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Secrets of a SEMO Senior: How to Survive Your Freshman Year

Our high school teachers said it best: college is nothing like high school. Now, don’t be nervous, college really isn’t that scary once you learn a few tips and tricks. And as a senior, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. 

The real key to surviving your freshman year of college is more than a couple tips and tricks, though; you need to realize that you are at college to further your education to hopefully gain a career in a field that you’re interested in. You need to take college seriously- but not too seriously! These four years are the time in your life where you get to explore who you are and who you want to be, and it’s important that you realize that. However, there are a few tips and tricks that I can let you in on to make your first year at college just a little bit less scary and intimidating.

Check Your Email

The first tip I have for you is to check your student email DAILY. This is something that I struggled with (and still kind of do) when I first got to college. Your student email gets flooded with so many opportunities to be involved on campus, alerts about your assignments, and updates from your professors, which can be a little overwhelming at times. But it’s important to stay on top of those notifications and not let them fill up your inbox. This is coming from someone who has shown up to class when it was cancelled not once, not twice, but three times! All because I didn’t check my student email.

Eat on Campus

Now this may seem kind of like a pointless tip but when I tell you that you’ll save so much pocket money just by simply eating at Tower’s Café instead of at McDonald’s, I mean it. This is probably something I regret about my last few years because I didn’t take full advantage of the meal plan. And if you don’t have a premium meal plan- CHANGE IT! You will not regret being able to use two meal swipes at once. That’s a drink from Starbucks and a meal from Panda Express at the same time!

Take the Shuttle

The shuttle is seriously slept on and I have no idea why! I can’t tell you how many mornings I had to walk up Cardiac Hill at 8a.m. instead of just waiting for the shuttle to stop by Towers Circle. That 10-15 minute difference of waiting for the shuttle versus walking across campus in the pouring rain is worth it, my friend.

Get to Know Kent Library

This is yet another thing I wish I would have figured out in my first few years at SEMO because there’s kind of a learning curve to how to study at Kent. First and foremost, if you’re someone who doesn’t like to be disturbed while studying, do not study on the third floor. The third floor is the social floor. If you’re looking for somewhere to get some smaller assignments done while also hanging with your friends, the third floor is the place to go. However if you're like me and need absolute silence and zero distractions when you study, the fourth floor is the spot for you. This is the quiet floor where some serious cram sessions take place. There’s also private group study rooms that I highly recommend utilizing if the room isn’t booked. But while you’re up there, I also suggest taking a little study break stroll on the third floor to socialize just a little bit.

Make Connections

My fifth and final tip on how to survive your freshman year is to make friends in your classes! Honestly, this might be the scariest task to accomplish but once you do so, it will make your semester so much better. Ask the person sitting next to you in UI100 if you want to grab Starbucks on campus before the next class. Or create a study group to do a last-minute cram for your midterm at Kent Library. I’m still friends with people I had classes with my freshman year, and I wouldn’t be if I didn’t reach out to them! Everyone is nervous and maybe a little terrified of making friends their freshman year. Once you make that connection, you’re sure to have a friend for the next four years.

#college life #college advice #college freshman #advice #school advice #College Tips

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Five Fall Fashion Trends On Campus You Should Be Following

In the age of 10 second videos and constantly evolving trends, it can be hard to stay on top of the current fashion trends. One day something is in and the next day it’s out. Well, worry no longer because you are in luck! I’m going to be telling you what you should wear on campus this Fall, whether you’re wanting to make a statement or blend in with the crowd.

Claw Clips

Claw clips come in all shapes and sizes and when I tell you they are a lifesaver, I mean it. It’s the easiest way to get your hair up and out of your face while also looking cute and stylish.

A post shared by Sierra Hurd (@sierra_beth)

Sweater Vests

Yes, everyone is walking around campus looking a little too similar to Chandler from Friends, but somehow people are making it work and I’m going to let you know how. The best way to wear your sweater vest is to actually go against previous trends of oversized and baggy clothing and purchase your sweater vest true to size. Pair it with your favorite jeans and BAM you’re a stylish Chandler Bing. You’re welcome.

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A post shared by Olivia Frost (@oliviabynature)

High-top Platform Converse

Now I’m sure everyone remembers the previous craze about white high-top Converse many years ago, so I’m sure it comes to no surprise that Converse has done it yet again. There is something superior about the platform Converse that once you purchase your first pair, you will never go back to non-platform Converse. Trust me.

