Following the leadership uncertainty over the summer — when Guskiewicz temporarily vacated his position for Clemson University — MSU's president said he wants students to know that university administrators are creating an environment that allows for opportunities that MSU students "deserve.”

When Guskiewicz announced his departure in May, he pointed to his disagreements with the Board of Trustees. Shortly after, Athletic Director J Batt announced his departure for the University of Kentucky in July.

“What it really comes down to is just to know that we’re working together as one team — we’re in a much better place today than we were in six months ago, and I think that through this, what we’ve been through over the past three or four months, we’re going to be in an even better place in six months from now,” Guskiewicz said.

McIntyre echoed that sentiment, saying the summer gave MSU leadership an opportunity to “take a step back” and remind themselves what their mission is all about.

“We’ve taken the opportunity over the summer to reaffirm our values, to focus on the student experience and student success,” McIntyre said. “One of the things that drew me to Michigan State a year ago, is that we do center student’s experiences in every decision we make.”

Guskiewicz also touted his recent hiring of Western Michigan University's Dan Bartholomae to fill the vice president and athletic director position, as well as upcoming plans for the athletic department.

Construction plans for the Spartan Stadium District are being prepared for the Board of Trustees to review “soon," Guskiewicz said. The district aims to construct an entertainment district between the MSU athletic buildings on Shaw Lane.

“There will be a crane here probably around Spartan Stadium and around that stadium district I hope over the next 12 to 18 months," Guskiewicz said. 

Sports will play through the construction at Spartan Stadium rather than relocating. 

Around 150 students have been placed in transitional housing as of this morning, Martinez said, and MSU's hospitality and residential division plans to move those students out before the end of the semester.  

Martinez said MSU will honor any students who wish to stay in transitional housing.

Guskiewicz, Martinez and McIntyre all expressed their excitement for the start of a new semester. They encouraged students to check out Welcome Week activities and campus dining amenities with their family or friends. Beyond familiarizing themselves with campus resources, the week before classes start also gives students time to form connections with their peers. 

McIntyre offered an example of how the Welcome Week atmosphere sets the tone for the school year, saying she was out for dinner when she spotted a group of friends in downtown East Lansing. They were cracking jokes and "forming those bonds" unique to the college experience. 

"That’s what we’re about at State — forming community, academic excellence and really doing so in a way that is tactful and inclusive,” McIntyre said.