2 | Graduation 2016
The Standard
Graduation 2016 | 3
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Contents 4 Top five things that happened at MSU this year; plus, how to join the alumni association 5 Seven tips for paying off student loans 6-11 Senior Survey - the fun kind! 12 Comparing MSU’s graduate programs to the rest of the country 13 Getting a graduate assistant position 14-15 Editors say their goodbyes. 16 Another goodbye, but not really 17 Transfer tales 18 A graduating couple shares their story 19 Learn about Leah
The highlights of the 2015-16 academic year at MSU.
“What is something you would like to see MSU do to improve campus?”
Hashtag worth it? Columnist Spencer Martin writes about his “victory lap.”
Students who transferred to MSU share why they made their decision.
Standard staff Editorial staff Eli Wohlenhaus Editor-in-Chief Emily McTavish Photo Editor Nicole Roberts News Editor Rebecca Biundo Design Editor Bart Anders Sports Editor Taylor Balleau Copy Editor Sarah Shepard Copy Editor
Courtney Smith Copy Editor Reporters/Photographers Maddy Cushman Photographer Ryan Day Reporter Danisha Hogue Reporter Jenna deJong Reporter Emily Joshu Reporter Eric Knifong Reporter Spencer Martin Columnist Trevor Martin Reporter Nathan Momper Movie Reviewer Sydni Moore Reporter Parker Padgett Reporter Miranda Roller Photographer
Cortlynn Stark Reporter Hanna Sumpter Reporter Sarah Teague Reporter Nina Todea Photographer Mike Ursery Reporter Bailey Vassalli Photographer Ryan Welch Photographer Wyatt Wheeler Reporter Brian Wright Reporter Professional staff Jack Dimond faculty adviser Sandy King advertising manager
Graduation 2016 Cover design by Zach LaMarre
Advertising staff Lindsay Daggett sales Tyler Krtek sales Mark Phillips sales Zach LaMarre design Christina Harper office assistant
is published by The Standard, Missouri State University’s student-produced newspaper. The university has not approved and is not responsible for its content, which is produced and edited by The Standard staff. The Standard 901 S. National Ave. Springfield, MO 65897 417-836-5272
Standard@MissouriState.edu the-standard.org
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The Standard
Looking back before moving forward By Nicole Roberts News Reporter @NReneeRoberts
This school year proved to be one full of interesting events, from new construction plans to student protests.
Diversity at MSU After several students and the football team protested at Mizzou, claiming racial discrimination, MSU students held their own protests. The protests were done to bring attention to supposed diversity issues at MSU. A group of students sent a list of demands to MSU President Clif Smart. The list included demands for a “zero tolerance policy” for hate crimes and for the demands to be listed in MSU’s Long-Range Plan. The list also included naming the Multicultural Resource Center after Mary Jean Price-Walls, the first African American to be denied admission to Southwest Missouri State College, now Missouri State. Students voted in favor of naming the MRC after Price-Walls during the student government election. Shortly after the list of demands was submitted, a petition was created that stated Ken Coopwood, former vice president of diversity and inclusion, was discriminated against by the university. An independent investigation was conducted, and the investigation team said it found “no credible evidence which leads us to conclude that Coopwood has been discrim-
File photo/THE STANDARD
Students hold a protest calling for the dismissal of Assistant Vice President of Multicultural Services Juan Meraz.
Construction on Glass Hall starts Students probably noticed the construction going on around Glass Hall. It was announced last school year that Glass Hall would receive an addition and be renovated, but the construction did not start until this academic year. The addition to the building will be four stories and 40,000 square feet. It will include interview rooms, laboratories and a cafe. Along with the addition, renovations were made. The bathrooms on the second, third and fourth floors were renovated and there are plans for the first floor southern exterior walls to be replaced with glass. The completion date is still set for the fall 2017 semester.
inated against because of his race in connection to his employment at the university.” Coopwood resigned following the investigation. In February, about a month after the investigation regarding Coopwood, a recording of Juan Meraz, assistant vice president of Multicultural Services, saying discriminatory things to a student was released by the Springfield Coalition for Minority Advancement. Following the release of this recording, students held File photo/THE STANDARD protests and press conferences, calling for the removal of Meraz. The informal investigation The addition to Glass Hall will contain into Meraz was later dropped and Meraz apol- interview rooms, laboratories and a cafe. ogized for his comments.
Reported sexual assaults Last fall, seven sexual assaults were reported on campus. While some see this as an example of more sexual assaults, other see this as an increase in reporting the assaults. Following these reports, the Student Government Association assigned a Title IX commissioner, who will help raise awareness of sexual assaults and how to prevent them. The university is also implementing the Green Dot Prevention Program, which is a bystander intervention initiative that will be offered to students, faculty and staff. The program is set to launch in the fall 2016 semester.
Taylor Health gets a makeover Students voted last fall to build a new Taylor Health and Wellness Center. The threefloor building will not only have an updated look, but will also provide more services to students. Taylor Health will be located on the first floor of Monroe Apartments. The completion date for the new Taylor Health and Wellness center is set for early 2018.
