We’re firmly in the middle of summer and are excited to soon be welcoming students to (and back to) campus, though it seems like just yesterday that we wished them a relaxing break! A hearty Spartan "Go GREEN" (with an equally hearty response of "Go WHITE!") to the newest of our families — we can’t wait to meet you! While much of this month’s newsletter is filled with information important for families new to campus, we hope it serves as a good reminder for those who have been around this block. We will sprinkle in some fun for all, just as we hope you are in your own homes this summer!
Read on to find out about safety and security updates, student employment, welcome events for you, and some campus information that may be new to you. Sit back, enjoy that cool beverage, and get ready to holler "Go WHITE" very soon. Until August!
Take good care,
Laurin
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Safety and Security Updates
Michigan State University is continuing to expand its safety and security network as it moves into the summer months. This includes strengthening its campus alert system, continuing door lock installations, security systems, and building out MSU's Security Operations Center.
MSU’s campus alert notification systems have been strengthened to include announcements through its outdoor emergency weather sirens and MSU Green Light emergency phones located throughout campus. In the event of an emergency, these systems will be used to provide audible warnings and directions for those on campus. MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities began installing new classroom door locks that allow those inside the room to lock the door, while letting emergency personnel enter with a physical key. For the Security Operations Center, MSU Police and Public Safety has recently identified top candidates to fill key roles within the centralized center and is completing the onboarding process for these individuals.
Safety and well-being are the university's top priorities. Measures will continue to be put in place that strengthen existing safety and security processes. MSU Police and Public Safety also launched its new and updated website in June. You can check it out by visiting dpps.msu.edu.
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Employment for Students
We often hear that families want their students to wait until they’ve acclimated to campus to get a job. Let’s take a minute to talk about why that might not be best for all students. If you have a new student, consider the structure they are moving from, which, in most cases, was a solid 8 hours of class daily, some after-school activities, and homework before (or after!) media consumption. When classes begin Aug. 28, your students will face 2-4 classes (hours) each day and will have to self-motivate to study and complete homework. Professors won’t remind them of upcoming due dates or tests, and the nearly constant draw of distractions is very real. What will fill that downtime?
A part-time job (there are thousands of on-campus opportunities) working just 15 hours a week can help students structure and manage their time, build an in-real-life community and friend-base, and provide some pocket money or help pay for tuition, room and board, or books. These jobs also help build resumes and create the transferable skills employers are expecting when your student graduates.
Starting to work as soon as possible gets most students started with a strong foundation. The structure, community and skill building has been proven to lead to higher grades and happier students. We encourage you to have this realistic conversation with your student and determine what is best for them starting out, and whether waiting to acclimate is a good choice.
For more information about the services of Career Services Network, visit their family information page.
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Transfer Students
Families of transfer students, did you know there is such a thing as "transfer shock" when it comes to experiences in the classroom? Transfer shock refers to the tendency of students transferring from one institution of higher education to another to experience a temporary dip in grade point average during the first or second semester at the new institution (Hills, 1965; Scott, Thigpin & Bentz, 2017). Students transferring to a new institution must acclimate to the new culture and learn everything over again, like where classes are and how the bus system works. This can impact their academics for a semester or two, but they typically bounce right back to their pre-transfer levels.
However, transitioning to a new institution can be an exciting time for transfer students and with time, will feel like home. Incoming MSU transfer students will learn about campus resources contributing to their academic journey, student health and wellness. Also, transfer students will have the opportunity to meet and learn from others who have also experienced similar feelings of uncertainty progressing from one institution to another.
MSU understands the importance of supporting transfer students differently. Talking with other transfer students can help with the acclimation process and serve as a reminder that what they experience is common. During admitted program days in May, staff from the Office of Admissions, the Transfer Student Success Center, and a panel of current transfer students shared ways to succeed academically, build community, and develop a sense of belonging to MSU. Admissions provided an estimate of new incoming transfer students for the fall semester, and advising staff shared the importance of scheduling appointments throughout the academic year. Members of the Transfer Student Success Center shared their work to increase awareness and recognize the experiences of transfer students and campus resources to improve student health and wellness.
