Bear Connection

Mission and Goals

Bear Connection fosters a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging onboarding experience for new staff at Missouri State University by connecting them with campus leaders, cultivating an understanding of university culture, and building meaningful relationships across departments. Through intentional programming and mentorship, we empower new Bears to grow with confidence, find community, and build a career they love.

The program has four goals:

• Provide a Warm and Inclusive Welcome
  Create a positive first impression of Missouri State University by offering thoughtfully curated onboarding experiences such as Welcome Lunches, Coffee Connections, and quarterly Presidential Welcome Breakfasts.
• Foster Understanding of University Culture and Operations
  Accelerate new employees’ integration by connecting them with campus leaders who provide insight into the university’s mission, organizational structure, values, traditions, and available professional development resources.
• Promote Cross-Campus Engagement and Belonging
  Encourage a strong sense of community by facilitating opportunities for new staff to build relationships and collaborate with colleagues across divisions, departments, and roles.
• Support Career Development and Long-Term Success
  Empower new employees to build fulfilling careers at Missouri State through relational mentoring, purposeful check-ins, and supportive guidance throughout their first 90 days—enhancing confidence, engagement, and retention.