JUNE 2019

For the families of students living on campus at Michigan State University

LIVE ONFAMILY NEWS

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SAFETYStudent safety at Michigan State University is our top priority as an institution. Here are some of the safety measures implemented throughout campus to keep your student safe:

• Each residence hall is equipped with restricted access for its exterior doors, elevators and living corridors, which require a student ID belonging to a resident to grant access inside. The living corridors and elevators are restricted at all times.

• There are fire alarm systems, hardwired smoke detectors, fire-rated floors and sprinkler suppression systems in every residence hall.

• The East Lansing Fire Department and the MSU police are located within minutes of the residence halls.

• Every residence hall floor is equipped with a Green Emergency Phone.

• Green Emergency Phones are also placed outdoors throughout campus and connect directly to the MSU Police.

• All student rooms are equipped with peepholes.

STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ASSIST IN KEEPING CAMPUS SAFE:• Residents must accompany their guests of the residence halls for the duration of their stay.

• Residents are encouraged to keep their room doors locked whenever they are closed.

• Building doors should never be propped open, and it is strictly prohibited to allow non-residents who are not your student’s guests to enter locked buildings.

• A student’s valuable belongings should be kept in a safe, private space for only them to access.

MSU ALERTAll members of the MSU community, including you and your student, are encouraged to sign up for the MSU Alert System to receive expedited notifications in the event of an emergency. Visit alert.msu.edu to sign up for notifications.

WELCOMEFROM RESIDENCE EDUCATION AND HOUSING SERVICES

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HOW TO HELP

1. Encourage them to get involved on campus:• Find your passion in any of the more than 800 student clubs and

organizations on campus.

• Join intramural sports to meet new people and stay healthy.

• Attend floor meetings and events in your hall to meet your neighbors and resident assistant.

2. Support them in achieving academic success:• Use your resources. MSU offers tutors, academic advisors and other

academic resources right in your Neighborhood Engagement Center.

• Time management will be a key component to your success; make sure you leave enough time for your studies while also balancing your mental and physical health.

• Choose a major: What classes do you enjoy most? Speak with an advisor if you are unsure what courses count toward your degree.

3. Foster an interest in learning about themselves and others:• Have you met any new people in your hall or major?

• I know it can be difficult to go outside your comfort zone and meet new people, but it will open new opportunities and doors for you.

• How is your relationship with your roommate?

YOUR STUDENTThere is no Spartan experience like living on campus. This special time provides a chance for your spartan to meet a multitude of new people, expand their world view, assess their passions and be an active member of the community. Paying attention to on-campus events and opportunities can help ease the transition from home to college. Here are a few things to keep in mind when talking with your student:

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT:• Arguably one of the most stressful times of life, college brings both joy and tough experiences.

Create an open and trusting space for your student to talk to you.

• Look for warning signs: reclusion, lack of interest or appetite, overeating, exhaustion.

• If an issue arises, MSU offers counseling services for students who may be struggling.

• Mental health affects every process in the human body, which makes it abundantly important to talk about and not stigmatize.

• MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) offers a variety of services, including drop-in screenings and the MySSP 24/7 mobile app. Visit caps.msu.edu for more information.

ENGAGEMENT CENTERSWith MSU Neighborhoods, students have an opportunity to realize their full potential through a wide range of programs, activities and support services

The engagement centers are unique spaces located in each neighborhood and serve as the main access points to important resources to help you adjust to your class load, decide on your major and work toward graduation.

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VOLUNTEER FOR THE FALL 2019

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Engagement Centers provide:• Academic advisors

• Tutors and support for math, writing and chemistry

• Health practitioners offering same-day appointments

• College career consultants

• IT support, computers and printing

• Social and cultural activities

• Study space

• Group meeting space

You can find service hours for your neighborhood’s engagement center at nssc.msu.edu.

Other important resources in your neighborhood include the Residence Halls Association (RHA) and hall governments, along with an array of intercultural groups to join, like Black Caucuses, LGBTQA+ Caucuses and the Multi-racial Unity Living Experience.

Your neighborhood also offers cardio rooms and group fitness classes, such as Zumba, yoga and cardio kickboxing.

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OUTFIT YOUR STUDENT’S SPACEUniversitiy Activities Board (UAB) partners with Residence Hall Linens and Carpet to help create a homey feel for residential students. By supporting these programs, your student also helps UAB in providing free, on-campus activities for students to enjoy.

LINEN PROGRAMThese specialty bed linens are specifically designed to fit the extra-long twin beds MSU provides in the residence halls, and with over 40 trending colors and patterns, you’ll find the one that fits you. All products are high quality and guaranteed until graduation.

Spartans and their families can get discounted linen bundles at ocm.com/mst or by calling 1-800-957-4338.

