Academics
You don't need to get textbooks - you can get through your classes without them.
FALSE
* You should plan to have your books rented by the second class period
* If the book is required, you should have it
* Renting textbooks is a great resource - and they have extended hours this weekend!
You can get away with drinking on campus - everyone drinks in college.
FALSE
* SEMO is a dry campus - even if you are 21+.
* Don't break the rules and get a conduct referral!
* Over half of SEMO students reported on a survey last spring that they hadn't had a drink - at all - in the last year
You can't have fun on campus without going Greek.
False. There are over 200 registered organizations, and over 250 total groups active on campus. If Greek life isn't for you, find something that is.
The campus shuttles can take me off campus
Mostly true - the regular shuttle routes are for campus locations (main campus and River Campus, along with other University-related stops); students can use the WINGS shuttle on weekends to visit off-campus sites to shop, see a movie, etc.
You can get away without doing the reading, just like in high school.
* Not as true in college
* Content from the readings will likely be on exams
* The material often builds on itself - don't get behind!
* The content from earlier courses is often needed in later courses
As long as you turn your flashers on, you can park in "no parking" zones and not get a ticket.
FALSE
* No matter how short a time you think you'll be away, don't EVER park in a "no parking" zone or fire lane.
* You can be subject to towing or a hefty fine.
* Your flashers won't save you from DPS! :)
Greek life is like what you see in "Animal House" and other movies.
False - Greek life has a ton of benefits, including amazing community service opportunities and networking. Check out a session on recruitment or rush if you are interested. It starts the first week of classes.
There is a Civil War fort located in Cape Girardeau.
True! Historic Fort D is located at 920 Fort Street. It is one of four forts built in Cape in 1861, and is the only one remaining intact. (The SEMO campus is where Fort B was located. There is a memorial with information about Fort B located in the median of Normal Avenue, between Academic Hall and Kent Library.)
You can leave after 15 minutes if your instructor isn't there.
Parking tickets aren't real - you can get away with parking on campus even if you don't buy a parking pass
FALSE
* Parking tickets are applied to your account - you have to pay them like any other charge.
* Unpaid tickets will cause a hold on your student account - you won't be able to register for classes until they are paid.
* If you don't buy a pass, DPS can look up your vehicle and still charge you.
It is very difficult to start a new student organization.
False - if you have an interest and you don't find a club that fits, it is very easy to start your own! You just need 5 current students in good academic and disciplinary standing, an advisor who is a current faculty or staff member or graduate assistant, a constitution or bylaws with the University’s anti-hazing policy and non-discrimination statement, and the organization must be open to all students. A few years ago, some students started a Harry Potter club on campus! :)
The world's largest drinking cup is located in Cape.
True. It is located outside the Rhodes 101 gas station at 425 S. Mt. Auburn Road. According to RoadsideAmerica.com (https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/64645), it is 15 feet tall, holds 605,556 regular-size cups of liquid, and set the record on August 20, 2017, when it held 4,730 gallons of lemonade.
There are lots of resources available to students for free.
TRUE - areas like Tutorial Services, the Math Lab, the Center for Writing Excellence are here to help you, and won't cost you anything.
Redbucks, which can be purchased to supplement your meal plan, never expire.
True!
* These get added to your account and are used via your student ID
* You can go to semo.edu and search for "Redbucks" to get more information
The only way to get involved in sports on campus is to be a member of one of the athletic teams.
False - there are lots of intramural & club sports opportunities, as well. Check in with the Student Rec Center for options.
Many area restaurants and shops offer discounts for SEMO students
True - not all participate, and the amount of the discount can vary from place-to-place, but always show your student ID and ask if they give a discount - they worst that happens is they say "no".
Your UI100 instructor is a good resource for questions you might have.
True - the focus of UI100 is on learning to navigate college life - you'll learn lots of valuable skills in the course, and your instructor is someone whose answers you can trust if you have questions.
There is no way I'll be able to make it from Dempster to Grauel in ten minutes.
False
* It will take a little getting used to, but after a few weeks, you'll know where all of your classes are. Even if your class buildings are pretty far apart, you should still be able to make it happen
* If you are concerned about it, let your instructor know where your prior class is in case you might be a couple of minutes late
* There is also a shuttle service - you can download a shuttle tracker, as well
You can't join clubs or organizations after the first couple of weeks.
False - most groups will welcome new members throughout the semester. If you think you missed your chance, reach out to the organization to see what to do to join. You can also check in with an involvement ambassador in Campus Life!
There is a zoo in Cape.
Mostly true - there is a petting zoo called Cape Safari Park (featuring animals from alligators to zebras) a few minutes north of campus.