The State News, Spring Housing Guide, 2024

Michigan State’s Independent Voice

NEWS MSU students ask Guskiewicz for campus change

Student groups want the new president to meet their demands and offer a listening ear.

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LIFE Students, RAs share tips for roommate living

One of the hardest parts of living with a roommate isn’t splitting a room or sharing a bathroom. It’s setting healthy boundaries.

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Whether

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2024-25 ON-CAMPUS HOUSING INFO

First-year students, have you signed your Housing Contract?

What to do by March 8:

• Complete your 2024-25 Housing Contract to get a sign-up time.

• If interested, complete a Single Room Interest Form in My Housing (space is not guaranteed).

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PJ Pfeiffer

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• Living-Learning Community students: Complete the opt-in form if interested in second year LLC housing.

• If applicable, complete a group housing individual application or housing exception form.

Students who do not sign their Housing Contract or do not self-select will be assigned at random by the Housing Assignments Office.

Living off campus but want to Live On?

• If you are interested in living on campus for 2024-25, complete the Housing Request Form in your My Housing account.

• Select your housing preferences — the more flexible you are, the more likely we can offer you a space!

• We will do our best to house students interested in living on campus. However, completing the request form does not guarantee housing.

Learn more about 2024-25 housing sign-up at liveon.msu.edu/sign-up or scan the QR code.

Spartan fans react after a nail-biting finish to win against Northwestern University at the Breslin Center on March 6, 2024. The Spartans defeated the Wildcats with a score of 53-49. Photo by Audrey Richardson.

MSU STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS SAY NEW PRESIDENT MUST LISTEN TO, ENGAGE WITH STUDENTS FOR CHANGE

By Demonte Thomas dthomas@statenews.com

With new MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz starting this week, student leaders are looking forward to what they hope will be a fruitful future. To accomplish this, they say, Guskiewicz must listen to student demands.

Associated Students of Michigan State University, or ASMSU, President Emily Hoyumpa said the student government is excited to welcome Guskiewicz to East Lansing and the Spartan community.

“We remain hopeful that under Dr. Guskiewicz leadership that we become the MSU of tomorrow, and grow the Spartan experience to new heights,” Hoyumpa said in a statement via email. “The Spartan community around the world has gone through a lot, and we also hope Dr. Guskiewicz provides a listening ear as we continue to move forward on our own timelines.”

On Dec. 8, 2023, the Board of Trustees announced that Guskiewicz, who was then the chancellor of University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, would be the university’s next president.

The announcement put an end to a year-long presidential search which was prompted by the resignation of former President Samuel L. Stanley in Oct. 2022. Stanley resigned due to what he said was a loss of confidence in the board.

Guskiewicz will be the university’s

MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz speaking with the media at the Hannah Administration Building on Dec. 11, 2023. Photo by Alexis Schmidt.

sixth president in six years, following a tumultuous time for the university.

“I plan to begin my tenure with a listening and learning tour to hear from the community about how to ensure a bright tomorrow,” Guskiewicz said in an address to the community shortly after his appointment.

Not only is Guskiewicz assuming the position at a tumultuous time for the board, but also as students are calling on the university to better support marginalized students. These demands have been spurred by incidents of racism on campus and the university’s investments in Israeli aid.

Vice President of MSU Arab Cultural Society Saba Saed said the student organization is giving Guskiewicz the benefit of the doubt and is hopeful about the work he will do.

“I think some of us were skeptical at first just because of the way the university is run,” Saed said. “We’ve had so many presidents in the past couple of years that it seems like not much can be done. But because he is new, we’re not expecting the same things because at the end of the day, his role is to represent the university, regardless if you’re new or not.”

Saed said she hopes Guskiewicz takes the initiative to propose more policies centered around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the university and more university-sponsored programs and events centered around Ramadan and Arab Heritage Month.

Saed also hopes Guskiewicz pushes for the university to divest from Israel and its weapon manufacturers, she said.

“I think (Guskiewicz’s) actions will speak louder than words, and that is what we’re looking for,” Saed said.

Saed said she hopes Guskiewicz will be collaborative with student leaders, especially those within ACS and its affiliate student organizations.

“If you actually got the chance to know us and our culture, you are going to be in for a very light, wholesome time,” Saed said. “Our culture is so beautiful that it’s not only an ethnicity, it’s a way of life on how to lead morally and correctly. If you spend time with us and learn from us, it will lead this university to flourish in so many ways.”

Senior Alissa Hakim, former vice president of academic affairs for ASMSU, said she hopes Guskiewicz is aware of student support for divestment and would continue those efforts.

“I am hoping for better things once he’s in office,” Hakim said. “These efforts are not going to just stop after we graduate; it’s going to continue for years to come until there is divestment and until we have the infrastructure of support.”

Hakim said with ASMSU’s general assembly passing several bills addressing divestment, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and supporting Palestinian students of all backgrounds, there is still more work to be done.

