Spartans,

As the days grow shorter and the leaves have fallen, the end of the semester is now in sight. We want you to take care of yourself as you power through your classes. Thanksgiving break will soon be here, and we would like to bring some important items to your attention. See below important action items and resources to help make your fall semester successful.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Summer 2024 enrollment started Nov. 13. If you haven’t already, please schedule an appointment to meet with your academic advisor to discuss your class selections.
• The FAFSA application for financial aid in the fall of 2024 and spring/summer of 2025 will be delayed until at least December 2023 because the federal government has not yet released the new (and simpler, they promise) version.

1) Take care of yourself and others.

• Support your physical and emotional transition to MSU with University Health and Wellbeing.
• Download the SafeMSU App, official app of MSU Police! Use the “virtual friend walk” to share your location in real-time, access Safe Ride from ASMSU and more.

2) Engage in your academic experience.

• Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss your spring and summer enrollment and clear any financial holds that may prevent enrollment. Find your advisor on the list of academic advising resources by college.
• Plan your degree with the Academic Requirements Report (Degree Audit).
• Remember to keep this generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) guidance and reminders in mind as you complete your coursework.
• Find information for fall 2023 commencement at commencement.msu.edu. 

3) Find your way and make connections.

• Connect with on campus student organizations! Fill out this quick form to get connected with your hall government and/or your neighborhood Black or LGBTIQA+ caucus.
• Explore collectivism and intersectionality via the Stronger Together Dinner Series — dinners hosted by the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center continue in November!
• Visit Involve@State to connect with student clubs and groups.
• The arts are happening all around you! Connect with jobs, events, academic programs, and opportunities in the arts for MSU students at arts.msu.edu/students. 

4) Get involved outside the classroom.

• Applications to become a Resident Assistant or Intercultural Aide next academic year are open now through Dec. 15.
• Apply for an on-campus job! View Student Life & Engagement job postings.
• Activate your Recreational Sports and Fitness Services (RSFS) membership and use three indoor intramural gyms on campus, the new turf field, IM sports and more!
• Schedule a meeting with a career advisor to prep for fall and spring career fairs.
• Earn points with Spartan Student Rewards— from MSU Athletics! Redeem points for prizes, check out special offers, upload photos, and more — all available through the official MSU Athletics app.
• Create, relax, perform and learn this month with a host of University Activities Board events across campus — from crafting to karaoke, escape rooming and thrifting, there are great events to connect and unwind.
• Nov. 20, 2-4 p.m. – Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the MSU Union Excavation Week with cake, ice cream, commemorative cups and more in the MSU Union upper lounge
• Nov. 21, 6-9 p.m. – Spaghetti Skyscraper Showdown: unleash your design genius, outdo your friends, and create marshmallow marvels in the MSU Union Lake Huron Room 

5) Connect with important resources.

• Search, apply for and accept MSU scholarships at scholarships.msu.edu.
• Reminder: Residence halls will be locked, and dining halls and residence halls will have reduced operations during Thanksgiving break.
• On campus during the November break? Join the Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions (OCAT) for the 21st Annual Unity Dinner! Enjoy a complimentary meal and good company — learn more and RSVP by Nov. 19.
• Announcing free, confidential and easy emergency contraceptives available for students proudly provided by the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center. Stop by Room 302 in the Student Services Building, Monday-Friday, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Join a public dining event for LGBTQIA2s+ students in Brody Square dining hall to eat, play games and build connections, hosted by the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center Nov. 30 from 6-8 p.m. The GSCC will pay for students without meal plans!
• Interested in returning to on-campus housing this spring? A housing request form is available on the Live On website. 

6) Billing and financial aid.

• Check student.msu.edu to review any balance due on your student account — next billing statements arrived Nov. 10 and are due Dec. 1. Spring semester bills will be available Dec. 15 and will be due Jan. 8.
• Need to make a payment? Learn about fee schedules and everything you need to know about paying your bill.
• Questions about billing? Email the Student Accounts Office at Student.Receivables@ctlr.msu.edu or reach them at 517-355-3343.
• The FAFSA application for financial aid in the fall of 2024 and spring/summer of 2025 will be delayed until at least December 2023.
• Check the status of your current financial aid via the MSU Financial Aid Portal in the Student Information System. 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. Verify you are viewing the August 2023-May 2024 tab to act for the aid year. If actions on your financial aid portal homepage are listed as “Completed” or “Not Required,” no further action is needed.
• Questions about your financial aid? Email finaid@msu.edu or call 517-353-5940.

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

Please let us know if we can help in any way.

Sincerely,

Vennie Gore
Senior Vice President for Student Life & Engagement

Mark Largent
Vice Provost & Dean of Undergraduate Education