Spartans,

Welcome back to campus! We hope you had a safe and restful break and are ready for a successful semester. Below is some information and some reminders to help you make the most of your time at MSU.

MUST-KNOW ITEMS

• The university is closed Monday, Jan. 15, in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Please join the annual MLK Commemorative March Jan. 15, at 9 a.m., in front of Beaumont Tower. 

• The new 2024-25 FAFSA form has soft-launched. Learn more about the form and when you can access it at studentaid.gov. The new form is easier to complete and is necessary for any student hoping to receive need-based financial aid. Every student should complete it.

1) Take care of yourself and others.

• Take advantage of the broad range of resources and services from MSU’s Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS). Explore how they are available to support you. 
• Participate in the University Health and Wellbeing Assessment anonymous survey through Jan. 29! This survey will serve as a vital tool for MSU to understand and address the unique health and well-being needs of our campus community.
• Access valuable safety resources in the SafeMSU App: virtual friend walk, one-touch emergency call, access to Safe Ride and more!

2) Engage in your academic experience.

• The last day to add a course for spring 2024 is Jan. 12. The last day to drop a full session spring 2024 course with applicable refund is Feb. 1. Tuition refund dates for courses that do not extend over the entire semester can be found in Class Search. 
• Students eligible to apply for spring and summer 2024 graduation can apply in the Student Information System. 
• You must apply for spring 2024 graduation by Feb. 23 to have your name appear in the commencement program. Please note, if you have a FERPA restriction on your student account, your name will not print in the commencement program.
•  Enrollment for 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.

3) Find your way and make connections.

• 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.
• Participate in the 44th Annual MLK Commemorative Celebration, Jan. 12-19! Explore events and opportunities to engage on the MLK Events Calendar.
• Your perspective can shape the future of campus dining! We invite you to take the Lead With Food Campus Stakeholder Survey — a few minutes of your time can make a big difference. The survey closes Jan. 17.
• Kick off your semester with a new exhibition at the MSU Museum! The opening reception for Food Fight! Jan. 11 features DJ Sheefy McFly, free food, poetry reading and more.

4) Get involved outside the classroom.

• 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! Apply here.
• Registration opened Jan. 9 for the 2024 University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF). Save your presentation slot during priority registration!
• Head to the STEM Building Jan. 18, from 6-9 p.m., for Springticipation! 
• Donate to the MLK Commemorative Celebration Stuff the Library Book Drive, partnering with Grand Rapids Public Schools in 2024, to fill their libraries with books on topics of social justice featuring characters from diverse backgrounds.  
• Enter to win MSU’s Student Data Visualization Championship! Submit a data visualization by Jan. 19. Visit the MSU IR Love Data Week website for more details.

5) Connect with important resources.

• Search, apply for and accept MSU scholarships at scholarships.msu.edu. 
• Register for career services workshops and events in spring 2024! Learn more about what’s available here.

6) Billing and financial aid.

• Check student.msu.edu to review any balance due on your student account. The next billing statements arrive Jan. 13 and are due Feb. 1.
• 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.
• The new 2024-25 FAFSA form has soft-launched. Learn more about the form and when you can access it at studentaid.gov.
• Check the status of your current financial aid via the MSU Financial Aid Portal in the Student Information System (SIS). 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