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A post shared by TAINA | Fashion & Lifestyle (@tainatheano)

Lime Green

Lime green has been taking the fashion industry by storm. Everything that I have bought in the last two months has been the color lime green, although I’m not complaining! Whether it’s your phone case, your t-shirt, or your eyeshadow, lime green is the way to go.

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A post shared by KIZHAN | 🇨🇦 STYLE+LIFE BLOGGER (@chasingoutfits)

Printed Tights 

Now I know this trend in particular might seem a bit out there compared to the others, but I think it’s a bandwagon that everyone needs to jump on. Not only will your printed tights keep your legs warm in the coming cold months, but they are also the perfect addition to any outfit. Whether you pair your printed tights with a skirt, shorts, or underneath ripped jeans, you are sure to make a statement this Fall. Bonus points if the tights are lime green!

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A post shared by JORDAN NICOLE MURRAY🪐⭐️🤎 (@thejordannicole)

All posts featured are style references only. Southeast Missouri State University is not affiliated with any account shown.

#college life #college fashion #fashion #fall fashion #fall aesthetic #fall 2021

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Five Things to Know About Southeast’s New Yamaha Pianos

Last Semester, Southeast was chosen as a “Yamaha Institution of Excellence” and received new Yamaha pianos for student use. Dr. Kevin Hampton, Chair of the Department of Music, answered some questions about the distinction and the new pianos. Check out his answers below!

Why did Southeast get these pianos?

These pianos help suffuse technology throughout our curriculum.  Many of the instruments in the department were 80+ years of age. Repairing them wasn’t an option because of the expense involved.

What separates these Yamaha pianos from other pianos?

Yamaha has been at the forefront of keyboard technology for many decades. Southeast Missouri State was the first institution to be recognized as a Yamaha Institution of Excellence, and we are in a select inaugural class of institutions to have this distinction.

What's special about these Yamaha pianos?

Many of these instruments are hybrid: they have traditional keyboard mechanisms married to electronic produced sounds. There are no strings or wooden soundboard to be maintained.  These instruments are also Bluetooth compatible and have USB ports to which smart devices can be connected and used.

Which piano are you most excited for? Which piano(s) have you heard students are most excited for?

Personally, the Disklavier located in Shuck Recital Hall.  This instrument can literally communicate with another Disklavier anywhere in the world! We held a piano master class with Dr. Alan Huckleberry, University of Iowa, October 2020. Our students performed here on the River Campus and their performance was delivered in real time in Iowa City, Iowa.  Whenever Dr. Huckleberry demonstrated something on the piano there, our piano immediately duplicated his performance down to the key depth used and the movement of the pedals that control the dampers on the piano. We use this instrument in our weekly piano performance class. I have an app on my iPhone that controls the recording capabilities of the instrument. Each student’s performance is recorded and then analyzed, allowing the student to step away from the instrument and watch and hear their actual performance. They can examine key depth, tonal control, pedal usage for special effects; it’s truly amazing.

Where can students find these pianos? Who can use them?

These instruments are located on the River Campus in all buildings as well as in practice rooms in Brandt Hall.  They are available to current music majors.

#yamaha #southeast #piano #music #music education #college #college advice

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Six Celebrities Who Use Yamaha

In honor of Southeast Missouri State University being named a Yamaha Institution of Excellence, let's look at six celebrity artists who use Yamaha.

Sir Elton John

With 200 million record sales and five Grammys among many other awards, Sir Elton John plays the Yamaha Grand Piano. The musician from Pinner, UK has had a big impact on the music industry and a handful of humanitarian causes.

Alicia Keys

Singer, songwriter, and 15-time Grammy Award-winning Alicia Keys prefers to play the Yamaha silent pianos. The New Yorker has been recording music since 2001.

Luke Bryan

Award-winning and top selling country music artist, Luke Bryan, uses Yamaha. Bryan most recently won the Country Radio Broadcaster’s Artist Humanitarian Award of 2021. He has also won the Academy of Country Music Awards Album of the Year in 2019 for his album Crash My Party.

