MARCH 2020

LIVE ONFAMILY NEWSFor the families of students living on campus at Michigan State University

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SIGN UP FOR 2020-21 ON-CAMPUS HOUSINGSunshine is just within grasp, and soon campus will be shedding its winter coat and blossoming into spring. The fast-approaching seasonal shift signals that it’s time to secure housing plans before online housing sign-up ends for the 2020-21 academic year. With online sign-up available through April 17, there is still time to reserve a space in one of the five unique neighborhoods MSU has to offer. Encourage your student to research and explore a neighborhood they have never visited before. Discover the hammocking courtyards in Brody, the banks of the Red Cedar in River Trail or the warm fireplace lobbies in North. They won’t want to miss their chance to experience all that on-campus living has to offer!

What do we have to offer your student?• Proximity to campus that no house or off-campus apartment can beat

• The ability to choose roommates; gender is a nonissue

• Fitness centers, quiet and alcohol-free floors, recovery housing and community kitchens

• Study spaces for academic needs and entertainment areas for study breaks

• Engagement centers featuring academic advising, tutoring and resources for their success

• A variety of healthy and tasty dining options at any of our 10 dining halls or many retail venues

• Modern apartments at 1855 Place and University Village, with sign-up preference given to on-campus residents

ONLINE SIGN-UP ENDS APRIL 17After April 17, students should contact the Housing Assignments Office if interested in reserving a space. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and team members are available to answer any questions you or your student may have. The most efficient process is to have your student call 514-884-5483 or visit the office at 1855 Place (550 S. Harrison Road) on the first floor to speak to a housing specialist.

Did you know?Sophomores who lived on campus between 2011 and 2016 had a higher GPA than those who did not?MSU’s My Housing portal is the resource for everything related to on-campus housing.

Housing preferences; room and roommate selection options; dining plan options; move-in information; housing contracts. Once your student is registered, they’ll receive email updates to their @msu.edu email address.

HOUSING BILLING: YOU HAVE OPTIONSDid you know you can split up room and board payments without any interest collecting? For just a one-time $10 fee, you can opt into a three-payment billing plan to avoid those large lump-sum bills. Simply pay one-third of your housing bill plus $10 by the January payment date, and the payment plan will begin. Contact MSU’s Office of the Registrar for further details.

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SPRING BREAK HOURS AND OPERATIONSResidence HallsHalls will remain open with changes in the hours of operations as well as limiting entrances to the main doors of the hall (side entrances will not be accessible).

• Residents assistants (RAs) will be on duty 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

• The primary service centers in the halls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Halls will require card access for entry

• Brody Neighborhood: 104 Brody Hall

• East Neighborhood: West Akers; North Hubbard; West Holmes

• North Neighborhood: Snyder; Landon

• River Trail Neighborhood: East McDonel; Owen; West Shaw

• South Neighborhood: East Wilson; Holden; North Case; North Wonders

• MSU Apartments: 1705 University Village; 479 Ivy Court 1805

If students have further questions regarding spring break operations, contact the Housing Assignments Office at 517-884-5483 or liveon@msu.edu.

Dining HallsDuring the break, students will be able to eat at the following open dining halls:

• Brody Square

• The Edge at Akers

• The Gallery at Snyder/Phillips

• South Pointe at Case

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SPRING MOVE-OUTSpring 2020 move-out will take place April 27–May 1 for on-campus residents. Please be aware all residents must leave their room in move-in condition by Friday, May 1. To make sure this is accomplished, ask your student to complete this checklist before they leave for the summer.

SPARTAN 2020 MOVE-OUT CHECKLIST1. Collect all personal items.

2. Clean bathroom.

3. Avoid throwing out waste by recycling it instead.

4. Close windows, lower the blinds, turn off lights and lock the door.

5. . Check out at a designated location.

6. Participate in this year’s Pack Up. Pitch In. Help Out.

Pack Up. Pitch In.MSU is on its 23 year of Pack Up. Pitch In, helping student move in and out sustainably.

It’s so easy to see how MSU measures up. Check out the new MSU Surplus and Recycling Web page at msurecycling.com/our-impact. In addition to this, RHS has stepped up in the non-perishable foods category with a record-breaking 7,000 pounds put back on the community this past move-out.

SUMMER HOUSING OFFERCurrent residents who sign a residence hall contract for fall 2020 will be given the option to live on campus for summer 2020 for the rate of just their meal plan. Residents will only be required to pay for their summer dining plan and will live in Rather Hall in Brody Neighborhood. This location offers your student close convenience to the Brody Square dining hall and the Brody Engagement Center. Residents in 1855 Place, University Village and residence halls not requiring traditional meal plans (Owen, Van Hoosen and Williams) are not eligible. In order to qualify for this offer, your student must meet the criteria listed below. Conditions and Eligibility:• Must be current spring 2020 residents with an unlimited dining plan and must have a fall 2020 residence hall contract

with an unlimited dining plan.

