October 2021 Action Items and Resources for Students
Dear Spartans,
We hope this semester has been full of new opportunities and growth for you! As you continue to make plans for learning and thriving at MSU, we write to remind you of five key (re)orientation suggestions for the month of October to help ensure a smooth semester:
1. Take care of yourself and others
Thank you for continuing to mask up and keep our community safe. As leadership has said, this is an exciting time, but we know we must be diligent in mitigating the risk of COVID transmission as much as possible. The indoor face covering directive adopted in early August will remain in place. We will continue to monitor guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as from state and local health officials. Until case counts decrease substantially, we can expect the face covering directive to remain in effect.
As the pandemic has changed, public health policy has had to adapt along the way. MSU has created a very simple “if/then” set of guidelines to consult if you have COVID-19 symptoms, a positive test result, or are a confirmed close contact with someone with COVID-19.
If you are not already enrolled in the COVID-19 Early Detection Program (also known as Spartan Spit), consider participating. Anyone enrolled in Spartan Spit is expected to test once a week and may also submit samples anytime.
At this point in time, all students should have filled out MSU’s vaccine verification form. You can check your vaccine attestation status online to ensure you are in compliance with MSU’s COVID-19 vaccine directive.
Students will receive a well-deserved break to relax and refresh themselves this fall. Fall break days are Monday, Oct. 25, and Tuesday, Oct. 26.
It is important to keep in mind that any new living situation is bound to come with some tension. If you find that you aren’t getting along with your roommate or suitemate, it might be helpful to consult these tips (and remember that many of the MSU faculty and staff around you have also been students in these very residence halls — this is time-tested advice!):
- Try talking about the tension or source of conflict. This can be uncomfortable, but it is the easiest and often best solution.
- Suggest a roommate agreement: how and when you share duties, when you would prefer quiet hours, etc.
- Talk to your Resident Assistant for advice. Your R.A. can often give you confidential advice for finding a way to live in peace with your roommate so you can thrive.
The Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence (SARV) Prevention Workshop is required for all undergraduates in their first year at MSU. All students are required to also take the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Foundations module online. Those who have completed DEI Foundations during the 2020-2021 academic year will not be required to take a refresher course until a point to be determined in the future. You can visit the Office of Regulatory Affairs to check your status.
If you’d like to learn about fitness assessments, exercise programs, body image workshops, and the Student Food Bank, the MSU Health Promotion site has a host of fitness, recovery, and nutrition options to explore for students.
2. Fully participate in classrooms and labs
With midterms approaching, many students are looking for an academic edge, and academically successful students use resources beyond their textbooks. Take advantage of instructor office hours; faculty are here to help, and they are invested in your success. Afraid that going to your instructor’s office hours will be awkward or intimidating? This comedic-but-true video may alleviate your concerns. For more insight on office hours from MSU instructors, check out these videos: Professor Eric Juenke Talks About Office Hours and Professor Brandy Ellison Talks About Office Hours.
For self-directed academic training and tips, make sure to check out the Academic Success Skills videos collected by the Neighborhood Student Success Collaborative.
Oct. 20 is the last day to drop a class with no grade reported.
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. MSU IT wants to ensure that all Spartans stay safe and secure online. Don’t make yourself an easy target for scammers. Learn about online scams, why cybercriminals want your NetID, and other best practices in our free cybersecurity webinars during October. For more information and to register, click here.
Over the course of the last two years, MSU has been moving systems, services, and information for students from StuInfo to the MSU Student Information System (SIS) at student.msu.edu. On Oct. 18, students will begin viewing and editing their personal information, like names, addresses, directory restrictions and emergency contacts in SIS via the “My Profile” tile. StuInfo will only remain available for historical financial aid and billing information. Additional details regarding this change can be found on the SIS website.
3. Find your way, engage, make connections
Participate in one of MSU's 30+ Fall Career Fairs, sign up for an interview or participate in one of the hundreds of employer info sessions available. For more information, visit the Career Services Network (CSN) website.
