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Standard staff Advertising staff Paris Wilken advertising designer Makayla Malachowski advertising assistant Editorial staff Lillian Durr editor-in-chief Casey Loving editor Jenna Murray editor Makayla Malachowski editor William P. Bohlen editor Cassidy Hale copy editor Liliana Hayes copy editor Madalyn Tuning copy editor Isabel Gamble copy editor Mavis Parks social media coordinator Reporters and visual artists Allie Free reporter Alyssa Farrar reporter Arden Dickson photographer Ashley Purvis reporter Ava Gorton reporter Cecilia Thomas graphic designer Charles Sargent photographer Cooper Sago illustrator Cooper Sams reporter Dorottya Faa illustrator
THE STANDARD Em Blackstone reporter Emilia Belcolore reporter Emily Day photographer Gabby Marler reporter Garrett Sims reporter Hannah Weston photographer Jason Smith photographer Jayden Pettus reporter Joanna Petinaris reporter Khotso Moore photographer Liliana Hayes reporter Liz Garcia photographer Maddie Sherman photographer Madelyn Stamper reporter Madison Reece visual staff Mary Schwanke graphic designer Mason Ray reporter Matthew Huff photographer Maura Curran reporter Mavis Parks reporter Morgan Shearhart photographer Robin Garner reporter Sam Barnette reporter Shane Samson reporter Spencer Justice photographer Zac Cox reporter Professional staff Jack Dimond faculty adviser
There’s no place like home – that’s the sentiment that this year’s housing guide is looking to explore. Moving out from the place you’re most familiar with can seem daunting, but once you find your new home, you’ll know how to make it special. Whether you’re looking for a dorm, an apartment, a duplex or even a house, there are plenty of options available for you here in Springfield. When you move into your new space, you might be thinking about how to personalize it (see pages 10 and 12) or you might be wondering how you’ll get along with a roommate or a furry friend (see pages 16-17 and 19-20). Whatever your housing needs might look like, we hope this issue helps you make the most of your new space. Looking for available housing options? On the cover: An illustration of a real The Standard will be hosting its annual estate sign advertising The Standard’s Housing Expo on Wednesday, March 6 2024 Housing Guide. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the PSU North Mall. Come learn more about what property management companies in Springfield have to offer!
Cover design by Paris Wilken
HOUSING GUIDE
is published by The Standard, Missouri State Univer-
-Makayla Malachowski, sity’s student-produced newspaper. The university Springfield news editor has not approved and is not responsible for its content, which is produced and edited by the students on The Standard staff.
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Loving: Finding the dorm that’s best for you
THE FIRST EVER CAMPIES
Garst Dining Center lies in between the two dorms, connected to each by a hallway on respective sides. While residents of Blair-Shannon and Heitz also have dining centers located inside their dorms, Garst has the added benefit of being the only dining hall regularly open for late-night dining. Additionally, Garst is often the designated dining hall for holiday weekends and other times when the other centers may be closed. With Garst’s extended hours of operation and the bonus of Boomer’s Convenience Store attached to Hammons, Hutchens House and Hammons House deserve to share the Campie for Most Available Dining.
Most Removed – Sunvilla
CASEY LOVING Editor D@CaseyMLoving With each new year comes the time to find the housing option that’s right for you at Missouri State University. But with multiple rates, locations and amenities offered among the dorms, how do you find the on-campus housing that works best for you? Each dorm certainly has its pros and cons, all offering different experiences for prospective residents. As a fourth year campus resident myself, allow me to offer some personal opinions and present my list for The Standard’s first – and possibly last – dorm awards: The Campies.
Most Roomies – Blair-Shannon
One of the biggest benefits of living on-campus, especially for new students, is the ability to have built-in relationships with your roommates. Making friends can be tough for freshmen and, really, students of any age. Having roommates can at least
Photos by Spencer Justice Q@spence_shots The Blair and Shannon towers join together to make up Blair-Shannon House, which is home to 700 students. partially alleviate this stress; it’s easier to get to know new people when you’re sharing the same space. Blair-Shannon House allows students to live suite-style with up to five of their peers. Each suite consists of three bedrooms – two students in each room – along with a shared living room and bathroom. If you’re looking to live with a lot of new people your next semester at MSU, Blair-Shannon is the place for you.