• Residents can sign up on or after March 20 by logging into My Housing and selecting Summer Housing in Rather Hall in

Brody Neighborhood.

• Residents will sign a contract addendum for summer agreeing to the following:

• If they check out of their summer space for any reason other than

• those already contractually approved, they will be responsible for the room cost.

• If they do not check in to their fall 2020 assignment, they will be responsible for their summer room cost.

• Residents must select and purchase an on-campus summer dining plan ($1,352 for a summer session A or B in 2020. A or B

combined will be $2,704).

• Residents must be enrolled in summer courses for the session(s) they will reside with us. If they are not enrolled in summer

course(s) for a session, they will need to vacate for that term.

• Residents with a single room assignment for fall 2020 will be given priority for selecting from single rooms for summer 2020.

Students with a double room assignment for fall 2020 should anticipate a double room assignment for summer 2020.

Summer housing is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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SPREAD YOUR WINGS IN THE GREATER LANSING AREAAttractions and Museums• Abrams Planetarium

• Anderson Park MTB Trail

• Granger Meadows Park/Valley Farms Park

• Harris Nature Center

• Impression 5 Science Center

• Malcolm X Homesite Marker

• Michigan Wildlife Conservancy/Bengel Wildlife Center

• Michigan Women’s Historical Center & Hall of Fame

Entertainment and Activities• Breakout Escape Rooms

• District 5 Extreme Air Sports

• East Lansing Mitten Mavens Roller Derby

• Forest Akers Golf Course

• Lansing Derby Vixens Roller Derby

Arts and Theater• Arts Night Out

• Broad Art Museum

• Greater Lansing Ballet Company

• Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center

• Lansing Community College Performing Arts

• Lansing Community College Sculpture Walk

• Lansing Symphony Orchestra

• Open Mic at the Blue Owl

• Peppermint Creek Theatre

• Riverwalk Theatre

• The Robin Theatre

• Wharton Center for Performing Arts

• Wheel House Pottery Studio

Spas and Wellness• AL!VE: Your Community Well-Being Place

• All Body Kneads

• Bare Bliss Spa

• Crunch Fitness

• Douglas J Salon & Day Spa & Institute

• emPOWer

• East Lansing Hot Yoga

• Spartan Dance & Fit Center

• Woke Mind Body Studio

CULINARY SERVICES: HERE TO SERVE YOUR SPARTANCulinary Services continues its efforts to provide options for each student and guest’s dietary needs. From halal to kosher to vegan to allergen-friendly, we’re ready to cook up something special for your Spartan. • Every neighborhood now offers a Halal option for dinner.

• Vegan/vegetarian platforms will transition to more plant-forward concepts that focus on vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts as a source of sustenance.

• Grain bowl retail venues can be found at the MSU Union Food Court and at Spartan Stadium as well as the dining halls.

• Additional mushroom- blend concepts have been incorporated into our menus.

• Development of our own plant-based patty for all dining halls is in the works.

• We’ve continued to grow our partnerships with Bailey GREENhouse, Student Organic Farm, MSU Beef and MSU Pork.

• You’ll find retail items like our vegan burger at our MSU Athletic venues, grab-and-go items at Sparty’s Market

• You can look forward to a menu with almost a 50/50 split of vegan to meat options at our new venue, The Workshop housed in the currently under construction STEM building, which will open in November 2020.

• We’re partnering with MSU Athletics for concourse cooking demos featuring easy plant-based entrees like vegan mac and cheese and barbecue jack sliders.

• Meal Prep cooking demos feature plant-based lunch and dinner items for families.

• Cooking demos at Sparty’s Market showcase plant-based options including desserts.

If you or your student have questions about fulfilling their dietary needs while eating at State, please contact our Registered Dietitian Kelsey Patterson at 517-884-0660 or patte546@msu.edu.

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PARENTS, BE AWARE OF YOUR STUDENT’S MENTAL HEALTHMSU’s Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) is located on the third floor of the Olin Health Center building and offers confidential, same-day help to students regarding depression, anxiety, stress management, LGBTQIA+ issues, eating or body image, substance abuse, trauma, and other mental health concerns.

What Resources Are Offered to Your Student?MSU students are eligible for an initial consultation with CAPS, including individual counseling, couple’s counseling, group counseling, psychaitric services, psychological testing, substance abuse, LGBTQIA+ services, a sexual assault program and testing office services. Students in a crisis or extreme distress are usually given first priority and may walk in during open business hours as listed below.