“There’s always pushback that we receive because there are so many instances where racist and Islamophobic rhetoric is used calling us ‘terrorists’ or ‘empathizers’ and it’s really disappointing,” Hakim said. During his tenure as UNC Chapel Hill chancellor, Guskiewicz has faced controversy and criticism from Palestinian and Arab students for his response to the alleged assault of a Muslim student a few blocks from the campus following a protest by UNC’s

“I think some of us were skeptical at first just because of the way the university is run... We’ve had so many presidents in the past couple of years that it seems like not much can be done.”

Saba Saed Vice President of MSU Arab Cultural Society

Students for Justice in Palestine at the Library, according to the Daily Tar Heel. Hakim said there’s “no excuse” behind the racism and xenophobia most students have faced on campus and hopes more is done about it when Guskiewicz takes office.

“I expect the university to really address these things and redirect our campus climate so we can be in a place where we can be in a place where everyone feels included, where everyone feels safe and everyone feels valued,” Hakim said.

Black Students’ Alliance President Ty’Rianna Leslie said prior to Guskiewicz’s arrival, the student organization would like to have more transparency from the university as well as accountability practices so issues like the number of racial incidents toward Black students on campus will not continue.

“Engaging more with BSA will absolutely be fundamental,” Leslie said. “That way, we can have a direct relationship to address any concerns we have. We need to take a new approach to racism on campus.”

According to the office of the president’s website, while the university firmly condemns hate speech, speech that is considered offensive, including biased messages and hateful comments, is protected under the First Amendment. Speech is not constitutionally protected only when it constitutes a “true threat,” “discriminatory harassment,” or falls into another

category of unprotected speech, the website states.

“I know this can be very hard because of the First Amendment, but there has to be something that can be done,” Leslie said.

Leslie said she would like to have a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program that is based in a better understanding of discrimination implemented and required for all MSU students.

“By implementing a solid DEI program and making it mandatory, as well as ensuring accountability is given to those who cause the harm,” Leslie said. “Maybe some of those things can issued for DEI programs, specifically for minority groups so people can know more information about these things and actually have them hands on and more engaging.”

Leslie said with the appointment of Guskiewicz, he can help answer better needs for Black students by having communications with student organizations like BSA or MSU NAACP.

“Communication is the number one thing,” Leslie said. “When speaking with Interim President Woodruff, she said that she didn’t know what was going on because she did not hear word of it, which is why we need direct communication with one another. Direct communication with BSA and MSU NAACP would be very important so that we can translate the information to them so they can handle what is going on.”

FORMER MSU BOARD CHAIR VASSAR: ‘I’M NOT GOING AWAY’ DESPITE ‘DISTURBING’ BOARD VOTE

By Theo Scheer tscheer@statenews.com

Former Michigan State University board chair Rema Vassar called the board’s historic vote to censure her and fellow trustee Dennis Denno, strip them of their duties and refer them to the governor to consider their removal a “disturbing overreaction to my actions.”

The board’s “unprecedented rush to judgment … represent(s) a clear abuse of institutional power designed to silence those who speak uncomfortable truths,” Vassar said in a statement today, provided by her attorney, Kevin O’Shea of Miller Law.

The decision came Sunday evening, hours after Vassar announced her resignation from her position as board chair and days after the release of a 63-page investigation into allegations of board impropriety.

The investigation, conducted by outside firm Miller & Chevalier and released publicly on Feb. 28, found that Vassar and Denno violated board bylaws and code of ethics by interfering in university investigations and lawsuits and using students to orchestrate “attacks” on colleagues, among other things. The report also recommended Vassar and Denno be referred to the governor.

The board also voted to censure Brianna Scott for publicizing the allegations against Vassar that prompted the investigation, an action which the report also recommended. All trustees voted in favor of Scott’s censure, with the exception of Vassar, who voted against.

But Vassar says the investigation was incomplete and not conducted properly.

“For example, Miller & Chevalier refused to disclose information and documents they relied on, and I was never permitted to know the names of my accusers, let alone to confront and cross-examine them,” Vassar said in a statement.

Investigators noted that many MSU administrators and personnel had a “fear of retaliation” from Vassar and Denno and as a result, kept the identities of those interviewed confidential.

Vassar also said the investigation ignored additional allegations regarding other trustees and “fail(ed) to question the basic unreliability of the accusations against me.”

“As such, it’s no surprise that the findings of the Report align with what the MSU establishment has always wanted: business as usual and a Board of Trustees that goes along without asking any difficult questions,” Vassar wrote.

Hours before the vote took place, Vassar announced her resignation as board chair. She’ll remain on the board as a trustee.

MSU President Guskiewicz says investigation’s findings into board misconduct are ‘concerning,’ but he is assured moving forward

By Emilio Perez Ibarguen eibarguen@statenews.com

Kevin Guskiewicz, who began his tenure as Michigan State University’s 22nd president this week, outlined his goals for MSU and addressed the findings of the Miller & Chevalier report regarding the Board of Trustees in a campus-wide email sent out Monday morning.

Over spring break, an external investigation found that then board chair Rema Vassar and trustee Dennis Denno violated board policies by encouraging students to embarrass Interim President Teresa Woodruff and intervening in investigations, among other violations.

The report recommended Vassar and Denno be referred to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for corrective action under a law in the state constitution that gives the governor the right to remove members of boards of state universities from office.