Scholars House offers a level of community that is perhaps harder to come by in other dorms, facilitated by a lower number of occupants. With fewer students in the building, it can become easier to know your neighbors and create a dorm-wide community. Speaking from experience, some of the best friendships I’ve ever had were made in these halls. For that, Scholars House deserves a Tightest Community Campie.
Tightest Community – Scholars House
Most Accessible Dining – Hutchens/Hammons
Going in the opposite direction, Scholars House boasts the smallest community among the on-campus housing options, fitting a maximum of only 115 students in the three-floor building. Scholars House residents will live in four-student, two-bedroom suites, complete with a living room, bathroom and fridge among other amenities.
Some students, especially upperclassmen, may want the benefits of living on-campus without necessarily living in the heart of MSU’s other dorms. For these students, Sunvilla Tower is the perfect option. Sunvilla Tower is an on-campus apartment complex located at the corner of John Q. Hammons Parkway and Elm Street. This is a bit out of the way compared to other dorms, though Bear Line shuttles have several stops nearby that can take students straight to the Plaster Student Union. Sunvilla Tower gives students the best of both worlds, allowing them to be close to campus while still having more of an apartment feel. It’s close to downtown, further away from most on-campus activities, and it offers several compelling amenities: full-size XL beds, kitchens, bigger closets and the option to drink alcohol for residents 21 and older. What Sunvilla Tower lacks in proximity to classes, it makes up for in ease of parking. With small lots attached to the building, larger parking lots just nearby and Bear Park North across the street, residents of Sunvilla may have an easier time finding a parking space than students in the heart of campus.
Students living in non-apartment dorms on-campus are required to purchase meal plans; as such, nearby dining options go a long way toward a dorm’s value. Students living in Hutchens and Hammons Houses Best Overall – Monroe Apartments It’s not a far stretch to call Monroe can take comfort in knowing that in rain, sleet or snow, dining options are available Apartments the most coveted of all on-campus living arrangements. The complex ofjust downstairs.
THE-STANDARD.ORG | Qthestandard_msu fers the perfect balance for students wanting to have the benefits of apartment living while still being entrenched in the campus experience. Residents of Monroe can live in 1, 2 or 4-person suites complete with a living room, private washer and dryer, kitchen and more. Each student in Monroe is guaranteed a private bedroom and bathroom, with half the rooms in 2 and 4-person suites coming with connected bathrooms. Like Sunvilla, Monroe Apartments is reserved for upperclassmen, and residents 21 and older are welcome to have alcohol on-site. On top of having a small student lot next to the building, a number of Monroe residents are offered personalized parking spaces in a private lot behind the apartment complex. I am currently in the middle of my second year as a Monroe resident, and I have to say it easily earns its reputation as Missouri State’s best on-campus housing option.
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Students living in Monroe Apartments can choose between 1, 2 and 4-person suites. Each suite has a living room, in-unit washer and dryer, and kitchen.
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Along with Monroe Apartments, Sunvilla Tower is one of two on-campus MSU apartment complexes. Sunvilla is located at the corner of John Q. Hammons Parkway and Elm Street.
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HOUSE OR HOME? How to adjust to homesickness after moving out
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For many students, moving to college is the first time they are away from their hometowns for an extended period of time. The transition can often be difficult when going from childhood homes to cookie-cutter dorms or apartments. Even when you are away from home, there are still a few ways you can bring a part of your home life with you. The first thing you will do when you move to college is, naturally, move into your dorm or apartment. A cold, empty and sometimes small room is not the best environment to feel comfortable in, but there
are many ways you can bring a bit of home to your new living space. One of the best ways to transform a dorm into a home away from home is very simple — bring something from home that you’ve always used. Whether it be a favorite blanket, pillow, photo or all of the above, just a few favorite items can go a long way in making your new living space just as comfortable as the one back home. While a dining hall isn’t the most exciting place in the world, going to one every day and becoming familiar with it can get you into a similar routine to one you may have had at home.
