Spartans,

The end of the semester is nearly upon us!  The campus has already begun the process of turning from green to white (the two best colors!), and many of us are looking forward to a much-needed break. We want you to finish strong and set yourself up for a successful spring semester when you return from break. Here is a list of opportunities and reminders to set you up for success.

MUST-KNOW ITEMS

• The last day of fall semester is Friday, Dec. 15; spring 2024 classes begin Monday, Jan. 8.
• Residence halls and dining halls close for fall semester Friday, Dec. 15 and reopen for spring Saturday, Jan. 6.
• The university will be closed Dec. 25, 2023-Jan. 2, 2024, including student support offices (Financial Aid, Registrar and Student Accounts among others) and only essential operations will be maintained.
• Spring semester bills will be available Dec. 15 and due Jan. 8.
• The FAFSA application for financial aid in the fall of 2024 and spring/summer of 2025 will be delayed until late December 2023.

1) Take care of yourself and others.

• Access valuable safety resources in the SafeMSU App — virtual friend walk, one-touch emergency call, access to Safe Ride and more!
• Join Eat at State for a Student Appreciation Dinner, Wednesday, Dec. 6!
• Has an educator provided you with an amazing academic experience this semester? Send them a thank you with the #iteach Thank an Educator form.
• Celebrate an outstanding MSU graduate student by entering the Season of GRADitude Story Contest by Dec. 8! Top five winning entries will receive a $50 gift.

2) Engage in your academic experience.

• Students eligible to apply for fall 2023 and spring 2024 graduation can apply in SIS!
• Information for fall 2023 commencement is at commencement.msu.edu.
• Best of luck on your final exams! Review MSU’s Final Examination Policy, and contact your academic advisor for assistance if you have three or more finals on the same day.
• Enrollment for spring and summer 2024 is open! Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss your enrollment.
• Find them on the list of academic advising resources by college.
• Keep this generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) guidance and reminders in mind as you complete your final coursework of the semester.

3) Find your way and make connections.

• Connect with on-campus student organizations! Fill out this short form to get connected with your hall government and/or your neighborhood Black or LGBTIQA+ caucus.
• 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.
• Register for spring intramural sports! Find out more on the Recreational Sports and Fitness Services website.
• Join the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center for a LGBTQIA2S+ Study Space Monday, Dec. 11, in 110 Student Services Building from noon to 5 p.m. Lunch and snacks provided.
• The 44th Annual MLK Commemorative Celebration is Jan. 11-19. Events and registrations will be added throughout December on the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion website.

4) Get involved outside the classroom.

• Apply to become a Resident Assistant or Intercultural Aide next academic year! Applications close Dec. 15.
• Want to find an on-campus job? View Student Life & Engagement job postings.
• Join the New Student Orientation Spartan Leader team for 2024! Welcome new students to campus, gain leadership skills, and more!
• Registration opens Jan. 9 for the 2024 University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF). Save your presentation slot during priority registration!
• Attend the Fall 2023 Black Grad Event: A Special Soul Food Friday Celebration, Friday, Dec. 8 at 4 p.m., in the MSU Union Ballroom. Hosted by OCAT, NSSC and the MSU Black Alumni Association.
• RSO registration for Springticipation is open through Involve@State! Mark your calendars for Jan. 18 from 6-9 p.m. in the STEM Building.

5) Connect with important resources.

• Residence halls and dining halls close for fall semester Friday, Dec. 15, and reopen for spring semester Saturday, Jan. 6. Learn more about winter break housing and dining options.
• Search, apply for and accept MSU scholarships at scholarships.msu.edu.
• The Office of Spartan Experience Countdown to Closeout is underway! Get involved with important resources, special events and the chance to win prizes. Learn more at spartanexperiences.msu.edu.
• Celebrate Wellness & Self-care at the Inaugural “Spartan Kickback” Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m., in the MSU Union.
• Enjoy Yoga and Meditation at noon, Thursday, Dec. 7 in IM East Multipurpose Room
• Join the Ultimate Spartan Finals Thrive Package Giveaway at noon, Friday, Dec. 8 at 101 Student Service Building

6) Billing and financial aid.

• Check student.msu.edu to review any balance due on your student account.
• Questions about billing or need to make a payment? Learn about fee schedules and everything you need to know about paying your bill, or contact the Student Accounts Office.
• 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.
• Contact the Financial Aid Office with questions about your financial aid.

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