Enrollment record The Missouri State University system set an enrollment record in the fall, with about 25,000 students enrolled. This beat the fall 2014 enrollment record by over 250 students. The Springfield campus had over 22,800 students enrolled in the fall. MSU-West Plains had a little under 2,000 students enrolled.
Graduate and you’re in the Alumni Association
By Eli Wohlenhaus Editor-in-Chief @eliwohlenhaus
Joining an organization or becoming a member of a group can be challenging, with lots of hoops to jump through, including but not limited to lots of paperwork. That is not the case with the Missouri State University Alumni Association. All you have to do is get a degree from MSU. After that, you are officially an alum, and how much you keep up with the university is up to you. There are many ways to do just that. “We are here to serve the 110,000 plus alumni worldwide,” Executive Director of Alumni Relations Lori Fan said. “We really work hard at trying to engage alums of all ages and backgrounds and all over the world.” Fan said one of the most notable ways MSU engages with its alumni is to “take a little bit of the university out to where they live.” The Alumni Association will send out university representatives
to do campus updates to keep alumni informed of the goings-on on campus. MSU is in the process of revamping its Alumni Association, starting with rebuilding the board of directors. Fan said the board is comprised of 24 alumni from all different backgrounds from all over the country. One of those members is Dan Cogswell, who graduated in 2007. Cogswell currently serves as the committee chair for the strategic planning committee. His focus is to help the Alumni Association move forward. “I graduated in 2007 and that diploma is only as good as the success of today’s student body,” Cogswell said. The continued growth and expansion of the Alumni Association is due to diligent efforts by the association itself with the board and all alumni. One area Fan says the association would like to continue to approve is how current students can be involved and benefited. Cogswell encourages both students and alumni to network. “Don’t be afraid to reach out,” Cogswell said. “If you are interested, try and find somebody to connect with.” While the Alumni Association has a number of events that cur-
rent students can get involved in, Fan said they hope to expand that, from bringing alums into classrooms to speak to students to them volunteering in conjunction with students. The final piece of the puzzle will be getting more feedback from students on how “to build a better alumni association.” They currently have one student on their board of directors. While mainly there to serve former Bears, they also want to help current Bears and are excited to get the chance to talk to students and connect them with alumni who share similar interests. “Stay tuned,” Cogswell said. “We just laid the groundwork and are beginning to put the tracks in place to ramp this thing up and there are a lot of really incredible things that are being planned.” One of the Alumni Association’s marquee events is the MaroonNation Ball. They currently host two, one in St. Louis and one in Kansas City. According to Fan, a third will be added right here in Springfield soon. The Alumni Association can be reached at 417-836-5654 and is always looking to help anyone out in the maroon nation.
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Tips for paying off $tudent loans
By Nicole Roberts, News Editor. @NReneeRoberts Graphic by Rebecca Biundo, Design Editor, @rebeccabiundo
Every college student dreads the day they start paying off their student loans. For a lot of graduating seniors, there will be a six-month grace period where students won’t have to worry about paying off student loans. However, when the time does come and those payments start, there are some tips students can follow in order to help pay off those burdening loans.
Pay more than the minimum amount to every payment
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This might sound horrible. You’re paying more money than what you have to. However, by adding a little extra money to each payment, you’ll see your student loans slowly shrink. Also, it’ll take less time to pay off those student loans, which means less interest on some of your student loans.
You will set up your payment plan. If at all possible, make payments every two weeks. Most payment plans are monthly, but if you make payments every two weeks, you can pay off those student loans faster and avoid unwanted interest rates.
Maximize your payment period
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Save random, unexpected chunks of money
You might win the lottery, get a pay raise, receive a tax refund or have something else happen that helps you get a little extra money. Even though you’ll be tempted to spend the money on electronics or clothes, save that money and apply it toward your student loans.
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When you refinance your loans, the goal is to decrease the interest rates. By decreasing the interest rate, you get to keep some of your money, which is probably a good thing for graduating students.
Refinance loans
There are jobs out there that will “forgive” your student loans. You have to meet all the requirements the company sets in place. If you are unsure about whether your job offers this kind of service, simply ask. The worst they can say is “no.”
If possible, find a job that will pay or “forgive” student loans
You will be paying back quite a bit of money, which means it’s important to set a budget. Avoid spending extravagant amounts of money. Set aside sets amount of money for certain things like grocery, rent, bills and gas.
Set a budget
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This is one of those things where “out of sight, out of mind” will not work. It’s important to pay off student loans as quickly as possible to avoid spending unnecessary money.
Do not ignore student loans
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The Standard
Seniors give advice to younger students, look forward to future
What is your next step after graduation?
“After graduation I’ll be working full-time at Revel Advertising, which actually does all the advertising for MSU Athletics.”
