COMMENTARY

Be careful taking on loans in bad economy

Unfortunately, students are finding it harder and harder to pay for the life-altering college experience after they leave. Nationwide, student loan defaults have risen from 7 percent in 2008 to 8.8 percent in 2009, the highest rate in 12 years, according to the Department of Education. With financial assistance on the decline and defaults on the rise, students should exercise caution when taking out loans.

FOOTBALL

MSU-Notre Dame rivalry has history of being close

Michelle Martinelli

September 15, 2011

The MSU-Notre Dame rivalry — dating back to the teams’ first matchup in 1897 — stands as one of the most unique rivalries in NCAA football.

SOCCER

Men's soccer set for 2 Big Ten-Big East challenge matchups

Pat Evans

September 15, 2011

After a rough first five games, the MSU men’s soccer team is in for another grueling weekend.

SPORTS

Field hockey hits the road, looking to build off last weekend

Jesse O'Brien

September 15, 2011

The MSU field hockey team (2-4) has spent all season on the road. This weekend won’t be any different, as it travels to the East Coast to take on the Maine Black Bears and Providence Friars in another two match weekend.

MSU

RHA passes 2011-12 academic year budget

Rachel Jackson

September 15, 2011

The Residence Halls Association, or RHA, met Wednesday night in Wilson Hall’s Essex Room to introduce new assembly representatives and pass its 2011-12 academic year budget.

NEWS

Making the grade

Beau Hayhoe  and  Ian Kullgren

September 14, 2011

Amidst the start of an academic year with record tuition rates and the largest incoming freshman class in history, one well-recognized ranking provides some evidence education quality at MSU is stable.

NEWS

Rep. Mark Meadows found guilty of house rules violations

Ian Kullgren

September 14, 2011

State Rep. Mark Meadows, D-East Lansing, was found guilty of violating Michigan House rules Tuesday, just a day before his former chief of staff became the second Democratic candidate for the seat.

NEWS

No plea deal reached in alleged dog killer’s trial

Kyle Campbell

September 14, 2011

Andrew Thompson’s mother left the courtroom in tears after watching her son’s pretrial conference Wednesday morning in Lansing’s 30th Circuit Court.

NEWS

Police Brief 09/15/11

Kyle Campbell

September 14, 2011

A non-traffic car accident between two students occurred at 9 a.m. Sept. 8 in Lot 21 near McDonel Hall, MSU police Sgt. Dan Munford said.

MSU

New construction projects replace parts of campus

Beau Hayhoe

September 14, 2011

Construction crews continue to toil below ground in a large area surrounding the MSU Main Library’s south entrance and parking lot, as they replace the building’s steam chiller cooling system, and more below-ground construction is expected at MSU in coming months.

SOCCER

Spartans win on overtime goal

Dillon Davis

September 14, 2011

In the team’s last nonconference matchup of the season, the third goal of senior forward Laura Heyboer’s hat trick gave the MSU women’s soccer team (7-1-0) an impressive overtime victory against Detroit, 4-3.

MICHIGAN

E.L. Officials address couch burning issue

Kyle Campbell and Lauren Gibbons

September 14, 2011

For city officials, an increase in illegal furniture dumping and subsequent fires on city streets has encouraged the city to take further action.

FOOTBALL

Secondary ready for tough test Saturday

Anthony Odoardi

September 14, 2011

Saturday’s game at Notre Dame might be a huge test for the No. 15 MSU football team overall, but it also might be the toughest task the Spartan secondary faces all season.

FEATURES

Students to travel to Honduras with nonprofit

Derek Blalock

September 14, 2011

Emily Johnson and Lauren Yoon have decided to skip relaxing on their spring break this school year. Instead, they will try to make their mark on the world.

Derek Blalock ·

FEATURES

Group of Lansing poets perform works about academics

Kellie Rowe

September 14, 2011

Decineces Marti wanted to take a break from studying law. Poem in hand, the graduate student arrived at the Old Town Poetry Series open mike to share his own work. “I’m performing a poem I created today,” he said.

MSU

Students on Homecoming court share school pride

Stephen Brooks

September 14, 2011

Although this year’s 2011-12 homecoming court features a unique mix of first-generation college students, as well as students with MSU alumni in their family tree, the 10 seniors all mutually share one thing — their passion for MSU.

MICHIGAN

E.L. Public Library offers free library cards to students

Lauren Gibbons

September 14, 2011

The East Lansing Public Library often offers student-friendly programming, but a feature implemented this fall might connect MSU to the library more than before.

MSU

RHA brings Mac Miller to campus

Rachel Jackson

September 14, 2011

Pittsburgh-based rapper Mac Miller will bring his talents to MSU next month during his nationwide Blue Slide Park Tour.

MSU

Men enter women’s discussion on health

Josh Mansour

September 14, 2011

In her work to understand women’s issues as assistant director of the MSU Women’s Resource Center, Jayne Schuiteman felt there was a voice missing.

MSU

Three new faculty members elected to academic governance

Kelsie Thompson

September 14, 2011

Three new faculty members have been elected to the University Committee on Academic Governance.