8/17/2001
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State University will welcome new and returning students to campus and give them a chance to get acquainted with community life through a series of special academic and social events beginning Monday, Aug. 20.
Freshmen and transfer students move into their residence halls beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22. Returning students begin moving in to their halls at 8 a.m. the following day. The first day of classes is Monday, Aug. 27.
Listed below are some of the highlights of the Fall Welcome activities, which run through Sept. 6. For a complete list of events and activities, visit the Web at: http://www.vps.msu.edu/SLife/orientat/caldendar.pdf
Monday, Aug. 20
1 p.m., New International Student Orientation Program, B108 Wells Hall: This program for all international students offers information and activities to help them learn more about the United States and life at MSU. For more information, contact Tina Turnbull, Office for International Students and Scholars, (517) 353-1720.
Wednesday, Aug. 22
9 a.m., Resource and Service Fair for International Students, International Center lobby. For more information, contact Tina Turnbull, Office for International Students and Scholars, (517) 353-1720.
4 p.m. to 6 p.m., MSU Open House Reception for Parents, Munn Ice Arena: Faculty, staff, administrators and other university representatives will honor parents and other family members accompanying their students to campus. Parents are invited to attend the reception and meet other parents for conversation and refreshments. For more information, contact Sheila Higgs Burkhalter, Department of Student Life, (517) 353-3860.
4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Academic Dinners, Residence Halls: Freshmen take part in a special dinner with faculty members, resident mentors and other new students in their college. For more information, contact Don Straney, Office of the Provost, (517) 432-5145.
6:30 p.m., Academic Welcome for Freshmen, Breslin Student Events Center: This convocation for all members of the class of 2005 involves a little pomp and circumstance and a little jazz. It is an interactive opportunity for freshmen to get to know some of their 6,700 counterparts, meet some special guests and receive information on faculty expectations for the newest members of the Spartan family. Parents also are invited to attend the event. For more information, contact Don Straney, Office of the Provost, (517) 432-5145.
7:30 p.m., Commuter Student Meeting, 1279 Anthony Hall: This is an opportunity for commuter students to meet other commuter students and learn about university resources. For more information, contact Sheila Higgs Burkhalter, Department of Student Life, (517) 353-3860.
Thursday, Aug.23
9:10 a.m., Freshmen Orientation Sessions: Freshmen follow their personalized orientation schedules and check out various campus sites throughout the day. Included is a chance to reconnect in the Spartan Unplugged program and review information provided in summer academic orientation sessions. For more information, contact the Office of Orientation and Leadership Programs, (517) 353-3860. 4 p.m., Honors College Freshmen Convocation, Pasant Theater, Wharton Center: This welcome event is for all new Honors College freshmen. For more information, contact Bess German, Honors College, (517) 355-2326.
4 p.m., Survive the Spartan Challenge, 105 Bessey Hall: This workshop for new students with disabilities will help them learn how to access accommodation, support services and opportunities available at MSU. A pizza supper and a chance to visit with student panelists are on the agenda. For more information, contact the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, (517) 353-9642.
7 p.m., Spartan Spirit Campus Welcome, Spartan Stadium: Students and members of the MSU and East Lansing communities come together for an evening of Spartan spirit, with special guests: MSU President Peter McPherson; Bobby Williams, head football coach; Ron Mason, head hockey coach; Joanne McCallie, head women's basketball coach; Stacy Slobodnik, head women's golf coach; Brian Gregory, associate men's basketball coach; the Spartan Marching Band; MSU cheerleaders; MSU Motion; the National Panhellenic Step-Team; Three Men and a Tenor; and, of course, Sparty. For more information, contact the MSU Alumni Association or the Student Alumni Foundation, (517) 355-8314.
10 p.m. to midnight, Midnight Madness: Students are invited to gather their roommates and hallmates and walk to East Lansing or board Capitol Area Transportation Authority (CATA) buses for an evening of late-night musical entertainment and shopping in local stores and shopping centers, including more than 30 stores in downtown East Lansing, Frandor, Meijer, Target and Kroger. For more information, contact Cathy Neuman, (517) 355-8286, or Susie Muzbeck, (517) 353-3860, in the Department of Student Life.