Sara Bareilles

Sara Bareilles is a singer-songwriter from Humboldt County, California who was self taught in voice and piano. Bareilles signed her first record in 2005, has been nominated for eight Grammys, and has won one.

John Legend

Eleven time Grammy winner and multi-talented singer, songwriter, arranger and producer, John Legend is a Yamaha pianist. Legend says in regard to his music, "Beauty is the goal. I want you to feel it and have some sort of revelation. I want you to get the chills."

James Blunt

Tidworth, UK native James Blunt has sold over 11 million records worldwide and has been nominated for five Grammys. He uses the Yamaha MP100 to make his music.

We are beyond excited for Southeast to join this Grammy winning list of artists in loving and using Yamaha. 

#yamaha

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Why should students care about accreditation?

What is accreditation?

As you’re in your college search, you’ve probably heard the word accreditation a lot. Universities are accredited. Programs are accredited. But what does that mean and does it matter if the school you’re interested in is or isn’t? Accreditation is a level of quality control. By being accredited, the institution proves that they meet specific standards of quality. The agencies responsible for accrediting institutions make sure there are sufficient resources, including faculty, facilities, and student services, to adequately meet the standards necessary to receive accreditation. 

It’s not just about the facilities. Accreditors also review the quality of teaching and coursework in a program. This lets them know whether or not the faculty have the expertise necessary in their majors,which only makes sense because you want to learn your expertise from the experts! These reviews are done by professors, provosts, and presidents of other schools.

Are there different types?

Yes! There are different types of accreditation. The two main types are institutional and specialized/programmatic. Allow us to break it down:

Institutional accreditation has two categories. The most common is regional accreditation. Most colleges and universities are regionally accredited. Think of the country as being divided into clusters of states, with each of the six regional accreditors responsible for verifying that the institutions in their states are meeting the educational standard.

There is also national accreditation under the institutional umbrella, which is more common in for-profit colleges. It is important to note that many regionally accredited colleges will not accept credits from colleges that are nationally accredited. 

That second type of accreditation is specialized or programmatic accreditation and that recognizes specific degree programs within a college or university, not the institution as a whole. The accrediting bodies review specific programs to ensure they meet the high educational standards for that major.

What does that mean for students?

So does it matter? Even if you’ve never considered accreditation in your school/program search, it’s still an important feat to stick on the “pro” side of a pro/con list. But why?

Some industries want to hire students from accredited programs. Your future employer wants to be confident in their hiring decision, so knowing that a potential employee has a quality education (like one from an accredited program or university), as well as a valuable and seasoned skill set, looks like a big gold star. 

It can impact your ability to get federal financial aid. To apply for federal student aid or loans, you must be enrolled at an accredited institution. 

Another positive to having an accredited degree comes up with the decision to pursue the next level of education. Your accredited credits have a much better chance of transferring over with you if you decide to keep going.

You have a lot of information to weigh as you make your college decision. While it probably wasn’t something on your radar, the value of accreditation should be evaluated. Not all programs have accrediting bodies. But for those who do, accreditation means an outside organization who knows what to look for has deemed this program meets certain quality standards. 

Let’s meet back next week and we’ll discuss the difference between accreditation and certification, so you know the right questions to ask when making your college decision!

Is SEMO accredited?

Yes! The University as a whole is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission’s Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

Several programs at Southeast have also earned their accreditation. From the arts, to business, to STEM (and more!), there’s no shortage of accredited programs to choose from at SEMO.

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Why It’s OK to Be Undecided

Choosing a college or university can be a stressful journey and picking a major can add to it. But the truth is, it’s completely OK, and normal, to start out undecided. 

Here at Southeast, around 25% of our students begin as undecided or exploratory majors. Simply put, sometimes you just don’t know exactly what you want to study, and that’s totally OK! We have lots of people on staff dedicated to helping you decide, including our Academic Support Center and Academic Advisors. 

Southeast’s Academic Advisors are a web of knowledgeable and friendly staff. With a designated advisor for undecided majors, our team is ready to help you answer questions and meet academic goals, no matter what your major is! Your advisor will help you choose classes based on your interests, and will make sure those classes count toward your degree. Advisors are available by appointment through email, phone, and Zoom.

