First Year/New Students and Family

AUGUST 2023

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DEAR NEW SPARTAN,

Dear New Spartan,
We are looking forward to you joining the MSU community. We wish you were coming to East Lansing to experience all that MSU’s beautiful campus has to offer, but our community reaches far beyond the campus. We are connected through the common goals
of all Spartans and we are here to ensure you are connected to organizations and others.

Even while learning remotely, you will experience our world-class academic programs, our many services and resources, the quality of advisors and professors, the exposure to other community members from diverse cultures and backgrounds that are all part of the MSU experience.

We care about your success as a student. We hope you will immerse yourself in your academic program, get involved in student organizations and participate in events and activities, even now while they are held in digital spaces, to make the most of your MSU experience. We are excited you are with us and we look forward to the day when we will all come together on the beautiful MSU campus.

– MSU Faculty and Staff

• On the Banks of the Red Cedar

  Congratulations on choosing to be a part of one of the finest institutions of higher education in the nation! Your time at MSU will produce some of the most memorable moments of your life. Right now, everything looks different and we are not gathering at some of MSU’s incredible spots on campus – the MSU Dairy Store, Spartan Stadium, the Broad Art Museum, or enjoying a scenic walk on campus.
  
  Remember, it’s not the places on campus that are most memorable, even with their beauty and history, it is the incredible people who make up the Spartan community – the people like you. Let’s remember what can still be done – taking a class that captivates your mind, exploring your interests by getting involved in a student organization, and meeting new friends, even virtually. Your time at MSU will indeed be special and unique from all of the Spartans that came before you and remain a part of this supportive community.
  
  The intent of the short articles contained in this newsletter is to provide some information about what you (and your families or guardian) can expect this fall. Also, check out fallwelcome.msu.edu for information on your first few days at MSU!

• Arrival Information

  FOR STUDENTS LIVING IN RESIDENCE HALLS AND ON-CAMPUS APARTMENTS: ALL DAY FIRST YEAR/TRANSFER STUDENTS MOVE INTO RESIDENCE HALLS - VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT CAMPUS. PLEASE CONSULT THE MOVE IN SCHEDULE YOU SELECTED FOR YOUR ASSIGNED MOVE-IN TIME AND DAY.
  
  Residents will have a community meeting one night during move-in. Exact locations vary by hall and will be shared by your Community Director. Residents will meet their hall staff, learn more about the hall, and review important policies and procedures. Participation in these meeting is REQUIRED.
  
  All resident hall students will also have floor meetings with their Resident Assistant (RA). During this meeting, residents will meet their RA, connect with peers, and establish communal expectations as a floor. Participation in this meeting is REQUIRED. Exact meeting locations will vary per hall and will be shared by the RA.
  
  FOR COMMUTER/OFF-CAMPUS AND TRANSFER STUDENTS: If MSU is the first college or university you have attended on a full-time basis and you are a commuter student, or if you are a new transfer student, please plan to attend the Commuter/Off-Campus and Transfer Student Meeting on Sunday, August 27 from 2 to 4 PM in the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center Big Ten Rooms ABC. Please contact the Office of Spartan Experiences via email at stulife@msu.edu with any questions. stulife@msu.edu with any questions.

• Spartan Money Smarts

  Tuition, books, recreation, food…it all costs money. There is no single answer to questions about money and how much it costs to be a student at MSU, but there are some general guidelines that may help you in making financial decisions.

  
  MAKE A LIST OF ANTICIPATED EXPENSES. From this list, families should decide which are covered by the student, which by the parent/guardian, etc. There is no one right answer to who should pay for which part of college, but knowing ahead of time may alleviate a lot of tension later.

  CREDIT CARDS. Students will receive countless offers to get a credit card. Some students find credit cards a safe and convenient means of payment. Others, however, (if not careful) find themselves owing significant money to the credit card companies. As such, students and parents are encouraged to discuss credit card use prior to arrival on campus. In cases where a student obtains credit cards for “emergencies”, everyone should agree what constitutes an emergency. Beware of solicitation and fraudulent card scams.