Friday, Aug. 24
9 a.m. to noon, Campus Open House: Campus resource offices will be open for students to visit with representatives of the Learning Resource Center, Student Services, Counseling Center, Office of Financial Aid, Department of Student Life, Student Employment Office, the Writing Center, MSU Libraries, Office of Study Abroad, Olin Health Center, the Multicultural Center, the Service-Learning Center, intramural sports facilities, Office of Racial/Ethnic Student Affairs and the University Activities Board in the MSU Union. For more information, contact the Department of Student Life, (517) 355-8286.
10:30 a.m., Transfer Student Orientation, 1279 Anthony Hall: This is an opportunity for transfer students to network and learn about various university resources and services. For more information, contact Sheila Higgs Burkhalter, Department of Student Life, (517) 353-3860.
1 p.m., Colloquium with Your College, various locations: Freshmen attend sessions introducing them to their college and major. Each college offers sessions on activities in the college and opportunities to meet with faculty and mentors about strategies and expectations for success in the students' field of interest. The Undergraduate University Division meets with no preference students. For more information, contact Sheila Higgs Burkhalter, Department of Student Life, (517) 353-3860.
7 p.m. to 1 a.m., U Fest 2001, MSU Union: The University Activities Board's annual kick-off event includes interactive games, bands, tile painting, poster sales and other entertainment. There will be free bowling and billiards sponsored by the MSU Union. A dance will be held from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the main lounge. CATA buses marked UFEST will provide free services from 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. between the residence halls and the front entrance of the MSU Union. For more information, contact Jodi Roberto Hancock, University Activities Board, (517) 355-3354.
Saturday, Aug. 25
Noon, New Adult Student Program, Centennial Room A, Kellogg Center: This luncheon for new adult undergraduates 25 years of age and older includes opportunities for networking and learning about various campus resources. Students also are invited to stop by the Graduate School Resource Fair from 9 a.m. to noon in Kellogg Center. For more information, contact Pat Enos, Department of Student Life, (517) 353-6650.
Noon to 5 p.m., Building Community and Serving Others: Students will have an opportunity to participate in an afternoon of community service during the United Way's Day of Caring. Between 300 and 400 selected students will contribute more than 1,000 hours of hands-on service with several charitable organizations in the greater Lansing area. For more information, contact Billy Molasso, Department of Student Life, (517) 353-3860.
7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Party at the AUD, University Auditorium: More than 230 registered student clubs, organizations and student government groups will have information booths inside and outside the auditorium, and representatives will discuss getting involved in campus activities. Giveaways, stage performances, a disc jockey, and various games and activities are part of the event. For more information, contact Fred Watson or Bobbie Clarke, Department of Student Life, (517) 355-8286.
9 p.m. to 2 a.m., Super Saturday Night at the Campus Center: Interactive games, laser tag, craft projects and other entertainment are planned for students. For more information, contact Jodi Roberto Hancock, University Activities Board, (517) 355-3354.
Thursday, Sept. 6
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., J.O.B.S. (Job Opportunity Bonanza for Students), MSU Union: Students will receive information on and have opportunities to talk to on-campus employers about job opportunities. For more information, contact the Student Employment Office, (517) 355-9520.
Additional fall welcome activities include: the Asian American Welcome Reception at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, in the MSU Union Ballroom; the Black Students Welcome Reception at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, in the field south of the Auditorium Building by "the rock"; the Native American Welcome Reception at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, at Lafayette Square; the Chicano Latino Welcome Reception at 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 30, in Big Ten Rooms B and C of Kellogg Center; and the Lesbian-Bi-Gay and Transgendered Student Welcome Reception and Mid-Michigan Community Resource Fair at 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 6, in the MSU Union Ballroom.