The State News 2023 Summer Mail Home

for the 2023-24 MSU men’s ice hockey season; and one winner will be selected to receive a student section season ticket on 10/25/23 for the 2023-24 MSU men’s basketball season. The winner of each drawing will also receive a private tour of the applicable venue, either Spartan Stadium, Munn Ice Arena, or the Breslin Center, and access to a private practice watch party for the winner of each drawing and one guest at a mutually agreed upon time. The approximate retail values of the prizes range from $300 to $400.

Tickets are nontransferable and nonrefundable in the case of a canceled or missed event. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries received. The winners will be randomly selected on the dates listed above by MSUFCU, whose decision is final. Each winner’s account must be in good standing. Winner will be notified by email or phone and has 5 business days to respond. Failure to respond within 5 business days will result in the selection of a new winner. Winner must sign a release and consent form to receive prize. MSUFCU provides no warranty and is not liable for the winner’s receipt or use of prize. Prize may not be substituted or transferred except at the discretion of MSUFCU. Winner must be a registered MSU student. Winner is responsible for applicable taxes, and any other costs not listed. For each Spartan Student Bundle entry, $5 will be donated to a charity of MSUFCU’s choosing. Employees and immediate family members of MSUFCU and sweepstakes sponsors, as well as MSUFCU board and committee members and their immediate family members, are not eligible. No purchase or transaction necessary to enter, nor will a purchase improve an individual’s chance of winning. You may also enter by sending a 3-inch by 5-inch card with the sweepstakes name and your name, address, phone number, and email address to: MSUFCU, ATTN: MSUFCU Spartan Student Bundle Sweepstakes, 3777 West Road, East Lansing, MI 48826-9946. A winners list will be made available upon request for any request submitted within 6 months of the end of the sweepstakes. Michigan State University is not a sponsor of this sweepstakes. For full promotion details and our contact information, visit msufcu.org/students.

TUESDAY, JULY 25, 2023

‘IT CHANGES LIVES’: SECOND APPLE/MSU DEVELOPER ACADEMY CLASS GRADUATES

By Alex Walters awalters@statenews.com

Detroit – The Apple Developer Academy graduated over 160 students Thursday, marking the second year of the tech giant’s partnership with Michigan State University with a nearly doubled class-size. The program – which runs ten months and is offered to anyone above 18 years old at no cost – seeks to train people of all backgrounds to work in the software industry by fusing Apple’s technology with MSU’s instructors in a modern classroom workspace funded by Detroit philanthropy group

The Gilbert Family Foundation.

MEET THE SUMMER STAFF

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Morgan Womack

COPY CHIEF

Jada Vasser

EDITORS

Andrew Roth

Dipika Rao

Liz Nass

Lily Guiney

DESIGN

Abbey Ross

Madison Echlin

Some graduates came in with experience in coding or technology, while others, like 70-year-old graduation speaker Andre Brooks, a retired Detroit police officer, came in looking to learn about something completely new.

Throughout the program, participants worked collaboratively and found various niches in coding, design or project management.

Unlike traditional classes in computer science or software engineering with a set curriculum that students are tested on, the academy was built around “challenge-based learning,” giving participants prob-

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feedback@statenews.com

GENERAL MANAGER

Christopher Richert

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lems and helping them figure out how to solve them as they see fit.

Detroit native Kevin Marion – who graduated in last year’s inaugural class, mentored this year’s students and will soon begin work as a coder for a large financial company –said he appreciated the non-traditional structure because “in the real world, no employer is going to tell you how, they’re going to tell you what needs to get done. You have to figure it out.”

The Apple Developer Academy graduated over 160 students on June 29, 2023, marking the second year of the tech giant’s partnership with Michigan State University. Photo courtesy of Michigan State University and Apple

MSU SURVIVAL GUIDE: EVERYTHING OUT OF STATE STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MICHIGAN

By Hannah Holycross hholycross@statenews.com

Going to a college out of state can be daunting, as the unfamiliar environment and abundance of new faces can often lead to some anxiety. To ease minds and lessen culture shock, here is a list of everything out-of-state students should know before coming to Michigan State University.

MORE STUDENTS ARE FROM MICHIGAN THAN YOU THINK

Although it may seem like common sense that MSU houses many Michiganders, it is often surprising to out-of-state students just how many students are from Michigan. According to MSU’s enrollment report last fall, out-of-state students made up 22.7 percent of the 2022 incoming class.

MSU alumna Jayna Bardahl, who is originally from Illinois, experienced this realization when she first came to campus.

“When I first moved in, it was a little bit surprising to me how many people were from not too far away,” Bardahl said. “And not only just from in state, but how Michigan State is so central, and almost everybody I met lived almost an hour or two hours away.”

Journalism sophomore Bella Short, also from Illinois, noticed the same thing. She said she didn’t know how common it was for students to go to college in-state in Michigan until she came to MSU.

“The majority of people who live in Illinois are not like, ‘let’s all go to U of I,’” Short said. “It’s not the same. I feel like if you live in Michigan, everyone either goes to like University of Michigan or Michigan State. That was a big shock for me.”

