MSU New Student Orientation

Orientation is an exciting yet admittedly chaotic time. On this Wellness Wednesday, we offer suggestions on how to stay cool at orientation.

Hello, Spartan Families and Supporters!

Today’s What I Wish They Knew post discusses students’ newfound independence. Students and their families/supporters sometimes don’t know how to address the changing relationship dynamics. We hope hearing the student POV will help make this transition a little easier.

For additional resources, visit orientation.msu.edu. Go Green! 💚

Today is Juneteenth, a federal holiday and the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of the enslavement of African Americans and Black people in the United States.

This year, MSU is hosting the 6th annual Juneteenth Commemorative Celebration with the theme, Beyond Freedom: Building Futures, Protecting Our Past and Activating Change.

To learn more, please visit the MSU Juneteenth Celebration website.

This week’s Resource Friday is all about Campus Culture. Transitioning to a new chapter of life can be overwhelming. Engaging in the campus culture can help make MSU feel more like home.

We offer several starting points that we suggest you encourage your student to check out, or at least consider, including:
- Student Organizations (https://sle.msu.edu/involvestate)
- Recreational Sports (https://recsports.msu.edu/)
- Art (Broad Art Museum: https://broadmuseum.msu.edu/; Theatre - Dept shows: https://theatre.msu.edu/2025-2026-season/)
- Education Abroad (https://educationabroad.isp.msu.edu)
- Internships/Student Jobs (https://careernetwork.msu.edu/)
- Volunteering (https://communityengagedlearning.msu.edu/)
- MSU Bucket List (https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2025/09/must-do-spartan-experiences)

Hi Spartans! Are you looking for a leadership opportunity this August with free food, new friends, and a great resume builder? Look no further! New Student Orientation is hiring Orientation Leaders to work our Welcome to State programs in August! This position is for all current MSU students (incoming first year students are not eligible) and is a two week commitment (August 17-28). Orientation Leaders will work events like Sparty Gras, have the opportunity to share their MSU experience, and learn about important campus resources!

BONUS: Students who live on campus will be able to move-in early at no cost to them! Apply now through July 17: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bmvc16vaugsZcFg

It's hard to believe, but the Checkpoint 2 (NSO D2L Experience) deadline is TODAY!
As a reminder, all new students are required to complete the virtual New Student Orientation course on Desire2Learn (D2L). Students will not be able to schedule their advising appointments or enroll in classes until this interactive module is complete. Support your student by encouraging them to complete the module today!
As a note, our earlier post incorrectly had the module due date as June 12th. This module needs to be completed TODAY, June 5th! Go Green!

June marks the beginning of Pride Month in the United States, a month-long celebration of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, communities, and histories.

At Michigan State University, we celebrate Pride Month in April to ensure that all our students, faculty, staff, and community Spartans can join us in our events. However, we still recognize the importance of highlighting this diversity within the MSU community and supporting our LGBTQIA2S+ Spartans all year long.

The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC) is the hub of LGBTQIA2S+ life at Michigan State University, offering education and resources, programs, and community-building opportunities for all Spartans.

What students wish their families and supporters knew 💌

College is a time of growth, new opportunities, and building independence but also creating new support systems along the way. Hearing directly from students can offer helpful insight into what they’re experiencing.

Here’s what students are saying about decision-making and support in college 💚

Today, we honor and remember those who have served and sacrificed for our country. 🇺🇸

As we head into the summer season, we take a moment to reflect with gratitude and respect.

Supporting your student during orientation starts with small, meaningful actions 💚

From building connections to validating emotions, your support helps shape a more confident and positive transition into college life.

Here are a few more ways families and supporters can make the most of the orientation experience 👇