Family and Supporter Orientation Resources

The New Student Orientation experience is set up to help you and your student connect with the MSU community to help with your student’s transition to MSU. Below is a curated series of pre-recorded videos and helpful resource links for the upcoming semester to help share out important information with students, families, and supporters. Feel free to view at your leisure. Additionally, we will be highlighting these resources in our newsletter and other communications.

Updated video content will be coming soon! For the most updated information included in the videos, please contact the specific department directly or reach out to the NSO Office at nso@msu.edu or 517-355-8490.

Questions about how students enroll in classes? Please use the following link: Course Enrollment Information

Webinar Series

This section is a list of webinars that cover various important topics for families and supporters of incoming students. Below, you will find the title and a brief description of each webinar. Each title serves as a link that opens the corresponding webinar.

Next Steps for Parents of Admitted Students

This webinar from the Office of Admissions covers the next steps follow admission into Michigan State University for students and parents/supporters of students, including housing and orientation first steps.

Incoming Student Housing & Dining

Learn about the housing assignment process, dining information, and campus life for Fall 2024 with MSU Live On and Eat at State! For questions regarding housing, contact Live On through email at liveon@msu.edu or by phone at 517-884-5483. For questions regarding dining, contact Eat at State by email at info@eatatstate.com or by phone at 517-884-0660.

Off-Campus and Commuter Student Webinar

The Office of Community & Student Relations, and offices housed under the Transitions and Transfer Student Success unit, including the Transfer Student Success Center and New Student Orientation, share valuable information for our incoming students living off-campus. There is also a part two of this webinar featuring additional information and ways to engage with the greater Lansing community here. 

Advising and Academics 

Are you looking to learn more about advising at MSU? Curious about the academic opportunities and support MSU has to offer? New Student Orientation, in partnership with University Advising and the Neighborhood Student Success Center, is hosting a Family and Supporter Advising & Academics Webinar to share more about the advising process, academic support services, and the many ways MSU supports academic success.

Health and Wellbeing 

Are you looking to learn more about health services on campus? Interested in learning about what resources MSU has to support your student’s mental and physical health? In partnership with Health Promotion & Engagement and Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), New Student Orientation is hosting a Family and Supporter Health & Wellbeing Webinar to share more about University Health & Wellbeing: Campus Health Services, Mental Health and Trauma Support Services and more.

Safety & Parking at MSU

Are you looking to learn more about safety and parking services on campus? Interested in hearing about community resources, ways to stay connected, and key safety measures on campus? In partnership with Police and Public Safety’s Community Liaison Coordinator, New Student Orientation is hosting a Family and Supporter Safety & Parking Services Webinar to share more about safety tips, the SafeMSU App, Police and Public Safety, parking resources, permits, and more.

Family Engagement Services

Looking to learn more about family engagement? Curious about how MSU keeps families and supporters connected throughout their student’s time with MSU? In partnership with Spartan Family Connections, New Student Orientation is hosting a Family Engagement Services Webinar to share more about family engagement opportunities, ways to connect with other families and supporters, MSU’s family engagement office, upcoming events, and more.

 

 

Transitional Tips

Tip #1: Communication
Make sure to talk with your student about communication expectations and understandings. Before your student begins classes, make sure to ask: how often (daily, weekly, etc.) you want to check-in, what method you will use (text, phone, video call, etc.), and are there any other communication expectations you want to discuss (visits, holidays, etc.)? Asking these questions in an open-ended manner will allow for you and your student to share and build a communication plan together.

Tip #2: Set Expectations

As you continue to get ready for your student’s first year at MSU, make sure to set expectations early. Discuss what information you want your student to share with you and how frequently. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), your student must give permission for other individuals to view educational records. FERPA is expansive, but can be thought of in three categories: financial records (e.g., bills, tuition, fees), academic records (e.g., courses, grades, class standing), and student life (e.g., conduct, disciplinary actions). Beyond records, discuss other expectations such as employment (do you want your student to have a job during the school year?) and payment (who is paying for their education? Are there conditions or stipulations?). Finally, review the Student Code of Conduct to understand expectations from the university.

Tip #3: Be Patient and Don’t Rush In

When your student encounters a problem, don’t fix the issue yourself. Listen, give suggestions, and allow your student space to make decisions. This exchange will aid your student in taking responsibility and learning how to navigate issues.