THE MOST USEFUL MAP MAY BE YOUR HAND

Because Michigan is shaped like a

mitten, if you ask an in-state student where they are from, chances are they will pull out their hand and show you. “Hand maps” are a helpful way for people to show what region of Michigan they are from and are a good reference for out-of-state students who aren’t familiar with certain cities in Michigan.

exactly that meant for her Michigan friends.

Going up north can be a frequent excursion for Michiganders and you can expect them to go boating, hunting, hiking or indulging in fudge while they relax. If you ever find yourself going up north, be wary of driving at night, as many non-Michiganders find themselves surprised by the amount of deer that tend to run across the road.

“OPE” IS AN EXCLAMATION OF SURPRISE

If you accidentally bump into someone on your way to class or the dining hall, you might hear them say “ope.” Do not be alarmed; “ope” is a Michigander’s way of acknowledging they may have made a mistake and is not an exclamation of anger or distress.

START TRAINING YOURSELF TO RESPOND TO “GO GREEN” WITH “GO WHITE”

It is an MSU tradition to shout out “go green” every time you see another Spartan in a public setting, so be prepared to call back, “go white.” Although a common occurrence in Michigan, MSU students have reported having these school spirit interactions across the country, and sometimes even internationally.

Short said upon returning home to Illinois during the summer, she still finds herself following the popular ritual.

DON’T MISS GOING “UP NORTH”

Although a commonly used term in other states, when people in Michigan say they are “going up north,” they either mean the Upper Peninsula or the tip of the mitten.

Bardahl said that this was confusing for her at first because to her, “going up north” used to mean heading beyond borders to states like Minnesota, but she was able to quickly pick up where

“I would see people wearing Spartan gear in public and be like ‘go green’ and every time they were like ‘oh, go white’ ... they were so excited that a fellow person is a Spartan,” Short said.

MARIJUANA IS LEGAL IN MICHIGAN, BUT NOT ON MSU CAMPUS

While the state of Michigan legalized marijuana use in 2018, it is still prohibited on MSU’s campus per

the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, which requires institutions that receive federal funding to establish policies for a drug-free workplace.

Violating this rule could lead students to potentially face disciplinary probation or even suspension from MSU. Also remember that marijuana is only legal for those 21 years or older, so even if you are off-campus, you could still face legal discipline if you are underage.

BRACE YOURSELF FOR ALL KINDS OF WEATHER

Michigan weather is famous for being unpredictable, especially during the transition from winter to spring.

Don’t put away your winter clothing until late April — one week it could be 70 degrees, but class could be canceled the next because of a rogue snow storm. Always be ready for inclement weather and learn how to put your car into four wheel drive.

VERNORS IS CONSIDERED A HOME REMEDY

Many Michigan kids grew up drinking the Michigan-made ginger ale, Vernors, every time they were faced with a stomach bug.

Although proven to be a placebo effect and not hold any medicinal value, you can still expect to be offered the soda whenever you feel under the weather.

A MICHIGAN LEFT IS NOT AS SCARY AS IT SOUNDS

Developed to avoid the interlocking left-turn movements along divided highways, the Michigan left involves going to a median crossover on the road to complete a U-turn to make the left rather than turning left at an intersection with cross traffic.

Though commonly criticized, Michigan lefts allow for shorter wait times than four-phase traffic signals

with protected left turns.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO EXPLORE NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Going to an out-of-state school is a great time to grow and explore new interests. MSU’s large size may intimidate students at first, but clubs and activities can help to make the sprawling campus feel smaller and students less isolated.

For Bardahl, joining clubs was essential for pushing herself out of her comfort zone.

“Put yourself out there and join clubs or groups, whatever you can find,” she said. “It can be kind of overwhelming the first few weeks of freshman year. There’s so many things to join and you feel like you signed up for 30 different things, but expanding your circle as much as you can is really helpful at a school like Michigan State.”

Short said although a big campus allows you to meet a variety of people, it also makes it easier to lose yourself in the crowd.

“I think it’s really easy to isolate yourself and stay in your dorm if you want,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and also say hi to

“I would see people wearing Spartan gear in public and be like ‘go green’ and every time they were like ‘oh, go white’ ... they were so excited that a fellow person is a Spartan.”

Bella Short Journalism sophomore

Illustration

by Abbey Ross

RESOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

CONQUERING LIFE AT MSU: WHAT INCOMING STUDENTS SHOULD KNOW

By Shakyra Mabone smabone@statenews.com

College is a time when people are immersed in a fresh environment, surrounded by new faces and form new routines. For many incoming students, this can be both an exciting and stressful time.

But for the most part, Michigan State University students and graduates, such as SaMya Overall, have found their way and completed their journey on campus. Here’s what the former State News editor-in-chief and other Spartans have to say about their MSU experience.

HOUSING AND DORM ADVICE

Q: What’s your dorm experience like?

“It was interesting, it’s something you have to go through to properly prepare to live in an apartment or a house. I would recommend after the two-year on-campus living requirement to move on to an apartment/house … if you financially can,” Overall said.

Q: What are dorm essentials every student must have?