Our Academic Support Centers (ASCs) and TRIO Programs at Southeast assist students in the enhancement of their academic achievement as well as navigating their journey through college. Through the use of tutorial services, leadership development and opportunities, student employment, mentoring, scholarship support, and much more, the ASC team works tirelessly to ensure every Redhawk’s success. 

 Being an undecided student also allows you to get involved on campus! Events are always happening on and around the Southeast campus, including ones that are connected to specific majors and programs. Attending campus events can be a great tool for meeting new people and gaining new experiences!

 This web of friends and faculty is not only important for networking, but also incredibly useful in determining what kind of career might interest you most. One of the best things about a job is the people you work with, and the same can be said for the people you share a major with.

 Whether you’re a brand-new college student or a transfer from another institution, there’s no reason to stress about having your whole future figured out on day one. You’re in good company as an undecided student, and Southeast offers unparalleled opportunities for exploration and growth as you work to decide what you want to major in.

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How can SEMO Career Services help you?

Career Services assists students and alumni with major and career exploration, internship strategizing, career planning, and graduate school preparation.

You’ve made it through years of college, degree in hand, the last thing you want to ask is “now what.” Throughout your academic years, you’ll have access to career workshops and events as well as career fairs designed to connect you with prospective employers.

It’s a process, and you’ll need to begin early and take ownership of your career decisions, but you won’t be going it alone.

“We’ll help you write your resumes, your cover letters and your personal statements,” says Dan Presson, director of Career Services. “We’re going to help you with mock interviewing skills so you can polish those interview skills before you go in to that interview. And, we’re going to help you find that job, whether or not it’s a part-time job, an internship, or a full-time job. We work with students and alumni across the United States.” Career Services also maintains a range of online career resources including REDHAWKjobs.com, Southeast’s online job search service. This site lists internships, part-time and full-time positions.

Your education is your path to doing what you’ve always dreamed of. Career Services is the tour guide! Connect with Career Services now to snag that internship, launch your career, or prep for grad school!

Office of Career Services 573.651.2583 [email protected] Academic Hall 057 Office Hours: Regular: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Mon - Fri) *Spring Break/Summer Hours: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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2021 Internet Safety Tips

Passwords

The first step in modern internet safety is the hardest, creating secure passwords. Your passwords shouldn’t contain personal information like pet and family names, important dates, or even significant places. It’s also safer to avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. How are you supposed to remember all of your passwords? The best options are either a flash drive or password management software.

Secure Sites

When you’re entering personal information on a site, check to see if it’s secure. Sites beginning with https:// instead of http:// are secure sites, meaning the information you entered is encrypted for protection. Insecure sites have a higher potential of viruses and do not protect your personal information as well as a secure site.

Phishing Emails

The University will never send you an email with a link asking for personal information like your login! Emails offering something that seems too good to be true in exchange for your personal information are phishing emails. If you receive these on your school email, you should report them to IT, if you receive them through your personal email, block the sender. Do not click any links on the email, even if it has an unsubscribe button.

Clickbait Articles

A lot of malware articles can be identified by clickbait titles like, “Live Forever with this One Hack” but some titles aren’t so obvious, like “New Missouri Laws You Need to Know.” If you see an interesting external article advertised on a site, try Googling the topic and reading about it from a trusted source instead of clicking on something you aren’t familiar with. It could save your computer.

Safety Settings on Social Media

Most of us like to share about our lives on social media. The default privacy settings on social media are not usually high enough to truly protect what you’re sharing. Take some time to explore your safety settings to find out what you’re really sharing online, and with whom.

#internet safety #online safety #online student #online learning #southeast missouri state #southeast online #student tips #college life

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Things to ask a transfer admissions counselor – tips and tricks on the transfer process

Transferring to a new university may seem daunting, but the Southeast Office of Admissions is here to make your transition to Southeast as easy as possible.

The thing you probably want to know most is how your credits will transfer. We have two super simple ways to find out. First, Southeast has a transfer equivalency tool which allows you to enter your completed classes and see what applies at Southeast! A general rule of thumb is to choose an Associate of Arts if you plan to transfer to a four-year school because it is designed specifically to transfer to four-year schools. Or, we have transfer counselors who are here to assist you through the process.

Southeast also helps transfer students financially. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA annually. When you complete the FAFSA annually, add the school code (002501), so your financial aid can be processed at Southeast. Your financial aid information will determine how your aid is packaged and may look different than it does at your current institution. Plus, we have transfer specific scholarships available!