Walk-in hours include: Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. CAPS also offers free, online self-assessment screenings to learn about mental health.

What Is Stress and Why Does It Matter?Stress is a general term to describe physical, mental or emotional strain or tension. It is when we remain in a heightened state for too long that our bodies become off balance, resulting in adverse physical, mental and emotional effects.

Stress can lead to depression, anxiety, fatigue and a weakened immune system.84 percent of MSU students reported feeling overwhelmed at least once in the past year, while 27 percent reported that stress seriously affected their academic performance.

What Signs Indicate I Should refer My Student to Counseling at CAPS?• Abrupt/radical changes in behavior, including a dramatic decrease in academic functioning

• Isolation from others

• Noticeable changes in mood, such as depression, apathy or irritability

• Poor attendance in classes

• Sudden outbursts of anger

• Attention/memory difficulties

• Alcohol/drug abuse

• Marked change in personal hygiene/appearance

• Inappropriate crying

• Bizarre statements or behavior

• Suicidal statements

How Can Your Student Make a Referral for a Friend to a Counselor at CAPS?Provide your student with the Counseling Service’s phone number: 517-355-8270 or website for further information: caps.msu.edu

Consider suggesting their friend call Counseling Services together with your student. Your student can follow up with their friend by inquiring as to whether they followed through with their appointment and how they felt about the session.

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SNAPSHOT

MONICA BAYLISFacilities Supervisor

PURPOSE As a student, my managers always made me feel like avalued employee. Whether it was the service we provided to the

residents during move-in or the day-to-day assistance we offered. The facilities uniform and brand was a sign to the residents I was someone who could help. As student lead supervisor, the managers also granted opportunities to take part in large events at our complex. Summer planning was one of my favorite times. The facilities environment never made me feel like I was just a student, but a valued employee equipped with the skills and knowledge to help enhance our residents’ experience.”

ADVANCEMENTI began as a Level I student building worker in August2016. In December 2016, I applied to be a Level III student

supervisor and was chosen as the successful candidate. In February 2017, I applied for the Level IV student lead supervisor position. My tasks ranged from administrative work, planning, operational duties and HR functions. This position helped me grow as an individual immensely over the next two years. Approaching my graduation (December 2018), I was encouraged by family, friends and coworkers to apply for the facilities supervisor position. I was fortunate enough to be chosen the successful candidate and started Jan. 3, 2019.”

EXPERIENCEFacilities values are People, Purpose, Practice,and that is exactly what I have learned as an

employee. I have had the opportunity to work with many facilities managers and supervisors, who were gracious enough to share their wealth of knowledge with me. The relationships I made along my facilities journey are my most memorable. Little did I know that cleaning a dining hall late at night would turn into an incredible career full of learning opportunities and amazing people.”

JOIN THE SUMMER FACILITIES TEAM. Apply here: go.msu.edu/summerjob.

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WORK ON CAMPUS THIS SUMMERAs the world becomes a place where a bachelor’s degree is the new high-school diploma, employers are looking for entry-level candidates to have two-to-three years’ experience in their respective fields. Many students are surprised to hear this, but rest assured, this can be accomplished while attending MSU. MSU Career Services Coordinator Bill Morgan explains the university offers many different opportunities, “Our massive single-campus operation is very convenient for students who attend MSU. We can offer part-time jobs and internships in academic offices, food service, communication and marketing teams, research labs, sports and entertainment facilities, farms, and so much more.” Working on campus, Spartans get a chance to test their knowledge and dedication to a field through application. Morgan explains, “Our annual research with thousands of employers identified that employers value internships and work experience above all other out-of-classroom experiences.”

Join the Sport Camps Live-in Assistant TeamSport Camps Assistants will work to enhance the residential experience of Sport Camps guests ages 8-18, facilitate evening programming and camper interactions, and ensure overnight residential floor safety and security through nightly bed-checks, floor presence, and security walks. Sport Camps Assistants facilitate the creation of a positive environment by bridging connections with residential campers, helping campers get to know each other and connecting campers to the resources and opportunities while at their respective camp.

• March 1-June 1: Rolling interview invitations and hiring decisions.

• Current RAs, ICAs and SCRs and previous sport camps assistants do not need to interview but must apply; employment decisions are based on satisfactory previous performance appraisal.

• June 1-12: Training for Sport Camps assistant role.

• June 15-July 27: Sport Camps in session.

To apply, visit jobs.rhs.msu.edu and enter “Sport Camps Assistant” in the search field.