“You definitely need a laundry basket, one with wheels, because the laundry room is in the basement. Shower shoes … don’t go barefoot in the shower unless you don’t want your feet anymore,” Overall said. “Buy a mattress pad and a fan because it’d be hot, and you want to get good sleep.”

Although many incoming students look forward to dorm life on campus, students like journalism senior Lily Guiney are happy to move off campus after their on-campus requirement is met.

“I didn’t realize until I lived on campus how much I like to cook until I couldn’t do it in the dorms,” Guiney said.

LOOKING BACK AT PREVIOUS SEMESTERS AT MSU

Q: What do you wish you knew before becoming a college student?

“I wish someone had told me that as a student, you don’t need to worry so much about the social aspect of the college experience if you’re secure in what you’re studying,” Guiney said.

“The rest of it will kind of fall into place … so don’t worry too much during the first year about having a ton of friends going out all the time.”

Guiney said most incoming students should focus on building a good support system and keeping academics in check.

MSU alumnus Drew Goretzka said students should think ahead when coming into college. He added by taking classes early, students would avoid not having time later in college.

“The biggest thing is don’t be afraid to take classes early if you’re interested in something,” Goretzka said.

ACADEMIC ADVICE

Q: What are things students should be mindful of when selecting their classes?

“I’d say pick your classes early if allowed, first off,” Overall said. “As you get further into college and become a senior, you pick a lot earlier … pick them because classes do go quickly.”

“9 a.m. is usually the sweet spot if you like morning classes because you’ll be up a lot later doing homework,” Overall said.

“I would also say advisors do a lot

of front loading with your hard classes because as you get deeper into college, you’ll start having other responsibilities like working on internships,” Overall said. “So, you don’t want to have such difficult classes that you can’t layer on.” Overall said going to office hours can help you get to know your professors better. She also said getting close to your professors can increase your chances of getting better recommendation/reference letters for scholarships and internships.

CULTURE AT MSU

MSU is known for its spacious campus and popular landmarks such as Beaumont Tower or The Rock on Farm Lane.

Q: When you hear “MSU” what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

“I would say large,” chemical engineering junior Jalen Akeem said. “Everything at MSU is large: the research, the education (and) the partying.”

Q: What was your favorite activity to participate in at MSU?

MSU students can attend Sparticipation, a fair where students are introduced to a number of Registered Student Organizations they can join. The fair introduces all kinds of extracurricular activities and organizations to the student body at MSU.

“Sparticipation is a traditional activity new Spartans should participate in, it gives them a look into what MSU has to offer,” Akeem said.

Sporting events are a favorite for many Spartans.

“I love going to football games and going to the Dairy Store,” Guiney said.

“Going to the football games and tailgates,” Goretzka said.

A common piece of advice the MSU students and graduates shared is that students shouldn’t be afraid to start over, and being in a different environment is beneficial for college students.

“It’s so important because, for the rest of your life, you’re probably going to bounce around from city to city and town to town,” Guiney said. “It’s good to be out of your comfort zone.”

SaMya Overall. State News file photo Lily Guiney. State News file photo Drew Goretzka. State News file photo Jalen Akeem. Photo courtesy of Jalen Akeem

RESULTS

When was MSU founded?

A. 1865

B. 1955

C. 1855

Which restaurant can be found at the International Center?

A. The Roost

B. Woody’s

1 3 TRIVIA

A. 15

B. 13

C. 24

7 4

What did MSU used to be called?

A. Michigan Agricultural College

B. State of Michigan University

How many flavors of ice cream does the MSU Dairy Store rotate on a weekly basis?

5

C. It has always been named Michigan State University

How

residential neighborhood is home to the Breslin Center? A. South B. North C. River Trail 11

If you got 10-12 correct... you are a senior! You’ve been around a long time and know your stuff. Have you thought about being a tour guide?

If you got 7-9 correct... you are a junior! You have one more year to learn everything. I believe in you!

If you got 4-6 correct... you are a sophomore! You’re still learning the ropes. Take the next two years to become a full blown Sparty expert!

What is the bell-tower in the middle of campus called?

A. State Tower

B. Beaumont Tower

C. Mason Tower

9

If you got less than 4 correct... you are a freshman! I remember being that young and naive. You have so much more time to learn and I welcome you to your new home away from home! 6

university? A. Samuel Stanley B. Teresa Woodruff C. Rema Vassar Which professional basketball player is a Michigan State alumnus? A. Stephen Curry B. Kobe Bryant C. Magic Johnson 12 What is the name of the Michigan State fight song? A. “Go Green, Go White” B. “Victory for MSU” C. “The Michigan State University Fight Song” 10

Answers on page 19. Quiz by Liz Nass, Infographic byAbbey Ross

WELCOME HOME, SPARTANS!

We can’t wait to see you on campus this fall. There’s so much to get excited about!

 Attending fall welcome events

 Finding your Spartan community  Checking out the many student orgs

 Visiting your Neighborhood Engagement Center  And so much more!

SAVED YOU A SEAT!

Whether you live on or live off, dining on campus is better than ever. We upgraded our Silver, Gold and Platinum Plans to include:

 12 Combo-X-Changes every week

 Unlimited daily CX uses

 New CX locations including Starbucks, Panera, Strange Matter, Panda Express and more

 Mobile ordering  Grab and Go

That’s a checklist for stress-free dining all semester long!