We recommend transfer students to apply up to a year prior to transfer. This is the maximum time to plan and meet all deadlines comfortably, but we’re here to help if deadlines and planning aren’t your thing! Planning to start in the fall semester, June 1 is your deadline. If you want to start in the spring semester, it is November 1.

One easy, no fee application is all that stands between you and SEMO. No essay is required, just 24 transferable college hours and a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Make sure you have your final official transcript sent to Southeast when you are done with your coursework at your current institution. You need to request official transcripts sent directly to Southeast. Most schools have an email option and you can send yours to [email protected]. Those must be received before your application can be processed.

Some students need to live on-campus, so check out the residency requirement to see if that means you.

This may seem like a lot, but we’re here for you! Schedule an appointment with a transfer counselor or learn more online at semo.edu/transfer. We can help you plan how your courses will transfer and apply to your major. We can also suggest courses to take prior to transferring. No questions are too silly. Talking to future Redhawks is the best part of our day, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

We can’t wait to see you at Southeast!

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What to Do for Back to School as an Online Student

Familiarize Yourself with Your Classes

Take a minute to write down the course number with the professor’s name and contact information for each course and put it somewhere easy to find. Having a sheet of paper or sticky note with this information handy makes things easier when you need to send a quick question or need to double check the course information.

Check Everything

Before the semester starts make sure to check your email and the Canvas page for the class. Some professors won’t make their Canvas live until the last minute, so make sure to check back if it’s not up the first time you look. Email and Canvas are two of your main communication lines for the course. You don’t want to log onto your email the first day of class and have a backlog of important emails.

Buy a Calendar

It may seem silly, but having a real calendar with all your assignments written on it really helps you plan out the week. Have fun with it and assign each course a different color. Having a color coded visualization of your schoolwork helps you plan ahead for busier weeks, and stay on top of assignments. If you're totally against a traditional calendar, use your phone calendar and set reminders for a few days before the assignment is due. If you’re a real overachiever do both!

Find Some Friends

You can look up class participants for your Canvas course and see basic contact information like their student email. If you know it’s going to be a hard class, reach out to your classmates and see if you can set up a group chat. This will not only help you in the class, but will be a great networking and friendship making opportunity.

Get Supplies

Your shopping list won’t be as extensive as it was when you were a kid, but every college student needs a few school essentials. Your top priority should be getting the books you need for class. Southeast offers a textbook rental for $35 dollars a textbook. This option is affordable and convenient, but if you decide to buy your own book make sure you have the correct version by looking up the BSN number here. Check to see if the course itself requires a special item like a certain calculator or a software program. On top of these items you might want to pick up the traditional supplies like a few folders, a notebook, and some pencils. Just having those basics can get you through a whole semester.

Be Kind to Yourself

Your first week back is always a little hectic, if not downright overwhelming. It’s important to remember your first week does not define your entire semester. Do your best to be on top of things, but also be forgiving if you forget something. Good luck this semester! 

#online learning #southeast online #onlinestudent #back to school #college advice #advice #college degree

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Speaking to the Moment: Reconciling the Dream

Enjoy an evening with a world-renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator right from your own home! Nikki Giovanni is this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration speaker on Wednesday, February 10. You’ll want to go ahead and get tickets now to this year’s virtual event while we tell you more about the evening.

Every year, the MLK Celebration provides insight from activists and historic figures and reminds us how far we have come and how much work is left to do. This community event highlights the importance of diversity and unity, and ways we can progress. It also addresses ongoing racial topics, occurring both locally and nationwide.

Our students take part in the planning of the event and serve as emcees each year. Tatianna Hanna is a graduate assistant in the Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity and serves on the MLK Planning Committee.

“As a nation, we have come a long way in the conversation of race, but it is undeniable that we have a long way to go,” she says.

That progress is one of the reasons she’s excited to share Giovanni’s message with other SEMO students. Giovanni is one of the most widely read American poets who has witnessed and experienced crucial moments and pivotal points in the conversation of race and gender.

She was chosen as this year’s speaker because of multiple factors such as her activism and work in the African American community.