THE-STANDARD.ORG | Qthestandard_msu You’ll also see a lot of the same people if you go to the same dining hall consistently, and it is a great place to hang out with peers that you’ll get to know. It’s not your family’s home-cooked meals, but eating a meal with friends every once in a while can be just as sweet. While you can do a lot to make school feel like home, sometimes there just isn’t any replacement for calling home. According to research from “Generation on a Tightrope: A Portrait of Today’s College Student,” 40 percent of college students contact their parents through various methods at least once a day. As some students cannot realistically go home often, calling or texting is the next best thing. It is no replacement for actual physical interaction, but calling home helps to keep you connected to your home life even when you may be several hours away by car or even plane. Additionally, according to the Division of Student Affairs website, “Many times the feelings of homesickness come from a lack of connection (personal or academic) to MSU.” The website also suggests resources for alleviating this stress. One great resource that is right here on campus is the Counseling Center, which has free services available to all MSU Students. It’s a helpful resource and safe environment for you to talk about feelings of homesickness or any other issues. Student Affairs also suggests those who know a student is suffering from homesickness to encourage the student to “get connected with people and organizations at MSU,” “take time to listen to students expressing these feelings” and “create ways for the student to meet other students with whom they may have something in common.” While there is not a single catch-all cure for homesickness, the methods covered are just a few ways you could feel just as comfortable at Missouri State as you do at home.
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Ways to make your new dorm feel like home and reduce homesickness
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Bring items and decorations that make your surroundings feel familiar and comforting. Eat with friends when possible to establish a routine and make meals more inviting. Communicate with family and friends you feel separated from by calling or texting. Utilize the Counseling Center’s free sessions to talk about your feelings of homesickness.
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How to maintain Feng Shui in your space EM BLACKSTONE Reporter D@EmBlackstone
Are you curious about feng shui? National Geographic defines it as the ancient Chinese art of arranging buildings, objects and space in an environment to achieve harmony and balance in a way that will bring peace and prosperity. There are many interesting elements involved that go beyond just how you arrange your furniture. Good news: this is easily achievable and budget-friendly for college students in dorms or apartments. So, how can you apply this practice to your own bedroom? Follow this list inspired by The Spruce in home design and decorating to create growth, peace and balance in your space.
1. Your bed.
• Opt for the biggest bed your room accommodates. • Keep in a commanding position. This is in the farthest from, and in a diagonal position, from the door. The Spruce writes, “The commanding position is where you want to spend most of your time in a room.” • Your head should point southward. • Get a headboard. • Create symmetry. Put an equal amount of space on either side of your bed, with two matching, or complimenting nightstands on each side. • Keep space under your bed free of clutter.
2. Promote relaxation and sleep.
• Incorporate neutral, relaxing colors in your bedding, and throughout your room. • Remove excess books. • Remove any workout gear. • Reduce electronics. “The presence of devices that emit the largest amounts of electric and magnetic fields could disturb your immune system and sleep,” according to The Spruce.
3. Additional room elements.
• Choose artwork accordingly. To promote romance, avoid putting family photos in your room and put in art and photos that come in pairs or depict two subjects. • Keep your work life separate. Create as much separation from your desk and bed as possible. • Cleanse your bedroom with a diffuser or candle. • Add plants. According to The Spruce, “Feng shui plants, especially ones with rounder and softer leaves, nourish your personal energy.” • Keep fresh flowers.
Illustration by Dorottya Faa Q@disaaky
If you want to add a little color to your room, follow the color guide of the main elements focused on in feng shui. According to guidance from The Spruce, opt for green and blue to highlight family and wealth, while red represents fame. Brown, orange and yel-
low symbolize health, knowledge and partnership. Black represents career path, while white and metallics represent helpful people and children. If in doubt, remember that less is more. Embrace a minimalist, symmetrical approach to ensure your room promotes a relaxing en-
vironment. Introduce colors that promote the areas in your life you want to work on, and you’ve successfully designed your room to support your personal wellness and harmony.