HIRING SPARTANS!

SPARTAN STAPLES TO VISIT ON CAMPUS

By Andrew Roth aroth@statenews.com

Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to study or the roar of thousands of football fans, a small outdoor concert or a large Broadway production, Michigan State University is home to a diverse set of landmarks that most Spartans will know very well by the time they leave.

No matter if this is your first or last year on campus, these Spartan staples will be here waiting for your arrival.

A fan favorite spot for grad photos, the statue located in front of Demonstration Field is actually not the original one dedicated in 1945. The original statue, which was the world’s largest free-standing ceramic sculpture, was replaced with a bronze replica in 2005 after the original faced deteriorating conditions as a result of harsh weather and undergoing cleaning procedures to remove graffiti left by rivals at the University of Michigan. Photo by Andrew Roth

NO. 2: BEAUMONT TOWER

Perhaps the most iconic structure on campus, this can’tmiss landmark established in 1928 stands at what was once the northeast corner of College Hall, the first instructional building on MSU’s campus – and the first building in the country devoted to teaching scientific agriculture.

The tower, built in the collegiate gothic style as a monument to teaching, contains a 49-bell carillon that you will often hear chiming on campus. The bells range in weight from about 15 pounds to 2.5 tons. During the school year, the university’s carillonist performs live music on the tower’s bell every Wednesday at noon. A rendition of the university’s alma mater, ‘Shadows,’ is automated to play daily at 5 p.m.

by Andrew Roth

NO. 1: SPARTY STATUE

Photo

NO. 3: SPARTAN STADIUM

While it’s best to not overthink the contradictory symbolism that goes along with ‘The Deep End’ being in ‘The Woodshed,’ thousands of fans will pack Spartan Stadium during the football season in a classic Spartan tradition. And this year, for the first time, alcohol sales may be allowed inside the stadium after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a new law that would allow them.

NO. 4: ELI AND EDYTHE BROAD ART MUSEUM

If you think this shiny and abstract structure designed by architect Zaha Hadid looks a bit like an alien spaceship landed near the historic North Neighborhood part of campus, you’re not alone. It was featured as the venue for a fundraiser hosted by supervillain Lex Luthor in the 2016 movie Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice.

The museum hosts a number of artist talks and exhibitions throughout the year and is free to MSU students.

NO. 5: WHARTON CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS

Here we go again. Michigan State’s little slice of Broadway’s 2023-2024 season includes shows ranging from “Mamma Mia!” to “Hairspray” and “Moulin Rouge!” to “SIX.”

Students are eligible to purchase discounted tickets for most shows at the Wharton Center throughout the year, with tickets for many shows starting around $29.

by Andrew Roth

Photo by Andrew Roth

Photo by Andrew Roth

Photo

PREPARE, ENGAGE, PRACTICE: THREE STEPS FOR NEW SPARTAN PARENTS

By Theo Scheer tscheer@statenews.com

As the fall semester approaches, new Spartan families prepare to send their loved ones away from home for the first time. It can be a scary, emotional experience; in many cases more so for parents than students. Spartan Family Connections Director Laurin Gierman says it can help to think about the transition in three steps: prepare, engage and practice.

PREPARE

It takes time for students to adjust to living apart from their families. Gierman suggests family members prepare their kids for their years at MSU by teaching them skills they’ll use in college and later in life.

She said the summer before move-in is a great time to show future Spartans how to do their own laundry and clean their own living spaces.

Rebecca Cesario, who sent her son Robert to MSU last fall, recommends packing basic cleaning supplies to encourage hygiene in the dorm.

“If your child is in a room with an adjoining bathroom, pack bathroom cleaning supplies and teach your child

how to clean the bathroom,” she said.

Gierman also emphasizes social skills, like communication and living amicably with others. This will prepare students to handle potential roommate/ suitemate conflicts and make connections with their peers.

“It’s really helpful if your child knows how to clean up after themselves and take responsibility for their actions,” social relations and policy senior JD Lancaster said.

As a resident assistant, they said many freshmen they worked with were some of the most responsible people they’ve met, despite being away from home for the first

time. Lancaster attributes that good behavior to even better parenting.

ENGAGE

MSU offers a wide variety of resources for families with questions about college life. Gierman suggests visiting family.msu.edu for a collection of support services, including a monthly newsletter and information on the Spartan Family Weekend.

The Michigan State Spartan Parents Group, a Facebook page for families of Spartans, is another chance to connect and engage with people experiencing similar complex emotions and have questions

answered by MSU staff.

Engaging with MSU’s resources is just as important as engaging with students themselves. Gierman encourages families to touch on four topics in particular:

• Budget: Whose money is being spent? Who gets to spend it and how?

• Academics: What are the parent’s expectations for their grades? The student’s?

• Health: If they get sick, how will students navigate their illness?

• Communication: How often will the student check in with their family? When Cesario sent her oldest

to college, she realized talking openly about her fears and concerns with her son was the first step to solving them. She recommends parents start by writing down their worries, and identifying why they feel that way. When eventually bringing these to their student, it’s crucial to have a mature conversation.

