February 2020 Student Success Updates
Student Success is not just academics
We know from both informal conversations with students and from educational research that students come to MSU and stay here when they feel a sense of belonging.  They see themselves represented as they look around campus, they hear their own voices and feel that their perspectives are valued.

Student Success News
A Winding Road to Finding Purpose:
A Spartan Alum's Experience
When reflecting on her educational journey, Kani Caldwell would confirm that it was far from simple. Many moments of doubt and discouragement caused her to question her abilities and her purpose. Like many students, college was a "wake up call." She was ready to answer, but that answer was gradual in forming.


MUNCH [at MSU]! New Dining App for Students Who Eat on Campus
The Resource Center for People with Disabilities (RCPD) is thrilled to announce a new iOS app called Munch. Designed at the RCPD in partnership with  RHS  and  IPF  to make dining at MSU simple, Munch can help you find food you want to eat, make informed decisions about what you eat, and connect with new friends along the way!

Spring Conference on
Teaching, Learning, and Student Success
The Spring Conference on Teaching, Learning, and Student Success planning committee seeks submissions that highlight the work being done on campus around educational practices, data analysis, and initiatives and programs that impact student success. The diversity of session types and topic areas is designed to invite proposals from all groups or individuals within the MSU community engaged in teaching, learning, and student success.

Proposals for the Spring Conference on Student Learning and Success are due at 5:00 p.m. on March 3, 2020 . Everyone will be notified regarding acceptance of proposals by March 13th.


Taking the Initiative
14 meetings down…countless more to go! The workgroups and project committees are hard at work identifying the “current state” at MSU for transfer students and students who change majors.   


Spartan Success Stories
Undergraduate
Embracing New Opportunities

Valerie McNamara is a freshman studying  international relations  with plans to also pursue a business degree. She hopes to make an impact on international business and has already gained a unique experience by studying abroad during her first year.

Graduate
MSU Releases Updated Guidelines for Graduate Student Mentoring and Advising

The updated guidelines are intended to foster faculty-graduate student relationships that are characterized by honesty, courtesy, and professionalism and that provide students with intellectual support and guidance. The academic unit is especially important, since it forms the community of scholars responsible for cultivating a stimulating intellectual environment and, through the joint efforts of all faculty members of the unit, for mentoring of graduate students . 

Alumni
Sparty's Will: How Michigan State's 2000 national title readied a mascot for the fight of his life

Michigan State's 1999-2000 national championship basketball run had a lasting impact on former Sparty mascot Jason Zicchino. He used his experience as Sparty to fight for his life.

Educators
Nwando Achebe: Teaching, For Good

Nwando Achebe is the Jack and Margaret Sweet Endowed Professor in the  Department of History . She is an award-winning oral historian and a fierce advocate for positive change. An author of six books, she is an expert on women, gender and sexuality in the context of African history.

ICYMI: More Spartan Success Stories