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Making the most of your new space
How to find design inspiration and make your house a home JENNA MURRAY Editor D@Jenna_Murray5
For many, becoming a college student means moving into a completely new space. Whether it’s a dorm, an apartment or a house, turning an empty space into a comfortable and cozy place comes with its challenges. How can you design a room to make it yours without having any design experience? What are the first steps to decorating a new space? Missouri State University sophomore Ignacio Montano is majoring in interior design because he wants to help people with his design expertise. He also has minors in construction management and marketing. “Since I was a kid, I was always fascinated with the architecture of buildings and I always wanted to pursue creating functional and aesthetic places and spaces for people,” Montano said. Fabiana Gutierrez is also a sophomore studying interior design at MSU. Gutierrez is taking after her parents, who are both industrial designers. “I love design. I love how colors and life can share your emotions,” Gutierrez said. “I love how people can feel good in a space.” The first step to designing a room is to create a plan. Montano suggests thinking about how you want to feel in a space before starting to decorate. “Before buying stuff, (decide) what (you) want, not in the aspects of furniture, but more in the aspect of ‘I want this room to feel cozy’ or ‘I want more light in this room,”’ Montano said. Once you have an idea of what you want out of the room you’re designing, look at examples to better visualize the plan. “I look at Pinterest and look at examples and floor plans,” Gutierrez said. “Then I
combine a lot of ideas from there.” Both Gutierrez and Montano suggested thinking about spaces you’ve liked in the past. If you want to create a cozy, homey space, think about the design of a place where you’ve had that feeling before. Gutierrez used her family home as a point of reference when decorating her new space on campus. “Right now I’m living in a dorm and I tried to make the space the same as my house,” Gutierrez said. “I have pictures and a little more plants and decorations.” There are also some things to avoid when tackling an interior design project. While it might be tempting to jump in head first and buy every painting and trinket that catches your eye, that might not be the best strategy. “Don’t start buying stuff just because you like something, because then you might like another thing and then they don’t work together,” Montano said. Photo by Casey Loving D@CaseyMLoving Montano emphasizes the importance of patience Whether living in your own apartment or a dorm room, student living can provide opportunithroughout the entire design ties to make the space your own. Using inspiration from space you’ve liked in the past can also process. “Don’t rush in the pro- provide insight when designing your own home. cess because designing a daunting, but don’t let that stop you from personal touch on every new space! space takes time in order to make it func- finding your own design sense and creating tional and fulfill all your needs,” Montano a place you want to live in. Look at examsaid. ples, create a detailed plan and be patient. Moving into an empty space can be Soon, you’ll discover how to put your own
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MSU’s first residence hall carries the university’s history in its name
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Located next to the Plaster Student Union and Siceluff Hall, Wells House was the first residence hall built at Missouri State University. The hall was named after former dean of women Nancy Bertha Wells.
