March 2022 Action Items and Resources for Students
Dear Spartans,
We would like to advise you about notable action items and opportunities happening at MSU in March. You’ll find the information below arranged by categories vital to your success.
1) Take care of yourself and others
- Effective March 6, MSU revised its face covering directive, and masks are no longer required in most indoor settings on campus, except in rooms during classes and in academic and research labs. At this time, masks are still required on CATA buses and in health care facilities, such as Student Health Services and MSU Health Care locations.
- Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) staff are available to identify problems relating to students’ use of alcohol or other drugs. Individualized assessment, counseling, and referrals are available by calling (517) 355-8270. For further information, please refer to the MSU Health Promotion AOD Program or call (517) 884-6598. For students in recovery, please visit the MSU Collegiate Recovery Community.
- Attend a group fitness class. There is a wide variety of classes free to undergrad students who have activated their Rec Sports membership. Classes are offered both in person and online. Stay healthy, boost your mood, and make new friends.
2) Engage in your academic experience
- Plan your meeting with your Academic Advisor to discuss your 2022-23 academic year class schedule.
- Be sure to check out this comprehensive list of scholarship opportunities.
- Countdown to Closeout is April 24-29. This interactive week-long engagement program is hosted prior to finals week to help Spartans prepare to be successful during finals week.
- We’re working hard to better communicate with students. Thanks for reading this email! As a thank you: Click here to be entered into a drawing to win a $75 gift card! *
3) Find your way and make connections
- Don’t forget to explore various options for transportation on campus.
- Beginning April 4, sign up for summer housing.
- Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month is in May, but due to spring semester ending around late April/early May, MSU observes it beginning in mid-March. The Department of Student Life has a full calendar of events in honor of the APIDA community at MSU.
4) Get involved outside the classroom
- Participate in ASMSU elections and let your voice be heard.
- Interested in helping new MSU students settle into life at the university? Consider being a 2022 MAGIC Peer Assistant with the Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions (OCAT). Deadline for applications is Friday, March 18.
- Please join the Department of Student Involvement and Leadership for the 1ST Annual Spartan Leadership Roundtable from noon - 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 6, in the Kellogg Conference Center (Big Ten Room A and B). Registration is now open. This event is free to registered participants. Space will be limited. Learn leadership skills, connect with student leaders, and get resources for Registered Student Organizations.
- Please join Recreational Sports and Fitness Services (RSFS) and Student Involvement and Leadership (SIL) in the Division of Student Life & Engagement for the inaugural Spartan Flow and Glow event from 8 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, March 26, in the IM East sports facility. Doors open at 7 p.m. and features “glow in the dark” activity stations.
- Please join us for Commuter/Off-Campus Appreciation Day from noon - 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 29, in the MSU Student Services Leadership Center in the Student Services Building to honor the unique contribution that commuters/off-campus students provide to the richness of our campus community. Drop in/drop out, includes a “grab and go” lunch, discounted coupons and information on how to get involved on campus. For more information, please contact Ladell Watsonat watso241@msu.edu.
- The Student Employee of the Year Program will be at 4 p.m., Tuesday, April 12, at the Kellogg Conference Center (Big Ten Room A).
- The Student Life Leadership Awards will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 13, at the Kellogg Conference Center (Big Ten B and C). Please use this link to submit a nomination for a Student Life Leadership award. Nominations for Student Life Leadership Awards are being accepted through Wednesday, March 16. For more info, see the website or contact Ladell Watson at watso241@msu.edu.
- The New Student Orientation Office is looking for passionate MSU undergraduate students to apply for a Spartan Leader (SL) position. Applications are open today!
- On April 7, 2022, the Burgess Institute will host the Burgess New Venture Challenge (BNVC), MSU’s premier new business pitch competition at the Graduate Hotel in East Lansing from 4-8 p.m.. The annual competition highlights top student entrepreneurs and celebrates Michigan State University’s growing venture creation ecosystem. Open to the public.
- Don’t miss the MSU Football’s spring game on April 16 at Spartan Stadium
5) Connect with important resources
- Beginning this year, MSU is switching from once-a-year to twice-a-year enrollment. In April, you will sign up for your fall classes and in October you will sign up for your spring classes. If you have questions about what this means for your academic journey, you should consider meeting with your academic advisor.
- If you are a third-year student or beyond, you may find the Off-campus Housing website useful for finding your next home.
- The Summer Job and Internship Fair (for all majors) is March 23 (Virtual) and March 24 (In-Person). Other major-specific fairs are scheduled in early March to connect with employers. Visit Handshake for more information. Prepare for interviews and virtual career fairs by practicing your skills on Interview Stream. Visit Candid Careers to view short exploration videos about your major. For additional assistance, stop by the Career Services Network Career Exploration Center in Suite 113 of the Student Services Building, noon - 4 p.m., daily, to meet informally with a Career Services Network team member.
- REMINDER: Complimentary parking at metered and pay-by-plate pay stations ended on 3/13. See police.msu.edu for more details.
6) Billing and financial aid
- The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for the next academic year is available now. Complete your FAFSA application today for the best access to funds!
- Be sure your student account is fully paid by the beginning of April to ensure you will not have any holds preventing enrollment for the Fall 2022 semester.
If you have any questions about anything related to MSU, please email studentaffairs@msu.edu.
Thank you for your academic efforts and your help in keeping campus safe.
Sincerely,
Vennie Gore
Senior Vice President for Student Life and Engagement
Mark Largent
Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and Dean of Undergraduate Studies