While February is the shortest month on the calendar, it can feel the longest. It is still cold, snowy, dark, and "so far" away from spring break. How is your student spending their time? This is a great time to remind them to go to an IM Building and check out the fitness classes, equipment or teams (IM and Club Sports), cheer on a Spartan winter sports team, maybe catch a show at Wharton Center (students can buy two reduced-price tickets for every show!), the Abrams Planetarium, or an exhibit at the MSU Museum or Broad Museum. And with more than 1,000 student organizations, there’s something for everyone at MSU!
Spring break will be here soon, and before long, the spring flowers will pop and the grass will turn a gorgeous Spartan green. In the meantime, we’re here if you need us. By the way, we'd love for you to take this 30 second poll to tell us how you want any updates between newsletters!
Take good care,
Laurin Gierman, Director
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What is an Ombudsperson?
MSU is home to the longest continuously operating ombuds office at any college or university in the U.S. Abiding by the International Ombuds Association’s Standards of Practice (confidentiality, neutrality, independence and informality), the Office of the University Ombudsperson assists students in addressing conflicts they may have with representatives of the university, understanding their rights, and navigating the university policies and procedures. For more information, please view the video found here.
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Spring Break 2023 Spring break is March 6-10, and many students will be taking time away from campus. If your student is staying at MSU, the residence halls remain open and residential dining will consolidate for break. Most campus buildings will be open, but your students may want to check hours of operation if headed out and about on campus.
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E-Scooters and E-Bikes
E-scooters and e-bikes are quickly gaining in popularity. They are not, however, allowed in any university building, per this ordinance. Please remind your students that this type of transportation cannot be brought into any university building for any reason.
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Campus Climate Survey
Recently, the results of the 2022 Know More Survey were shared by Interim President Woodruff. This campus climate survey was first introduced in 2019 and was designed to assess the culture, perceptions and policies associated with Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct (RVSM) at Michigan State University. The results of these ongoing campus community surveys will be used to guide development of programming and policies, campus community resources, and services. We encourage you to read Interim President Woodruff’s communication and, if desired, the results of the 2022 Know More Survey.
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Religious Observances & Holidays
Many religions have observances and holidays during springtime. MSU values and actively supports diversity, including spiritual expression and practice, and enables that observance through this policy for students, faculty, and academic staff. Please note that, according to Section 4, it is the responsibility of the student to inform their instructor at least two weeks before the observance day, make arrangements in advance with instructors, and catch up on material discussed and assignments given.
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On-Campus Housing Sign-Up Info
On-campus housing sign-up for current first-year students is coming in March! Students will receive a randomly assigned, specific 24-hour sign-up window to select their space on campus. Students must complete their 2023-24 Housing Contract in their My Housing to get a sign-up time. Housing Contracts will be available for students to sign in My Housing beginning Monday, Feb. 6.
Learn more on the Live On website!
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Spartan Family Webinars
It may surprise some families to realize that institutions of higher education experience an uptick in disordered eating before spring break travel. Register for the Feb. 17, noon eastern, webinar where experts from Health Promotion and Culinary Services will talk about healthy eating and body image and how you can support your student. Can’t make it? Watch the recording posted a few days after the live webinar.
Recordings of all previous webinars, with timely information relevant to your student’s journey, can be found on our website.
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Commencement Information
Congratulations to the families of spring 2023 graduates! Though the student was the one walking the educational path, you were there to support them on their journey. This is no small feat, and we applaud them, and you, for approaching the finish line!
There is a required step for graduation and an optional step to walk in commencement activities. All students who wish to graduate must apply for graduation, even if they do not plan to attend commencements. This tells the institution they believe they have completed their degree and plan to graduate. Students who wish to participate in commencements must register to do so. That information will be available after Feb. 9, when the commencement website has been updated.
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Preparing for Spring Activities: Spring Break, Celebratory Events and More
Spring break is quickly approaching — and with that time of year come all kinds of celebratory events. The Health Promotion team offers these reminders to help students navigate the spring season:
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Students might feel pressured to fit unrealistic beauty standards. In fact, about one in three MSU students reported that personal appearance was an issue that was very difficult or traumatic for them in 2022. Among female-identifying students, 41% report dealing with this issue. Join our Healthy Eating and Body Image webinar Friday, Feb. 17, noon-1 p.m., to hear from Anne Buffington, nutrition program coordinator, and Kelsey Patterson, a Culinary Services nutritionist, as they discuss body image concerns, eating competence and available resources.
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With St. Patrick’s Day, March Madness and spring break right around the corner, students might feel pressured to drink. But the reality is that nine out of 10 MSU students approve of their fellow Spartans choosing not to drink when partying or socializing with friends. If they do choose to drink, more than 90 percent of students approve of cutting off a friend before they’ve had too much. Students can follow @HealthySpartans on Instagram for events and tips aimed at reducing drinking-related harm.
Visit healthpromotion.msu.edu for more information and resources about programs like SPARTANfit, the Collegiate Recovery Community, alcohol and other drugs program, and more, all aimed at supporting students’ well-being.
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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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