Academic and Fun - CMSU has it all!

Introduction
I think all students can find a place here at Central. There is a diverse student population, at least as far as the midwest goes, and everyone can find somewhere to fit in. I chose to attend Central because it's only an hour or so from my hometown of KC, but I hardly ever go home. I also enjoy the variety of academic programs that are offered here. As a Theatre major, I looked for a program that I felt I could succeed in, but could also train me for life after college. There are a great number of education, criminal justice, nursing and aviation majors here as well. The best part is that if you have no clue what you want to do, there are advisors and career service specialists who are always willing to help out and help you find a major that will fit you perfectly here at Central.

Campus Life and Social Life
Student activities are SO important in college. For students who aren't interested in partying, the best way to keep out of trouble is to get involved. Central offers a number of civic, religious, volunteer, greek, and special interest groups. You will likely find a club that interests you, and, because we're in the midwest, you'll find friendly faces all around. Be prepared to meet tons of new people who will turn into lifelong friends.

Because of the location and size of Central we don't compete on the national level as far as regular season sports go, but we do have a blast watching our peers excell in their chosen sports. We have very good teams and a lot of school spirit! Games are always fun, especially if there is nothing else to do in the middle of the week.

Partying. I don't even no where to begin. Let's start with a little geography lesson. Just three blocks from the dorms of the west side of campus, lies Pine Street. The small town version of Bourbon Street, if you will. There are a variety of bars and clubs down here, and Thursday through Saturday, if you are trying to track down a friend in a fraternity or sorority, you will likely find them here. Pine street is always littered with students looking to hook up, relax from a hard week of classes, or just have a fun time meeting new people. There are also a number of bands that come to play at The Setlist, both local and from KC. So if you like music, this is your place. It's also a great opportunity to showcase your own talents because they are always looking for students with talent.

Outside of Pine Street there are a number of opportunities to meet people at house parties as well. The Theatre Department is famous for its great professors, award winning shows, and its parties. But if you are 21 or over, you don't even have to leave your room for a fun time. The upperclass floors are wet floors. (That means they allow alcohol as long as students in the room are at least 21.) Advertisement
Academics
The professors, for the most part, are very involved with their students academics. If I ever need help, the professors are excellent at keeping their office doors open and are very willing to review material with you if you don't understand something. As far as TAs go, the only grad students I've heard of that teach classes are in the Theatre Department, and that is only the Gen-Ed Theatre in Western Civilization class. No worries though, the department is strict on who they let in. If you didn't know they were a grad student, you probably wouldn't be able to tell. Most Grad Assistants are busy with their own work to be teaching. There are a number of GA's that grade papers for the math dept, run research studies in the psych dept, and work in housing as Residence Hall Directors. Other than in their own classes, you're not likely to see them in the classroom.

We also have a very active Honors College. If you meet the 3.0 gpa and score at least a 25 on your ACT, get ready for fun. You get the opportunity to pick your own personal schedule and enroll before all the other students. Honors College Dean Dr. Viscusi also advises you. He is hilarious and knows a lot more, in my opinion, about campus than the other advisors.

Student Body
Central has a good mix between small town kids and kids from KC or St. Louis. I like our campus a lot because people are able to express themselves in their own indivdual ways, and not get too much crap for it.

In Closing...
Our campus is beautiful year-around, but I especially love it in the fall. It's only a ten minute walk from one end to the other and most classes are in the middle of campus, so it is easy access from both the East and West side residence halls. We have a bowling alley, pool hall and arcade in the student union, along with a Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Burger King. The union is also a great place to grab a tea or coffee between classes at Jazzman's, meet Eugene (the Campus Student Advocate), and strike up convos with complete strangers. I love Central and I'm sure you will too.

I would recommend going to facebook.com to talk to random CMSU students and find out what they really think about campus.