Hours before a special board meeting Sunday night, Vassar resigned

as board chair. Both Vassar and Denno were stripped of their duties on the board and referred to the governor, and trustee Brianna Scott was censured.

Regarding the findings of the investigation, Guskiewicz referred to Vassar and Denno’s actions as “concerning,” but maintained that the board will be committed to a healthy, functional relationship with himself.

“Many of the activities described in the report are concerning, but I am assured that the Board is committed to following the good governance principles and practices they signed with me in December,” Guskiewicz wrote. “That is what our university deserves, and what our community expects moving forward. As I said earlier, and it’s worth repeating, every member of our campus should be treated with dignity and respect.”

As president, Guskiewicz aims “to build on MSU’s celebrated history as a proud land-grant university that is embracing an aspiration to be bold and contemporary in preparing the next generation of leaders.” This involves

She said that decision “was reached in the best interest of the University, to allow for the Board to move beyond its long history of dysfunction and personal recriminations, to get down to business and serve our constituents.”

It was not, Vassar said, based on the report’s findings.

Vassar also said she’s “deeply touched” the Black Students’ Alliance and MSU’s chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People came to her defense and promised she’d continue to support student engagement.

“Rest assured: I’m not going away,” Vassar said in a statement.

Stacey LaRouche, press secretary for Whitmer, said the governor’s office will “take the time to carefully review” the board’s referral.

THE REPORT’S FINDINGS

The Miller & Chevalier report found that Vassar violated board policies by:

• accepting gifts from donors

• interfering in negotiations of a NIL deal between MSU and the same donor

• intervening in the release of the Nassar documents

• acting alone in negotiating the terms of a settlement with a former Broad College dean

• encouraging students to embarrass the interim president

• retaliating against Faculty Senate chair Jack Lipton

The report also found that Denno violated board policies by:

• requesting details of trustee overstepping be revised in an outside firm’s review of MSU’s response to its Feb. 13, 2023, campus shooting

• encouraging students to embarrass the interim president

• retaliating against Lipton

• becoming overly involved in MSU’s contracting process by recommending a consulting firm to analyze a university initiative, then revising the scope of their agreement at the consultant’s request Denno, in a statement, said he refutes most of the allegations in the report.

He wrote that his intentions have “always been to make MSU, the greater Lansing community and Michigan a better place,” which he does by asking questions.

This is different from other trustees, he said, who “go along to get along.” According to Denno, other trustees have also asked him to stop asking questions.

“That has rubbed people in the administration and on the board wrong, but I cannot apologize for asking questions,” Denno said in a statement. “I have a constitutional duty to protect taxpayer money, not to kowtow to bureaucrats in academia.”

building a culture of collaboration at MSU, he said.

“As MSU’s strategic plans underscore, our people are the beating heart of the institution,” Guskiewicz wrote. “Hearing directly from Spartans, as I already have, will be a critical component of my leadership as we work together to meet our challenges and seize opportunities.”

To do this, Guskiewicz will begin his tenure as president with a “community listening and learning tour,” and plans to visit all MSU colleges and major administrative units. In doing this, Guskiewicz said, he hopes to identify a “true north” that will maintain MSU’s position as a top-tier research university and provide a high-quality education for students. He invited members of the community to consider the following questions:

What will it take for MSU to maintain and strengthen its position among the top-tier research institutions in the nation?

How will it contribute to the great scientific, medical and social

challenges of our time?

And how will MSU continue to prepare students for careers and jobs that don’t yet exist?

Guskiewicz concluded the email by expressing optimism and excitement as he enters his new position as president.

“This is an exciting prospect, and

I look forward to advancing MSU’s important role — and fundamental responsibility — as a global public research university serving the people of Michigan and the world,” he wrote.

Former chair Rema Vassar at the Board of Trustees meeting in the Hannah Administration Building on Oct. 27, 2023. Photo by Sonya Barlow.

Kevin Guskiewicz spoke in an interview on Monday, April 24, 2023. Photo taken by Kennedy Cox and provided by The Daily Tar Heel. State News file photo.

Mastering off-campus living skills: What you need to know

By Gabrielle Yeary gyeary@statenews.com

Off-campus housing can present challenges for students. Amid the whirlwind of packing and moving preparations, essential off-campus living skills are often overlooked.

A smooth transition from dorm to apartment or house requires thorough preparation. Addressing every aspect of a move through planning can help to ensure a seamless, and even enjoyable, experience in moving off campus.

From mastering practical skills to navigating the intricacies of independent living, covering all bases becomes key for students venturing into this exciting new phase of their academic journey.

TRANSPORTATION

When journalism and professional and public writing junior Savan SaiyaCork transferred to Michigan State University, her only option for housing was off campus. Though she has grown to love it, Saiya-Cork said one of the biggest challenges was navigating the labyrinth of transportation options in the Lansing area.

Initially harboring disdain for buses due to her susceptibility to motion sickness, Saiya-Cork said she wrestled with the complexity of the many routes.

“You are going to wind up using the bus system,” Saiya-Cork said. “You just have to accept getting lost and taking the wrong routes until you eventually get the hang of them.”

