Student Development

Division of Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs advances the University’s mission, vision, and six core values: service, quality, enthusiasm, freedom, respect, and courage. The division is committed to students at every stage of the student life cycle, beginning with student engagement and continuing through the successful completion of their degree program.

The Division of Student Affairs is a diverse and comprehensive entity that houses a range of offices that strive to meet the needs of each MWSU student. These include the Career Development Center, Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Center for Military & Veterans Services, Center for Service, Center for Student Involvement, Counseling Center, Dean of Students, Housing and Residence Life, Student Government Association, and Student Health Center.

Dean of Students Office

The Dean of Students Office, located in Blum Union 228, supports the University’s mission of student-centered learning by advocating for the health, safety, and success of all MWSU students through quality services and programs. The goal of the Dean of Student Office is to provide personal development, encourage wellness, protect student rights, and promote ethical behavior. Visit missouriwestern.edu/saem/dean-of-students/ for more information, or contact us at (816) 271-4432.

Blum Student Union

The Blum Student Union is the campus center for co-curricular programs and activities. The Union houses many services for students, including the Blum Academic Resource Center, Campus Cupboard food pantry, Starbucks, Esports Arena, Western Dining Hall, Food Court (Chick-Fil-A and Subway), Catering Services, student computers & printing services, lost & found, parking permits, technologically advanced event facilities, technology charging stations, the Kelley Commons, and student commons areas.

The following offices are also located in the Student Union: Dean of Students, Center for Student Involvement, Center for Diversity & Inclusion, Career Development Center, Esry Student Health Center, Missouri Western State University Police Department, Nontraditional and Commuter Student Center, Student Governor, Student Government Association, and the Griffon Activity Programming (GAP). 

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center offers a full range of career-related services and opportunities for Missouri Western students and alumni. Handshake is a software platform that connects talented Griffons with internships, jobs, and career opportunities. Handshake provides students with valuable career readiness and workforce development tools.

Whether you are looking for an on-campus job or trying to find a career after graduation, the Career Development Center is here to help. Trained professional staff and student Career Mentors offer workshops and one-on-one counseling to assist with resume reviews, career-readiness skill development, mock interviews and more. The CDC also helps students identify what they can do with their majors and administers career evaluations to help undecided students determine a major to pursue. Please visit our office in Blum Union Suite 210, online at missouriwestern.edu/student-services/career-development or contact (816) 271-4292. 

Center for Diversity & Inclusion

The Center for Diversity & Inclusion (CDI) envisions a campus that is dynamic, challenging, and welcoming to its diverse constituents. To this end, the CDI will enhance the campus community's understanding and appreciation of peoples, traditions, and cultures, while promoting academic inquiry and self-reflection. As it is committed to developing leaders who are culturally competent and poised to create environments and communities that encourage, respect, and celebrate diversity, you will find the CDI has an exciting and vibrant atmosphere.

The CDI invites students to get involved by attending programs, volunteering on planning committees, or visiting the office to discuss college success tips or dialogue about current issues on campus and in the community. The CDI also offer community service opportunities in the St. Joseph area and beyond, throughout the year.

The Center for Diversity & Inclusion is located in the Blum Student Union, Room 207. Visitors are always welcome. For more information contact The Center for Diversity & Inclusion or call (816) 271-4150. 

Student Employment Program

The Student Employment Program provides students resources to earn, learn, and connect. Our services help provide a source of income to help finance or supplement educational costs. We help students gain valuable career competencies needed to reach career goals, and become a valued member of the campus and community workforce. To view available on and off campus part time jobs, visit the Careers page on the Human Resources website. 

The Student Employment Program is housed in the Human Resources Office in Popplewell Hall 117. Please call (816) 271-4587 or view the website at missouriwestern.edu/hr.