  WORKING WHILE ENROLLED IN SCHOOL. The decision to work depends on a variety of factors such as class load, job demands, financial needs, and the individual student. Students who are good at time management and take no more than 15 credit hours per semester may be able to work between ten to twenty hours per week. In fact, research indicates that working less than twenty hours per week in an on-campus job helps students become better acquainted with the institution and complements their academic learning. Students are encouraged to make school their top priority. However, with proper time management, students can enjoy sufficient time to prepare for their classes, socialize, participate in extracurricular activities, and work.
  
  To learn more about part-time student jobs, contact Career Services Network, 113 Student Services, (517) 353-9510, or visit their website at careernetwork.msu.edu.

• Fall Welcome August 22-27, 2023

  Fall Welcome is a continuation of your orientation to Michigan State University. Throughout the three days of Fall Welcome, many exciting (and fun) events will occur across campus. By attending these events, you will become better acquainted with the campus, meet other students, and begin forming connections to MSU’s faculty and staff members who are here to help you succeed.
  
  For your convenience a copy of the Fall Welcome Handbook may be found online at spartanexperiences.msu.edu. A printed Schedule at a Glance version of the 2023 Fall Welcome Schedule is available in the Student Services Building.
  
  The handbook will provide specific information regarding Fall Welcome activities as well as resources on-campus and in the East Lansing community. Please join us on Wednesday, August 23 for the FALL WELCOME - NEW STUDENT KICK-OFF in Spartan Stadium from 7:30 - 9 PM (EDT). PLEASE NOTE THAT BAGS, PURSES, AND BACKPACKS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED IN THE SPARTAN STADIUM. See the Fall Welcome website, the MSU App, or your Individualized Fall Welcome Schedule for information on Fall Welcome events.
  
  Fall Convocation will be hosted at the Breslin Student Events Center on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 10:00 AM. You must be seated no later than 9:30 AM. Breslin doors will open at 8:30 AM. All new first year and transfer students are REQUIRED to attend this formal
  ceremony.
  
  Fall Convocation is the formal ceremony that marks the beginning of each academic year welcoming the newest members of the MSU community to our university. Interim President Teresa K. Woodruff, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas D. Jeitschko, Senior Vice President for Student Life & Engagement Vennie Gore and other university leaders representing each of the undergraduate degree-granting colleges will extend greetings to you during the event. PLEASE NOTE THAT BAGS, PURSES, AND BACKPACKS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED IN THE BRESLIN STUDENT EVENTS CENTER.
  
  If you are interested in getting involved, check out the list of Registered Student Organizations that is available on the Office of Spartan Experience’s website at spartanexperiences.msu.edu. The list has contact information for all of the 1,200 registered organizations. Interested in meeting some of the organizations’ members in-person?
  
  You are strongly encouraged to join us for the “Fall Welcome Spartan Spectacular” event showcasing some of our traditional programs with a touch of a few new and spectacular components. SPARTAN SPECTACULAR will kick-off with a FALL WELCOME CULINARY FOOD FAIR. The event will also feature SPARTICIPATION, a student involvement fair, which highlights over 500 student organizations. The SPARTAN SHOWCASE EVENT will be hosted throughout Fall Welcome Spartan Spectacular and will feature demonstrations and announcements by Sparticipation event participants. Join us as we close out the night with the inaugural “ROCK THE REC” event featuring a marquee performance on stage and then engage in “SPARLIGHTS”, a luminating closeout experience, as you journey home from “FALL WELCOME SPARTAN SPECTACULAR”. Please pick up your luminary at the Spartan Spectacular main stage at the start of Sparlights.

• Fill The Bus
  Spartans are generous to others and their community. Be a part of a campus-wide service effort to support organizations in our local community. For more information visit communityengagedlearning.msu.edu.
• Student ID Cards

  Each student of Michigan State University is issued a Spartan Card following initial enrollment which is your university identification (ID) card. YOU WILL NEED YOUR SPARTAN STUDENT ID CARD TO ACCESS ALL BUILDINGS ON CAMPUS. This card is valid throughout your entire academic career at MSU. Library privileges, access to university buildings, facilities and classrooms, and purchase of tickets and entry to athletic and entertainment events will require the possession and presentation of the ID card upon request. The card is also used for meal plans and Spartan Cash. The ID is the property of Michigan State University and is non-transferable.
  
