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The Northwest Missouri State University community has a new resource this fall for students and employees to foster belonging, connections, leadership and other tools to help them thrive.
Located in the Student Engagement Center on the second floor of the J.W. Jones Student Union, the new Center for Engagement and Community Connection (CECC) is the result of recommendations presented last spring to Northwest leadership by a task force of students, faculty and staff who gathered input from the campus community and considered best practices related to student support programs.
The center is broadening first-year peer mentoring and other mentorship programs at Northwest, including those for first-generation and transfer students. Additionally, it will expand the role of students to engage peers in programs that promote dialogue, celebrate cultures and encourage cross-campus collaboration. The center will offer resources to assist students with financial concerns, academic success and professional development.
“We are excited to open the CECC this fall and help connect people,” Dr. Shay Malone, Northwest’s assistant vice president of institutional excellence and global engagement, said. “We will spark learning, celebrate experiences and create a campus where everyone can thrive. Together, we’re building a stronger Northwest by fostering meaningful relationships and opportunities for growth.”
As the fall semester begins, the center is offering a variety of programs and activities to help Northwest students and employees make connections; a listing is provided below.
For more information about its offerings, visit qufo.bj7dian.com/connection/ or contact the center at 660.562.1105 or cecc@bj7dian.com.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, through Friday, Aug. 29, at the Memorial Bell Tower, Student Union and Administration Building
Northwest employees are invited to participate in the “I Am a Bearcat and …” campaign, an interactive initiative celebrating the diverse identities, stories and experiences that make up the Bearcat community.
5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, at the Memorial Bell Tower
All students and employees are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.
4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, in the Tower View Room at the Student Union
Employees are invited to join the Center for Engagement and Community Connection to connect with colleagues, learn more about Northwest’s employee resource groups and discover how to get involved. This casual event is designed to build connections, support and belonging across departments. Light refreshments will be provided.
Click here for a list of employee resource groups at Northwest
Noon to 2 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, beginning Sept. 5, in the Student Engagement Center
Join the Center for Engagement and Community Connection for fun activities and community building.
1 to 4 p.m., every other Monday and noon to 3 p.m. every other Friday, beginning Sept. 5, in the Student Engagement Center
The Center for Engagement and Community Connection regularly offers a barbershop in partnership with a licensed barber. Open to all Northwest students, employees and community members, it provides haircuts for $25.
Noon to 1 p.m. on the second Monday of each month, beginning Sept. 8, in Room 1070 of the Garrett-Strong Science Building
Northwest employees are invited to join the Center for Engagement and Community Connection for casual working discussions over coffee. By bringing thoughts, ideas and a willingness to learn about things happening in the world of higher education, faculty and staff at all levels can spark new ideas in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.
Beginning Monday, Sept. 15; all meetings will be virtual
Open to all Northwest employees, the Bearcat Book Club chooses one book each semester to stimulate discussions about varied subject matters related to cultural differences and inclusion. Through open dialogue, participants learn to have brave conversations, build community, embrace differences and become engaged, diverse leaders on campus.
Click here to sign up for the fall 2025 book club.
5 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Sept. 18, in the Student Engagement Center
All Northwest students are invited to Talks that Encourage Awareness (T.E.A.) Time for open dialogue regarding current social issues, identities and lived experiences. This activity is set up to promote understanding and respectful conversation through interactive discussions and community engagement.