LILLIAN DURR Editor-in-Chief Q@lillian_durr_art Founded as the State Normal School #4 in 1905 — then later known as Southwest Missouri State Teacher’s College, Southwest Missouri State College, and Southwest Missouri State University — Missouri State University has had a long, complex and historic legacy in Springfield. While many of the buildings at MSU weren’t yet built when the university was founded, looking through the names of Missouri State’s residence halls can tell an abbreviated version of the school’s history. Heitz House, the most recently named residence hall, bears the name of “John A. Heitz, a Missouri State University graduate, donor and successful real estate broker and investor,” according to the MSU website. Similarly, Hammons and Hutchens Houses received the names of donors — John Q. Hammons and the Hutchens family of Springfield — following their openings in 1986 and 1991 respectively. But on the signs of the residence halls that didn’t receive the names of donors and
alumni, another form of recognition can be found: faculty and staff. Wells House — MSU’s first residence hall — is one of these halls. Previously known as the “Old Hall” and then the “Women’s Hall” according to previous coverage by The Standard, the building was named after Nancy Bertha Wells in 1967. At the time of the building’s renaming, Wells was retired from MSU after having notably served as the dean of women from 1918-1955. Before assuming the position, Wells’s time at the university began in 1906 as a student and she received her Bachelor of Pedagogy from MSU in 1909. Afterward, she taught Latin and German at Lamar High School in Barton County, Missouri, before earning a second Bachelor’s degree from Drury College in 1915. Wells returned to Missouri State in 1915 as a professor of Latin in the Foreign Language Department, according to Standard coverage from 1967. She taught in the department until 1922 when she became the dean of women. In the Missouri State yearbook the
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sity,” Wells is also described as having “a keen nose for alcohol at school events, and she didn’t much like purple punch or dancing cheek-tocheek.” Even once she left the university, past publications make it clear she was a key member of the Missouri State community. “Miss N. Bertha Wells, who was seriously injured when struck by an auto in April of 1959 is now at her home … is reportedly ‘doing nicely,’ and is anxious to be remembered to her many friends,” reported a Southwest Missouri State College bulletin published in 1960. Similar updates to Wells’ health, personal wellbeing and family can be found throughout the university and The Standard’s past publications. Even into the 21st century her legacy was remembered and documented. In an alumni spotlight post from 2012, Donald Payton wrote, “Dean Bertha Wells once Wells House was named after Nancy Bertha Wells in 1967. told a female stuPreviously known as “Old Hall” and “Women’s Hall,” the dent: ‘Either your building was renamed at the same time as Blair-Shannon skirt is too short, or House and Freudenberger House. you are in it too far.’ … Since 1982, I’ve Ozarko, published in 1930, Wells’s char- had the honor of addressing each 50-year acter is highly praised. reunion class and, yes, I’ve probably told “If people of rare ability and understand- that same story every year.” ing are a blessing to an institution, then Having died in 1972, first-hand accounts (Springfield Teacher’s College) is thrice from students, faculty and staff who knew blest in having as its Dean of Women, Miss Wells are less common at MSU today. New N. Bertha Wells,” said a description under buildings have changed the landscape of her photo. “Not only does Miss Wells have the campus since she was last here, buildunderstanding and ability, but she also has ings she once walked through find thema strong and undying belief in the possi- selves with new names and students who bilities and the judgment of youth. She is never knew Wells take their first steps on greatly responsible for that democratic campus. Nonetheless, her name remains on atmosphere which prevails in this school.” the walls of Wells House, and her legacy In “Daring to Excel, the First Hundred remains within the halls which house over Years of Southwest Missouri State Univer- 400 students each year.
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In the dog house What to consider when moving in with a new pet MAKAYLA MALACHOWSKI Editor Q@m.malachowski_
Moving into a new space can seem lonely. Sure, you might have roommates, friends or a partner living with you, but even then, it might seem like there’s something missing. If something feels missing, consider adopting a pet — but make sure you think about a few things before doing so.
Check with your landlord
Meet with local property managers about nearby off-campus living options in time for the fall semester!
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Whether you’re moving into an apartment, duplex or home, each landlord has different rules for pets. Some management companies don’t allow pets at all, while others will allow them but enforce weight restrictions. Additionally, some rental companies require a pet deposit. This may be in case the pet causes damage to the space. Veronica Lee, a senior studying psychology at Missouri State University, said they did not have to pay a fee for their cat because it is an emotional support animal. “I currently live in the Multicultural House,” Lee said. “Only emotional support animals are allowed in the house, and because (the cat) is an emotional support animal, I didn’t have to pay a deposit.” Sophie Harrington, a senior studying marketing, advertising and promotion, said she had a different experience. Harrington lives in off-campus housing and had to pay a $550 fee for her large dog. “We do not have to pay a monthly fee. The $550 will cover our dog for as long as we live there, I believe,” Harrington said. Harrington said she had to pay a bigger
fee because her dog is over 45 pounds. She said the fee might be less depending on the animal’s size.
