May 2023 Action Items and Resources for Students

Dear Spartans,

It has certainly been a long and challenging semester, and we have gotten through it together. As you prepare for finals and look forward to summer, there are plenty of opportunities on campus to relax, play sports, meet friends, create art, work on your job prospects and more. You’ll find the information below arranged by categories vital to your success.  

1) Take care of yourself and others.

• Are feeling stressed out? Check out our list of stress-busting well-being and mental health resources. 
• If you need professional help moving or storing your belongings this summer, Two Men And A Truck have partnered with MSU and specialize in campus moving and storage services. 
• When you stop by to take your commencement photos or enjoy a moment of relaxation at Beal Botanical Garden, you can also take care of your mental health and wellbeing at one of the many "rooting stations," where you’ll find journals to take with guided activities to help you cultivate a better day. 

2) Engage in your academic experience.

• Commencement ceremonies for spring semester are May 4-7 and May 12-13.
• Final grades will be available to students May 10. For spring 2023, students have revised credit-no credit grade reporting options available for eligible courses. More details can be found on the University Advising Credit-No Credit page. Students are encouraged to contact their academic advisor for assistance.  
• Summer session one and summer full session classes begin May 15. 
• Summer session two classes begin July 5. 
• The university is closed Monday, May 29 for Memorial Day and Tuesday, July 4 for Independence Day. 
• Please make note that fall semester classes will begin on Monday, Aug. 28 this year, compared to previous years when classes began on a Wednesday.  The spring semester ends a week earlier than it did in prior years.  The Registrar’s Office lists all of next year’s important dates. 
• MSU is partnering with EDUCAUSE to capture feedback about how you use technology. Help the university understand how to use technology more effectively to benefit students by completing the survey by May 5: go.msu.edu/stuedu23.

3) Find you way and make connections.

• Check out the wide variety of IM Sports activities available, including basketball, golf, soccer, badminton and so much more.  
• It’s not too late to secure a summer internship. 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, or go to their website for internship guidance. 
• During summer semester, the Farm Lane bridge will be closed to vehicles while utility work is performed and a new pedestrian bridge is installed.

4) Get involved outside the classroom.

• The MSU Sailing Center at Lake Lansing opens for the season May 6. Take a break and spend some time on the water. Canoe, kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals are available. Learn more at Recreational Sports and Fitness Services’ Sailing Center website.
• Yoga classes are available through Recreational Sports and Fitness Services in IM Buildings and in several Neighborhood sites across campus. Yoga is a great way to care for yourself and can help with stress management.
• Document the experiences that have shaped your education outside of the classroom with the Spartan Experience Record. You can also discover new experiences and see what’s out there at MSU! 
• MSU is looking for Spartan students who are passionate about MSU and are open to sharing their Spartan experience to help recruit a new generation of Spartans! Promotional pieces will be created from your participation in photo sessions, TV production, videos on campus or contributing to user-generated content in social media. Interested in participating? Take our survey today! 

5) Connect with important resources.

• Dining halls close Friday, May 5 at 3:30 p.m., and residence halls close at 8 p.m. for spring semester. Review important move-out reminders.
• Students taking summer session courses can apply for on-campus summer housing. 
• Students staying in East Lansing this summer should review the College Life East Lansing guide for helpful resources on how to be a great community member.  
• You can find all sorts of free training from MSU IT for technology like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, OneNote and more at spartanslearn.msu.edu. 

6) Billing and financial aid updates.

• Bills for summer courses are due May 12 if you enrolled by April 23. If you enrolled after that date, your bill will be available May 18 and due June 6.  

7) Virtual resources available year round.

• SPARTANfit experts can walk you through cardio and strength-training exercises step-by-step in this exercise video library. 
• Self-guided mental health resources, like the Virtual Care Kit, guided meditation and more are available to you year-round.

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

Thank you for being a Spartan and for supporting your fellow Spartans. We hope you have a wonderful May. Take care of yourselves and know that resources are still available to you here at MSU over the summer. 

Sincerely,

Vennie Gore
Senior Vice President for Student Life & Engagement

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