News Stories
Taking the Initiative - April Update
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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.
Closed Captions Open Opportunities for Student Employees
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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
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Countless Spartans were instrumental in moving most university services online in the wake of the pandemic.
A Sense of Belonging in Uncertain Times: New NSO Director is Ready for the Challenges Ahead
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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
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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
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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
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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.
Good Signs
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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
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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
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Miyanna Fowlkes reflects on inclusion efforts while serving as RHA President
Instructor Tasks Students with Donating Portion of His Salary in Ethics Course
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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
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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.
Taking The Initiative - November 2019
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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
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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
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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
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MSU's 6-year graduation rate has hit another record high at 81%.
MSU Black Alumni connects with students through annual networking event
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On September 26, MSUBA hosted their second annual networking event titled “Building Blocks for Success” in Erickson Kiva.
Taking The Initiative - October 2019
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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
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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.
MSU Student Founds Non-Profit, Breaks World Record
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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
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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.
Student Innovation to Student Life: How Student Innovation Team Employees Balance School and Work
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It’s no secret that students who work while in college (especially on campus) traditionally perform higher than their peers who don’t.
Ailohi Izirein: From Ypsilanti to Engineering
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SROP is an initiative of The Graduate School at MSU that aims to expand the number of students from underrepresented backgrounds that pursue graduate studies and research careers.
Jada Flowers: M.A.D.E. to Inspire
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Coming from the Six Mile and Meyers neighborhood in Detroit, Jada Flowers, a rising junior, has made quite the splash at Michigan State.
Finding Her Place: A profile of a first year CAMP student
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It might have taken the entire year, but first-year CAMP student Alondra Torres has found her place at MSU.
Spartans to Atlanta: Strengthening connections between the past and the present
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Service learning trips are not a rare occurrence for MSU students, but the opportunity to connect with and soak up knowledge from the MSU Black Alumni, while doing so, doesn’t happen too often.
Upward Bound Recognizes 33 High School Seniors
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Upward Bound, a university and community funded program that assists high-achieving students from disadvantaged backgrounds with college preparation, recognized 33 students this month at their 2019 Senior Recognition Gala.
Adi Mathew: Developing technology for accessibility while serving universally
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At age 5, MSU graduate student Adi Mathew developed a fascination with technology.
Tim Herd: Normalizing Black Excellency by Creating a Space for Black Men
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When Tim Herd’s roommates withdrew from MSU his freshman year due to academic and social reasons, it had a significant impact on him.
Norrlyn Allen: Knowing Yourself and Knowing Your Worth
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Senior Norrlyn Allen wears many hats: restorative justice facilitator, an ambassador for the Residential College of Arts & Humanities (RCAH) and an undergraduate research assistant
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.