Transfer students may also not be aware of the wealth of opportunities available at MSU that may not have been options at their sending institutions. These opportunities include participation in high-impact practices, such as community engaged learning, undergraduate research, education abroad and study away. Higher education studies have found when transfer students participate in high impact practices these opportunities result in better GPAs, improved academic and social integration, and great promise for retention (Thomas, et.al 2021; Zilvinskis & Dumford, 2018). The Transfer Student Success Center partners with many campus offices to offer programming throughout the academic year. Learn more about a few of those opportunities offered this past academic year published by the Office of Undergraduate Education.
We encourage your transfer student to accept their invitation, which can be found in their MSU email account, to join the Transfer Student Success Center Involve@State page to learn about events and find community!
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Family Welcome Events Aug. 22 and 23
Planning to be on campus or in East Lansing Tuesday or Wednesday, Aug. 22 or 23? Join us at the STEM building from 10. a.m.-5 p.m. to ask your questions, get your Spartan Family sticker, grab a snack, and or just say "hi" to Laurin or Kat. New students will need to get their MSU Card (student ID), and while they do that, you can hang out with us! Some partner departments will also be there to answer your questions, or just make a connection with you.
We are also hosting a low-key "happy hour" at Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. each of these nights. We will have light snacks and nonalcoholic beverages, and the State Room will have its bar open if you’d like to purchase an adult beverage after a long day of moving in your Spartan. Come meet other Spartan families, celebrate, or commiserate about your Spartan’s new journey, and meet us while you’re at it! Watch for more information in the August newsletter!
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Family Weekend Presented by MSUFCU
Join us for the second annual MSU Family Weekend presented by Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) November 3-5, 2023! More information, including the expanded events schedule, will be released over the summer and registration opens Aug. 14. We will provide information in this monthly newsletter and include it on our website as it becomes available. Please note that football game tickets are NOT included in any of the Family Weekend events and must be purchased separately through the Athletic Ticket Office, either by calling or using the Family Weekend game ticket link, coming mid-July. Watch for that link on our website and Facebook group!
If your family needs financial support to attend Family Weekend, please complete this survey by July 28, 2023 to be considered for subsidized participation. Decisions will be made prior to the opening of registration so families will know if they will have assistance to attend. Click here if you would like to support another families’ attendance at Family Weekend events. Special thanks to MSUFCU in making these supports possible.
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Incoming Student Info
New Student Orientation has a podcast series, Spartan Orientation Station, geared toward the student audience but encouraged for family members to also consume. The series includes short, informational, topic-specific podcasts featuring university experts sharing information and recommendations for a successful academic experience at MSU. You can find the already-released podcasts here, along with the release dates for upcoming episodes. Spartan Family Connections will join for three episodes, helping to answer your questions! Use this survey link to share with us what you’d like to know, and check out the topics for more information.
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Transitioning Health Care to MSU
It might seem like the new semester is far away, but we all know it will come faster than we think. As your student prepares to start school, remember that the university offers a variety of health and well-being services and resources for students. Families and students can check out this Guide to Health and Well-Being for more information about transitioning medical and mental health care to MSU for a smooth continuation of their care.
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Dining at MSU
The MSU Culinary Services team is excited to welcome Spartan students to campus, providing outstanding service and helping them navigate dining options. As your student prepares to start a new academic year, be sure to use the resources and information on the Eat at State website.
This includes a revamped nutrition and allergens page, which features an interactive/digital guide as well as frequently asked questions. If your student has a food allergy or dietary restriction, please have them contact our dietitian at dietitians@rhs.msu.edu prior to move-in. She can assist with providing personalized information and set them up for success!
The Eat at State website is also the primary source for dining hall menus, hours of operation for dining locations, and other important updates. As you explore the resource, if questions arise, please contact the Eat at State team at 517-884-0660 or info@eatatstate.com.
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Upcoming Events and Important Dates
July
July 18: Residence hall move-in time slot sign-up
August
Aug. 5: Fall semester billing available in SIS
Aug. 18: Summer session two ends
Aug. 19: International student residence hall move-in
Aug. 22-23: New student residence hall move-in; Family Welcome events
Aug. 23-24: Returning student residence hall move-in
Aug. 23: New Student Orientation and Fall Welcome Kick-off
Aug. 24-Sept. 7: Fall Welcome activities
Aug. 25: First fall semester payment due
Aug. 28: First day of fall semester
September
Sept. 4: Labor Day (university closed, residence halls and dining open)
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