“Ms. Giovanni has seen and lived through the progression of the race relations; therefore, we hope that her experience will provide wisdom and knowledge for the attendees. Our goal is that the attendees will learn how to reconcile, move forward, and work towards a better tomorrow,” says Hanna.

In addition to Nikki Giovanni’s speech, attendees can enjoy performances from musicians including national anthem singer Peighton Robinson, Southeast Jazz Collective, and Guest Artist Singer Dr. Jonathan Bibbs.

The event is free, so join us for “Speaking to the Moment: Reconciling the Dream.” 

Register at semo.edu/mlk.

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Organizing Your Desk

A cluttered desk can leave you feeling frustrated and distract you from getting important work done. We have a few mindful tips to help your space stay organized. 

1. Keep the Clutter Down

Just because you can fit 20 knick knacks on your desk doesn't mean you should. Keeping personal items like photos and decorations down to three or under limits distractions and keeps your desk from getting cluttered.

2. Put it Away

Only leave the supplies you are currently using on your desk. There’s really only a few items you need out on your desk at a time, the rest can go in a drawer or another designated spot. This keeps your desk neat, and prevents you from losing your favorite pen under a stack of papers.

3. Leave Some Space

No matter how messy your desk gets in the future, make an effort to leave a paper sized space open at all times. Keeping this space open gives you a place to sign papers or write notes and gives you a gauge to tell when your desk needs organizing. If you don’t have enough room to write, you should probably do some cleaning.

#organization #organization tips #southeast missouri state #college advice #college tips #online school #onlinestudent #southeast online

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Things Your Professors Want You to Know Before Coming to Class

College is different than high school. New environment. New style of learning. More responsibility. Here are a few things your professors want you to know to help make your college career a success.

Participate. Be an active learner. Show up for class. Take notes. Professors will ask questions on their tests based on their lectures. Read the syllabus. Do your homework and reading assignments on time.

You are an adult. You chose to sign up for your courses and come to college. You have the freedom to underperform or even quit. It is your responsibility to do your schoolwork and show up on time.

You are expected to ask questions in class. Professors cannot read your mind. If you do not understand something, ask. Other students probably do not understand it either. Do not be afraid to ask!

Use professors’ office hours to ask questions. That is why they have (virtual) office hours. Have your notes and class materials with you when you ask questions.

You are expected to do some work outside of class. Plan how long it will take to do your reading assignments each week. Plan time to write papers and study lecture notes.

You are here at college to prepare yourself for your future career. Take it seriously, but do not forget to have fun!

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Meet the Office of College Planning

You don’t know what you don’t know! Planning for college can seem daunting, but the Office of College Planning at Southeast Missouri State University is here to help you learn what you need to know to achieve the college degree you want.

The office serves as a resource for you and your family to help understand and navigate the college planning process and ultimately choose a best fit college that financially makes sense for you.

Staff meet you where you are and provide you with tools to get to where you want to be. They provide personalized support from understanding your financial options all the way down to just believing that college is possible.

Tameka R. Herrion, director of College Planning, constantly researches the most up-to-date information on scholarships and financial aid trends so her department can best guide families in their college planning.

“No day is quite the same in College Planning,” Herrion says. “In one moment, I can be working on content and recording videos for the College Planning: 101 course and in the very next moment I could be talking a family through FAFSA completion or giving a virtual financial aid presentation to a class of seniors.”

The Office of College Planning also gives students and parents resources, websites and ideas of places to look for scholarships.

“I explain many of the pitfalls I've seen students fall victim to during my time as a scholarship manager,” Herrion says. “We discuss timelines and the essay and I explain the difference between institutional, state and private scholarships as well as one-time and renewable scholarships. We discuss what the evaluators are looking for and what they need to prepare for applying.”

Herrion says the most rewarding part of her career is helping clear a path to college by working to eliminate the hurdles and barriers to your higher education. If you have an inkling of a desire to go to college, contact the Office of College Planning. Students and/or parents can, email, call or text Herrion at 573-388-6206.

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Professionalism 101

How to be professional on social media – what you should and should not do.

Social media - can’t live with it and can’t live without it. It has become a thread in the fabric of our lives. The many social media platforms serve as a way for us to keep in touch and stay connected with loved ones. For some people, it is the first and last thing they do when waking up and before going to sleep.