Interviews conducted by Sarah Teague, Staff Reporter @SarahTeague96
Weston Thomas Major: Entertainment management with a minor in marketing with an emphasis in advertising and promotion Organizations: University Ambassador, Student Activities Council, Student Government Association, Missouri State Hibernotes A Cappella, Pi Kappa Phi - Theta Lambda
What is your next step after graduation?
graduating on May 13. I will be crying at graduation. I sobbed at my high school graduation, literally sobbed, and I’m positive I will be sobbing at graduation on May 13 because I love Missouri State and it’s been my home for the past four years. I’ve absorbed everything I could and it’s pretty sad to see it all going away and having to start a new chapter in my life.”
As a senior what advice would you give to incoming or younger students?
“My biggest piece of advice is to not be afraid to get involved and do (this) from the get-go. I think (getting involved) is why my experience has been so positive. I really exposed myself to lots of different student groups, and lots of different outlets and really was able to serve the university and in return get so much back. Don’t overload it and make sure you’re doing something you’re passionate about.”
“I would like to be successful in whatever journey I choose. As of right now I don’t have a clue what I’m doing. Ideally I’d like to make money with some job, whatever that may be.”
Is there something you’d like to see Missouri State do to improve campus?
“I think Student Government Association does a great job working on projects and implementing those projects for the betterment of Missouri State campus and community. I would like to continue to see that student organization striving for success and implementing change on campus while adequately promoting the Public Affairs Mission of Missouri State.”
Your farewell?
“To be honest, I’m still in denial I’m
Nina Todea/The Standard
Shelby Greninger Major: Marketing with an emphasis in advertising and promotion Organizations: Student Government Association, Alpha Delta Pi, Emerging Leader, Greek Week Committee, Peer Leader Nina Todea/The Standard
Is there something you’d like to see Missouri State do to improve campus?
“Something I think can be improved is school spirit, and (more) support for athletics. I think (we’ve made) steps (in the right direction)... renovating the new student section and having that area for the Pride Band as well, but (we) really need to make athletic events something where students go to every game and… they’re really engaged.”
Your farewell?
“Take advantage of your time at Missouri State because it goes by so fast.”
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What is your next step after graduation?
“I would really love to look for a production company that has the same values as me and … whether it be advertising or filmmaking, I don’t really care, as long as I’m making good creative content.”
As a senior, what advice would you give to incoming or younger students?
“For incoming students, just get really involved. It took me until about my junior year to really feel like I had my place here and that’s because I was shy. Definitely just go out and be unafraid to join things.”
Sarah Teague/The Standard
Jessica Larson Major: Media production Organizations: Academic Media Production Guild
Is there something you’d like to see Missouri State do in order to improve campus? “Something we’ve been talking about in the Media, Journalism and Film Department is having mixers for different majors because within our major we never get to know people unless we’re in class (together). So if different departments and different majors had mixers when you first came in, you could (make) friendships right there.” Your farewell?
“I loved going to MSU and I’ve really grown from being here. I’ve made friendships that are going to last forever.”
As a senior what advice would you give to incoming or younger students?
“Soak it all up while you’re here, because everything (goes) so fast. Thinking back to my freshman year, it feels like yesterday. Use your time wisely.”
What is one of your first memories at Missouri State?
“Before freshman year I came to SOAR and had a girl in my SOAR group and we ended up really getting along. We joined the same sorority and now we’ve lived together (for) three years.”
What was a mistake you made, or challenge you overcame?
“Procrastinating, even as a senior. Stay on top of your work and work ahead if you can.”
Is there something you’d like to see Missouri State do to improve campus?
Nina Todea/The Standard
Kara Delgado
“More parking. Aside from that, getting more students involved with athletics and actually going to the games and not just the tailgates.”
Your farewell?
“It’s been awesome, and I’ve met so many awesome people here. I think going to a fouryear school from the beginning is really worth it because … people I met freshman What is your next step after graduation? year I’m still best friends with.” “I have a job in sales with AT&T and eventually I think I’d like to do more of the marketing side of it. I think sales is a good place to start.” Major: Marketing management Organizations: Alpha Delta Pi, Phi Sigma Upsilon, Order of Omega
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The Standard
Seniors’ advice continued
Cody Miller Major: Finance and entertainment management Organizations: Phi Gamma Delta, University Ambassador, Greek Week Committee, Student Government Association
What is your next step after graduation?
Missouri State?
Bailey Vassalli/The Standard
“It’s hard to pinpoint one … (Probably) those moments getting to meet new people (and) build new relationships. The vast amount of friends that I’ve been able to make and become close with here on campus is what’s made my time here the best possible experience I could’ve wished for.”
Your farewell?
“My time has come and I realize I’m ready to “I’m going to law school starting in August at move (to the) next chapter. It’s going to be sad to UMKC.” leave because I have so many friends here, and I’m going to miss (them). (Missouri State) will always have a strong place in my heart, but luckWhat is one of your first memories at ily I’m not going to be too far away.”
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Brandon Simpson Major: Digital film production Organizations: Phi Gamma Delta, Interfraternity Council, SOAR, Ad Team
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As a senior what advice would you give to incoming or younger students?
As a senior what advice would you give to incoming or younger students?
“Step out and take risks with what you’re doing, with what you’re studying and explore. I switched my major two years in and I turned out fine and I’m graduating on time.”
