MSU trustees approve Spartan Success Center, housing and dining rates

During its regularly scheduled April public meeting, the MSU Board of Trustees approved proceeding with the construction of the Spartan Success Center. The approximately 12,500-square-foot space located in suite 150 of the Hannah Administration Building will serve as a central hub dedicated to supporting the academic journeys and success of all MSU students, including first-generation students. First-generation college students are the first in their families to complete a university degree.

“The Spartan Success Center establishes a prominent, welcoming space where essential support programs and resources are accessible to every student,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “This commitment is especially meaningful for our first-generation college students, who are charting new academic paths for themselves and their families and whose success reflects our core mission to expand opportunity, foster equity and ensure that every Spartan has the support needed to thrive.

Building name changes

During Friday’s board meeting, several name changes to existing and future campus facilities were approved. Some of these changes were made possible in part by philanthropic support from university donors. The approved changes include:

• The Student Leadership Commons within the MSU Multicultural Center is now the Lee N. June Student Leadership Commons.
• The composite materials research center within the Leinweber Center for Engineering and Digital Innovation is now the Chin Ling and Sallie Wang Composite Materials Research Center.
• The space electronics research center within the Leinweber Center for Engineering and Digital Innovation is now the Chin Ling and Sallie Wang Space Electronics Center.
• The external building of the School of Packaging 2.0 is now the Frasier Packaging Research Hub.
• The quantum laboratories within the Leinweber Center for Engineering and Digital Innovation is now the Randolph Cowen Quantum Laboratories.

“It is humbling to see so many donors, including alumni, taking a vested interest in the education of our future engineers, scientists, researchers and leaders,” said Board Chair Brianna Scott. “Philanthropic support transforms vision into reality — opening doors of opportunity and equipping students to shape a brighter, more innovative future. The Board of Trustees expresses its sincere gratitude to all donors for their commitment and dedication to Michigan State.”

Unification of College of Human Medicine and College of Osteopathic Medicine

Michigan State University’s two medical schools will be unified as MSU Medicine, following the board’s approval at Friday’s meeting. Over the past 18 months, extensive analysis has been conducted to evaluate how MSU’s two medical colleges can expand opportunities and present a more unified voice with partners across the state of Michigan as part of MSU’s One Team, One Health initiative. MSU is committed to ensuring that this transition maintains the integrity, heritage and excellence of each accredited degree program, with both a School of Human Medicine and a School of Osteopathic Medicine continuing to operate under dedicated dean leadership in the newly formed unified medical college.

Housing and dining rates

Trustees also took action on dining and housing rates for the 2026–27 academic year — approving a 5% increase for campus residence hall residents. MSU’s Division of Residential and Hospitality Services remains mindful of the cost of education for students and their families. The 2026–27 academic year rates reflect a careful balance between affordability and the responsibility for the division to invest in high-quality residential and dining environments and services. The new rates also continue to competitively position MSU among universities in Michigan and the Big Ten.

Research presentation

Trustees received a research presentation titled “The Human Stakes of Generative AI: Ethical Lessons, Lived Realities and the Future of Public Relations” from Morgan van den Berg, a graduate student researcher in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. Van den Berg’s research, conducted in early 2023 in conjunction with Assistant Professor of Advertising and Public Relations Chuqing Dong, explores the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, or AI, in public relations. Her work later expanded to examine AI’s impact on public relations professionals’ vulnerabilities and well-being in the workplace. The presentation highlighted the evolution of AI in recent years and emphasized how professionals can adopt more open, respectful and inclusive internal communication practices regarding its use.

Other agenda items

The board approved several other requests during the meeting, including:

• Acceptance of donated land in Escanaba, Michigan
• Budget revision pertaining to the Combined Heat and Power Unit and West Regional Chilled Water Plant

The next regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting will be held June 12.