LIVE ON FAMILY NEWS - MARCH 2020 - Michigan State University

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LIVE ON FAMILY NEWS - MARCH 2020 - Michigan State University
LIVE ON
FAMILY NEWS
For the families of students living on campus at Michigan State University

                                                                         MARCH 2020
LIVE ON FAMILY NEWS - MARCH 2020 - Michigan State University
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SIGN UP FOR 2020-21
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING
Sunshine 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 17
After 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 OPTIONS
Did 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 OPERATIONS
    Residence Halls
    Halls 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 Halls
    During 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-OUT
Spring 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 CHECKLIST
1.       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 OFFER
Current 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 AREA
    Attractions 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                 Spas and Wellness
    • Lansing Community College Performing Arts              • AL!VE: Your Community Well-Being Place
    • Lansing Community College Sculpture Walk               • All Body Kneads
    • Lansing Symphony Orchestra                             • Bare Bliss Spa
    • Open Mic at the Blue Owl                               • Crunch Fitness
    • Peppermint Creek Theatre                               • Douglas J Salon & Day Spa & Institute
    • Riverwalk Theatre                                      • emPOWer
    • The Robin Theatre                                      • East Lansing Hot Yoga
    • Wharton Center for Performing Arts                     • Spartan Dance & Fit Center
    • Wheel House Pottery Studio                             • Woke Mind Body Studio
CULINARY SERVICES: HERE
TO SERVE YOUR SPARTAN
Culinary 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 HEALTH
    MSU’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 BAYLIS
                                         Facilities Supervisor

     PURPOSE
              As a student, my managers always made me feel like a
              valued 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.”

     ADVANCEMENT
            I began as a Level I student building worker in August
            2016. 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.”

     EXPERIENCE
            Facilities 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 SUMMER
As 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 Team
Sport 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 COLLEGE
     College 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 15
When 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 EVENTS
March 2-6                                  May 1-3
Spring Break                               Spring semester commencements
March 11                                   May 11
Summer semester enrollment and             Summer semester classes begin
online housing sign-up begins
                                           Aug. 31
March 13                                   Returning Student Move-in
On-campus Hiring Fair, 4-6 p.m. in
MSU Union (main lounge)
                                           Sep. 2
                                           Fall semester classes begin
April 17-May 8
Pack Up. Pitch In.
                                           October
                                           2021-22 housing sign-up information is
April 17                                   shared with students
Online housing sign-up for 2020-21
academic year ends; contact the
                                           Mid-to-late October
Housing Assignments Office to              Priority sign-up for returning students
sign up after this date                    begins (Tip: students who live on campus
                                           their second year are more likely to
April 24                                   obtain an on-campus apartment the
Spring semester classes end                following year.)
April 27-May 1
Final exams

May 1
Students 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.)
1855 Place
         550 S. Harrison Road
         East 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.

                                     Join us on Facebook: @MSULiveOn | facebook.com/groups/MSUParentsHousingandDining

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                                        Remember to reload more Spartan Cash to your student ID.
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Photos courtesy of MSU Communications and Brand Strategy and MSU Residential and Hospitality Services   Equal Opportunity Housing
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