WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Area residents interested in taking classes during the 2021 spring semester at Missouri State University-West Plains now can browse through a list of courses online.
The complete 2021 spring semester course listing can be found at wp.missouristate.edu/schedule.
Approximately 400 courses will be offered during the spring semester. Courses include those available at the Missouri State-West Plains campus in Mountain Grove and online, officials said.
Due to a possible surge in COVID-19 cases in the spring, university officials decided to offer most spring semester classes in eight-week block sessions.
“The decision was made for a number of reasons, but it all came down to student success,” said Interim Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Michael Orf.
“Studies have shown that students tend to be more successful when they can focus on fewer subjects at a time. With all the other concerns students currently have during this time, being able to focus on fewer classes fits into a busier schedule. Meeting for two days a week for an extended amount of time gives students and faculty the opportunity to spend more time together and deeper learning can occur,” he explained.
“We want to make every effort possible to encourage students to finish their classes and we believe this schedule gives them the best chance for finishing strong,” Orf added.
The first eight-week session will run from Monday, Jan. 11, through Thursday, March 4, and the second eight-week session will run from Monday, March 15, through Thursday, May 13.
Spring break will be March 8-12.
Current, readmitted and transfer students have the opportunity to register for classes during an early registration period beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2. The period continues through 11:59 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13.
Students can prepare for early registration by consulting with their adviser during Advisement for Success Kickoff (ASK) Week Oct. 26-30.
Advisers will set aside additional advising time during this time period to consult with students at times that are convenient for the students, officials said. Students can make an appointment to talk with their advisers either by phone or via email or by making an office visit. Masking and social distancing guidelines will be observed during in-person visits.
Advisers also may offer a video conferencing option via Zoom for students. Contact your adviser for more details.
During the consultation, students can discuss their schedule and have their alternate PIN (personal identification number) released. The alternate PIN will allow students to register online through Missouri State-West Plains’ Grizzly Den web portal.
Once a student has spoken with an adviser and the alternate PIN has been released, the student may register for courses on the Grizzly Den website, 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the early registration period.
Students also may receive registration assistance by calling 417-255-7979 or emailing WPRR@MissouriState.edu.
Officials remind that students are permitted to register during early registration according to a schedule based on the number of credit hours completed.
The early registration schedule for the 2021 spring semester can be viewed at wp.missouristate.edu/earlyregistration.
Students are encouraged to register during appointed times, but they also may register after that time, officials said.
Officials with the Veterans Services office will be available via phone or email during these same advisement and registration times to assist veterans and their dependents with registration and required Veterans Administration forms, according to Mark White, coordinator of the Veterans Incentive Program (VIP) at Missouri State-West Plains. For more information about VIP/Veterans Services, visit wp.missouristate.edu/veteranservices.
Regular registration for the 2021 spring semester begins at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, and continues through midnight, Jan. 10, 2021.
Spring semester students must complete the process by the first day of class on Jan. 11, 2021, officials said.
For more information about spring semester classes or the registration process, visit the Missouri State-West Plains website at wp.missouristate.edu or call the registration and records office at 417-255-7979.
