After the investigation, MSU tries to patch holes in sexual assault policy, resources for students

With the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights’ (OCR) investigation wrapping up after finding MSU had mishandled a number of cases, sexual assault has once again been dominating headlines and interest. The administration points to various sexual assault programs designed to help with information, education, prevention and support for sexual assault survivors, claiming they’ve improved over the past years and will continue to improve, although that claim is looked at with disdain from some survivors. OCR Ruling Only weeks ago, the OCR found MSU at fault for, among other things, its lack of timeliness in how it handled cases. Social relations and policy senior Emily Kollaritsch, whose story has been featured before in The State News, was relieved the findings were finally published. “I’m glad finally that’s in writing, and that they can’t hide behind lies anymore,” Kollaritsch said. She also said, regarding the OCR findings and the phone conference immediately afterwards, that President Lou Anna K.

State representatives propose changes to Medical Marijuana Act

Ever since the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act was passed in 2008, Michigan courts have made rulings on cases involving medical marijuana that some state representatives say restrict the ability for patients to get their medicine.

Spartans for Hillary aims to rally students in support of Hillary Clinton's campaign

As the 2016 elections draw ever closer, candidates begin to dot the headlines, with lines of opinion being drawn and political debate splattering the social canvas.

Life of Lansing firefighter Dennis Rodeman celebrated at memorial on campus

"I'm secure in the belief that Dennis lives on," pastor Marty Garn said on Wednesday during fallen Lansing firefighter Dennis Rodeman's memorial service at the Breslin Student Events Center.

Conservative candidate announces bid for Trustees opening

William Deary, CEO and co-founder of Great Lakes Caring Home Health, has announced his candidacy today for the MSU Board of Trustees. 

For comic artists, drawing is a way of expression

Hollow Mountain Comics and Games hosted a comic book signing Saturday that included Michigan State University’s Graphic Novels Club, MSU students and alumni. Alumnus Brandon Hankins was one of the featured authors on the signing event — his new comic “Shadow of a Doubt Plus” was featured at the event.

MSU and ESPN could be headed to Michigan Supreme Court

MSU is currently looking to the Supreme Court to hear its appeal in a case involving police records and athletes.

Financial aid sees White House reforms, different proposals still in the works

Financial aid has been a large topic of discussion for years, mainly focusing on how to make the application process easier and less lengthy for those who are really in need of assistance -- but where complications arise is how short is too short for financial aid forms, such as the Fafsa.

Watch Live: Memorial for Lansing firefighter held at Breslin Center

Watch Live: Memorial for Lansing firefighter held at Breslin Center

Change remains a constant in East Lansing's downtown business corridor

Breslin Center to host Lansing firefighter memorial

Students create petition for changes in Snyder-Philips dining hall

“We're confused. We're upset. We're hungry,” MASP quad also known as Mason and Abbot and Snyder-Phillips hall’s students have put together a petition voicing grievances with the Snyder-Philips dining hall. The petition already has 430 online signatures after only five days and has been adding more each day hoping to reach 500 supporters.  The group has directed the letter towards Eat at State and plan to show their petition to them in hope for changes. They list grievances with The Gallery at Snyder-Philips as follows: lack of fresh cut fruit all-day, the departure of the weekly Wok-A-Palooza and the early closing of Bliss, the dessert area of the dining hall. “They are trying to fix something that's not broken," said English sophomore and petitioner Lauren Semack.

Freshmen begin to prepare for first college exams

With the school year beginning to pick up speed, many freshman are starting to take their first college quizzes and exams.  Although many students have already spent hours preparing for their first college exam, the nervousness of taking it still persists. Marketing freshman Peter Garfinkel said he hopes his first college exam won’t be too hard, but knows he will have to put forth an effort in order to do well on it. “I’m hoping it won’t be too different than high school’s exams were,” Garfinkel said.

East Lansing resident aims to bring joy to the town with his monkey-decorated van

The monkey machine, referred to affectionately by 50-year-old resident of East Lansing and owner of the vehicle Mike Reeve, has become a common site for MSU students and East Lansing residents alike.

MSU students and professors recognize the significance of social media and the Millennial vote

Social media has forever changed the way people interact, socially and especially politically. The Millennial generation, comprised of those born between the years of 1984 and 2004, represent the bulk of those who use social media. They also represent the present and future of the general electorate.

MSU Board of Trustees approves plan to install solar arrays on parking lots

On Friday, the MSU Board of Trustees unanimously approved a plan to install solar arrays on parking lots all over campus through the Energy Transition Plan. The $2.5 million budget, funded through the utility reserve, will connect the MSU electrical grid to the electrical output of the solar power panels. MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities, or IPF, building services will design and install the interconnection of the MSU electrical grid and solar power. Parking lots 83, 89, 91, 92 and 100 were proposed as the spots where solar arrays will be installed. MSU plans enter into a long-term Power Purchase Agreement for renewable energy and to purchase all power produced by the solar arrays at a fixed rate. After six years of operation, MSU will have the option to purchase the arrays at a one or more times. The solar power-generating system is expected to eventually yield up to 10 megawatts of power for MSU's campus about 16 percent of the power used during MSU peak hours of 11 am to 7 pm. Wolfgang Bauer, an MSU physics professor and senior consultant with the Office of the Executive Vice President said during the meeting that the solar arrays have potential to save MSU up to $10 million in annual electrical costs.  Bauer said that he estimates the cost of the arrays will be between $25 and $30 million and that doing the instillation as an institution as opposed to having another firm would be more expensive for the university. Bauer said all of the green energy changes is to achieve higher performance, lower costs and higher efficiency. "If you think about what you're reading in the newspaper about increasing costs of energy, what we've done is try to insulate ourselves from that turmoil at the same time of trying to shave costs," said President Lou Anna K.

College Republicans and College Democrats host vigil at the rock in honor of 9/11

MSU College Republicans organized a vigil at the Rock on Farm Lane on Friday to commemorate 9/11.

MSU police to test enhancements to alert system

At 10 a.m. on Monday, the MSU police will test new enhancements to its alert system.

Dance team steps into thirteenth year

The Michigan State University Urban Dreams Dance Team started spring 2002 as a small group wanting to dance, and since then, it has evolved into a premier dance club at the university.

BSA President Myya Jones prepared to take on leadership role

A desire to improve her leadership skills and contribute to the development of new leaders in her community inspired finance senior Myya Jones to take the role as president of the Black Student Alliance for the coming school year.