NEWS
Groups promote activism, voting
For the politically savvy, the fact that MSU is located down the road from the state Capitol opens obvious doors for getting involved in politics.
NEWS
Minor-friendly venues
Whoever told you the Lansing-area music scene sucks is an idiot. But I can understand how an ignorant person could come to such a conclusion.
NEWS
On-campus entertainment
There are plenty of things to do at MSU; this campus is huge - 5,192 acres to be exact. Of course you are here to get your learn on, but there also is a whole lot to explore on campus - sites that must be seen and free entertainment that must be taken advantage of.
NEWS
Study habits need to change from high school to college
Professors, tutors and students agree that changing study habits from high school to college is one of the biggest transitions freshmen have to make. "When coming to college, students really need to rethink and restructure what they know about studying," Arts & Letters Professor Maria Bruno said. Many students the biggest study adjustments from high school to college is the amount of work.
NEWS
Repairs, food raise challenges
Noisy neighbors, broken lights and cafeteria food that's less than appetizing. Living in the dorms presents new challenges for students living on their own for the first time, but there also are some easy ways to overcome them. When things break, it's up to the student to fix it or find someone who will.
NEWS
Izzone cheers for 'U'
There are grass skirts, a group of men with "green skin," green-and-white Afros, a chicken and egg and an assortment of scuba gear. No, it's not Halloween.
NEWS
Intramural sports offer fitness, variety
Many first-year college students fit into two categories. One group of students competed in varsity sports in high school, but can't in college due to the ever-increasing pressure and skill level of other athletes. The other group didn't participate in sports competitively in high school, but still kept in shape by going to the gym and getting involved in other types of physical activities. But all incoming freshmen can keep themselves fit by joining any number of intramural sports and clubs that are offered on campus. IM Sports-Circle, East and West offer memberships for students to use their facilities and offer classes for activities such as yoga, kickboxing and other aerobics.
NEWS
Details add flair to bare rooms
On move-in day, many freshmen will notice that the dorm room they've always dreamed of is nothing more than some shabby tiles, paste-colored walls, bare windows and wooden furniture - but not for long. Many students say they feel more comfortable after their room is decorated. "What I like best about our room is that it's our own personal space," said communication freshman Lindsay Dion, who lived in Phillips Hall.
NEWS
'U' officials suggest planning, good study habits for timely graduation
While some students say taking five years to graduate is typical, advisers and university officials are working to reduce the time it takes for students to turn their tassels. In a forum in March, MSU President M.
NEWS
Masterpiece's Title: The T-shirt tackboard
What is it exactly? It's a bulletin board made from commonly discarded moving-day materials, such as a computer box, a few newspapers and an old T-shirt. Usefulness factor You've just moved in and you have nowhere to put your memos, your old high school clothes and computer boxes.
NEWS
Police: Awareness key to campus safety
Small precautions, such as securing personal belongings and walking with a group of people on campus, can ensure safety during a student's time at MSU, police and other campus officials say. Students new to campus shouldn't be intimidated by the size of campus or worried about their safety, MSU police Sgt.
NEWS
E.L. officials crack down on partying
Last year, MSU's incoming freshmen were welcomed into East Lansing along with a citywide policy that could send students to jail for being too loud. The policy created two new categories for noise violations, including a party-noise misdemeanor and a civil infraction.
NEWS
Offices help students find jobs
Offices help students find jobs Being a college student doesn't always mean having an empty wallet. Incoming freshmen can balance their expenses by nabbing a job either on or off campus. "It's part of your education when you come to State," said Gale Gower, assistant director for the Student Employment Office, 110 Student Services.
NEWS
Involvement best bet for theater hopefuls
Whether it includes helping out in the costume shop, performing on stage or painting sets, students of all majors can become involved with MSU theater in a number of ways.
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Olin, centers offer healthy resources
Organizations at MSU and throughout the Lansing area offer a variety of resources to help students stay physically, sexually and mentally healthy. Fellow students and health educators at Olin Health Center offer free counseling and anonymous HIV testing throughout the community, and students can make appointments by visiting Olin's Web site, olin.msu.edu. The Planned Parenthood Mid-Michigan Alliance also provides HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing, with fees on a sliding, income-based scale, in addition to free pregnancy testing. Other local organizations, such as The Listening Ear and MSU Counseling Center's Sexual Assault Crisis and Safety Education Program, are designed to be resources for those who have been sexually assaulted. Students can make appointments at the Counseling Center on the second floor of Student Services.
NEWS
Planning makes study abroad feasible
Studying overseas is a method for many students to enhance academic and cultural understanding, and with the right planning, university officials say that all students can take part in study abroad programs. Inge Steglitz, assistant director for the Office of Study Abroad, said early planning is key to fitting in a cross-cultural learning experience. "We try to dispel some of the myths people seem to have about study abroad: 'I can't afford it,' 'Only language students go,' 'Only can do it junior year,' or 'It will delay graduation.' We talk to them and explain none have to be true at all," she said.
NEWS
E.L. City Council welcomes student voice
Every Tuesday evening, members of the East Lansing City Council meet at City Hall to discuss the issues and laws that affect the community. Residents and city officials are encouraged to voice their opinions on all matters the city tackles, from the mundane to the controversial. But often, the student voice is not heard - something that many members of the council hope will change as new members of the MSU community arrive. "East Lansing is their new home," Councilmember Beverly Baten said.
NEWS
Police conduct training drill
The MSU Department of Police and Public Safety simulated a biological disaster Monday at Erickson Hall. The unannounced training drill was part of a two-part program on safety and emergency preparedness MSU police will be conducting this week across campus.
NEWS
Med school move approved
Elizabeth Piet The State News Surrounded by intense public outcry, the MSU Board of Trustees unanimously approved moving the College of Human Medicine from East Lansing to Grand Rapids at a meeting Friday morning.
NEWS
Rice speaks at convocation
National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice delivered the commencement address to graduating seniors at Breslin Center on Friday afternoon while groups of people protested her presence outside the building. Before Rice spoke, MSU President M.