“It may help to think, ‘What would I say to a younger coworker if they asked for my advice?’” Cesario said.

PRACTICE

Letting a loved one explore their independence without stepping in takes practice. To many, sending a child off to college can feel like throwing someone into the middle of a pool to teach them how to swim. Gierman likens the role of a parent to the walls of that pool: stable and reliable, but immovable.

“We want your student to come to you, as that safety pool wall, but we don’t want you to go to your student,” Gierman said.

While it can be hard, Gierman said giving students the space and freedom to explore their independence is important for their growth.

Playing that role is a major

change for parents, Cesario said.

“One of the biggest mental leaps I had to make as my children graduated from high school and went on to college is realizing and recognizing and accepting that they are now, in the eyes of the law, fully responsible for their actions and decisions,” Cesario said.

“My job now is to talk with my kids about choices and support them as they make choices.”

Part of that support involves letting them make mistakes. Going against a parent’s natural instinct to shelter their children takes practice, Gierman said, but it’s crucial for their growth.

“I think parents should know that everyone adjusts at their own pace,” supply chain management second-year Ayanna Soto said. “It takes time to find your footing the first time you’re really on your own, so don’t worry too much about if your kid is going to be okay because in the end they’ll always figure it out.”

Lancaster said the best thing parents can do is just to be there for their student. Offer your support, and know that they appreciate everything you’ve done.

“They love you and you love them,” Lancaster said.

John and Julie Dittmar move in their son, Riley, into Akers Hall during fall 2022 move-in on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022. State News file photo

Nina Medved moves in her daughter, Tierney Ordway, to Akers Hall during fall 2022 move-in on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022. State News file photo

THE ROCK REPAINTED FOR FIRST TIME

By Shakyra Mabone smabone@statenews.com

The Rock on Farm Lane was painted over for the first time in months the week of July 17, marking the end of one of the longest stretches in recent history that it has sat still.

The Rock serves as a community landmark that is usually painted over almost daily. Following the Feb. 13 mass shooting on Michigan State University’s campus, which killed three students and severely injured five others, The Rock was painted four times in quick succession to express messages about gun violence and remember the students impacted.

The fourth design, which the university commissioned Detroit based artist and owner of Hidden Gate LLC Anthony Lee to paint, had remained as a memorial since Feb. 15, the day of a candlelight vigil on campus.

Last week, a picture of The Rock began circulating on social media, which showed that it had been painted over with a new message.

Chemistry education senior Rylee Warner said she first heard about The Rock being repainted on YikYak, a popular social media app among college students.

“I was really confused at what it was supposed to be, I thought it didn’t look very planned out and it looked really sloppy,” Warner said. Warner then mentioned that one of the messages was a Bible verse, which also appears

on the Beaumont Tower: “Whatsoever a man soweth.”

“That was really hard for me to see, considering they painted over the memorial and we already have Beaumont Tower,” Warner said.

But the repaint was short-lived.

Social work junior Michelle Goldberg said she was planning to repaint The Rock, but other students beat her to it. Goldberg said she was happy to see the update on YikYak.

“I’m not sure if they meant any harm, but they for sure knew there would be uproar from people,” Goldberg said.

Goldberg said she believes it would be appropriate to repaint The Rock during welcome week in the fall. She

SPARKING STUDENT

The Rock on Farm Lane is seen on July 21, 2023, after it was painted over, the second time. The Rock had displayed the same message for at least five months after the shooting, one of the longest periods with no changes in recent history.

added that MSU should keep The Rock as a memorial and invest in a new rock for campus.

MSU has previously said they did not have an official policy on when to repaint The Rock. Lee’s design is believed to be one of the only times the university has commissioned a painting for the landmark.

The university planted a memorial tree near Berkey Hall last week, using composted flowers that had been left near The Rock, the Spartan Statue and outside buildings like Berkey Hall and the MSU Union.

That tree honors all 23 students who passed away during the 2022-2023 academic year, not just the shooting

victims. The State News attempted to cover the ceremony but was turned away by university communications.

The Associated Students of MSU passed a bill advocating for the creation of a memorial bench honoring the lives of the victims of the tragic events of Feb. 13.

Warner said she feels having only benches isn’t enough to honor Alexandria Verner, Arielle Anderson and Brian Fraser.

“I feel like (the benches) are expensive, I think we could be using that money towards a different memorial,” Warner said. “Maybe creating a space in the Botanical Gardens that could be used as a

reflection that maybe does have a bench … but also has different resources from people.”

Warner added that any planned memorial should spread awareness about the tragedy itself, saying that not including resources and the victims’ names would feel like MSU is ignoring the impact of the tragedy.

“I think everyone knew that The Rock was going to be repainted eventually,” Warner said. “I just felt a lot of shock that it happened before school.”

