News
Taking the Initiative - April Update
Story
As the new Assistant Dean of Student Success Assessment and Strategic Initiatives, I wanted to take a moment to share some of my current ideas for student success strategy.
The Pandemic Has Not Changed Our Commitments—It Has Strengthened Them
From the Associate Provost
We have provided high-quality, life-changing educational experiences through world wars and a civil war, through epidemics and pandemics, and through recessions and depressions. And we will continue to do it.
Closed Captions Open Opportunities for Student Employees
Story
A new cross-campus project is tackling two problems at once — and showcasing the marquee traits that make all Spartans proud: resilience under pressure, a willingness to collaborate, and a relentless drive toward innovation.
Moving MSU Online: Behind the Scenes
Story
Countless Spartans were instrumental in moving most university services online in the wake of the pandemic.
Emily Steffke Named 2020 Recipient of Richard Lee Featherstone Endowed Prize
Press Release
The prize is given to the most outstanding graduating senior at MSU.
2020 Undergraduate Research Faculty Mentor of the Year Award Winners Announced
Press Release
Dr. John Waller, Dr. Gina Leinninger, Keenan Noyes honored with Mentor of the Year Awards.
Working Together Like Never Before
From the Associate Provost
Our colleagues' response to the coronavirus pandemic is an inspiring example of professionalism and collaboration during an unprecedented crisis.
A Sense of Belonging in Uncertain Times: New NSO Director is Ready for the Challenges Ahead
Story
Dr. Portia Watkins, the new director of New Student Orientation, was already walking into a big job. Then the pandemic happened.
Taking the Initiative - March Update
Story
While the novel coronavirus and the shelter in place order have shifted how we do our work, it has not changed the importance of the work we do.
Taking the Initiative - February Update
Story
14 meetings down…countless more to go! The workgroups and project committees are hard at work identifying the “current state” at MSU for transfer students and students who change major.
A Winding Road to Finding Purpose: A Spartan Alum's Experience
Story
When reflecting on her educational journey, Kani Caldwell would confirm that it was far from simple. Many moments of doubt and discouragement caused her to question her abilities and her purpose.
Student success is not just academic
From the Associate Provost
We know from both informal conversations with students and from educational research that students come to MSU and stay here when they feel a sense of belonging at MSU.
Good Signs
Story
MSU’s six-year graduation rate has now increased one point every year over the last five years, climbing from 77% for the 2009 entering cohort to 81% for the 2013 entering cohort.
Taking The Initiative - January 2020
Story
I am thrilled to say that our open call for participation was a great success and about 25% of the workgroups are folks new to working with APUE on student success initiatives.
RHA President reflects on inclusion efforts at MSU
Story
Miyanna Fowlkes reflects on inclusion efforts while serving as RHA President
Instructor Tasks Students with Donating Portion of His Salary in Ethics Course
Story
When Dr. Arthur Ward explained to his students that they would be apportioning some of his salary to causes of their choice, they knew they were in unfamiliar territory.
Dave Weatherspoon named Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Story
Dave Weatherspoon, professor in Agriculture, Food and Resource Economics, has been named Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies in the office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education (APUE) at MSU, effective January 1, 2020.
Nominations are being sought for the 2020 Richard Lee Featherstone Endowed Prize
Press Release
The Richard Lee Featherstone Endowed Prize seeks to identify the most outstanding graduating senior.
Telling Normal Stories
From the Associate Provost
Extraordinary stories also assume a set of standards that are inherently inequitable because it ignores the incredible variety of experiences and types of preparation among Michigan State students.
Taking The Initiative - November 2019
Story
I have spent the last few weeks talking with people, reaching out to folks engaged in this work already, and (luckily) hearing from others about how their work may connect to the workgroups.
Reshaping Her Future Landscape with Flat Rate
Story
As a junior considering a wide spectrum of possible careers, Gabriella is grateful for the freedom to examine an array of options at MSU.
Mistake Prompts 4 MSU Sophomores to Launch Unique Clothing Brand
Story
While studying entrepreneurship and business sustainability on a First-year Seminar Abroad (FSA) program, Kathryne Rojeck made an innocent mistake that would shape the future of her and her friends for months to come.
MSU's 6-year graduation rate
Story
MSU's 6-year graduation rate has hit another record high at 81%.
Student Success Express
From the Associate Provost
Educating students and serving their needs as they learn, thrive, and ultimately graduate are the primary reasons why universities like Michigan State exist.
MSU Black Alumni connects with students through annual networking event
Story
On September 26, MSUBA hosted their second annual networking event titled “Building Blocks for Success” in Erickson Kiva.
Taking The Initiative - October 2019
Story
Each month I will update you on how the campus has taken your feedback from launch to make changes to improve student success at MSU.
New RCPD Program Lets Students with Autism Get a Head Start Moving Onto Campus
Story
The Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) debuted an early move-in program this semester as part of its BOND program, which supports MSU students with an autism diagnosis.
Reshaping the University for Student Success
From the Associate Provost
This year’s theme of “Transitions: Transfer Students & Major Changes” was presented in a fundamentally different way.
MSU Student Founds Non-Profit, Breaks World Record
Story
Astonishingly, Abell doesn’t think the burpees are the hardest thing he’s done this year. That honor goes to creating a charity — the Stronger Warrior Foundation — with his sister, Katelyn Abell.
Mia White: Reflections from a SROP Student
Story
With dreams of obtaining a Ph.D and working with underserved countries on their forestry needs, Mia knew that she wanted to gain some research experience.
Additional Resources
In every arena—academically, socially, interpersonally—Spartans act with integrity. Spartans recognize the value of intellectual work, represent themselves honestly, and prove their trustworthiness in their interactions.
The Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education (APUE) oversees university-level undergraduate initiatives that support and enhance the undergraduate experience.
