MSU president, trustees celebrate spring graduates, approve campus facility projects and housing rates

The Michigan State University Board of Trustees today took several actions during its meeting, including approving three new leaders, planning improvements to university infrastructure and setting fall housing rates.

President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D., began the meeting celebrating the accomplishments of the soon-to-be spring graduates ahead of commencement ceremonies, which begin May 6. The 2021-22 academic year was a successful return to campus learning and activities after a remote year during the pandemic.

University leaders and trustees also celebrated 179 graduates for achieving a 4.0 GPA and awarded each with the coveted Board of Trustees Award. This is the largest-ever number of graduates in recent history to achieve the highest scholastic average one can receive. 

“The energy surrounding graduation is incredible,” said President Stanley. “As we prepare our next class of Spartan graduates for the challenges of tomorrow, this group of students is a shining example of the excellence that flows through Michigan State University.”    

Later in the agenda, trustees authorized the university to plan for improvements to the Farm Lane Bridge and proceed with improvements to Spartan Stadium, noting the importance of continuing to invest in the university’s infrastructure. The Farm Lane Bridge was constructed in 1914 and needs improvements to provide continued connection for Spartans and several utilities across campus.

Spartan Stadium, built in 1923, also will undergo improvements this summer to apply new waterproofing sealant and expansion joints to the concrete bowl, repair and replace handrails as needed and replace floor drains. Further, the audio system is slated to be updated and the controls from the scoreboard tower will be moved to a more accessible stadium location. 

The board also approved proceeding with an expansion of the Football Complex to include a student-athlete wellness space; a new south entry lobby, locker room and equipment room expansions; improvements to strength and conditioning space and team meeting rooms; and site improvements to the plaza, parking lot and loading dock. The entire expansion project is being funded by donor gifts. 

Before concluding the meeting, trustees set the housing rates for the next academic year. The increase of 2.94%, or $130 per year for housing and an additional $184 for the silver unlimited dining plan, will help address exponentially rising food costs as well as housing repair and replacement costs. The new rate will take effect for the fall 2022 semester for first-year students and third- and fourth-year students. Housing rates for second-year students will remain unchanged for the next academic year, consistent with MSU’s two-year on-campus living requirement. Importantly, MSU housing rates continue to be among the lowest in the Big Ten and in the state of Michigan. 

The meeting included a research presentation from MSU undergraduate student Mariam Sayed, who has been engaged in research that seeks to broaden access to opportunities in health care for individuals with communication challenges.

The board also took the following actions during its meeting: 

The board’s next regularly scheduled meeting is June 24.