D I RE CT V H A S T H E M O ST LO C A L M L B G A ME S

The Rock on Farm Lane is seen on July 21, 2023, after it was painted over, the first time, since the Feb. 13 mass shooting on campus that killed three students and left five others severely injured. Photo by Andrew Roth

Photo by Andrew Roth

FALL WELCOME

2023

fallwelcome.msu.edu

TUES., AUGUST 22 - FRI., AUGUST 25 12 PM (EDT)

VIRTUAL “SPARTAN LUCK OF THE DRAW”

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22

8 PM - 12 AM (EDT)

SPARTAN MOVIE NIGHT

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23

7:30 - 9 PM (EDT)

FALL WELCOME - NEW STUDENT KICK-OFF

9 PM - 12 AM (EDT)

SPARTAN BINGO/SPARTAN GAME NIGHT

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24

10 - 11 AM (EDT)

FALL CONVOCATION

7 - 10 PM (EDT)

FALL FEST - WELCOME CARNIVAL

FALL WELCOME presented by MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU)

The O ce of Spartan Experiences, within the Division of Student Life & Engagement, is a partner in the educational process and mission of Michigan State University.

10 PM - 12 AM (EDT)

“SPARTAN NATION LATE NIGHT”

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25

3 – 6 PM (EDT)

COLLOQUIUM WITH YOUR COLLEGE

8 PM - 12 AM (EDT)

“SPARTAN ENGAGE U” EVENING ACTIVITIES

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

10 AM - 12 PM (EDT)

SPARTAN COFFEE HOUSE CONNECT UP

8 - 11 PM (EDT)

MOONLIGHT EXTRAVA-GRAND-ZA

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27

2 - 4 PM (EDT)

COMMUTER/OFF-CAMPUS & TRANSFER STUDENT MEETING

4 - 10 PM (EDT)

“FALL WELCOME SPARTAN SPECTACULAR” Featuring: Fall Welcome Culinary Food Fair, Sparticipation, Spartan Showcase, “Rock The Rec”, and “Sparlights”

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

6 - 8:30 PM (EDT)

SPARTAN REMIX

SECURITY UPDATES AIM TO PROVIDE SAFE MSU CAMPUS FOR STUDENTS

By Alex Walters awalters@statenews.com

In the wake of a February campus shooting that left three students dead on Michigan State University’s campus, students struggled to feel safe, demanding increased investment and attention to campus security.

Five months later, the university and its independent police department, MSUPD, say they’ve delivered.

The promise comes amid a comprehensive outside audit which will scrutinize the shooting response and make recommendations for further

changes. It’s unclear when that review — which is being completed by the security consulting firm Margolis Healy — will be completed and released to the public.

In the meantime, the university has already ushered in an overhaul of access to campus buildings, emergency communications and the very way MSU police respond to emergencies.

MSU initially aimed to partially fund that expansion with state dollars, asking the legislature in February to consider something similar to the $37.5 million approved to help Oxford High School recover from a mass shooting

in 2021.

Those efforts appear unsuccessful, as the university “is not aware of funding being made available from the state,” MSU deputy spokesperson Dan Olsen said in an email to The State News.

Without specific state funds, at least $2.5 million in expansions was fit into the university’s 2023-2024 budget. Olsen could not say how much has been spent thus far, or how many additional dollars will be spent on the expansions in the future.

The new measures — including everything from locks on doors to

campus-wide, AI-powered digital surveillance systems — break down into two categories: reactive measures to best notify and secure students during a potential emergency and proactive measures to best prevent, detect and respond to them.

PHYSICAL SECURITY AND IMPROVED ALERTS

The largest physical security investment has been in door locks for classrooms.

classrooms where much of the violence occurred didn’t have them.

Faculty leaders raised concerns about the lack of locks to MSU’s administration five months before the shooting, according to a Bridge Michigan report, but MSUPD chief Marlon Lynch downplayed their worries and locks weren’t added before the shooting occurred.

In the time since, MSU has worked to equip rooms with individual door locks which allow those inside to

A Michigan State Police car on Aug. 23, 2019 in East Lansing. State News file photo MSU’s Green Light Program. State News file photo

rooms and Olsen said MSU hopes that “most classrooms and labs” will be complete by the start of fall semester.

MSU has also strengthened barriers to accessing campus buildings. Since March, the university has been requiring ID cards to access academic buildings and dorms from 6 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

Olsen said those measures will remain in place for the foreseeable future.

There has also been a major overhaul of MSU’s emergency notification system.

Delayed, vague alerts left some students and faculty confused during the shooting and a second campus-wide lockdown in March, when a man brandished a knife at a business near campus.

In response to those concerns, MSUPD pledged to improve and develop new systems of clear communication.

The new system includes four methods of communication:

• Emails to MSU.EDU addresses with clearer wording and subject lines

• Push notifications for those with the SafeMSU App

• Amber-Alert style notifications for cell phones within Ingham County

• Audio messages coming from weather sirens and GreenLight emergency phone towers across campus

The university ran a successful test of the full system July 14. Another is planned for fall semester when students are back on campus.

Despite the improvements, MSU’s emergency procedures present challenges for students with disabilities, employing instructions like “do not use the elevator” and proceed to the “nearest stairway.”

After the shooting, leaders of MSU’s Council of Students with Disabilities told The State News that they felt unprotected.

MSUPD said in April it would work on more inclusive procedures. Those remain in development today, according to MSUPD spokesperson Dana Whyte.