“Try something new, because you never know what it could lead to, whether that be a friendship, or a connection you make or a really great experience. You never know until you try, and this is your time to go after things and make the most of your time while you’re here.”
What is your next step after graduation? Is there something you’d like to see Mis“The plan right now is I am moving out to LA souri State do to improve campus? at the end of July to pursue working with film. “I think (MSU) needs more housing … or I want to work with an ad agency maybe or on more parking. I think (other than that,) MSU a film set and pursue acting since I was an act- is perfect.” ing major for two years.”
What is one of your first memories at Missouri State? “Going through SOAR I was learning all about the school and (MSU) was a school that I never really visited or checked out and going through SOAR was a really memorable moment, and (I’m) still friends with some of the people in my group.” Your farewell?
Bailey Vassalli/The Standard
What is one of your first memories at Missouri State?
“I could write a whole novel for this. My time here has definitely shaped me into who I am and I feel prepared to go out and make this huge move. I’ve never been that far west (to California,) and I’ve never made a move like that. I’m going to be living on my own in a whole different state thousands of miles away from my family, but I think being at Missouri State, getting involved and meeting all the faculty … has really prepped me for that big (move) at the end of July.”
Sarah Teague/The Standard
Julie Daoust Major: Communication studies Organizations: Alpha Sigma Alpha, Emerging Leader
What is your next step after graduation?
“I will be working for Aldi. I’ll be working as a district manager, so I’ll be going through … manager training (after graduation) which is a year-long program.”
“One of my first memories is Bear Bash my freshman year. I saw all the ... fraternity and sorority members who were with their chapters but they were also intermingling and getting to know everyone. I was totally against joining a sorority up until that. I realized … maybe I should at least try it. (Being in FSL) led to so many other opportunities and experiences that I’ve had that I wouldn’t have had if I never joined.”
Your farewell?
“A big thank-you to everyone I’ve encountered whether that be professors or administrators, advisors, friends, people that I’ve worked with along the way. Everyone (I’ve) come into contact with at Missouri State ... has been very genuine and really been a great representative of the university. All of those interactions have really added to my experience here and the memories that I’ve made and the legacy that I hope to leave.”
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to do with my life. Professional writing is cool, Alexandra Gustin but ultimately all the activities I did (taught me I) really want to keep working with students.”
The Standard
Major: Entertainment management What is one of your first memories at Organizations: MSU Pride Band, Entertainment Management Association, StuMissouri State? “The first thing I did was get super sunburnt dent Activities Council
at a football game. It was impactful in that I What is your next step after graduation? always wear sunscreen now.” “I’m looking to do general event planning. When What was a mistake you made, or chal- I came to school here I wanted to be a tour manager, so the more musical route, but now I’m lenge you overcame? “The first mistake I made is freshman year I leaning more towards general event planning.”
Emily McTavish/The Standard
Ellen Herbig Major: Professional writing Organizations: Sigma Sigma Sigma, Bear Breaks
What is your next step after graduation?
“I have been accepted into a Master’s program here in Student Affairs and Higher Education.”
As a senior what advice would you give to incoming, or younger, students? “Get involved. For me, everything I did outside of class really determined what I wanted
didn’t do anything. I was just going to class and just doing homework. So sophomore year I moved off-campus and being away from campus makes it harder to get involved so then I had to actively takes steps to figure out what I wanted to do.”
As a senior what advice would you give to incoming, or younger, students?
“There really is a place for everyone here. Test Emily Mctavish/The Standard out organizations and really try to get involved because I literally hate school, always have, and the required experiences.” it would be miserable if I didn’t have SAC and Is there something you’d like to see MisIs there something you’d like to see Mis- things I did on the side.” souri State do to improve campus? souri State do to improve campus? “I’m really excited to see how Glass (Hall) turns “I think we’re on the right track. The adminis- What is one of your first memories at Mis- out with the renovations, just because the Colsouri State? tration and the students have been talking a lot lege of Business is so huge here. Other than that, about diversity and trying to create a more in- “I remember I went to the opening week con- I wish entertainment management was a little bit cert, and it was the Rocket Summer. (That conclusive campus environment, so I’d like to see restructured. Not to dog on them, but a lot of the that pushed even further and have more dia- cert) made me interested (and I thought,) ‘I want general business classes… have nothing to do to do that.’ That sparked my interest more in logue about it.” with the entertainment industry. (For example) music and event planning.” I took four accounting classes… I’m not going Your farewell? to run a factory.” “It’s nice I don’t have to say goodbye right What was a mistake you made, or challenge you overcame? away, because… I’m excited I get to continue “I wish I (studied) more into marketing, like Your farewell? my education here.” maybe a minor. I’ve found a lot of jobs dealing “I’ve been huge with SAC so that’s what I’m with event planning (and) marketing is one of probably going to miss the most. (However) I’m ready to be done.”
