Bear Connection is a 90-day welcome program designed to help new staff feel welcomed,
included, and engaged during their first few months at Missouri State University.
Through intentional programming, mentorship, and campus connections, Bear Connection
helps new Bears learn more about university culture, build meaningful relationships
across departments, and grow with confidence.
The program is designed to help you build confidence, find community, and begin developing
a meaningful career at Missouri State.
Getting Started with Bear Connection
What is Bear Connection?
Bear Connection is a 90-day onboarding and connection program for new staff at Missouri
State. The program provides opportunities to meet experienced employees, connect with
campus leaders, learn more about university culture, and build relationships across
the university.
Through Bear Connection, new staff can gain helpful insight into Missouri State’s
mission, organizational structure, values, traditions, and professional development
resources.
Who are Bear Connection Ambassadors?
Bear Connection Ambassadors are experienced Missouri State staff members who have
completed the University Staff Ambassadors program. They volunteer to help welcome
new staff, answer general questions, and provide support during the first 90 days
of employment.
Ambassadors serve as relational mentors and campus connectors. They are here to help
you feel more comfortable, confident, and connected as you begin your Missouri State
journey.
How am I assigned to a Bear Connection Ambassador?
New staff members are assigned to Bear Connection Ambassadors following new staff
orientation. Ambassadors will host your orientation group for lunch, exchange contact
information, and stay connected with you during your first 90 days at Missouri State.
Participation and Expectations
Is participation in Bear Connection mandatory?
Bear Connection is a voluntary program. New staff are encouraged to join the ambassadors
for lunch following orientation and a campus tour.
After orientation, continued networking and communication are voluntary and may be
decided between new staff members and their assigned ambassadors.
What happens during the first Bear Connection meeting?
Your first Bear Connection meeting usually takes place following new staff orientation.
During this time, you will meet your assigned ambassador or ambassadors, join your
orientation group for lunch, and have the opportunity to ask questions in an informal
setting, and take a short campus tour.
This first meeting is designed to provide a warm and inclusive welcome, help you begin
building relationships, and introduce you to the broader Missouri State community.
What kind of contact should I expect during the first 90 days?
During your first 90 days, your ambassador may check in with you periodically by email,
phone, or informal conversation. These check-ins are meant to be helpful, flexible,
and supportive.
You may also receive guiding emails from the Bear Connection team with information,
reminders, and resources to support your onboarding experience.
Can I opt out of Bear Connection?
Yes. Bear Connection is voluntary, and new staff may opt out of continued participation
at any time.
Program Support and Connection Opportunities
Will I receive additional information about Bear Connection after orientation?
Yes. During orientation, you will receive a welcome basket that includes contact information
and a brief introduction to the program.
Throughout your first 90 days, you may also receive informational emails from the
Bear Connection team and your assigned ambassador or ambassadors.
What is a Coffee Connection?
A Coffee Connection is an informal gathering with your Bear Connection group and ambassador
or ambassadors. It provides another opportunity to ask questions, build relationships,
and connect with colleagues outside your immediate department.
Coffee Connections are part of Bear Connection’s goal to promote cross-campus engagement
and belonging.
What is the Presidential Welcome Breakfast?
Quarterly Presidential Welcome Breakfasts are designed to provide new staff with another
meaningful opportunity to feel welcomed into the Missouri State community. These events
help create a positive first impression and reinforce the university’s commitment
to supporting new employees.
How can Bear Connection help me learn more about Missouri State?
Bear Connection was created to help new staff feel welcome and supported as they learn
more about Missouri State’s campus culture, organizational structure, values, traditions,
and available resources.
Through the program, you can connect with employees across different departments,
ask questions as you settle into your role, and begin building a broader professional
network at Missouri State.
How does Bear Connection support my long-term success?
Bear Connection supports career development and long-term success by helping new staff
build confidence, develop relationships, and feel more connected to the university
during the first 90 days of employment.
While your supervisor and department will guide your position-specific training, Bear
Connection provides an added layer of support focused on community, engagement, and
belonging.
What if I have questions during my first 90 days?
Your assigned ambassador is a great starting point for general questions about campus,
resources, and getting connected. For position-specific questions, you should continue
to work directly with your supervisor or department.
You may also contact the Bear Connection team with questions about the program.
Learning Resources for New Staff
Are there additional resources to support my onboarding experience?
Yes. The Bear Connection team has curated learning resources to help new staff reflect
on their values, take ownership of their onboarding experience, and build a meaningful
career at Missouri State.
Recommended LinkedIn Learning resources include:
How do these learning resources connect to Bear Connection?
These resources are intended to complement the Bear Connection experience. They can
help you think about your personal values, professional goals, and how your work connects
to Missouri State’s mission and community.
Questions
Who should I contact with questions?
If you have questions about the Bear Connection program, please email: BearConnection@MissouriState.edu