Spartan Socials

Looking to engage with other families and supporters? Want to learn more about Spartan family and supporter experiences? Stop by one of our monthly Spartan Socials. Registration details and dates will be shared via our newsletter and e-communications. Previous newsletters are available here. If you are a family member or supporter of an incoming student and do not currently receive newsletter information but would like to, please contact the New Student Orientation office at nso@msu.edu.

Social Media for Parents and Supporters

Want to connect with other families and supporters on social media? Our family engagement office, Spartan Family Connections, manages a Family Facebook page and group where you can connect with other incoming families, current families, and beyond. Additionally, the NSO office will be regularly sharing social media tips, engagement opportunities, and reminders on the platform.

Virtual Resources

We have gathered various information and resources from campus partners. Click the title of the topic listed below to view more specific information about the topic. There may be additional links included in the brief description underneath each title.

Capital Area Transportation Authority: CATA

CATA is the bus transportation system for the greater Lansing area, including MSU’s campus. Follow the link to learn more about riding the bus, facts about CATA, and a instructions you can share with your student as they prepare to come to campus.

Department of Police and Public Safety Parent Guide 

Michigan State University’s Department of Police and Public Safety works to keep your student safe at their home away from home. We pride ourselves in making sure our campus is safe for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Listed on this guide are a few common resources that will help you as your student transitions to life at Michigan State University.

Education Abroad Family Resources

The Office for Education Abroad recognizes the important role you as parents, guardians, or family members play in supporting your student through the process of participating in an education abroad program. This guide covers the benefits of studying abroad along with a basic outline of the process.

Basics of Education Abroad

The Basics of Education Abroad page serves as a way to assist students in identifying what study abroad program would benefit them most based on the goals of the student, the goals of the program, and the potential costs involved and funding available.

Explaining Families and Supporters Handout

This handout, from our New Student Orientation D2l page, helps to introduce the new dynamic of being the parent or supporter of a Michigan State Spartan and navigating the transition into the university campus community.

Basics on MSU Guest Accounts

MSU Guest Account (formerly Community ID) grants limited access to web-based MSU services for users who are not affiliated with MSU directly. Users typically include members of the general public who sign up for non-credit courses, distance learners, and parents, guardians, and others invited by a student to access their information (such as MSU financial systems).

Information for Guest Access for Student Accounts

MSU students are able to grant guest access to anyone whom they wish to view their student information in the Student Information System, (SIS). Granting guest access allows for the guest to take actions in SIS on behalf of the student such as paying bills, viewing the student’s class schedule or checking in on academic progress.

Live On Family News

Live On Family News is a quarterly publication sent to the families of our on-campus residents. Digital versions of Live On Family News from the past year are below. If you have not received Live On Family News in the mail, your student’s address may be restricted in StuInfo. Have your student verify their address is correct if you wish to receive Live On Family News in the mail.

Student Health & Wellness Tips for Parents and Supporters

Throughout the year, your Spartan may call home with questions about all kinds of things. And you’ll be navigating some transitions of your own as you shift from providing day-to-day care to becoming a source of support and advice from afar. Listed here from Student Health & Wellness is articles including support, tips, and other advice as you support your Spartan.

Suggested Readings and Additional Resources

These additional readings and resources have been compiled and made available for parents and supporters to help guide through various different feelings, emotions, or experiences that you or your Spartan may be navigating as a part of the transitional process into college.

Letting Go: A Parents’ Guide to Understanding the College Years by Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence Treeger

51 Tips for Parents of College Students by Alan Farber, PhD and Linda O’Brien

Your Freshman is Off to College: A Month-by-Month Guide to the First Year by Laurie L. Hazard, ED.D and Stephanie K. Carter

You’re On Your Own (But I’m Here if You Need Me):  Mentoring Your Child During the College Years by Marjorie Savage

College Ready: Expert Advice for Parents to Simplify the College Transition by Chelsea Petree, Ph.D

Don’t Tell Me What To Do, Just Send Money: The Essential Parenting Guide to the College Years  by Helen E. Johnson and Christine Schelhas-Miller

Emptying the Nest: Launching Your Young Adult toward Success and Self-reliance by Brad Sachs 

Engaging Families in Higher Education by Christine Self, Elizabeth Massengale, Amy Murphy  

GenZ Goes to College by Corey Seemiller and Meghan Grace   

Grown & Flown by Lisa Heffernan and Mary Dell Harrington