Happy 2023 to Spartan families everywhere!
We are happy to have students back to campus after what was hopefully a relaxing and rejuvenating break. To those families whose students began at MSU in January, welcome to the Spartan family! This is a community where we offer information and resources to support you as you support your student through their academic journey. We understand how important you are in their life and are so thankful to have you as a part of our students’ success.
Take good care,
Laurin Gierman, Director
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1098-T Information
Your student can view their 1098-T in SIS, or you can retrieve it with guest access by clicking on the “Student Accounts” tile. On the left, select “View Tax Forms” from the drop down menu, and select “View 1098-T.” 1098-T forms are required to be available by Jan. 31. To view frequently asked questions, visit the 1098-T FAQ page on the Controller’s website.
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Springticipation: Jan. 17
Is your student struggling to connect with a group of friends on campus, or are they new to campus and looking for a way to get involved? Make sure they know about and participate in 2023 Springticipation! Similar to the fall semester’s event, Springticipation showcases many student organizations but on a smaller scale. The fall event can feel overwhelming for those with neurodiversity, anxieties, or mobility differences. Many students find the January event a bit easier to manage and, in some cases, students are more ready to find ways to get involved after being on campus a while. Springticipation is Tuesday, Jan. 17, 5-8 p.m. (EST) at the MSU STEM building. Encourage your student to learn more here.
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Winter in Mid-Michigan
Many who live in mid-Michigan agree that winter can be a tough season, with its early sunsets and cold, cloudy weather. Thankfully, there are many ways to stay active during the winter months that can help combat those winter blues. Intramural facilities offer work out facilities, group fitness, and IM Sports teams, and the Greater Lansing area has some great sledding places (looking at you, Hawk Island!), not to mention the winter animals active at Potter Park Zoo. Encourage your student to get out and explore in their winter gear!
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a common experience for those living in environments like East Lansing. You can learn more about SAD, and perhaps when to seek treatment, in this article. Encourage your student to seek support from CAPS or other campus resources if they or you notice the symptoms referenced.
Additionally, in this month's Stall Story (information posted on the back of bathroom stall doors), Health Promotion shares tips to help unwind, manage stress and boost mood. Stall Stories are posted in residence hall restrooms, providing health information and tips for students throughout the academic year. See the Winter Blues Stall Story and others here.
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Grades
In the spirit of the new semester and starting the year off proactively, we consulted Dr. Jinny Han, assistant professor and undergraduate adviser for the Department of Human Development and Family Studies on what students can do this upcoming semester to have a better sense of how they are doing in their courses throughout the semester.
Instructor Responsibility: Dr. Han shared with us the code of teaching responsibility at MSU, which helps students to understand the grading expectations placed on instructors, including setting the standards and criteria of grading and returning exams and other assignments submitted for grading with sufficient promptness to enhance students' learning experiences.
Attend Class Regularly: It sounds simple and obvious but to stay on track with coursework, students should do their best to attend class. Some courses set up attendance and participation as component of the final grade, so missing out on class could mean losing points. Furthermore, even when attendance isn't required, students may miss out on important information provided by instructors as well as the opportunity to engage with other students to help apply the materials being taught. Students who must miss class should notify the instructor, and those registered with RCPD should ensure that their VISA is shared with each instructor.
Review Syllabus: Every class in college is different in terms of how many exams, quizzes, papers, projects or other assignments students must complete and how instructors weigh these assignments. Therefore, it is important for students to review the course syllabus to ensure they are aware of class expectations, policies and deadlines for various assignments and exams. Some instructors will remind students when a due date is coming up, but others won’t, so it’s up to students to keep deadlines in mind. There are some Spring 2023 Academic Success Workshops that can help students learn more about academic time management, including reviewing types of planners, to-do lists and other productivity tools.
Keep Track of Your Grade: After they have reviewed the syllabus, students should find a way to track grades as they come in as many courses are weighted in specific areas (e.g., 10% attendance, 35% exams). The Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions provides one example of how a student can track their performance in real time via GPA and Grade Calculations.
Ask for Help: It's never too early to ask for help. Many students believe they should only ask for help once they are struggling in the course, but by meeting with professors or instructors and engaging with the learning resources on campus early, students can set themselves up with a solid safety net. The majority of professors really want their students to visit them during office hours to ask relevant questions and review course material.
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Webinars
As hard as it may be to believe, students need to begin thinking about summer plans soon. Do they want or need an internship, help with their resume, an “inside” connection with an MSU Alum, or maybe help with negotiating an offer? Or, could an Education Abroad experience be in their academic plans?
We have the information for you, so you can encourage your student to use campus resources. Register today for these upcoming webinars!
Career Services Network, Jan. 20, 12 p.m. EST.
Education Abroad opportunities and application process, Feb. 3, 12 p.m. EST.
We know the timing of the live webinar isn’t conducive to the schedules of all, so we record them and post them here for viewing at a time convenient for you!
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MSU DPPS: P.E.A.C.E. Team
In October 2022, the East Lansing Police Department (ELPD) and MSU’s Department of Police and Public Safety (MSU DPPS) collaborated to create the Proactive Engagement and Community Enhancement (P.E.A.C.E.) Team, which will work to address community concerns with long-term solutions on both sides of Grand River Avenue. Learn more about the P.E.A.C.E. Team and their work here.
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Rec Fest
Jan. 20 marks the 10th anniversary of Rec Fest! Encourage your student to participate in this great event with games, inflatables, a photo booth, Club Sport demonstrations and, perhaps, a Sparty sighting! This is a great event to shake off the cold, dark days of winter with some laughter, activity, and a whole lot of fun! Learn more about the event at recsports.msu.edu.
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MLK Day Operations on Campus
As we near the first University Holiday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day (observed), we want to notify you of some operational differences on campus that may impact your student. All campus buildings, including IM Sports Facilities, will be locked as all MSU faculty and staff will be observing the holiday. Some dining locations will have modified hours of operation Jan. 14-16. However, residence halls will operate as usual.
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Hiring Fair: Jan. 24, Breslin Student Events Center
Many students have found their campus rhythm after fall semester and are now looking to support their academic and social expenses with employment. Student Life & Engagement (SLE) will be offering a hiring fair on Jan 24 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Breslin Student Events Center, with on-the-spot interviews for some positions. SLE offers opportunities in residence halls, sporting venues, campus outreach and is great for resume building (transferable skills!), creating friendships, and paying for spring break! Have your student mark their calendar NOW!
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Undergraduate Action Items
On a monthly basis, Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education Dr. Mark Largent and Senior Vice President for Student Life & Engagement Vennie Gore send an Action Item email to all undergraduate students. You can find this messaging here.
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Upcoming Events and Important Dates
Jan 16: MLK Jr. Day, observed (university closed, operations altered)
Jan 17: Springticipation
Jan 20, 12 p.m. EST: Family Webinar – Career Services Network (registration required)
Jan 20: Rec Fest
Jan 24, 3-6 p.m.: SLE Hiring Fair, Breslin Student Events Center
Feb 3, 12 p.m. EST: Family Webinar – Education Abroad (registration required)
Feb 3: Jagged Little Pill, College Night at Wharton Center
March 6-10: Spring Break (No Classes, University Open, Housing Open, Consolidated Dining)
Various Career Fairs
Various Study Abroad Deadlines
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