Frequently Asked Questions
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Both Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration (SOAR) and the Ursa Experience help new students start successfully at Missouri State.
SOAR
SOAR is our required orientation program for all new first-year students. Students will:
- Learn about important campus resources and expectations.
- Meet with an academic advisor.
- Enroll in their first semester of classes.
The Ursa Experience
The Ursa Experience is an optional off-campus experience open to new first-year and transfer students admitted for Fall semesters.
This summer-camp-like event is designed to help students dive deeper into life at Missouri State. Students will:
- Build friendships with other students
- Learn and participate in campus traditions
- Think deeply about and discuss our public affairs mission
- Explore their leadership style and opportunities for involvement
With small group activities, team chants, and campfires, this adventure experience emphasizes having fun and building relationships. Students will gain the confidence and support they need to be successful before classes start.
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Any first-year or transfer student who is admitted to the fall semester directly following the Ursa Experience is welcome to attend.
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The Pride Band and Bears Football team typically have training camps that occur during the same time as the Ursa Experience. Consequentially, their members often do not attend.
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Family members and friends are welcome to see you off at the Ursa Experience Family Welcome; however, the cannot accompany you for the rest of the program.
The Ursa Experience Family Welcome will be held Monday, August 12 at 1 p.m. in the Plaster Student Union Theater.
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The Ursa Experience is scheduled for August 12th through August 14th.
Activities will take place at Missouri State.
Overnight:
- Residential students will stay in their assigned residence hall room.
- Commuter students will return to their home for the evening.
On the morning of August 13th and August 14th, commuter students will return to campus and, along with residential students, participate in activities on-campus and in the local community.
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If you are living on campus, you can check into your assigned residence hall beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, August 12th. Visit your hall's front desk for your room key. Once you are registered for the Ursa Experience, you will receive more information about move-in.
You are free to move your belongings into your room until the Ursa Experience check-in begins.
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Park
If you are a commuter student, you will need a yellow commuter permit to park on campus during the Ursa Experience.
Order your parking permit before you return for the Ursa Experience. It's recommended you order your parking permit at least three (3) weeks before you return to campus.
Check in
Check into the Ursa Experience on the Plaster Student Union's second floor beginning at 12 noon on Monday, August 12th. Check in will be located near the Bear Necessities convenience store.
Overnight
You will return home for the night of Monday, August 12th and the night of Tuesday, August 13th.
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Check into the Ursa Experience beginning at 12 noon on Monday, August 12th in the Plaster Student Union. Check-in tables will be located near the Bear Necessities convenience store.
Students MUST check in at this time and location to participate—checking into your residence hall is not sufficient.
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The following meals will be provided:
Day One Dinner
Day Two Breakfast
Day Two Lunch
Day Two Dinner
Day Three Breakfast
Day Three LunchStudents can use Dining Dollars for meals in the dining halls and Plaster Student Union food court on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday. Dining hall meal plans can be used beginning on Friday, August 16th.
Dietary restrictions and food allergies
Please note any restrictions or allergies you have during the Ursa Experience registration process. We will make every attempt to provide reasonable accommodations.
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You will sleep in your assigned residence hall room if you are a residential student or your own home if you are a commuting student.
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Ozarks weather in August is typically hot and humid. We recommend comfortable, breathable clothing. Wear clothes you are comfortable getting sweaty, wet and dirty.
Consider bringing...
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Lip balm
- Camera
- Sunscreen
Do NOT bring to the scheduled Ursa activities...
- Weapons
- Alcohol, tobacco, or drugs
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Yes! We want to ensure all facilities and activities are accessible to you.
The Ursa Experience registration form asks if you might need accommodations during the program. Please select "Yes" and explain your request.
You can also contact Orientation and Transition Programs at newbears@missouristate.edu or at 417-836-3060 to share your needs.