Student Handbook: Campus Life

This name was bestowed upon Northwest in 1916 by the coach of the Drury College basketball team in Springfield, who had come to know the Maryville team as formidable opponents. In later years, students did a bit of research and discovered that a Bearcat is hard to capture and harder to hold. The Bearcat serves as the mascot for both the men’s and women’s athletic teams.

The Bell of ’48 is rung to announce victories, in memory of any member of the University community, and to announce other events deemed important by Student Senate and the administration.

There is a small, rustic wooden bridge on the south side of Colden Hall. Traditionally, students have referred to it as “The Kissing Bridge” and suggested it is a place for student romance to blossom.

The tradition of the hickory stick dates back to 1930, when Northwest presented the hickory stick to Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State) with the intent that it would be a traveling sports trophy. Since that time, the winning team has kept the stick until defeated.

The Memorial Bell Tower is located in the center of the campus and was constructed using funds contributed by alumni.

The Stroller is one of the oldest traditions on campus, having made his/her first appearance in 1918 when the present Northwest Missourian newspaper was known as the Green and White Courier. To this day, preserved in anonymity, the Stroller continues to stroll and observe and comment upon campus life.

Family Weekend

Family Weekend is a time for the friends and families of all Northwest students to come together and participate in different events. For additional information regarding this tradition and what is planned for this upcoming year, visit the Family Weekend website.

Homecoming

Homecoming at Northwest is a week-long celebration each October featuring athletic events, entertainment and plenty of opportunities for everyone to show their Bearcat spirit. Homecoming events are open to all Northwest students, alumni, faculty, staff, families, friends, and community members. For information about this year’s Homecoming festivities, visit the Homecoming website.

Walkout Day

Since 1915, Walkout Day has been a major event. On the Friday morning before Homecoming, students went to class to await the ceremonial ringing of the Bell of ’48, signifying the end of classes for the day. A school-wide picnic and other activities were planned, including a mass celebration in downtown Maryville. Today, Northwest continues to observe Walkout Day on the Friday prior to Homecoming; however, students no longer get up and go to classes. The University President and Student Senate President still ring the ceremonial bell.

Additionally, the International Flag Raising is now an honored tradition on Walkout Day. Beginning in 1997, Northwest students carry and raise flags representing countries that Northwest students travel from to be with us on campus, and where Northwest students go to study abroad. Symbolically, all students understand they are a part of the Northwest family and observers understand the flags represent the importance of international students and scholars at Northwest.

Did you know that students who participate in at least one extracurricular activity actually do better in college, have higher GPAs, and are more satisfied with their college experience? The Office of Student Involvement is the home for approximately 150 student organizations that fit into categories such as Academic, Service, Sport Clubs, Event Planning, Performing, Religious, Political, and Identity-Based.

To access the entire list of currently active student organizations, visit Bearcat Link and login using your Northwest login credentials. The Office of Student Involvement also hosts a Student Organization Fair each semester, giving students the opportunity to learn more about organizations directly from student leaders and members. You may contact the Office of Student Involvement at osi@nwmissouri.edu or by calling 660.562.1226.

VISIT BEARCAT LINK 

The purpose of Student Activities Council is to plan and implement activities for the student body that contribute to a well-rounded social, recreational, and cultural life for the Northwest campus and community. We provide entertaining alternatives to students with late night activities and events. We host many activities throughout the year that may include concerts, lectures, movies, and comedians. This is programming by students for students! Involvement in SAC is open to all Northwest students. Interested students can join the meeting every Thursday @5pm in the Union.

For more information about upcoming events, visit the University Events Calendar.

Since 1927, Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) at Northwest has provided opportunities for members to make a positive and lasting impact on the campus community. The friendships, leadership skills, and community values gained as a Northwest fraternity or sorority member help students develop and grow into outstanding community and civic leaders. At Northwest, there are local chapters of fifteen (inter)nationally recognized and award-winning fraternal organizations organized under three governing councils, with excellent academic, philanthropic, and social programs.

Interfraternity Council (IFC) is the administrative and governing body of seven member chapters, including Alpha Gamma Rho, Alpha Kappa Lambda, Phi Sigma Kappa, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Sigma Tau Gamma, and Tau Kappa Epsilon. Learn more about Interfraternity Council.

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is the official coordinating body of the "Divine Nine," historically Black fraternities and sororities. NPHC serves as the administrative body of member chapters on campus, including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Learn more about National Pan-Hellenic Council.

Panhellenic Council is the administrative and governing body of five member chapters, including Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Phi Mu, Sigma Kappa, and Sigma Sigma Sigma. Learn more about Panhellenic Council.

To learn more about Fraternity and Sorority Life, including how to join a chapter through the recruitment or intake process, view the Fraternity and Sorority Life website. You may also contact the Office of Student Involvement at osi@nwmissouri.edu or by calling 660.562.1226. 

