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Advising and Transitions

Neighborhood Engagement Centers

The Neighborhood Student Success Center (NSSC) is committed to empowering all undergraduate students.

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University Advising

We encourage our students to become more proactive in seeking our advice on matters relating to their college career.

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Student Transition

MSU understands that college is a major transition for most students.

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Identity Conscious Activities

Recognizing, celebrating, and supporting the diversity of experience within our Spartan community.

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Cohort and Affinity Programs

Building community and connecting students.

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Pathways Persistence Programs


The MSU Pathways Persistence Programs are a dynamic network of cohort-based initiatives dedicated to student success, persistence, and community. As part of MSU’s commitment to ensuring all students learn, thrive, and graduate, these programs reduce barriers and create structures that foster academic excellence and holistic well-being. Grounded in equity and social justice, we take meaningful action to close opportunity gaps and support students in achieving their goals.

Our programs—Detroit M.A.D.E. Scholars, Dow STEM Scholars, First-Generation Leadership & Innovation (FLI) Vanderploeg Scholars, and TRIO Student Support Services—provide high-impact experiences such as mentoring, career development, and living-learning communities. Through evidence-based initiatives, largely funded by external sources, we empower students to develop self-discovery of purpose, educational success, belonging, community engagement, and well-being.

This work supports MSU’s Student Success Strategic Plan and the 2030 goal of an 86% graduation rate by fostering community, partnerships, and relationships that help students persist and excel at MSU.

 

Detroit M.A.D.E. Scholars Program

The Detroit Mastering Academics Demonstrating Excellence (M.A.D.E.) Scholars Program focuses on college transition, graduation and career development for students who have graduated from Detroit public and charter high schools and/or reside in the city of Detroit. 

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Dow STEM Scholars Program

The Dow STEM Scholars Program provides academic and social support services to incoming MSU students (US Residents-Only), who want to pursue a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) major and place into Intermediate College Algebra & Trigonometry – Math 103A on the MSU Math Placement Exam.

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First-Generation Leadership & Innovation

The First-Generation Leadership and Innovation (FLI) Vanderploeg Scholars program serves to provide first-generation college students at Michigan State University with access to opportunities to develop leadership skills and become innovators in their chosen field by providing access to support and funding through program staff and the university at large.

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TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)

TRIO SSS aims to foster an inclusive and supportive environment where every student can access the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to succeed. We believe that education is a powerful tool for personal and social transformation, and we are committed to helping our students overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.

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