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December 2022 Action Items and Resources for Students

December 2022 Action Items and Resources for Students

The following email was sent to all MSU undergraduates and contains action items and resources. It is reposted here for your convenience.

Dear Spartans,

It seems like just yesterday we gathered on Cherry Lane for Sparticipation to welcome everyone to campus, and now finals are just around the corner. Be sure you take care of yourself and study hard because we want you to finish strong! And for those Spartans who are graduating, congratulations and we will see you at commencement.

As a reminder, the university will observe winter break Dec. 23 through Jan. 2. This means the university will be closed during this time and only essential operations will be maintained. Additionally, Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 16) will also be an observed university holiday.

1) Take care of yourself and others.

  • View helpful resources to support your physical and emotional needs. Minimize obstacles and maximize student success with Student Health and Wellness. 
  • The “Countdown to Closeout” event is an opportunity for students to de-stress before closing out the fall semester. The event will be held through Friday, Dec. 9, and features a host of events and activities focused on self-care and wellness. Spartans will also have a chance to pick up a package containing items to help prepare for and be successful during finals.  
  • Join Eat at State for a Student Appreciation Dinner tonight, Wednesday, Dec. 7! We want to show gratitude to our Spartan students and thank you for your support throughout the semester. 

2) Fully participate in classrooms and labs.

  • Good luck on finals! Take a look at MSU’s Final Examination Policy and Final Exam Schedule. If you have three or more finals on the same day, contact your academic adviser for assistance. 
  • Because of the university observed holidays, Dec. 23-Jan. 2, academic advising offices and student support offices such as Financial Aid, Registrar and Student Accounts will be closed. 
  • Enrollment for spring and summer 2023 is open. Schedule an appointment with your academic adviser to check in as you need. You can find your advising team on this list of academic advising resources by college and learn about your advising rights and responsibilities at MSU’s Academic Policies. 
  • Students who are eligible to apply for graduation for fall semester 2022 and spring semester 2023 may now apply in SIS. Login and click on the “Academic Progress” tile, select “Graduation,” and then select “Apply for Graduation.” The fall semester 2022 application deadline is Friday, Dec. 16,but we encourage students who are eligible to graduate in spring 2023 to apply as soon as possible. 
  • The last day of fall semester is Dec. 16; spring 2023 classes begin Monday, Jan. 9.  

3) Billing and financial aid.

  • Spring 2023 bills will be available Dec. 10, 2022, and due Jan. 6, 2023. 
  • It’s time to apply for financial aid for fall 2023, and spring and summer 2024. You must reapply for financial aid each year. 
    • Who should apply 
      • Most students are eligible for federal student loans. In addition, many students also qualify for federal, state, and/or institutional grants and scholarships. 
    • How to Apply 
      • Step 1: Create a username and password (also known as your FSA ID) at studentaid.gov if you haven't already done so. 
      • Step 2: Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for 2023-24 at studentaid.gov. 
      • Step 3: The 2023-24 FAFSA form requires 2021 tax information. 
      • Step 4: Review your FAFSA information carefully before submitting. 
    • Helpful Tips 
      • Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. This tool transfers calendar year 2021 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. 
      • Keep your FSA ID in a safe place. You will need it if you want to log in and make future corrections. Do not share it with anyone. 
      • Visit studentaid.gov for more information about the FAFSA application. 
      • If you would like to contact the Office of Financial Aid, please call us at 517-353-5940 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. 
  • Check the status of your financial aid via the MSU Financial Aid Portal in SIS to review your financial aid package and act on any loans if needed. 
  • Your financial aid package may not be complete until you finalize any outstanding items. It is important to make sure you’re looking at the August 2022-May 2023 tab to act for the upcoming aid year. You may have already completed these tasks. If actions on your financial aid portal homepage are listed as “Completed” or “Not Required,” no further action is needed. 
  • NEW PLUS LOAN PROCEDURE: When you are approved for a PLUS loan, you no longer need to accept the loan in your student portal. MSU’s financial aid software will automatically accept and process your loan. Everything else about the process remains unchanged. Continue to use your financial aid portal to accept Direct Loans, edit loan amounts and cancel loans. 
  • Many answers about your financial aid can be found at finaid.msu.edu, or reach out to us at finaid@msu.edu or 517-353-5940 with any questions. 
  • Did you know you can apply for general scholarships or those based on college, major, or area of interest? Check out the MSU Scholarship System today!     

4) Find your way and make connections.

  • Explore more than 1,000 Registered Student Orgs at Involve@State. For more information, visit the RSO Resource Page. 
  • Registration is now open for spring intramural sports. Join with a group or as a free agent and be placed on a team. Find more info at the RSFS website.  
  • Every semester, students must renew their Rec Center membership. Included is access to the fitness centers at IM East and IM West, all group fitness classes, and the indoor track at IM East, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, and more.   
  • Now that you’re wrapping up fall semester and finding your comfort zone with academics, it is time to consider an on-campus job for the spring semester. Check out the many Student Life & Engagement job opportunities at jobs.rhs.msu.edu.  

5) Get involved outside the classroom.

  • Register to present at UURAF before Feb. 9, 2023! The 25th annual University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF) will be held Friday, April 14, 2023, at the Breslin Student Events Center and online at Symposium by ForagerOne. The event is free and open to the public. Registration will open on Jan. 10 on the UURAF website and close on Feb. 9, 2023. All stages of research and creative scholarship from any semester are welcomed. 
  • Career Services Network will be hosting a CSN Fall Series Virtual Job Search Workshop on Wednesday, Dec. 14 from noon-12:30 p.m. Learn tips and tricks to develop a job or internship search strategy. 
  • Students can apply to be an RA through Friday, Dec. 16. The main role of a Resident Assistant (RA) is to help facilitate exceptional and equitable community experiences, one connection at a time. 
  • A team of students wants to hear about what their peers are experiencing in their relationship with MSU. Focus groups are being held throughout the semester where your voice can be heard. Learn more about how you can impact future students. 
  • Do you know someone at MSU who has gone above and beyond to help you? Send them a thank you with the #iteachmsu thank an educator form.  

6) Connect with important resources.

  • Residence halls and dining halls close for fall semester on Friday, Dec. 16, and reopen for spring semester on Sunday, Jan. 8. If you want to stay in your residence hall room over winter break, you need to apply for winter break housing in My Housing by selecting “Book Fall 2022 Winter Break Stay.” Learn more about winter break housing and dining options. 
  • Are you experiencing food insecurity? MSU has food resources available for students. 
  • “What are your plans after graduation?” Avoid an awkward reply to that question by checking out Career Services Resources. 
  • The university will be observing a new winter break from Dec. 23 through Jan. 2, 2023. This means the university will be closed during this time and only essential operations will be maintained. 

If you have any questions about anything related to MSU, please email sle@msu.edu.

We hope you have a successful end to the fall semester. Good luck on your finals, and we look forward to next spring!

 

Sincerely,

Vennie Gore
Senior Vice President for Student Life & Engagement

Mark Largent
Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and Dean of Undergraduate Studies