For refund, bundled or packaged text materials must not have been opened. Open access codes are not eligible for refund.
Transfer from Missouri State-West Plains
Students ready to transfer from Missouri State-West Plains can learn more about the 42-Hour General Education Transfer Block on the Academics website.
Cooperative Programs
Cooperative Programs available through Missouri State University-West Plains are listed in the Course Catalogs and are also available from the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Lybyer Technology Center 206, (417) 255-7272.
Student Characteristics/Diversity of the Student Body
Information regarding student characteristics may be obtained by contacting the Office of Institutional Research at (417) 255-8083 or the Institutional Research webpage.
Facilities
Campus-based courses are taught in classrooms and laboratories on the main campus in West Plains. Individual buildings are described on the campus map.
Placement Information
For information about jobs, placement, and volunteer opportunities, contact Career Services, Lybyer 210, Missouri State University-West Plains, (417) 255-7230.
State Education Requirements for Licensure / Certification
The University provides information related to certain educational programs that may
meet applicable state educational requirements for licensure or certification or be
required for licensure or certification in a particular state. This information can
be found at the following location:
https://wpgapp.missouristate.edu/apps/licensure/index.
The University cannot provide verification of an individual’s ability to meet licensure or certification requirements unrelated to its educational programming. Questions regarding this information should be directed to the Office of Academic Affairs, Lybyer Enhanced Technology, Room 206, Missouri State University—West Plains, (417) 255-7272.
Refund Policies
Refund policy for Drops and Withdrawals
Students who withdraw from the University or drop a course may receive a partial refund of tuition provided they complete the formal drop or withdrawal process by the established deadlines appropriate to the length or delivery method of the class. Students who are enrolled in the My Payment Plan are responsible for the amount of unpaid fees after the refund or re-assessment. Information may be found on the Registration & Records webpage.
Housing and Meal Plan Refund Policies
All Student Housing Contracts must be canceled in writing. A student who has an active Student Housing Contract may choose to cancel that contract via the exception form should the exception request be approved. For more information, go to the Housing website or contact the Office of the Director of Student Life & Development, Hass-Darr Hall, Suite 102, Missouri State University-West Plains, (417) 255-7233.
Financial Aid Withdrawal and Refund Policy
If a financial aid recipient withdraws from the University before completing at least 60% of the semester, federal regulations require that the "unearned" portion of any federal financial aid received be returned to the appropriate federal aid source. Federal rules specify that repayment first apply toward federal loans, then federal grants. The return of state aid follows state regulations. Details: Financial Aid Policies or contact the Financial Aid Office, Cass Hall, Missouri State University-West Plains, (417) 255-7243.
Retention Rates
Information regarding Missouri State University-West Plains’ retention rates of first-year undergraduate students can be found on the Institutional Research webpage. For information, contact the Office of Institutional Research, Missouri State University-West Plains, (417) 255-8083.
Student Rights & Responsibilities
All Missouri State University-West Plains students possess certain rights and privileges together with corresponding duties and responsibilities. The Code of Students Rights and Responsibilities is available to all students on the university website. For additional information, contact the Vice Chancellor of Student Services, Lybyer Technology Center, Suite 207, Missouri State University-West Plains, (417) 255-7255.
Suicide Prevention Programs Available to Students, Faculty, and Staff
The University has identified certain national, state, and local (on and off campus) suicide prevention resources for individuals exhibiting suicidal tendencies or behavior:
National Suicide Prevention Hotlines
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
National Suicide and Crisis Number - 988
Crisis Text Line
Text Home to 741741
Veterans Crisis Line
1-800-273-8255 press 1
Text: 838255
State and Local Suicide Prevention Resources
MOCARS Access Crisis Intervention (ACI) System
1-800-356-5395 (Howell County)
Access to Crisis Intervention (Service of Ozarks Healthcare)
417-257-6762 (Call or Walk-in Service, Mon-Fri * am - 4 pm)
West Plains Police Department
417-256-2244
Howell County Sheriff’s Office
417-256-2544
417-256-4102 (non-emergency)
Ozarks Healthcare
417-256-9111
OZH Behavioral Health Care
1-800-356-5395
On-Campus Suicide Prevention Resources
Lauren Willis, Director of Counseling Services
417-255-7290
Kellett Hall, Room 100A
905 West Main Street; Room 207
Vice Chancellor of Student Services Office
417-255-7225
Lybyer Enhanced Technology Center
605 West Main Street; Room 207
Mountain Grove
Coordinator, Missouri State University-West Plains Mountain Grove
417-547-7575
Shannon Hall
401 E. 17th Street
Mental Health Access Programs
The University has identified the following mental health access programs, which can
provide students, faculty, and staff information on the availability of local mental
health clinics, student health services, and counseling services.