Check with your roommates
Did you know that 10-20% of the world’s population is allergic to dogs or cats? According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, having an allergy to an animal with fur is not uncommon. Before you bring a furry friend into your shared space, ensure that your roommates do not suffer from any pet-related allergies. If you’re living in a shared space, it’s common courtesy to make sure your roommate is okay with an animal in the house. While allergies are important to keep in mind, you might also consider animal-related trauma. It’s possible your roommate was attacked by a dog, cat or another pet before moving in with you.
Where to look for a companion
Springfield is home to many animal rescues and shelters, including the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, Rescue One, Castaway Animals Rescue Effort and Watching Over Whiskers. Many of these shelters are overflowing with animals of all ages and sizes, looking for a new home. If you’re interested in adopting, there are processes set in place that you must go through before you’re eligible to pick out a new friend. On top of an adoption application, some organizations, such as Rescue One, require a home visit or video walkthrough before you can bring your pet home. According to the Rescue One website, they will also reach out to your veterinarian — if you already have one — to
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ensure your other pets are up to date on vaccines and other routine procedures.
Establish a veterinarian
You should establish a vet for your pet before adopting so they can receive care as needed. Not only is it important to ensure your pet is up to date on its vaccinations, but it’s also necessary to have a plan in case an emergency strikes.
Picking out supplies
Congratulations, you’ve found the right pet for you! Before you can bring them home, make sure you have all the essential supplies, such as food and water bowls; collars and leashes; pet food; cages; blankets; litter boxes and toys. To help your pet adjust to its new home, give them plenty of space and time to explore.
Illustration by Lillian Durr Q@lillian_durr
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Belcolore:
Managing food allergies while living on campus EMILIA BELCOLORE Reporter Q@emilia_m_belcolore
According to the “Our Philosophy” section for Missouri State University’s website dineoncampus.com online allergy guide, “Missouri State Dining Services supports students who have food allergies by providing information and knowledge that is necessary to make informed food notices in all of our dining locations.” As someone who has multiple food allergies including red meat, dairy and soy, I sometimes struggle to find healthy, filling options on campus. According to the guide, more than 32 million Americans suffer from food allergies. With the university’s knowledge of this statistic, it is essential for allergy concerns to be alleviated on campus for the well-being of students, faculty and staff. “If we are speaking about allergen-friendly diets in particular, I would say that across campus you have three allergen-friendly stations to choose from, as well as a plethora of a la carte items in each of the dining centers,” said Derek Good, resident district manager for MSU Dining Services. Good said at this time, allergy-friendly stations can be found at each dining hall. The stations are “Delicious Without” in the Garst and Blair-Shannon dining halls and “Pure Eats” at Heitz. Through dineoncampus.com, students have the option to view the daily menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With this comes the option of a filter, which has choices for vegetarian, vegan, avoiding gluten
and more. “We train and educate employees involved in the production process to change gloves and clean utensils between recipients to reduce cross-contact concerns,” says Missouri State’s guide. If you are worried about cross-contamination, it is appropriate to ask workers to change gloves, use a different utensil or a fresh pan and take additional precautions. Good said if you are having concerns with food options or need more clarification, asking a trained employee is the best course of action. “The first thing I would always ask is that they reach out to a member of the dining team,” Good said. As more people begin to discover allergies and intolerances, there is a need for more allergen-friendly options on campus. Unfortunately, the steps taken to have these accommodations can be time-consuming. “While I would love to expand allergen-safe food options quickly, it is quite a complex process to do this,” Good said. “I am currently evaluating our offerings in each dining hall and always have it top of mind to innovate for all diets as we try to push the dining program forward.” Although my dining options are not as extensive as those who do not have allergies, I can appreciate the fact that there are resources available to anyone who needs additional guidance. For more information regarding allergy-safe foods, download the Dine on Campus app, visit dineoncampus.com/missouristate or email ResidenceLife@MissouriState.edu.