PREDICTIVE POLICING AND PRIVACY CONCERNS

Outside of expanded physical security and notifications, MSUPD is also hoping to get ahead of emergencies in the first place.

It has recently begun using the Security Operations Center, or SOC, a centralized command room monitoring and overseeing the response to potential emergencies.

The streamlined approach has been in the works since before the shooting, but is just now fully staffed in hopes of operating by the fall.

MSUPD says the SOC will utilize AI-based software and camera systems for 24/7 monitoring of the entire campus, helping it assess and respond

to threats more efficiently.

But that sort of data-driven, predictive policing poses privacy and First Amendment concerns for students, especially given MSU’s troubled history with similar tech, according to American University law professor Andrew Guthrie Ferguson, who studied similar systems for his book, “The Rise of Big Data Policing.”

He called MSU’s proposed camera system “security theater”: a possibly comforting notion for students and families that, in practice, couldn’t stop tragedies like the February shooting.

What systems like the one proposed at MSU could be useful for, Ferguson said, is increased surveillance of campus life through pattern recognition.

The specific capabilities of MSU’s system remain unclear, but Ferguson said products currently on the market for police departments and universities offer everything from alerting police to abnormal noise or movement in selected locations, to campus heat maps designed to “lead police to the illegal parties.”

“They say it’s going to protect you, but what are the costs of that protection?” Ferguson said. “What’s it like to live on a college campus where police are watching you and keeping track of your youthful indiscretions? … I’m quite thankful we didn’t have those camera systems when I was in college.”

Outside of surveilling campus antics, Ferguson said the software’s advertised

abilities to detect “threatening” outliers could pose civil rights concerns and exacerbate inequalities in policing.

“What alerts are going to be put in place where an individual who the algorithm thinks ‘doesn’t belong’ is going to be profiled in ways that are unfair and unjust?” Ferguson said.

When asked if there are any measures planned to limit privacy and civil rights concerns, Whyte, the MSUPD spokesperson, said “regarding the use of AI, MSU Police and Public Safety is committed to upholding our department’s ethical standards in order to be respected and trusted by the community we serve,” in a written statement to The State News.

The planned camera expansion and the SOC aren’t the first time MSU has dabbled in AI-based policing. For years, MSUPD has used opensource AI softwares to monitor social media posts.

The softwares — like Social Sentinel or Media Sonar — allow police departments to set terms and topics which would trigger notifications.

MSUPD said the software was set to monitor threats to campus and MSU administrators, but internal documents obtained by The State News show that the internet activity monitored included planning and discussion of campus protests, not just violent threats.

A former MSUPD crime analyst even boasted about the AI software’s helpfulness in tracking protests.

“We have used (the software’s) services during recent protests and after a major sporting event to help our ground team understand the mood of the crowd,” an MSU crime analyst is quoted as saying in advertising materials sent to prospective clients of Social Sentinel.

Ferguson said the use of AI to track protests presents First Amendment concerns, as the possibility that police could build networks of “potential disruptors” and track those individuals has a chilling effect on campus speech.

“Maybe you don’t want to go to a public protest because you’re worried the university could later use [the information gathered with AI tools] against you,” Ferguson said.

One of the protests tracked by MSUPD’s AI tools was a 2019 campus demonstration organized by the animal rights advocacy group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA.

Reached for comment, PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo called the monitoring “outrageous,” and pointed out that, in 2022, an Oregon court ruled that similar use of opensource tracking softwares to keep track of PETA protests by Oregon Health & Science University amounted to “illegal surveillance.”

With the history of “overbearing” AI-based surveillance by MSUPD in mind, Ferguson says the looming camera system is especially concerning.

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NEIGHBORHOOD SHOWDOWN: WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE ON CAMPUS?

By Kyle O’Connor koconnor@statenews.com

For on-campus students, where you live can make or break your year.

Dorm living can be contentious, cramped in a hotel-roomsized living space. Despite this, being surrounded by thousands of students in a similar situation can create a sense of community. With five neighborhoods to choose from, Michigan State University students have strong feelings about one of the more widely debated topics on campus: which neighborhood is the best and why.

BRODY NEIGHBORHOOD

Tucked away on its own corner of campus, Brody Neighborhood is known for feeling like its own community. Brody is the newest collection of dorms at MSU.

Brody consists of Rather, Armstrong, Bryan, Bailey, Butterfield and Emmons Halls. The neighborhood has only one dining hall and one Sparty’s in Brody Square, yet it is considered one of the best dining halls on campus.

To political science prelaw sophomore Ryan Weingarden, the community aspect of Brody is what makes it superior. While walking through the neighborhood, you can regularly find students participating in a game of volleyball outside.

Weingarden was happy to have a community style bathroom so he didn’t have to clean it. He also loved how easy it was to go out at night, with Grand River Avenue being a short walk away. Weingarden said the rest of campus feels distant but the dining hall compensates for this.

Pre-nursing sophomore Alexis Johnson has lived in Brody for two years, deciding to stay for the luxury of bigger dorms and better community spaces. She said that while it is a long trek to some places, Brody has some of the best access to transportation.