Student Senate

Student Senate is a great place for students to get connected while also serving the student body. Senate is an organization driven by the needs and desires of students and one in which all students are encouraged to voice their comments and concerns. Leadership, service, cooperation -- Student Senate has it all. The Student Government Office is located on the third floor of the Student Union in The Carnahan Student Senate Chamber. Student Senate meetings are held Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Student Union.

Student Senate

Residence Hall Association (RHA) 

RHA is the student government body for all residence halls and represents the interest of students living on campus. RHA primarily organizes programs and addresses issues concerning life on campus. RHA typically has three committees focused on different aspects of the organization's goals. RHA belongs to a regional organization (MACURH) and a national organization (NACURH). Delegates from the University attend each organization’s annual conference to get new ideas to bring back to Northwest.

A hall resident may participate in RHA in two ways: (1) serve as a designated & duly elected official RHA representative for your hall; (2) serve as a general member of the organization.

RHA offers students residing on campus the opportunity to get more out of the residence hall experience. It takes as much time as one is willing to spend and will include at least a weekly one-hour meeting. Additional information can be obtained from members any Residential Life staff member or the RHA Executive Office, which is located in The Station.

Service and Engagement

Service and Engagement is a subdivision of the Office of Student Involvement, and connects both the community and University to volunteering opportunities that benefit local and regional agencies, and contribute to student development. Between August 1st, 2024 and May 31st, 2025 Northwest students logged approximately 6,200 hours of community service. Students can track their community service impact by logging hours in Bearcat Link.

Service and Engagement opportunities

Civic Engagement

Civic engagement and voter registration are functions of the Service and Engagement subdivision within the Office of Student Involvement. The goal of civic engagement is to equip students with the tools necessary to create a lasting impact in the community and country as an active, well-informed citizen.

Civic engagement (register to vote)

Leadership Development

The Northwest Leadership Certification is a self-paced program consisting of an array of experiences that are thoughtfully designed to help you foster key leadership skills, such as emotional intelligence, resiliency, decision-making, innovation, teambuilding, and more. The program is open to all Northwest students. Upon successfully completing the program, students may apply to be Involvement Ambassadors and help other students explore their strengths and interests.

Leadership Program

Northwest is affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA, Division II) and the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). Varsity athletics include football, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s track and cross country, men’s and women’s tennis, baseball, women’s soccer, women’s golf, and softball.

Athletics website

Intramurals

Campus Recreation provides opportunities to participate in intramural activities, both team and individual, for students desiring competition beyond the high school level. The different sports represented include basketball, table tennis, flag football, softball, volleyball, to name a few. The Student Recreation Center (SRC) is available for all students to utilize on a drop-in basis. Amenities include basketball, volleyball, walleyball, racquetball, and walking or jogging on a suspended track at no charge.

Intramural sports

Foster Fitness Center

The Foster Fitness Center is on the South side of campus near Colden Pond, conveniently located within a few minutes of walking from each residence hall on campus.  There are spectacular views of campus to enjoy while working out and meeting new friends.  The atmosphere is fun, friendly, inviting, and safe for all students.

The Foster Fitness Center offers a variety of strength equipment for all levels, cardio equipment that accommodate the most vigorous workouts, fitness accessories, locker rooms, and an exercise studio. The fitness center is available to all students attending Northwest Missouri State University at no additional cost.  

Do you like to work-out with a group, or do you need a little motivation? Try participating in one of our group exercise classes or working out with a personal trainer. These services are provided by students who are currently studying or are interested in the field of health and science.  There are additional fees associated with these services, and several packages are available for both group exercise and personal training. The FFC staff is here to help students reach their goals of better health and fitness.

Recreation facility hours

MOERA

The Mozingo Outdoor Education and Recreation Area (MOERA) is situated on 300+ acres on Mozingo Lake and operated by Northwest Missouri State University. MOERA offers recreation and team building programs for Northwest students and the greater community.  Our fleet of canoes and sit-on-top kayaks can hold up to 20 participants at a time on Mozingo Lake. Ground courses, climbing walls, and high-level obstacle courses offer recreation and team building opportunities for groups of various sizes, experience, and abilities. Trap-shooting programs are available on a competition-style 3 house trap-shooting range, able to host 15 participants at a time.

Sports Clubs

Over fifteen different clubs exist to meet students’ competitive nature. These include but are not limited to bowling, golf, colorguard, baseball, cricket, fishing, basketball, trapshooting, wrestling, rugby, soccer, and horse riding/equine education.

Club sports

E-Sports

Whether you are a competitive gamer, a casual gamer, or have never played a video game before, we aim to provide a community for every student. We empower students in their pursuit of a customized and enriching academic journey, fostering an environment where they can shape their own student experience. With this commitment, we aim to nurture and cultivate our students’ leadership potential, ensuring their seamless transition into leadership roles within their respective industries upon graduation. We develop our students through Competitive, Club, Casual, Careers, Classroom, and Community experiences. Located on the third floor of the J.W. Jones Student Union, the Esports Lab offers students a unique opportunity to engage in gaming and access high-tier gaming PCs. Each PC is equipped with top-of-the-line gaming hardware, ensuring smooth performance during gameplay.

e-sports website