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cruiting for a company, really just something Zane Clark to get people pumped up and excited.” Major: Organizational communication studies
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What is one of your first memories at ness Missouri State? “This is super cheesy, but I remember being a What is your next step after graduation?
with a minor in economics and general busi-
SarahTeague/The Standard
Maureen Sanning Major: Marketing management Organizations: Alpha Chi Omega, Phi Sigma Upsilon, Emerging Leader, University Ambassador, Student Government Association, Bear Breaks
What is your next step after graduation?
“Currently I’m going to work for a college campus ministry for two years, and then after that I want to do some type of recruiting. I work in the Office of Admissions right now, so I really like the aspect of recruiting prospective students, but I could also see myself re-
junior whenever I came for my (campus) tour. I remember… standing outside of Carrington and we had to go around and say who we were, where we were from, and what grade we were in. Immediately from that point on (I thought) this is where I know I’m comfortable, because everyone was so friendly and so nice. It was so reassuring and I felt like I was at home.”
“I am moving to Washington, D.C. to begin a job with the Boy Scouts of America. I will be working as a District Executive in the Maryland/Virginia region. My plan currently is to do this job for two years while my girlfriend completes her Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration. After this two years, I plan to attend law school in the northeast.”
“I think probably spreading myself too thin. I’m a super outgoing person and I want to get involved in everything. It’s okay to want to do a lot of things and be involved but don’t overwhelm yourself.”
assessing yourself, and believe that you can do more than you originally thought.”
As a senior what advice would you give to inWhat was a mistake you made, or coming, or younger, students? challenge you overcame? “Don't take yourself too seriously, be honest when
What is one of your first memories at Missouri State?
Photo submitted by Zane Clark
“The interview I had to go through to receive the Presidential Scholarship was one of the most nerve-racking experiences of my life. I come from a small farm town in northwest Missouri Is there something you’d like to see Mis- where most people don't ever leave or go to college. Receiving the scholarship was the only souri State do to improve campus? way I was able to gain the mobility necessary to give me that shot.” “Working in the Admissions Office, I see their… plan for renovating all the buildings What was a mistake you made, or challenge you overcame? and… I’m really excited to see what Glass “I have an interest in politics and hope to run for public office one day. During my college (Hall) is going to look like. I wish though that tenure I worked for a gubernatorial campaign that I was originally told would align very closely they would stick to the historical look of a lot with my political values. After about two months of dedicated service, my girlfriend sat me of the buildings. I know some of the new ones down and asked me to reflect on the policies of the candidate I was working for. As I did, I relook very modernized… I think it’s beautiful, alized that things were not at all like what I had been told in the beginning, but I was too caught but sometimes you want that old, cultural feel up in the... opportunity that I was letting those things slip to the wayside. Thanks to that conto a campus.” versation... I now have... an appreciation for always being true to myself in my endeavors.”
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The Standard
Not ready to leave college life? Truman State University
Tuition (Residential): $5,800 based on 18 credit hours Tuition (Non-Residential): $9,735 based on 18 credit hours Assistantships/Fellowships Offered: Yes Enrollment: 350 Total Number of Programs (Master’s, Doctoral, Online): 12 Well-known for: Communication Disorders
Missouri State University
Tuition (Residential): $5,500 based on 18 credit hours Tuition (Non-Residential): $10,108 based on 18 credit hours Assistantships/Fellowships Offered: Yes Enrollment: 3,373 Total Number of Programs (Master’s, Doctoral, Online): 90 Well-known for: Business, Health Professions, Education and Social Sciences
Compiled by Emily Joshu, Staff Reporter @EmilyJoshu
University of Missouri-Columbia
Tuition (Residential): $350.10 per credit hour Tuition (Non-Residential): $587.30 per credit hour Assistantships/Fellowships Offered: Yes Enrollment: 6,481 Total Number of Programs (Master’s, Doctoral, Online): Approximately 150 Well-known for: Education, Business, Law and Medicine
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Tuition (Residential): $435.80 per credit hour Tuition (Non-Residential): $1,049 per credit hour Assistantships/Fellowships Offered: Yes Enrollment: 2,712 Total Number of Programs (Master’s, Doctoral, Online): 75 Well-known for: Business
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Tuition (Residential): $5,870 based on 15 credit hours Tuition (Non-Residential): $14,061 based on 15 credit hours Assistantships/Fellowships Offered: Yes Enrollment: 5,656 Total Number of Programs (Master’s, Doctoral, Online): 50 Well-known for: Law and Healthcare Professions
Southeast Missouri State University
Tuition (Residential): $294.50 per credit hour Tuition (Non-Residential): $520.50 per credit hour Assistantships/Fellowships Offered: Yes Enrollment: 1,500 Total Number of Programs (Master’s, Doctoral, Online): 39 Well-known for: Business and Healthcare
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What are Graduate Assistantships? By Emily Joshu Staff Reporter @EmilyJoshu
Now that the spring semester has reached its end, graduating seniors have to plan their next steps. While many students plan to attend graduate school after receiving a bachelor’s degree, financing that education can be expensive. However, MSU is one of several state universities that offers Graduate Assistantships. Graduate Assistantships, also called GA positions, are offered by every academic department, the student affairs office, computer services and several administrative offices. Students with GA positions can teach undergraduate courses, focus on research or complete administrative tasks. “(Graduate Assistantships) give graduate students wonderful opportunities to network with faculty, staff and other students as well as to gain knowledge and skills that can help them in future employment,” Dr. Julie Masterson, dean of the graduate college, said In addition, GA positions offer generous financial support. According to Masterson, graduate assistants receive tuition and fee waivers for the fall and spring semesters for up to 15 hours, as well as up to six hours in summer. Also, in an academic year, most of these students receive stipends of approximately $8,600 as well as approximately $2,150 if they work during the summer.