“A lot of people think it’s far from things, but it’s not as bad to me because there’s a bus stop right outside my dorm, so it’s easy to get on if I wanted to hit downtown or anything on campus to get to my classes,” Johnson said.

Johnson said she has met many great people in Brody — forming bonds with not just college peers, but also custodial and food staff.

Fall 2022 move-in on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 at Akers Hall at Michigan State University. State News File Photo

EAST NEIGHBORHOOD

East Neighborhood is an eclectic community space. Hugging the northeast corner of campus, the neighborhood includes Akers, Holmes and Hubbard Halls. It is also home to the Wharton Center, IM East and the Business College Complex. Dining options include The Edge at Akers and Holmes Dining Hall.

The neighborhood is characterized by the iconic MSU frat party song, “First Day Out” by rapper Tee Grizzley, in which he shouts out Hubbard Hall — his dorm when he attended MSU.

Lyman Briggs sophomore Autumn Shook, who lives in West Holmes, said she felt removed from the rest of campus.

“I was in Lyman Briggs and (East) was nice in the sense (that) most of my classes were in the building that I was living in,” Shook said.

Shook said eating at Akers’ dining hall was one of the worst aspects, compared to the better meals offered at Brody or Shaw.

SOUTH NEIGHBORHOOD

South Neighborhood is known for housing athletes, sports fans and James Madison College students. Situated on the southwest side of campus, there are four dorms to choose from: Case, Wilson, Wonders and Holden Halls. Students can dine at South Pointe at Case and pick up a snack from two Sparty’s Refreshes or Holden Hall’s grab-n-go option.

Mechanical engineering sophomore Sydney Dillon chose to live in South Neighborhood for both her freshman and sophomore year.

“I have truly enjoyed my experience here, as I am close to gym and workout facilities like IM West, as well as sports arenas like Munn Ice Arena, the Breslin Center and Spartan Stadium,” Dillon said in an email. “I also love being close to other STEM majors — it is a community.”

While South Pointe isn’t her favorite, Dillon said the dining hall still has good options occasionally.

“I think South is better than other neighborhoods because it offers a wide variety of people and unique things to do,” Dillon said in an email. “In the South Neighborhood, you can design your own meal with Holden’s make-your-own pasta or quesadilla bar.”

A five-minute walk from sports centers, Dillon said it’s the perfect place for active students.

Political science prelaw sophomore Abbey Apple also prefers that the suite-style dorms don’t have community bathrooms.

“I was kind of grossed out at the idea of having community bathrooms when I could clean the bathroom myself when I got (to South),” Apple said.

Families line up outside of Bailey Hall in Brody Neighborhood during fall 2022 move-in on Friday, Aug. 26, 2022 at Michigan State University. State News File Photo

Wonders Hall photographed on June 26, 2019. State News File

Photo

NORTH NEIGHBORHOOD

North Neighborhood, being the oldest and largest on campus, boasts gothic architecture. It also has the most open spaces for nature, making it the best place to sit for a picnic or see the fall leaves change colors.

North holds the most residential halls, including Mason-Abbott, Snyder-Phillips, Mary Mayo, Gilchrist, Yakeley, Williams, Landon and Campbell Halls. The dining options include The Gallery at Snyder-Phillips, Heritage Commons at Landon and the only current late-night option on campus, the MSU Union Food Court.

Social work junior Ava Ballagh said North Neighborhood is superior because of its proximity to Grand River Avenue. She also loves the ambiance and architecture.

“It’s the prettiest side of campus and has all the pretty trees and all the old buildings,” Ballagh said.

RIVER TRAIL NEIGHBORHOOD

River Trail Neighborhood is parked closely to the nature trail that cuts through campus and faces the Red Cedar River. It brings the scenery of campus right to the students’ windows.

McDonel, Owen, Shaw and Van Hoosen Halls comprise River Trail Neighborhood. The Vista in Shaw and Thrive at Owen both keep the students fed, but most dorms are within a short walking distance of the International Center, the Wells Hall Starbucks and the Minskoff Pavilion Panera Bread.

Noelle Chan is a resident assistant, or RA, for East Shaw Hall. She loves the community she has made in the neighborhood, the location’s scenery and the amenities. Chan also said while she is not super close to off-campus activities, she is in prime location to get Panera combos – a commodity at a much larger price.

With her RA experience, Chan likes the diverse options for students to accommodate their needs.

“River Trail is the most diverse in terms of the housing options because you’ve got the community styles (in Shaw),” Chan said. “You have the suite styles in McDonel. You have singles in Owen and ... Van Hoosen is like shared rooms, it’s like an apartment.”

Landon Hall sits in North Neighborhood, one of MSU’s five residential neighborhoods. North, South, East, Brody and River Trail Neighborhoods are sprawled across campus - each providing a different look and feel for students to choose from when living on campus. State News File Photo

Ballagh also rooted for The Gallery as the best dining option on campus. While she said that the rooms in Mason were a bit smaller, she said location takes the cake – making North Neighborhood the best place to live.

Building Inclusive Communities

Fall 2022 move-in on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 in North Neighborhood at Michigan State University. State

ANSWERS TO TRIVIA QUIZ

Outside of McDonel Hall, on May 4, 2022. State News File Photo

News File Photo

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