She said downloading the appropriate apps and asking those around you for help requires a lot of courage, but it helps make the process a lot easier.

Having conquered the CATA buses with gusto, Saiya-Cork pivoted to confront her next transportation adversary: driving.

While road rules might be uniform

across the state, Saiya-Cork said the nuances of driving etiquette varied from city to city. Different standards for passing and idiosyncrasies in handling pedestrians added layers to the driving behaviors she needed to decipher.

Parking is another component in off-campus housing. While residencies generously offer some sort of on-site parking, those excluded or financially constrained find themselves embroiled in the quest for alternative parking.

On campus, students are given the option of confinement to commuter lots or navigating the pay-by-plate zones, possibly posing financial trouble for college budgets.

While often overlooked in the busyness of off-campus life, planning parking arrangements for your vehicle becomes a crucial note.

COOKING AND DINING

Communications sophomore

Mackenzie Brown said she’s unearthed a treasure trove of new skills to accommodate her new residency, including cost efficiency and couponing while grocery shopping.

Every time she goes to the grocery store, she goes home with saved money in her pocket and arms full of groceries, she said. She’s able to haggle and coupon her way into great deals to ensure a cost-effective meal plan.

However, buying groceries is only one part of the off-campus skill. Brown then has to turn the groceries into a nutritious meal.

Brown champions home-cooking by opting for the stove over the dining-out hustle. She revels in the empowerment of choosing each ingredient to ensure she maintains a healthy, balanced diet.

Computational data science engineering freshman Khalil Alameh said proudly wearing the chef’s hat is one of his most cherished off-campus skills.

Despite eating being such a huge

part of his daily life, Alameh says he initially underestimated the intricacies of grocery shopping, kitchen upkeep and the management of meal planning amid academic demands.

Since easing into the off-campus lifestyle, Alameh said he learned to manage each aspect and sees himself as a refined chef in his own way.

With a bunch of new recipes under his belt, Alameh said his dining experience at home has been better than any on-campus dining experience.

“It totally surprised me with how few people really know how to cook,” Saiya-Cork said. “When you move off campus, you can’t rely on your dining plan anymore. You have to learn how to work with your stove and oven, and you have to learn to make your own meals.”

COMMUNICATION

College life thrives on communication and relationship building, often facilitated by the plethora of on-campus events that encourage connections among students. However, in the realm of off-campus living, these events are rarer and oftentimes less accessible, demanding that students develop competence in communication and connection building independently.

Forestry grad student Parker Hopkins said living off campus emphasizes the rarity of such events. This scarcity, however, prompts off-campus students to hone their communication and connectionbuilding skills.

Hopkins pointed out these challenges also create opportunities to meet people from diverse backgrounds.

“You get better at making conversation with people from all walks of life when you meet your neighbors in off-campus housing,” he said, highlighting the enriching aspect of off-campus interactions.

He said these encounters, though less frequent, hold the potential for rich and varied social interactions.

Saiya-Cork agreed that communication is vital for offcampus housing. Living with multiple roommates, she asserts that connecting and openly discussing issues or collaboratively solving problems is the linchpin for successful off-campus living.

“With on-campus housing, if you have an issue, you can just request to change a room... It isn’t as simple with off-campus housing. You’ve signed a contract with these people for an extended period, and you have to solve problems together and communicate issues to make it work.”

Parker Hopkins Forestry Graduate Student

The dynamic of off-campus arrangements differs significantly from on-campus housing, she said.

“With on-campus housing, if you have an issue, you can just request to change a room,” Saiya-Cork said. “It isn’t as simple with off-campus housing. You’ve signed a contract with these people for an extended period, and you have to solve problems together and communicate issues to make it work.”

HANDIWORK

Both Saiya-Cork and Hopkins underscore the significance of practical handiwork in navigating an off-campus lifestyle.

Hopkins categorizes these as “basic adulting skills,” highlighting the stark difference between on-campus and offcampus responsibilities.

While on-campus living involves tasks like maintaining cleanliness and doing laundry, the off-campus scenario demands a broader range of competencies. Students find themselves tackling electrical issues, addressing drainage problems and engaging in basic plumbing, among other practical tasks.

“You should know how to do basic handiwork around your apartment,” Saiya-Cork said. “You no longer have a group of people at your disposal to solve issues.”

When students move off-campus, Residence Education and Housing Services, or REHS, is no longer readily available to resolve any issues for them. Instead, off-campus students have to either manage on their own or pay for outside services to help solve issues.

For Saiya-Cork, off-campus housing isn’t just a place to reside; it’s a training ground for well-prepared individuals entering the real world. In this context, the ability to handle practical tasks becomes not just a necessity but a transformative experience, shaping students into resourceful and capable individuals ready to face the challenges of adulthood.

Grocery bag photo illustration along Grand River Avenue on March 7, 2024. Photo by Audrey Richardson.

MSU STUDENTS, FACULTY OFFER TIPS TO MINIMIZE MOVING PROCESS

By Hannah Locke hlocke@statenews.com

Move-in day at universities around the world present a unique set of challenges for students and their families. At Michigan State University, there is a two year live-on requirement, so most students must move into the on-campus housing twice: once as a freshman and again as a sophomore.