  Alteration, falsification, or misuse of the ID card is a violation of General Student Regulation 5.00 and other regulations as applicable. Each student is responsible for all use of the ID card whether authorized or unauthorized. The ID card should not be loaned or left where it might be used by an unauthorized person. Your first ID card is issued to you at no cost. However, there is a fee for a replacement Spartan Student ID card. Students who did not receive their ID card at NSO or need a replacement can go to the ID Office located in the International Center, 427 N. Shaw Lane, Room 427. A government issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, State ID or passport is needed to obtain your ID. For more information, you can call (517) 355-4500 or send an email to idoffice@msu.edu. Please visit our website: idoffice.msu.edu for our list of current operating hours.

• Contact MSU
  University directory and information services (ContactMSU) staff are available to help you navigate campus, find the information you need, learn about events, or connect you with departments, individual staff or students with published numbers. Their service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You may reach them at contactmsu@msu.edu, (517) 355-1855 or by dialing 0 from campus phones. The directory that the ContactMSU staff utilize is also populated by the contact information stored within the University’s staff and student databases.
• Billing/Financial Aid Information

  The specific due date for your bill will appear on your billing statement. You must pay at least the minimum amount due, or confirm attendance if no payment is required (credit balance, zero minimum amount due, or zero balance) to become registered. If you have a balance due, you must submit the minimum payment amount, either by mail or online using the ePay system, or a late fee will be assessed. You may pay an electronic bill online by credit card or ACH funds transfer and confirm attendance at stuinfo.msu.edu.
  
  STUDENTS RECEIVING FINANCIAL AID AT FINAID.MSU.EDU Your bill will reflect any actual or pending financial aid awarded at the time the bill was created, except for College Work Study awards, which must be earned by part-time work during the academic year. Private scholarship checks should be endorsed and sent to the Office of Financial Aid at 556 E. Circle Dr., Room 252, East Lansing, MI 48824. These checks are disbursed according to instructions received from the donor. Direct (Stafford) or Parent loans are paid directly to your MSU student account once you have completed all required loan actions such as your promissory note and no sooner than 10 days before the start of classes (temporary credits are issued if loans are ready to disburse but there are more than 10 days remaining before class starts). You can view whether you have completed all required actions by visiting stuinfo.msu.edu and select Financial Aid (Check Your Aid).
  
  REFUNDS OF FINANCIAL AID — If you have completed registration and have excess financial aid, a refund will be processed for you. If you have signed up for direct deposit, the funds will be transferred to your bank account. Otherwise, a check will be mailed to your local address, if one is available. If you have no local address on file, checks are mailed to your permanent address. For students who complete registration refunds are produced nightly and then weekly after that according to the schedule found on the MSU Controller’s Office. Students may enroll in direct deposit online at stuinfo.msu.edu.
  
  Questions about your bill or payment? Students with questions about their bill or payment may contact the Student Accounts Office, which is a part of the Controller’s Office, 426 Auditorium Rd., Room 140, (517) 355-3343 ctlr.msu.edu.

• Confidentiality of Student Records

  Many students and parents assume that parents have the same access to their children’s education records, such as grades and disciplinary records, in the same way as they did in high school. This is not the case.
  
  Once a student reaches the age of 18 or attends a postsecondary educational institution, a parent’s rights with respect to their children’s education records transfer to the student. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a federal law otherwise known as FERPA (reg.msu.edu/ROInfo/Notices/PrivacyGuidelines.aspx), protects the privacy of a student’s education records. FERPA requires that the University, with certain exceptions, obtain the student’s written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the student’s education records. However, the University may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless the student has advised the University otherwise. The University has designated the following information as directory information:

  • Student’s name;
  • Student’s local address (if listed);
  • Student’s local phone number (if listed);
  • Student’s permanent address (if listed);
  • Student’s permanent telephone number (if listed);
  • MSU NetID email address (if listed);
  • Current enrollment status or dates of attendance;
  • Program level (undergraduate, graduate, professional);
  • Class (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, etc.);
  • Major field of study;
  • Current term candidacy for degree and/or teacher certification;
  • Employment status as a graduate teaching or research assistant, office address and office phone number;
  • Information pertaining to awards and honors achievements;
  • Degree(s) earned from MSU and effective date(s);
  • Participation in officially recognized University activities and sports, including weight and height of athletic team members;
  • The most recent educational agency or institution attended;
  • The registration documents of student organizations which contain the names and addresses of the officers and the statement of purpose of the organization.
  