Once students have been accepted to graduate school at MSU they can apply to an office in which they believe they would be suited. In several cases, graduate students in one department will also hold a GA position in that department. “Hopefully in another year, we will have a more centralized and automated way for this process, with an online form that is just filled out once,” Masterson said. 542 GA positions were offered in the Spring 2016 semester. Many of these students teach undergraduate courses in the department under which they are studying. Several freshman courses are taught by students holding GA positions. These positions require significant management of time and priorities. If current undergraduate students are seeking GA positions after graduation, it is best to start looking early. Masterson says that students should contact their preferred department at least six months prior to the start of the semester in which the plan to hold a position. “Seek assistance from the Career Center for tips on job searching and resume preparation,” Masterson said. The commitment requires sacrifice of time, but the financial and professional benefits outweigh the extra responsibility. “Having a ‘job’ that contributes to your professional development is an extra benefit,” Masterson said.
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The Standard
Editors say their goodbyes... By Eli Wohlenhaus Editor-in-Chief @eliwohlenhaus
The great Bilbo Baggins once said, “I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.” These are words well put, uttered right before Baggins left the place called home. So I feel this phrase is a good place to start as I bid farewell to The Standard, Missouri State University and a lot of people I don’t know or might not even like. There are a lot of nouns I will not miss as I lack a certain sentiment or nostalgia when it comes to these steps in life, but I must point out some highlights of my existence as an MO State Bear. Covering the men’s basketball team for three years definitely tops my charts. Most of the student body never read my work or know who I am. They couldn’t even tell you what the team’s record is. Although that bothered me, I still got out of it what I wanted: incredible experience. It wasn’t just something fun to do, but the chance to gain valuable insight into the field I have proclaimed to want to join for years and years. I became a stronger writer and gained a stronger voice. Most importantly, I got to learn about my favorite sports from another perspective.
By Emily McTavish Photo Editor @EmMcT
Since I transferred to Missouri State, all I’ve wanted is to graduate. Now it’s finally here. Thank goodness too, so everyone doesn’t have to listen to me whine and cry about it. However, it wasn’t all that bad. Moving to Missouri was honestly the best decision I could have made. Being here restored my confidence because I was truly a mess when I first got here two years ago. I was suffering from anxiety, frustration, insomnia, indigestion and seriously reconsidering not continuing my degree in journalism. I was friend-sick for the people at my old school and then homesick when I actually got to Springfield. Here is the part of the story where I’m going to give advice to all my fellow graduating seniors that are moving away from Springfield and away from their hometowns. The best thing that helped me to start feeling better about my move was actually going outside. I used to walk to Walgreens just because I could. I never had the luxury growing up to
As far as the rest of what I will miss goes, there isn’t a lot of emotion there. I really did enjoy going to the football games, regardless of the record. Because my career will be in the sports industry, I don’t know how many more games I will get to go to as a fan. MSU may not offer the best product on the field or court, but that is something I always found to be worthwhile and am glad I got to attend so many as a reporter. Again, it wasn’t just because I am a huge fan of sports but because I was constantly learning. Learning is something I really enjoy. I’d be willing to wager it is something you like, too, although I will agree with you that school is often not the right place to learn. Studying broadcast journalism led me down a very niche path, but I have to highlight where I did the most learning in my college career beyond that of what my education required me to. Rifle and Pistol Marksmanship: Say what you will about gun safety and firearm regulation laws, but without any political leaning involved in this I can honestly say I would rather know how to operate a firearm safely than not know anything about them. Adapted Sports: In this course I was able to learn activities that were created for those with physical disabilities, helping me appreciate those with disabilities who fight so hard
u See ELI, page 15
be able to walk to downtown or walk to get something from a convenience store. I also used to take my aunt and uncle’s dog for walks or hike the trails at Lake Springfield. I walked around or laid outside in the sun and read. And I really read a lot. I’m one of those people who even when class is overwhelming, has a ‘fun’ book on their bedside table. I made myself go to the public library to read there too, so I wouldn’t be stuck in my apartment alone. If I was outside, even if I wasn’t directly interacting with people, I didn’t feel so lonely, and eventually I wasn’t lonely. I found a job and then I had class again. As someone who took a semester off from college, I cannot even describe to you the thrill of going back to the lecture hall. Then again, I’m also a huge geek. Having a planner filled with assignments to do and a work schedule thrilled me. I was also thrilled to walk to class. Here is the part of the story where I actually get to my time at The Standard. I joined as a photographer my second semester at Missouri State. I was actually very unsure u See EMILY, page 15
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By Spencer Martin Columnist; Soon-to-be Super Senior @Spencer_XC
I’m so close I can taste it. The robes, the “Pomp and Circumstance,” the hearty handshake from Dean Lane and other administrators, it's oh-so close. Well, maybe not that close. You see, unlike most of my graduating class, I’ll be making my final departure from my undergrad years in December 2016. While a majority of my classmates will take their walk in about a week and a half, I’ll still be waiting another seven months to take mine.