Nursing junior Annaliese Thomas has lived on campus for three years and was a resident assistant for the past two. She said the process is different for everyone.

“Some people and their moving processes are much more complex than others,” Thomas said. “There’s no right or wrong way to do it.”

There are many factors that affect a student’s move-in experience, and with that comes many tips and tricks to keep in mind.

International student travel creates unique challenges

Whether or not students have to fly to campus or drive is a large factor that determines how they move in. Public relations sophomore Aahan Gohil is an international student who moved to MSU from Hong Kong. His trip was 13 hours long with many flights and lots of waiting. Gohil’s first tip is to prepare well for your travels.

“It’s a long journey so you want to be comfy and I would say be sure to have a form of media or like just a form of entertainment,” Gohil said.

Chargers are also a must, he said.

“You need to have as many chargers as you can get,” Gohil said. “Because that’s how you stay in contact with your family.”

Packing is an aspect of moving that is largely affected by whether or not you have to fly. Gohil said he was able to condense his belongings into one large suitcase and one smaller one.

When it came to larger items, such as furniture, Gohil waited to buy them until he arrived in Michigan. Another option available for students who can’t transport all of their belongings when traveling is shipping things to campus.

“We do offer package pickups from service centers, so we encourage students to deliver items via shipping versus having to bring everything with them,” Associate Director of

Communications for MSU LiveOn Bethany Balks said.

Gohil also realized that during his first year on campus, he did not prepare well for Michigan winters.

“When I first came I was like I should be fine wearing like three layers of a t-shirt and a hoodie and a jacket, but like they weren’t insulating whatsoever,” Gohil said.

Gohil said that you do not want to be scrambling to get winter clothes and to come prepared if you live far away.

Use your resources

Communications junior Sami Norcutt is only around an hour drive away from campus and her freshman year, she found the room tours to be really helpful.

“If it’s your first move in, you may be surprised by some of the emotions you’re going through,” Balks said. “Which may mean you feel a little frustrated, a little hot, a little overwhelmed… It’s normal to find moving to sometimes even be a little overwhelming, and that’s okay.”

ANNALIESE THOMAS Nursing Junior

“I made an outline of what I wanted my room to look like and where I wanted to put my desk and what me and my roommate were gonna do with it, like the middle space or like the window ledge,” Norcutt said.

Similar resources that students can use to help them prepare for the transition are the annual movein guides that MSU provides around the time housing assignments are given. The MSU Housing Handbook is also updated annually and provides information about what to expect when

packing and moving in.

“(The handbook) has a lot more details about the campus experience and a lot of those terms and conditions,” Balks said. “It gets more specific about what items can be brought to campus.”

Outside of the resources provided by MSU, students can also look for tips and advice on social media. Norcutt looked to Pinterest for a lot of inspiration when it came to movein, so much so, that she eventually began posting advice herself for college students on the platform.

“I decided on college content because it was something I was interested in and knew a lot about, being a college student,” Norcutt said. “So I started posting videos about things I wish I knew when going to college and what I wish other freshmen knew.”

Paring down and packing up

Whether you’re flying in, taking the train or driving, knowing how and what to pack is one of the most important questions students ask themselves before move-in day.

“Focusing on those essential items and things you know you’re going to need in the first few weeks is what we would recommend,” Balks said.

Norcutt made the mistake of overpacking her freshman year, but she has since learned her lesson and recommended that others do the same.

“I bought way more stuff than I actually needed,” Norcutt said. “And it would have been better if I would have just got there left a week and then realized what I needed after.”

Another tip that Thomas gave for paring down your belongings is to bring clothes seasonally if you live close enough to campus.

“Have a couple of items that you can wear in colder weather for the first couple of months but really just bring fall clothes,” Thomas said. “You can really bring a lot less than you think, so definitely split up your seasonal clothes.”

Limiting the stuff you bring, can help pack in a compact way to make the move-in process more seamless. Norcutt said to stack items on top of each other in moving carts, as well as to bring many storage items.

“I know a lot of people buy plastic

pullout drawers for under their beds,” she said. “And when you pack that you’re going to want to stuff the drawers.”

Similarly, Balks said storage during move in is key. She recommended students don’t use cardboard boxes when moving and instead try to find reusable storage containers.

“If students are able to pack more into storage tubs, packing cubes, a lot of different things and not have to bring all the boxes I think that’s a huge help too,” Balks said. “It’s just less work for them to have to break down the boxes.”

Coordinating with your roommate

When living on campus, the majority of MSU students have roommates. Whether or not they communicate with one another beforehand, however, can have a large impact on the move in process and the living environment later on in the year. Balks said MSU encourages honest, open conversations between roommates prior to the start of the year.

“Talking about what each person wants to bring, what they’re willing to share with, but also if they have boundaries, if they’re not willing to share something - it’s better to find that out sooner than later,” Balks said.

Norcutt had a good roommate situation her freshman and sophomore years. Prior to her freshman year, she met her roommate through a social media group and they were able to meet before moving in.

“We sat down and talked about what we had already bought and what we needed.” Norcutt said. “And we just talked everything out like who’s buying what.”

