Missouri State University has a mission in public affairs. In times of crisis, our mission doesn’t change.
Many of our campus departments and partners are stepping up in the fight against COVID-19.
Here’s what they’re doing:
Campus partners
JVIC
Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC) and CoxHealth partnered to create a prototype of personal protective equipment (PPE). When they finalize the prototype, they have the capability to make 5,000 face shields immediately.
Library labs
Tyler Drenon from the MSU Libraries Innovation Lab, and Shannon Mawhiney, head of the Libraries’ Digitization Lab, are using their personal 3D printers to build plastic parts to make PPE for the Springfield Fire Department. They are creating the parts using files from JVIC and CoxHealth.
SBDC and efactory
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the efactory are providing emergency funding help, resources and one-on-one guidance for small businesses in Missouri. SBDC funding partners will cover the consultation cost.
OPT
Children and teens in grades 6-12 can learn from home with Ozarks Public Television (OPT) WORLD Channel. The daily programming and subsequent resources meet curriculum standards across the U.S. OPT also has resources for younger children.
SeniorAge
Counseling students nearing graduation are completing their practicum hours with SeniorAge, an aging agency in Springfield. They are fielding calls from seniors who need support.
On-campus services
MSU Care
MSU Care Clinic is extending active enrollment for patients whose enrollments expire between March 18 and April 30. They also continue to serve their established uninsured patients, including free boxes of food for those who are food insecure.
Bear Pantry
The Bear Pantry is offering online orders and pickup for members of the campus community facing food insecurity. They are also accepting donations.
Bookstore
The Bookstore is fulfilling online orders. Purchase the 2020 Be A Bear shirt to support the student Emergency Scholarship Fund.
Student support
Students on campus
Campus services, such as dining, housing, and open-access computer labs are still operating with limited access, in order to meet the needs of students who must remain on campus.
Emergency funding
Thanks to private gifts to the Missouri State University Foundation, the university has several emergency assistance programs in place to help students with immediate financial needs. Students can streamline the application process by filling out the COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Application.
International students
International services is guiding international students through the crisis with resources, including personal shopping, an FAQ page and walk-in appointments. International students have the option to finish their semester from their home countries.
Community members can also lend support and guidance to international students. They can sign up to be a virtual friend to an international student through the International Friends program.