Join the Fall 2020 Welcome Team Residence Education and Housing Services would like to invite your student to join the Fall 2020 Welcome Team! We need enthusiastic team members who will assist with the move-in process, including greeting new students and their families, distributing carts, moving belongings, directing parking and taking part in welcome activities that will help ease new students into their on-campus homes. Welcome Team members must be available to move in early, Thursday, Aug. 20, and attend a mandatory orientation Friday, Aug. 21, and are expected to work shifts between Saturday, Aug. 28, and Monday, Aug. 31.

Visit liveon.msu.edu for more information and to apply!

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FIVE WAYS TO BUDGET IN COLLEGECollege is a time to experience many firsts, like living on your own and, more than likely, overspending. While it may be difficult and frustrating, it is a lesson every young adult needs to face. Here are some simple tips to share with your student to help them get through it a little less painfully:

1. Plan: Calculate how much money you make per month and create a spreadsheet. In the spreadsheet, break down your income by week and put your weekly expenses in to give yourself a budget. Also, make sure you put some aside for that special something you have your eyes on or retirement. It’s never too early to start saving.

2. Scholarships and Grants: Scholarships and grants are a smart way to pay for that extra class. Roughly $46 billion is given out in grants and scholarships annually, so check your eligibility for both and get your college paid for.

3. Technology: In an age of self-driving cars and facial recognition, banking and keeping track of your money has become relatively simple. Nearly all banks and credit unions offer apps to track your money, and even individualized apps such as Mint and Check track and record all purchases made to give you a detailed breakdown on where your money is going.

4. Working: It is a common misconception that working can derail your grades. Research shows, students who work 15-20 hours a week often report higher GPAs than those who do not work. With that in mind, look into on-campus employment so you can work close to home and even make some spare cash.

5. Advice: As scary as paying for college can be, millions of people have done it before you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to family members, friends, advisors, fiscal institutions or anyone with some experience in this area. They may have advice that could save you major dollars down the road. While paying for college is no easy feat, it can be simplified if you plan and budget correctly. If you are looking for additional assistance, visit the Office of Financial Aid. Trained officials can give you more detail about your individual situation.

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GO GREEN GO 15When Michigan State began to notice students across the country were taking more than the traditional four years to graduate, the university began to strategize how to help students save money and graduate on time. The Go Green Go 15 program encourages MSU students to take 30 credits a year, 15 a semester, to graduate in four years. Additionally, beginning with the fall 2019 semester, flat-rate tuition (sometimes called block tuition) was introduced.

What These Programs Do for Spartans:• Prior to the Go Green Go 15 program’s implementation, first-year enrollment in 14-15 credits was at 26 percent. When

the program launched, first-year enrollment in 14-15 credits jumped to 42 percent, which in turn fast-tracked students’ route to graduation.

• With flat-rate tuition, undergraduate students taking between 12 and 18 credits pay a tuition rate based on 15 credits per semester.

• Get additional help: The Office of Financial Aid is well equipped and ready to help those who want to finish in four years. Students who succeed academically succeed financially with grants and scholarships — so keep your Spartan focused!

The Go Green Go 15 and flat-rate tuition programs, along with the Michigan State University staff, are working to make your Spartan experience better. Learn more through Frequently Asked Questions available at undergrad.msu.edu/news/view/id/213 or have your student speak to their academic advisor.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTSMarch 2-6 Spring Break

March 11Summer semester enrollment and online housing sign-up begins

March 13 On-campus Hiring Fair, 4-6 p.m. in MSU Union (main lounge)

April 17-May 8Pack Up. Pitch In.

April 17 Online housing sign-up for 2020-21 academic year ends; contact the Housing Assignments Office to sign up after this date

April 24 Spring semester classes end

April 27-May 1

Final exams

May 1Students must be out of residence halls by 8 p.m. (Tip: late-stay requests and forwarding address information should be submitted via the My Housing portal.)

May 1-3Spring semester commencements

May 11Summer semester classes begin

Aug. 31Returning Student Move-in

Sep. 2Fall semester classes begin

October2021-22 housing sign-up information is shared with students

Mid-to-late October Priority sign-up for returning students begins (Tip: students who live on campus their second year are more likely to obtain an on-campus apartment the following year.)

1855 Place550 S. Harrison RoadEast Lansing, MI 48823

Residence Education and Housing Services is part of the Division of Residential and Hospitality Services at Michigan State University. Live On Family News is a quarterly newsletter published throughout the academic year to keep Spartan families connected to what is happening in Residence Education and Housing

Services at MSU. You can read past issues at liveon.msu.edu.

LIVEON.MSU.EDU

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Equal Opportunity HousingPhotos courtesy of MSU Communications and Brand Strategy and MSU Residential and Hospitality Services

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