Advising Team Updates

March 2025

Hello MSW Students,

 Next week is Spring Break! We hope that it helps to rest, catch-up and get ready to venture into the second half of the semester! Per our normal/monthly updates, the Advising Team wants to remind you of a few things, and keep you updated about what is going on in the MSW program, community, and the School of Social Work!

We are continuing to hold drop-in Advising sessions, the 1^st  Thursday of each month – at 12pm. 

Stop by if you have questions, concerns and/or if you just want to say Hi!

The next one will be March 6

Meeting ID: 994 2766 1027

Passcode: ADVISING



Hope to see you there! 

Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 Registration will be begin on March 17! 

Take note:

*Summer will be open for everyone starting on that day.

*Fall will open by appointment. 



You can check your student record for your “appointment date”. Remember, appointments don’t mean that you need to make an appointment with anyone. This is just when you are able to register (schedule is determined by the University). 

The School of Social Work is finalizing a few things (ex. Specific section numbers, electives, etc.). Once all is set, we will share the “current courses” pdfs for both semesters so that you can confirm accurate registration per your program plan! 



Be looking out for a Special Edition Advisor Update soon!

The last day to drop classes – with no grade reported is 3/10/25.

You will not receive a refund. 

If you are thinking/planning to drop a class, please reach out to your Advisor to discuss alternate programming.

It is with great pleasure that we announce Advocacy Scholars applications are now being accepted for the 2025-2026 academic year. Please see the application here.

Applications are due on April 30, 2025.

Do you want to...

• Work in communities to help solve social problems?
• Advocate for rights, fair laws, and more just social policies?
• Contribute to efforts to help our most vulnerable citizens?
• Learn how to be an effective advocate for social change?

...then the MSU School of Social Work MSW ADVOCACY SCHOLARS Program is for you!

ADVOCACY SCHOLARS will:

• Receive a stipend award, which may renewable for a second year of study
• Complete an Advanced Practice Year field placement or Community Engaged Project focused on policy practice and advocacy skills development
• Participate in a seminar series led by policy advocacy leaders from diverse backgrounds
• Develop a poster-presentation style display to be featured at the Advocacy Day Event in March
• Have the opportunity to participate in a two-day bootcamp on how to run for political office

ADVOCACY SCHOLARS may also have the opportunity to:

• Take advanced coursework in social activism and policy advocacy skills
• Interact with social program and governmental officials
• Learn about the legislative decision-making process from a professional lobbyist
• Receive individualized mentoring on education and career development from faculty members with related experience

Apply for this exciting program (link above), which will accept scholars to begin in August 2025. Applications to the Advocacy Scholars Program must be received by April 30, 2025.

If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Kelley Blanck at kblanck@msu.edu.

Have a great start to Spring! And, hope to connect with you sometime soon! 

The Graduate Office Advising Team

Kelly Fornwalt – Assistant Program Director, Statewide Blended & Weekend Advisor - fornwalt@msu.edu

Jen Scholes – East Lansing Advisor - warrenj7@msu.edu

Michigan State University

655 Auditorium Road

East Lansing, MI 48824

(517) 355-1855