Ozarks Healthcare Behavioral Healthcare
1-800-492-9439 or 417-257-6762
1211 Porter Wagoner Blvd.
P.O. Box 1100
West Plains, MO 65775
Vice Chancellor of Student Services Office
417-255-7225
Lybyer Enhanced Technology Center
605 West Main Street; Room 207
Director of Counseling Services
417-255-7290
Kellett Hall Room 100A
905 West Main Street;
Mountain Grove Campus Services
Coordinator, Missouri State University-West Plains Mountain Grove
417-547-7575
Shannon Hall
401 E. 17th Street
Student Organizations
Additionally, Missouri State University has a variety of student-run organizations
which may be beneficial for students at risk of or affected by suicide.
Hope Offers People Everything (HOPE)
Missouri State University Faculty and Staff Services
Missouri State University offers two Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for its employees and their immediate family. An EAP is a free, confidential service to help employees and their immediate family members with a wide range of problems. EAPs can provide information, support, and referral services to assist with life concerns, including employee mental health concerns. The following two (2) EAPS are free, confidential and are available twenty (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, three hundred sixty-five (365) days a year:
- Mercy EAP
1-800-413-8008 (option 2)
https://helpwhereyouare.com/CompanyLogin/1515/mercy
Username: MSU
Password: MSU - UNUM EAP
1-800-854-1446
https://www.unum.com/employees/services/life-balance
Access more information regarding Missouri State University’s Employee Assistance Programs.
Procedures for Identifying Suicide Concerns
Common warning signs exist that can indicate that a person may be considering harming themselves or others. All members of the University should be aware of recognized suicide warning signs, and feel comfortable reporting concerns regarding students, faculty, or staff displaying these signs. Some, but not all, suicide warning signs are:
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Erratic/unusual sleep (sleeping too much or too little)
- Reckless behavior or impulsivity
- Increased anger or rage
- Giving away personal possessions
- Feeling trapped; isolated; withdrawn, helpless; hopeless or burdensome
- Previous attempts at suicide
- Searching for ways to die (such as trying to obtain a weapon or researching on the internet)
- Experiencing significant loss (such as relationship breakup, status / prestige, or physical impairment)
- Abuse or increased use of alcohol or other drug
- Talking about suicide, wanting to die or to kill oneself
- Making a suicide plan
Concerned individuals should report these concerns to any of the national, local, or campus resources indicated in this Policy.
In an effort to ensure that students receive up-to-date resources regarding suicide prevention and program access information, Student Affairs personnel will, prior to the beginning of each academic semester, develop student communication plans which will detail the University’s outreach plan regarding educational and other outreach activities planned throughout the semester directed toward students and suicide prevention and program awareness. Student Affairs personnel will work with other members of the University community, including recognized student organizations, in implementing these plans, including creating the content for distribution to students.
Similarly, University Human Resource personnel will develop staff and faculty communication plans which will detail the University’s outreach plans regarding educational and other outreach activities planned throughout the semester directed toward faculty and staff suicide prevention. Human Resources and the Provost’s Office will work with other members of the University Community on implementing the plans, including creating the content for distribution to University’s faculty and staff.
Post intervention plans to communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents after the loss of a student to suicide
The University has developed a strategic plan to communicate with individuals impacted by the death of a student, including students whose death is caused by suicide. The plan involves the coordination of multiple members of the university in order to address a variety of issues, including but not limited to, student’s academic progress, mental health needs, and any other areas that might be alleviated by university intervention.
