As of Fall 2019, Missouri State University had 3,013 incoming Freshmen admitted into the school. If any of the incoming Freshmen have less than 24 dual-credit hours through Missouri State, they are required to take a course known as GEP 101. This course is a requirement during their first semester.

This course is taken for two credit hours and is in place to teach the student's the school’s “public affairs mission, improve students' academic skills, develop a foundational knowledge of university resources, and facilitate students' successful transition to Missouri State University's community of scholars.”

The issue with this course lies in the curriculum and the way this course is constructed. This course does not teach you all of the campus resources, and as many students have said, do not function as a great transition into college life. This courses' goal is to make the transition successful from your high school life or daily life to college life, yet many students left this course not understanding a lot of how college works.

Due to this, many students believe one of two things. Students should not be required to pay for the course, or this course should not be a requirement. The course syllabus and prerequisites must be revised so that it would no longer need to be paid for, but rather used as an optional course/tool for all students who would like to learn more about all campus resources and better their transition into college.

By signing this petition, you are adding your name to give incoming students to Missouri State University the freedom to pursue their degree faster and move their funds away from a tool and more towards their desired degree or the higher education they are attending to earn, as well as a much better tool in the new, revised course.