Let me tell you, I’m going to squeeze every ounce of awesome out of those seven months. Many people will tell you that they’re done with school. They’re SO over it. Maybe they claim they never want to come back. Let’s be honest though. They’re full of it. People may be worn down from the countless hours spent studying for finals or working on projects, but deep down they know they want that extra lap. That victory lap. Or in my case, a half-victory lap. Despite what people say, who wouldn’t want to stick around a little bit longer and enjoy the awesome amenities a half or full u See SPENCER, page 16
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and also helping me appreciate the good health that I have. The Hobbit and the Bible: This class challenged me to see just how much more there is to understand from stories beyond what is seen on the surface. These classes resinate the most because I now know how to apply what I learned to my daily life. To me, that is the most important part of an education. To this point I have not been very senti-
mental and at this time I will do so in my closing remarks. The most important piece of advice I can leave … what I will miss the most… is the old, ugly water fountain off in the corner of Hammons Student Centers’ main court. It may not look it, but it produces the coldest and most delicious water I have ever discovered. It is the Fountain of Youth. Enjoy the water. Enjoy the learning. Tetelestai.
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whether I wanted to be a part of campus media again. I didn’t have a lot published during that first term because, truth be told, I made really good tips bartending on the weekends so giving up those hours to work for The Standard wasn’t going to happen. This is the part of the story when I confess to you that I make a mean bloody Mary. I’m glad I did join The Standard, though, because I was talking to more people, people with my shared interest in the news business. It felt really good to see my name on a byline or a photo caption. This year, as photo editor, was a completely different feeling. The frustration, anxiety and crying came back. Some weeks I really wasn’t sure I was doing the right thing or even producing good work of my own. I like to think I was a fair, receptive and fun editor who was chosen not because I was
the best photographer, but because I was organized (and have a major sweet tooth.) Ask anyone I’ve ever worked with and they will hopefully tell you I’m a really great baker. When all is said and written though, I like to think that even if I never made everyone happy, I tried. I can’t make everyone happy and it’s quite alright. It’s hard enough to figure out what makes me happy besides baking. And being part of a team. And being creative. And being outside. And being around people. It does appear that I’ve remembered what things make me happy. I can attribute some of my newly found happiness to being at Missouri State and part of The Standard. However, I’d also like to take these last lines to thank my family, my friends at my old school, my friends at my new school and Michael for helping me get where I am.
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victory lap at Missouri State has to offer? First, you get to enjoy all the extra curricular activities you never had time for. Want to go to every single SAC movie? Sure, why not. Take pictures with Flat Boomer by the fountain? You bet. Take such wonderful classes as judo, running class and even archery? Oh yeah, you better believe it. These are some of the best years of your life with some of your favorite people. So why not milk it a bit longer? There’s no shame in taking a little while longer to say goodbye to your Mo State community. Time is precious, and we only receive a finite amount. So use it wisely. You won’t always be able to hang out with your best friends until 3 a.m. playing Super Smash Bros. You won’t always be able to enjoy a nice tailgate by the fountain and then watch a Bears football game.
All I'm saying is that you should savor your time here. Once you’re out in the real world, it's not nearly as pretty as our campus and the people aren’t always as nice. Your work probably won't have a Twitter game as strong as Missouri State, and the CEO of your corporation will be nowhere near as cool as Clif Smart. You might be reading this with less than two weeks until you graduate and that's fine. You’re going to go out into real life and make the rest of us proud as Bears and former classmates. On the contrary, you might be reading this with more college ahead. If this is the case, let’s celebrate. Let’s make the most of this next half year or more. All hail maroon and white and one extra semester.