Illustration by Dorottya Faa Q@disaaky
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MOVING OUT
Learning to live with a new roommate
Graphic by Lillian Durr Q@lillian_durr_art ROBIN GARNER Reporter Moving into a new place is just one of the many stressful parts of the college experience, and one of the aspects that makes it daunting to many people is having a new roommate. Missouri State University takes care not to select roommates who are completely different from each other with a questionnaire that considers things like sleeping habits and preferred levels of messiness, according to the housing application from MSU Residence Life. However, the effects can be limited, as it can’t force you to get along with someone if you don’t work for it. The first and most important part of living with a new person is figuring out how to communicate and compromise with each
other. Finding common ground and working out chore responsibilities early before the most stressful parts of the year is integral. Nobody wants to hear that something they’ve done for several months has secretly bothered their roommate the entire time. Dorm rooms are small, you are living with another human being in a cramped room and you aren’t going to be alone very often anymore. The residence halls have different responsibilities for upkeep, and the number of roommates you’ll have depends on your residence hall. The university makes it as easy as possible, with roommate agreement contracts given to residents at the beginning of the year. The number of people won’t change the fundamental rules of how you interact, but the way you tackle chores will change.
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According to the MSU Division of Student Affairs website, “Residence Life staff will encourage both students to evaluate their expectations and find expectations which are reasonable for all members of the room. It is important for students to use their voice, to advocate for what is needed and be willing to be flexible.” As a part of this evaluation, Student Affairs suggests creating a roommate agreement, which the residence hall staff can assist roommates in developing. Ideally, everyone should be putting in the effort to keep the room clean and respectable. To some people, that might mean rotating lists of chores, and to others, that might mean agreed-upon individual responsibilities. It depends on what works best for you and your roommate(s). Decorating your dorm room to match your style is a benefit of living on campus. Being free from your parents and having a new, blank slate to work with can be fun. While being mindful of dorm rules regarding decoration and safety is most important, you must also be mindful of your roommate. If you want to make a decision that would affect the whole of the room — for example, if one person wants to put up LED lights — that should involve a conversation. The easiest way of sharing a room is splitting it down the middle with two equal sides. It gives the most freedom for both people and allows for differing styles. As always with any relationship, communication is key. Living together can be easy if you know how to compromise with someone else. You might want to be friends and hang out every week or just live together for a couple of months. All options are valid as long as there is mutual respect. Students struggling with communicating with their roommate can also speak to their resident assistant or assistant hall director or hall director, according to the website. Additionally, students can typically request to change rooms through the university’s
“Residence Life staff will encourage both students to evaluate their expectations and find expectations which are reasonable for all members of the room. It is important for students to use their voice, to advocate for what is needed, and be willing to be flexible.” Division of Student Affairs online request system found on the student’s My Missouri State. If the online process is not open, students should contact their hall director to request a room change, according to the Student Affairs website.
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Preferred qualifications: Candidates should be able to demonstrate an adequate background to carry out the duties of this position, through academic coursework and/or work experience. Duties: The successful candidate will begin work in summer 2024. (Summer enrollment is not required.) Duties include overseeing the newspaper's editorial operation; supervising the writers, copy desk, section editors, graphic designers and photographers; establishing and maintaining consistent editorial deadlines; organizing copy flow; guiding staff in the overall production of the newspaper; selecting the editorial staff in consultation with the faculty adviser; and upholding The Standard's ethical and professional standards. To Apply: Applications may be submitted at The Standard's office in Clay Hall, 744 E. Cherry St. Each candidate’s application must include a letter of application, a resume, three letters of reference, the candidate’s proposed fall 2024 class schedule, and samples of work that demonstrate the candidate’s ability to perform the duties of the position. Applications must be emailed to Standard@MissouriState.edu no later than 5 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2024. Interviews: The Advisory Board for Student Publications will interview candidates in April at a time and location to be determined. For additional information, please contact Jack Dimond, faculty adviser, at 417-836-8467 or JackDimond@MissouriState.edu.
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