Procedures for identifying and addressing the needs of students exhibiting suicidal tendencies or behavior, and shall provide training, where appropriate.
The University has adopted an active response plan for students, faculty, and staff (including residence hall staff) regarding the proper procedures for identifying and addressing the needs of students exhibiting suicidal tendencies or behavior. The University community is encouraged to actively respond to students in distress, including those students exhibiting suicidal tendencies. The University advises students, faculty and staff to:
See Something
Given the unique position of students, faculty, and staff to observe students in distress, faculty, staff and other students may be the first person to see something distressing in a student. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to response compassionately to students that may be exhibiting symptoms of distress, including suicidal tendencies or behaviors.
Say Something
Oftentimes an initial discussion with a student in distress can identify or alleviate concerning behavior in distress and suicidal students. When engaging an individual exhibiting suicidal behavior, a faculty, staff, or student should:
- Be Direct: don’t be afraid to ask the student directly if they are having thoughts of harming themselves or others.
- Listen sensitively and carefully: Use a non-confrontational approach and a calm voice. Avoid threatening, humiliating, and intimidating responses.
- Follow Through: Direct the student to additional available resources such as the Counseling Center, Vice Chancellor of Student’s Office, or other University personnel.
- Consult Others and Document Your Interaction: Document your interactions with distressed students.
Do Something
Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to contact 911 or local law enforcement if a student’s conduct is clearly and imminently reckless, disorderly, dangerous or threatening including self-harm or suicidal behavior.
Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to contact the Vice Chancellor of Student Services or submit a report to the Behavioral Intervention Team if a student shows signs of distress but the level of seriousness is unclear to the observing faculty, staff, or student. Observing individuals are encouraged to notify the Behavioral Intervention Team or Vice Chancellor of Student’s office even if they are not concerned with the student’s immediate safety but are still concerned with the student’s academic and/or personal issues.
Individuals may anonymously report any concerns regarding unsafe, potentially harmful, dangerous, violent or criminal activities, or the threat of such activities.
Availability of Resources
This Policy and additional information about depression and suicide prevention resources will be made available to students and will be provided to incoming students each academic semester.
University Withdrawal Policy
Students withdrawing from the University must initiate the withdrawal process either through My Grizzly Den (effective immediately), in person or through their Missouri State Email account with the Registration and Records office, Cass Hall, (email to WPRR@MissouriState.edu). Individuals taking only one class who wish to drop that class must withdraw from the University. Unless withdrawal is initiated through My Grizzly Den, withdrawal is not complete until the Registration and Records office has processed the paperwork. The date of withdrawal will be the date the withdrawal request is submitted to the Registration and Records office or the postmark date on a mailed request. Withdrawals are not allowed after the last day to drop or withdraw deadline for the course. See the "Refund Schedule" on the web for specific deadline dates. For additional important information, see Withdrawal Procedures. Students should contact their academic advisor with questions about the academic impact of their withdrawal. A withdrawal submitted electronically, via email, must be sent from an “.edu” account, from either Missouri State University-West Plains, or another educational institution. Withdrawal from classes may change financial aid awards. Please contact Financial Aid, (417) 255-7243, prior to withdrawal, for more information.
Voter Registration
Missouri State University – West Plains strongly encourages students to vote. If you wish to have a Howell County voter registration form mailed to you, you may call (417) 255-7255. You may also register at any of the following locations on campus:
- Vice Chancellor of Student Services Office, Lybyer Enhanced Technology Center, Room 207
If you would like to register in another county or state, please contact the county courthouse in that county. They can provide information on registration procedures. You may also contact the Elections Office for the State of Missouri:
(573) 751-2301 (Voice)
(800) NOW-VOTE (669-8683)
(573) 526-3242 (Fax)
elections@sos.mo.gov
Go Vote Missouri
If you are registered in another county and wish to vote by absentee ballot, be sure to request a ballot from the county clerk in your county in advance of the deadline. Notary publics are available on campus in Lybyer Technology Center Room 207 and in the Veteran’s Services area in Hass-Darr Hall to notarize your ballot.