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? Review this resource.
This section features a playlist of pre-recorded webinars covering key topics for families and supporters of incoming students. You can also tune into past episodes of NSO's Spartan Orientation Station Podcast to more insight on resources available to you and your student.
The transition to college is a significant change for both families and supporters of incoming students. These tips will help you navigate this journey, offering guidance on fostering independence, encouraging problem-solving, and supporting your student while they adjust to their new environment.
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.
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.
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.
As your student navigates college life, encourage them to seek out resources on campus rather than relying on you to solve every issue. Whether it’s visiting an advisor, talking to a professor, or utilizing student services, guiding them toward problem-solving on their own fosters confidence and resilience.
Encourage your student to connect with peers, professors, and campus resources. Whether through study groups, student organizations, or office hours, building a strong support network will help them navigate challenges and feel more at home in their new environment.
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.
As part of the New Student Orientation experience, your student will receive a document in their D2L course called the Family and Supporter Resource Guide. This guide is designed to help them understand the important role families and supporters play as they begin college. It also encourages them to reflect on how their relationships may shift as they gain more independence. We invite you to ask your student about the guide and use it as a starting point for conversations about how you can stay connected and supportive during this exciting transition.
The New Student Orientation Resource Guide is packed full of helpful information and key campus resources to support both students and families during the transition to MSU. From academic support to campus life and wellness, this guide is designed to help you and your student feel more prepared and confident as you join the Spartan community. We encourage you to take a look and bookmark it for easy reference throughout the summer and beyond.
Capital Area Transportation Authority (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 instructions you can share with your student as they prepare to come to campus.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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 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.
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.
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.
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