When preparing to begin a professional career, your image on social media says a lot about who you are to potential employers. Don’t think they aren’t searching your name online. They are. Conduct an online search of yourself to learn what can be found out about you. Use different search engines and clear your caches and cookies before searching.

You should…

/ Guard your reputation. Create separate accounts for personal and professional contacts.

/ Use the same professional profile picture and cover photo on all platforms.

/ Update your bio on all platforms.

/ Monitor your privacy. Learn about the privacy settings on the various platforms you use and set them accordingly. Un-tag yourself if you show up in an inappropriate post from other people.

/ Check your language. Use proper spelling and grammar. Edit your comments and posts before clicking ‘share.’

/ Create your own content. Don’t just share or re-tweet others’ posts. Create your own engaging content. Post about topics that interest you.

/ Stay active, but not too active. A post every few days or weeks is normal.

/ Be yourself!

You should not…

/ Complain about current or past employers.

/ Post inappropriate images.

/ Use inappropriate language.

/ Vocalize opinions seen as widely controversial.

Taking these steps will help ensure you can begin a successful, professional career!

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International Village

If you’re interested in learning about other cultures and seeing the world, we’d of course, encourage you to check into our fantastic study abroad programs. But, interestingly enough, you don’t have to leave the country to do just that at Southeast Missouri State University. Our International Village brings the world here, while showcasing just how much our campus community values diversity across our entire campus.

The benefits of learning about other cultures shouldn’t just happen during those study abroad trips. We weave diverse and international individuals and perspectives in all components of campus life because part of your education is preparing you to lead with an open mind in a globalized and interconnected world.

While the Village serves as a center for international students, it’s not just for those students. The events and activities hosted are open to all students with the goal of sharing those different perspectives through language, food, or even fashion. International Village offers different spaces and venues for students and community members alike to gather, learn, and share about the world around us. It is also home to both the Office of International Education and Services and the Intensive English Programs.

Whatever the event, students say the experience there is always different but always a place to gather, network, build lifelong friendships, and learn about the students on campus who come from all different countries.

International Village is a unique gathering space for students on campus, but at its core, it represents the heart of the University: a dynamic, inclusive, and engaging space for all Redhawks to enjoy. Learn more about the International Village.

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SEMO Traditions

At Southeast Missouri State University, you belong to a dynamic family. With families come traditions, and SEMO has plenty for you to take part in. For decades, SEMO students have been able to take part in traditions and help create new ones along the way. Here are some campus favorites:

Cardiac Hill & the Gum Tree

Nothing says Southeast Missouri like the hilly campus on which SEMO is built. Our most famous hill is none other than Cardiac Hill. Located right behind Towers, students have been hiking up this hill as a shortcut to classes (and even sledding down it in the winter), or just to take part in the tradition. When you’ve reached the top, you can stick your gum to the Gum Tree. Before gum was allowed in classrooms, students stuck their gum to the tree atop Cardiac Hill on their way to class, and the tradition has lasted ever since.

Ice Cream Pig Out

Prior to starting a new school year, SEMO students and faculty alike feast on all-you-can-eat ice cream. Since this is held during SEMO’s opening week events, it’s a great way to make new friends before classes even begin.

Family Weekend

This beloved tradition is a time for the friends and family of SEMO students to visit campus, tour the facilities, explore Cape Girardeau, cheer on some Redhawk football, and see their Redhawk, of course!

Late Night Breakfast

SEMO students are hard workers, so we like to reward them during finals week with a favorite event, Late Night Breakfast. Southeast’s Administrative Council serves breakfast in the University Center and Towers Café at 10 p.m. to give students a study break.

Carpe Diem

Southeast Missouri State University is fortunate to be home to a dynamic and diverse student body. To celebrate this, we hold our annual Carpe Diem event. Held each fall, participants and attendees get to interact with one another as they explore different languages, food, dance, and fashion from over 65 different countries.

Signing the Dome

To Southeast students and alumni, the dome of Academic Hall is iconic. As a tradition, students and alumni are encouraged to visit the dome and sign their names alongside all the Redhawks who have come before them.

Our campus traditions are truly special, and we’re proud to have a student body who enjoys these just as much as we do. You can learn more about the rest of our traditions here.

#semo #southeast missouri state university #redhawks #college life #college #college traditions #traditions #cape girardeau