Office of Global Engagement

At Missouri Western, we value international students. The Office of Global Engagement provides opportunities for students, staff, faculty and the community at Missouri Western and in St. Joseph. We also provide international student services to help and support international students as they become part of our campus community. Our international events promote global awareness, cultural exposure, diverse perspectives, as well as encouraging understanding, respect, and global citizenship. Learning and development activities include Meet the World, International Education Fair, Tea & Talk, and more. There are cultural programs offered on- and off-campus annually. The events are often free and open to the public.

The Office of Global Engagement provides ongoing support for F-1 visa holders at the University including an orientation for incoming international students. We coordinate student immigration advisement, acculturation opportunities, assistance with campus adjustment, and other non-academic related services. The Office of Global Engagement provides mentorship and guidance to international and domestic students alike.

To Contact the Office of Global Engagement, call (816) 271-5998, email global@missouriwestern.edu, visit us in Eder 101, or go to missouriwestern.edu/global/international-student-services for more information. 

Housing and Residence Life

Housing and Residence Life is an integral part of the academic and educational mission of the University. This department provides a variety of living options and joins with students to create and maintain safe, supportive communities that promote the development of life and leadership skills. We further provide meaningful experiences and opportunities for student growth through activities and programs that recognize, address, and appreciate the needs, interests, and diversity in our population.

We are committed to continuous improvement in the quality of the residential experience. In order to fulfill our mission, the Department of Housing and Residence Life employ live-in professional staff such as the Associate Director, Residence Life Coordinators, and Resident Assistants who are students. These positions model and uphold the Griffon Gold Community Standards. If you would like to learn more about campus living, please contact the Department of Housing and Residence Life, located in the Commons Building, at (816) 383-7100, or at missouriwestern.edu/reslife.

Center for Military and Veterans Services

The Center for Military and Veterans Services is pleased to assist military-connected students with navigating the GI Bill, tuition assistance, and transitioning from military life to higher education. The Center also helps students understand the different opportunities MWSU has to offer. We have a military-connected student center on campus for you to study, relax, and watch TV, a break area with a refrigerator, coffee, a microwave, and computers with CAC readers. Additionally, the Student Veterans of America (SVA) club helps to build a sense of community among military-connected students attending MWSU. 

To find out more, visit us in Eder 200, phone (816) 271-4111 or find us at missouriwestern.edu/military.  

Nontraditional and Commuter Student Center

The Nontraditional and Commuter Student Center provides support and assistance for nontraditional students and for those students who are commuters to Missouri Western's campus. The Center is located in Blum Union 234. Services in the center include university networked computers and printers, a fridge, television, lounge space, and friendly staff to help navigate university life.  For more information refer to missouriwestern.edu/student-life/nontraditional-and-commuter-student-center or contact (816) 271-4432.

Center for Service

Do you enjoy participating in service opportunities throughout the community that will make an impact on others? Degree-seeking students may choose from an array of opportunities to engage in an immersive community service-learning experience while achieving a general elective credit at no cost in UNV 201 Community Service Learning. Working with community partners in St. Joseph, Buchanan County, the surrounding region and farther afield, students can be part of service opportunities tailored to their respective schedule and interests. Upon successful completion of 40 hours of approved service and self-reflection exercises, students will receive one (1) credit hour toward graduation at no cost. Once course requirements have been completed, the Center for Service (CFS) will submit verification to post credit on the transcript. This course is repeatable for up to three (3) credit hours toward graduation. Come and join us in service to others! Go to missouriwestern.edu/center-for-service to begin this fulfilling venture.

For more information, visit the Center for Service in Eder Hall 202 or call (816) 271-4100. 

Student Conduct

The University has established rules and policies that all students, as responsible members of the learning community, are required to follow in order to provide and maintain an effective environment for learning. Students are expected to fully respect the rights of others and to observe university rules and regulations as well as city, state and federal laws.

The Student Code of Conduct griff.vn/handbook contains specific information concerning student conduct and related disciplinary action, which may include dismissal in case of serious infractions. For more information, stop by Blum Union, Room 228 or call (816) 271-4432.