  Students also have the option to request that the University not disclose directory information without their prior written consent. Students must notify the Office of the Registrar in writing or online at reg.msu.edu/ROInfo/Notices/PrivacyGuidelines.aspx if they desire to opt-out of disclosure of directory information.
  
  Questions about the release or disclosure of a student’s education records under FERPA should be directed to the Office of the Registrar at (517) 355-3300, email reg@msu.edu or visit
  reg.msu.edu.

• Wellbeing

  No matter how experienced, mature, and emotionally stable students are, there will be times when feelings and thoughts associated with life issues may become uncomfortable for students to handle alone. If students don’t feel they are making progress toward resolving it in a few weeks, they may want to talk to someone about it.
  
  Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) includes time-limited individual and group counseling and crisis intervention for all registered students. Our clinical services are confidential, and there is no charge for the majority of these services. We also offer workshops, skills-based groups, and class presentations on a variety of topics. We have a caring, diverse, and international/multilingual staff with a wide range of clinical expertise. Our goal is to help students address their concerns and to improve their sense of well-being, connectedness, identity, and purpose in the context of reaching their academic goals. Contact CAPS at (517) 355-8270 or check out their website at caps.msu.edu/.

  My SSP: 24/7/365 counseling support made easy at MSU, visit https://undergrad.msu.edu/news/view/id/209. My SSP app is available 24 hours a day to have access to a professional counselor at all times.

• Parking on Campus

  New students with freshman academic standing who are residing in residence halls generally are not permitted to have vehicles on campus. Commuter students who plan to drive to and park on campus must register their vehicles with the MSU Police. Questions related to parking should be directed to the MSU Police, (517) 355-8440. The MSU Police website, police.msu.edu, also contains useful parking-related information.

• MSU Sustainability Be Spartan Green
  At Michigan State University, green is more than a color. It’s an attitude of personal responsibility and hard work that is shared by students, faculty, and staff who, through both small steps and big collective actions, show how daily intentional actions can make a big impact – and a better world.
  
  Today, MSU is one of the world’s top research universities and one of the nation’s top sustainable campuses. And every day—through teaching, research, outreach, and campus innovation—Spartans are working to improve the quality of life at MSU and
  in communities around the globe.
  
  Our actions are powered by more than a century-and-a-half commitment to empowering ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Working together we can move mountains—or preserve them for future generations.
  
  There are plenty of opportunities for students to get involved in sustainability at MSU; visit https://liveon.msu.edu/Sustainability to see how you can Be Spartan Green!
• Campus Bus Service

  The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) provides bus service to all of the greater Lansing area and to MSU. Campus service operates 24/7 during fall and spring semesters with service beginning Monday, August 21, 2023. Free on-campus bus service will be provided to all MSU students, faculty and staff. The fare-free rides apply to Routes 30-39 only. A cash fare or bus pass will be required to ride Lot Link, Night Owl or any off-campus route. Lot .Link and Night Owl are on-demand services that operate on campus in the evening and early morning. Rides are requested by calling (517) 432-8888. Students pay $.60 a ride when they show their valid MSU ID on these services. Students wanting to purchase a bus pass instead of paying for each ride not included in the free-fare campus service have several bus pass options. Passes may be purchased online at cata.org or at the MSU ID Office located in the International Center. For specific information regarding CATA’s routes and bus pass information, please call (517) 432-2282, visit CATA’s website at cata.org or email us at info@cata.org.

• Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Workshop

  The SARV Prevention Program is a required workshop for all first-year and transfer students. The program offers a forum for students to engage in conversation and be educated about college social life, and allows these students to become active members in keeping the Michigan State community safe. For more information and to register for your workshop, please visit poe.msu.edu.

• Report Your Immunization History
  The University requires all new undergraduate students to complete the Immunization Self-Report form at immunize.msu.edu/. Failure to complete this requirement will affect your ability to register and enroll. This information is helpful to the University in the delivery of routine healthcare and in the unlikely event of a disease outbreak.