Sparticipation is over, but Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) are still open to new members. Learn more about individual RSOs at Involve@State and reach out for more information. Then, join a group and see where it takes you. If you think something else is more your style, try another. Eventually, you will find one (or more) that fits your needs.
TheMSU Housing Fair will return to the MSU Union Ballroom from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 27. The fair will feature over 15 off-campus housing vendors and MSU Live On for on-campus apartment options. The Housing Fair provides our upper-class students with a low-pressure shopping experience to consider both on- and off-campus housing options. Remember that a lease is a binding, legal document. Before signing, connect with MSU Student Legal Services for a free review. There are plenty of properties in the area and students should take their time and make the best decision for their needs.
Current first-year students are required to live on campus again for the 2022-23 academic year unless they are approved for a housing exception. The housing exception process will open in spring semester. First-year students should not be signing any leases, housing agreements, housing contracts, etc., for fall 2022 semester. Off-campus houses hoping to be approved as a second-year group housing environment are still under review at this time.
Recreational Sports and Fitness Services (RSFS) has many opportunities for you to get moving that are covered under your student recreation fee, including fitness centers and group fitness classes. Be sure to activate your membership. Intramural Sports are also in full swing, check out the website for more information.
4. Get involved outside the classroom
National Transfer Student Week is Oct. 18- 22, and MSU is committed to supporting transfer students year-round. If you have questions about credits, prerequisites, or your academic journey in general, we recommend you speak with an academic advisor.
The wide range of education abroad programs offered at MSU can equip you with the critical skills needed to succeed after graduation – leadership, collaboration, flexibility, and appreciation for diverse perspectives. Learn more at the Education Abroad Expo, back in-person this fall, at the Breslin Center! It will be held from 1 - 5 p.m., Oct. 7.
The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) has hosted Coffee Hour as a signature event for the past 13 years. Coffee Hour is a free event where students, staff, faculty, and community members gather to connect over coffee, tea, and conversation each Friday afternoon. This fallOISS has started Coffee Hour outdoors in the People’s Park (the grassy outdoor area between the International Center and Wells Hall), from 4 - 6 p.m. on Fridays. The location may vary as we enter these colder months, so please check the Coffee Hour webpage for details on upcoming dates
We’re working hard to better communicate with students. Click here to enter a drawing to win a $75 gift card!
Michigan State Hockey begins its schedule on Oct. 8 and 9 when they host Air Force at Munn Ice Arena. Munnsters (the hockey student section) season admission packages are still on sale. Izzone memberships are also on sale and the men’s basketball season tips off on Oct. 27. For the remaining home football games, students without tickets have three options to still attend. As a reminder, all other home athletic events are free with your MSU student ID!
5. Connect with important resources
It is time to apply for financial aid for Fall 2022, Spring 2023 and Summer 2023. You must reapply for financial aid each year to be considered. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) became available on Oct. 1, 2021. Most students are eligible for federal student loans. In addition, many students also qualify for need-based grants from MSU and/or federal sources.
How to apply:
- Step 1: Create a username and password (also known as your FSA ID) at fsaid.ed.gov if you haven't already done so.
- Step 2: Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at studentaid.ed.gov.
- Step 3: Review your FAFSA information carefully before submitting.
Helpful tips
- Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. This tool transfers calendar year 2020 earnings and income tax information directly from the IRS to the FAFSA securely. There are many benefits which include improved accuracy of your FAFSA information and less likelihood of being selected to turn in additional documentation to verify your FAFSA information is correct.
- Visit studentaid.ed.gov for more information about the FAFSA application.
Please note, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency. Many college students quality for SNAP.
The entire campus community will work through the fall semester to make sure you are adjusting to being in the classroom, building connections, engaging on campus to support your learning and growth, and processing transitions and loss from last year. We hope these Fall (Re)orientation resources help make your year filled with support and opportunity. Please check your MSU email regularly for continued updates and reminders.
If you have any questions about anything related to MSU, please email studentaffairs@msu.edu.
Sincerely,
Vennie Gore
Senior Vice President for Residential and Hospitality Services and Auxiliary Enterprises, and
Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Services
Mark Largent
Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and Dean of Undergraduate Studies