By Kara Mackenzie
From Undergraduate Education to IT, every MSU employee has a role in helping students feel safe and welcome on campus. Nowhere is that more evident than in Welcome to State, the university's expanded, collaborative approach to fall welcome that emphasizes community, belonging and student success.
"We often just think about move-in, but it's really about everyone committing to work together to make this a more cohesive and holistic experience," said Suchitra Webster, director of the Office of Community and Student Relations. "This is really important for our students because it's their first glimpse of what could be, what the possibilities are."
The expanded welcome initiative helps units across campus coordinate events and focus on creating the experiences students care about most. Working together allows units to share costs and resources, reduces competition for event times and spaces, and makes it easier for the university to elevate college-level and registered student organization-sponsored events.
It also means new connections are being formed across campus, improving coordination and planning well beyond the first few weeks of classes.
"The collaboration has brought together individuals who don't always have the opportunity to work closely with one another, creating new partnerships across the university," said Leah Ball, assistant director of communications and digital engagement in the Office of the Provost. "Everyone is contributing their expertise while keeping the same goal in mind: helping students feel welcome and connected."
Ball said every employee has the potential to make a lasting impact and help a student find their place on campus.
"Ultimately, the success of Welcome to State is not measured only by attendance numbers. It's measured by whether students feel connected, supported and welcomed into the Spartan community. That is something every member of the university can help make possible."
Learn more about Welcome to State and read the other short stories in the Welcome to State story series.