Tackling move-in day

When move-in day finally arrives, there are many different things going on and the process can be exhaustive. Thomas said it can even be lengthy and students should prepare to do some waiting.

“I think it’s really important to plan on being there for a while,” she said. “Don’t try to plan other things that day. I would really just, you know, expect it to be a beast.”

The amount of time moving takes also means that there are certain things that students must prioritize. For Norcutt, things like decorations

and aesthetic-curating were put on hold until the move-in process was completed.

“I know for me it took hours every single time and you’re gonna have to finish your final decorations and final touches once your family is all gone, because you can’t do all that with so many people,” Norcutt said.

Norcutt added that weather can impact the efficiency of moving in. Move-in day occurs in late August and the heat of Michigan summers is something incoming students often have to battle with.

“Unpack those fans first,” Balks said. “Fans are important. It will be warm, buildings are not air conditioned.”

Another way to contend with the inclement weather of move in day is by getting things done quickly, Norcutt said.

“Try and get your stuff inside the building, in as few trips as possible,” she said.

Thomas said quick, back-and-forth trips between the car and the dorm are important for avoiding long lines. Sometimes, she has seen lines for dorm elevators get up to an over hour-long wait.

The heat, waiting and stress of move-in day can be a lot to handleboth for students and their support systems. However, Balks said it is important to understand that this is normal.

“If it’s your first move in, you may be surprised by some of the emotions you’re going through,” Balks said. “Which may mean you feel a little frustrated, a little hot, a little overwhelmed… It’s normal to find moving to sometimes even be a little overwhelming, and that’s okay.”

Thomas said it’s important to maintain a good outlook on the day because of the emotions involved.

“If you do have family helping you move in, then it might be the last time that you see them for a while, and (you should) keep energies positive,” Thomas said. “Leave on a good note with your family.”

Balks noted it’s important for both students and families to step back and take a breath.

“Pack your patience, pack your fans and just try to enjoy the day as much as possible,” Balks said.

Illustration by Aryanna Dorsey.

Emotional support animals provide companionship, comfort to students

By Vivian Barrett vbarrett@statenews.com

Although they don’t go through formal training and certification, emotional support animals can be lifechanging for their owners. Whether it is preventing or helping improve existing symptoms, emotional support animals often provide a connection that boosts an individual’s mental health.

Emotional support animals are often confused with service and therapy animals. MSU Veterinary Social Work Services program coordinator Megan Spedoske said that the primary difference with emotional support animals is that they are not required to have any training.

While service animals are trained to serve a specific purpose and therapy animals are trained to serve other people, an emotional support animal is just an owned animal bonded to an individual, Spedoske said.

What separates an emotional support animal from a pet is just the name and an individual’s understanding of their human-animal bond, Spedoske said.

“The companionship is really what people are seeking,” Spedoske said. “They’re seeking connection with another being, it reduces isolation … The human-animal bond is kind of this golden thread that’s really woven through these different populations.”

For physics sophomore Ben Pluta, having an emotional support animal made living on campus possible.

“My first year on campus, I ended up dropping out because of my mental health,” Pluta said. “And I ended up getting (my animals) before I came back on campus again.”

Pluta has two dwarf rats named Biscuit and Latte that live with him in his single dorm. He said having

them has helped his depression as it gives him another living thing to be responsible for.

“It’s very useful to have a companion and someone to keep you responsible,” Pluta said. “It’s nice to have someone here with me.”

Spedoske said that the consistency and depth of a human-animal relationship creates a bond that can even surpass human relationships.

“When you think about it, our animals know our routines better than some of our best friends because they don’t live with us,” Spedoske said. “Our animals know when we get up, they know when we’re gonna go towards the pantry or wherever and it’s time for food and it’s time to go out or whatever the situation is. Our animals know us so, so well.”

Landscape architecture and environmental design fifth-year Alice

Finlan said she got her emotional support cat, Birch, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although she doesn’t have severe mental illness, she said having Birch keeps her from developing symptoms.

“I have to get up every morning and feed him, I have to clean the house, I have to clean his litter box,” Finlan said. “I’m never really alone, even if I’m sitting in my room and [my roommate] is gone for the weekend or whatever, he’s just there.”

While Birch is the perfect addition to her household, Finlan said college students should be realistic about their lifestyle if they are considering getting an emotional support animal.

“You definitely have to think about how often you’re going to be home and your lifestyle,” Finlan said. “I have a cat but he also needs a lot of attention, so I have to be there for him. You have to

be aware of what kind of animal you’re getting, even if it’s a hamster.”

Because enrichment is necessary for animals, Spedoske said knowing the space and time that is available for an animal should be a top priority. She said owners have to keep the animal’s needs in mind as well as their own.

“When people want to go get a puppy or a kitten because they quote unquote need that connection I support that,” Spedoske said. “I also want to know what’s the enrichment plan ... they’re thinking, feeling beings, so it’s important that we don’t just look at the situation from one perspective, that we’re actually looking at this from really a one welfare perspective, where we’re looking at the whole unit.”

