Bear With Me Program

The Bear With Me Program allows Missouri State University Students to pay parking citations by completing community service hours. This program does not apply to Faculty or Staff of Missouri State University. 

How does it work?

  1. Go to GivePulse or VolunteerOzarks or any recognized volunteer organization in the Springfield area to find a community service opportunity.
  2. Do at least (2) two hours of community service. Community service must be completed within (15) fifteen days of the citation date. 
  3. Complete the Bear With Me Program form and submit by email to JoyRhodes@missouristate.edu
  4. The form may also be given in person to the Parking office located at 700 E. Elm St. - Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday. 

Is my ticket eligible for this program?

To be eligible for this, your ticket must: 

  • Be issued by Missouri State University Office of Safety.
  • No ticket that is valued more than $53.
  • No citation issued to illegal parking in a handicap space can be worked off. 

Additional information

A student can only work off one ticket, each semester, during the academic year. The community service hours can only be used for this program.

Previously the program ended when $3,000 in parking citations, of each academic year, were worked off, but due to the generosity of SGA the program has been extended for another $3,000 -  which will now have the program ending at $6,000. 

For any questions or concerns please reach out to Joy Rhodes at 417-836-4853.