Upcoming Events

With the first day of the fall semester just around the corner, the Missouri S&T campus is beginning to buzz with excitement and activity. The numbers are still preliminary, but this fall will likely mark one of our largest enrollments in history. We expect to have about 8,600 students enrolled this year — an significant increase from last year's record enrollment of 8,129.

I could not be more pleased with the new class of freshmen coming in. They represent 36 states and six different countries; they have impeccable academic credentials; they are one of the most diverse classes ever; and nearly a quarter of them are first-generation college students.

As I meet these students and their parents, I am filled with pride and a great sense of responsibility knowing these students and their families have selected Missouri S&T. A survey of our newest students shows they chose S&T primarily because they are passionate about learning; because of the career opportunities that come with a Missouri S&T education; and because they want to make a difference. These reasons get to the core of what our university is all about — both providing an excellent return on investment and creating opportunities for students to leverage their education to help solve the world's great challenges.

Changes to the physical campus

Another sign of our growth is the ongoing construction you'll find on our campus. Over the summer, we made tremendous progress on several projects. Bertelsmeyer Hall, the beautiful new home for chemical and biochemical engineering, is almost complete. Artificial turf is being installed at Allgood-Bailey Stadium and on an intramural field. The Hasselmann Alumni House is on target for winter completion. Work is underway to beautify the area near the Havener Center with a new pedestrian walkway. As you may recall, this area was identified through our campus master plan as that area most in need of improvement. And we have nearly completed the geothermal project. In May, the power plant in the heart of campus was decommissioned, and as a result we have already begun saving in energy costs. To learn more about our significant progress on campus over the summer, follow me on Twitter @SandTChancellor and check out the #14for14 hashtag for a series of 14 tweets from me!

Changes within the university

Those returning to the university may also observe a number of internal changes. Guided by our strategic plan, this fall marks the introduction of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business; and the College of Engineering and Computing. This new structure is designed to support our academic mission and help raise the visibility of our campus — key aspects of our strategic plan.

In addition, this fall we are introducing a new credential in elementary education that will prepare graduates to teach math and science to young students. Finally, this fall will also launch our new doctoral program in explosives engineering.

Ensuring safety and security of the Missouri S&T family

I'll end with a message about the safety of our students, faculty and staff — the most important responsibility we share as a campus community. We employ a variety of campus safety and security measures, from 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols to controlled residence hall access. An important area of continued focus on college campuses across the country is prevention of sex discrimination, sexual violence and harassment.

At Missouri S&T, we are taking proactive measures to protect our university community by implementing a nationally recognized bystander intervention training program.  In June, 77 employees and students became certified STEP UP! Trainers. STEP UP! is designed to empower participants to recognize problematic situations, develop the confidence and skills needed to respond, and implement appropriate help.

This fall we will be expanding training opportunities for faculty, staff and students; stay tuned for more information. In the meantime, check out these safety tips from our police department and familiarize yourself with the Title IX policy on sex discrimination as well as available resources here. Stay safe, and have a great semester!