Student Government Association (SGA)

Students of Missouri Western State University are encouraged to take part in the Student Government Association, the governing body for students. SGA is comprised of the Legislative Branch, Judicial Branch, the Executive Branch, Griffon Activity Programming (GAP), and Residence Hall Association (RHA). The Mission Statement of SGA is as follows: The Student Government Association (SGA) at Missouri Western is committed to being an advocate for the student body, enhancing campus life and promoting the image of the University. SGA holds itself to the highest standards of Service, Enthusiasm, Respect, Quality, Freedom, and Courage. As SGA, we lead with integrity, listening to the students and serving Missouri Western State University. Visit missouriwestern.edu/student-life/student-government-association for more information, call (816) 271-4409, or drop by Blum Union, Room 217.

Center for Student Involvement 

The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) offers campus involvement and engagement opportunities to all students. Student organizations are offered in the areas of academic/departmental, cultural/ethnic, governance, fraternities & sororities, honorary/scholastic, political/advocacy, religious, service, sports and recreation, and special interest. Students not finding an organization that meets their interests are invited to form a new student organization. The process for starting new student organizations can be obtained in the Center for Student Involvement.

Housed within the CSI, students will be able to take part in events hosted by Griffon Activity Programming (GAP). GAP is the campus programming board where students plan, promote, and facilitate campus events. These opportunities serve to connect, engage, and empower our students through a variety of activities/events. Additionally, the Barbara Sprong Leadership Challenge and various leadership initiatives serve to prepare Missouri Western's top students for leadership roles at Missouri Western and upon graduation.

To find out more, visit us in the Blum Student Union, Room 207, phone (816) 271-4150, or find us at missouriwestern.edu/student-life/csi.

Title IX Coordinator

Missouri Western State University is committed to providing a learning, working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect in an environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex. Missouri Western considers sex discrimination in all its forms to be a serious offense. Sex discrimination constitutes a violation of Missouri Western policy, is unacceptable, and will not be tolerated. It includes discrimination on the basis of sex, sex stereotypes, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy or parental status.
 
Sexual harassment, whether verbal, physical, or visual, that is based on sex, is a form of prohibited sex discrimination. Sexual harassment is an umbrella term that including the offenses of sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence. The specific definitions of sexual harassment, including examples of such conduct, are available in the Missouri Western State University Sexual Harassment Policy and Grievance Resolution Procedures, found at: missouriwestern.edu/student-services/titleix.
 
The Title IX Coordinator oversees the University's compliance with Title IX by managing the investigation of complaints of sex discrimination, providing information on services and resources for students who have faced sexual discrimination and for those accused, and facilitating campus training initiatives on prevention. For more information on Missouri Western's Title IX policies and procedures, available resources, or to make a report, please see missouriwestern.edu/student-services/titleix, call (816) 271-4557 or email titleix@missouriwestern.edu.
 
Missouri Western State University does not discriminate against any student on the basis of pregnancy, newly parenting, or related conditions. Absences due to medical conditions relating to pregnancy, and recovery from pregnancy, will be excused for as long as deemed medically necessary by a student’s healthcare provider. Students will be given the opportunity to make up missed work. Pregnant or newly parenting students seeking academic adjustments, policy modifications, or other assistance should contact the Title IX Coordinator at (816) 271-4557, titleix@missouriwestern.edu, or in Blum Student Union 231.
 

University Bookstore

All course required materials are available at the Barnes & Noble University Bookstore. Many textbooks can be purchased or rented in a new, used, or digital format. The bookstore also stocks study charts, course accessories, and school supplies. Other items available include MWSU apparel, bestselling paperbacks, and many other miscellaneous items.

Normal Bookstore hours, including summer, are from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and  10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Friday. Hours are extended at the beginning of each semester for your shopping convenience and during special campus events. More information may be found at missouriwestern.bncollege.com or by visiting the bookstore on the first floor of the Hearnes Center.