Spedoske said college students should make sure they have a plan for who will watch and play with their animal if they are at classes all

day, what will be happening with the animal if they want to go out at night with their friends, and what they would do if their animal had an injury or illness.

Because the animal-human bond can have great benefits for both parties, people should value the connection that can be created, Spedoske said. “The human-animal bond is kind of this golden thread that’s really woven through these different populations,” Spedoske said. “There’s vast research on the human-animal bond, and I think part of it is getting a better understanding, and the public at large is getting a better understanding of the role the animals can play, the connection, the grief experienced when that connection is disrupted and being able to honor that relationship.”

Students, RAs say setting boundaries is vital to healthy roommate relationships

By Vivian Barrett vbarrett@statenews.com

Alongside choosing a university and declaring a major, finding a roommate is one of the most important decisions an incoming student has to make when preparing for college. Because of the unique relationship living together brings, there are several factors students should consider when making this decision.

For many incoming students, dorm life is their first experience sharing

a living space with another person. In such a new environment, having open communication is an important first step, Residence Education and Housing Services Associate Director for Communications Bethany Balks said.

“Start communication as soon as possible,” Balks said. “It’s okay to have some disagreements, and it doesn’t mean that two people can’t live together because they disagree on something, but the more open they are and willing to have the conversation, (the better). It’s a huge practice that

will stay with you for the rest of your life.”

Accounting sophomore and resident assistant Francisco Hernandez said that the majority of roommate conflicts he sees stem from miscommunication, or a lack of communication, at the beginning of the roommate relationship.

Some students find themselves holding back on lifestyle qualities that they think potential roommates may disagree with, like waking up or going to sleep early and being highly concerned about cleaning, Hernandez said. However, this ends up creating roommate conflict later on.

“The number one thing that you should do or that you have to do when you’re living with someone is be honest,” Hernandez said. “Not holding back, but truly expressing your feelings from the beginning and really laying the foundation of the expectations, but also, who you are.”

For social relations and policy sophomore Ashley Mathews, setting expectations was particularly difficult when she found herself moving in with a friend. Because she cared about keeping their established relationship intact, discussing disagreements about living habits became difficult, she said.

“My first year, I had an amazing roommate,” Mathews said. “It was

very easy to set boundaries, it was very easy to communicate with them, I had no problems. But then, I went in with a friend this semester. And for me, I would encourage everybody not to room with a friend, because it is extremely hard to set boundaries with a person that you are familiar with.”

With her freshman year roommate, Mathews emphasized the importance of regular cleaning for her own living success. Together, they set up a cleaning schedule that both would equally contribute to, she said.

This year, Mathews said cleanliness has been a major point of disagreement with her roommate, making it difficult to live in her own space.

“People have to understand that maybe people don’t think the same as them in every way possible,” Mathews said. “Like I can’t handle there being hair in the sink, and I notice it right away when it’s there, but other people do not. … It can get frustrating because you don’t want to say something to them and you feel you shouldn’t have to because they should be able to take care of themselves.”

Along with cleanliness, setting boundaries on the use of personal belongings and expectations for sleeping are vital, Hernandez said. Starting a conversation about boundaries can be difficult, whether it

is with a stranger or a close friend, but students can rely on dorm resources to begin the conversation.

At Michigan State, all roommates and suitemates are expected to complete a roommate contract at the beginning of the semester with their RA in order to lay a foundation for expectations, Balks said. This contract can be referred to later on in the case of roommate conflict.

“That’s really where students focus on what’s most important to them, what’s kind of a non-negotiable, like, ‘I need to be able to do this to be successful,’” Balks said. “Students can go, whether individually or with the roommate, to connect with their RA or their intercultural aid … and they are there to listen and to provide advice.”

Many roommates go on to become lifelong friends, or have a relationship beyond living together, but getting to that point requires open and honest communication from the beginning, Hernandez said.

“The most success that I’ve seen where roommates become really good friends, they have long lasting relationships, is that they took a look at that living agreement,” Hernandez said. “Setting that clear expectation and that clear answer of what you expect can really help you in the long run.”

Illustration by Zachary Balcoff.

Sophomore Ben Pluta poses for a portrait with his pet dwarf rat Biscuit in his dorm at Michigan State University on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. Biscuit and Latte, Pluta’s two emotional support rats, keep him company and help him fight depression. Pluta said being responsible for another living thing helps hold him accountable. Photo by Jack Armstrong.

Biscuit the dwarf rat munches on a piece of popcorn in sophomore Ben Pluta’s dorm room at Michigan State University on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024.

Photo by Jack Armstrong.

Fifth-year Alice Finlan dresses her cat, Birch, in a printed collared shirt. Photo by Vivian Barrett.

Malik Hall’s double-double helps secure MSU men’s basketball Senior Night win over Northwestern

By Bella Johnson bjohnson@statenews.com

Michigan State men’s basketball held on for a 53-49 Senior Night win against Northwestern on Wednesday at the Breslin Center.

From the start, the Spartans were struggling to get any shots to fall. Michigan State only logged 19 baskets and finished

against the Wildcats.