CARPET PROGRAMUnsure how you’ll fit a carpet and a mini-fridge into your vehicle come fall move-in? Not to worry. UAB has offered a program called Residence Hall Carpets for the past 20 years that allows students to reserve a brand-new carpet in the right size and specified color at a special student discount. Carpet colors come in grey, black, beige, light blue and navy and are top quality, plush and bound on all four sides. All carpets can be recycled at the MSU Recycling Center. Pre-ordered carpet will be packaged and waiting in your room, ready to be placed when you move in.

Visit ocm.com/mst/dorm-life/dorm-rugs or call 1-800-892-8729 as soon as you know your hall assignment to get your first color choice.

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COLLEGE PRODUCTSMSU also partners with College Products, which offers rental service for large items to be sent directly to your student’s room. Visit collegeproducts.com/spartans for more information and to place orders for:

• Microchills: a microfridge, freezer and microwave combination unit

• Personal safes

• Futons

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EAT AT STATEAs an award-winning team, MSU Culinary Services prides itself on nourishing Spartans with the best. With 10 dining hall locations across campus, your student is never too far from a wholesome, comforting meal. They can eat at any of the below locations found in MSU’s five neighborhoods:

• North Neighborhood: Heritage Commons at Landon and The Gallery at Snyder/Phillips

• South Neighborhood: Holden Dining Hall, Wilson Dining Hall and South Pointe at Case Hall

• East Neighborhood: The Edge at Akers Hall and Holmes Dining Hall

• Brody Neighborhood: Brody Square

• River Trail Neighborhood: The Vista at Shaw and Thrive at Riverwalk Market at Owen Hall (sesame-conscious and certified free of the Big 8 allergens plus gluten)

In addition to the 10 dining halls, MSU Culinary Services also offers 20 Sparty’s convenience stores and numerous retail options for easy accessibility and variability. Sparty’s Market at 1855 Place is an urban-style grocery store where your student can conveniently pick up items from kitchen essentials to cleaning supplies.

Your student’s dining plan allows them to use Combo-X-Change for convenient on-the-go dining. Combo-X-Change is accepted at Sparty’s convenience stores, Sparty’s Market, the Eat at State ON-THE-GO Food Truck, the Union Food Court and QUE at the International Center’s Crossroads Food Court or for takeout from any of the 10 dining halls.

Combo-X-Change allows your student to get an A (drink), B (entrée) and C (side) item. It is great for students on the go who do not have time to stop by a dining hall.

Culinary Services also provides student employment opportunities at all dining locations, which offers hands-on experience with MSU chefs and a flexible work schedule to accommodate your student’s schedule. For more information, visit eatatstate.com/employment.

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ACCOMMODATING DIETARY RESTRICTIONSCulinary Services is committed to providing necessary resources and information to ensure healthy eating choices that include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options for all students. Both Holden and Holmes halls are designated nut-friendly locations to accommodate students and guests with severe nut allergies.

In fall 2019, RHS is welcoming a new allergen-friendly dining venue to campus. Thrive at Riverwalk Market at Owen will be sesame-conscious and certified free from the Big 8 allergens (milk, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts, treenuts, fish and shellfish) as well as gluten.

The location will be certified by Kitchens With Confidence, a third-party accreditor that will regularly examine protocols and policies to verify this location as being free of the allergens listed. Offering certified-free-from venues on campus will help the Culinary team meet the ever-changing needs of student nutrition.

If your student has dietary restrictions due to food allergies, intolerances, health concerns or religious observances, encourage them to view nutrition information at msutrition.rhs.msu.edu/NetNutrition/12.

If your student has allergies or specific ingredient concerns or requires information on a menu item not listed on MSUtrition, please consult one of our registered dietitians, Gina Keilen (keileng@rhs.msu.edu) or Kelsey Patterson (patte546@msu.edu), or our executive chefs or dining hall managers. Our chefs and dining managers are also visible during service to answer questions or address your needs.

SWEET TREATS FROM THE MSU BAKERSMSU Bakers is an on-campus bakery that crafts hand-made bagels, bread, cakes and cookies. Serving the community for more than 40 years, these treats are offered in MSU dining halls and are also available for purchase so you can send your student hand-decorated treats for special occasions or just to say hi. Additionally, with every purchase of a loaf of bread, MSU Bakers donates $0.50 to the MSU Student Food Bank to help MSU students in need. To view specials and place an order, visit msubakers.com.

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MSU EmailEncourage your student to regularly check their MSU email for housing updates and other important campus information at mail.msu.edu.

Send a Care Package• Include photos of family and friends to remind them

of all the love and support they have.

• Send your student school supplies to help them stay organized and reduce stress. during their first couple weeks on campus.

• Order some delicious treats from MSU Bakers! MSU Bakers provides delivery for cupcakes, cookies, cakes and bagels across campus. Visit msubakers.com to place your order.

• ProudBox is the ultimate monthly care package for Spartan students. They’ll get three-to-five items per delivery, including MSU apparel, game-day swag, collectibles and sweet treats! It’s like sending a hug from home every month. Subscribe for your Spartan at proudbox.com.