To stay caught up on all things MSU after graduation, check out The Standard’s social media and website at
www.the-standard.org
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Graduating transfer students talk about their experience at MSU By Wyatt Wheeler Staff Reporter @realYitWheeler
All students had different paths throughout their college years, and a number of students’ paths didn’t all take place just at MSU. Transfer students decided to come to MSU for a wide variety of reasons, such as unhappiness at their old school or moving on up after attending a community college. Graduating senior marketing major Coleman Browder transferred from St. Louis Community College’s Wildwood campus. Browder came to MSU at the spring 2013 semester. Browder transferred after earning his associate’s degree at Wildwood. Browder said that he enjoyed his time at MSU more, but still enjoyed his time at Wildwood. He said that he was more involved at the community college, but liked the different events at MSU. “I really enjoyed the university aspect,” Browder said. “I enjoyed going to the different sporting events and doing the university things that a smaller college didn’t have to offer.” Some students transferred due to unhappiness, but after transferring to MSU, they found that MSU was where they were supposed to be. While at the University of Central Missouri, graduating senior Brady Smith decided that UCM
wasn’t the place for him. Smith, who is earning his master’s in business administration, transferred to MSU at the beginning of fall 2012. Smith chose UCM to be closer to family after not receiving the scholarships he wanted from the University of Missouri. Smith has been in Springfield for the past four years and said he feels like MSU is where he was supposed to be as he fell in love with Springfield. “Warrensburg is a small town and they didn’t have very many things to do there. There weren’t a lot of opportunities to develop myself there,” Smith said. “I fell in love with the city of Springfield. It isn’t too big and I had a more opportunities to get involved than there was at UCM.” Smith said that he immediately was involved with everything that he could be involved in when he arrived at MSU in fall 2012. Smith was involved with residence life for two years and joined organizations through them. Smith also became very involved with Chi Alpha, where he served as a Community Group leader this past year. According to MSU’s website, more than 2,000 students transfer to MSU every year. While there are a variety of different reasons for the transfers, in these two cases MSU is two-for-two when it comes to happiness when graduating from MSU.
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Military couple finds love at Missouri State By Mike Ursery Staff Reporter @MikeUrsery
College is said to be a place where one goes to find out who and what they want to be. But, maybe, just by a small stroke of fate, one might find a life partner. This was the case for Aime Gant and senior physics and material science major Christopher Case, military veterans who met, fell in love and have a wedding date set for later this month. After serving 12 years in the United States Army, Case returned to Springfield, where he first earned a state firefighting certification from Ozarks Technical Community College before transferring to Missouri State University to study physics. “(MSU has) a decent material science program,” Case said. “The more I got involved in it, working with the professors and getting the connections, developing relationships to work inside the department, I realized that they have a pretty good material science program.” Case will graduate in December, and has
considered remaining at MSU for graduate school because the university provides opportunities for the type of research he wants to do. Gant lived in various places around the country before settling in Springfield. She served six years in the Army National Guard, and also graduated with a technical writing degree from MSU last December. “I didn’t have so much of a connection in the Agriculture department, but I had a couple of classes in Siceluff,” Gant said. “Those pro-
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of classes in Siceluff,” Gant said. “Those professors in that building were able to help me to look into this career field.” Gant currently works as a communications and design assistant in the Missouri State Career Center. Gant and Case met in 2013 when they both were hired to work in Veteran Student Services at MSU. Gant said the first time they met outside of school was at the Big Easy Grill, when Case offered to help her with math homework. They officially started dating that November. “A year-and-a-half later we were engaged, on May 17, 2015,” Gant said. “We stayed in Branson that night, and because I was getting ready to go on a trip, I went out and proposed to her,” Case said. An avid lover of animals, Gant said her mind about Case was made up after he received a seal of approval from both her horse and her dog. “The first time I took him out to the barn she laid her head in his arms and closed her eyes and just sighed,” Gant said. “Then I thought he wasn’t terrible, because animals know if someone is stupid or not.” While they have yet to lay out their plans for the longterm, they currently plan to stay in the Springfield area and maybe living on a farm, according to both. Gant and Case have set May 14 as their wedding date.
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Three schools, five years, one degree
conference in Dallas with six other psychology majors who conducted independent research on-campus. She tested the effects of stress on memory, analyzed three types of processing and word recall of freshman students on campus. The results of her studies showed stressed and non-stressed students recalled the same amount of words. “If I wasn’t an honors student, I wouldn’t have got that opportunity,” Harris said.
Danisha Hogue Staff Reporter @Danisha_Queen
Leah Harris, senior psychology major ,attended three colleges in her journey to success before the Missouri State University gave her everything she needed and more. Now after five years and changing her major twice she can finally move one. Harris graduated from Licking High School in 2011 and attended Southeast Missouri State University for a full year before she says she found out what she really needed. After deciding things wouldn’t work out she transferred to Missouri State University-West Plains Fall 2012. “West Plains was what I needed at the time because I could use my A+ scholarship,” Harris said. According to the university website, more than 2,000 students transfer to Missouri State each year. Select community colleges allow students to use Missouri A+ Scholarship; a program offered at designated high schools where students apply the scholarship for twoyear tuition. “After graduating from West Plains I was craving a larger campus, more
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Leah Harris diversity and more ways to get involved on campus,” Harris said. Missouri State University has proven to be the best of all three according to Harris. Her best memory is attending First Friday Art Walk with Phi Sigma Pi, a gender inclusive national honors fraternity. Recently Harris attended a
What will she do after graduation? Harris has applied for jobs in Kansas City and St. Louis. She wants to go to graduate school and then pursue a doctorate in health education sometime in the future. Her long-term goal is to settle down in a major city, like Chicago or Dallas and work for a nonprofit organization that assist children or sexual assault and domestic violence victims. Like many other seniors who are graduating, Harris isn’t exactly sure how to go on. “Since I was five years old, I’ve never been anything else than a student,” said Harris. “I think in many ways I don’t yet know how to be a real adult, I’ll learn.”
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