March 2023 Action Items and Resources for Students

Dear Spartans,

Welcome back after what we hope was a restful spring break spent with family and friends. We know that things have been especially difficult lately and there is a lot of information coming at you. This message summarizes notable action items and opportunities happening at MSU in March. The information is split into categories for your awareness.     

1) Take care of yourself and others.

• In light of the tragic events that took place in our Spartan community on the evening of Feb. 13, here is a list of support resources for our community members.
• Counseling & 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.
• MSU has discontinued its COVID-19 vaccination requirements. Answers to questions about this change and guidance on what you need to do if you test positive for COVID-19, among other items, can be found on the Together We Will FAQ page.
• Beal Botanical Garden has opened its gates early for the spring semester and launched an ongoing site-based program called Nurture Your Roots. You can take a wellness break by picking up one of the pocket journals available in these spaces with mindfulness activities, poetry and prose, guided Pilates and meditation, curated music, and more.
• Michigan State University recognizes there are times when students experience an extenuating situation, emergency or hardship that interferes with your ability to attend and/or successfully complete classes. To provide flexibility and supportive action, we want to make you aware of the options at your disposal in these situations given the events of Feb. 13.
• Beginning March 13, many buildings on campus will require key card access by current students, faculty or staff members after 6 p.m.

2) Engage in your academic experience.

• Meet with your Academic Adviser to discuss course planning before spring enrollment begins.
• Consider whether the spring 2023 Credit-No Credit Grade Reporting Option is appropriate for you. Consult with your academic adviser before choosing this option.
• Shopping carts are available for the 2023-24 school year. Adding classes to your shopping cart does not guarantee you are eligible for the class. Follow the steps in this guide to validate your shopping cart in order to confirm eligibility.
• Enrollment appointments have been assigned for fall 2023. An enrollment appointment is not an appointment with your academic adviser. An appointment with your adviser is not required to begin enrolling; however, it is encouraged to ensure you are on the right path to your degree!
• Your enrollment appointment is the date and time you may begin enrolling for future courses and make changes to your schedule. This is done online via SIS.
• To view your appointment time: log into student.msu.edu > “Classes” > “Enrollment Dates”
• Explore videos, guides, and FAQs for more information on using Class Search, Shopping Cart, Planner tools and more.
• Be sure to check out this comprehensive list of scholarship opportunities.

3) Find your way and make connections.

4) Get involved outside the classroom. 

• Participate in ASMSU elections, and let your voice be heard.
• Nominate someone today for the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center Advocacy and Actions Awards! The nomination deadline is March 27, and nominees can be a student, employee, department/office/unit, or student organization doing great work to support LGBTQIA2S+ inclusion.
• The MSU Broad Art Museum is launching planning sessions for their new Student Ambassador program — a paid experiential learning opportunity designed to increase student voice within the museum. It is for students, by students. Fill out a Broad Art Museum Student Ambassador interest survey to learn more about how you can help plan art events for your campus community.

5) Connect with important resources.

• First-year students, make sure you’ve signed your 2023-24 Housing Contract. Housing selection begins soon!
• Seeking an internship or full-time job after graduation? Visit the In-Person Spring All Majors Career Fair Tuesday, March 14, in the MSUFCU Club (fourth floor of the Spartan Stadium Tower). Over 100 organizations will be on hand to discuss full-time positions, part-time positions and internship opportunities. All students and all majors are welcome!
• For those looking to snag the perfect summer job or internship, attend the Career Services Network Summer Job and Internship Fair Tuesday, March 28 at the MSU Munn Ice Arena. This event is open to all levels and majors. Prepare for interviews and virtual career fairs by practicing your skills on Interview Stream, and stop by the Career Exploration Center to meet informally with CSN team members.
• Register to participate in Commencement. Registration closes April 14.
• Give Green Day is Tuesday, March 14. Join Spartans around the globe in support of the Spartan Strong fund, the Support Our Spartans fund, and dozens of other funds supporting the immediate needs of students. Watch the Give Green Day video now.

6) Billing and financial aid updates.

• Be sure your student account is either paid in full or in good standing with a payment plan to ensure you will not have any holds preventing enrollment for the fall 2023 semester.
• The most current billing statements have a due date of March 1. The next billing statements will be available March 14 and are due April 1. Please review your bill to ensure your account is current.
• Please note: Students are responsible for any charges that may result from financial aid package revisions and/or changes in enrollment, even if a refund of excess financial aid has been processed. To avoid possible disruptions to your account, we suggest checking your bill throughout the semester.
• 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! 

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

Sincerely,

Vennie Gore
Senior Vice President for Student Life & Engagement

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