KICK THE SEMESTER OFF RIGHT

Where to Find Campus Building Address To view your student’s new campus address, visit liveon.msu.edu/halllife

Tobacco-Free CampusMSU is a tobacco-free campus. This applies to all

property governed by the MSU Board of Trustees. The

ordinance prohibits traditional tobacco products as well

as e-cigarettes and vaporizers.

UAB Campus EventsThe University Activities Board (UAB) is a student-driven department and offers a variety of programs encouraging on-campus involvement. Hosting more than 190 campus events annually, the UAB strives to provide unique, high-quality experiences that contribute to student growth. Some of their core values are inclusion, collaboration, flexibility, accessibility and development. To learn more about UAB, visit uabevents.com.

Air ConditioningVan Hoosen Hall, University Village Apartments and 1855 Place are air conditioned.

If you are assigned to any other on-campus housing location, we strongly suggest you bring a fan.

Personal air conditioners are permitted for medical reasons only and require approval in advance. Requests are coordinated through the Housing Assignments Office, with final approval needed from the university physician.

To request an air conditioner, please complete the medical records authorization form at liveon.msu.edu with your medical provider contact information. If approved by the University Physician’s Office, air-conditioning units are provided by the neighborhood facilities team and installed by MSU-authorized maintenance personnel. A fee of $150 will be billed to the student account. Installation is completed by MSU-authorized maintenance personnel.

For more information, please contact the Housing Assignments Office by email at liveon@msu.edu or by phone at 517-884-5483.

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Once your student has received their hall and room assignment, you can locate their new address by visiting liveon.msu.edu.

Roommate and other information will become available later in the summer as rooming assignments become finalized. We encourage your student to check their My Housing account at liveon.msu.edu in mid July to connect and reach out to their roommate(s) prior to move-in day.

Use this time to discuss plans for room essentials and move-in times. This is also a good time to talk about rules, boundaries and living expectations. Students will create “roommate contracts” with their RA. to help everyone stay on the same page and ensure a stress-free roommate experience. Students should also log in to their My Housing account at liveon.msu.edu to verify that they have signed their official Housing Contract prior to move-in day.

Be sure to read the Housing Contract carefully and thoroughly, as it is a legally binding document. When your student signs the contract, they are agreeing to abide by all the terms of the contract, including the additional terms and conditions outlined in the On-campus Housing Handbook, which is available at liveon.msu.edu under Contracts and Leases.

If your student is under the age of 18, their Housing Contract must be co-signed by a parent or legal guardian.

WHAT TO EXPECT THE FIRST YEAR

WHAT TO EXPECT THE FIRST YEAR

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PARENT/NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION PROGRAMS The New Student and Parent/Family Orientation Program (NSO) begins in June. At NSO, you and your student will learn more about what it takes to be a Spartan and what to expect during your student’s first-year journey. Representatives of the university and current MSU students will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

MOVE-IN DAYMove-in day can be overwhelming for both you and your student. It is important to be prepared to ensure the safety and security of all Spartans. Visit liveon.msu.edu for the basics of what you need to know prior to move in day.

• Traffic: Summer construction projects are scheduled to be completed prior to move-in day. However, expect heavy traffic and plan ahead to give yourself ample time to make up for any possible delays.

• Dining: Spartans and their families are given free meal tickets move-in day. For more information on hours and locations, visit eatatstate.com.

MOVE-IN GUIDENew Students: Be sure to keep an eye out for a move-in guide that will be sent to your home in August and will include all additional information you and your student will need to know for move-in day including where to park, essentials to bring, student checklists and more.

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REHS RESIDENCE HALL STAFFAssistant Directors (ADs)There are five neighborhoods on campus: Brody, East, North, River Trail and South. There is one assistant director

(AD) per neighborhood, who oversees all operations of their assigned community. Each AD is responsible for

supervising team members who engage with students in the residence halls each day. Their work is to ensure your

student has a positive and rewarding Spartan experience while living on campus.

Resident Assistants (RAs)RAs are live-in, student staff members who are responsible for a designated area, wing or floor in the residence halls. They provide leadership and support to residents living in their community and are responsible for interacting with students as they learn about themselves, develop community and learn about living in a diverse environment. As a peer, an RA serves as a basic source of information and referral help, as well as an assistant in easing the adjustment of campus living.

Intercultural Aides (ICAs)ICAs live in select residence halls for the purpose of engaging students from all backgrounds in learning opportunities (dialogue, service, socials) that focus on crossing difference and building community. ICAs partner with RAs to foster an inclusive campus climate that supports student identity development, a sense of belonging and academic success.

Community Directors (CDs)CDs are full-time, live-in professional staff members who are responsible for a designated residence hall community. Their responsibilities include working with students, planning for hall events and activities, supervising graduate and full-time staff, and meeting with students about policy violations.

Assistant Community Directors (ACDs)ACDs are part-time, graduate students who work closely with the CD to ensure a safe environment for all residents and create an environment that fosters personal growth and academic excellence. They are responsible for overseeing the resident assistant team and advising in-hall student organizations.

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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.

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

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