“I definitely put pressure on the game, just because how I played last time I played Northwestern,” Hall said. “I mean, for everybody, I think there was pressure. I think there was a lot of emotion. I think there was a lot of things just going on in everyone’s head, to be honest. I mean, as it would for anybody going through something like this going through the last game at the Breslin Center or somewhere where you spent a lot of time someplace where you call home.”

Michigan State honored its seniors following the game, unlike many other schools across the country. The tradition of senior Spartans kissing the logo at center court is over 20 years old, and one of the most iconic senior night traditions.

explain to you how hard it is to spend the amount of time we spend with our guys,” Izzo said. “And then to try to coach them in a tough game and try to pray to God that they get to enjoy their Senior Night and memories that Senior Nights bring,” Izzo said.

It was a gritty win for Michigan State, but at the end of the night, Hall, graduate student guard Tyson Walker, senior center Mady Sissoko, senior guard A.J. Hoggard, graduate student guard Steven Izzo and senior guard Davis Smith all got to enjoy one last win at home.

2-for-17 from the three-point line by the end of the night, but they were able to hold on because of their defensive and rebounding efforts.

While MSU had just 19 field goals, Northwestern only made 18.

Graduate student forward

Malik Hall was a huge contributor on both ends of the court and capped off his Breslin

career with a bang. Hall logged his fourth career double-double with 15 points and a career-high 17 rebounds. The veteran was a difference-maker against the Wildcats and played with an aggressiveness that secured a win for his final game at home.

“This game, this team — it means a lot to me more than I put into words for you,” Hall said. “Just the program in

general. At some point, in high school, I didn’t really think I was gonna play college basketball — let alone at this level. So, just being here is more than I could ever ask for.”

Hall had his worst game of the season the last time Michigan State played Northwestern back in January; he had a rare zero points and zero rebounds on the road

Head coach Tom Izzo said that holding Senior Night festivities after the game is the best way for players and fans to appreciate each other, but by honoring them after the game, you run the risk of souring the night by losing.

It has been years since Michigan State suffered a senior night loss, but for a lot of Wednesday’s game, it looked like the Spartans may have had to face that reality.

“I don’t think I could ever

“Once we get a game — or a couple games together — where everybody plays at a really high level... I think that’s something that we haven’t had yet,” Hall said. “Where everybody has a really great game, even if like the stats don’t match. Whatever it may be, everyone’s just playing with high-level energy, high level on defense, high level on offense. I think that’ll be the difference for us. And I think after that once we start to be consistent with that — there’s no stopping us.”

Michigan State will be back on the road Sunday at Indiana for the team’s final regular season matchup of the season at 4:30 p.m. Streaming will be available on Paramount Plus.

Graduate student forward Malik Hall (25) loses the ball down the court during a match against Northwestern University at the Breslin Center on March 6, 2024. The Spartans defeated the Wildcats with a score of 53-49. Photo by Audrey Richardson.

MSU HOCKEY HEAD COACH ADAM NIGHTINGALE RECEIVES A FIVE-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION

By Madilynn Warden mwarden@statenews.com

With the continuing success of the Michigan State hockey program, including a record season and a Big Ten regular season championship, a new five-year contract for head coach Adam Nightingale has been announced.

Under the helm of Nightingale, Michigan State’s hockey team has had one of the best turnarounds in the history of college hockey and has not gone unnoticed, resulting in the announcement of the contract from MSU Vice President and Director of Athletics, Alan Haller.

“Spartan hockey has a proud history of excellence, and we are currently witnessing the latest chapter of success,” Haller said in a press release. “A couple months ago, Adam and I started having conversations surrounding him and his staff and how best to continue the resurgence of the program. With the new contract, we’re taking steps to ensure stability and the opportunity for success for many years to come.”

For the success of the team, there are countless achievements that have shown greatly through the 2022-23 campaign under Nightingale’s first year, as well as the 2023-24 season.

The Spartans captured their first Big Ten regular season championship in program history and their first title

since the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, or CCHA, conference title in the 2000-01 season. The Spartans

ended the season with a 22-9-3 overall record and a 16-6-2 Big Ten record, surpassing the number of games won

since the 2007-08 team which went 25-12-3 overall. The team has also achieved new academic records and highs for the overall team.

The contract will give Nightingale five more years as the head coach to his Alma Mater, as well as a raise for him and for his hockey staff that continues to help the team in their record-breaking season. His contract includes non-performance-related compensation of $700,000 in the first year — $600,000 for the base salary and $100,000 in supplemental compensation — and for each year following, the supplemental compensation will increase by $25,000.

“Being the head coach of the Spartan hockey program continues to be a great honor — one I do not take lightly,” Nightingale said. “Our staff and players are thankful for the support we receive from the University, community and alumni. The opportunity to represent them is a humbling experience. Although we celebrated a Big Ten championship last weekend, we still have several short-term and long-term goals we will strive to achieve. We appreciate Alan Haller and (Deputy AD) Jennifer Smith’s belief in us, and look forward to continuing our climb back to the top of college hockey.”

MSU Hockey Head Coach Adam Nightingale encourages the team during a game against Ohio State University at Schottenstein Center on Jan. 6, 2023. The Spartans lost to the Buckeyes with a score of 3-1. Photo by Audrey Richardson.