GEP Instructor Application Descriptions

GEP 101 Catalog Description

An integrative and interdisciplinary seminar designed to introduce students to the public affairs mission, improve students' academic skills, develop a foundational knowledge of university resources, and facilitate students' successful transition to Missouri State University's community of scholars. Required of all students with fewer than 24 credit hours earned post high school. Must be taken during students' first semester. Honors students must substitute UHC 110 for this course.

Designated Sections

College Dedicated:

Students from a particular college are scheduled in the same GEP 101 section. All GEP 101 course goals and objectives must still be achieved but an additional emphasis on opportunities within the college would be integrated within the course.

First-Generation College Dedicated:

Though definitions of first-generation students vary, Missouri State defines them as students for whom neither parent has graduated from a four-year institution. According to national research, as well as data provided by Missouri State, these students graduate at a lower rate than students who are not first-generation. Dedicated sections, organized by college, are offered to support these students. For Fall 2025, additional instructor training and course activities may be required.

Peer Leaders

A Peer Leader is a mentor for students who has learned from experience and has developed skills to successfully guide other students as they enter college. A Peer Leader uses their positive attitude, exemplary academic work, interpersonal skills, and personal experience to assist first-year students in their transition to university life. Peer Leaders pair up with a GEP 101 instructor and help educate students on topics including campus involvement, time management, critical thinking, campus resources, the public affairs mission and more.

Notification to FYP office of cancelled class:

From Faculty Handbook, 4.5.1.2. Faculty members are expected to meet their assigned classes. If an instructor must miss class due to an unusual circumstance or to attend a conference or similar research-discipline-related event, they must make suitable alternate arrangements for learning experiences for their students. When instructors are unable to meet a class because of nonemergency personal or professional reasons, they must notify the academic unit office and communicate the class schedule change to the students as soon as is feasible. Faculty who wish to request a religious accommodation to miss class should consult the Policy Library, Op 1.02-1 Accommodations for Religious Observances Policy.